Inside Wellington 121412

INSIDE WELLINGT­­­ON

Second Section December 14, 2012

FOOD BANKS RALLY TO FEED COMMUNITY

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Barenaked Ladies coming to Kitchener EVENTS RURAL LIFE SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS COUNTY PAGE SPORTS ALMA SANTA CLAUS PARADE the second section of the wellington advertiser

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PAGE TWO Inside Wellington - Second Section of the Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012

Christ Church Anglican Christmas Eve Service 7:00pm Christmas Communion by lamplight EVERYONE WELCOME!

Canon Robert Hulse at ElmSt. St.Drayton Drayton at corner corner of of Main Main St. St.and & Elm

Christ Church 9 Lessons in Anglican Carols

PROOF OF YOUR AD Christmas Service St.Eve John’s Church for the Dec. 18thFeaturing & 25ththe issues.

7:00pm Quartet 2 columns x 2 inches (Elora) = $27.96 Christmas Communion December 23, 2012 -25% non-profit +Sunday, GST per week. by9:30am lamplight

EVERYONE WELCOME! PLEASE FAX BACK APPROVAL A.S.A.P. Christ Church Anglican

Robert Hulse atCanon the corner of Main St. Elm St. Drayton at corner& of Main St. and Elm St. Drayton

Thank you, Alicia Roza Production Dept.

PROOF OF YOUR AD for the Dec. 18th & 25th issues.

2 columns x 2 inches = $27.96 -25% non-profit + GST per week.

PLEASE FAX BACK APPROVAL A.S.A.P. Thank you, Alicia Roza Production Dept.

Sunday morning

December 16th 9:00 am~11:30 am We will be serving: Sausage and bacon, scrambled eggs, home fries, toast and jam, tea, coffee and juice $6 per person ~ $3 for children 12 and under This event will be held at the Fergus Legion and is sponsored by

Fergus Legion, Branch 275, 500 Blair Street, Fergus A portion of the proceeds are generously donated to the Canadian Cancer Society-Relay for Life 2013.

Public Service announcements

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada farm will be open Dec. 9, 16, 23 10am-4pm. Weather permitting. We invite you to enjoy time with the donkeys, enjoy refreshments and more. Donations are always appreciated. For more information please call 519-836-1697. 6981 Puslinch Concession 4, Guelph. *** Free weekly Drop In Yoga for Adults every Thurs. eve 4:30-5:30 pm, Certified Yoga Instructor Owen Ash. St. John’s Church, 112 Guelph St. Rockwood. Info. 519 856-9211. *** Euchre at Victoria Park Seniors Centre, Fergus. Every Thursday 7:30pm. $2 members. *** The Victoria Park Seniors Centre in Fergus has a wide variety of programs for all. Registered programs may be taken by anyone over 18 years old. Check out our website at www.centrewellington.ca or call 519-787-1814

Fri. dec. 14

Knox Presbyterian Church, Palmerston, Community Carol Sing.

7pm. For info. call 519-343-3805. *** Punch Party/Silent Auction. Start at 5pm. Harriston Legion Branch #296. Entertainment provided. All are welcome to join in the fun.

Silent Auction tables. Bidding ends at 10pm. (Donations for this can be dropped off at the Legion). Draws include quilt raffle. Call 519-338-2843. *** Karaoke with John McGlone at the Red Chevron Club, 8pm- 12am. *** Victoria Park Seniors Centre Special Event: Annual Christmas Dinner. Reception 5:30pm. Dinner 6pm. Entertainment by The Royal City Ambassadors. Purchase your tickets at 519-787-1814. *** Waverly Neighbourhood Group Holiday Party. 6pm. Waverley Public School Gym. Visit with Santa, Letters to Santa, crafts, hot dogs, popcorn. Minimal cost for pictures with Santa. For more info. call Waverley Neighbourhood Group at 519-821-9677.

Sat. dec. 15

Adult/Senior Ice Skating 8-9:50pm. Exhibition Park Arena, Guelph. Cost - $7 per person. With the Fergus Brass Band. *** Just For Fun on Saturdays for children in JK to Grade 6 from 10:30am-noon at the Hillsburgh Branch Library, 98B Trafalgar Rd. Hillsburgh. Holly Jolly reading, games, and crafts. Please register. 519-855-4010. *** 7pm Community Carol Sing at Palmerston Presbyterian Church. *** “Sparkles in the Park” - a display of Christmas lighting. Riverside Park Guelph. Every evening starting Dec. 15 until Dec. 31. 5:30 9:30 with a fireworks display on Dec. 31 at 8pm. Event is free but on-site donations to Guelph Rotary are requested. *** The Beach Party at the Red Chevron Club, Guelph featuring The Band Late Night Radio 9pm-1am. *** Arthur Legion Br. 226, Jamboree. 2-5pm. For info call Nancy 519-848-5702. *** Country Dance. Alma Community Hall. $10. Dance to Country Ways. *** The Palmerston Legion, Br. 409, cordially invites you to join us for a fun evening of Karaoke. 9pm-1am with Dave and Andrea. *** An old fashioned Christmas concert presented by the co-op choir at St. Paul’s Normandy. 7:30pm refreshments for further info. 519367-5359 or 519-799-5346.

Sun. dec. 16

Sunday Morning Community Family Breakfast at Fergus Legion, 500 Blair Street. 9-11:30am. $6 per person, $3 kids under 10.

Everyone is welcome. *** St. John’s Anglican church annual outdoor Carols on the Green Carol Sing. 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome to sing carols, toboggan or enjoy refreshments in the Parish Hall. Dress warmly.

Located at the corner of Main St. and Guelph St., Rockwood. ***

“A Family Christmas” presented by the Cantata choir of KnoxElora and St. Andrew’s-Alma 2:30pm at St. Andrew’s Alma, and 7pm. at Knox-Elora Presbyterian Churches. Freewill offering.

Cantata - In Bethlehem, 2:30pm, St. Mary’s RC Church, Mount Forest and Dec. 17, 7:30pm, St. John’s RC Church, Arthur.

Written and directed by Derek Moore - performed by area choirs.

Free will offering. *** Rockwood & District Lions Club Breakfast with Santa. 8am-2pm.

Rockmosa Hall, Rockwood. Breakfast $5/person. Photos with Santa will be available. *** Breakfast with Santa, Relay for Life fundraiser. 9am-11:30am. $6 per person, $3 for children 12 and under. This event is sponsored by the Fergus Legion, 500 Blair St. Fergus and portion of the proceeds will go to Canadian Cancer Society – Relay for Life 2013. *** Free holiday kids hike. Come hiking with the Guelph Hiking Club.

1pm. Join them for a guided winter walk through the meadows and forest at the Ignatius Centre in Guelph. (Please contact us the day before to confirm the location.) After the 60 to 90 minute walk the event will conclude with hot chocolate. This will be a tortoise and hare hike. No strollers and no pets please. Please register by calling Kathy at 519 836-9147.

mon. dec. 17

Victoria Park Seniors Centre Special Event: Christmas Carol SingA-Long. 2:15pm. Everyone is invited to join the group. No charge.

Please register at 519-787-1814.

Tues. dec. 18

Cancer Support Group. Upper Grand 753 Tower St. S. Wheelchair accessible. First Wednesday of the month is a lunch out. Contact Joyce 519-843-3213 or Judy 519-843-3947 Ext. 100.

wed. dec. 19

Elora Festival Singers presents “Festival of Carols” 7:30pm. St. John’s Church in Elora. A lighter look at the sacred and secular aspects of the holiday season, with humourous readings by Canon Robert Hulse. Tickets are $35+HST. To order tickets please call 519-846-0331. *** Arthur Legion Br. 226, General Meeting. 8pm. *** Victoria Park Seniors Centre: Christmas Roast Beef Luncheon 12pm. $10 members/$11 non-members. Please register at 519787-1814. *** Centre Wellington DHS Social Justice class fundraising evening in support of “Spread the Net”. Doors open at 5:30. Spaghetti dinner served at 6pm with meat, vegetarian and gluten free options, live music, silent action and penny raffle table. Tickets $10 adult, $5 child under 12. “Spread the Net” is committed to bring an end to preventable malaria deaths by raising funds to support the purchase and distribution of bed nets to people in Africa.

Fri. dec. 21

Elora Festival Singers presents “Festival of Carols” 5pm and 7:30pm. St. John’s Church in Elora. A lighter look at the sacred and secular aspects of the holiday season, with humourous readings by Canon Robert Hulse. Tickets are $35+HST. To order tickets please call 519-846-0331. *** Arthur Legion Br. 226, Wing Night. 6-8pm. All you can eat $14.

No take-outs. Entertainment by The Collection.

Sat. Dec. 22

Arthur Legion Br. 226, Karaoke. 8:30pm. *** Guelph Chamber Choir “Handel’s Messiah”. 8pm. A holiday tradition, our performance of The Messiah is always fresh and full of meaning as we seek to convey the spirit of this beloved music. River Run Centre, Guelph, 35 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON. 519-763-3000. Single ticket price(s): Single tickets $33 each (4 for $120). Students $10. And only $5 for youth with eyeGO.

sun. Dec. 23

Christmas Carolling in James Lynch Park, Everton, 6:30pm.

Sponsored by Everton Community Church.

MON. Dec. 24

Centre Wellington Food Bank

TURKEY DRIVE Sunday January 13, 2013 Games start at 1pm - Doors open at 11am

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

$10 redeemable slot play coupon provided to each bingo player

“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

Double your donation to the Food Bank at no extra cost to you!

The Food Bank and ScotiaBank are partnered again this year for the annual Christmas Turkey Drive.

ScotiaBank will donate $20.00 for every $20.00 ticket purchased in the branch at 201 St. Andrew St West to a maximum of $5000.

Tickets are available until December 24th.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Everton Community Church, 0379 Evert St., Everton, 6:30pm. Information available by calling (519) 8561185. *** St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Frederick St., Arthur.

Christmas Eve Service. 7pm.

All welcome. *** Eden Mills Presbyterian Church congregation invite you to their annual Christmas Eve service, Dec. 24 at 8:30pm. Come join us to celebrate “Who is This Child?” with readings and singing of carols. Special music by the choir. *** Continued on page 11

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2011 PAGE THREE

Wellington County food banks: Feeding the soul of a community

by Kelly Waterhouse

WELLINGTON CTY. - In the spirit of the season, communities across the county are helping to stock the shelves of area food banks. That’s a good thing, because according to the volunteers and employees, the need never ends.

“We have 400-plus families in our database,” said Fred Aleksandrowicz, manager of the Centre Wellington Food Bank. “In the last few months we’ve served approximately 300 families a month.”

Of those, close to 20 new clients have come to the Fergus location in the last month.

Marg Rapp, coordinator of the Community Pantry in Mount Forest, said her organization supports over 120 people, or 50 families.

“I get about 20 calls a month,” said Bev May, organizer of the Harriston Food Bank. “A lot of people in Harriston are single people. We see all ages.”

Margaret Todd, of the Palmerston Food Bank, said she has a client list of up to 40 people.

“In the last two years it kept climbing,” said Todd. “Many are on social assistance or on Ontario Works, and simply don’t have enough money to get by. There is a lot of working poor.”

Her thoughts echo that of Jeff DeVries, new to the role of volunteer manager of the Drayton Food Bank.

“Our numbers fluctuate from month to month,” DeVries said, noting a total of 35 Christmas hampers have been requested for client families.

Final numbers for Arthur and Clifford food banks were not known at press time.

In Erin, food bank manager Erika Westcott, of East Wellington Community Services (EWCS), knows her numbers well. On a monthly basis from March 2011 to April 2012, EWCS saw 280 families in Erin, handing out 29,000 pounds of food, while the Rockwood location saw 186 families in the same period and roughly 18,000 pounds of food supplied to families there.

Already 75 families in the communities combined have requested a Christmas hamper, with numbers expected to rise to over 90.

This year, from April to November, Erin’s food bank has issued 18,200 pounds of food, with Rockwood distributing 13,000 pounds.

“We haven’t even hit the Christmas hampers yet,” Westcott said. “The need is definitely there.”

The reality may seem startling to some, mainly because hunger is a hidden issue, particularly in a county that is rural and large in size, with many picturesque communities.

Geography is also the reason Wellington County food banks are run independently; to keep the resources local to the

communities they serve. The struggle to make ends meet is may be less obvious, but for many families here, as elsewhere, the threat of economic upheaval is close enough that they find themselves in a predicament they could not anticipate.

“Many people are one pay cheque away, or when that second person in the household is laid off, there isn’t a reserve of funds. That’s why they come to the food bank,” Westcott said.

“It’s the times and it’s where people are at.”

Westcott notes the extra burden of the holidays is enough to push families over the financial edge.

“Even the families who make it (monthly bill payments) can’t do it when they have to have gifts for their children under the tree.”

In Minto Township, the loss of major employers had a significant impact on household incomes.

“We got our eyes opened when Canada Packers closed,” said May, who explained the Harriston Food Bank began in 1990. “That was the first awakening of what can happen when your biggest employer closes.”

She pointed to the closing of Campbell’s Soup in nearby Listowel as another hard knock to the surrounding community.

“It all comes back around again, but for our community, they could see the need for a food bank more than they used too.”

When jobs leave town, the challenge to look beyond a community for work is an expensive necessity and lands many people in a financial trap.

“You have to leave the community to find the work,” said May. Aleksandrowicz refers to the years 2008 and 2009 as “the period of the greatest needs, because of the economic downturn.” Unfortunately, the ripple effect of that period has maintained the steady requests for aid. “The needs here are about the same as last year,” he confirmed.

Westcott said, “Because we are rural it makes it harder for people. A lot of them have to rely on transportation [to get to work]… that aspect is particularly challenging, it’s another factor that really plays into their challenge; the cost of having a car to commute, insurance, gas expenses.”

She added the reality is that despite all efforts, the local economy doesn’t often have jobs that pay a wage good enough to get clients out of debt and back on their feet.

It’s a slippery slope, but one each of the food bank organizers sees continually. There are also clients who face the challenge of disabilities, mental illness or are on a social assistance program, which though helpful, doesn’t always make ends meet.

“In all fairness, these people

Stocking the shelves - Brian Dowling is co-chair of the Centre Wellington Food Bank and a daily volunteer, part of a team that manager Fred Aleksandrowicz refers to as “indispensable.”

COVER: Erika Westcott, manager of volunteer services for East Wellington Community Services, shows the stock of the food bank in Erin. photos by Kelly Waterhouse really don’t get enough money to get by,” said May. That is when people need the security of the food hampers most, but in every community, there is awareness that there is a need beyond those who reach out for help. There is a silent minority who won’t come forward, particularly seniors, and that is a serious concern for each of the food banks.

“A lot of people are in need who won’t come forward. I think it is because of pride,” said Todd, who worries for those who don’t make use of the food bank located in the basement of the Palmerston United Church. “I always say, ‘it’s not a handout; it’s a hand up.’”

May agrees. “I’m sure there are those who need it that won’t come forward. It’s pride, plus they don’t want anybody to know.”

in Mount Forest, food hampers are delivered to each individual or family who request one.

Considering the entire organization is made up of 12 volunteers, there is a lot of work to be done.

Things are much the same in Drayton, where DeVries is a volunteer with a full-time job, a young family and he is also a volunteer firefighter.

For him, creating a system to delegate the work involved in managing a food bank is essential to keeping things running smoothly.

“Everything here is on an on-call basis,” DeVries said of the workload. “I have volunteers in place that I can call.”

He is grateful for their support.

“If it wasn’t for the strong volunteer force we have, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” confirms Westcott, whose team includes four volunteers weekly, plus many more vol-

“It’s not a handout.

It’s a hand up.”

- Margaret Todd, volunteer/treasurer, Palmerston Food Bank.

That stigma of poverty and charity is something each of these individuals’ works hard to change.

“We treat people with respect, dignity and equity,” said Aleksandrowicz. “We operate on the ‘holy trinity’ of food bank operations: equity, dignity and social justice.”

This is a key element to the draw of volunteers, without whom none of the food banks would operate. Only Centre Wellington and Erin have a full-time employee in Aleksandrowicz and Westcott.

All others are operated entirely by volunteers, who offer up the spirit of humanity in goodwill either by stocking the shelves, driving or being a guiding force on the board of governance that mandate each of these operations. Whatever the role, volunteers are vital.

“We’re all volunteers,” said Todd, who works with a team of five volunteers a week.

“Some of us donate a lot of time and gas, picking up donations, grocery shopping, sorting and stocking the pantry.”

But she notes there are challenges in running an organization based on volunteers.

“Most of our volunteers work.

We have jobs and can only donate so much time.”

At the Community Pantry

unteers in other aspects of her agency. “They do a tremendous amount.”

Adam Rogers of the Centre Wellington Food Bank is one of several key volunteers that Aleksandrowicz considers “indispensable,” from the administration work, the creation of social media site to the sorting and pick up of foods to the daily maintenance.

“Adam took on five community gardens for the food bank,” said Aleksandrowicz.

“He even donated some of the shares of his own garden and brought in fresh produce.”

Roger said, “What I find here is that the teamwork … we have perfect teamwork etiquette. One thing I see when people drop off food or items, I always say, ‘thank you for the donation,’ and I always get a smile back.”

Proud of his volunteers, from the board members to the 20 weekly supporters, with a roll-call of 100 more, Aleksandrowicz adds, “If I had all the donations I need, I still couldn’t run this food bank without my volunteers.”

So what’s in it for them?

“It’s probably one of the most rewarding things you can do, because there is no way we’re going to see people go hungry,” said Todd. “We

get the reward of knowing we make a difference.”

May worries about the clients who don’t have family support. “I do this because the people are really grateful. For some of them, I am their lifeline.”

Rapp respects her clients and takes pleasure in knowing she’s doing something positive for them. “I know they’ve gone through some hard times themselves, and some are reluctant to ask for help. It just feels good to help them.”

Yet all of them acknowledge that it is the community support that makes food banks possible. From the churches, schools, local farmers and agricultural societies who share their harvest, to the private individuals, grocery stores and retailers, service clubs and police, emergency services and firefighters - each community food bank has benefited from the generosity of neighbours helping neighbours.

“Because our client level has tripled since 2008, we are able to meet the demand because of the community,” said Aleksandrowicz.

Added Westcott, “Churches and service clubs have always been extremely supportive, and the community overall, but we’re always looking for partnerships.”

Todd believes her community’s generosity comes from a shared sense of understanding the need. “It’s often people who have had hard times before who are more inclined to help out now.”

Ironically, each of the food banks operate on budgets and grants that make it difficult to stock the pantries, much less keep the doors open, making them as vulnerable as the people they serve.

“It’s expensive to run a food bank,” said Westcott, a sentiment echoed by her colleagues.

“We’re trying to maximize what comes in. Rest assured we are searching the flyers to find what we can get to maximize the resources.”

DeVries does much of the shopping at his Drayton location and pays special attention to the missing foods, the things donors don’t often think of, like cooking oil, sugar, flour; ingredients that fill out a recipe.

“I don’t think anybody realizes what goes into a hamper,” DeVries said. “To make a more well-rounded selection of food, it really takes a kick to the budget.”

Rapp notes one of her challenges is to find quality food for children’s school lunches

and breakfasts, especially cereals and juices.

“It’s difficult to buy things that are nutritious,” she said of her budget.

May agrees. “Kids’ lunches are really hard. These are the things that cost a lot of money.

That’s a concern.”

May said the budget’s priority is to buy foods to make simple meals.

Westcott said a simple staple like milk has to be divided to support numerous clients.

“Even if it is one bag of milk, it does help and we try to really support that,” Westcott said. She adds things like laundry detergent and toiletries are important donations to receive.

“These things are expensive and they add up [to the budget] ridiculously fast,” Westcott said.

“Many people don’t check expiry dates. It’s rather discouraging to have a whack of food that you can’t give away,” said Todd.

In the space of smaller food banks, like Harriston and Palmerston, which operate literally out of a closet in the basement of their community’s United Churches, having the storage space prevents the food banks from holding on to fresh foods like produce, dairy or meats.

“There is only so much space to store and keep stuff,” said May. “Our saving grace is that the United Church doesn’t charge us or take anything in return,” states Todd. “We know that we would be struggling if we were in another location and had to pay rent. We would struggle.”

In Centre Wellington, despite a modern facility, Aleksandrowicz is clear that monthly bills and rent are an ongoing concern for the future.

May understands that concern. “The future of my food bank is where is it going to be housed? Where is the money going to come from? These concerns are going to be coming back to the community.”

The hidden issue of hunger is an ongoing concern for the volunteers and managers of area food banks. Yet they want their communities to know the clients are grateful and the volunteers are too.

“People are doing a huge amount by supporting the food bank,” said Westcott. “Food never goes to waste and it won’t ever go waste. It will always be needed. “ To contact Wellington County food banks, visit www. volunteerguelphwellington. on.ca for contact information.

sports

PAGE FOUR Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012

Silver in nation’s capital - The U14AA Elora Fergus Ringette Team travelled to Ottawa recently. The team went 3-1-0 in the round robin. The girls downed GCRA 8 - 2, before defeating Ottawa 8 - 6, then West Ottawa 3-1. The team lost to London in a close game with a 3 - 2 final. Earning a spot in the finals the team again battled London, winning the silver medal in a 6 - 2 final. The team consists of Erica Ingram, Keyshia Martin, Melanie Hatch, Megan Matthias, Chloe Harrison, Danielle McIntosh, Lydia Duncan, Abby Hahn, Lela White, Heather Vink, Hayley Morrison, Rachel Woods, Claire Wyville, Taryn McManus and Jordan Ahrens. Bench staff are Mark McManus, Doug Matthias, Lisa Wyville, Paula Sealey, Teresa Hatch and Janice McIntosh. submitted photo

U-14A split games at tournament CENTRE WELLINGTON - The Elora-Fergus U-14A Ringette team recently participated in a tournament in Pickering, playing four games.

The girls won the first game 3-1 against hometown Pickering team, but lost the second 2-1 against Cambridge.

The second day started with

a 5-3 win against Oshawa and the second game versus GCRA ended in a 3-1 loss.

Molly Farqhuar and Kessa Dunlop shared the goal-tending duties with an impressive 2.25 goals against average.

Although they didn’t make the playoffs, the team placed 5th out of 10 teams. It was

a solid team effort during the tournament that included Abbi Crampton, Anna Hamill, Annie Farqhuar, Blaire Butella, Blaire French, Claire Kissick, Elizabeth Teasell, Emily Scott, Kessa Dunlop, Klare Prong, Madison Lomker, Madison Richardson, Molly Farqhuar and Robyn Waechter.

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Faceoff - Norwell District High School’s (NDHS)Varsity Hockey Tournament recently brought together several high school teams to compete at the Palmerston arena, but before the second game the team honoured the memory of Jeff Davie, who played for the Norwell Redmen for four years, including a role as team captain. The Davie family donated funds from the annual Jeff Davie Memorial Trust Fund to the team to help offset tournaments costs. Taking part in a special faceoff ceremony are, from left: captain of the Norwell Redmen, Josh Hoffele, NDHS principal Scot Bishop, Doug and Sharon Davie, and the captain of St. Thomas Aquinas from Oakville. submitted photo

Norwell tournament welcomes 12 teams

by Kelly Waterhouse PALMERSTON The Norwell District High School’s Varsity Hockey Tournament took place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, bringing 12 teams from secondary schools across Ontario.

Games were played at arenas in Harriston, Drayton, Listowel and Palmerston.

The Redmen had three wins and zero losses in pool play on day one, beginning with a 4-1 win against St. Mary’s from Owen Sound.

Points went to: Cole Leslie (1G, 1A), Josh Kueneman, Chayse Herrfort, and Devin Williams (1G each) and Jamie Hoelscher, Brendon Aitken, Josh Hoffele, and Jason Joostema with 1 A each.

Before the second game, the team held a ceremonial puck drop to honour the memory of former Redmen player Jeff Davie, who passed away in 2008 after a battle with brain cancer.

Doug and Sharon Davie took part, along with Norwell’s principal Scot Bishop, with Norwell team captain Josh Hoffele facing off against a player from St. Thomas Aquinas from Oakville.

“Doug and Sharon’s son, Jeff, played for the Redmen for

four years and was a captain of the team,” said Steve Miller, Redmen’s assistant coach.

“Jeff exhibited all the attributes that we look for in our athletes,” said Mark Israel, head coach of the Redmen.

“He was hard working, loyal, and unselfish, a true team player.”

Each August long weekend, the Davie family, including daughter Krista, and many of Jeff’s friends honour the athlete’s memory by organizing a 3-pitch baseball tournament in Harriston. Proceeds from the event have been distributed to various local endeavours through the Jeff Davie Memorial Trust Fund. “ We were honoured when the family chose to donate money from this year’s tournament to our Norwell Redmen Varsity Boys Hockey team and to help offset tournament costs,” said Ian Strachan, Redmen’s assistant coach. “We were touched that they thought of us and we were glad to have them attend our tournament and help unveil our new uniforms.”

After the puck dropped, the Redmen went on to defeat St. Thomas Aquinas from Oakville 2 - 0, behind a shutout from Cole Wardlaw and

goals from Josh Kueneman and Greg Allen. Jamie Hoelscher, Brendon Aitken, and Cole Leslie chipped in with assists.

In the final pool game, the team defeated Clarke Road from London by a score of 8 - 3. Brendon Aitken led the way with 3 goals and 4 assists, while Cole Leslie also had a hat trick and 2 assists. Chayse Herrfort chipped in with a goal and assist, while Devin Williams also had a goal.

Jamie Hoelscher had 3 assists, while Curtis Shorey and Greg Allen also had assists.

The team moved on to the semi finals on Saturday, losing to the eventual champs from London South 4 - 3 in double overtime.

Josh Kueneman, Josh Hoffele, and Devin Williams had the goals, Brendon Aitken had 2 assists, while Greg Allen and Chayse Herrfort had assists.

London South defeated Erin 4 - 1 to win the Gold Championship.

Sacred Heart from Walkerton defeated F.E. Madill from Wingham 6 - 2 for the Silver Championship.

J.F. Ross defeated Oakridge 2 - 0 to win the Bronze Championship.

CW Minor Baseball joins intercounty affiliate CENTRE WELLINGTON - Centre Wellington Minor Baseball has announced an application has been made to play with a new affiliate for the 2013 season.

It is anticipated the league will begin the regular season within the Little League intercounty group beginning in Spring 2013.

Four of the seven centres of the affiliate are within a 30 minute drive of Centre Wellington, representing a majority of regular season

play.

Organizers are eager to be able to offer a season with less travel and a more accommodating schedule for families.

The minor ball league has also added a second venue for free winter training starting in late January.

The younger players will be playing at John Black Public School to allow for a new focus on developing skills and FUNdementals of the game while having fun, meeting friends and the coaches

that will be responsible for the upcoming season.

Older players will continue to play at Centre Wellington District High School to accommodate their level of play.

The league continues to make every effort to arrange for the best of trainers for both coaching staff and players to develop the level of skill and fun to lead them to success within the new affiliate.

For more information visit www.leaguelineup.com

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012 PAGE FIVE

s HEADER s e n ll e W & Health Expert offers tools for families struggling with learning disabilities

by Carol McMullen Remember when children would get a bicycle for passing grade 3? Or maybe they got a long lecture about poor grades, lost television privileges, or worse. Times haven’t changed that much. Report cards still put kids into clear slots: those who pass and those who fail.

Students with good grades are labelled as smart. Those with unsatisfactory work are labelled as stupid or just not giving enough effort.

Vague anecdotal comments about “slow improvement” or “beginning to develop independent work habits” provide only a thin layer over a cake that still cuts the class into winners

and losers.

Bombshells may be harder to detect in current report cards, but the land mines are embedded in there nonetheless, and panic hits for parents when they realize their kids are not achieving well. Or maybe they recognize this theme in their own past history and wonder if there is some reason other than what they were told back then.

ADHD, Asperger’s or other learning disabilities may be at the root of these problems.

Family awareness is key to survival.

Reading as much as possible and attending seminars gives parents the background knowledge for acceptance of

CAROL McMULLEN the reality of these disorders and the commitment that will be required over many years.

Clinical experience has shown that emotional maturity

It happens every year

into our minds and we become overwhelmed with every emotion, particularly during the holiday season.

Dr. Alan Wolfelt, the internationally-renowned author of Helping Yourself Heal During the Holiday Season, is an educator and grief counsellor who is committed to helping people mourn well so they can also live well and love well.

He makes the following suggestions for the holiday season.

Love does not end with death “Holidays may result in a renewed sense of personal grief, a feeling of loss unlike that experienced in the routine of daily living. All around you the sounds, sights and smells trigger memories of the loved one,” said Wolfelt.

Talk about your grief “Don’t be afraid to express your feelings of grief,” Wolfelt said. “Ignoring your grief won’t make the pain go away and talking about it openly often makes you feel better.”

Be tolerant of physical and psychological limits “Feelings of loss will probably leave you fatigued,” he said. “Your energy level may naturally slow you down.

Respect what your body and mind are telling you.”

Eliminate unnecessary stress “Don’t over extend yourself,” Wolfelt advises. “Avoid isolating yourself, but be sure to recognize the need to have special time for yourself.

Don’t take on more than you can do and don’t set expectations too high.”

Mention the name of the person who has died “If you are able to talk candidly, other people are more

likely to recognize your need to remember that special person who was an important part of your life,” said Wolfelt.

Plan ahead “Decide the family traditions you want to continue, and the new ones you would like to begin following the death of a loved one,” said Wolfelt.

“Structure your holiday time.

This will help you anticipate activities.”

Embrace your treasure of memories “Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone loved.

And holidays always make you think about times past,” said Wolfelt. “Instead of ignoring these memories, share them with family and friends.”

Our family is now coming up to the 26th Christmas without my mother, but she remains in our stories, our hearts and in our traditions.

There are moments of overwhelming emotions, and also moments of joy and laughter.

Things are different.

There is a new chapter in our book called life and all we can try to do is put one foot in front of the other, continue to breathe and share the stories.

In telling my mother’s stories, she lives on in our memories.

If you need more information or assistance in your grief journey, contact us at 519-8363921 or online at www.hospicewellington.org Erin McInnis is a community services coordinator with Hospice Wellington.

The Open Mind column is sponsored by individuals and organizations concerned with mental health issues in rural Wellington and Dufferin counties.

TORONTO - Most Ontario adults are drinking responsibly, and fewer are smoking or using illicit substances - but several areas of concern were found in the 2011 survey of substance use trends, released recently by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

“More young adults are reporting that they drive within an hour of using cannabis - even more than those who report drinking and driving,” said Dr. Robert Mann, CAMH senior scientist and lead researcher. “Yet the risks of doing so are significant.”

Nine per cent of those aged 18 to 29 report driving after cannabis use, versus six per cent in this age range who

ELORA - Living with diabetes has obvious challenges, but there are helpful resources available to keep patients informed and up-to-date on ways to stay healthy.

The Upper Grand Family Health Team is offering a free diabetes support group on the third Wednesday of each month from 4pm to 5pm at the Elora office (third floor at 143 Metcalfe Street).

The informal group operates as a drop-in, open to all members of the community, and referrals are not needed.

People are encouraged to bring their questions and share information.

The group is overseen by a certified diabetes educator and a mental health professional.

The group’s next meeting is Dec. 19. For more information contact the Upper Grand Family Health Team at 519843-3947.

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report drinking two or more drinks and driving.

The 2011 CAMH study, which included 3,039 adults aged 18 or older from across Ontario, is the longest ongoing survey of adult substance use in Canada.

Alcohol use Most Ontario adults report drinking alcohol in the past year (81 per cent), but the majority does not drink excessively. Alcohol use is a concern when there are harmful drinking patterns, which occur in certain groups.

“Women are drinking more than in the past,” says Mann.

“Several key drinking indicators show an increase among women.”

Six per cent of women reported a pattern of drinking daily in 2011, compared to three percent in 1998. About eight per cent of women were drinking in ways that were hazardous or harmful, up from five per cent in 1998.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world’s leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.

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The first step is to start developing a support system composed of family, friends and associates with the knowledge and experience to help maintain parents’ stamina and positive outlook for what lies ahead. And then to set aside a serious space for the work to make all this happen.

Carol McMullen is a specialist with a 40-year history of work in the field of learning disabilities. She has just published a new handbook: Saving your Child, Saving yourself: Navigating Roadblocks in Managing ADHD, Asperger’s and Learning Disabilities. For information visit www.carolmcmullen.ca.

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struggle terribly in the personal connections that mean the most to them.

Parental involvement to painstakingly teach these skills stretches patience and delays the child’s independence far beyond what is required in other families.

Advocacy is needed during all levels of education and often in extracurricular activities as well. It literally becomes a part-time job for parents to design a program to implement at home, and then to negotiate the specifics of a carefullycrafted individual education plan with the school. Or for spouses to engage in a treatment process with their partner.

CAMH study highlights several concerns

OPEN MIND

by Erin McInnis It happens every year, and every year the suggestions, lists and invitations start coming from friends and family. How can we survive the holidays again this year?

We are running around with packages and going to events all while wondering, “how can I possibly get through these holidays without my loved one?”

We live in a society that expects us to get over our grief, move along and stop thinking about our sadness.

I can clearly remember the first Christmas without my mother. We lived in a small community in the Ottawa Valley and my father, sister and I were not looking forward to this time of year at all.

Everything was different; forever changed and unknown.

How were we supposed to carry on traditions when she was not here?

Being only 16 at the time, I was scared of this new world without my mom, wondering how she managed all the relatives, presents and schedules.

I had no clue how much effort went into the holiday preparations.

We did many things that were expected of us that first year. Then we realized that each one of us grieved differently and at different times.

In the following years we learned to listen to each other and our hearts. No one could plan the holidays for us.

We needed to do things, to remember: laugh, cry and reflect in our own way, individually and as a family. We were all learning this “new normal.”

When we have lost a loved one, memories come pouring

is often delayed by up to five years or more. For example: - a 12-year-old with ADHD may have only 6- to 8-year-old skills in organizing and cleaning a bedroom; and - an 18-year-old with Asperger’s or a learning disability may have only 11- to 14-year-old skills in meal planning and budgeting when she leaves for college.

Marriage and child care can be a severe challenge for affected adults. Even business executives, doctors, and other successful professionals with these special learning needs who may have found ways to compensate all through school and in their careers, often

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PAGE SIX Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012

AND

ENTERTAINMENT Symphony Barenaked dresses up the holidays at Centre in the Square Dec. 16 KITCHENER The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) will perform with Canadian icons the Barenaked Ladies to perform some of the band’s best-loved hits and some holiday favourites.

Barenaked Ladies: Greatest Hits and Holiday Songs will be conducted by KWS assistant conductor Evan Mitchell, at 7pm on Dec. 16 at Centre In The Square.

Following the release of Gordon, the Barenaked Ladies have since sold over 14 million albums worldwide, racked up eight Juno Awards, and multiple Grammy nominations.

The band has a plethora of hit songs including, “One Week,” “The Old Apartment,” “Pinch Me,” and “If I had a $1,000,000,” as well as the theme song for the hit CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory.

The band’s most recent album, “Stop Us If You’ve Heard This One Before!” is the group’s eleventh studio album, featuring ten unissued tracks and a pair of previously released rarities. The album features songs recorded between 1992 and 2003.

“BNL’s 1992 release Gordon was the very first CD

Canadian Brass at River Run on Dec. 19 Barenaked holiday - The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) will perform with Canadian band Barenaked Ladies featuring, from left, Tyler Stewart, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson and Jim Creegan.

The band will join KWS on Dec. 16 to perform Barenaked Ladies: Greatest Hits and Holiday Songs. photo by David Bergman I ever owned, and it was a revelation for me. I’ve been a huge fan ever since,” stated Evan Mitchell, who will be conducting the concert.

“Experiencing their stellar live act coupled with symphonic majesty, courtesy of the KWS, at a world class venue...

It’s a recipe for an unbelievably rare and incredible per-

formance; I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Audiences can expect a high-energy evening featuring a mix of BNL chart-toppers and Holiday favourites, with new orchestral arrangement.

Tickets start at $33 and can be purchased online at kwsymphony.ca or by calling 519745-4711 or 1-888-745-4717.

Full house anticipated for Craig’s Gospel Christmas GUELPH – Ticket sales are brisk for River Run Centre’s presentation of Andrew Craig’s Gospel Christmas concert on Dec. 16 at 7pm on the Main Stage as part of the Macquarie Music Series.

Craig, venerated musician and host of CBC Radio’s Canada Live, has assembled a who’s who of talented musicians to join him for his annual

seasonal event.

The Faith Chorale, featuring some of Canada’s best gospel voices, will join Craig on stage, as well as special guests, including Alana Bridgewater, Kellylee Evans, Toya Alexis and Chris Lowe.

In 2006 Andrew Craig mounted his first Gospel Christmas concert as a one-off project.

Audiences can expect to hear renditions of popular Christmas classics as well as the South African Zulu Carol and the quintessentially Canadian Huron Carol.

Tickets start at $29 for adults, $27 for students and seniors or $20 for youth. $5 eyeGO tickets are available for high school students with valid ID. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. Tickets are available at the River Run box office or online at riverrun.ca.

GUELPH - River Run Centre presents the Canadian Brass with a festive Christmas program on Dec. 19 at 8pm as part of its RBC Classical Arts Series.

While appearing in suits and ties, cradling their shiny, gold-plated Conn-Selmer horns, the five musicians are sporting white canvas sneakers.

It’s an image that captures the attitude of this ensemble, which has been in existence for over 40 years: they’re top-notch professional musicians, but they also know how to have fun do-

ing what they love.

They will apply their infectious humour, extraordinary talent and an unabashed love of all musical styles, to a holiday program that includes works from Bach to Glenn Miller, and all points in between. “These are the men who put brass music on the map,” declares The Washington Post. “With their unbeatable blend of virtuosity, spontaneity and humour, they brighten the rosters of concert halls, international festivals and orchestra series throughout the world.

Songwriting competition returns Jan. 19 GUELPH - Local Celtic band Relative Harmony performs a concert to celebrate and promote the release of their new CD “Rolling Home”. The band will be joined by CD producer Paul Mills on guitar and electric bass. The concert takes place at the Guelph Youth Music Centre auditorium, 75 Cardigan St. on Tuesday, December 18 at 7.30pm. Admission is $20/$15 seniors and students. For information and to purchase tickets call 519-763-2494 or email info@relativeharmony.com In 1986 Rick Avery and Judy Greenhill moved to Guelph with their three-yearold son Jonathan and daughter Katie on the way. That fall, as professional children’s en-

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Relative Harmony tertainers “Rick & Judy” they were nominated for a Juno for they recorded “Family Album” in the children’s recording category. Since that time they have quietly been a part of the music scene in Guelph, not just as children’s performers but playing concerts, dances, weddings, and teaching music.

As the years have passed, their children have grown up and followed their parents into musical careers. It seems appropriate that now, 25 years after they moved to Guelph and 20 years since they released their last recording, they are performing a CD-release concert on Dec. 18 at 7:30pm at

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Their numerous recordings, frequent television appearances and tireless efforts in the realm of music education have resulted in vast new audiences for the art of the Canadian Brass.”

Tickets start at $44 for adults or $42 for students and seniors. $5.00 eyeGO tickets are available for high school students with valid ID. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. Tickets are available at the River Run Box Office, or online at riverrun.ca.

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the same Guelph Youth Music Centre to promote a brand new recording featuring their family band “Relative Harmony”.

Unlike their previous four releases, this recording is geared to an adult audience, and features all four band members playing a plethora of instruments in a predominantly Celtic style, with some country and jazz influences occasionally sneaking in.

Together they have a unique family vocal blend of four-part harmony, as they perform a diverse collection of mostly folk songs and dance tunes from the new CD. Concert attendees can also expect to be regaled with some less commercial offerings of a seasonal nature to celebrate the season.

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Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012 PAGE SEVEN

Peace On Earth

Alma Santa Claus Parade - December 23, 2012 2:00pm Arriving in style - Last year Santa Claus arrived for the Alma parade via a John Deere grain buggy. From atop the cart, the jolly old man greeted a large crowd, comprised of young and old residents alike, that lined the main street of the village. Each year Santa tries to come up with a unique way of arriving in Alma. Advertiser file photo

Santa Claus makes last local pre-Christmas stop on Dec. 23 ALMA - If county residents think they’ve seen it all when it comes to Santa Claus parades this season, they should think again.

The annual parade in Alma has two unique features. For one thing, it’s Santa’s final stop on the parade circuit, as the Alma Optimists wait until close to Christmas to bring Santa to town.

This year Santa will visit the village on Dec. 23 at 2pm. It is his last parade before Christmas

Eve. The Alma parade’s other main claim to fame, as the Optimists point to with pride, is the only Christmas parade longer than its host village. By the time the first float returns to the Alma community hall; Santa is usually just pulling out of the parking lot. The Alma parade traditionally features brightly decorated tractors and farm implements, as well as an array of floats, clowns, unicyclists, and horses (from mini to heavy).

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PAGE EIGHT Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012

RMP and SDRM programs redesigned, address 2012 Ontario budget restraints GUELPH - After nearly a year of positive dialogue between the commodity organizations participating in the provincial Risk Management Program and Self Directed Risk Management Program, the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC) has announced the continuation of both programs with some modifications to ensure that the programs adhere to the $100 million spending limit outlined in the 2012 provincial budget.

Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, has notified OASC commodities that the provincial government has accepted the Coalition’s proposal to modify Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) for livestock and grains and the Self Directed Risk Management

Program (SDRM) for edible horticulture beginning in the 2013 program year.

“We are very pleased with this decision,” said Amy Cronin, chair of Ontario Pork and chair of OASC. “This positive outcome was the result of close collaboration among all the commodity groups involved and the assistance of the Minister, and OMAFRA and Agricorp staff,” said Cronin.

“We can now truly say that RMP and SDRM have been designed by farmers for farmers, and despite the fiscal realities brought on by the global economic situation, these programs will remain a valuable tool to help farmers manage their risk and reduce income volatility,” Cronin said.

Much of the program design for both RMP and SDRM

remains unaltered. However, there are two significant changes within the program to note.

Firstly, premiums will now be retained year over year in a separate, commodity-managed fund to address years when provincial funding is not enough.

Secondly, work has been done by commodity leaders to ensure that although the programs are capped, a mechanism is in place to allow the funding to address the greatest need.

Grain Farmers of Ontario chair Henry Van Ankum sees the creation of the RMP Premium Fund as an important innovation.

“For the first time, premiums collected will be held for farmers and not paid into the general revenues of the province,” Van Ankum said. “This positive change will allow us to

save unneeded premium funds in good years for the year when they are needed most.”

“The Self Directed Risk Management program for the edible horticulture sector will essentially remain the same, however as with RMP, payments may need to be prorated should the funding allocation for edible horticulture be insufficient to cover a fully funded program,” said Mac James, chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

“With our growers coming under increasing cost and competitive pressures, programs like SDRM give growers an important tool in managing their farm business risks,” said James.

Program materials including applications and handbooks will be available in the spring.

New video series provides resources to beef producers CALGARY - Through a partnership with RealAgriculture.com, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) recently launched a new online learning resource called Beef Research School for the benefit of Canadian beef cattle producers.

The Beef Research School, a series of approximately 30 videos, will encourage producers to utilize research-supported knowledge and technologies, which can positively impact their herds, land and bottom lines, and support the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry.

Videos feature interviews with researchers, veterinarians and other industry experts from across Canada on the latest research knowledge and tech-

nology, as well as progressive producers and feedlots that put it into practical use on their operations.

Each segment will run approximately six to 10 minutes.

“Producers have demonstrated that they are keen to learn and will quickly adopt new research-supported ideas when it makes sense for their operation,” said Matt Bowman, chair of the BCRC and a producer from Thornloe, Ontario.

“Given the range of research topics of interest to producers, it can be difficult for them to stay caught up on publications or attend numerous seminars and field days, so the videos will be an engaging, convenient way to learn about the latest innovations,” Bowman

said.

Topics will include research knowledge related to animal health and welfare, feeds, food safety, beef quality, genetics and environmental stewardship.

The series will also discuss the importance and value of research in the Canadian beef cattle industry, showcase a research centre and highlight extension resources available across the country.

Videos will continue to be filmed and distributed through to Summer 2013.

The school, funded in part by the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency Ltd., will be an important tool in the BCRC’s long-term strategy to improve technology transfer and knowledge dissemination within the

Find

Canadian beef cattle industry.

The strategy is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Beef Cattle Industry Science Cluster.

The BCRC is Canada’s industry-led funding agency for beef research.

The BCRC is funded through a portion of the producer-paid national levy which leverages government research funding, and is led by a committee of beef producers from across the country.

The BCRC’s operates as a division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.

The Beef Research School can be found online at www.

BeefResearchSchool.com or through the BCRC’s new extension website at www.

BeefResearch.ca.

Individual commodity organizations will be providing additional information to their members in the near future.

For updates, visit agricorp. com.

The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition is comprised of Ontario’s leading non-supply managed

commodity organizations, including Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Ontario Pork, Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and Ontario Veal, as well as the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

Investment helps potato farmers boost exports CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI - Potato farmers will be able to tap into new markets and increase their profitability with an investment from the federal government.

Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Egmont), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, recently announced an investment to help find export markets for Canadian varieties of seed potatoes.

“Our government is committed to expanding export markets to help potato growers boost their bottom lines and be more competitive on the world stage,” said Shea.

“By learning more about our export potential, more consumers around the world will be able to enjoy great-tasting, high-quality Canadian potatoes.”

The investment of $36,000 will allow the Prince Edward Island Potato Board to work with Canadian potato breeders to select newly registered varieties of seed potatoes that have commercial potential in export markets.

Samples of each selected variety will be put through tri-

als in order to determine which are best suited for countries in various climate zones. This will help create a stable supply of Canadian-bred varieties that growers can tap into to compete in the international marketplace.

“The PEI and New Brunswick potato industries are working together on this project to increase our competitiveness in the area of variety development,” said Greg Donald, general manager of the Prince Edward Island Potato Board.

“We want to increase our collaboration with public and private Canadian breeders so that our growers and dealers have high-quality, uniquely Canadian varieties that suit our customers’ market conditions in North America and abroad.”

The investment is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million initiative that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive.

For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr. gc.ca/caap.

in your home.

The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit can help.

Seniors 65 years and older and their live-in family members are eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,500 on home modifications that improve safety and accessibility – regardless of income. Eligible improvements include things like support bars, ramps or walk-in bathtubs. To claim your credit, keep your receipts for when you file your taxes.

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Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012 PAGE NINE

Spotlight on Business Advertorial

Floor it Yourself: Comfort and convenience There are some amazing flooring options available for our homes these days. Functionality and beauty go hand in hand to create some fantastic finishes intended to highlight our individual style and to provide comfort and convenience.

Today we’re visiting a flooring business in Fergus that approaches things a little differently. In doing so, they can offer their customers a wide range of options, not just in finishes, but in budget as well.

Of course, this particular

flooring business has everything you’d expect in a specialized store - and then some - but they also offer something else.

Here’s a clue for you; the business is called ‘Floor It Yourself ’.

At Floor It Yourself, you not only get amazing value on the product, but you also get the value of top-notch knowledge, expertise, and customer service. Should you need them, they do have a team of expert installers with years of experience to draw upon, but Floor

It Yourself actually encourages their customers to do the installation work themselves.

Don’t doubt yourself and don’t be intimidated. You can do it! You’ll be surprised at how easy and cost-effective it actually is. You can literally save yourself hundreds of dollars on a new floor installation by doing your own work. Floor It Yourself has many customers, both men and women, from different age groups and backgrounds who have successfully installed that new floor over a weekend. You’ll be given expert instruction from people who have extensive knowledge about all kinds of different flooring applications, and you have the option to rent the tools from them as well.

Floor It Yourself has a huge range of products to choose from. If you don’t see what you want in stock, they can get it for you. Floor It Yourself deals directly with all the major mills, and can acquire quality product at excellent prices. In fact, they can match, and even beat, the prices charged in the major box stores.

You’ll discover a wealth of amazing quality products and receive expert instruction on how to install it. You also have the option to rent the required tools for the job. After that,

away you go!

If you’re still shaking your head, but are looking to replace the flooring in your home, get down to the store anyway.

You’ll love the selection. Floor It Yourself only sells good quality product. For example, all the laminate flooring is waterproof. You’ll not get that guarantee from the Big Box stores. There’s some gorgeous examples on display. Laminate flooring is incredibly popular due to the toughness of the finish and the ease of cleaning.

So much of it looks exactly like hardwood with some truly spectacular finishes.

Floor It Yourself sells hardwood too, and have some beautiful examples on display.

Again, if you don’t see what you want, ask. They can source any kind of wood you have in mind, including the high-end exotics. Cork and bamboo are two more very popular choices. They also stock a selection of increasingly popular ‘eco’ products.

When it comes to the latest trends, Floor It Yourself is fully informed and up-to-date on the high demand products. They can tell you what the more popular choices are and why.

There’s a fantastic selection of tile and slate too, so while you’re doing that bathroom floor, why not do the backsplash as well?

Yes, you can!

Although laminates and

hardwoods are in high demand, carpet is still a popular choice for many applications. Many of us like the feel of a plush carpet beneath their feet, especially in the bedroom. It’s certainly pleasant on those cold winter mornings! Here again, Floor It Yourself has a fine selection and expert knowledge on what type of carpet would work best for your particular needs.

Another very important point to consider is that Floor It Yourself specializes only in flooring. You’ll be doing business with folks who know the product. No second guessing, no ambiguous recommendations. Just honest-to-goodness service and a stack of valuable knowledge.

Of course, Floor It Yourself also handles commercial applications with ease. No job is too large for this great team.

And remember, Floor It Yourself is a local company.

They service Wellington County, including Guelph. Their reputation is growing in leaps and bounds. So if you’re in the market for a new floor, check them out.

Floor It Yourself is located at: 2 - 152 St. Andrew’s Street W. (around the back - facing the parking-lot) in Fergus, Ontario. Tel: 226-706-3244

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PAGE TEN Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012

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: 8:30am to 5pm.

For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www. ontario.ca/omafra.

REMINDER! PREMIER’S AWARD FOR AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION EXCELLENCE Applications are now being accepted for the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 18.

The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation program has attracted more than 1,000 applications highlighting on-farm innovations since its inception in 2007. The Premier’s Award for AgriFood Innovation Excellence program encourages the development of our rural communities, farms, agri-food processors and agrifood organizations by adding value to existing products, creating jobs and driving economic growth. The program recognizes up to 45 Regional Award recipients across the province who receive a plaque, wordmark and a gate sign, as well as $5,000; a Premier’s Award ($75,000); a Minister’s Award ($50,000); and, three Leaders in Innovation Awards ($25,000).

Who can apply? A farmer, primary producer, processor, or agri-food related organization - are all eligible for recognition under this initiative. Applicants must be in compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation that apply to the operation of the innovation.

Eligible innovations: Examples include, but are not limited to: • improved business practices; • response to consumer demands (eg. new product development, value added, marketing, strategic alliances, local food); • environmental stewardship;

The OMAFRA Report • health and safety; • energy and bio-economy; • food safety and traceability; and • education and marketing of the agriculture and food industry to society Deadline for applications: This year’s applications must be received by 5pm on Friday, Jan. 18. Eligible applications will be reviewed by two independent panels comprised of a cross-section of Ontario’s agri-food industry. Additional information, guidelines and application forms are available on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website or by calling the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or http:// www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/premier_award/app_info.htm.

ON FARM FOOD SAFETY: YOUR BUSINESS ADVANTAGE Instructional Posters for On-Farm Food Safety Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) has developed a series of Good Agriculture Practices posters that are available free of charge to producers.

The posters are 8 ½ x 11” in size and available in English/Spanish or French/Spanish versions. They are rip and weather resistant making them durable enough to use in and around your farm.

The posters provide visual instructions for best practices on a variety of topics, including: • Hand washing; • Proper use of hand sanitizers; • Food handling; • Proper toilet use; • Food storage and packaging ; • Transportation; and • Proper use of animal health products Food safety practices contribute to competitive, productive and sustainable agri-food business. For more information and to see our posters, visit the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Ru-

ral Affairs website at www.ontario.ca/goodagpractices or call to order your posters, 1-877-424-1300.

FARM MANAGEMENT CANADA - EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR AGRICULTURAL STUDENTS The Farm Management Canada (FMC) Excellence Award for agricultural students is a scholarship competition that is designed to help students develop their communication skills by having the opportunity to voice their opinion on a subject related to farm business management.

Submissions are collected from students across Canada and three winners are awarded a $1,000 cash prize to help further their education in agriculture.

The award is a great way of connecting with the next generation of farm managers while challenging them to reflect on the important issues facing the industry.

Students are asked to submit videos, responding to the following question: Why is innovation an important aspect of a farm’s success?

How can farm business management be innovative? Please provide examples.

Farm Management Canada must receive the completed online application form no later than Feb. 28, 2013. The names of the winners will be announced in March 2013. Visit: www.fmc-gac.com.

COMING EVENTS 2013 Jan. 3 and 4 - 20th Anniversary of the Southwest Agricultural Conference. Watch for event details at: http://www.southwestagconference.ca/.

Jan. 16 and 17 - Herd Management Conference presented by CanWest DHI; Jan. 16: Memorial Hall, Tavistock and Jan. 17: PMD Complex, Drayton. Check the www.canwestdhi.com.

Jan. 19 - Beef Symposium, in conjunction with the Farm$mart conference. Mark your calendar and watch for details at: http:// www.uoguelph.ca/farmsmart/conference/program.html.

Future of farming part of focus at Agriculture Matters event on Dec. 7

by Chris Daponte ERIN - Kim McConnell likens Canadian agriculture to the country’s national winter sport.

When people think of hockey, they think of Canada, and vice versa, given the unmatched quality of this nation’s players, he explained.

“We have the equivalent opportunity to do the same in agriculture,” said McConnell, the founder of AdFarm, one of the largest agriculture marketing firms in North America.

“We have all the ingredients to be the absolute best.”

He brought his “Agriculture more than ever” message to upwards of 40 attendees at the Dec. 7 Agriculture Matters seminar organized by BDO Canada LLP at David’s Restaurant in Erin.

“I’m excited about agriculture,” said McConnell, who last month became the youngest inductee - and the first ever “marketing guy” inducted - to the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.

BDO Guelph partner Emmie Hull said the idea of bringing a keynote speaker such as McConnell to the firm’s series of six information sessions over the last two weeks is to “close the gap between the perceptions of agriculture in the public and the producers.”

For example, she said one of the most common misconceptions is that the industry does not have a promising

EMMIE HULL

KIM McCONNELL

future and that farmers are pessimistic.

“That’s actually not true,” said Hull.

She predicts a big future for farming and is hopeful that promise, as highlighted in BDO’s seminar series, will encourage more people to get involved in the industry.

She explained BDO has partnered with Farm Credit Canada to offer the seminars annually across the province.

The Erin event included four staff members from BDO, as well as three guest speakers: McConnell, Steve Bowers of Trees Ontario, and Phillip Shaw, an agricultural economist and journalist.

Topics for discussion at the day-long event in Erin last week, in addition to McConnell’s keynote address, included: - woodlot management and the emerald ash borer; - the federal and provincial

Growing Forward 2 initiative; - the “new volatility” in grains and farm land prices; and - management tips for farmers, including tax deferrals, land lease agreements, restricted farm losses, CPP changes, apprenticeship training, tax management, and more.

“We’re just trying to ensure our clients are getting the information they need to stay competitive,” Hull told the Advertiser.

The BDO seminar series began about 35 years ago in Sarnia and this year expanded to include events in Mitchell, Hanover, Woodstock, Lindsay and Erin, as well as one each on the east and west coasts.

“The feedback has been extraordinary,” said Hull, noting the events usually attract crowds of 100 to 200 people.

“People find it very helpful.

Overall, across Canada, it is very sought out,” she added.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE INTERNET, WE GIVE YOU...

Tree talk - Steve Bowers, a field advisor with Trees Ontario, was the first speaker at the Agriculture Matters event at David’s Restaurant in Erin on Dec. 7. Dozens of farmers, agri-businesses and consultants attended the seminar, which was presented by BDO Canada LLP. photos by Chris Daponte “We have a vested interest to ensure [farmers] remain competitive and profitable.”

McConnell says it was an easy decision for him to get involved with the Agriculture Matters event.

“If I can help advance agriculture and be of value to [farmers and organizers of the event], I’m pleased to do that,” said McConnell.

He explained he always starts off his speech by explain-

ing how proud he is to be Canadian. Then he gets into the superb quality of the nation’s farmers and their products.

McConnell also provides advice to help maintain and improve the quality consumers have come to expect from Canadian farmers, and he offers advice based on how he grew AdFarm from a small venture in his basement into a massive firm with offices across the nation.

Though he lives in Calgary, McConnell said he enjoys visiting southern Ontario and talking with farmers here.

If there was a national headquarters for agriculture, he said, Guelph would likely be it, given the number of farmers in the surrounding area, as well as institutions in the city such as the University of Guelph and the headquarters for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

MORE SPEED. MORE BANDWIDTH. MORE OF WHAT YOU WANT ONLINE!

Inside Wellington - Second of The Wellington Advertiser, May14, 6, 2011 Inside Wellington - Second SectionSection of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, Friday, December 2012 PAGE PAGE FIFTEEN ELEVEN

FROM PAGE TWO Christmas Eve service. St. John’s Community Church, Orton.

7:30pm. *** Christmas Eve in the Stable. Presented by Ballinafad United Church, 6:30pm. Good News Farm, at 4917 Eighth Line, Erin, just north of Erin/Halton Townline. Watch for signs. Come celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with music and live animals. Part of donations received with go to local food banks. For information call 905-873-4918.

FRI. Dec. 28

Karaoke with John McGlone at the Red Chevron Club, 8pm-12am. *** All Saints Community Dinner. Good old rib-sticking spaghetti and meat balls and plenty of it. We even have gluten-free. Give yourself a break after all that Christmas cooking! 6-7pm; no sermon and no charge; free will offerings gratefully accepted. All Saints Church, 81 Main Street, Erin. “The one with the big white spire”

Sat. Dec. 29

Marsville Lions Community Breakfast. $5 per person. Marsville Community Centre. Last Saturday of every month. 7:30-10:30am.

Also, recycling of wine bottles, beer bottles and cans, pop cans.

Sun. Dec. 30

Everyone welcome to join Eden Mills Presbyterian Church in the celebration of ringing out their 150th Anniversary year. 10am with a “Hymn Sing”. Come and choose a favourite hymn.

Mon. Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Dance at the Elora Legion featuring Bill Beattie.

Starts at 8pm. Cost $40 per person, lunch provided. Call 519-8469611. *** New Years Eve Dance. Harriston Legion Branch #296. 9pm in the Maple Leaf Room. Admission $16 per person. Entertainment by Riverston Ramblers. For tickets contact the Legion at 519-3382843. *** New Years Eve at the Red Chevron Club, Guelph featuring the band Guess What. 9pm -1am. *** New Years Eve family skating party, Arthur Community Centre, skating 6:30-8pm, entertainment, munchies, noise makers etc 8-9pm. Admission-donation to food bank. Hosted by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Arthur. *** New Years Eve Dance at The Royal Canadian Legion, Guelph. 57 Watson Parkway South. 9pm-1am. Door prizes and party favours.

Tickets $25 per person (cold buffet included). Tickets can be purchased at the Legion. For info call the legion at 519-822-1565. *** New Years Eve Dance. St. Mary Hall, Mount Forest. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Music by The Derek Moore Family.

Tickets: Bert Moore 323-4931 or the church office 323-1054. $12 each. All proceeds will go to the building fund. *** New Years Eve. Palmerston, Legion. Dance the night away with

DJ, Sights & Sound 5-6pm Cocktail Social, complimentary guest drink and appetizers. Dinner at 6pm. 11:45pm champagne countdown. Tickets $35/Person. Order by Dec. 21 at the club room. Call Barb 519-343 3304 or Liz 519-343-4631 or 519-343-3749. ***

Wed. Jan. 2

Through the Wardrobe: A Winter in Narnia. Celebrate winter with stories, games and snacks all inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia. Hillsburgh Branch, Wellington County Library, 98B Trafalgar Rd. Hillsburgh from 10:30–11:30am. For children JK to Grade 6. Please register 519-855-4010.

Thurs. Jan. 3

Until January 19 - Out-Grown the Cupboard Book Sale at the Hillsburgh Branch, Wellington County Library, 98B Trafalgar Rd. Hillsburgh during library open hours. Books, DVDs, music CDs and books on disc. For info. call 519-855-4010.

fri. Jan. 4

Community Euchre, sponsored by Optimist Club of Puslinch.

7:30pm at Puslinch community centre. $3 per person, includes lunch. 50/50 draw. Call Neil Smith for info. 519-837-3838.

SAT. Jan. 5

Fergus Legion Jam Session. Non members welcome. *** Century Church Theatre, 72 Traflagar Road, Hillsburgh. Century Theatre Guild auditions for “Gaslight”, (Angel Street), the Victorian thriller by Patrick Hamilton, directed by Jo Phenix.

10am at the theatre. Audition sides (scripts) available on request from jophenix@sympatico.ca.

Planting the seeds - The Fergus Horticultural Society recently presented a $300 cheque to help Centre Wellington District High School’s Food School in the construction of a British-style kitchen garden on the school property. The donation is a portion of funds raised during the horticultural society’s annual plant sale, held in May. The school was chosen to receive the funds because of continued efforts to engage youth in the production and growth of food, the awareness of agriculture and environmental impacts on food production. From centre, left: Chris Jess, teacher and founder of the Food School accepts the cheque from Alec Calder, representing the Fergus Horticultural Society. Behind them are students of the Food School and members of the horticultural society. submitted photo

Sudoku

tues. Jan. 8

E-Reader workshop. 6:30–8pm at the Hillsburgh Branch, Wellington County Library, 98B Trafalgar Rd. Hillsburgh.

Thinking of buying an e-reader or already have one? Wondering how to download free books from the library? Learn the basics to get you started. Please register 519-855-4010.

This Christmas Don’t forget your local

FOOD BANK

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 Third week of December -

sports

we want your

whatever the season. whatever the sport.

send us your photos, story ideas or scores. 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, you may need to take a leap of faith when someone close to you asks for your assistance. Act first and ask questions later. It will be worth it.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, there is bound to be a learning curve when you begin a new job or a new task. Do not be hard on yourself if it takes you a little longer.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, thoughtful reflection certainly may provide some of the answers you seek. But another way is to simply get out there and ask other people what they think.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, sad situations may come up, but you have a way of deflecting the situation and showcasing the bright side of things. You may find you are a person providing support this week.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, many opportunities to entertain family and friends are on the horizon. Honor all of your commitments and enjoy all of the festivities.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, while you aspire to have many friends, you just may find that there are only a few special people who hold the strings to your heart. It is okay to keep them close.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, sit down and enjoy some peace and quiet. You may enjoy the break from the frenetic pace you have been keeping the last few months.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Ever an ideas person, Scorpio, now you have to put some follow-through into those plans.

You can likely find a few friends to join you on your next adventure.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, things certainly go on when you’re not around, but others may notice they just may not be as fun. You often lend joviality to anything you attend so spread your cheer.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, bide your time and you just may end the year on a bang. Don’t be afraid to add other things to your last-minute wish list because your goals just may be met.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you enjoy social situations but that doesn’t mean you have to be the life of the party. Keep this in mind as you attend holiday gatherings.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, while others are thinking about what presents they want under the tree, you may be thinking of how to give back to others.

PAGE TWELVE Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 14, 2012

NEW O.P.P. OPERATIONS CENTRE UNDERWAY IN TEVIOTDALE On Monday, December 3, the County of Wellington broke ground on the new North Wellington O.P.P. Operations Centre.

The new 18,600 square foot modern policing facility will cost $7.5 million is scheduled to be completed by spring 2014..

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPIONS RECOGNIZED AT COUNTY COUNCIL

2012 LONG SERVICE RETIREES

Warden White and Green Legacy Tree Nursery Manager, Rob Johnson, presented the 2012 Green Legacy Awards of Excellence to Sam Palmiere and the Palmerston Trail Group at County Council on November 29.

Eleanor Morris, Director of Nursing, Wellington Terrace 30.1 yrs

Congratulations!

OCTOBER

The following County employees retired in 2012 after over 25 years of service.

FEBRUARY

JUNE Linda Robinson, Ward Clerk, Wellington Terrace 35.4 yrs

Heather Near, RPN, Wellington Terrace 30.6 yrs Sandra Mason, Environmental Services Worker, Wellington Terrace 36.2 yrs DECEMBER Dale Brown, Equipment Operator, Roads Department, 26 yrs John Walker, Roads Foreman, Roads Department 35.7 yrs Congratulations!

At your library...

FREE December Programmes Dan the Music Man Monday, December 17 Elora Branch at 1:00 pm 519.846.0190 Calling all kids and kids at heart! Join one of Canada’s favourite family performers and recording artists, Dan the Music Man! All ages welcome. Please register.

The Funky Mamas Monday, December 17 Mount Forest Branch at 1:30 pm 519.323.4541 Enjoy a performance by one of Canada’s most loved children’s bands! All ages welcome. Please register.

Jazz Performances Tuesday, December 18 Marden Branch at 6:00 pm 519.763.7445 Thursday, December 20 Harriston Branch at 5:00 pm 519.338.2396 Join us for an evening performance by trombone quartet, Slide by Slide, as they play a variety of Christmas music.

The 2013 Solid Waste Services Calendar is here!

The calendar contains valuable information on all services and programmes provided by the County.

Rural Erin and Guelph/Eramosa households will find their 2013 curbside collection schedule conveniently located in the new calendar (no other schedule will be issued).

Electronics and Household Hazardous Waste events are also listed.

You’ll also find important contact information.

Watch for your calendar in today’s paper! If you didn’t receive one, contact Solid Waste Services at: 519.837.2601* or toll-free 1.866.899.0248 and we’ll mail you a copy.

ALTERNATE FORMATS OF THIS PUBLICATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Accessibility Clerk 519.837.2600 x 2373 or accessibility@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