Inside Wellington

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FEATURE INSIDE

SECOND SECTION TO THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER

OCTOBER 9, 2009

Inside

Wellington Superior Court Judge Heather McGee

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

PAGE TWO Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS: Access Recognition Awards Guelph Barrier Free Committees is seeking nominations for the Access Recognition Awards 2009. If you or someone you know have contributed to breaking down barriers for persons with a disability, please contact Leanne Warren at 519-822-1260, ext 2670. Deadline is Monday, October 19, 2009.

OCTOBER 9

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CRAFT SALE

Moorefield United Church Youth and Teens invites all youth aged 9-18 to a Park clean-up and Movie Night. We will meet at the Picnic area at 5pm for a quick clean-up and scavenger hunt and then walk to the church for dinner and a movie. *** Until October 31- Wellington Artists’ Gallery and Art Centre, 6142 Wellington Rd 29, RR4 Fergus, Fall exhibition “Artistic Vision�. Open daily from 10am-5pm. No admission. Ample free parking. For directions/details call the Gallery at 519-843 6303. *** Until the 31st- Wellington Artists’ Gallery and Art Centre, 6142 Wellington Rd 29, RR4 Fergus welcomes Pat Armstrong’s exhibition, ‘Beauty in the Garden’. Pat invites you to attend the Opening Reception of her new exhibition on Sat. Oct. 10 1-3pm.

Refreshments. For directions and details call the Gallery at 519843-6303. *** Until the 10th- Food for Fines. All Wellington County Library branches will be accepting donations for their local food banks in lieu of fine money. Each item donated is worth $2 in fines.

Contact your local branch for details and other exciting events.

OCTOBER 10 Old Time Dance with Bill Beattie. 8pm. $10 includes light lunch.

St. John Parish Centre, 130 Georgina St., Arthur. *** The Elora Festival Singers present Harvest Home. Celebrate Thanksgiving with music for harvest time and poetry for nature amid a visual display of the bounty of the land. 3pm at St. John's Anglican Church, Elora. Tickets $35, and are available by phone at 519-846-0331, in person at 33 Henderson St., Elora.

OCTOBER 17- 9am-2pm BELWOOD HALL

New crafters and products. Something for everyone.

OCTOBER 13

Sponsored by Belwood W.I. Contact Carol 519-843-2990 or Ev 519-843-4319 for more info

The Royal City Quilters Guild monthly meeting 7pm., at the Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd. Visitors welcome! The $5 entry for guests may be applied against membership at a later date. *** Puslinch Seniors' Euchre Club 1:30pm. Present and former Puslinch Township residents are invited to join us for an afternoon of friendly euchre games at the Puslinch Community Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. *** An urgent meeting of the Eden Mills Community Cemetery will be held at the Community Hall at 7pm. All those interested in the future of the Cemetery are invited to attend. *** Buddhist Meditation Drop-in Class for beginners to meditation: "Cultivating a Peaceful Heart" At Soul Garden Studio, 455 Tower Street N. Fergus 7:30pm - 9pm. Casual and relaxed. Everyone welcome.

“Jacob’s Place�

Fund Raising Dance Live Country Rock Music featuring

Transit Saturday November 7th, 2009 8 p.m.- 1 a.m.

Fergus Community Centre Proceeds to Centre Wellington District High School Honduras Mission Team no high school students please Light Buffet • Silent Auction $15 advanced • $20 at door Tickets available at Roxanne’s Reflections Bookstore and Village Hairstyling in Fergus or by calling(519) 843-6308

OCTOBER 14 Rockwood & District Lioness Euchre & Bridge Night. Rockmosa Community Centre, Rockwood at 7pm. $5 a person. Lunch & prizes to follow. *** The Grand Quilt Guild meet at Royal Canadian Legion Fergus at 7:30-9:30. We welcome youth quilters. *** Harriston Legion Br. 296 Euchre. 8pm. *** Please join the Royal City Calligraphy Guild. 7:30-9:30pm at Dublin Street United Church for a demonstration of "Pointed Pen" by guild member Wendy Nember. Guild Contact: C. Homer 519821-2836.

OCTOBER 15

Sunday October 25, 2009 Games start at 1pm - Doors open at 11am share the wealth package $15 - main program package $25 (both packages are required - extra strips available)

“proceeds to local community projects�

Held at Grand River Raceway 7445 Wellington County Rd. 21, Elora

www.ferguselorarotary.com Held under lottery license #M580239 FERGUS ELORA ROTARY FOUNDATION Staffed by: Centre Wellington Rotary Club and Fergus Elora Rotary Club

Jamboree - St. John Parish Centre 160 Georgina St. Arthur, Ontario. (Next to St. John Church) Start time is 7pm. For cancellation info. due to weather call 519-848-6723. *** Guelph Civic Museum Lecture Series in partnership with the Laurier Centre for Military, Strategic and Disarmament Studies Guelph Civic Museum, 6 Dublin St. S. 519-836-1221, 7:30pm, Jonathan Vance, “Unlikely Soldier�. Free admission. *** Master’s International Ministries Invites you to an Informational Meeting on God’s work in Ukraine at 7:45pm Perth East Recreation Complex Milverton. Speaker: David Miller (Kiev, Ukraine). Everyone Welcome! For more information call Stephen Ropp 519-595-4087. *** Until November 1 - Guelph Little Theatre presents Agatha

Christie's The Mousetrap. Directed by Jeff Dakin, Produced by Grace Peters. Tickets $17, call 519-821-0270.

OCTOBER 16 Wellington County Plowman’s Banquet & Awards night. 7pm at Knox Presbyterian Church, Elora. *** Fish Fry at St. Mary Family Centre, Mount Forest. 5-6.30pm.

Advance tickets only. Adults $12, children $6. Tickets call 519323-4690. *** The Black Family in concert. Melville United Church, Fergus (across from Post Office, downtown). 7pm $10/adult. 9 children singing and playing toe tapping old favourites on fiddle and piano.

Tickets for concert and/or supper at door. Call 519-8431781/5863. *** At the Arthur Legion from 6-8pm. All you can eat Wing night. *** Fall Festival, Melville United Church, Fergus. Meals, crafts, baking, books, vendors, treasures, silent auction, children's area, local musicians. Free admission, community event. Call 519-843-5863. *** Century Church Theatre, Hillsburgh. 7th Annual Bob Milne's Ragtime. The world's best ragtime and boogie woogie pianist.

2:30pm Matinees with Gourmet Afternoon Tea with Bob; Saturday at 8pm. Box Office 519-855-4586. *** Master’s International Ministries Invites you to an Informational Meeting On God’s work in Ukraine at 7:45 pm Elmira Lions Hall, Elmira. Speaker: David Miller (Kiev, Ukraine). Everyone Welcome! For more information call Stephen Ropp 519-5954087.

OCTOBER 17 Kids’ Concert, Music with Brian. Melville United Church Community Event for kids, preschool to 10 years. 11am. $2 person. Tickets at door. Call 519-843-1781/6853. *** Race for Children of Haiti. 5km run/walk 9:30am at James McQueen PS. 365 St. George St. W., Fergus. Registration 8am.

Prizes, free brunch and more. Call Sandra 519-843-3565. *** Craft Sale 9am-2pm Belwood Hall. New crafters and products, bake table, something for everyone. Sponsored by Belwood W.I. Contact Carol for more info 519-843-2990. *** UCHS Rabies Clinic for Dogs and Cats. 10- 2pm at Elmira Farm Services, Ospringe (SE corner Hw. 134 & 124, north of Acton).

Rabies vaccine $20; Microchip: $30.Visa or cash only. For more info. call 519-833-2287. *** Concert with Susan Brown – A soprano from the Maritimes, pianist Murphy Hung, and other local skilled musicians, at Mount Forest United Church, 7:30pm. Tickets $10, available at the door, or church office 519-323-1910 Ext. 1. *** Arthur Legion Br. 226 Fall Mixed Cribbage Tournament 1pm. $20 per team. Cash prizes. Registration 11:30am. *** Ham Supper at Alma Community Hall 5-7pm. Adults $10, children $4. *** Until the 18th- Palmerston Legion Br. 409 Haunted House. Check website for details. *** Until the 18th - Aberfoyle Junction Model Railway Fall Show.

10am-4:30pm. Located on old Hwy 6 (Brock Rd.) 1 km N of 401, south of Aberfoyle. Watch for signs. Adults $8, Seniors $6, children $5.

OCTOBER 18 136th Anniversary Service at Knox Presbyterian Church, Grand Valley at 2pm. Guest Speaker Rev. Harvey Self, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments.

OCTOBER 19 Harriston & District Horticultural Society Meeting, 7:30pm at the Harriston-Minto Community Auditorium. Speaker-Brian Bergman, Topic - Orchids of Perennials. Mini Show, also. *** Stone United Church Beef Dinner, 5-7pm Rockmosa Centre, Rockwood. Adults $15, Children 12 and under $7, Pre-school free. Take-out available. Tickets: 5pm Earl 519-856-4052, 6pm Don Martin 519-856-1402, 7pm Jack 519-856-4765.

OCTOBER 20 The Schizophrenia Society, Guelph and area monthly meeting.

7:30pm at the Evergreen Centre, 683 Woolwich Street. Anyone touched by or interested in schizophrenia is welcome. Info. 519822-8781.

Continued on page 15

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009 PAGE THREE

Heather McGee taking to new life as family court judge

by David Meyer

ERAMOSA - She went from the 4-H show ring for cattle to becoming a lawyer.

She went from bailing hay in the field to being named a judge of the family court branch of the Superior Court of Justice in and for the Province of Ontario.

And Heather McGee, earlier known in this area as Heather Cox, is hoping her rapid advancement in the judiciary will inspire others from rural parts of Ontario to know there are opportunities available to those who work hard and want to make a difference in their community.

McGee’s family has played a major role in her life. Her parents are Murray and Sharon Cox, of old Eramosa township and Darlene Cox, of Guelph.

It was a throw-away remark by her father that started McGee on the path into the legal system. She was in grade 2 at Eramosa Public School when she won a public speaking contest, and her Dad, who served as Eramosa Reeve and County Warden in his time, told her, “You could be a lawyer, the way you talk.”

From that moment on, that was her goal.

“I said okay, and I never changed my mind,” McGee remembered.

She went to Rockwood Public school for grades 7 and 8, and then onto high school in Fergus. She laughed and said summer school was a lot easier than bailing hay, so she took extra courses and finished grade 13 in four years before moving to the University of Guelph. It helped that she got good marks.

“I took to school and I had some great teachers,” she said.

“One of them had even taught my father.”

McGee remembers her teachers fondly, and the day she was sworn in, she invited two of her favourites, Marg and Ivan Stinson, who taught history and English and math and science respectively at Centre Wellington District High School, to the ceremony, where

“You have a tremendous opportunity to make a positive difference.

As a lawyer you do it case by case.

As a judge, you can bring a positive and empathetic approach to a broad range of cases every day.” she said they were a great hit with the Chief Justice.

McGee has learned to adjust quickly to changes in her life. After the University of Guelph, she went to Osgoode Hall to study law, and told her grandfather, Fred Cox, a former councillor, the first year was pretty tough and maybe she ought to come home to the farm. He had been involved in hiring one of the first women lawyers in the area for a municipality and he responded to her plight by saying, “Women make fine lawyers; but I’m not so sure about farmers, so you’d better keep at it.”

He thought there was nothing unusual about female lawyers - and she persevered.

Ten days after her graduation and nine days after her wedding, she began practicing law as an articling student for

Stiver, Vale, Leck, Monteith in Newmarket. When that firm split up she joined one of the partners and by 1997 had founded her own practice, and found an associate - who became a partner and friend - in Laura Fryer in Markham.

Over time their practice settled into the areas of family and estates law and McGee & Fryer grew into one of York Region’s most successful firms. McGee conducted trials, mediations, trained in collaborative law, did practice reviews for the Law Society and became an active volunteer with the Bar Association.

She became President of the Ontario Bar Association in 2005-06, an organization representing over 16,000 of the province’s lawyers, following her duties as vice-president and chairman of Strategic Planning.

People who know her, knew that she had caught the same public service bug of several generations of the Cox family.

Her most important years of public service were as chair of the Bar Association’s access to justice committee from 2006 to 2008. Travelling the province, the committee partnered with local MPPs to hold town hall hearings on justice issues.

“I really enjoyed dealing with the public on these challenging issues,” she said, noting that going with her father to Ontario Municipal Board Hearings and council meetings first got her interested in justice and public service.

“Justice issues are just as important as health and education issues,” she said.

“Communities with timely access to justice are healthier communities.”

McGee said some of the work her committee completed during that time is now slowly

Early influences - when Heather McGee was sworn in as a judge recently, she invited Marg and Ivan Stinson, her old high school teachers to the ceremony (right).

Above - Heather McGee and daughter Dana.

leading to changes in the justice system, and she is proud of their contributions.

When her appointment came on May 15, 2009 McGee said she had “about three hours” to wind up her practice and then transfer her files amongst Fryer and their three associates.

She is keenly aware of the immense job she is taking on.

For starters, in her Newmarket Court she can often face over 40 cases a day, with matters of immense diversity and from every walk of life. There are often complex factors to consider and strongly held positions. But she says being a judge is not just about adjudicating, it is also about resolving matters and helping parties work through difficult decisions. McGee was raised to consider public service as part of her life.

“My dad didn’t have to take his coveralls off after a long day of work and put on a suit for council - he did it because he enjoyed it, especially the people with whom he served;

and he felt that he could help improve things.”

She said what attracted her to being a judge was “you have a tremendous opportunity to make a positive difference. As a lawyer you do it case by case.

As a judge, you can bring a positive and empathetic approach to a broad range of cases every day.”

She and her husband, Randy, have three children: Jordan, 16, Austin, 13, and Dana, 8. McGee said she is very lucky because Randy is the main caregiver for the children, and he coaches and volunteers in the community. They have purchased “an old farmhouse in Belwood” that is their second home and keeps her close to her family and friends.

“It’s nice to come home at the end of the day,” she said.

By being home, she means in rural Ontario. McGee cited the coming events section in the Advertiser and said that, to her, is community. The community events and church suppers were an important part of her early life.

McGee said, “Mimosa United Church has as much, if not more to do with who I am today as Osgoode Hall Law School.”

She added growing up in rural Ontario has been a real blessing that she increasingly appreciates as the years go by.

“Rural folks seem to have a broader sense of community, and people in rural areas find talking to each other natural.

“So its second nature to me not just to study law, but where the law is going.” She is seeing major changes in family law, and wants to be part of that progression because, “very little affects individuals more than family law.”

So, even while she works in a more urban environment, McGee is determined not to lose her rural roots.

She said she has gone through some tough times, like anyone might, but those help her to appreciate the good times even more.

For now, in her new job and home in Belwood, life couldn’t be better.

What’s on your Christmas list?

Christmas ad campaign? A Christmas greeting?

Or would you like to be part of our parade pages?

Christmas will be here before you know it.

To be a part of Inside Wellington call 519.843.5410 or email sales@wellingtonadvertiser.com

PAGE FOUR Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009

Children’s Foundation fundraiser gala has tropical theme this year GUELPH - The Children’s Foundation Gala wants to sweep guests away to the tropics this year.

The fourth annual Around the World fundraiser is on Oct. 23 at the Italian Canadian Club.

This year, guests will feel the warmth of the Caribbean during an evening of tropical luxuries.

The gourmet dinner will feature dishes highlighting some of the best tropical ingredients including mango and

sweet potatoes – plus a Pina Colada dessert.

Entertainment will include Traces steel drum band and a Caribbean Fusion dance performance, along with prizes including the grand prize - a trip for two to St. Lucia.

Tickets are $100 per person and are now available for purchase through the Children’s Foundation website at www.childrensfoundation.org or by contacting the office at 519-826-9551 or info@childrensfoundation.org.

Throughout the evening the foundation’s recognition awards will be presented including: - corporate supporter of the year; - volunteer of the year; and - community champion.

The Children’s Foundation contributes to the healthy growth and development of children and youth in need in Guelph and Wellington County, by funding their participation in enrichment activities.

LOCAL-ORGANIC-FRESH

ELORA

FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays 9am-1pm

15 MILL ST. E., ELORA

Recipe of the Week Heat oil in a large, deep skillet on medium heat.

Add shallot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add squash and pears and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes.

Add stock, cranberries and maple syrup.

Combine well. Stirring often, cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until squash is tender.

Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with mint.

Makes 8 servings.

Grated Squash with Pears and Cranberries Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 shallot or small onion, thinly sliced 3 lb. Butternut squash, peeled and grated 2 pears, peeled and diced ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock, or water 3 Tbsp. dried cranberries 2 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey salt and pepper to taste 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint or chives

Help us grow the Elora Farmer’s Market.

We’re looking for local farmers & growers to join us!

Recipes brought to you courtesy of The Wellington Advertiser in partnership with

Savour Elora Fergus

www.elorafarmersmarket.ca FRESH local produce, herbs and flowers | LOCAL cheese, honey and maple syrup FRESH baking and preserves | Food DEMONSTRATIONS GUEST artists and entertainers | Fresh country air – NO CHARGE

Fortunate few - Dorothy McCluskey and four children from the Stella House orphanage in Cap Haitien that is supported by HEARTS. These children get to go to school. Many more do not.

Up close and personal: the Race for Children of Haiti runs Oct. 17 This year the Race for the Children of Haiti is something very personal for Dorothy McCluskey.

Last year and the year before, she was unable to participate in the race locally because she was otherwise occupied. She was in Haiti as a missionary with OMS in the north of Haiti near Cap Haitien where she taught english as a second language. She knows how important the work that the Fergus HEARTS (Haitians Educated and Ready to Serve) group does, having seen firsthand the smiles of the children who are being fed and attending school.

More recently she was in Haiti at the end of August to meet with the pastors of the four schools that HEARTS supports.

HEARTS works with its Haitian partners in the delivery of food to an orphanage (Stella House) serving 40 children and the provision of education programs to upwards of 400 children in four schools, one of them accessible only by foot in the hills outside of Cap Haitien.

Were it not for the funding that is received from HEARTS, the majority of those children would not be attending primary school and would spend their time like so many children without any hope for the future earning a few pennies to help their families buy a little food to survive.

Statistically, Haiti is a basket case, and is by far the most impoverished of the countries of the Western Hemisphere. Three in ten children die before the age of 10 from a variety of preventable diseases. Life expectancy is roughly 50 years for the average Haitian. The average annual wage in Haiti is less than $500. The incidence of unemployment is over 50 per cent.

And, the majority go to bed each night hungry

and suffering from malnutrition.

In a country of 9 million people, where half the population is under 16 and only half of the children of school age actually attend, the chances of finding a school to send a child to are not that great. While school attendance is compulsory, the government of Haiti lacks the resources to provide classroom space for all its children.

That is why private schools funded by groups like the HEARTS deliver the bulk of education programs in Haiti.

Even then, the majority of children attend on average for only three years and seldom get beyond primary school which ends with grade 6.

Those attending high school which starts with grade 7, are very few and less than 10 per cent of those ever graduate.

HEARTS in addition to its support of the four primary schools, tries to do its part by providing six scholarships annually to young adults who wish to continue their education at the college or university level. McCluskey has been a part of the Race for Haiti 5km walk or run since its inception in 2003, and would welcome everyone’s participation.

Registration can be done in advance at St. Andrew’s Church in Fergus, at Grand River Running in the Fergus Marketplace, or on race day, Oct. 17, between 8am and 9am. The event begins behind James McQueen Public School at 9:30am and is followed by brunch, the awarding of medals in age categories, and draw prizes.

This will be the seventh annual event and the money raised has allowed for the continued operation of the orphanage and expansion of the school program to make Haiti once again the “Jewel of the Caribbean.”

HOROSCOPES - For the second week of October ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, satisfy your creative urges and you'll find that the week is much more enjoyable. You might want to make whatever you take on a solo project.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, that big event you've been waiting for might finally arrive this week. All of your patience and perseverance will pay off as you get your just desserts.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you're buried in paperwork or red tape this week and you'll have to dig yourself out of the mess. Don't let it get you down.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, despite a lot of changes in your life, you are relatively even keeled this week. Carry this attitude through the next few months and you'll be a happy camper.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Don't be a fool, Gemini; think about what you need to get accomplished and make a plan instead of simply diving in with your eyes closed. A financial venture falls through.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 You tend to think positively, Cancer, but even you are having a tough time seeing the bright side of things this week.

Just go with the flow the best you can.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, does it seem like your life is mirroring that of a sitcom lately?

If the predictability is getting you down, do something spontaneous to change everything.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, others may scoff at your advice. Keep in mind your own prior youthful reluctance to follow advice and rest assured that your advice might be followed down the road.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 A big change is in store, Sagittarius. You thought you were ready for it, but now you are having a few second thoughts.

Aquarius will help you wade through the waters.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Others are worried that your temperamental nature could put a damper on some family plans, Capricorn. Why not prove them wrong and simply be on your best behavior?

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you are caught between feelings for your spouse or romantic partner and your family. How can you choose sides in this situation? Tread very carefully.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 A sizeable dose of good fortune lands in your lap, Pisces.

Now you just have to figure out how to celebrate the good news.

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 on page 15

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009 PAGE FIVE

Photo courtesy of Linda Scott Harris

Hillsburgh’s Erynn Ballard won $25,000 National Capital Grand Prix OTTAWA - A Hillsburgh rider produced the only faultless performance while riding Simply Ahorn to win the $25,000 National Capital Show Jumping Tournament’s Grand Prix this summer.

A number of Wellington County riders placed well in the event, which ran over two weeks and saw competition from around the world.

Erynn Ballard, of Hillsburgh, beat out 34 other horse and rider combinations on a course designed by Guilherme Jorge, of Brazil. Six riders produced clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Two riders also jumped clear, but incurred one time fault for exceeding the 87second time allowed.

Ballard, riding Sorbette, left all the rails in place but stopped the clock in 87.35 seconds to finish seventh, while Margie Gayford of Sharon, guided Showgirl to a clear effort in a time of 87.63 seconds to place eighth.

Leslie Howard, a 1984 team

gold and 1996 team silver medalist for the United States, opened the jump-off with Utah, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by The Utah Group. The pair finished with four faults in a time of 41.59 seconds which would prove to be good enough for fourth place.

Ballard was next in the ring with Simply Ahorn, an eightyear-old Dutch Warmblood gelding bred in Canada. They produced a clear round in a time of 41.35, setting the standard to beat.

Canadian Team Silver Medalist Mac Cone, of King City, was next with Unanimous, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by The Unanimous Group. Again, a jump came down, and the pair’s conservative time of 45.78 seconds would leave it in sixth. Ottawa fans were also treated to a performance by Cone’s 2008 Beijing Olympic mount, Ole. They had a fourfault performance in the first

round to place 11th overall.

France’s Marie Hecart, 28, and Ronaldo were favoured to win following their convincing victory in Friday’s $10,000 The Marshes Open Welcome.

However, the Brookledge fence once again ended hopes of a win, and the native of Normandy settled for fifth place.

Howard, of Westport, Connecticut, then returned to the ring with Lennox Lewis 2, a 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding she had guided to victory in Saturday’s $15,000 ATCO Derby.

Although the pair stopped the clock with the fastest jumpoff performance, 40.57 seconds, a fallen rail placed them third.

The crowd was behind the final jump-off challenger, Ian Millar of Perth, aboard Stedet’s Leroy, a 10-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding that he began riding earlier this season.

With the advantage of having seen the riders before him, Millar opted for a conservative

performance which included a wide turn to the problematic Brookledge fence.

Although the rails stayed in the cups, Millar’s slow time of 53.54 seconds cost him one time penalty, and the nine-time Olympian conceded victory to Ballard.

“Leroy is new to this work and he is not what you would call a naturally fast horse,” said Millar, 62, of his jump-off tactic. “I had two choices. I could slow down and go for the clear round, or I could keep the hammer down and try to be the fastest. Everything went well for Erynn. I wanted to jump it clear, take second, and try again next week.”

Millar collected $5,000 for his second place finish while Ballard rode away with the lion’s share of the prize money, earning $7,500.

“My plan was to go double clear, and he is a naturally fast horse,” said Ballard of Simply Ahorn, her first of four entries in the Grand Prix. “He is a

competitive horse, and he is a winner. He is a cocky horse.

Every time he goes in the ring, he goes to win - he doesn’t want to be second. He really wants to keep the jumps up, probably more than any other horse I have ever ridden.” *** In other jumping news American Leslie Howard knocked out the competition riding Lennox Lewis 2 to win the $15,000 ATCO Derby held Aug. 15, in Ottawa.

Taking fourth place with the fastest four fault first round, in a time of 131.15, was Peter Gisborn, of Erin, riding Sir R. Aug. 22 results With three horses qualified for the jump-off, Marie Hecart, of France, won the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix held Aug. 22 Of the 43 horses that competed, 11 advanced to the jump-off. Although three of those horses belonged to Hecart, it only took one to win.

Ballard, of Hillsburgh,

relied on sheer foot speed as she guided the Canadian-bred Rio’s Rhapsody home in a time of 39.17 seconds, good for second place.

Aug. 20 results Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, rode Vancouver to victory in the 1.35m Jumper competition held Aug. 20, at the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments.

Keean White, of Rockwood, Bethsabee, finished in fifth place in that event.

Aug. 23 results Yann Candele of Caledon, edged nine-time Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, to win the $75,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix held Aug. 23, to conclude the CSI2 National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa.

Erynn Ballard, of Hillsburgh, on Simply Ahorn 4, tied for eighth with Beth Underhill, of Schomberg.

Also placing in 11th spot was White, of Rockwood, on Celena Z 8.

PAGE SIX Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009

Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys gaining in popularity in Wellington County

by David Meyer ERIN - With some people, meeting an animal causes them to fall in love at first sight.

For Acton dentist and Erin part-time farmer Peter Lemiski, that act was taken a full step farther. He fell in love with an entire breed: Mediterranean miniature donkeys.

The affair began “about six years ago. I was going to have my own petting zoo.”

Lemiski purchased a 55 acre farm with a sweeping view of the Eramosa River valley, and he hoped to attract people to the farm to meet alpacas and other rare animals.

Then he met Karen Pollard and two of her miniature donkeys and he was hooked on them. Pollard laughed at the petting zoo collection of animals and said, “He stopped at donkeys.”

She became his donkey business partner and they now own close to 100 of the animals. They recently held a charitable event for East Wellington Community Services and Lemiski said he hopes it is the first of many charitable events on the farm.

Around the property are

numerous paddocks, and they carried information about the small denizens within. The Mediterranean donkey has a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. They weigh from 250 to 350 pounds.

They are 32 to 34 inches tall at the whithers, and their maximum height is 36 inches.

A newborn donkey will weigh from 25 to 30 pounds, and they are weaned at about six months.

It was the babies that hooked Lemiski. He fed Sugar and Mr. Guy carrots several times a week and until he could not resist them.

Many of the donkeys are grey or dun coloured, and many have a characteristic cross on them. They also come in colours of black, sorrel, white and spotted, and many have light markings called points around their muzzles.

Pollard said donkeys are similar to cats and very “user friendly” as opposed to horses, which she likens more to dogs.

But donkeys have a very practical use in farming.

Pollard said they are natural enemies of canines, and that means they are very sensitive to wolves and coyotes in the

area. In fact, she said, they will “stalk a dog; they’ll go looking for them.”

She said many sheep farmers have so much faith donkeys will protect their sheep that one farmer actually took donkey manure to his farm to place around his sheep paddock.

Pollard said donkeys are not runners, but will turn and attack their prey. She cited a video popular on the internet that shows photos of a donkey killing a cougar - while hunting dogs remain carefully behind the donkey and out of the range of the cat.

She said of donkeys, “They strike and bite - and they don’t miss.”

Pollard does qualify their protective abilities, however.

She said a lone miniature donkey in a field facing a pack of coyotes is likely to lose the battle, but with two or three miniatures in the field, “my money is on the donkey.”

She sees lots of miniatures in sheep fields, and, “People here swear buy them.”

Pollard said their donkey business is now at the stage where they are selling donkeys they have bred. The animals

New mom - Daisy, a miniature Mediterranean donkey and a first-time mom, appears quite proud of her 10-day-old foal. It takes nearly five years from birth for a donkey to start providing offspring for sales, but Dr. Peter Lemiski and his business partner Karen Pollard are now selling some of their donkeys across North America. photo by David Meyer are incredibly popular in the United States and also in Western Canada. She noted that for the past few years, they have been buying donkeys, mainly from American farmers, and building their herd.

Pollard said it takes three years before a female is ready to breed, a year for gestation, and another six months to wean the foal. That means nearly five years is invested before the company is able to sell offspring, but now it is doing that.

Lemiski said Sugar and Mr.

Guy are still on the farm, and one gets the feeling they will remain there a long time.

Pollard has been involved with the donkeys for a long time, and she also used to sell purebred dogs. She said people will pay up to $2,000 for a dog, but donkeys cost about the same, are more companionable and live three times as long.

For her, it is no contest.

Lemiski said the horse world is becoming more familiar with donkeys, too. Last year, they were invited to show

at the Royal Winter Fair.

Pollard laughed about that event. She said they were part of the Spirit of the Horse exhibition, which was put on by the Ontario Equestrian Federation.

The result was that hundreds of people flocked to see the miniature donkeys, and WHOA magazine, which is dedicated to horses, did an article - and the photos were all of the donkeys.

“I think we arrived when we were at Spirit of the Horse,” Pollard said.

OPP offers safety tips for driving near horses Horse and buggies driven by members of the Mennonite community and an increase in recreational equestrian activities in the area means motorists are likely to encounter horses on area roadways.

OPP Constable Steve Starr has offered a brief review of the basic laws surrounding the interaction between horse riders, buggy drivers and motorists.

Horse riders A person riding horse along a public road has the same rights and obligations as a ped-

estrian. When riding along a road, the horseback rider should ride as close as possible to the left edge of the roadway while facing oncoming traffic.

Horse and buggies The driver of a horse and buggy is no longer treated as a pedestrian and is recognized as a “vehicle” within the meaning of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. Starr said a vehicle must be driven on the right side of the road in the same way as motor vehicles. The rules concerning lighting after dark apply to a

horse and buggy in the same way as other vehicles such as bicycles.

Motorists The Highway Traffic Act is clear in the responsibility it places on the drivers of motor vehicles as they approach horses or other animals drawing a vehicle, being led, or ridden.

The motorist is required to slow down and exercise every reasonable caution to avoid frightening the animal and to ensure the safety and protection of the person in charge of the horse or other animal.

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If you love scenic views and horseback riding, this property is for you! Located on the 4th line of Erin, this property backs onto the Elora/Cataract trail, offering miles and miles of maintained, scenic trail system right on your doorstep! Retrofitted bank barn with 19 box stalls, 4 paddocks - oak board fencing and split rail, one paddock with loafing shed, and 2 hayfields at the back. Property surrounded by mature tree lines. 3BR, 1.5 storey century stone cottage with board and batton addition, sits well back from the road, amongst trees and gardens.

90 ACRE CENTURY STONE HORSEFARM IN PUSLINCH! This 5BR, 3300 sq ft, century stone farmhouse has all the character, charm & quality of yesteryear - beautiful stone work, newer cedar shingle roof, centre hall entrance/staircase plan leading to large principle rooms with high ceilings, pine plank flooring and amazing woodwork. House needs interior updating. 18 box stall bank barn currently a boarding facility, multiple electrobraid paddocks with run-ins, outdoor sand ring. Approx 50 acres in hayfields. All this and only 10 min Southwest of Guelph!

Rare log home retreat greets you with stone entrance pillars to the 300ft private, maple tree lined laneway. All 10 acres are pet friendly-fenced surrounding the 2 ac meadow & over 20,000 mature trees complete with walking trails. About 800sqft of decking with screened in gazebo for evening enjoyment. 30x40ft garage /shop. Stunning great room with nearly 30ft. Cathedral ceiling is open concept to the solid hickory kitchen including a wonderful granite centre island /breakfast bar.

Sunroom, complete with ceramic wood stove is tastefully finished in stone with large windows overlooking the acreage

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You won’t find a more stunning acreage anywhere! 24 acre Country Estate located in Puslinch, mins east of Cambridge. Restored Century Stone farmhouse set amongst towering trees, overlooking large pond, gently rolling pastures and perennial gardens. House upgrades include kitchen granite counters, built-in appliances and fabulous solarium with exposed stone wall. 2 barns, several paddocks, hayfields & hardwood bush complete with cabin.

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Private 40acre horse farm located minutes north of Guelph. Includes restored 4BR circa1911 red brick farmhouse, detached 2 car garage with 2nd floor 2BR staff apartment, 12 box stall horsebarn with attached indoor arena and attached hay/shavings storage areas, outdoor dressage ring, outdoor jump field, 5 paddocks, 2 hay fields & 18 Fence Cross-Country Course!

SPECTACULAR CENTURY STONE COUNTRY ESTATE! Circa 1840 5BR Century Stone Farmhouse complete with attached coach-house restored into a fabulous great rm with beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls, magnificent Stone Fireplace. Amazing architectural details in crown mouldings, doorway and window trim and staircase. Attached 36 foot long 4 season sunroom provides wonderful views of the 105 acres this property has to offer. Bankbarn suitable for horses or livestock. Pond and 20 acres of hardwood bush with trails!

Don’t miss this wonderful 4BR family home, boasting 3 brick fireplaces, modern kitchen with breakfast bar, upstairs family room, downstairs rec room. Located on a 0.66 lot with matures trees, fenced back yard, private deck, all this in a prestigious and quiet upscale neighbourhood located at southern edge of Town of Erin.

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47 acre horse farm featuring 34 box stall barn with wash stall, heated tack, feed room & attached 75'x 145' indoor arena with heated viewing room. 105' x 125' fenced outdoor sand ring with floodlights. Adjacent bank barn loft provides hay and shavings storage, and workshop. 2 cement manure storage areas.

Four 3-5 acre pastures & 5 individual turnouts with hydro & water, electrobraid fencing.

Approx 12 acres in hay. Remodeled board/batton house suitable for barn staff or trainer.

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009 PAGE SEVEN

Leaders and legends have fun with horses at recent Equi-Challenge in Caledon CALEDON - Olympic rider Ian Millar has faced tough challenges over some of the most difficult show jumping courses in the world - but nothing like the feats he performed recently night at Equi-Challenge held here.

Millar had to swing a mallet in a fast-paced game of polo, climb aboard a western barrel racing horse, and then perform an impromptu musical “ballet on horseback� during a dressage competition.

He was among the equestrian leaders and legends who changed reins at Iron Horse Farm for a sold-out crowd at the inaugural Equi-challenge, a fundraiser to benefit the Ontario Veterinary College’s new Equine Sports Medicine and Reproduction Centre at the University of Guelph.

The unusual and entertaining riding competition included racing legend Sandy Hawley, Queen’s Plate winner Emma Jayne Wilson, star standardbred driver Jody Jamieson, Olympic dressage rider Jackie Brooks, and Pan Am eventing silver medalist Waylon Roberts.

The roster of show jumping and dressage riders, eventers, pole benders, barrel racers, and polo players were required to participate in riding disciplines other than their own in the innovative team competition.

The first-ever event of its kind in Canada was a resounding hit, with spectators cheering on their favourites from the ringside VIP tent. The opening ceremonies featured a repre-

whose usual job is galloping horses at high rates of speed around formidable cross country obstacles.

Thoroughbred racing great Sandy Hawley demonstrated why he is known for his sense of sportsmanship. “I’m going to be sore in the morning, but it was a lot of fun for a great cause,� Hawley said. “Many, many years ago, I did a little bit of show jumping and did a couple of hunts, but that was 30 years ago. If they’ll ask me again, I’ll be back. I’ll get some more practice and next year I’ll be better.�

Practice or not, Hawley was a member of the winning Dutch Masters Construction Services’ team which also included show jumping rider Yann Candele, dressage Olympian Jackie Brooks, barrel racer Stephanie Leyzac and polo player Elizabeth Hearn.

Candele, the night’s leading rider, illustrated why his nickname, the Flying Frenchman, is well earned, as he played polo, blazed around barrels and executed a dressage kur with gusto.

Emma Jayne Wilson, the first female jockey to win the Queen’s Plate, put in a very respectable show jumping round (she started her riding career on hunters and jumpers) and drew laughs by riding her dressage test with jockey-style short stirrups. “The turnout is magnificent and the organizers have put on something that is so unique. It’s impressive,� she said.

Ian Millar barrel racing? - Yes, Canada’s top jumping horseman for years was one of many experts who switched their disciplines for the Equi-challenge, a fundraiser for the Ontario Veterinary College recently. Most of them had a ball, too, and promised to return another year. sentation of a variety of horse disciplines and breeds, including field hunters, Arabians, Lusitanos, Lipizzans, Icelandic ponies, Gypsy Vanners, driving ponies and an adorable miniature horse. “What a fantastic event – I hope it will be great success for the University,� said Millar. “It should become an annual event and I’d love be part of it for a

long time.�

Millar, who had not played polo or ridden a dressage “kur� before, admitted he had once barrel raced in Las Vegas. He and Waylon Roberts had one of the most hotly contested match-ups of the night, careening around the barrels at blinding speed. “That was the scariest thing I’ve ever done,� said Roberts,

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“I may be riding racehorses and somebody else may be doing dressage, but they’re all horses. It gives me goose bumps to think we can get all the different facets of the industry coming together for one thing, that’s the horse; that we can come together and celebrate.�

Funds raised from the evening will go to the new OVC Equine Sports Medicine

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PAGE EIGHT Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009

New feeds, methods from research in metabolic syndrome

Up and over - Orton’s Kelly Poland rode Cumulous Effect to a third place finish in the Training Open Division at the Ontario Horse Trials Association Provincial Championships last month. Over 200 riders took part in the event, which was hosted at the farm of Doug and Linda Thompson, located just south of Marsville. For complete results visit www.horsetrials.on.ca. photo by Chris Daponte

by Jennifer Armstrong After recently attending a research conference in Kentucky, it’s clear that one of the fastest growing ailments in the equine population worldwide is metabolic syndrome.

Although there are still many unknown factors involved in this condition, the one certain thing is that it begins with an overweight body condition. Most horse owners understand what a body condition score is and where their horse should be on that scale, but achieving a healthy score is not as easy as knowing it.

Consequently, the first goal in preventing and decreasing the severity of metabolic syndrome is having a horse in a healthy body condition. Table and descriptions on measuring a horse’s score can be found online. One of the best is on the OMAFRA website, but it never hurts to contact a nutritionist for a second opinion.

The role of obesity Originally it was recommended putting a horse on a low starch diet to prevent or decrease severity of this condi-

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tion. Increased levels of unused starch are known to contribute to laminitis, quite often a telltale sign that a horse may the onset of metabolic syndrome.

In a healthy horse, when a starchy diet is consumed, there is an increased level of glucose in the blood. That triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, which triggers glucose uptake by the skeletal muscle and fat cells. Once in the cells, the glucose will be used during exercise, growth, or stored as glycogen or fat.

In a horse with metabolic syndrome, the increased level of glucose in the blood triggers an insulin release from the pancreas; however the receptors for glucose uptake become insensitive to the insulin, resulting in increased levels of glucose circulating in the blood.

In metabolic syndrome cases, it appears as though certain adipose (fat) cells convert the inactive form of cortisol to the active form or cortisol. Cortisol acts in shutting down insulin receptors on skeletal and muscle uptake cells. As a result, the message never reaches the cell to take up glucose. Again, that causes increased levels of insulin to remain in the blood,

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formance while maintaining body condition.

Horses diagnosed with metabolic syndrome should not consume high levels of certain grains, or rations made with molasses. As well, their exposure to pasture should sometimes be limited. A balancer pellet or supplement can be given to those horses to provide essential vitamins and minerals, while leaving out the starch component of the diet.

If the horse is in need of additional energy, use nonstarch or low starch alternatives such as rice bran or soy oil, or fat and fibre complete feeds in a balance suggested by the nutritionist.

Above all, in overweight horses, a proper exercise schedule is the most important factor in reducing fat depositions. Exercise can range from hand walking and round pen work to riding and driving. Not only does that increase overall health, it may also lower insulin resistance.

The main goal is to reduce the risks associated with metabolic syndrome. The best way to achieve that is to keep a close eye on body condition, feed for activity level and metabolic rate, and have an organized exercise schedule. If in doubt, consult a nutritionist.

Jennifer Armstrong, B.Sc. (Agr.) An. Sci., is an equine nutritional consultant for Jones Feed Mills in Heidelberg.

Contact her at Jen@jfm.on.ca.

and circulate in the body.

It is believed in obese horses that excess of insulin left in the blood can be the root cause of obesity associated laminitis.

As a result of the change in circulation and blood composition to the hoof, more specifically the lamina (interconnected layers of tissue that insure the interconnected layers of tissue that insure the integrity of the hoof), a dissociation, also known as laminitis, occurs.

Prevention Overweight horses actually respond to weight reduction as a means of decreasing insulin resistance in cells that take it up. The less resistant cells are to insulin, the faster it clears the bloodstream, resulting in less insulin and glucose remaining in circulation post feeding. So, one of the best methods of action in decreasing risk is to have a horse in an acceptable body condition.

Typically, horses become overweight because they consume more calories than they are using in exercise. In that circumstance, good quality grass pasture or hay and a complete fortified vitamin and mineral supplement may be all they require. Supplements provide very few calories, but ensure a level of required vitamins and minerals are being consumed. It is best to consult an equine nutritionist to develop a feeding program specific for the horse and its activity level to ensure optimal per-

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Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009 PAGE NINE

Bank to sponsor Jump Canada gala OTTAWA – BMO Financial Group has renewed its commitment as sponsor of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala through to 2010.

The sponsor since its inception in 2006, BMO will support this annual celebration of hunter and show jumping sporting accomplishments for the next two years.

“The Hall of Fame is excited to be partnering once again with BMO Financial Group,” said Mark Samuel, chairman of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame.

“BMO’s commitment to our industry and to the ideals of the Hall of Fame shows tremendous leadership and is much appreciated.”

BMO Financial Group was the founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows, where it currently sponsors the BMO Nations’ Cup. It was also a long-time sponsor of the fall indoor Na-

Original Inventors Top seller - Local businesswoman Gail Wood (Woodland Farm) of Hillsburgh sold this year’s sales topper at the Canadian-bred Thoroughbred yearly sale. The handler is Erin-raised Cory Couling.

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tions’ Cup tour which included Washington and New York and concluded with Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in the 1980s and 1990s. It has sponsored nine-time Olympian Ian Millar for over 20 years.

The 2009 Jump Canada Hall of Fame gala is on Nov. 8, at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. This year’s inductees include jumper horse, Canadian Club; rider, Michel

Vaillancourt; media, Terry Leibel, builder (individual), Bob Ballard, builder (organization), George and Diane Tidball of Thunderbird Show Park, hunter horse, War Bond; and pony, Farnley Melanie.

Tickets for the black-tie gala are available by contacting Jennifer Mahoney, Equine Canada, at 613-248-3433 extension 101 or jmahoney@equinecanada.ca.

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PAGE TEN Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009

Course offered on environment for horseowners

Champion foal - Elaine Parkinson, of Parkwood Stables, was proud to own the Champion Jumper foal at the Canadian Hanoverian Breeders Club of Western Ontario Mare and Foal Show. The colt Capone, by Contendro I, went on to win overall Reserve Champion foal. Parkwood Stables also won Reserve Champion Mare and Reserve Champion Dressage foal at the show. Parkwood Stables is a boarding and breeding farm raising Hanoverian horses in old Eramosa township. contributed photo

Arthur Veterinary Clinic DR. MANDY MULDER and DR. ROXANE PARDIAC Are accepting new equine patients.

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by Teresa Pitman Most horseowners have happy memories of trotting down a tree-shaded lane, riding along a stream of clear water, or cantering across an open field.

Nature and horses just go together, and the connections between caring about horses and caring about the environment seem obvious. In fact, the connections may be even stronger than people might think.

“Taking steps to protect the environment can improve your horse’s health as well,” said University of Guelph researcher Bronwynne Wilton. “More and more horse people are interested in going green, saving money on fuel and energy, and protecting the natural environment.”

For example, Wilton said, “If you have a pond or wetland or stream on your farm, you can improve the water quality, not just for your property but for the lands downstream, by planting a buffer strip of native vegetation along the shore.

Buffer strips help to filter runoff from manure piles and fields which promote improved water quality.”

That fairly simple step also reduces the risks of flooding during rainy weather.

Whether or not people have a pond or stream on their property, Susan Raymond, communications and program officer at Equine Guelph, said every horse owner should be aware of the potential environmental

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of the new legislation that might apply to them and give the students tools to identify areas where they can improve their environmental management.

“The horse industry grew by almost 17% between 2001 and 2006, and we now have more than 380,000 horses in Ontario,” said Raymond.

“There’s the potential for a significant environmental impact - either positive or neg-

ative. We find horse owners generally care about the land, and want to protect it.”

The course is part of Equine Guelph’s diploma program, but can be taken on its own, Raymond added.

For more information or to register contact Marjory Gaouette, program manager of the Office of Open Learning, at mgaouett@open.uoguelph.ca or call 519-824-4120 extension 53862.

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impact of manure.

“An average horse can produce nine tons of manure a year,” said Raymond. “Without a plan, that can be pretty intimidating.

“When it’s not properly managed, manure can be an eyesore, a health risk and a cause of environmental damage. With good management, it can be used to enrich the soil and actually improve the environment.”

Manure needs to be stored away from water sources, Raymond said, and needs to have the right amount of oxygen and moisture to promote composting so that it can be used as fertilizer.

Having the manure pile on a concrete pad, with a cover to protect it from rain, and PVC pipes inserted to allow oxygen to get to the middle could work on some farms. A system of three-sided boxes built with wood slats allows the farm owner to store manure and manage it in sections as it breaks down and turns into lovely garden soil.

Each time the manure is turned; it adds oxygen and keeps the composting process going.

Those are just two examples of the kinds of topics Raymond and Wilton will cover in their new online course called Stewardship of the Equine Environment: Reducing Your Environmental Hoofprint, offered at Equine Guelph and the Office of Open Learning at the University of Guelph.

The course will also help horseowners understand some

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Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009 PAGE ELEVEN

Tommy Hunter an honourary director at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre PUSLINCH - Renowned country singer and TV star Tommy Hunter recently accepted an honourary director position with Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre in Puslinch Township.

Hunter’s first encounter with therapeutic riding was in London, and he has always been impressed with the positive effects of therapeutic riding programs for children with a wide range of disabilities.

Hunter has experience with children on the autism spectrum and recognizes the positive influence that animals can have in the lives of children with special needs.

“When things seem to be ‘spinning out of control’ being able to sit and control a 1,000 pound horse, provides an empowering experience and sense of achievement for a young person,” he said.

“Parents know that it is a young child’s natural instinct to run and play, but so many of the children that come to Sunrise are not able to be a part

of group activities at school or in the community ... due to physical limitations or ... cognitive impairments.”

Hunter added, “For children on the autism spectrum it may be that their perception of the world just doesn’t ‘connect’ with their peers. I am sure your heart goes out to children who are marginalized in this way. I know mine does.

“We should all take comfort in the fact that Sunrise has had such a positive impact on hundreds of children’s lives over the past 27 years, and will continue to do so in the future with our help.”

At summer camp, Hunter witnessed children of all abilities playing together in a program that recognizes different needs, and ensures that every child is included in all activities.

He said, “I am delighted to have my name connected with one of the first four therapeutic riding centres in Canada to gain national accreditation. The level of professionalism is very evident and it gives me great

comfort.

“I have confidence in knowing that all the instructors

are certified through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).

Photography

Workshop Travis Hall Equestrian Centre, FERGUS Sunday Oct. 25, 2009 10:00am - 3:30pm Instructor: Sylvia Galbraith Learn about equipment, posing, conformation photos, shooting action & more.

Teens & adults welcome

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Honorary director - Country and western singing legend Tommy Hunter with a young rider at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre.

“QUALITY HORSE HAY” ROUND & LARGE SQUARE BALES Dale Norris 519-846-8298 Providing Equine Veterinary Services including: Wellness/Preventative Health Care, Dentistry, Lameness, and Reproductive Management to both pleasure and performance horses.

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PAGE TWELVE Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009

Roberta Whitley repairs halters, bridles with old fashioned quality

by Colleen Longhurst BALLINAFAD - From a young age, Roberta Whitley knew her career would involve horses in some way.

As she grew older, she came to believe it would not be directly with riding, but still something involving the horse world.

Born in Cornwall in the U.K., some of her best memories were the riding lessons and spending quiet times with the ponies. One of her fond memories was at age 7 being told she was going blackberry picking for her birthday.

“Not very exciting as you can imagine,” she said. Not for a child dreaming of riding horses and ponies in a lesson.

Whitley was so disappointed at first but then, “Dad told me to close my eyes and then I heard horses neighing.” She had been driven, as her birthday surprise, to Trewalla Riding Stables, where she was to start riding lessons.

As she grew older, Whitley often would head to the stables and not return for hours to the chagrin of her waiting mother.

Riding her Auntie Maureen’s pony, Hazel, was another happy memory.

In 1992, after trying many courses and not being able to settle into any one for very long, Whitley read a book on saddlery and the art of working with leather. She was thrilled to realize that would be how to carve out her living. That would put to use her innate love of tinkering with tools,

leather, wood and, of course, the horse. Accepted to Cordwainers College in London, U.K. in 1993, the next two years were busy, training in the art of saddle making and leather crafting. Some of the projects Whitley completed as part of the curriculum are still mementoes.

Mid-spring 1995 found 22year old Whitley, completing the course and applying for a placement at a well-known harness company in Toronto.

Whitley moved to Canada with two suitcases, working in Toronto for three years before moving on to Bahr Saddlery.

For the next eight years, she created new leather products and put her quality touch to leather repairs until striking out on her own.

“I don’t like to let it go back out unless every stitch is perfect.”

Although Whitley supplemented her leatherworking income caring for or riding some horses and living on farms while owners vacationed, she had other plans.

In 2006, she registered Leatherette as a business, providing repairs and creating leather goods like purses, belts, gun and knife cases and draft, mini and dog harnesses.

Leather restoration is also part of Leatherette’s service.

Whitley is an avid motorcycle fan too, and took on a project to make a custom motorcycle gas tank cover with the encouragement of a friend.

It proved so successful she has created other custom pieces for other riders.

Current projects include sourcing materials that she may use to create an important working harness for a local service dog.

In 2004, Whitley moved into an apartment over the Ballinafad General Store and Tack Shop, which she now shares with her partner, Owen Codling, and two cats. At first, Whitley did all her leatherwork in a tiny room on the upper level.

This year, Nancy Berg, owner of the shop decided to change her business direction, divesting herself of her new and consigned tack store operation, keeping only the post office going, along with the small general store section in the century stone building at the corner of Sideroad 32 and Trafalgar Road.

Under mutual agreement, Whitley arranged to open her saddlery, Leatherette, in one half of the store and hung out her sign. Since the downturn in the economy during 2008, she reported her sales actually improved by the end of that year. More equestrians were learning the benefits and economy of repairing horse equipment rather than replacing the broken items with new products - so business is brisk.

Old fashioned quality - Roberta Whitley likes working with hand stitching to ensure top quality products. She prefers old tools because modern ones do not meet her quality ideals.

Since giving Leatherette a physical location “My business has doubled,” Whitley said.

She reports that while repairs, adjustments and new small pieces like custom stirrup

leathers or driving reins are common, she loves creative bridle work. All work is hand stitched.

“I don’t like to let it go back out unless every stitch is perfect,” she said. “I like to focus

on old school. Modern tools are not as good,” she added.

Open most days, Leatherette’s hours of operation are available at leatherette.ca or by calling 905-702-7349.

LEATHERETTE CUSTOM HAND MADE LEATHER GOODS Roberta Whitley Qualified English Harness Maker & Saddler Draft, Mini & Dog Harness Belts, Purses, Gun & Knife Cases Leather Repairs, Restoration & Cleaning Motorbike Tank Covers, Boot Stretching 905-702-7349 www.leatherette.ca

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Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009 PAGE THIRTEEN

AND

ENTERTAINMENT MacMaster and Leahy to fiddle at River Run Centre on Oct. 9

TIM MURTON’S MONSTER FACTORY - Elora artist Tim Murton hosted a monster building workshop at the Elora Legion from September 21 - 23. This family event was open to all to come and explore their creative side by building wire and paper lantern sculptures. Look for some of these masterpieces around Elora’s storefront windows and during the Monster March Parade on October 24th downtown Elora. photo by Natalie McKay

Arresting Images mug shot exhibit opens GUELPH - Arresting Images: Mug Shots from the OPP Museum opens at the Guelph Civic Museum on this week.

Arresting Images features 100 historic mug shots from The OPP Museum’s permanent collection, dating from 1886 to 1908. This is the first time that these images have been offered for public display since they were originally collected by the Ontario Police, precursors of today’s OPP, at Niagara Falls.

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Visitors have the opportunity to gaze into the eyes of people arrested over 100 years ago - pickpockets, confidence men, escaped fugitives, shoplifters, horse thieves and even murderers.

Also part of the travelling exhibition is a “Make your own mug shot activity program” designed to assist groups that register in advance in exploring Arresting Images. The stories of the individuals arrested, the

officers who arrested them, and the period in which they lived are all part of the heritage of the OPP. The exhibit continues at Guelph Civic Museum until Dec. 20.

Admission is $4 for adults and seniors, students and children pay $3, and families $10.

Contact Guelph Museums at 519-836-1221, ext. 2774 for more information or visit guelph.ca/museum.

New to your Community?

ELORA LEGION BR. 229

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Tuesday Night Euchre

519-833-2114 ext 31

NOW PLAYING “INGLORIOUS BASTARDS” (14A) Call for dates & times 519-833-2114 ext #31

erincinema.ca Tickets: Children $4.25, Adults $9 Call for Birthday Packages!

Gift Certificates!

Coming Events 519-846-9611

Hall Rental Available

Patti Klein 519-843-7055 Our hostess will bring gifts and greetings, along with helpful community information. www.welcomewagon.ca

MEAT DRAWS

GUELPH – River Run centre welcomes the return of fiddlers and family duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy on Oct. 9at 8 pm.

MacMaster is well-known to international audiences as one of Canada’s major talents, who regularly dazzles crowds with her feverish fiddling and mesmerizing step dancing. A native of Cape Breton, MacMaster has 10 albums, garnering her multiple gold sales, and numerous Juno and East coast Music Awards.

Leahy is equally well known to audiences in Canada and abroad as the front man and oldest brother of the internationally acclaimed, multiple juno award-winning folk band Leahy. He is considered to be one of the best fiddlers in the world. As ambassadors for traditional East coast music, MacMaster and Leahy are taking Celtic music to new heights around the globe.

The pair married in 2002 and make their home in Lakefield, with three children and an impressive collection of fiddles. MacMaster and Leahy find performing together to be particularly special, and will be presenting an intimate concert – just the two of them, plus their fiddles and two piano players.

Tickets are on sale now through the River Run Centre box office. They range from $38 to $45.

As part of the uGO programme, university and college students may purchase tickets at the box office for $20 each.

And through eyeGO, high school students may attend for just $5 each. All tickets may be purchased online at www.riverrun.ca, by phone at 519-763-300.

Two of the best Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will perform at the River Run Centre this Friday.

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Fri. Oct. 16th, 6-8pm

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Saturday 3pm with LIVE Entertainment

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General Meeting October 21st 8:00pm

KARAOKE

The Heiress A Drama of Misfortune

By RUTH GOETZ & AUGUSTUS GOETZ Directed by DAVID LATHAM

Based on the beloved novel “Washington Square”, The Heiress is a dramatic theatrical production that has riveted theatregoers with its clashing themes of romance, betrayal, and obedience to authority.

October 7 to October 25 Box Office: 519-747-7788 stjacobscountryplayhouse.com

PAGE FOURTEEN Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009

AND

ENTERTAINMENT Area bridge players get a new, spacious home for their games

by David Meyer GUELPH – Bridge is a card game that is popular all over the world with millions of people – and aficionados will say it did not need tournaments - like poker – to get that way.

MP Frank Valeriote was on hand to cut the ribbon for the club, and said he is pleased to see that so many people are interested is such a mentally stimulating game.

In Guelph, bridge is so popular that Isabelle Spencer was teaching the game in her home.

She started looking for a place for students, players, and the game itself.

The Guelph Bridge Club Inc. held its official opening on last month at Sennex Corp., the former Imperial Tobacco building at 107 Woodlawn Road West. Sennex did not need all the executive space it had, and shares it with other groups, including some offices for Hospice Wellington.

“It was a dream of mine,” Spencer said as well over 100 people from the city and Wellington County filtered in to see the setup that can hold well over 100 people for games of duplicate bridge. It can also be a cozy place for bridge lessons,

ranging from beginners, to those who have not played for years, to those who love the game and want to learn even more about it.

Spencer said the first game on Sept. 1 attracted 12 tables, or 48 players for a Tuesday night league contest. The winners were all from the Fergus area. Bridge competitions are arranged by directions, with North and South teams playing East and West teams. In duplicate bridge, if there are 10 tables, the ten North-South teams all play the same hands, and they play them against the East-West teams.

The hands are dealt in advance and placed in card holders, with each slot designated for each player. After they are played the cards are passed along Because all the players are playing the same hands in duplicate, those who play the best will receive the best scores, and thus a winner can be determined.

The winners in the NorthSouth seats in the first ever game were John Selig and Jim Bleaney, of Pine Meadows, and the East-West top team was Don McNiven and Shirley

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A happy day - Guelph Bridge Club president Isobelle Spencer and Guelph MP Frank Valeriote cut the ribbon to open a new facility in Guelph that will welcome players from all over. Guelph has had bridge clubs since 1947, but this is the first time players have a permanent home. photo by David Meyer Scott, of Fergus.

Bridge is a trick-taking game, played either with a designated suit of trumps, or No Trumps. It is unique in that four players each hold 13 cards, but when the bidding is done and a contract determined, the declarer plays the hand, and his (or her) partner places the full hand, known as the dummy, on the table. Thus each player can see exactly half of the deck.

Spencer said that the by the grand opening on Wednesday afternoon, there had probably been over 100 people playing bridge in the room in two sessions.

The game can become fiercely competitive, but most players behave politely, despite a strong urge to win.

“We have no tolerance for bad actors,” said Spencer with a smile. Each game comes with a director, who has full control and mediates disputes and can levy penalties for such things as not following suit.

She said the impetus for a hall for the game was simple.

“We outgrew my house. I said, ‘It’s time for a central bridge area.’ ” The game has been popular

in Guelph for years. It evolved from Whist, and the first rules were written in the late 1920s or early 1930s. It was soon the most popular card game in the world.

Wikipedia states, “Competitions in duplicate bridge range from small clubs with only a few tables, to the World Championships and Olympiads where often hundreds of tables play the same hands. In the United States, a national tournament may involve 5,000 individuals playing a total of 15,000 tables over the 11 days of the event, whereas regional and local tournaments typically see 3,000 and 500 tables, respectively.

The game has attracted people like Microsoft boss Bill Gates, and actors like Omar Sharif.

The first bridge club in Guelph was formed in 1947, and there were several games being played on a regular basis every week when the new club began.

It has a nine member board of directors. The executive consists of: - president, Spencer; - secretary, John Liefeld; - treasurer, David Estill; and - legal counsel Peter Gifford.

It was Gifford, a lawyer, who did the legal work to incorporate the club as a nonprofit group.

Spencer said that every time she needed something to help create the club, someone stepped forward to help. Adrian

Record, of Fergus, for example, helped install the communications equipment. A Guelph man set up a web site.

There are all kinds of bridge and all kinds of bridge players, and the new club is trying to cater to everyone.

The club offers a facility, guaranteed play, friendly duplicate games, games sanctioned by the American Duplicate Bridge League, stress free lessons, full accessibility, free parking, free hot beverages, a lending library (there are hundreds of books about the game, its strategy, bidding, playing the hand, and defence), as well as the club’s web site.

All bridge players are welcome.

Games are $4 per person, and $6 for non members.

Courses, which will include booklets, are $80 for members, and $100 for non members.

Members benefit through lower fees and free access to the library.

The annual membership is $60 per year, starting Sept. 1.

The winter season starts Jan. 1, and the summer session begins on May 1. Memberships are available at the club.

The club offers several types of games, too.

Social bridge is open to all players, and there are three games per week in a stress free setting.

There are practice sessions, which include a mini-lesson and practice play, with guidance available. In that session, games are played and scored in

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an open, friendly format, and there are two such games per week.

There is also bridge for the more serious players. Those are sanctioned games. They include open pairs games, with novice players welcome. Those who are members of the ACBL can accumulate Master Points as recognized by the ACBL. There are a number of players that have accumulated their Life Master designation, which requires 300 master points.

There are three sanctioned games per week.

There is also the Duplicate Team League. Teams consist of four to six players, there is handicapping according to the number of Master Points accumulated, advance registration is encouraged, and that league plays every other Thursday.

The club has also made plans for future events including Swiss Teams, workshops, and weekend play.

All the duplicate results will be posted on the club’s website.

Learning bridge It has been said that anyone who can add to ten and count to 40 can play bridge. That is true, but the game can become as complex as a player wants it to be.

There as several types of lessons available. Those classes are taught by Spencer.

Level I is basic bridge for beginners.

Level II is more basic bridge.

Level III takes students “beyond the basics.”

Level IV is called “well beyond the basics,” and there is a “refresher course” that teaches common bridge conventions for experienced players.

To date, the plans of the club are to be busy. There will be morning, afternoon, and evening sessions running from Monday to Friday, with only Friday nights left open. Events are being planned for weekends.

For more information, call 519-763-7160, or email to info@guelphbridge club. org or visit www.guelphbridgeclub.org.

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 9, 2009 PAGE FIFTEEN

*** Harriston Legion Br. 296 Pepper Card Game. 1:30pm. *** Guelph Township Horticultural Society holds its Fall Flower Show at Marden Community Centre. 7:30pm, entries to be placed between 6:30 and 7:15pm. Topic: House plants and pest control.

All welcome. Contact Jean 519-822-5289. *** Orton Fall Fashion Show 7:30pm. Featuring fashions from Special Effects & Broderick’s Fashion for Women. Prizes & refreshments. Tickets-$10, call Cathie 519-855-4243. *** Kindergarten Information Night at Trillium Waldorf School. 78:30pm. 540 Victoria Rd. N., Guelph. Answer your questions about this inspiring form of education. To register, call Connie Watson at 519-821-5140. *** Thistle Chapter IODE Fergus is holding a Dessert, Bridge & Euchre party at 1pm at the Heritage River Retirement Home. 25 Wellington St., Elora. Tickets $10. For tickets or information contact Shelagh McCrae at 519-843-3174. *** Buddhist Meditation Drop-in Class for beginners to meditation: "Cultivating a Peaceful Heart" At Soul Garden Studio, 455 Tower Street N. Fergus 7:30pm - 9pm. Casual and relaxed. Everyone welcome.

OCTOBER 21 Guelph-Wellington Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Public Lecture: Susan Ratcliffe and Leanne Piper on “Everything Old Can be New Again” 7 - 9pm. 10 Carden Street, Guelph. Call Susan 519- 822-8236 for more info. No charge - all welcome. *** Rummage Sale at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Mount Forest. Winter clothing & household items. *** Fergus & District Horticultural Society Meeting 7:30pm.

Victoria Park Seniors Centre, Fergus. Topic: "Putting Your Garden to Bed for the Winter"- Speaker: Lorraine Mennen. Everyone welcome. For more info. call Kathy at 519-843-7703. *** October 21, 22 - Warm clothing sale. Wed. 5 -8pm, Thursday 8am- 1pm at Mount Forest United Church Auditorium. *** St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Annual Turkey Supper. Arthur Community Centre 5-7pm Adults $12, children 12 & under $5, preschoolers free. Take outs & delivery available. Call 519-8482839.

OCTOBER 22 Grate Groan-up Spelling Bee presented by Rotary Club of Guelph South. 6:30, Guelph Place Banquet Hall. Put in a Team of 3 spellers for $300 or cheer on your team over dinner $30. Paul 519763-2667. *** Grandmothers of the Grand fall speaker series at the Centre Wellington High School 7pm. Rick Goodfellow shows his PowerPoint presentation of his Tour d’Afrique cycling trip from Cairo to Cape Town. Contact Cinda 519-843-1528. *** Euchre - St. Mary Family Centre, Mount Forest - 7:30 pm. $2.50 includes lunch and prizes. *** Drayton United Church Turkey Supper, 5-7pm. P. M. D. Community Centre, Drayton, Ontario. Tickets at the door. Adults $12, Children 10 & under $5, Preschoolers free. ***

OCTOBER 23 “Let Him Sleep ‘til It’s Time for His Funeral” – a comedy in 2 acts. St. John’s United Church, Belwood. 7:30pm. Tickets $10 ea.

Call 519-843-5509. *** Guelph Wellington Seniors Assoc. Craft Club Annual Bazaar 10am- 2pm at Evergreen Seniors Centre, 683 Woolwich St. Guelph. Crafts, bake table, penny table, touch & take, attic treasurers, raffle draw. *** Hootenanny, 7pm, Arkell United Church. Bring an instrument and play or come to listen. Free will offering to building fund for wheel chair accessibility project. ***

OCTOBER 24 Talent Auction and Talent Show, 7:30pm, Arkell United Church.

Showcase your talent, sell your goods and services at a fun auction designed to raise funds for the elevator and accessibility project at Arkell United Church. For more details, contact Bob Jefferson 519-823-5945. *** Trillium Waldorf School Fall Fair. Enjoy crafts, activities, entertainment, and refreshments. Nominal fees charged for participation per activity. 1- 4:30pm. 540 Victoria Road North, Guelph. For more information contact: Connie Watson at 519-821-5140.

*** Alma Optimist Roadkill Race at Wallace Cumming Park, Alma. 1 Km Fun Run 1:30pm. Certified 5km Walk/Run and 10km Run 2pm. Register online at www.Runningroom.com. *** Century Church Theatre, Hillsburgh. Gospel Night. Hillsburgh Community Christian Church presents their annual celebration of gospel music. Tickets at the door. *** Elora Legion Branch 229- Dance. Featuring “Bill Beattie”. 110 Metcalfe St. Elora. *** Barrie Hill United Church 177th Anniversary Turkey Supper.

Adults $13, students (5-12) $6, preschoolers –free with a ticket.

4:30 & 5:30 buffet tickets call Bernice 519-824-8609. 6:30, 7:30 and take-out call Lillian 519-821-4555. 5702 Wellington Rd. 29 Rockwood, 2 km north of Hwy. 24. *** Country Cupboard Bazaar and Bake Sale. 11:30-1:30. St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Mount Forest. *** Semi Annual Roast Beef Dinner Knox Church Ospringe corner of hwy 125 and 124. Starting at 5 pm three sittings. For tickets call Irene 519-856-4578. Adults $13, Children $6. No Take Out orders available. *** Duff's Church Annual Bazaar. 10:30am - 1:30pm. Enjoy our many tables: Country store, Bake, Deli, Stitchery, Flowers and Candy.

Then relax and stay for lunch. *** Turkey Supper, at Knox-Elora Presbyterian Church. Settings 4:45 & 6:15pm. Tickets: Adults $12, 8 & under $6. Please call 519846-0680. *** Dublin Street United Church annual Harvest & Craft Fair. 10am3pm. 68 Suffolk Street, Guelph. Free admission. *** Until the 31- Drop-In Halloween Crafts. Drop in to children's services anytime during open hours to make a spooky Halloween craft! Suitable for all ages. Adult supervision required. *** Until the 25th- Aberfoyle Junction Model Railway Fall Show.

10am-4:30pm. Located on old Hwy 6 (Brock Rd.) 1 km N of 401, south of Aberfoyle. Watch for signs. Adults $8, Seniors $6, children $5.

OCTOBER 27 Puslinch Seniors' Euchre Club 1:30pm. Present and former Puslinch Township residents are invited to join us for an afternoon of friendly euchre games at the Puslinch Community Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. *** Wellington Branch Ontario Genealogical Society fall programs continue with “Canadian Attitudes to the Home Children and How they Changed 1869-1930”, 7:30pm, Zehrs Community Room, 1045 Paisley Road, Guelph. 519-822-2460. *** Buddhist Meditation Drop-in Class for beginners to meditation: "Cultivating a Peaceful Heart" At Soul Garden Studio, 455 Tower Street N. Fergus 7:30pm - 9pm. Casual and relaxed. Everyone welcome. *** Harriston Legion Br. 296 Pepper Card Game. 1:30pm.

Commu n has don ity helpers - S in ated $5 3,940 to ce 1993, Pine mer fair Needles the com a n d b a $1,000. m r C Cindy R becue this ye unity. After th rafts e ar, ab presente d the ch stein, co-chair The Door re sumce m eque to Kevin C an of the craft ived oghill fr group om The Door.

Master’s International Ministries Invites you to an

Informational Meeting On God’s work in Ukraine To be held Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 7:45 pm Perth East Recreation Complex Milverton, ON

- And -

Friday, October 16, 2009 at 7:45 pm Elmira Lions Hall Elmira, ON Speaker: David Miller (Kiev, Ukraine)

Everyone Welcome!

For more information, call: Stephen Ropp 519 595 4087 Or Delmer Erb 519 656 2330

OCTOBER 28 ECO Fashion Show 7pm at the Theatre at Centre 2000, Erin.

Tickets $15 or $10 for seniors and EWCS members. Tickets are available at our New to You stores. Vendors are also wanted for the show. For more info. contact Robyn at 519-833-9696 ext 230

OCTOBER 29 Harriston Legion Br. 296 Dinner 5-7pm.

OCTOBER 30 Drop-In Annual Halloween Storytime 10:30 - 11 am Wear your costumes and be part of the frightfully fun annual Halloween Storytime. All ages welcome!

Fall Festival Melville United Church, Fergus (corner of Tower & St. Andrew St.) 519-843-1781/5863

Community Event - FREE Admission Fri. Oct. 16 4-10pm & Sat. Oct. 17 10am-4pm MEALS • PRESERVES • BAKING • ATTIC TREASURES MEAT PIES • ICE CREAM PARLOUR • LOCAL MUSIC • BOOKS SILENT AUCTION • VENDORS • CRAFTS • JUMPY CASTLE & MORE!

The Black Family Concert Fri. Oct. 16 7pm $10 Adults at door

OCTOBER 31

Kids’ Concert Music with Brian

Spookarama Bid Euchre Tournament at Evergreen Seniors Centre at 1pm, $10/person. Register by Oct. 23rd for free admission draw. Dress in costume is encouraged. Everyone welcome. For more info. call 519-823-1291. *** Listowel Legion Branch 259 Halloween Costume Party, Parkview Gardens. Dance to “Beer and Perrier” 9pm – 1am. $10 per person. *** Until Nov. 1- Aberfoyle Junction Model Railway Fall Show.

10am-4:30pm. Located on old Hwy 6 (Brock Rd.) 1 km N of 401, south of Aberfoyle. Watch for signs. Adults $8, Seniors $6, children $5.

Sat. Oct. 17 11am $2 person

SEND YOUR Non-Profit/Charitable EVENT INFO TO

events@wellingtonadvertiser.com 20-25 words, 4 weeks prior to event date.

Stone United Church

BEEF DINNER Monday October 19th 5-7pm Rockmosa Centre - Rockwood Adults $15, Children 12 & under $7 Pre-school - Free

TICKETS AVAILABLE: 5pm - Earl 519-856-4052 6pm - Don 519-856-1402 7pm - Jack 519-856-4765

PAGE SIXTEEN Inside Wellington - Second Section of the Wellington Advertiser - Friday, October 9, 2009

The

County of Wellington “Connecting Citizens with County News” CHEQUE PRESENTATION

PUBLIC NOTICE Wellington County Residents & Visitors No parking allowed between the hours of 2:00 a.m. & 6:00 a.m.

November 1st through March 31st Parking by-law 5000-05

At the September 24th County Council Meeting, Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj and Councillor Lynda White, Chair of the Wellington County Police Services Board, presented John Svenson, from Wellington County Crime Stoppers with a cheque for $4,077, from proceeds of the annual County police auction.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTION S

On November 1st, the County of Wellington’s Winter Parking Restrictions will be in effect.

There is to be no parking on all public roadways or parking lots within the County between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any day during the months of November, December, January, February and March.

Any person who violates the provisions of this by-law is guilty of an offence and will be issued a Parking Infraction Notice, pursuant to the provisions set out in Part II of the Provincial Offences Act. QUESTIONS? Please call Kelly-Ann Hall, Wellington County Parking Coordinator, at: 519-837-2600, ext. 2510*.

The Wellington County Historical Society proudly presents

The Flora of Wellington County Publication Launch Saturday, October 17 2pm Wellington County Museum and Archives in the Nicholas Keith Room 0536 Wellington Road 18 in Fergus

Public Welcome

REALIZE YOUR DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP! If you currently rent, you may be eligible for down-payment assistance of $10,000 to $20,000 of the price of your new home on the closing date for your new home.

WHO AND WHAT QUALIFIES: • For new home purchases only (Resales are not eligible) • Homes must be priced $257,612 or less • Eligible home purchasers with household incomes of $77,900 or less may qualify • Homes should be located in serviced and urban areas within the County of Wellington and City of Guelph • Contact Habitat for Humanity to see if you are eligible for home ownership and the higher down-payment assistance For more information and applications, Contact Rubina Mian, at: (519) 824-7822, ext. 4710 *

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT DAY In the parking lot at: • Grand River Raceway 7445 Wellington Rd. 21, Elora

• Liquidation World 480 Smith St. (Hwy. 6), Arthur

• Rockmosa Community Centre 74 Christie St., Rockwood This is a free service at no charge - County of Wellington ratepayers only.

Saturday, October 17th 9 a.m.

- 2 p.m.

Acceptable Items Computers | VCR/DVD players | monitors | cameras | televisions | printers/copiers | telephones | home stereo systems For a detailed list, visit www.wellington.ca or contact SWS.

COUNTY HONOURS LOCAL SCHOOLS

Non-perishable food donations will be collected for local food banks.

For more information, contact Solid Waste Services (SWS): (519) 837-2301 or toll-free 1-866-899-0248.

Recently, the County of Wellington recognized thirteen local schools for their commitment to the Green Legacy Programme. The schools were honoured with the Green Legacy Gold School Award.

Every student in every grade committed one day of the school year to help and plant trees. Each school was presented with a special flag by a County representative.

The following public schools were recognized: James McQueen Victoria Terrace Paisley Road Tytler Sir Isaac Brock Ponsonby Fred A. Hamilton

Brant Avenue Rockwood Centennial Aberfoyle Alma Taylor Evans Central

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS Get the Facts on Flu – H1N1 and Seasonal Presentation time is approximately 30 minutes with a question and answer period to follow.

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

Wednesday, October 14

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Centre Wellington District High School 905 Scotland Street, Fergus

Wednesday, October 14

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Erin District High School/Community Theatre 14 Boland Drive, Erin

Wednesday, October 21

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Wellington Heights Secondary School 406 Sligo Road East, Mount Forest

Wednesday, October 21

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Orangeville Secondary School 22 Faulkner Street, Orangeville

Thursday, October 29

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Norwell District Secondary School 135 Cumberland Street, Palmerston

Wednesday, November 4 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

For more information, or to get your school involved, please contact Rob Johnson, Green Legacy Tree Nursery Manager, at: (519) 837-2600, ext. 3030*.

Congratulations!

County of Wellington Administration Centre 74 Woolwich St. Guelph, ON N1H 3T9

Bishop Macdonell High School 200 Clair Road West, Guelph

This year it’s a different flu season.

Public Health

For more information, visit the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health website at: www.wdghu.org.

www.wellington.ca

FEEDBACK - How are we doing?

Do you have an idea for an upcoming issue?

Andrea Ravensdale, Communications Officer (519) 837-2600, ext. 2320* or andrear@wellington.ca *ALL CALLS CAN BE MADE TOLL FREE TO 1-800-663-0750.