Inside Wellington 122311

THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER

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Second Section

DECEMBER 23, 2011

Inside

Wellingt足足足on Friends of Tikinagan: Canadians helping Canadians

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Seasons Greetings THE SECOND SECTION OF THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER - FREE PRESS ~ NEWS WEEKLY

PAGE TWO Inside Wellington - Second Section of the Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 23, 2011

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

Public Service announcement

Marsville Lions Club are not having a breakfast on the last day of December. The Lions regret this, but will start it again in January and they need your support in the new year. They still collect beer and wine bottles. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. *** 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.

Sat. Dec 24

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 fourth week of December -

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, sometimes you just have to let a person go. If there’s no getting this person to come around to your way of thinking, it’s best to devote your energy elsewhere.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, sometimes it can be difficult for you to express the things that are in your heart, but this week you further your relationship with some much-needed conversation.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you have nothing to hide, so speak your mind when a family member asks for your two cents this week.

Just keep in mind he or she may not be ready for what you have to say.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, take a chance on something you thought you couldn’t master. You just may be surprised at what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you don’t have to be asked twice to lend a hand when someone needs help. That’s what so many of your friends admire about you -- your selflessness.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, think about how you want the week to go and then focus your energy in that direction. It’s amazing what a little mental energy and some help from the stars can do.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, trust your instincts because they often do not let you down. You have a feeling about someone close to you and what you will discover is how on target your gut can be.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, instead of making things more difficult than they have to be, simply put out the word that you’re looking for some help and you’ll likely find a bunch of takers.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Lately it seems like you’re working very hard at not being happy, Aquarius. All it takes is a little change in perspective to turn it all around.

Capricorn plays a key role.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, go on an old-fashioned date if you’ve been in a relationship for some time. It could add a spark that you need.

Ballinafad United Church – Christmas Eve in the Stable. 6:30pm at Good News Farm, 4917 Eighth Line Erin. Watch for signs.

Visit with the animals. A portion of the donations will be given to local food banks. For more info. call 905-873-4918. *** Experience the original Christmas. Journeys run outdoors throughout the evening. 5-7:30pm. Living Bethlehem at Crieff Hills Community – 7098 Conc. 1 Puslinch. Sponsored by the United Churches - Mount Carmel-Zion and Arkell, and the Presbyterian Churches - Duff’s, Knox Crieff, Kirkwall and Crieff Hills. All are welcome. No charge. 519-824-7898. *** Christmas Eve Candlelight service 7:30pm. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Arthur. All welcome. *** Christmas Eve Services will be held at St. John’s United Church, Belwood at 7pm and St. Paul’s, Metz at 8:30pm. All welcome. *** Christmas services at Everton Community Church - 0379 Evert St., Everton. Christmas Eve Candlelight service 6:30pm.

Christmas Day worship service - “Memories of Christmas” at 10:30am. Further information available by calling 519-856-1185. *** Christmas Eve Service, 11pm at Knox Elora Presbyterian Church. *** Christmas Eve Celebration Service at Elora United Church. 5pm.

75 Geddes St. at Church St. 519-846-0122. *** Christmas Eve Celebration Service at Bethany United Church.

7pm. 6092 4th Line E. 519-846-0122. *** Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Eden Mills Presbyterian Church at 7pm. Everyone welcome to come and join in the singing with the choir in the cantata “Joy To the World: A Celebration of Carols”. *** St. John’s Community Church, Orton. Christmas Eve service 7:30pm. Speaker Gary Faris.

Sun. Dec 25

Combined Christmas Day Service at St. Paul’s United Church, Metz. 9:45am. Everyone welcome.

Mon. Dec 26

Boxing Day tradition – Starkey Hill 4 km/ 1+ hr. All welcome.

Join in some post-Christmas exercise on the 17th annual Boxing Day Hike. This starts by 1:30pm at the Trailhead parking lot, south side of Arkell Road approximately one kilometer east of Arkell Village with refreshments to share following. Leader: Jim Hoare 519-835-5284. Level 2. Speed - Casual.

wed. Dec 28

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! 10:30 -11:30 am or 6-7pm.

Children in SK – Grade 3 are invited to join us at the Hillsburgh Branch, Wellington County Library for hot chocolate, stories, songs and making your own snow globe. Please register. 519855-4010.

Thurs. Dec 29

Sparkles In The Park: 2 hr. Here is a great chance for members and families to catch the park aglow in the wonderfully created displays on an evening hike. Of course there will be a hot chocolate option available for its special warmth before heading home. Meet 7pm at the Evergreen Seniors Centre parking lot, 683 Woolwich Street. All welcome. Leader: Susan Bard 519-8366570 Level 1. Speed - Casual.

Sat. Dec 31

Elora Legion New Year’s Eve Dance 8pm. Join Country Versatiles upstairs in the Maple Leaf Room for an evening of dancing. 519846-9611. *** New Years Eve Dance. Harriston Legion Branch #296. 9pm. $16 per person. Entertainment by Riverston Ramblers. For tickets contact the Legion at 338-2843. *** Arthur Legion New Year’s Eve Karaoke. 8:30pm. *** New Year’s Eve Family Skating and Celebration at the Arthur Community Centre. Skating 6:30–8pm. Entertainment & Munchies 8–9pm. Sponsored by Arthur St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Admission: donation to the Arthur Food Bank.

Mon. Jan. 2

Just for Women, Just for Fun tickets now on sale. Fabulous 5th year. Crafts, lifestyle workshops, refreshments, lunch, raffles. Sat. Apr. 28, 2012. All proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington. Call 519-323-4273. *** Until Jan. 4- Munsch at Play for children in Grade 1 to Grade 6 at the Hillsburgh Branch, Wellington County Library. Three days of creating, acting and fun! Participants must be able to join us for all three days. Monday January 2, 2:30–3:30pm., Tues. Jan. 3, 10 am – noon. Wed. Jan. 4, 10:30–11:30am. Please register.

519-855-4010. *** Victoria Park Seniors Centre is open Monday to Friday 9am-4 pm. Call 519-787-1814 for information. There are many fitness and dance programs to choose from and 5 different yoga classes.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you may have to cut a trip short because something that is high priority comes up unexpectedly. You may want to reschedule your plans for next week.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this week you may find yourself as the center of attention, and frankly, you will probably love every moment of it. Just don’t let all the attention go to your head.

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or send to news@wellingtonadvertiser.com

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 23, 2011 PAGE THREE

Friends of Tikinagan:

Canadians helping Canadians

by Kelly Waterhouse

DRAYTON - The recent media attention of deplorable living conditions in northern Native communities has many Canadians shaking their heads, wondering how this could happen in a nation that prides itself as being a mosaic of diversity, with human rights and dignity for all.

But out of tragedy often comes the best stories of human compassion and community spirit.

Such is the case with the people in north Wellington who have gathered their skills and resources together for a project they call Friends of Tikinagan.

“Mrs. Peggy Lee, from nearby Stirton, started this project by collecting in the community for a partnership that had developed between Wellington County Family and Children’s Services and the Family and Children’s Services in Tikinagan,” explained Evelyn Knetsch, the current project coordinator of Friends of Tikinagan, part of the Drayton Christian Reformed Church.

“She had people knitting items, donating sports equipment and warm clothes and she would store these in her home, then deliver them to [Wellington County Family and Children’s Services],”

Knetsch said.

Cindy Bloomburg got involved via her mother-inlaw, Roelly Bloomburg, who was an avid knitter for Lee. In 2000, Cindy took over the Friends of Tikinagan project until the collection took over her house.

“Before I knew it, my bedrooms will filling up with items one room at a time,” Cindy said with a laugh.

So the decision was made to move the collection to the Drayton Christian Reformed Church in 2005. A special room was created for the sorting and packaging of quality donated goods.

This year, Knetsch took on the task of administering the Drayton’s sort and pack crew, an enthusiastic group of community volunteers who do exactly what the name suggests - and they do it with pride.

“I was a registered nurse in Cochrane in 1976 and worked with many First Nations people, and since then I have always felt a passion to help them in a positive way,” Knetsch explained.

On Dec. 14, the Drayton sort and pack crew consisted of Hennie Hof, Teunie Laros, Marilyn Bridge, Gertie Hansma and Knetsch, a few of the 25

Friends helping friends - The Drayton “sort and pack team” loads up boxes to be shipped to the remote northern Ontario Aboriginal communities of the Tikinagan region. From left are: Teunie Laros, Hennie Hof, Marilyn Bridge, Gertie Hansma and Evelyn Knetsch. (Cover photo: Knetsch and Hansma). photos by Kelly Waterhouse

active volunteers involved in this project.

On this day, they were busy packing a very special shipment of quilts that had been donated by a single private donor in Mount Forest.

Laura Marchment, a 94-year-old woman with a gift for quilting, produced a total of 55 quilts of varying sizes in the span of three months, including five Afghans.

“When she called me to come pick them up, I had a feeling I didn’t hear her right,” Laros joked. “I thought she said 15. She does these quilts all by herself. It’s incredible.”

Marchment has been a quilter all her life and has made quilts and blankets for people in need overseas as part of her “On A Mission” ladies group at the Mount Forest United Church, which she started in 1996.

“I know there is a need for them wherever they go, but I like to think of helping our own people,” Marchment said.

“I know the need overseas is great but I do think we need to take care of our own people too. When you hear about how those people up on James Bay are living in terrible homes with no running water in the middle of winter, I think it is deplorable that they have to live like that.”

Marchment believes most Canadians don’t realize the severity of the situation in these Native comts and ke an bl g tin ea cr t is always e en us m munities because ho ch er ar at M W a lly ur La photo by Ke On a mission they don’t see it rs. he ot lp he to s other item for themselves.

She hopes her

support will highlight the issue.

“It makes me think how lucky we are here,” Marchment said. “It’s nice to send the blankets out with people who know where the needs are.”

Bloomburg says she is overwhelmed by the continuous generosity from Marchment, who has supported the cause for many years.

“Laura is just an amazing woman,” Bloomburg said.

Knetsch noted other groups have done great work too.

“Arthur United sends us many great items, as well as the Blessings to You Centre in Palmerston, the Agriculture Society of Arthur, and our

sends a truck of goods to Pickle Lake a couple of times per year,” Knetsch said. “From Pickle Lake it is flown into the 33 remote communities.”

Karen Ward, First Nation program coordinator with Speroway, overseas the delivery of these items and she knows first hand the positive difference this generosity makes.

“The people in these communities really do appreciate it,” Ward said.

“They feel connected to the people in the south, even though they don’t show it in ways like letters and photos, because that is not their tradi-

“It’s about rebuilding trust again, for them.”

- Evelyn Knetsch, coordinator Friends of Tikinagan Drayton Christian Reformed Church gives a tremendous amount.”

Items include warm clothes, hand-made items, school supplies and sports gear. The collected items are then delivered to Speroway, a non-profit relief organization with a warehouse facility in Guelph.

Speroway is an active partner in the North South Partnership for Children (Mamow Sha-way-gi-kaywin), which is an organization started in 2006 that connects First Nation chiefs, elders and youths in 33 remote Native communities in northwestern Ontario with philanthropic organizations, universities and private citizens in southern Ontario.

“The blankets and other items are sent through North South Partnerships, which

tional way of acting.

“The Drayton people give such good quality items that we’d have to disperse it to many communities, so everyone gets nice things.”

Ward says the latest quilt shipment from the Friends of Tikinagan will head north in February with a shipment of bunk beds, donated by other organizations. Children will receive a new blanket with their new bed.

“The best part is when you see the faces of the children,” said Ward.

Patricia Pearson, communications advisor for North South Partnerships, says the generosity of communities and groups like Speroway and the Friends of Tikinagan is about more than charity.

“It’s making a difference for sure,” Pearson said. “More

than that, there is a sense that people care and that does more for their morale.”

She continued, “We’ve established a first-name basis with the people in these communities and we’ve established a genuine relationship, a kinship with these people.

“These are probably the most abandoned people on the planet and the genuine appreciation that people in the south even care, it matters.”

For Knetsch and her crew of volunteers, the service to others is about doing God’s work.

“I have been praying that God would show me areas where I can serve. I am thankful that we, as a community, with God’s help, are able to empower and provide comfort for those in dire straits,” Knetsch said.

“You do this from your heart,” added Laros, now in her sixth year with Friends of Tikinagan. “You don’t do it for yourself. You do it for the people up there. It is so important that people start to understand the Aboriginal people up north.”

Knetsch agrees: “It’s about rebuilding trust again, for them.”

For Cindy Bloomburg, the work she and her friends have done is all about the circle of friendship.

“We are their friends, and friends help each other,” she said. “These people need to have people support them. We all need support. I think these communities need to know we support them.”

For more information on these initiatives, visit www. northsouthpartnership.com or www.speroway.com. The Drayton Christian Reformed Church has a clothing depot at 88 Main Street East.

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PAGE FOUR Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 23, 2011

The origins of eggnog: a holiday staple The thick, spiced drink known as eggnog has become synonymous with the holidays.

It is so linked with the Christmas season that a person may be hard-pressed to find it sold in the supermarket any other time of the year.

But eggnog wasn’t always the holiday beverage it has become.

Eggnog is believed to have originated in 17th century Europe, primarily as a drink for the elite, since the ingredients in the beverage were hard to come by and thusly relegated to the very rich.

There are different theories on the origins of the word eggnog itself.

Some believe it got its name from the Old English word “nog,” which meant “strong beer.” The “egg” refers to one of the ingredients in the beverage, fresh eggs.

Others surmise that it comes from the word “noggin,” which was a vessel for serving drinks in taverns. The drink was called “egg in a noggin,” which was shortened to “eggnog.”

Still, there are others who say its name is derived from the term “grog,” which was another term for booze. “Egg n’ grog” was eventually abbrevi-

ated to “eggnog.”

Although there is little certainty to the origins of the name, the recipe for eggnog has essentially remained unchanged throughout the centuries. It consists of beaten eggs, cream or milk and sugar mixed with some sort of alcoholic spirit.

The Old English were believed to mix it with wine, though once the drink was brought to the New World, colonists substituted rum for the wine.

Rum was readily available through tradesman running between the Americas and the Caribbean and therefore less expensive than another spirit.

As North America grew and eggnog was enjoyed in different parts of the continent, the rum was replaced with regional spirits, including bourbon or grain alcohol.

Other ingredients were also added to give it a customized flavor. However, the use of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves has become traditional flavours for the holiday brew.

Although eggnog is widely enjoyed throughout the holiday season, in the past it was served at special events and social occasions. As a warmed beverage

it can easily chase away winter’s chill. This is how it may have come to be enjoyed primarily during the holidays.

Love it or hate it, eggnog is a drink that can evoke strong feelings of the holidays within minutes.

There are variations of eggnog sold commercially, but many people swear by homemade versions for their taste and authenticity. Try your own homemade eggnog with this recipe, courtesy of Cooks.com.

Holiday eggnog (spirited) 1 dozen eggs 1 pound powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup vanilla 8 cups evaporated milk 3 cups water 4 cups spiced rum Nutmeg, to garnish Beat eggs until light in color, gradually add sugar, salt and vanilla. Add milk and water.

Stir in rum (brandy, bourbon or rye may also be used). Cover the nog and ripen for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Stir and serve sprinkled with nutmeg.

Eight ways to create new holiday traditions for the family to enjoy Much of what makes the holiday season so special is the traditions that people hold dear.

While families have traditions that stretch back decades, there is plenty of opportunity to embrace new means of celebration to breathe new life into Christmas, Hanukkah or the season’s other holidays.

Chances are you’re already hanging stockings or going caroling this year. You can add some of these and modify as they fit for your family.

1. Feed the wildlife. During the cold days of winter, birds and small animals that don’t hibernate may find it difficult

to forage for food. By trimming an outdoor pine tree in edible snacks you’ll have a beautiful tree and one that benefits the wildlife as well. String peanuts and other nuts for the squirrels. Make little ornaments out of suet and string for the birds.

Berries and corn can be enjoyed by all. Be sure to choose a tree that is far enough away from the home, so you don’t have too many scavengers hunting and pecking around the house.

2. Create a photo Advent calendar. Make your own Advent calendar that has small doors that open up to photos of different family members. Or

Thanks to all our friends & customers for a great year & wishing you the best the Holiday Season has to offer.

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use a collection of children’s pictures that showcase how they’ve changed as they’ve grown older.

3. “Adopt” a child for holiday gifts. Each year you can bring a smile to a child in need by purchasing a present for an underprivileged kid. Work with a local charity that organizes events to bring gifts to children in hospitals or in foster care.

Enjoy your Holiday

4. Holiday story countdown.

Every night in December watch a movie or read a story that tells an uplifting holiday tale.

Use this as a method of counting down until Christmas. On the night prior, reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” should suffice.

5. Remember someone who has passed on. The holiday season is one made beautiful by lit

candles and twinkling lights.

Remember a loved one or a friend who has passed away by lighting a remembrance candle in his or her honour. It’s a way this person can still be part of the festivities.

6. Have a holiday sing-along. Sure it may be tradition to go around the neighborhood singing carols, but it’s just as fun indoors. Have a singing party where guests are given lyrics to popular tunes they can sing around the piano or karaoke machine.

7. Bring some joy to a public servant (police officers, firefighters, military personnel). Many of these workers do not get off for the holidays.

There are a certain number of public servants who must remain on call in the event of an emergency. Treat these people

to something enjoyable when they may be missing their own festivities. Cook or cater a meal for a fire house, deliver cookies to the police station or put together care packages for people living on a military base.

8. Banish the holiday blues.

When the holidays are set to go for another year, many people find they become a little down.

After all, a home that was once filled with merry trinkets may now go back to the bare essentials. Create a tradition where everyone in the family receives one more gift, a personalized ornament that can be packed away for use next year, that’s given in January before the decorations are packed away.

It’s another opportunity to open a present, and it symbolizes looking forward to the joy of next year.

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Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 23, 2011 PAGE FIVE

Christmas traditions around the globe Families across the globe cherish their Christmas traditions. Customs may be unique to every family, but many countries boast their own unique traditions as well. * Australia: Many Australians celebrate Christmas by coming together at night to sing carols outside. That’s not as chilly as it might sound, as Christmas in Australia actually falls during summer vacation.

In fact, many of the country’s most popular Christmas traditions occur outside. * England: Contrary to Australia, England’s weather around Christmastime is much colder. Many of England’s traditions resemble those popular in North America, including wrapping gifts, hanging stockings over the fireplace and gathering around the Christmas tree. Kids in England write a letter with their wishes to Father Christmas, but unlike mailing those letters like many North American children do, English children toss their letters into a fire so their Christmas wishes can go up the chimney. * France: Christmas cele-

brations in France begin several weeks before December 25, but Christmas Eve is most special to many natives of France.

On Christmas Eve, church bells ring as people sing noels, or carols. The following day, a feast is enjoyed upon returning home from church. * Germany: In Germany, the weather is cold during the Christmas season, and in the weeks leading up to Christmas families bake sweet bread, cakes with candied fruits and spicy cookies. Advent wreaths are popular in Germany and are purchased four Sundays before Christmas begins. The wreaths have places for four candles, and families light a candle on the wreath each Sunday. * Mexico: Families in Mexico celebrate Christmas by decorating their homes with lilies or evergreens. Because the weather is warm, many families also cut designs into brown paper bags before inserting a candle and then setting the designs, called farolitos, along the sidewalk, on windowsills, on rooftops, and along outdoor walls. Many communities in the southwest-

Sweet facts of the season

Candy canes are very popular holiday treats and are often used to decorate Christmas trees.

That hooked shape certainly makes them whimsical and able to hang on tree boughs.

But candy canes weren’t always the curved and colorful treats they are today.

In the 1700s, candy canes were nothing more than straight white sticks of sugar candy used to decorate Christmas trees.

A choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral decided that having the ends bent to depict a shepherd’s crook and passing them out during church services

would help keep children quiet.

It was not until roughly the 20th century that candy canes acquired their red stripes. Some surmise that the candy cane is shaped like a shepherd’s crook to represent Jesus Christ, who tended to his flock of supporters.

Others say that it’s a “J” for Jesus. Regardless of their shape, hundreds of thousands of candy canes are now manufactured and shipped for the holiday season each year.

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Brighten the Season ern United States have adopted this tradition, which they often refer to as luminaria. * Sweden: Christmas celebrations in Sweden begin on December 13, the day the country celebrates St. Lucia’s

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PAGE SIX Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 23, 2011

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by Kelly Waterhouse EDEN MILLS - The tragic circumstances of the remote community of Attawapiskat came as no surprise to author Janet Wilson.

Taking action, Wilson spent the last year writing her latest book, Shannen and the Dream for a School.

The true story chronicles the efforts of Shannen Koostachin, a 15-year-old girl from the Attawapiskat Cree reserve, whose life ended tragically in 2010, the same year she was awarded the Article 12 Award for Human Rights by the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children.

“This is a positive book about the power of children; the power of them to have a dream,” Wilson said.

Having published several books about international stories of child activism, Wilson had always focused her research on foreign subjects, until she learned that a Canadian girl had been nominated for the 2008 International Peace Prize, in an effort to fight for the right to an education and a new school.

“What shocked me ... this

was the first story that I had researched about a child who suffered an injustice and it happened here in Canada,” Wilson said.

Koostachin, a student of the J.R Nakogee School, began her fight for the human rights of Aboriginal children at the age of 13, after her school had been condemned and permanently closed.

The closure was due to a fuel spill that contaminated the original building in 1979.

“It is appalling, the fact that the children had a school, and it was a beautiful school, but it developed a leak and children were getting sick,” Wilson said.

A makeshift school of portables was built, with a promise from the federal government for a proper school to come. However, the portables smelled badly and were not sufficiently winterized for the northern climate.

In 2007, after three different Indian Affairs ministers, the government reneged on a third commitment to build the community a new school.

The book begins in 2008, almost 30 years after the toxic

spill.

In protest of the lack of a safe, comfortable school, Shannen and her classmates made a YouTube video describing their poor conditions.

The Students-HelpingStudents campaign inspired the largest child rights movement in Canadian history.

Koostachin, along with her classmates, took their fight directly to Parliament Hill.

Social media and YouTube helped Wilson research the book after Koostachin’s tragic death in a car accident.

“I was really able to get a sense of her originality from these videos,” Wilson said.

“Shannon’s friends were very helpful to me, too. My main concern was what the family would think. Her parents were very pleased with this book.”

Also adding information was Charlie Angus, Member of Parliament for Timmins-James Bay, who launched Shannen’s Dream campaign, an initiative focused on ending the funding discrimination faced by Canada’s First Nation school children.

“Education for native children is underfunded by $2,000

to $3,000 less per child, per year,” Wilson said.

The federal government has now committed to building a new school facility in Attawapiskat by 2013.

“If Shannen and the children had not launched this campaign, this school never would have happened,” Wilson said. “It’s inspiring and it is way more inspiring that this was a 13-year-old child speaking up.”

Wilson has two goals for this book.

“I hope this book gets to First Nation communities. It would be good for the children’s self esteem,” she said.

“More than anything I would like Canadians to understand that there isn’t equality ... there is a problem and like Shannen said, we need to fix it.”

Wilson also hopes to reach politicians. “I would like the people of Indian and Northern Affairs to read it.”

Shannen and the Dream for a School is published

by Second Story Press. It is available at The Bookshelf, in Guelph or online at www. janetwilson.ca.

Porcupine’s Quill gets $18,000 in federal support ERIN - Porcupine’s Quill will continue to connect Canadian authors with readers in Canada and around the world, thanks to a recent grant from the government of

Canada.

Porcupine’s Quill is a literary press, based in Erin, which publishes award-winning works of poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

Restaurant & Bar Open 5-11pm Thurs., Fri. & Sat. Daily Specials

120 King St., Palmerston 519-343-3906

The Artillery Support Group requests the pleasure of you and your family at the

New Year’s Day Levée on Sunday, 1 January, 2012 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the 11th Field Regiment Officers’ Mess, Guelph Armoury 7 Wyndham Street South, Guelph.

Federal funding of $18,302 came through a Support for Publishers stream of the Canada Book Fund.

Its objective is to ensure access to a diverse range of Canadian-authored books in Canada and abroad by fostering a strong Canadian book industry that publishes and markets Canadian-authored books.

The funding was announced on Nov. 30 by WellingtonHalton Hills MP Michael Chong on behalf of James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

“Our government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations like Porcupine’s Quill,” said Moore. “By supporting

National colouring contest encourages fun family learning Toronto- The 14th annual Family Literacy Day takes place on Jan. 27 to encourage families to engage in at least 15 minutes of learning together on a daily basis.

Merry Christmas

& Happy New Year!

Holiday Hours December 24 December 25 December 26 January 1

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this publisher, our government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage.”

Said Chong, “Porcupine’s Quill is known for the awardwinning beauty and quality of its books.

“Our government’s support will help this publisher continue its work of introducing readers everywhere to the delights of reading Canadian authors.”

Publisher Tim Inkster, said, “The Porcupine’s Quill has built, since 1974, an enviable reputation for expertise in the use of 20th-century offset printing technology to replicate the quality look and feel of a 19th-century letterpress product.”

8:00am - 2:00pm Closed 8:00am - 2:00pm 8:00am - 8:00pm

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The ABC Life Literacy Canada and Postmedia Raisea-Reader have come together to present the Family Literacy Day Colouring Contest.

The contest offers an opportunity for families to practice their literacy skills. Starting Dec. 14, families across Canada can download the contest entry form at FamilyLiteracyDay.ca, colour it in and answer the fun image-related questions together.

Completed entries can be sent to ABC Life Literacy Canada for a chance to win one of 13 prize packs. The contest runs until Jan. 31.

All Canadians are invited to take a learning journey for Family Literacy Day 2012. It’s easy to make learning part of your daily life.

For more information, including resources, more contests and event listings, visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 23, 2011 PAGE SEVEN

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 HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The staff at the Elora Resource Centre, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday and Best Wishes for the New Year!

PRODUCE TRACEABILITY INITIATIVE IMPLEMENTATION BY 2012

by Don Blakely, OMAFRA Steps are proceeding for implementation in 2012 of the Produce Traceability Initiative in the United States. Once fully in place every case of produce marketed will be electronically identified, enabling full supply chain traceability from farm of production through sale to consumers. As we have witnessed from past outbreaks of illness resulting from consuming contaminated produce, delays in trace back to the contaminated source have resulted in additional illness and, in some cases, deaths before an outbreak is contained. This initiative will enable immediate trace back to contaminated source and recall of identified produce. When the initiative started in 2007, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association became one of the partners forming the initiative. Although the initiative is presently not mandatory for produce marketed in Canada; it will be a requirement for any Canadian producer exporting produce into the American market. If you presently export produce to the US or plan to in the future you need to be aware of the requirements to enter the US market. Check out the Produce Traceability Initiative web site for the information required for export: http://www.producetraceability.org.

The OMAFRA Report

For training information and resources, please call 1-877424-1300 or visit our website www.ontario.ca/good-ag-practices.

Food safety questions? Ask us!

GROWING YOUR FARM PROFITS

by John C. Benham It is amazing to me that so many farmers are not thinking of their farm operation as a business. Businesses carry out several activities to assure that they are on tract to meet their goals. What are your goals?

Most businesses use a financial advisor to make recommendations to improve their financial position.

Plan to attend the next Growing Your Farm Profits workshop that is scheduled for Thursday, January 12th to be completed Thursday, January 19th in the Elora OMAFRA meeting room 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. No costs to you. At the workshop you will learn that the program provides cost share funding for you to hire a professional farm financial advisor to complete a financial assessment. The assessment may focus on cost of production or financial projections for at least one year. Under this part of the program - $2,400 is available to cover eligible costs.

The Farm Financial Advisor will review your past financial performance, analyze your present financial position and assess your business’s profitability, solvency and repayment capacity.

The advisor then can make recommendations to help you meet your financial goals.

For more information and to sign up call John at 519-846-3394 or email: wellington@ontariosoilcrop.org. If you wish you may sign up electronically by going online at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/ workshops/.

MAINTAINING FARM BUILDINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY by Wayne Du, OMAFRA As the harvest season is winding down it is time for producers to think about farm building maintenance before the winter

Grain Farmers of Ontario add elevators to SellSmart app GUELPH - Elevators in 14 new locations across Ontario have been added to the Grain Farmers of Ontario’s SellSmart application.

This makes a total of 41 locations with pricing now available through mobile communication devices.

SellSmart is a custom app for iPhone and BlackBerry users designed to put local price information at farmers’ fingertips.

The price data for corn, soybeans and wheat from the

Chicago Board of Trade is adjusted with basis information from local elevators across the province.

The information is provided on a 10 minute delay.

With the 14 new elevator locations added to this app, more farmers can now find their local elevator information to view, compare and receive alerts on commodity prices.

The new locations include: Aylmer, Ayr, Beeton, Chesterville, Collingwood, Grand Valley, Guelph,

Meaford, Mitchell, Port Hope, Sunderland, Tavistock, Woodstock and Wyoming.

In addition to these new locations, the app has also been updated to be compatible with new BB7 devices.

The SellSmart app is available for free in the BlackBerry App World and the Apple App Store.

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) is the province’s newest and largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 corn, soybean and

wheat farmers.

The crops these farmers grow cover 5 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

The Wellington Advertiser is now on twitter.com Follow us! @WellyAdvertiser

are hosting their ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING on FRIDAY JANUARY 20, 2012 at the ALMA BIBLE CHAPEL Registration & Social - 5:30 pm Dinner - 6:30 pm

Pre-registration will be required look for additional information and future announcements!

www.obwf.ca

Please visit our new website

GREAT LOCAL FOOD

ELORA FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays 9am -1pm Recording Artist PLUS FAB FOOD AND GIFT IDEAS PLENTY OF FREE PARKING! DEC 31 - Yes, we’re open!

Guest speakers & presentations from the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association will be featured as well as the Annual Meeting.

We are also offering a Trade Show to industry personnel.

Cost is $15/person for hot roast beef dinner.

4-H beef members from Wellington County will be sponsored & presented their awards during the program.

Oppose Belwood Wind Farm

ts en v E DEC 24 - JOHN MICHAEL GREEN,

The CFX-750™ display is the newest touchscreen display from Trimble offering affordable guidance, steering and precision agriculture capabilities.

Building on past successes, the CFX‑750 display elevates guidance to the next level with its easy-to-use 8” color touchscreen.

WELLINGTON COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

arrives. Proper farm building maintenance is a key to a successful pest control program, which plays an important role for food safety. Pests that inhabit farm buildings can cause contamination of food products. Here are two simple steps for getting the job done.

Conduct a building and pest assessment by checking for: • cracks or openings around the foundations, walls, door frames and under doors • missing or broken screens for vents, eaves and windows • broken roof, wall and siding • signs of pests, including droppings, nesting and feeding opportunities, burrows, gnaw marks, sounds and odours inside and around buildings • any other potential routes of entry by pests Make repairs to prevent entry by: • sealing cracks or openings around the foundations, walls, door frames and under doors • repairing broken windows, walls, siding and roof • installing screens for vents, eaves and windows Making repairs as you go is the easiest way to keep up to date on building maintenance. As the harvest season comes to an end, schedule in some time to do your repairs.

COMING EVENTS: 2012: Jan. 3.-Wellington Federation of Agriculture, monthly Board meeting at OMAFRA Boardroom, 6484 Cty. Rd #7, Elora. For information contact Lisa Hern at 519-848-3774 or email: jplh@ golden.net.

Jan. 3.-GFO-District#10 Meeting (Grey, Bruce, Wellington) of the Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) at the Clifford Community Hall, 2 William Street, Clifford, starting at 9:30 a.m. For information call GFO at 1-800-265-0550, or Director, Henry Van Ankum at 519-638-3668.

Jan. 4 & 5. 19th Annual Southwest Agricultural Conference, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus. Watch for details at: http://www.southwestagconference.ca/.

Merry Christmas!

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PAGE EIGHT Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 23, 2011

RETIREMENT

ty, orking for the Coun w of s ar ye 29 er After ov lington r of Nursing at Wel to ec ir D s, ri or M r Eleano December 23.

Terrace, retired on nor all the best ea El h is w f af st d an County Council e. xt chapter of her lif ne ng ti ci ex is th in

HOUSING INFORMATION FOR SENIORS Are you 55 years or older? Are you considering other places to live? Are you wondering where to start? Consider housing options available in your community.

OPTIONS:

HOLIDAY WASTE REDUCTION TIPS Tip #1: Change Tip #1 to: Avoid using disposables. Borrow items from family, friends or a neighbour.

Tip #2: Avoid paper wrapping or bags. Wrap gifts in a tea, beach or bath towel, depending on the size you need.

They come in all sorts of colours and patterns, and become part of the gift!

Tip #3: Don’t throw away leftovers. Put them in reusable plastic containers and send them home with your guests.

Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for more ideas!

Moving from a house to an apartment

Look for Private sector housing that is geared to less maintenance

Live close to others and still live in your own home

Look for Adult Lifestyle Community housing geared to older age groups

Search for homes where the rent is 50% or more lower than other rents

Look for Social and Affordable Housing. Apply for assistance through the County of Wellington’s Housing Access Centre at 519.837.5492 x 4060 or visit www.wellington.ca

Live independently but need someone to help you

Look for Supportive Housing and services. Apply to Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) for assistance at 310.

CCAC (2222) or visit www.310ccac.ca

Want affordable housing and have capital to invest

Look for Life Lease Housing

Are in good health and need assistance with daily living

Look for Retirement Homes

INFORMATION: Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors www.oanhss.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Consumers AboutSeniorsHousing/default.htm CONTACT: Wellington and Guelph Housing Services 519.824.7822 www.wellington.ca

READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY AN E-BOOK READER! Have an e-book reader? Thinking about buying one for Christmas?

The Wellington County Library has 150 e-book titles to lend and through a partnership agreement with the Southern Ontario Library Service, an additional 18,000 titles are available through www.wclib.ca What you need to know: • Ask library staff which e-book readers are supported by “Overdrive,” the libraries supplier of e-books.

• The KindleTM is not currently supported by public libraries in Ontario (due to licensing agreements beyond their control).

• Make sure you have a current library card (they’re free!) and your own PIN number to gain access to the e-book shelf.

• Instructions are available at www.wclib.ca.

• All 14 County library branches have at least one e-reader available for demonstration purposes.

If you’re giving an e-book for Christmas, ask at your local branch about the library’s introductory training sessions on the use of e-books – ask for your gift certificate.

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