Inside Wellington 012712

INSIDE WELLINGT­­­ON

Second Section january 27, 2012

Anita Stewart: A celebration of Canadian cooking EVENTS SPORTS RURAL LIFE FINANCIAL PLANNING

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

the second section of the wellington advertiser

-

free press news weekly™

PAGE TWO Inside Wellington - Second Section of the Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

Aberfoyle school offers second read-a-thon ABERFOYLE - “Quiet please, reading in progress” will be a familiar sign and phrase for February at Aberfoyle Public School.

The school council has announced the launch of its second annual Read to Succeed read-a-thon program from Jan. 31 to March 1.

Students will raise money by obtaining pledges to reach their daily reading goals.

School officials says it is an opportunity to encourage good reading habits and strengthen the students’ literacy skills.

Special activities will be scheduled at the kick-off assembly on Jan. 31 and the guest list includes: - children’s singer and songwriter Eddie Douglas from Fat Flea Music;

- illustrator, writer and broadcaster Kevin Sylvester; - author Richard Scrimger; and - illustrator Robin Baird Lewis.

School officials thanked a number of sponsors who donated to the campaign: TD Canada Trust, Meridian Credit Union, RBC, CIBC, Bank of Montreal, Concast Pipe, TransX, RLB Accounting Group and Dufferin Aggregates.

In addition, a special guest appearance from Olympic athlete Valerie Hould-Marchand (silver medalist, synchronized swimming) will be arranged

by RBC through its Olympian program.

Funds raised will be used to purchase math, literacy and technology resources.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Victoria Park Seniors Centre in Fergus has a wide variety of programs for all including bus trips, fitness, computer, dance, health and wellness, arts and music, general interest and everyday drop in programs. Registered programs may be taken by anyone over 18 years old. Don’t be disappointed register early for all programs and seminars. Check out our website at www.centrewellington.ca or call 519-787-1814. *** 55 Plus Seniors Club at The Salvation Army Fellowship Hall.

1320 Gordon St. Guelph. Wednesdays, Noon–2pm. Bag lunch, conversation, fellowship, exciting programs. Bring own Mug, coffee/tea provided. Info. Cathy Kelly 519-856-0969. *** Celebrate Your Freedom to Read at Wellington County Library, Fergus Branch. Celebrate the freedom of words. Set a word-bird free! Decorate a bird with a word and symbolically free it. The birds will be flown in the library throughout February.

Here’s your opportunity to saveyour lives.

Here’s opportunity to save lives.

Here’s your opportunity to save lives.

FRI. JAN. 27

Roast Beef Dinner, Knox Presbyterian Church, Palmerston. 2 Sittings - 4:30 & 6pm. Adults $12 and Children under 10 years $6. Take out available. *** Harriston Legion Branch 296. Chicken Breast Dinner. 5-7pm.

Tickets $12, Children under 12 $6, Preschoolers Free. Come on out and enjoy a home cooked comfort food meal. Call 519-3382843. *** Alma Optimist Beef BBQ, 5-7pm, Alma community Hall. Adults $12, kids $4. *** Elora Fergus Contra Dances last Friday of each month. 8-10:30pm.

Highland Rugby Club Field House, 150 Albert St. West, Fergus.

Admission $10. per person at the door. No partner or previous experience necessary! Similar to square dance. Contact Janice Ferri 519-843-9971. *** Harriston and District Horticultural Society will be hosting a “Luncheon Extravaganza”. 11:30-1:30pm at Harriston United Church. $10.

CENTRE WELLINGTON DONOR CLINICS

Elora Community Centre- 60 David St. W

Wed., Feb. 1st, 3pm - 8pm Clinic Sponsored by: Optimist Club of Alma

FERGUS Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, 550 Belsyde Ave, Fergus Tues. Feb. 21st, 2pm-8pm Clinic Sponsored by: Fergus Lions club

The number of new donors is declining.

Regionally, Canadian Blood Services needs 1,200 new donors in February. Make it your resolution to save lives this year.

Call 1-888-2DONATE.

Call 1 888 2 DONATE Call 1 888 2 DONATE

for more information or to book an appointment. for more information or to book an appointment. www.blood.ca www.blood.ca

Call 1 888 2 DONATE

for more information or to book an appointment. www.blood.ca

SAT. JAN. 28

Inside Wellington Events

AdmatC C- -English English Admat

client revisions

colour information

client revisions

colour information

job notes

job notes

Send your Non-Profit/Charitable event info to: events@wellingtonadvertiser.com 20-25 words, 4 weeks prior to event date 387 richmond st. east 3t o8 r7o nr itcoh•mcoannda ds at .• ema5s at 1 p 6 • c a n a d a • m 5 a 1p 6 tt oe rl o4n1t 6o 3 6 7 19 9 9

Admat C - English

t e l 4 1 6 3 6 7 19 9 9

c l i e n t c a n a d i a n b l o3 8o7 dr i c hsmeo rn dvsitc. e e ass t

c l i e n t c a n a d i a n b l o ot odr o nst oe•rcva niacd ae•sm 5 a 1p 6

9 9r9a n d i n g p r o j e c t n a m e c o r p toe lr 4a1t6 e3 6r7 e1 b

project name corporate rebranding d o c k e t n u m b e r 975 9 f ile name

client canadian blood ser vices

d o c k e t n u m b e r 975 9

project d name e s icorporate g n e r rebranding chr is

9759CBSAdmatCEfa.ai

colour information

client revisions

f i l e n a m e 9759CBSAdmatCEfa.ai

pr ints 4 colours

pr ints 4 colours cyan

job notes

e n a m e date 9759CBSAdmatCEfa.ai pr intsf 4i lcolours descr iption of work done

date nov 13, 2006

application p r o d uadobe c t i oillustrator n s u s10.0 a n target coloursf i n a l

ar t

descr iption of work done

11 / 1 3 / 0 6

f inal ar t

descr iption of work done

11 / 1 3 / 0 6

yellow

f inal ar t

THIS IS NOT A COLOUR PROOF. THIS IS NOT A COLOUR PROOF. Please refer to Pantone chips and Pantone chips and processPlease matchrefer bookstofor process accurate colour.match books for

accurate colour.

black

Pantone 485

Pantone 562Pantone

NO TRAPPING HAS BEEN DONE TO THIS FILE. 485

date

date

yellow

cyan

magenta

THIS IS NOT A COLOUR PROOF. magenta refer to Pantone chips and colours a p p l i c a t i o n a d o b e i l l u s t r a t o r 10 . 0 Pleasetarget 11/13/06 f inal ar t books forcolours cyan target a p p l i yellow cation a d o b e i l l u s t r a t o r 10 . 0 process match accurate colour.

Pantone d a t e black nov 13, 2006 magenta

black

NO TRAPPING HAS BEEN DONE TRAPPING HAS BEEN DONE TO THISNO FILE.

TO THIS FILE.

562

al ar t Pantone Pantone f i n d eOur s i gartists n9759 e r chave h r i done s pdate r onov d u13,c t2006 ipossible o n s uto s amake n this docket number everything file perfect. However, you are responsible for its final approval, so please check all copy, dimensions and colour separations. Please contact shikatani lacroix if you have any questions 562 485 concerns regarding f inalof ar tthis file. shikatani lacroix will only be responsible for replacement of this file, and not any film, plate, printing or associated costs which arise from its use. Special Note: Fonts supplied by Shikatani Lacroix designer chr is production susan the use

or

Arthur Legion Karaoke 8:30pm. *** Rainbow Chorus Waterloo Wellington Winter Concert. A Broadway Celebration “Rainbow & Broadway” 8pm. Harcourt United Church, 87 Dean Ave. Guelph. Advance Tickets are $15 for Adults or $20 at the door. Students/Seniors $15 and $5 for children under 12. Tickets available from chorus members or by calling 519-829-2225. *** Adult/ Senior Ice Skating. 8-9:50pm. Exhibition Park Arena, Guelph. Cost - $7/ person ($10 on band nights). Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship! Contact 519-836-1015. *** Frosty Frolics at the Hillsburgh Branch Library, 98B Trafalgar Rd., Hillsburgh. Children in JK to Grade 1 are invited to join us from 10:30-11:30am as we curl up with some warm winter reading, make a craft and enjoy a snack. Please register. 519855-4010. *** Open Cribbage Tournament by Optimist Club of Puslinch, 12pm, Puslinch Community Centre. $20 per team entry, cash prizes for top twenty teams. Contact Ken Williams 519-763-0309. *** Treasure Shop 9am-12pm, Held by Grace Christian Fellowship.

Free good used clothing for all ages. At Bethel Baptist Church, 675 Victoria Terrance, Fergus. *** Scrapbooking and crafts day at Ospringe Presbyterian and Community Church. 9am. 519-856-4453 for more information. *** Pull out those skates and let’s try out the skating rink at Guelph City Hall at our first Guelph Hiking Club Skating Party. We will skate from 7:30-8:30pm and then meet at the Albion for some refreshments. Non-skaters are welcome to watch and/or meet us at the Albion after 8:30. The ice rink is located in front of City Hall on Carden Street. Please call Jane Shifflett 519-822-3229 to tell her you are coming.

as Our artists have done everything possible to make this file perfect. However, you are responsible for its final approval, so please check all copy, dimensions and colour separations. Please contact shikatani lacroix if you have any questions or part of this FA are for viewing purposes only. Printer/end user is responsible for clearing the rights and/or license fees associated with the use of these fonts beyond the scope of this specific artwork file. ©Shikatani Lacroix Brandesign 2006 regarding use of this file. for replacement of lacroix thisif you file, and notor any film, plate, printing or associated costs which arise from its use. Special Note: Fonts supplied by Shikatani Lacroix as Our concerns artists have done everything possible tothe make this file perfect.

However, you areshikatani responsible for its lacroix final approval,will so pleaseonly check allbe copy,responsible dimensions and colour separations.

Please contact shikatani have any questions concerns regarding the useFA of thisare file. shikatani lacroix will only be responsible foronly. replacement of this file, and not any film, plate, printing or associated costs arise from itsthe use. Special Note: Fonts supplied by Shikatani Lacroix as associated with the use of these fonts beyond the scope of this specific artwork file. ©Shikatani Lacroix Brandesign 2006 part of this for viewing purposes Printer/end user is responsible forwhich clearing rights and/or license fees part of this FA are for viewing purposes only. Printer/end user is responsible for clearing the rights and/or license fees associated with the use of these fonts beyond the scope of this specific artwork file. ©Shikatani Lacroix Brandesign 2006

Would you like to advertise in Inside Wellington? email: sales@wellingtonadvertiser.com Do you have a story idea or photos you would like to share? email: news@wellingtonadvertiser.com Questions?

Contact Jane McDonald in Customer Service, call 519.843.5410

Sunday February 12, 2012 Games start at 1pm - Doors open at 11am

share the wealth package $15 - main program package $25 (both packages are required - extra strips available)

“Proceeds to local Community projects” Held at Grand River Raceway

7445 Wellington County Rd. 21, Elora

www.ferguselorarotary.com Held under lottery license #M634122.

FERGUS ELORA ROTARY FOUNDATION Staffed by: Centre Wellington Rotary Club and Fergus Elora Rotary Club

SUN. JAN. 29

Bigfoot Lives! Please call the Guelph Lake Nature Centre at 519836-7860 to register. Join us for an afternoon of snowshoe fun.

We will provide the snowshoes (kid sizes as well as adult) and a quick lesson. During our hike, or if snow conditions do not permit snowshoeing, we will practice our tracking skills. Snowshoes are limited so please call to reserve space. $10/adult, $5/child, $25/ family of 4. *** Palmerston Legion Jamboree 1-5pm.

WED. JAN. 31

C.W. Probus Club 10am. Aboyne Hall - Wellington Museum.

Speaker: Chris Wood, General Mgr. Region of Waterloo International Airport. Topic: Waterloo International Airport and Future Development. All retired seniors welcome; membership available.

THURS. FEB. 2

Belwood Lions Jamboree- 7:30pm, Belwood Hall. Come and Play, Sing, Dance & just enjoy the Entertainment. Admission $5pp. (Performing musicians: FREE). Call 519-843-7011 for information. *** Grief Support Group. 7-9pm every Thursday for 13 weeks ending April 26. Calvary Baptist Church presents GriefShare support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. A 13 week Christcentered video and discussion series to help you on the journey of grief. Compassionate facilitators with experience in loss. Call Karen or Bob Atkinson for more information 519-824-0667. *** Introducing a Brand New Book Club for Kids! Wellington County Library, Fergus Branch. The “Believe it or Not Book Club” for kids in Grades 1-4. Weird and wonderful stories, crafts, food and fun for all! 4-5pm. Please register 519-843-1180.

FRI. FEB. 3

Community euchre sponsored by the Optimist club of Puslinch, 7:30pm at the Puslinch Community Centre. $3 per person. Lunch provided. 50/50 draw. All welcome. For information call Neil Smith at 519-837-3838. *** Pub Night/Meat Roll. Harriston Legion Branch #296. For more information call 519-338-2843.

SAT FEB. 4

Alma Optimist Plunger Toss. 9am at Alma Cow Palace. For more info. call Coach Jim 519-846-5124. *** Adult/ Senior Ice Skating. 8-9:50pm. Exhibition Park Arena, Guelph. Cost - $7/ person ($10 on band nights). Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship! *** Fergus Legion Mixed Cribbage Tournament. $1000 prize. $20 per team. 11:30 registration, start 1pm sharp. *** Crown Cemetery Annual Meeting. 1pm. Duffs Church, Puslinch.

For more info. contact Darlene Harrietha, 519-822-0874. All Welcome. *** Fergus Agricultural Society 176th Anniversary Dance. Elora Legion 8pm. $10 per person. Music by Bill Beattie & Friends.

Door prizes, lunch provided. *** Bid Euchre Tournament. Guelph Legion 57 Watson Pkwy. South.

Registration 11am. 1pm start. Forms are at the Legion. $10 per person. Lunch, refreshments available. For more info. call Judy at 519-856-9013 or Helen at 519-856-4434. *** Classic stand-up comedy night Dinner & show fundraising event.

Guelph Place, 492 Michener Road. Dinner & show: $45. 5:30pm doors open, 6:30pm dinner is served. Show only: $20. 7pm doors open, 8pm show begins. All proceeds go to Michael house pregnancy care centre. For tickets call Paul 519-821-7643, Don 519546-7354 or Michael House 519-766-7675. *** Fergus Legion Jam Session 2-5pm. Everybody welcome. *** The Douglas Sloan Memorial Curling Bonspiel at the Guelph Curling Club with dinner following at Three Willows United Church. For further info. please e-mail joysloan@rogers.com. *** Upper Grand Trailway Winter Carnival 1-3 pm. Meet at the Kiosk on the Upper Grand Trailway. Demonstrations of skijoring with dogs. Lots of free activities – snowshoes, skis and skijoring equipment will be provided or bring your own. Can for more info. Donna Steele 519-928-5755.

SUN. FEB. 5

Elora and Salem Horticultural Society’s 15th Annual Garden Conference. 9am - 3:30pm at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, located on County Road 18, between Fergus and Elora. Speaker Topics from ‘thinking like a Continued on page 11

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE THREE

Elora’s Anita Stewart: Food from across the country, and right here at home

by David Meyer

ELORA - It is difficult to say if Anita Stewart is more passionate about food or people - but it is easy to suggest she is very focused on her country.

The recent Order of Canada recipient, only weeks past that announcement to honour Stewart for her contributions to Canadian culture and the food industry, is currently focused on promoting the country and its food.

She is working with the Canadian Tourism Commission to promote a new award for United States writers and photographers who visited last year and promoted Canadian food and culture by publishing about it.

The deadline for entries was the end of the month, and she already has good ones from New York magazine and the Huffington Post, among others. There is a possibility of expanding those awards to Great Britain and Australia.

Stewart’s world is one of food and friends - and she is deeply steeped in Canadian culture. She can talk about the latest developments in food television or muse about the early days in New France with equal aplomb. She said when Quebec fell to the British, all the nobles living there headed back to France - leaving their peasant countrymen on their own. She smiles at the idea because the peasants did well and “ate far better than the ruined nobles in France.”

Stewart knows about Quebec peasants, Canadian history and eating habits. She has an undergrad degree in psychology from Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University) and a masters degree in gastronomy from the University of Adelaide in southern Australia.

That includes a dissertation on The Evolution, Development and Promotion of Quebec as a Culinary Region.

The peasants survived without their overlords. And, she said, “That is what our foodways are all about

- survival.”

Stewart knows it first hand.

She has roots in Wellington County, with her parents running a Home Hardware in Mount Forest.

She lived in the small village of Milliken, now swallowed by Toronto sprawl, and came to Elora in 1973. Her family ran a store on Geddes Street and she admits that through the years money was not plentiful. One way to save cash was to learn to cook simply and cheaply, something her rural background prepared her to do. Discovering that simple and cheap cooking could also be delicious was the beginning of a journey into the world of food.

One of the founders of the Elora Co-op Preschool, she edited Cookies and Juice, a handmade cookbook of recipes

the Nation’s Table, a Doctor of Laws honorary degree from the University of Guelph, being the food ambassador last year for the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association, a recipient of Cuisine Canada and the University of Guelph Food Culture award in 2009, induction as a lifetime member into the Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks and so many other honours they could fill a kitchen table.

Her speaking engagements have taken her all over, from emcee and host of Canada Brand Breakfast at the Calgary Stampede in 2010 to emcee and host of the same breakfast at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, as well as the Canada Media Marketplace in New York City - among a list longer than one for groceries for a big family.

“This nation wasn’t built by a bunch of wusses, and it behooves us to remember that our ancestors were among the most courageous men and women in global history.”

- Anita Stewart on being a Canadian. that sold for $5 and had a press run of about 500. It sold out and she never looked back. She is proud the pre-school, still operating today, never needed government funding.

Stewart remembers fondly she started her career “backwards” as a food writer. Most cookbook authors begin by writing a recipe column and turning them into a book. She began with books and later wrote a syndicated food column.

Since those early days, Stewart’s many food credits include being president of Flavours Canada, being the culinary awards advisor to the Governor General’s awards in Celebration of

If all that is too academic, Stewart has been over the side of icebreakers into work boats in the North Pacific and visited every manned lighthouse on that coast and met their keepers. She travelled by dog sled and snowmobile to Cree hunting camps in northern Quebec and has been to Hibernia, the most easterly bastion of Canadian cuisine in North America. Among her adventures are scuba diving for sea cucumbers and urchin in the Straits of Juan de Fuca and bucktail flyfishing for salmon in the Discover Passage.

Despite those adventures, Stewart gives the appearance of a homebody

s strongly

s, and they focu

cookbook igious writer of od pr a is t ar ew - Anita St da.

That’s cooking oking from right across Cana co of ts en em on el

in a cozy house replete with gas range and a wood fireplace. She said flatly that living in Elora is a key to her success and the people around her are responsible for all of that.

She lives what she talks, too. She mentions Elora chefs such as Roger Dufau, of Drew House, and Resa Lent, of the Desert Rose vegetarian restaurant, among those who helped her along the way - and she misses greatly Alex Sgroi, who ran a restaurant in Elora.

Her coffee mugs come from local potters, and her glass plates are made locally. One of her many cookbooks features a brioche by Elora resident Peter Skoggard on the cover.

“These are people who have been a part of my life,” Stewart said. “The Farmers Market Cookbook came out of friendships. The community aspect of how I evolved is extremely important. I couldn’t have done it otherwise.”

Drop by Stewart’s home in Elora at the right time and one might find her taking a cake (using her mom’s recipe) from the oven, and icing it with, what else, a maple syrup icing.

Her mom, Anne MacDonald, announces that Stewart got it exactly right.

Stewart sees nothing wrong with the turning of chefs into celebrities. She credits food television for promoting what the stars prepare. “The Food Network did a huge service to the industry. It made food sexy.

It made food interesting.”

She noted Canadian Living magazine, with myriad recipes from across the country, also had a big influence on Canadian food and cooking habits. One reason she likes the idea of celebrity is the way it can be used to promote food.

“For example, when people like Chris Jess [chef and teacher at Centre Wellington District High School] said, ‘I’d really like to teach cooking at high school’ - he had a lineup, of students eager to learn.”

Her three sons are involved in some way with the food industry.

Her favourite food memories include “Eating - and surviving - scorpion pizza that my son Jeff made in his homebuilt clay oven. In addition to his teaching and administrative duties at Niagara College, he’s a specialist in insect cookery.

His kids particularly enjoy cricket candy.”

She remembers “having my son Paul barbecue his twin brother Mark’s freshly caught Chinook salmon with a thick smear of pesto before serving it with grilled peppers and a bottle of Gray Monk Pinot Gris at a table surrounded by grandchildren.” Mark is a fishing guide and also cooks.

Stewart herself started the Worlds Longest Barbecue in 2003 to promote Canadian beef during the mad cow disease industry crisis. It is still running, as Canada Food

Big slice - Lucky are those who get treated to a banana cake freshly baked by Anita Stewart and slathered in maple syrup icing. It’s her mom’s recipe. photo by David Meyer

Day, on the August long weekend.

She said Canada does not have a specific “cuisine” like France or Italy. “It couldn’t possibly. To explain the culinary reality of our great northern nation, I would have to use words such as regionality, seasonality, ethnicity, tenacity and vision. It’s an incredible smorgasbord. Nine Italys fit into Ontario alone, so how could anyone think of one particular cuisine representing such an enormous nation?”

She said, “Above and beyond all else, Canadian cuisine is about celebrating our magnificent differences, our roots and our ethnicity. It’s about possibilities, and how we as a people continue to welcome immigrants from all over the planet ... It’s about branding ourselves ‘Canadian’ and giving our producers an unmistakable edge that no other nation can emulate.”

She eats just about everything, but said exercise is key to keeping her trim figure.

“I’m an omnivore, but having said that, the move towards less meat, more veggies is one that I embrace. I love Michael Pollan’s dictum: ‘Eat food, not too much, mainly plants.’

“And now such an ideal is entirely possible to achieve.

The array of flavours, courtesy of the countless great immigrant cooks and a plethora of young chefs who are currently re-writing Canadian cuisine, is magnificent.

“Twenty years ago, garam masala, Thai chilis, white asparagus, purple carrots, heritage pork, heirloom tomatoes and artisan cheeses were virtually unknown. Today, the palate has broadened; it no longer has to be ‘meat and potatoes.’”

On being Canadian “There’s a quote that I can’t attribute to any particular author, but it goes like this: ‘When the forms of the old culture die, the new culture is created by a few who are unafraid to feel insecure.’

“I am proud of Canada.

But the word ‘Canadian’ has another inherent meaning; it’s one of very hard work. This nation wasn’t built by a bunch of wusses, and it behooves us to remember that our ances-

tors were among the most courageous men and women in global history. Whether they were black Loyalists escaping slavery, or starving Irish peasants, or Scots swept away in the Clearances, there was only a frozen, often danger-filled mystery ahead of them.

“The roads we now travel so easily were once deer trails into a forest, or buffalo runs across the Prairies, or First Nations’ trading routes that wove their way through the continent in one large culinary spider web that we have yet to emulate.

“Like taking an ox cart over the rutted mud on the Garafraxa Road into the Queen’s Bush, Canada continues to be built by strong men and women who are aren’t afraid to face an unknown - but guaranteed exciting - future.”

The following is Anita Stewart’s recipe for a hearty meal in cold weather.

Winter Onion Soup 2 tbsps (30mL) unsalted butter 4 cups (1 L) chopped or thinly sliced cooking onions 2 branches fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 4 cups beef stock 1 - 12 oz/341 mL bottle wheat beer such as Blanche de Chambly Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 12 thin slices crusty baguette, toasted 1 ½ cups (375 mL) grated, high-quality old cheddar Melt butter over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot.

Add onions, cooking and stirring frequently until beginning to brown, about 10 – 12 minutes. Add thyme, bay leaves, beef stock and Blanche de Chambly. Season lightly with salt; grind in pepper to taste.

Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until onions are very tender. Remove thyme branches and bay leaves.

Ladle into four oven-proof onion soup bowls. Place three toasted slices of baguette on each and sprinkle generously with cheese. Broil till bubbling and melted. Carefully transfer to napkin-lined serving plates. Serve immediately (serves four).

PAGE FOUR Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

Business

In

Independent Dental Hygiene & Denture Clinic

Custom Sewing, Alterations & Repairs Shannon Curran is the new owner of Sew What?!, located at 208 St. Andrew St. West in Fergus.

Shannon holds an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design from Fanshawe College.

While working at Sussman’s in Arthur for the last six years Shannon gained valuable experience in alterations, in addition to custom design experience from running her own home based business - Shay Sews for the past 3 years.

Now as the new owner of Sew What?!, Shannon looks forward to working with you, whether you require alterations or wish a custom made dress or ensemble.

Call to book an appointment or just come on down to the store for all your sewing needs in a comfortable studio setting.

SHANNON CURRAN

Products & Services:

- Custom order designs

- Flower girl dresses

- Wedding dress alterations

- Suit jacket adjustments - Euro hems - New zippers - Hems You dream it, we do it!

208 St. Andrew St. W. Fergus, ON

(519) 787-6618

*LSLIYH[L :WYPUN Education >P[O )L[[LY is Key! /LHYPUN The retail environment is so much more than sales. For Kathryn Pollock, her most important role at Pollock Pools and Spas is education, which begins with hot tub ownership. Pollock Pools and Spas carries the Beachcomber Hot Tub. Beachcomber is committed to low-cost hot tubs with maximum jetting therapy and low-cost operation. Understanding water care is essential for the health and safety of everyone using a hot tub.

During the winter months,

Kathryn and her staff participate in educational programs to better help customers enjoy their pools and hot tubs. They are always learning about healthier and more energy efficient ways to optimize the customer’s experience with their hot tubs and pools. They have been installing pools in the area since 1987 and now offer fiberglass pools. For more information, drop in and see Kathryn, or any of her educated staff to assist you in finding the right pool [O or Beachcomber Hot Tub.

KELLY KIRK RDH

same day denture repairs) referral to dentist and direct insurance billing. Discount to seniors.

First visit special: Teeth cleaning with custom bleaching tray $150.00 Free denture consultation. Pearly Whites (519) 833-9788 49 Waterford Drive, Erin kirkpearlywhites@ gmail.com www. pearlywhitesdentalhygiene. com

1VPU >LSSPUN[VU /LHYPUN *HYL *LSLIYH[L :WYPUN

MVY V\Y ZWLJPHS ZWYPUN L]LU[

>P[O )L[[LY 4H` /LHYPUN

[O

;LJOUVSVN` +H` 6WLU /V\ZL ([ >LSSPUN[VU /LHYPUN *HYL 1VPU >LSSPUN[VU /LHYPUN *HYL 519-780-1777 www.pollockpools.com MYVT ! !

MVY V\Y ZWLJPHS ZWYPUN L]LU[

shaysews@hotmail.com

61 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph

Southern Hospitality Wendy Gottmers, has been operating Southern Belles Catering since 1987.

She started catering two years after opening her restaurant called Scarlett’s, in downtown Fergus in 1985.

That’s where the Southern Belles name came from, for Scarlett, of Gone With The Wind fame, was a southern belle.

Wendy is presently operating the catering business, and working with Victoria Park East Golf Club in Guelph, as Banquet Manager. She works with several well known chefs, namely Stephen Vaughan, to produce high quality breakfasts, luncheons, dinners and hors d’oeuvres.

Her management skills are used extensively in wedding

Pearly Whites is an Independent Dental Hygiene and Denture Clinic located in the village of Erin. Kelly Kirk RDH is the owner with 25 years experience and Bethanie Huen DD has four years. Services include teeth scaling and polishing, custom sport guards and bleaching trays. Dentures: standard and precision, partials, and relines.

At Pearly Whites, we strive to provide you with the utmost in quality care in a professional and cozy environment. It is our pledge that we will do our best to earn your confidence by allowing your interests to come first.

We offer, prompt, flexible hours (including

•

•

4H`

[O [O ;Y` VU KPZJYLL[ HK]HUJLK KPNP[HS OLHYPUN HPKZ HUK OLHY Providing Exceptional Brain Power: ^OH[ IL[[LY OLHYPUN TPNO[ ZV\UK SPRL Life Long Learning & Discovery & Professional Hearing Service

Stephanie is the proud coWellington;LJOUVSVN` +H` 6WLU /V\ZL Hearing owner of Erin’s latest Main Care has been a welcomed Street feature Brighten Up, presence in the ([ >LSSPUN[VU /LHYPUN *HYL Wellington the Centre for Life-Long region for almost four years.

MYVT ! !

Learning and Discovery.

Doctor of Audiology, Lynne Stephanie holds Bachelor McCurdy, opened the clinic ;Y` VU KPZJYLL[ HK]HUJLK KPNP[HS OLHYPUN HPKZ HUK OLHY degrees in Theatre Studies with a mission to provide ^OH[ IL[[LY OLHYPUN TPNO[ ZV\UK SPRL and History from the exceptional and professional University of Guelph, and hearing services in a friendly her Bachelors of Education atmosphere. >LSSPUN[VU /LHYPUN *HYL»Z V^ULY 3`UUL 7 4J*\YK` PZ HU H\KPVSVNPZ[ ^P[O in Intermediate and Senior Research has shown `LHYZ L_WLYPLUJL Ä[[PUN OLHYPUNHPKZ HUK ^VYRPUN ^P[O JSPLU[Z VM HSS HNLZ Education at Queen’s that patients reported their [V ÄUK [OL ILZ[ OLHYPUN ZVS\[PVUZ University. number one concern when Stephanie loves to be seeking hearing care services >LSSPUN[VU /LHYPUN *HYL»Z V^ULY 3`UUL 7 4J*\YK` PZ HU H\KPVSVNPZ[ ^P[O an active member in the is `LHYZ L_WLYPLUJL Ä[[PUN OLHYPUNHPKZ HUK ^VYRPUN ^P[O JSPLU[Z VM HSS HNLZ that their provider be community, and is excited knowledgeable.

Lynne has LYNNE P. McCURDY [V ÄUK [OL ILZ[ OLHYPUN ZVS\[PVUZ DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY to return to Erin with her over 22 years experience partner Chris Bailey to and is the highest trained maximize the performance open up a centre focused on professional,(;;,5+ 6<9 ,=,5;: -69 @6<9 */(5*, with a doctor of of your new hearing aids. spreading her passion for audiology degree. Together ;6 >05 ( 7(09 6- /,(905. (0+: Wellington Hearing Care learning and self-discovery. with you, Lynne will ZLL JSPUPJ MVY KL[HPSZ is also proud of the fact that Brighten Up carries determine which technology ZLL JSPUPJ MVY KL[HPSZ they are a locally owned and educational and special is best and then make all operated hearing clinic and interest products for all the necessary adjustment to not part of a chain or big box store.

The main office in Guelph 9LJLP]L VMM [OL JVZ[ VM is located in the Hartsland Plaza (Kortright and H WHPY VM OLHYPUN HPKZ PU [OL Edinburgh), with a satellite 4VU[O VM 4H` clinic at Wellington Terrace ZLL JSPUPJ MVY KL[HPSZ in Fergus (call for dates) or visit their website at www. wellingtonhearing.com.

:WHJL PZ SPTP[LK · JHSS [V IVVR [VKH`

:WHJL PZ SPTP[LK · JHSS [V IVVR [VKH`

WENDY GOTTMERS

planning and staff services.

Wendy is also well known in Wellington County as a Cooking School Instructor, teaching classes within the structure of the U.G.D.S.B. Continuing Education programme, as well as privately, in her professional kitchen located in Belwood.

You can contact Wendy at 519-843-7334 (Belwood) or at Victoria Park East Golf Club 519-821-2211.

Check out the website at www.southernbelles@hsfx.ca

Catering Service in Guelph, Fergus, Elora, Belwood, Centre Wellington areas.

Wendy@victoriaparkgolf.com

519-821-2211

(;;,5+ 6<9 ,=,5;: -69 @6<9 */(5*, ages. They have the books, ;6 >05 ( 7(09 6- /,(905. (0+: magazines, games, puzzles, :WLJPHS :WYPUN :H]PUNZ

STEPHANIE GIUGOVAZ EDUCATION DIRECTOR AT BRIGHTEN UP IN ERIN ONTARIO

toys, DVDs and other related items to stimulate your mind at all stages of life. Stephanie manages the education side of the business, where students of all ages can access tutoring in a variety of subject areas, as well as seminars and guest speakers on educational and special interest topics.

Their mission is to make learning and discovery fun for everyone.

:WLJPHS :WYPUN :H]PUNZ

9LJLP]L VMM [OL JVZ[ VM H WHPY VM OLHYPUN HPKZ PU [OL 4VU[O VM 4H` ZLL JSPUPJ MVY KL[HPSZ

160 Kortright Rd. W. (at Edinburgh) 519-766-HEAR (4327) www.wellingtonhearing.com

(519) 833-9258 www.brightenup.ca

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE FIVE

AND

ENTERTAINMENT Clifford The Big Red Dog coming to River Run Centre on Feb. 5 GUELPH - Clifford The Big Red Dog Live is coming to the River Run Centre.

This family-friendly show is part of this season’s TD Canada Trust Family Series.

This year marks Clifford’s 50th birthday as one of North America’s most loved children’s book and television characters.

In this show, Clifford will come to life in a family musical full of lessons, laughter, song and dance.

Created by author Norman Bridwell, Clifford became a household name shortly after the first book was published in 1963 by Scholastic Books.

Today, the Clifford series of books is considered part of children’s classical literature, embraced by children, parents and teachers alike, with 126 million units in print.

The popularity of Clifford The Big Red Dog skyrocketed when the animated television series from Scholastic Media first aired in 2000, becoming the top-rated show on PBS Kids for several years as well

as the number one children’s series for ages 2 to 5 on network television.

The new 50th anniversary live musical stage production celebrates with a North American tour making stops in more than 50 cities.

The story unfolds as Clifford and his friends from Birdwell Island - Emily Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone - embark on a new adventure, learning many valuable lessons along the way.

Clifford will share his “be big ideas” to share, play fair, have respect, work together, be responsible, truthful, kind, help others, believe in yourself and be a good friend.

The show is produced by Mills Entertainment in cooperation with Scholastic Media, directed by Mark Fleischer, and featuring music and lyrics

by Dennis Scott.

It is recommended for ages three to eight.

The show is on Feb. 5, with two performances taking place at 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are available at www.riverrun.ca.

Clifford comes to town - Clifford the Big Red Dog Live is set to appear at the River Run Centre for two performances on Feb. 5 in a show celebrating 50 years of the beloved dog and his friends. This show is one of 50 stops in North America. photo submitted

Ad deadline for Inside Wellington Thurs., 12 noon

New exhibit looks at life of Richard Pierpoint ABOYNE - In honour of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the Wellington County Museum and Archives invites everyone to explore the coming exhibit Richard Pierpoint: Slave, Soldier, Settler.

It tells Pierpoint’s life story from slavery, through two wars and as one of the earliest settlers in Wellington County.

Born in West Africa in 1744, Pierpoint was captured

and sold into slavery in 1760.

Escaping after 20 years, he fought with the British in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, earning his freedom and land grants in Upper Canada.

In his long life of 94 years, Pierpoint took every opportunity to create independence and identity for other freed men.

Historical documents, accompanied by murals created by award-winning painter

Meredith Blackmore, will provide insight into the life of early black soldiers and settlers in Upper Canada.

Richard Pierpoint: Slave, Soldier, Settler opens Feb. 4. and will run throughout the year in honour of the anniversary of the War of 1812.

On Feb. 5, as part of the museum’s Spring Lecture Series, there will be a presentation about Pierpoint’s life at 2pm.

Guelph Youth Singers invite school choirs to perform at ‘Choral event’ on Feb. 16 GUELPH - The Guelph Youth Singers (GYS) have invited three school choirs Mitchell Woods PS, Westwood Public School, Resurrection Christian Academy - and the Guelph Youth Music Centre’s Kids Chorus to “When Children Sing – a Choral Event” on Feb. 16.

The event will comprise daytime rehearsals with the participating school choirs and Kids Chorus and an evening concert by the choirs along with the choirs of Guelph Youth Singers.

Linda Beaupré, the conductor and artistic director of

GYS, will visit the schools and Kids Chorus in advance of the event for workshops to help the choirs work on massed choir pieces.

School choirs and Kids Chorus will perform their own solo songs, and each choir of GYS will be represented throughout the program.

All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the bursary fund of the Guelph Youth Music Centre. These bursaries are issued to children in the Guelph area to take part in local arts programs in the City of Guelph.

Guelph Youth Singers is an

award-winning organization featuring 90 youths aged six through 18. They host auditions in December and early January for this month’s entry and in April, May and June for the September entry.

The Feb. 16 performance of “When Children Sing – a Choral Event” takes place at New Life Christian Reformed Church. Tickets are $5 per person at the door.

For more information about this show or to book an audition, contact the GYS office at 519-821-8574 or visit their website at www.guelphyouthsingers.com.

Jesuit Centre hosts speaker on Jan. 26 GUELPH - A special presentation at Guelph’s Ignatius Jesuit Centre will help participants make a deeper connection with their environment.

Miriam MacGillis will present Embracing Earth: Living a Mutually-Enhancing Relationship with Earth on Jan. 26.

MacGillis is a Dominican Sister of Caldwell, New Jersey. She lives and works at Genesis Farm, an organic farm and Earth Literacy Centre

in Blairstown, New Jersey, which she co-founded in 1980 with the sponsorship of her Dominican congregation.

In 2005, MacGillis received the Thomas Berry Award and in 2007 was named among the planet’s top 15 green religious leaders by Grist magazine.

She lectures extensively and has conducted workshops in Canada, the U.S.A., Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

This year, MacGillis is participating at the Organic

Agriculture Conference, held at the University of Guelph’s University Centre, at its Keynote Forum and as a seminar presenter.

The conference runs from Jan. 26 to 29.

The talk will be held on Jan. 26 at 7:30pm at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph in Loyola House.

For more information contact Miriam Koopman 519824-1250 extension 258, or at marketing@ignatiusguelph.ca.

The galleries are open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and 12 to 4pm on weekends and holidays.

For more information on this exhibit visit www.wcm. on.ca.

BUDDY HOLLY ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

STARRING

JEFF GILES

CRIB MIXED TOURNAMENT Sat. Feb. 4th

FROM

Starting at 1:00pm sharp!

Registration opens at 11:30am Entry Fee $20 per team $1,000 PRIZE MONEY Based on 60 teams

Tickets $20/$25 ON SALE NOW!

For details call branch.

FERGUS LEGION Br.275

TWO

Prizes to Top 10 Teams

519-843-2345

www.ferguslegion.ca

Hall Rental & Catering Available

“THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY” PLUS THE MUSIC OF

BIG BOPPER RITCHIE VALENS

Sat. Jan. 28 - 7:30pm

BIG

HARRISTON TOWN HALL THEATRE

SHOWS!

CALL 519-338-2778

OR VISIT HARRISTON HOME HARDWARE

Sat. Feb. 4 - 8:00pm

FERGUS GRAND THEATRE CALL 519-787-1981

WWW.FERGUSGRANDTHEATRE.COM

PAGE SIX Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

financial planning and tax time

by Don Reed The legendary baseball manager Yogi Berra famously quipped, “It’s déjà vu all over again” in the early 1960s following back to back home runs from Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.

Many financial market pundits and prognosticators are channeling Yogi Berra heading into 2012. The consensus is headlines in 2012 are going

Equity markets are expected to bounce back in 2012 to look a lot like 2011, dominated by debt woes in the U.S. and Europe, a downturn in the world’s economies, and, finally, depressed equity markets.

The naysayers would have us believe the three Ds of economic gloom – debt, downturn and depression – are not only staying for dinner but spending the night too.

They’ve got it wrong. On the contrary, expect 2012

TAX TIME SHOULDN’T BE THIS TAXING COMPLETE TAX & BUSINESS SERVICES Personal, Rental, Small Business & Corporate tax return preparation, Bookkeeping & Payroll Services

519-836-6560 226 Speedvale Ave. W. Guelph www.completetax.biz

Since 1986

Accounting, Taxation & Business Solutions Bookkeeping & Accounting Services Financial Statements, HST, T4’s, WSIB, Payroll, Personal, Small Business and Corporate Tax Preparation

• Corporate Registration, including Corporate Seal, completed Minute Book and Share Certificates • Wills, Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of At-

150 Main St., Erin ON N0B 1T0 519-833-9992 www.placcounting.ca • judy@placcounting.ca

to mark a turnaround in the equity markets and for opportunistic investors to reap the rewards. Smart investors will make money. The markets have been beaten up in the latter half of 2011 – and therein lies the value creation for stock pickers (ie. fund managers) and, by extension, mutual fund investors.

A look at 2011 Equity returns were looking strong through the winter and spring until political shenanigans in the U.S. and Europe side-swiped the markets. International debt woes sparked a sickly summer and fall on the markets.

In Washington, D.C., the Barak Obama White House and Republican-dominated congress remain at loggerheads on debt reduction. The crisis is sad and comical – at press time, Republican lawmakers faced a torrent of criticism after blocking a comprehensive plan to extend a tax-break for 160 million Americans.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the leaders of the Euro zone are struggling to resolve the fiscal woes of their weakest members, particularly Greece and Italy. In late December, the European Central Bank weighed in, providing nearly half a trillion euros (about $664 billion) in cut-price loans to more than 500 banks to ease credit crunch woes.

With gold and fixed income assets like government, corporate and global bonds beating the returns of weaker equities,

2011 was a defensive year.

All major stock indices were in negative territory, including Asia, Europe, the emerging markets and Canada’s own resource heavy TSX composite index.

U.S. stocks were a noteworthy exception with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up about 4% in Canadian dollar terms. The U.S. large cap equity index is well diversified and less sensitive to business cycles when compared to the resource rich TSX. The good news is….

Volatility is returning to normal levels. The VIX (Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of the S & P 500 options index. It is often referred to as the “fear index” as it is a forward looking gauge of the volatility and expectations impacting the world’s biggest equity market.

The VIX’s long term average is 20. It peaked at a whopping 81 in November, 2008 in the midst of the subprime mortgage credit crisis that humbled the titans of Wall Street. The VIX retreated through 2009 and 2010 and then climbed again this past summer, spiking at 48 in August.

Near the close of 2011, the VIX had retreated to the low 20’s, suggesting volatility has subsided and, slowly but surely, we will return to some normal equity trading patterns. Roiling daily markets and steep peaks and valleys are

poisonous when it comes to investor confidence.

Markets abhor uncertainty while good news stokes gains.

After months of baby steps, the Euro-zone can be expected to finally reach a definitive debt agreement in the first half of 2012. Europe is a life boat and it is in the interest of all nations, including Italy, Greece and the reticent United Kingdom to keep the ship afloat. Stay tuned.

Mixed views on the U.S. The debt stalemate may fester though 2012 and we may have to wait until 2013 for any significant developments.

But a double dip recession in the world’s largest economy is looking increasingly unlikely.

Corporate America is cashrich, retail spending is up, consumer confidence is improving, gas prices are steady and businesses are re-stocking shelves and warehouses. Those are all positive indicators the U.S. is on the mend.

Emerging economies The outlook remains positive for the emerging economies of Asia, Latin America and South America.

Collectively, they have made huge strides over the past decade to restore economic growth and improve corporate balance sheets.

Debt levels in emerging markets are a fraction of the world’s more mature economies and fast-growing middle class means consumer spending will remain strong.

Expect emerging markets to

speed along at about 5% to 8% growth in 2012. The Chinese economy may cool slightly, but will nevertheless record a steady 8% to 9% growth.

Nowhere to go but up The 2011 correction has presented some excellent buying opportunities for those “buying on the bottom.” Share prices of some of the world’s best blue-chip companies may be down but the fundamentals that drive long term returns remain solid. These well managed global companies are sitting on billions in cash; dollars that will fund future growth, share buy-backs or dividend increases. This is all good news for prospective investors.

It’s back to basics in 2012 Dismiss the short-term market noise and remain focused on long-term goals.

A well diversified investment portfolio can take advantage of new opportunities in emerging markets. Dollar-cost averaging – making small investments on a month-to-month basis – will bring long-term stability and smooth out the market’s highs and lows.

Advice is a key component of our dynamic marketplace, and Canadians overwhelmingly choose to invest and manage their financial decisions with the help of advisors. Without the counsel of a professional advisor, investors can be influenced by a wide range of issues.

Don Reed is the CEO of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. and a regu-

Retiring on life insurance? How does that work?

by Dan Allen People probably have a current need for life insurance to protect their families by providing continuing income and financial security in the event of death.

And they probably want to

Retire your worries: Introducing Manulife PensionBuilderTM

create a investment nest egg that allows them to retire with a tax efficient income.

And when that final day comes, they probably want to have achieved the most effective growth for their estate in a tax-sheltered environment that preserves assets for the future use and benefit of the next generation.

There is a way to do all three and the keys to achieving these objectives are: - creating an immediate taxfree death benefit; and - maximizing investment growth in a tax-sheltered environment, providing the opportunity to access tax-efficient funds to supplement retirement.

Within limits set by leg-

islation, values in certain life insurance policies accumulate on a tax deferred basis. Those values are created when people deposit more than the actual cost of the insurance plus the growth of these excess deposits. Depending on the amount of life insurance purchased, people have the potential to build a great deal of value within the policy, with the growth exempt from annual taxation.

The accumulated value in an exempt life insurance policy is an asset.

Policy holders can access the value of that asset in order to provide retirement income in two ways: - make periodic withdrawals from the policy; and - use the policy as collateral

security for a tax free loan.

A similar strategy using surplus corporate cash to fund a corporately owned life insurance policy provides similar benefits with potentially more tax advantages.

Providing for heirs and for one’s self in retirement can be a challenge. Life insurance can be an important component of a personal financial plan to help protect the family today and provide for retirement in the long term. For more information on using life insurance to fund retirement, see a qualified, insurance licenced financial advisor.

Dan Allen is with The Heritage Group Private Financial Services Inc., in Guelph.

This groundbreaking income solution is designed to provide a dependable stream of retirement income for life so that you can spend your time enjoying retirement – not worrying about it.

Ask me about Manulife PensionBuilder.

Dan Allen, CFP, MFA, John Smith, ABCEPC Financial

Retirement Income Specialist Phone: 000 000 0000& Protection Fax: 000 000 0000 The Heritage Group Private Financial Services Inc. Toll free: 1 888 000 0000 Phone: (519) 822-3887 email: john_smith@abcfinancial.com dan@theheritagegroup.ca website: abcfinancial.com www.danallenfinancial.com

S G N I V A S R U O Y BUILD O YOUR M

NEY.

ALS. YOU YOUR GO

R PL AN.

Build your best financial future now so you can achieve Money for LifeTM. Lets talk.

Shaman Seth, BASc PEng RHU CFP® Shaman Seth Financial Services Inc.

519-787-1538 Exceeding the withdrawal thresholds may have a negative impact on future income payments. Age restrictions and other conditions may apply. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is the issuer of the Manulife PensionBuilder insurance contract and the guarantor of any provisions therein. Manulife, Manulife Investments, the Manulife Investments For Your Future logo, the Block Design, Strong Reliable Trustworthy Forward-thinking and Manulife PensionBuilder are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

TMK1234E 10/11

shaman.seth@sunlife.com 165 St. Andrew St .W. Fergus, ON N1M 1N6

Life’s brighter under the sun © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2012.

Lori Armstrong, CFP® 519-803-1255 lori.armstrong@sunlife.com 165 St. Andrew St. W. Fergus, ON N1M 1N6

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE SEVEN

financial planning and tax time Build an online investment portfolio one step at a time (NC)—Online investors know that building a healthy portfolio takes time and careful consideration. The good news is: it doesn’t have to be complicated.

While it’s important to set goals and to stay focused on them, experts in this field say it’s also important to periodically re-evaluate your investment strategy and portfolio.

So where should you start?

“Through research and discussions with our clients, we discovered the greatest demand was for guidance on portfolio management tools that enable them to monitor performance, along with long-term portfolio building techniques,” says Michael MacDonald, vicepresident of strategy for RBC Direct Investing.

“While many investors have benefited from portfolio management services through traditional advice based channels, now they can do the same thing online, on their own, using our portfolio management tools,” MacDonald said.

Through specialty websites like www.rbcdirectinvesting. com, individuals have access to an abundance of tools that provide self-directed investors with ideas and validation of their portfolio decisions. This includes easy online access to

resources, education, and guidance to help investors make informed decisions.

While investors may not realize how much free information is available to them, MacDonald stresses that they should carefully evaluate what online resources and tools are most useful to them. Ideally, an online brokerage should provide tools and resources to help investors: • Define their long- and short-term goals and chart progress towards achieving their objectives; • Determine whether their portfolio has the appropriate asset mix to meet their investment objectives; • Assist with rebalancing from a current asset mix, towards the stated asset mix goal – and assess how changing these holdings affects the portfolio before making any decisions about buying or selling in the market; • Practice online investing: this might involve offering a mock account where individuals can buy and sell a wide range of investments and monitor performance over time, without any risk.

RBC Direct Investing Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

10 ways to reduce your tax bill (NC)—The holiday decorations are all packed away, the New Year’s resolutions made, and spring is around the corner.

Before you know it, tax season will be here.

Before you start filing your taxes, here are 10 ways that may help you reduce your tax bill and may even land you a refund.

For individuals: 1.Plan ahead: Make sure to gather your receipts and NETFILE code, register for My Account, and sign up for direct deposit before April 30.

Submitting your income tax and benefit return before the tax-filing deadline means you can avoid having to pay latefiling penalties.

2. Tax-free savings account: A tax-free savings account (TFSA) is one great way to save money, since you don’t pay tax on any income you earn from investments in your TFSA. 3. Registered retirement savings plan: Any income you earn in a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is exempt from tax, as long as the funds stay in the plan. RRSPs help you save for your retirement and get a break at tax time too.

4. Public transit tax credit: If you or someone in your family is a regular user of public transit then you may be able to claim a non-refundable tax credit based on the cost of eli-

Know your tax changes for 2012

gible transit passes.

5. Pension income splitting: If you are receiving income from a pension, you can split up to 50% of eligible pension income with your spouse or common-law partner to reduce the taxes you pay.

6. Students: Are you still in school? Students can claim the tuition, education, and textbook amounts. Have you graduated recently? You may be eligible to claim the interest you paid on your student loans.

7. Child care expenses: For those who have children, you may be able to claim child care expenses that you or your spouse or common-law partner paid so that either of you could work, do research, or go to school.

8. Home buyer’s tax credit: If you’re a first-time home buyer you may be eligible to claim $5000 on the purchase of your new home, which can save you up to $750.

For people who are selfemployed: 9. Hiring an apprentice: Did your business employ an apprentice? A salary paid to an employee registered in a prescribed trade in the first two years of his or her apprenticeship contract qualifies for a non-refundable tax credit for the employer.

10. Creating child care spaces: Did your business (which is not mainly a child care services

ELORA - As the New Year credits from the last year’s high rate but in most cases it begins a number of scheduled Federal budget to keep in mind is not tax deductable so you should arrange your affairs to rate changes and new rules take when filing 2011 tax returns. effect.

The Children’s Art Tax avoid interest if possible.

This column was prepared On the income tax side, Credit is for enrollment in a all the tax brackets and credit prescribed program of artistic, by the Elora branch of Collins thresholds will be higher by cultural, recreational or devel- Barrow, Canada’s largat least the calculated inflation opmental activities. A non- est association of Chartered factor, which is 1.028% feder- refundable credit on up to $500 Accountancy firms. ally and 1.033% provincially. can be claimed, but if the same At the federal level the basic expenses are eligible for the personal amount, which is the Child Care Expense Deduction amount we can all earn tax free or the Children’s Fitness Tax moves to $10,822talents from$10,527 Credit youyou cannot double lue your individuality, and ideas.

Wethen knew could reach your potential! andwish the low tax bracket moves up your claim.

Barrow to congratulate the following successful UFE Writers for 2010: to $ 42,707 from $41,544.

Also new is the Volunteer TheBeaulieu highest (Sudbury) tax rate will Sebastien Firefighter’s Tax(Toronto) Credit, the Joey Belanger (Canmore) Roxane Beitel now only kick in on taxable Family Caregiver Tax Credit Marianne Brouwer Derek Blum (Calgary) income above $132,406. (for 2012 only) (Peterborough) and some Gloria Chu (Calgary) For seniors, thresh- Kathleen minor changes to Medical and Cheryl Dolliver (Ottawa) ) Alexandra Cortesisthe (Peterborough) Crochetiere (Montreal) old for clawback of Old Age Tuition Tax Credits.

Sean Foley (Calgary) Fong (Calgary) Security will increase to Tara Lastly, the Revenue Agency Marco Frate (Montreal) $69,562 from $67,668 but the interest rate on(Calgary) overdue taxes, Vivian He (Edmonton) Laura Hargrave (Peterborough) Nicole Hawkes rate of 15 cents per dollar of installments and payroll remitJamal Meghan Huangamount (Toronto) remains Shelina the threshold tances for the (Ottawa) period Jan. 1 to Stephanie Kari (Sudbury) the same.

Mar. 31, 2012 has been set at Jessica Krupicz (London) Jens Lankers (Red Deer) Ashley Larson (Red Deer) There are some new tax 5%. Historically this is not a Andrew Leung (Vancouver) Lee MacKillop (Vancouver) Rhona Mak (Edmonton)

)

n)

ough)

see the possibilities...

Inside Wellington

Future is You

Read the “flipbook” version online at

www. wellington advertiser.com

Claudio Martellacci (Toronto)

Travis McClinchey (Toronto)

Kimber Meister (Canmore)

Michelle Misener (Toronto)

Amanda Naveda (Ottawa)

Jason Neely (Toronto)

Christina Nguyen (Toronto)

Cathy Nichols (Montreal)

Daniel O’Grady (Halifax)

Tony Pham (Edmonton)

Phillip Pottie (Halifax)

Julie Reddick (Toronto)

Kristine Samonte (Calgary)

Neha Sethi (Toronto)

Wendy Slack (Calgary)

Travis Thornhill (Red Deer)

Carina Tong (Red Deer)

Junaid Usmani (Toronto)

Lingya Wang (Ottawa)

Melissa West (London)

Lauren Wong (Calgary)

Judy Wu (Ottawa)

Angela Yeung (Vaughan)

business) create licensed child care spaces for the children of your employees? If so, you may be eligible for an investment tax credit for the child care spaces you created.

More tips on how best to prepare your 2011 income tax and benefit return can be found online at www.cra.gc.ca/getready.

www.rlb.ca

Let’s start the conversation...

RLB LLP. Your Partner In Success.

686 ST. DAVID ST. N. FERGUS 519.843.1320 WWW.RLB.CA.

TD Canada Trust

Running a small business is hard enough

We can help

Owning a small business can be as demanding as it is rewarding. We understand how busy you are, and we want to help.

• Easy credit application and fast response • Business account packages tailored to meet the needs of your business • Convenient access in-branch by ABM, phone or web • Professional and personable banking advice

The Future is You PERSONAL TAX PREPARATION see the possibilities...

The Future is You he Future isseeYou the possibilities...

professionals challenge themselves to explore their passion for accounting. Success in the UFE demonstrates the high level egrative thinking and professional judgment that is expected by the profession and clients. As future Chartered Accountants, ds of financial expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership. The CA profession’s commitment to excellence and the public ation for this trust.

At Collins Barrow, we value your individuality, talents and ideas. We knew you could reach your potential!

Harold Bouwman Community Small Business Advisor (519) 843-2670, ext. 256 harold.bouwman@td.com 298 St. Andrew St. W. Fergus Monday to Wednesday Thursday & Friday Saturday

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Partners of Collins Barrow wish to congratulate the following successful UFE Writers for 2010: COLLINS BARROW WELLINGTON-DUFFERIN DISTRICT see the possibilities...

ed with the accomplishments of our 63 successful UFE writers (85%). You should be proud having reached this significant Omar Al-Farouki (Ottawa) Roxane Beaulieu (Sudbury) Sebastien Beitel (Toronto) Joey Belanger (Canmore) ulations and best wishes for future success as you apply what you have learned and continue to reach your potential.

At Collins Barrow, individuality, talents and ideas.(Peterborough) We knew Gloria you could reach your potential!

Marianne Brouwer Chu (Calgary) Devesh Bhagani (Toronto) we value Derekyour Blum (Calgary) Barrow, o come.we value your individuality, talents and ideas. We knew you could reach your potential!

342 Gerrie Road Peggy Doody Sean Foley Tara Fong Marco Frate Elora, Ontario N0B 1S0 Omar Al-Farouki Roxane Beaulieu Sebastien Beitel Roxane Beaulieu Laura Hargrave Sebastien Beitel Joey Belanger Sheri Gascon Nicole Hawkes Vivian He Marianne Brouwer Devesh Bhagani Derek Blum Phone: Shelina Jamal Stephanie Kari ThomasDerek Horn 519-846-5315 Meghan Huang Marianne Brouwer Gloria Chu Blum Alyson Conrad Alexandra Cortesis Jens Lankers Kathleen Crochetiere Samantha Kelley Larson www.collinsbarrow.com Alexandra CortesisJessica Krupicz Kathleen Crochetiere Cheryl Ashley Dolliver

The Partners of CollinsAlexandra BarrowCortesis wish (Peterborough) to congratulate the following UFE Writers for 2010: Conrad (Peterborough) Kathleen Crochetiere (Montreal) successful Cheryl Dolliver (Ottawa) ers of CollinsAlyson Barrow wish to congratulate the following successful UFE Writers for 2010:

rouki (Ottawa)

agani (Toronto)

(Kingston)

(Sudbury)

(Ottawa)

(Calgary)

(Sudbury)

(Toronto) (Red Deer) (Calgary)

(Calgary)

(Peterborough)

(Toronto)

(Sudbury) (Toronto)

(Calgary)

(Calgary)

(Ottawa) (Peterborough)

(Toronto)

(Montreal)

(Canmore) (Edmonton)

(Peterborough) (Calgary) (Sudbury)

Joey Belanger (Canmore) Gloria Chu (Calgary)

Banking can be this comfortable

(Peterborough) (Peterborough) (Red Deer) (Montreal) Cheryl Dolliver (Ottawa) (Calgary) (London) (Red Deer) rad (Peterborough) (Peterborough) (Montreal) (Ottawa) Richard (Vancouver) Andrew Sean Leung Foley (Vancouver) Rhona Mak (Edmonton) Marco Frate (Montreal) PeggyLeung Doody (Kingston) (Calgary) Lee MacKillop (Vancouver) Tara Fong (Calgary) dy (Kingston) Sean Foley (Calgary) Tara Fong (Calgary) Marco Frate (Montreal) ® / The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

Steven Claudio Laura Martellacci (Toronto) Travis McClinchey (Toronto) Meister (Canmore)Vivian He (Edmonton) Sheri Mariasine Gascon (Edmonton) (Sudbury) Hargrave (Peterborough) Nicole HawkesKimber (Calgary) on (Sudbury) Laura Hargrave (Peterborough) Nicole Hawkes (Calgary) Vivian He (Edmonton) Maria Mironenko (Vaughan) Michelle Misener (Toronto) Amanda Naveda (Ottawa) Jason Neely (Toronto) Shelina Jamal (Ottawa) Stephanie Kari (Sudbury) Thomas Horn (Red Deer) Meghan Huang (Toronto) Shelina Stephanie Kari rn (Red Deer) Anita NgMeghan (Ottawa) (Sudbury) (Edmonton) Huang (Toronto) Christina Nguyen (Toronto) Jamal Cathy Nichols (Montreal) Daniel O’Grady (Halifax) Samantha Kelley (Calgary) Jessica Krupicz (London) Jens Lankers (Red Deer) Ashley Larson (Red Deer) Tony Pham (Edmonton) Pottie (Halifax) Reddick Kelley (Calgary) Patrick Ouellette Jessica (Leamington) Krupicz (London) Jens LankersPhillip (Red Deer) Ashley Julie Larson (Red (Toronto) Deer) Richard Leung (Vancouver) Andrew Leung (Vancouver) Lee MacKillop (Vancouver) Jeffrey Ross (Vancouver) Kristine Samonte (Calgary) Neha Sethi (Toronto) Wendy Slack (Calgary) Rhona Mak (Edmonton) ung (Vancouver) Andrew Leung (Vancouver) Lee MacKillop (Vancouver) Rhona Mak (Edmonton)

sports

PAGE EIGHT Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

Local couple to open new outdoor ball hockey rink in March

by Kelly Waterhouse ELORA - There’s a new game in town and when the arena lights come on and the ball drops, Jim and Jackie Ranahan will realize a dream 10 years in the making.

Centre Wellington Ball Hockey kicks off its opening season in March and organizers are looking for players of all skill levels from age 5 to 65.

“I wanted to give the families in this community a reason to get outside and play,” said Jim Ranahan, who purchased four acres in Salem to build a proper outdoor facility specifically for the sport.

The rink is the full arena, standard size for ball hockey, which is 30 per cent smaller than an ice hockey rink.

Ranahan built his arena complete with NHL regulation boards made in Waterloo, and the arena floor is make of a synthetic tile system that offers non-slip safety and a cushion support factor, plus proper drainage of the floor surface regardless of weather.

The rink is also wheelchair accessible.

“We want parents to feel

There’s a new game in town - Centre Wellington Ball Hockey is set to begin in March with ball hockey leagues for youths, men, women and co-ed leagues. The all-season facility will run seven days a week in the outdoor arena designed for the sport of ball hockey, including a specialized playing surface, above right. submitted photo they are bringing their kids to a safe, controlled environment,” Ranahan said.

“This will be a strictly noncontact recreational facility, where anyone can learn the competitive game of hockey in a safe way.”

That will include educational starter leagues for children

ages 4 to 6 years old.

The facility, located on County Road 18, just west of County Road 7 in Salem, will be open seven days a week in all seasons.

Youth leagues will play summer, spring and fall. Men, women and co-ed leagues will play all four seasons.

“I want people to feel like when they join this league, they belong,” Ranahan said.

Key to the organization, Ranahan said, is accessibility.

“The cost will be $140, plus tax, a season,” which Ranahan said will include 12 games and a round of playoffs.

“The whole point of this

sport is that not everyone can afford hockey,” Ranahan said.

“But this sport requires no specialized equipment. You need a helmet with a face mask, gloves, shin pads, running shoes and a hockey stick [without wooden blades] and you are good to go.”

Goalies will need full equip-

ment, Ranahan added.

Centre Wellington Ball Hockey is affiliated with ballhockey.com, an organization that includes six leagues across Ontario, from Kingston to Niagara to Orillia.

“Our affiliation with ballhockey.com ensures our credibility in the sport and lets people know we are a legitimate, organized, controlled sport with governing rules of play,” Ranahan said.

Similar to some ice hockey leagues, ball hockey is played in three 10-minute periods with stop time, in standard five-onfive play. Teams will consist of 11 players.

Centre Wellington Ball Hockey will include a small clubhouse with an office, changing facility and a pro shop. Ranahan hopes the environment will be a familyfriendly place for people to get together.

Moreover, he hopes to expand the club to add a second rink in 2015.

To register a team, volunteer or learn more about Centre Wellington Ball Hockey, visit www.cwballhockey.com.

McGinn, Spaling on pace for career years

by Chris Daponte WELLINGTON CTY. Halfway through the National Hockey League season, county natives Nick Spaling and Jamie McGinn are both on pace for career years.

As of Jan. 20, Spaling, originally from Drayton, had registered 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) for the Nashville Predators, to go along with 10 penalty minutes, 62 shots on goal and a plus-one rating.

The 23-year-old’s 2011-12 point total surpasses his previous high of 14, which he tallied in 74 games last season.

Fergus native Jamie McGinn, also 23, has similar stats thus far this season for the San Jose Sharks: 16 points (nine goals and seven assists), 15 penalty minutes, 78 shots and a plus-10 rating.

McGinn, drafted in the second round (36th overall) in the 2006 NHL draft, leads the sharks with 93 hits and is also on pace to set a personal best in games played. In the 2009-10 season he played in 59 games, registering a career-high 13 points.

This season he has played in every one of San Jose’s games, whereas he spent parts of the previous three seasons with

JAMIE McGINN the Sharks’ American Hockey League affiliate in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The career-high point totals for McGinn and Spaling are impressive considering both play primarily checking roles on their team’s third lines; McGinn on left wing and Spaling at centre.

Spaling, drafted in the second round (58th overall) in the 2007 NHL draft, is third on the Predators in face-off wins

we want your

sports

and has continued the trend he established in last season’s NHL playoffs - he is this season’s co-leader in Nashville for game winning goals.

Spaling also has an impressive streak going: the Predators have yet to lose in regulation when he scores a goal (13-0-1, including playoffs).

His play has earned the praise of coach Barry Trotz and also his teammates.

“Even though he’s a young guy, he plays like an experienced player,” Predators goalie Pekka Rinne told the Nashville Tennessean earlier this season.

“You can use him in almost any situation. He plays on the (penalty kill) and scores goals.”

McGinn has also drawn considerable praise in San Jose.

“We’ve really liked Jamie McGinn’s game this year,” Sharks coach Todd McLellan said in an interview last week with the San Jose Mercury News. “[He] goes down and works below the goal line and is strong against the boards.

That’s his spot, that’s where he’s comfortable.”

For more information on the two players visit http:// predators.nhl.com or http:// sharks.nhl.com.

whatever the season. whatever the sport.

send us your photos, ideas or write-ups. news@wellington advertiser.com

Michigan bound - The Centre Wellington Fusion novice A team earned a spot in the International Silver Stick championship in Michigan after winning the provincial title in the playoffs in Brampton on Dec. 28.

The team played in Michigan Jan. 21 to 22 but results were not known by press time. submitted photo

Anderson to again lead national squad Fergus native one of 12 named to men’s wheelchair basketball team LAS VEGAS, NV - Fergus native Patrick Anderson has once again been named to the Wheelchair Basketball Canada team for 2012.

Anderson, once widely regarded as the best wheelchair basketball player in the world, made his return to the national team last summer after taking two years off of international competition.

He was officially added last week to the roster of 26

athletes selected to represent Canada’s senior men’s and women’s national wheelchair basketball teams at the London Paralympic Games this summer.

“We want to reestablish Canada as the world leader in wheelchair basketball, and we are confident in the talented teams our coaches have assembled,” Wheelchair Basketball Canada director Paul Zachau said.

The athletes were selected from a pool of 37 who attended a week-long selection camp Jan. 9 to 13 in Las Vegas.

The 2012 men’s roster includes 11 returning players, nine of whom have Paralympic experience. The men’s team is

the defending Paralympic silver medalist, and is looking for its third gold medal and fourth consecutive podium finish in London.

“Our goal is to win the gold in London and to do that we’ve got competitions lined up against the best teams in the world, definitely all top five teams. And we plan on pushing our athletes a lot harder over the next eight months in terms of fitness and tactical preparation,” said men’s head coach Jerry Tonello.

“We are really confident we are on the right path and we are going to bring home the gold medal,” said Johnson.

For more information visit www.wheelchairbasketball.ca.

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE NINE

Rural Life

Agricultural Information Contact Centre | 1-877-424-1300 | www.ontario.ca/omafra

A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA Website: www. omafra.gov.on.ca FARM PETS AND FOOD SAFETY

by Don Blakely, OMAFRA Even though we have great affection for our farm pets, when it comes to food safety we have to realize they can be an issue. Both farm cats and dogs are carriers of pathogens and parasites and can pass those on when in contact with food products. For example, many farm cats eat rodents which can contaminate their feces with pathogens and parasites and their cleaning habits keep the cycle of pathogens moving through their bodies. If you produce ready to eat food products farm cats must be prevented from walking on such particularly when food products are in storage. Farm dogs can also present food safety issues as they can pick up pathogens when walking through the barn or from eating things like calf manure.

Dogs that eliminate their waste in field production areas present a food safety risk as it can then contaminate produce it lands on or be stepped on by workers and tracked about the area further spreading the pathogens. So if you are concerned about marketing safe fresh farm produce, keep farm pets out of the areas where you grow, process, store and sell your produce.

ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN

by John C. Benham If you don’t have a completed Third Edition Environmental Farm Plan then here is your chance to make yourself eligible for the next Cost Share program. The next Environmental Farm Workshop is planned to be held in the OMAFRA meeting room on Monday, February 6th to be completed on Monday, February 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Lunch and refreshments are provided. No costs to you! Several farmers are signed up

Grain Farmers of Ontario announce March Classic 2012 theme GUELPH - Grain Farmers of Ontario has announced its 2012 March Classic theme.

Building on the association’s vision, the theme for this year’s conference is Driving Ontario’s Grain Industry to Global Leadership.

The March Classic is the largest grain-focused conference in eastern Canada, drawing upwards of 500 attendees from farms across Ontario.

This year the event will be held on March 19 at the London Convention Centre and Grain Farmers of Ontario is already anticipating a packed house.

“We have an excellent lineup of speakers this year and hope to provide insight into future opportunities and trends for Ontario’s farmers,” said John Cowan, VP of strategic development at Grain Farmers of Ontario.

To register for the March Classic or to get further details, including a bus schedule, visit www.gfo.ca/marchclassic.

LET’S GET SOCIAL! Follow us on Twitter! @ WellyAdvertiser

The OMAFRA Report

already. Take advantage of this workshop in the less busy season to be ready for the new EFP to be announced this fall. Complete your EFP at this workshop - it will be recognized for 5 years even if a new book is introduced.

During my inspections to complete each claim form for the Cost Share, I see some great ideas. Recently while inspecting a new fuel storage, I learned this farmer had a hand wind timer in the electric line to shut off the electricity to his fuel pump. His source was in a locked shed. When he wanted gas he set the timer for a few minutes and it shut off automatically. Simple, but effective.

Give John a call at 519-846-3394 or sign up yourself online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops/.

FACTSHEETS and PUBLICATIONS 11-045: TSSA Field Approval of Oil-Fired Maple Syrup Evaporators 11-043: An Overview of Organic Pork Production, Agdex, 440/10; replaces 07-027, which should be recycled.

11-005: Farm Pesticide Storage Facility, Agdex 748/607, replaces 07-059, which should be recycled.

2011 Performance Trials Reports Now Available: The Ontario Forage Crop Variety Performance 2012 Brochure is now available. The PDF version of the Brochure can be viewed and downloaded online at: www.GoForages.ca.

2011 Soybean Variety Trials are available from the Ontario Oil and Protein Seed Crop Committee at: http://www.gosoy.ca/ OSVT_2011_Report.pdf.

2011 Ontario Winter Wheat Performance Trials from the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee are available on-line at: http://www. gocereals.ca.

The 2011 Hybrid Corn Performance Trials Report, produced by the Ontario Corn Committee (OCC), is now available at: http:// www.gocorn.net/v2006/CornReports/2011cornreport/2011perfor mancetrials.html.

Growers who are unable to access the trial results from the website, may call OMAFRA’s Agricultural Information Contact

Alma student awarded CKNX bursary

WELLINGTON COUNTY - “The cities will never stop needing the country.” That’s one of the quotes from Rebecca Grose’s essay in her application for the 2011 CKNX Radio Farm Advisory Board (FAB) bursary.

The essay was one of the factors that led to the selection of the Alma-area student as this year’s bursary winner from an impressive list of 18 applicants.

Grose is a student at Kemptville College in the agriculture - equine option program. Her resume includes 64 4-H clubs, work in community groups and a strong interest in equine therapeutic riding programs.

Grose says her long-term goal is to have her own therapeutic riding operation. She says the impact that kind of a program can have on handicapped young people is amazing.

She’s also continuing her love for 4-H with plans to become a junior leader in the coming year to add to her longtime involvement with that organization.

Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or email: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.

To order OMAFRA factsheets and publications: Visit any OMAFRA Resource Centre or Service Ontario location or visit the Service Ontario website at: www.serviceontario. ca/publications or call 1-800-668-9938.

COMING EVENTS: Jan. 27- Fergus Agricultural Annual Meeting to be held at Barrie Hill United Church. For further information, please contact Wendy Whittaker, 519-856-9621.

Ontario Wind Turbine Contracts ZZZ RZWF FD

6RPH FRQVLGHUDWLRQV EHIRUH \RX VLJQ Straight Talk.

Experience that Delivers.

Harry McLaren, MBA Sales Representative

Direct: 519-820-3473 | www.harrymclaren.com

RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage 238 Speedvale Ave. W. Guelph ON 519-836-6365

?J=9LwDG;9Dw>GG<

=DGJ9 >9JE=JK E9JC=L KYlmj\Yqkw1Yew%)he W RX

I )Z

Jan. 28 - Celebrate Chinese New Year - Treat & Crafts Feb. 4 - Marvelous Mushrooms Food Demo with Julie from Windy Field Mushrooms

AF Ylwl`]wH9<<G;Cw:MAD< ?jYf\wJan]jw

J9;=O9Qw

?

[[[ IPSVEJEVQIVWQEVOIX GE

FRESH

Bursary award - Rebecca Grose recently received a bursary from the CKNX Radio Farm Advisory Board’s Ray Baynton. submitted photo The $1,000 CKNX Radio FAB bursary is awarded annually to a student from midwestern Ontario in a postsecondary, agriculture-related program.

The bursary recognizes community involvement, contributions to agriculture and an interest in and desire to be part of the provincial agriculture industry.

WINDMILL TRUCK CAPS Buy-Sell-Trade 519-846-2345

BIRD FOOD

ON SALE NOW! • Feeders & Birdfood • Binoculars & Scopes • Nature Gifts • Garden Accessories • Hardware

Ontario’s LARGEST Selection

of NEW and USED On Yo truck Trcaps over 500 in stock.

6899 Wellington Rd. #7, Elora,

519-846-2345

Wild Birds Unlimited 951 Gordon St., Guelph (at Kortright) 519-821-2473 | www.guelph.wbu.com

PAGE TEN Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

Energy Conservation

Insulation expert offers 12 energy-related predictions for 2012 in Canada

by Stephen Koch Does Canada need more energy supply or more insulation?

Clearly, that is a gross simplification but it is estimated that almost a third of Canada’s current energy consumption is used for heating and cooling buildings and homes.

The number could be cut in half with proper conservation initiatives.

That is the context for my 2012 Canadian energy conservation predictions - within an insulation context.

1. Rising energy costs will make the payback period for installing insulation even quicker. Despite a slower new home construction market and a slowing of insulation for those applications, it will be a record year for insulation used for home and industrial retrofits to deal not only with new homes but to upgrade the vast amount of under insulated existing homes.

2. More Canadian commu-

nities will adopt “solar ready” new home construction regulations like Campbell River B.C. That will make the future installation of solar hot water appliances, for instance, easier and less expensive.

3. More real estate agents will increasingly educate themselves on energy efficiency.

Take the Calgary Real Estate Board, which has an on-line directory on its Go Green website listing agents who have passed a series of courses to help inform consumers of choices and rebates offered by governments.

4. A record year for homes to meet higher energy efficiency standards in Canada than ever before. That is in large part because the new Ontario Building Code, that came into effect Jan. 1. But also across Canada more and more home builders are adopting ever higher standards of green building. One of the easiest ways to meet this standard is through the intelligent applica-

tion of various cost effective insulation products.

5. As companies faced with flat sales results will be forced to focus more on cost controls, reviews of energy efficiency practices will become more frequent. Expect more utilities and provincial governments to expand incentive programs for the commercial and industrial sectors, especially where they can be demonstrated to reduce peak period electricity load.

6. White or reflective roofs and green roofs (which have seen widespread use in warmer climates to reduce cooling costs) will be increasingly embraced across the country to combat summer cooling bills.

7. Adoptions of technology (the evolution of the programmable thermostat) used to remotely control energy consumption when demand is highest, while at the same time allowing customers to individually manage their electricity costs in real-time. The speed of adoption will be dependent on

smart meter deployment and will be controlled by phone based applications.

8. Banks and financial institutions will see the reduced operating costs for more energy efficient homes and buildings.

Those incentives will help offset the up front costs of retrofits and help provide more disposable income for the building or home owner. Green mortgages can be expected to proliferate.

9. A rise in small businesses doing customized installations of weatherization, insulation and caulking. An evolution of the local “handyman.”

10. Discussions about “energy independence” or “energy security” at the community, provincial and national level will become more prevalent.

11. As for building codes, in 2012 for the first time, we expect the national building code to include energy efficiency measures for homes.

That will make it much easier for provinces to adopt a build-

Top three innovations to improve home efficiency (NC) - Canadian homes are a great measuring stick of how far people have progressed in the past 20 years, especially when it comes to their efficiency in terms of saving energy and money.

Here are the top three innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of homes.

Home automation It wasn’t that long ago that an automated home was a focus of science fiction. Today, adding the convenience and control of the indoor climate, lighting, electronic media and home security, is increasingly affordable and accessible through home PCs, smart phone and

tablet applications.

With home monitoring systems people can track energy and water usage in real time, spot sources of energy loss and make immediate adjustments.

Insulation If a home is more than 10 years-old, there’s a good chance it has fibreglass or cellulose insulation behind its walls. While these were once the insulations of choice, there are many holes in these technologies.

Since they are difficult to install perfectly and can sag or settle over time, they can leave gaps and seams. It’s like leaving a window open 24 hours a

Solar

Heat

Get your share of Free Heat from the sun!

day in the freezing cold.

Experts say insulation advancements, like those from leading innovator Icynene, have developed spray foam insulation options that won’t settle, sag or leave any gaps.

Spray foam acts as an air barrier and can deliver up to 50 per cent energy savings over older insulation options, while making homes healthier, quieter and more comfortable (compare insulation options at www.icynene.com).

Appliances and HVAC Appliances and heating/ cooling systems are essential in Canadian homes, and not surprisingly, they are constantly

undergoing improvements.

New energy-efficient refrigerators use less than half the energy of models that are 12 years old and use 75 per cent less energy than those produced in the late 1970s. (source: National Resources Defense Council).

Conventional, natural-draft furnaces made before 1992 might only operate between 55 to 78% efficiency. Upgrading to a new induced-draft condensing furnace can increase efficiency to above 90 per cent as a result of more efficient heat exchangers and electronic ignition (source: Mother Earth News).

ing code that will help reduce operating costs for the home owner.

12. An increased profile for energy conservation in the public policy debate. It will shift from thrift to how conservation can offset demand and reduce the need for investment in new generation and peak consump-

tion.

Stephen Koch is the executive director of NAIMA Canada, the association for North American manufacturers of fibre glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products doing business in Canada. Its role is to promote energy efficiency.

Important tips on controlling air leakage, energy loss in the home

(NC) - Keeping a home at a comfortable temperature becomes an increasingly expensive proposition with steadily rising energy costs.

With the full force of winter here, Ontarians can keep air leakage and energy loss in check with a mini energy audit of their home that includes the following quick steps.

Check for drafts Air leakage (especially in the basement, on the main floor or through a windward-facing wall) can make a home drafty, uncomfortable and difficult to heat, no matter how much the thermostat is turned up.

Address air leakage by plugging the biggest leaks first, such as in the attic and around electrical holes, plumbing vents, basement rim joists (where the foundation meets the wood framing), recessed lighting, windows and doors.

Check insulation With conventional fibreglass or cellulose insulation,

settling and sagging can compromise its performance and lead to a big hit on energy bills.

Look for gaps and signs of moisture problems in insulation, especially in the attic, in the basement and in the room over the garage.

If planning home improvements or an addition, consider installing an insulation/air barrier for complete air sealing and energy savings of up to 50 per cent over conventional insulation.

Check your furnace How old is the furnace?

If it pre-dates 1992 it might only operate at about 55 to 78 per cent efficiency. A new Energy Star-qualified furnace can operate above 90 per cent efficiency as a result of more efficient heat exchangers and electronic ignition.

Upgrading right might allow for taking advantage of ecoEnergy retrofit grants through federal government programs.

RA 240 Solar Max

 Forced convection solar heating unit  Generates 77 watts of heat for every watt used  Heat and filter 8000 cubic feet every 90 minutes  Plugs into any standard electrical wall outlet

Custom Home Building & Renovations

 Built in Canada for our climate  Reduce your carbon footprint  Made with recycled materials

“Ingenious device for using solar energy to heat buildings” ~ Jay Ingram from Daily Planet

how it works

Hot Air Vent

Solar Energy Systems 519-787-9901 www.renewavolt.ca

Panel

Cool Air

Specializing in Energy Efficient Housing since 1986 • Passive/Active Solar • Super Insulated Draft Free Shell • Fine Craftsmanship • Cost Competitive • Continuous Client Involvement Rockwood, Ontario 519-856-9306 • www.bradenhomes.ca

Wellington - Second Section The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, May27, 6, 2012 2011 PAGE PAGE FIFTEEN InsideInside Wellington - Second Section of TheofWellington Advertiser, Friday, January ELEVEN

Inside Wellington Events FROM PAGE TWO plant’ to incorporating ‘art’ in our gardens; displays; door prizes.

Pre-Registration is required as seating is limited. Admission, $35 per person, includes a hot lunch. For info. call 519-846-0642. *** St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Arthur. Roast Beef Dinner.

4:30-6pm. Adults $12. Tickets: reservation only before Feb. 3.

Call Bea 519-848-2839 or Jeanette 519-848-6858. *** Centre Wellington Women’s Expo. 1-4pm. Elora Community Centre, 60 David Street, West, Elora. Exhibits, demos, speakers etc. Free. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

WED. FEB. 8

Rockwood & District Lioness, Euchre & Bridge Night. Rockmosa Community Centre, Rockwood, 7pm. $5 a person. Lunch & Prizes to follow. *** The Grand Quilt Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 275, 500 Blair Street, Fergus. All are welcome - doors open at 7pm and meeting concludes at 9:30pm. *** Euchre. Harriston Legion #296. Start at 8pm. Light Lunch provided. $5per person. Bring a Partner. For more information call 519-338-2843.

THURS. FEB. 9

Arthur Agricultural Society Meeting 7:30pm. Upstairs Hall, Arthur Community Centre. All Welcome. *** Into The Peruvian Amazon. Guelph Field Naturalists. 7:30pm, University of Guelph Arboretum. Patrick Moldowan, PhD Candidate, University of Guelph, shares his photographs and discusses his travels to the Peruvian Amazon. Visitors always welcome. *** Introducing a Brand New Book Club for Kids!!! Wellington County Library, Fergus Branch. The “Believe it or Not Book Club” for kids in Grades 1–4. Weird and wonderful stories, crafts, food and fun for all! 4–5pm. Please register 519-843-1180.

FRI. FEB. 10

Guelph. Cost - $7/ person ($10 on band nights). Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship! *** Celebrating Valentine’s Day at Barrie Hill United Church. 3 course roast beef dinner and entertainment. For tickets contact Tim at 519-763-2661. Ticket price $25 each. Proceeds to the Barrie Hill Kitchen Renovation Fund. 5702 Wellington Rd. 29, R. R. #5 Rockwood. *** Maryhill K of C and CWL Valentine Supper. Two seatings 5:30, 7pm. Adults $15, children 11 and under $7. Advance tickets only.

Please specify desired seating. Call Mike Runstedler 519-6483394 or Doug Zinger 519-648-2939. *** Valentine Soup & Sandwich Luncheon & Bake Sale. Knox Calvin Church, Harriston. 11am-1pm. Adults $8, 10 years & under $4. *** The Minto Arts Council Presents a special double bill concert with Dan Jeffares, lead guitar/singer of The Bearcats and Melissa Bel, Canada’s newest Blues Diva. Harriston United Church, Fellowship Hall at the corner of Young and John Streets in Harriston. 8pm. $15 per person. For ticket info. phone 519-3278529.

Bathrooms by...

SUN. FEB. 12

Sundays @ 3 Series. The Kevin Ramessar Trio. A Unique Valentine – the lyricism of classical guitar, the passion of jazz and the power of a rock anthem. 3pm. Admission at the door: $20/Students $5. Dublin Street United Church, 68 Suffolk St. W. Guelph. 519-821-0610.

MON. FEB. 13

The Harriston and District Horticultural Society meeting.

Harriston-Minto Community auditorium. Speaker Jeff Davis.

Lunch. Everyone welcome.

WED. FEB. 15

Waterloo Rural Women Day. Calvary United Church, St. Jacobs.

Speakers: Andrea Gal: “Rural Women a Hundred Years Ago”.

Peggy Bauman: “Farm Family Dynamics”. Pre-registration required, contact 519-664-3794 ext. 237.

See our NEW website BATH & KITCHEN CENTRE Kortright at Edinburgh, Guelph 519-821-9802 www.swanbathandkitchen.ca

THUR. FEB. 16

“A Taste of Italy” Pasta Dinner, Puslinch Community Centre.

6pm. Hosted by: Rotary Club of Guelph South. Adults - $15, Children (5-12 yrs.) - $10, Children (5 & Under) - $2. For ticket info. contact: Margaret Nixon: 519-824-0852. Proceeds to Support Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.

Introducing a Brand New Book Club for Kids! Wellington County Library, Fergus Branch. The “Believe it or Not Book Club” for kids in Grades 1–4. Weird and wonderful stories, crafts, food and fun for all! 4–5pm. Please register 519-843-1180.

SAT. FEB. 11

Euchre, Harriston Legion #296. Start at 8pm. Light Lunch provided. $5 per person. Bring a Partner. For more information call 519-338-2843. *** Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 20th Anniversary. All are welcome to join for an open house celebration of the ribbon cutting of the Centre. Light refreshments will be provided. 1-3:30pm at 683 Woolwich St. for more information please call 519-8231291.

Hoot and Howl. Please call the Guelph Lake Nature Centre at 519-836-7860 to register. 7-9 pm. This is a great way to spend an evening with your family. We will be going out on a night hike to look for owls and coyotes. There will be a short introductory slide show before we head out on the prowl. Bring your flashlight and dress warmly. *** Adult/ Senior Ice Skating. 8-9:50pm. Exhibition Park Arena,

Send your Non-Profit/Charitable event info to: events@wellingtonadvertiser.com 20-25 words, 4 weeks prior to event date

FRI. FEB. 17

Here’s How it Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! Find the answer below.

HOROSCOPES - For the first week of February-

sports

we want your

whatever the season. whatever the sport.

send us your photos, story ideas or write ups. it’s your sport. it’s your newspaper. submit online: www.wellingtonadvertiser.com

or send to news@wellingtonadvertiser.com

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, though you always have energy to burn, this week isn’t about pushing personal boundaries. It’s about working collectively with others for a common goal.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 A work project may be stretching out a little further than you’d hoped, Scorpio. It’s leading to restlessness, but teamwork can turn the routine into something engaging.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Life is only as boring as you make it, Taurus. This week when you feel the doldrums setting in, get up and try a new activity that is sure to bring some excitement.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 You’re ready to take a fashion risk, Sagittarius. Inspired by the runway and passersby, go window shopping and find a look that appeals to you.

The results may be surprising.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, whether you’re working for your own agenda or the greater good, stay informed when you deal with others to see if they’re receptive to your ideas.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, be assertive when expressing an important opinion this week.

Your message will be loud and clear, and it will make a significant impact.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you won’t be timid this week, but work associates will not be hearing much from you, either.

You’re being selfish with your energy because it’s dwindling.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, although you are great in a group setting, you’re equally as impressive all on your own. Step out solo and experience a change of pace this week.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, jump start your social life and host a party or go out for some fun.

This week should be fun for everyone who hangs out with you.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, if you’re in a relationship with someone special, you will be fighting for equality but also for greater levels of commitment. Your partner may be receptive.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, it’s one thing to have good manners, but it’s another thing to capitulate to what someone asks each and every time. You have a voice, so speak up and make your opinions known.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Feelings of uncertainty transform into something much more tangible, Pisces. Now you know what has been bugging you.

PAGE TWELVE Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

FEBRUARY 2012 COMMITTEE MEETING DATES February 8

February 9 February 14

February 21

February 23

9:00 am 1:00 pm 4:30 pm 9:00 am 9:00 am 1:00 pm 10:00 am 1:00 pm 10:00 am

Police Services Social Services Information, Heritage and Seniors Land Division and Planning Roads Solid Waste Services Economic Development Administration, Finance and Personnel County Council

Administration Centre, Guthrie Room Administration Centre, Guthrie Room Wellington Terrace, Board Room Administration Centre, Keith Room Administration Centre, Keith Room Administration Centre, Keith Room Administration Centre, Guthrie Room Administration Centre, Guthrie Room Administration Centre, Council Chambers

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTRE, 74 WOOLWICH STREET, GUELPH WELLINGTON TERRACE, 474 WELLINGTON ROAD 18, FERGUS PLEASE CALL DONNA BRYCE, COUNTY CLERK, AT: 519.837.2600, EXT. 2520* TO CONFIRM MEETING DATES AND TIMES, AS MEETINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

WELLINGTON RESIDENTS You can recycle all of your household batteries for free!

WHAT’S NEW AT THE WELLINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY Looking for a good book?

There are many convenient drop-off locations:

Want to know what other people are reading?

Here’s a list of the 15 hottest titles at Wellington County Library in the last 3 months!

• selected HHW depots at five County waste facilities,

Check online for availability, and to place your request.

• HHW event days (starting in May, watch County page for dates and locations),

Explosive Eighteen, by Janet Evanovic

• County libraries for alkaline batteries, or search makethedrop.ca for more locations.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

Please separate rechargeable and nonrechargeable batteries before dropping them off.

The Amazing Voyage: the third adventure in the Kingdom of Fantasy,

by Geronimo Stilton

Great job Wellington residents!

You recycled an estimated 16,057 kg of batteries in 2011.

Kill Alex Cross, by James Patterson

Winter Garden, by Kristin Hannah The Litigators, by John Grisham The Drop: a novel, by Michael Connelly The Affair, by Lee Child

Son of Stone, by Stuart Woods Shock Wave, by John Sandford Secret Daughter, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda Red Mist, by Patricia Cornwell Only Time Will Tell, by Jeffrey Archer Longing, by Karen Kingsbury 11/22/63: a novel, by Stephen King

FREE WORKSHOPS AT THE WELLINGTON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTRE The Wellington County Employment Resource Centre (ERC) develops and offers dynamic employment and life skills related workshops for Wellington and Guelph residents.

February Workshops include: · Job Search Strategies · Résumé Essentials · Résumé Enhancement · Interview Skills · Introduction to Computers · Word Processing · Internet Beyond Job Postings · Cover Letters · Creative Problem Solving · Cold Calling · Career Decision Making · Online Applications · Healthy Lifestyles · Effective Communication To register for workshops, or for more information, contact the ERC: 138 Wyndham Street, in downtown Guelph T: 519.823.7887 E: theerc@wellington.ca.

www.wclib.ca

ALTERNATE FORMATS OF THIS PUBLICATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. For more information, contact: Jennifer Cowan, Accessibility Clerk, at: 519.837.2600 x 2373* or Jenniferc@wellington.ca

FEEDBACK - HOW ARE WE DOING? Do you have an idea for an upcoming issue?

Andrea Ravensdale, Communications Manager 519.837.2600 x 2320* or andrear@wellington.ca *ALL CALLS CAN BE MADE TOLL FREE TO 1.800.663.0750