January 1 2014 maple leaf e edition

ESTABLISHED 1873 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014 o PORT DOVER, ONTARIO N0A 1N0 $1.43+HST 1$ 50

Look for your Historic Port Dover 2014 Calendar included with this issue

TTRREENNDDSS BBiissttrroo PPrreesseennttss::

OOuuttssmmaarrtt yyoouurr FFrriieennddss!! LLaauugghh OOuutt LLoouudd!!

SShhooww eevveerryyoonnee jjuusstt hhooww ssmmaarrtt yyoouu rreeaallllyy aarree!! PPrriizzeess,, PPrriizzeess PPrriizzeess!!

FFuunn,, FFuunn FFuunn!!

Come taste our delicious

NEW MENU

Starting Jan. 2014: - Daily Lunch Specials

- Dinner Features.

- Catering and Events

ADDRESS


NEW MENUComing Soon!

- Daily Lunch Specials- Dinner Features

- Catering & Events

presents... Call us at 226-440-3133 for more information

312 Queensway West, SimcoePh: 226-440-3133 www.trendsbistro.ca






NEW MENU


- Dinner Features.


ADDRESS






NEW MENU


- Dinner Features.


ADDRESS






NEW MENU


- Dinner Features.


ADDRESS






NEW MENU


- Dinner Features.


ADDRESS

Outsmart your friends!Laugh Out Loud!Show everyone just how smart you really are!PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES!Fun, fun, fun!

COMING SOON!

Nominations for Norfolk County council open on Jan. 2.

John Wells plans to seek re-elec-tion as councillor for Ward 6, Port Dover and Woodhouse.

But Coun. Wells won’t file his nomination for the Oct. 27 election just yet.

He hates the paperwork required by an election campaign, such as opening a special bank account.

“I disdain, detest and deplore all the paperwork attached to it,” Coun. Wells said in an interview.

Coun. Wells has represented Port

Dover since the modern Norfolk County was created in 2001.

Before that, he was a councillor for the former City of Nanticoke.

Coun. Wells has never had a cam-paign committee.

He plans to put up election signs and to campaign on his own.

Dennis Travale, who has been mayor since 2006, announced months ago that he would seek re-election.

Simcoe Coun. Charlie Luke has been reported to be considering a run for mayor.

Polar Bear Dip aids library fund

People planning to participate in the 2014 Port Dover New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip are counting down the few remaining hours before Wednesday, January 1.

As has been the tradition since 1983, the Polar Bear Dip at Port Dover will start at 1:00 p.m.

Participants are asked to as-semble inside Knechtel Foods restaurant, Walker St., beginning at 12:30. Organizers ask that no one enter the water prior to the official word “go” at 1:00 -- this is a safety measure. Polar Bear Dip-pers are urged to wear protection on their feet and legs as ice has sharp edges and cuts can occur.

Organizer Chris Swarts told The Maple Leaf on Saturday the weather determines the condi-tion of the ice on the lake. At that time, the forecast was calling for milder weather followed by cold-er temperatures as New Year’s Day approached.

He said the organizers “will be ready for whatever comes”, not-ing the dippers will roar across the beach and splash into the icy water at the end of Walker Street at 1:00 p.m.

Every Polar Bear is urged to have someone on shore with tow-els and blankets and with trans-portation to a warm destination.

The organizing committee is Shawn Swarts and Chris with his

wife Tina Swarts. The financial benefactor this year will be Port Dover’s new library fundrais-ing committee, headed by John Wells. That group of community volunteers will be out in full force with pails for donations.

Shawn Swarts was an original Port Dover Polar Bear and con-tinued every Jan. 1 for another 24 years, then became one of the event organizers. Chris became a Polar Bear Swimmer one year later and also has a 25 year record before becoming an organizer.

Chris Swarts’ daughter Mar-ley became a Polar Bear at age eight, rejoining the group every Jan. 1 since, and at age 15 will again join the gleeful crowd. Her father said Marley usually con-vinces some friends to join her every year, noting most only do it once.

The Weaver brothers of Nan-ticoke hold the record for most Port Dover Polar Bear Dips, getting close to 30 according to Chris Swarts. Warren and Darryl Weaver usually bring a ladder to climb up on then do a belly-flop into the water, much to the enjoy-ment of the onlookers.

The original Port Dover Po-lar Bear Dip took place on Jan. 1, 1983, on the beach off Walker Street, much the same as it will be this week.

Port Dover Polar Bear Dip organizer Chris Swarts checks out the ice conditions along the beach earlier this week in preparation for Wednesday’s 1:00 p.m. New Year’s Day dip.

Nominations open Jan. 2

Freezing rain just days before Christmas covered the community with a layer of ice as this photo by Earl Hartlen taken from Powell Park shows. In Port Dover the ice quickly melted and caused little damage. More pictures of the ice storm inside on page 8.

2 | PORT DOVER MAPLE LEAF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

Here are preliminary re-sults of the 27th Woodhouse Christmas Bird Count held December 15 and centered 7 km east of Simcoe, at the crossroads of Highway 3 and Cockshutt Road at Rent-on. The area roughly covers from Port Dover to Water-ford and just east of Simcoe to Jarvis. The number of participants was 32.

The weather this year was very different from last year. Overnight snow resulted in about 20 cm ac-cumulation by dawn. Fortu-nately there was very little more snow during the day and the sun even tried to come out occasionally. Most of the standing water was frozen, and there was some ice buildup along the shore of the lake. Temperatures varied from a low of -9 to a high of –3.

At the end of the Wood-house Bird Count the total species was 86 +2 Count Week. It is interesting to note that the average for the last 26 years is 81; average for the last 10 years is 85. The number of individual birds recorded was 26,001. Average for the last 26 years is 27,082; average for the last 10 years is 23,907

SPECIES TO THE COUNTPeregrine Falcon 1 (1

previous CW bird (2012); Snow Goose 3 (2); Common Goldeneye 680 (393); Bald Eagle 17 (13); Merlin 3 (2); Snowy Owl 3 (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker 44 (34); Eastern Towhee 3 (2); Ruddy Duck 1 (is lowest) average 5; Great Black-Backed Gull 2 (is low-est) average 18; American

Pipit 1 (is lowest) average 9,

COUNT WEEK SPECIESDouble-crested Cormo-

rant 1; Brown Creeper 1.

SPECIES ABOVE AVERAGE (26 year average in bracket)

Great Blue Heron 8 (5); Mute Swan 5 (1) Canada Goose 7325 (3170); Cackling Goose 15 (1); Mallard 2665 (1462); American Black Duck 211 (95); Hooded Merganser 21 (4); Common Merganser 1080 (342); Red-breasted Mer-ganser 296 (179); Northern Harrier 29 (12); Wild Turkey 148 (30); Mourning Dove 12 (613); Belted Kingfisher 9 (4); Yellow-shafted Flicker 14 (9); Horned Lark 557 (128); Eastern Bluebird 76 (32); American Robin 28 (12); Myrtle Warbler 7 (3); Field Sparrow 6 (3); Song Sparrow 91 (34); Swamp Sparrow 21 (7); White-throated Sparrow 23 (16); Slate-coloured Junco 1586 (868); Snow Bunting 643 (230); Northern Cardinal 198 (152).

SPECIES WELL BELOW AVERAGE (26 year average in bracket)

Tundra Swan 8 (57); Greater Scaup 42 (3413); Lesser Scaup 35 (263); Ameri-can Kestrel 15 (36); Bonapar-te’s Gull 52 (181); Ring-billed Gull 272 (1874); Herring Gull 47 (222); Black-capped Chickadee 195 (509); Red-breasted Nuthatch 8 (21); White-breasted Nuthatch 35 (72); European Starling 1325 (2955); Cedar Waxwing 35 (86); Brown-headed Cow-bird 110 (449); House Finch 223 (668); House Sparrow 973 (1419).

NOTABLE ABSENTEESCanvasback; Ruffed

Grouse 4th year in a row; Brown Creeper CW only; Purple Finch; Common Redpoll; Pine Siskin.

WORTHY OF MENTIONNorthern Goshawk 1

(7th record); Wilson’s Snipe 1 (7th record) same spot as the last 4 years; Glaucous Gull 1 (5th record); Short-eared Owl 1 (last time on count day was back in 2000); Gray Catbird 3 (6th record); Fox Sparrow 1 (7th record); Red Crossbill 1 (2nd record) last in 1988.

FULL SPECIES LIST AND TALLY

Double Crested Cormo-rant CW; Great Blue Heron

8; Mute Swan 5; Tundra Swan 8; Canada Goose 7325; Cackling Goose 15; Snow Goose 3.

Mallard 2665; American Black Duck 211; Gadwall 81; Redhead 916; Ring-necked Duck 1; Greater Scaup 42; Lesser Scaup 35; Scaup Spp 1127; Common Goldeneye 680; Bufflehead 211; Hooded Merganser 21; Common Merganser 1080; Red-breasted Merganser 296; Ruddy Duck 1.

Bald Eagle 17; Northern Harrier 29; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6; Cooper’s Hawk 5; Northern Goshawk 1; Red-tailed Hawk 82; Rough-legged Hawk 11; Peregrine Falcon 1; American Kes-trel 15; Merlin 3; Wild Tur-key 148; Wilson’s Snipe 1; Bonaparte’s Gull 40; Ring-billed Gull 272; Herring

Gull 47; Glaucous Gull 1; Great Black-backed Gull 2; Rock Pigeon 445; Mourning Dove 1004.

Eastern Screech-Owl 44; Great-horned Owl 2; Snowy Owl 3; Long-eared Owl 1; Short-eared Owl 2; Belted Kingfisher 9.

Red-bellied Woodpecker 44; Downy Woodpecker 65; Hairy Woodpecker 15; Yel-low-shafted Flicker 14; Pile-ated Woodpecker 2; North-ern Shrike 5.

Blue Jay 348; American Crow 622; Horned Lark 557; Black-capped Chickadee 195; Red-breasted Nuthatch 8; White-breasted Nuthatch 35; Brown Creeper CW; Car-olina Wren 6; Winter Wren 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet 14; Eastern Bluebird 76; Hermit Thrush 2; Ameri-can Robin 28; Gray Catbird

1; Northern Mockingbird 2; European Starling 1325; American Pipit 1; Cedar Waxwing 35; Myrtle War-bler 7; Eastern Towhee 3.

American Tree Spar-row 572; Field Sparrow 6; Fox Sparrow 1; Song Spar-row 91; Swamp Sparrow 21; White-throated Sparrow 23; White-crowned Sparrow 8; Slate-colored Junco 1586.

Northern Cardinal 198; Red-winged Blackbird 17; Rusty Blackbird 5; Brown-headed Cowbird 110; House Finch 223; Red Crossbill 1; American Goldfinch 294; House Sparrow 973.

Total 86 Species plus 2 Count Week.

Submitted by David Okines, Woodhouse Christmas Bird Count coordinator.

Contact The Maple Leaf 351 Main St., Port Dover, N0A 1N0 | Tel: 519-583-0112 | [email protected]

Larry Monczka, Port Ryerse nature and landscape photographer as well as birdwatching enthusiast, keeps more than a dozen bird feeders stocked with seed for local and visiting birds. Red-breasted Nuthatch, White Throated Sparrows, Downy Woodpecker and Carolina Wren can be joined by some rarities at the feeders such as the Tufted Titmouse, a Wild Turkey, Pheasant, Yellow Breasted Blackbird, Red Headed Woodpecker and many more.

Norfolk County is waiting to respond to a Port Dover couple’s complaints about its handling of Friday the 13th.

The county has not yet received final comments from its solicitor, Deputy Clerk Cathy Balcomb said in an e-mail to The Maple Leaf.

The county will send a formal letter to Ken and Geor-gia Painter once it has all the information, Ms. Balcomb said.

The Painters raised legal questions in letters on June 15, 2012, Sept. 9, 2013, and Nov. 27, 2013.

The county responded once, saying it was seeking legal advice.

The Painters’ Nov. 27 letter accused county council of closing streets on the pretext of public safety then leasing parts of the streets to service clubs for Friday the 13th activities.

The couple called it a “money grab” and an “illegal scam.”

Port Dover Coun. John Wells objected to the “disre-spectful tone” of the letter.

Woodhouse annualChristmas Bird Countrecords 88 species in 26,001 birds sighted

County waiting for comments from solicitorbefore responding toPainters legal concerns

Midgets put pressure on T’Burg goaliePort Dover Midget Pirates are pictured putting pressure on Tillsonburg Midgets goalie in this recent game

at Port Dover Arena. There was less than two minutes on the clock. The visitors had scored in the first period, with Port Dover notching a goal in the second. Late in the third period Tillsonburg got the go-ahead marker to make the count 2 to 1. Unfortunately, the clock ran out before the Pirates could get the equalizer.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014 PORT DOVER MAPLE LEAF | 3

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��SIMCOE - 519.426.0415420 Norfolk St. S.

PORT DOVER - 519.583.202087 Thompson Dr.(No Frills Plaza) Unit 4

We’veMoved!

Dr. Katie Ryan Dr. Matthew Craig Dr. Jane Van Dyk

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

The Christmas Day luncheon served 115 people at St. Paul’s Parish Hall.

CommunityChristmas Luncheon served 115

By Donna McMillan

St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall was festively decorated with hanging snowflakes, beautiful floral table centre pieces and a brightly lit Christmas tree.

The Community Christmas Luncheon sat 115 people down for a wonderful meal of turkey, stuff-ing, potatoes, roast pork, squash, carrots, homemade apple sauce, coleslaw and a wide array of cook-ies and squares on Christmas Day.

Christmas music, some carol-ing, a children’s games room and a visit from Norfolk OPP with good-ies donated by Ferrero Rocher all helped to make the event special.

Chef Jeremy Schott and a host of volunteers prepared food, cooked, served and did the clean up for the day. Extra food went home with some attendees. Des-serts were taken to Dover Cliffs Nursing Home and some leftover food was donated to the food bank.

Volunteers (left – front to back) Debbie Smith, Sophia Schott, Lindsay Woods, Jim Lomas, (right – front to back) Ashley Woods, Michael Woods, Carolyn Woods and Don Woods at St. Paul’s An-glican church Christmas Day.

Cathy Hughes, chef Jeremy Schott and Lucille Burgess are pic-tured here in the kitchen of St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Naomi Schott, Ellianna Sartor, Rudy Sartor and Andrew Schott prepared a kids room at the Community Christmas Luncheon.

Dave Lentz, Debbie Smith and Tim Mc-Cullough serve food at the Port Dover Commu-nity Christmas Luncheon.

John Chayer, Harold Garton and Laurie Lomas at the Community Christmas Luncheon.

Gerald Tyrrell, Jane Tyrrell, Ronn Hughes and Tim Mc-Cullough were ready for diners at the Port Dover Community Christmas Luncheon.

TheMaple Leafwelcomes

Lettersfrom

readersnews@

portdovermapleleaf.com

6$ 95+ HSTup to 20 wordswhen paidin full at timeof order

How much is a word ad?Turn unused itemsinto instant cash at low cost!

Call 519-583-0112or [email protected]


By DAVID JUDD

It was love at first sight.The moment Jeremy and Rhon-

da Yetman saw the former con-servation authority office for sale on Radi-cal Road, they wanted to buy it as a home for their young family.

They put in an of-fer; it was accepted; and one month later they took possession.

For $160,000 they got the nearly 3 , 0 0 0 - s q u a r e - f o o t brick building (if you count the 900-square-foot basement) on 1.5 acres next to the trees and trails of Hay Creek park.

The Yetmans and their three

children — Jacob, Shelby and Demi — hope to move from their current home in Cambridge next summer.

Mr. Yetman was busy gutting the place in early December.

The Yetmans had been looking for a new home for quite a while.

Then they saw the “for sale” sign on the corner of Radical and Port Ryerse roads.

The beautiful loca-tion sold them.

And free babysit-ting is as close as Port Dover. Both sets of grandparents live

here.Mr. Yetman is familiar with the

area, having spent childhood sum-mers at a cottage in Turkey Point.

He will commute to his job as a firefighter in Guelph.

Mrs. Yetman is seeking work lo-cally as a dietician.

The building was on the market for more than a year, Cliff Evanits-ki, general manager of the Long Point Region Conservation Au-thority, said in an interview.

Church and social groups, farm-

ers and artists showed interest.There was even talk of turning

the building into dog kennels.But the Yetmans made the deal.The building began as an elemen-

tary school. The conservation au-thority bought the building in 1973 when it had three staff members. In 1979, the authority, which had grown to 13 staff, put on an addition.

In 2010, the authority and its 20 employees moved to larger quar-ters in Tillsonburg.

“We got our value out of it,” Mr. Evanitski said.

The conservation authority did not sell Hay Creek park.

“It’s still there for people to use,” Mr. Evanitski said. “We even put in a new parking lot.”

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Jeremy Yetman is renovating the former conservation authority building on Radical Road into a home for his young family.

Family moving intorenovated formerconservation authority office at Hay Creek

The building began as a school.The conservation

authority bought itin 1973 when it had

3 staff members.


Donation in memory of avid reader

By Joan Doyle

The late W. Gordon McCloy, who worked as a banker in Hamilton and lived until the age of 92, loved books and he loved spending time in Port Dover. His passion for the written word prompted his family to make an In Memoriam donation to the fundraising campaign for the new Port Dover Library.

The gift includes both a mon-etary donation and a collection of books. It is from Mr. McCloy’s daughter, Marg and son-in-law Frank Walker, and granddaughter Corinne McGregor and her family. and granddaughter Jennifer Cross-ley and her family.

A letter from daughter Marg to the fundraising committee related that her father always said a book was a rare treasure, filled with the gift of knowledge and from that knowledge came wisdom.

“I know that he would be very excited about the prospect of a new library for the town that he loved. Although he never knew the joy of living here as a year round resi-dent, he spent many happy months here every year with his fam-ily, from the time his grandparents purchased the property at least 100 years ago that we now call home on Brant Hill.”

Prior to his death, Mr. McCloy asked that his books from a very extensive collection be given to the Port Dover Library. To honour his wishes, the family determined that this is the time to do it.

“And for us as a family, there could be no better way to honour my father’s memory than to help in encouraging others to be excited about learning and reading and valuing the quest for knowledge,” Marg said.

The Wine, Women and Words Book Club, a participating group in the Norfolk County Public Library “Book Club In-A-Bag” program, recently held a Christmas celebration at Schofield’s Bistro. During the evening, the group made a donation in the amount of $220 to the “Fishing For Funds” campaign for the new Port Dover Library and then issued a challenge to other book clubs to help raise the $200,000 that is the responsibility of this community. In the front row (l-r) are book club representative Fran Lacroix and Nancy Sherwin, treasurer for the new library’s fund raising committee. Middle row (l-r): Maggie Smith, Susan Matthews and Ada Brownlie. In the back row (l-r): Marsha Olinski, Jady Kylve, Pamela McEwen, Jane Eadinger and Julie McCague. Members Nancy Ross and Diane Whitehouse were absent. Photo by Joan Doyle

The new Port Dover Library Branch, located at Lakewood El-ementary School, is nearing com-pletion but the target opening date of January 2 will not be met.

Instead, the contractor will be meeting with a building inspector on January 2 to review a deficiency

list. It is hoped that following that

meeting an occupancy permit will be granted for the public to start using the library on Saturday, Jan-uary 4.

Over the past week, staff and volunteers have worked diligently

to organize the space with books, resource materials and new tech-nology for patrons enjoyment.

The new Port Dover library is fully accessible.

The library website www.ncpl.ca will post any changes for open-ing times and dates.

Heather King, the new CEO of Norfolk County Public Library, places the $110,000 banner on the “Fishing For Funds” campaign board for the new Port Dover branch that is re-locating to renovated space at Lakewood Elementary School. The goal of the campaign is $200,000.

New library opening delayed;now expected to open Saturday

LIBRARY FUNDRAISING CONTINUES

The following individuals, groups and businesses have gener-ously donated to the “Fishing For Funds” campaign currently under-way for the new Port Dover branch of Norfolk County Public Library. This list includes donations re-ceived up to Dec. 13:

Coldwell Banker Coastline Re-alty, Blair Daggett & Helen Deboer, Mary C. Dempsey, Dover Animal Hospital, Marion Dowds, Colleen Finnigan, Elizabeth Gammage, Jo-seph Huxley & Judith Slaght, Kelly Isfan, Kinsmen Club of Port Dover, Gerry & Dorothy Kott, Virginia Lav-

ery, Donald & Catherine Long, Hel-en MacMurray & Family - In Mem-ory of D. Peter MacMurray; Iain P. Murray, Gil & Irene Newton, Harry & Carol Pos, Tim Rodger, Laura & Blair Snow, Rosemarie Symington, Marion Vermeersch - In Memory of A.M. “Sandy” & Doris Barr; Marg & Frank Walker, Corinne McGregor & Family - In Memory of W. Gordon McCloy; Cliff Wakeling.

Donors can make cheques pay-able to Norfolk County with “New Port Dover Library” on the memo line and mailed to: Norfolk County, PO Box 5, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N0.

Christmas donations strengthen “Fishing For Funds” campaign


STAN MORRIS

At this time of year many Port Dover area residents, and folks across Norfolk County, think a lot about birds. There are two things going on now that bring people and birds together. The annual Christmas bird counts are growing in popu-larity. As well, many people in town dutifully feed winter birds, taking great delight in watching blue jays, cardi-nals, chickadees and many others on their backyard feeders.

Christmas bird counts have been growing in Cana-da since 1900 when National Aubudon Society organized bird counts across North America. This year marks the 114th annual Woodhouse Township Christmas Bird Count. Every bird count cov-ers a 15-mile diameter circle centred on the same spot each year, between December 14 through January 5. The 2013 Woodhouse count was conducted on December 15. The Woodhouse bird count is centred at Renton and covers Port Dover, Simcoe, Wa-terford, Vittoria and the lake-front west of Port Ryerse. Participants are assigned a territory within the circle.

Many people don’t realize the great abundance of win-ter birds found in Norfolk. The bird counts in Norfolk County generally record the highest number of identified species in the province.o o oDave and Anne Matthews

have been avid bird watchers and winter feeders for years at their Tisdale Road home with a ravine on the proper-

ty. Anne explained they place their feeders amid brush and other protective materials so that watchful hawks cannot swoop down on hapless little birds while eating.

The Matthews place suet, assorted seeds, including black sunflower seed, on feeders with great response. On Sunday, Dec. 15 during the Woodhouse Christmas Bird Count Dave and Anne had a surprise visit from Cathie Pickard during her bird count, to inform Anne she saw a pair of towhees on her property (that was very unusual for December). o o oJohn and Elizabeth Blake-

more on Mergl Ave. have two bird feeders in their back-yard that they enjoy watch-ing the host of feathered friends who feed there on nothing but Black oil seed.

It attracts finches, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, juncos, sparrows and nuthatches.o o oMike and Debbie O’Dwyer

at R R 5 Simcoe (east of Rent-on) told me that a tree fills up with blue jays at their farm. The feeders are located in a protected area that the birds like. The couple use a seed mixture from a mill at Cayuga.o o oThe St. George Street resi-

dence of Chris and Cathie Van Trigt has three bird feeders (one is a Dutch-style windmill feeder) offering a smorgasbord of seeds from Royal Oak Seeds that entices many species. Chris named a few of the birds they often see: blue jays, cardinals, nuthatches and sparrows. The couple established the feeders soon after moving

back to Port Dover about three years ago.o o o When I called Bill and

Cathy Duffus on Mergl Ave. to ask about feeding the birds they reported something a little different. Cathy explained they feed hummingbirds in a back-yard feeder. They usually have two hummingbirds on a regular basis. For about ten years Cathy has main-tained the feeder from spring until September. They dare not keep the feeder going beyond that time for the little winged birds’ benefit because they might remain in Ontario too late to escape to warmer climes.o o oThe results of the Wood-

house Bird Count in mid December can be found on page 2 of this issue.

Important signsindicate Port Doveris healthy, growing

The beginning of a New Year is a good time to check Port Dover’s vital signs. Is this community healthy, sickly, or dying? Like a living body, there are many organs in every community. Which ones are functioning well and which are not?

The heart of every community is its people. Port Doverites volunteer for local causes that come along … and together we have built com-munity services of every kind. The latest is rais-ing $200,000 toward the new $1.23-million library opening soon. This Christmas the outpouring of toys and foods for several needy causes, includ-ing the local food bank, is a clear indicator that citizens care about fellow citizens.

Another consideration in determining vital signs of a community is population -- are people coming, or leaving? An autumn drive-by count of new housing units resulted in a count of 39 housing starts (from excavations to completed units). As reported on these pages on August 14, 2013 the Harbour Heights development facing Grand Street will contain a five-storey 60-unit condominium and 38 townhouse units. In Sep-tember we reported the Dover Wharf develop-ment on Harbour Street will have 48 units.

Many towns the size of Port Dover do not have as viable a retail downtown core as Port Do-ver has. Local businesses compete well against a neighbouring larger town and nearby city shopping centres. In December two retail stores closed, and two have opened recently, with sev-eral others contemplating opening soon. When the spacious store of Carpet One Port Dover moved to a new building, the vacated building sold quickly to be renovated for multiple com-mercial purposes.

As we move into a new year it is generally agreed this lakeside community does not have sufficient medical facilities. The medical centre that provided abundant care for over 30 years is no longer able to accommodate a satisfac-tory level of medical services. In the past three years several well-intentioned efforts failed to establish better services. Indications are a full-fledged, modern medical centre will be built in 2014. However, this community is fortunate that existing health care professionals are providing patients with superb treatment and care.

As a community that has boasted of its natu-ral recreational attributes, superb cuisine and entertainment venues since the late 1800s, Port Dover has lost none of that early pizzazz. In fact, this hospitable community now caters all year to people who make Port Dover a destination be-cause of what it is today.

Traditional industry in Port Dover, and the lack of it, is in a weakened state now especially since the Nanticoke Generating Station has been shut down. Townspeople are reliant on commer-cial fishing for industrial-type jobs, other plants in Norfolk County, the remaining industrial op-erations at Nanticoke or commuting.

It can be said the stalemate between Norfolk Council and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Re-sources on the Misner Dam and Silver Lake situ-ation has wounded citizens’ community pride. What was deemed a jewel in this community since its early beginning has been allowed to be-come an embarrassment.

Overall, despite a few sores which have spe-cialists looking into them, this community is healthy and has a good prognosis.

>> VIEWPOINTFeeding and counting the birds

By Pamela McEwen

OF ALL THE HOLIDAYS and celebrations, Christmas is the most nostalgic time. Each of us has our own personal memory of

family and friends.I grew up in a small village. It was a

company town consisting of 18 houses, which included a clubhouse, a family home that provided meals for contrac-tors, an outdoor rink, with the main focal point of the village being our com-munity hall.

This hall held our church, school and dance hall. Entertainment nights included bingo, bazaars, baby or wed-ding showers - anything pertaining to our community.

The most exciting time for young and old during December was the Christmas concert. Everyone turned out for this event - even adults who didn’t have children as they knew each and every one of us as we grew from toddlers to teenagers.

I can’t recall whether our concert included our Sunday School pageant with our Public School performances,

but I do know that it included every child from age three to 16.

A stage was built at the far end of the hall, away from the wood stove. I can still hear our dress shoes clipping across the wooden boards as we en-tered, performed and left the stage.

At the conclusion of our plays, piano duets, songs and carols, the lights were dimmed and excitement was felt throughout the hall. In the distance, we could hear the sound of bells calling out in the crisp cold air. Young ones held their breaths while older children burst into nervous giggles.

Over to the windows we ran. In the distance at the top of the hill, which was a roadway for the pulp trucks and sled and ski hill, sat a huge sleigh with a team of farm horses decorated with festive red bows and bells attached to the harnesses.

Perched in the driver’s seat was a jolly fellow decked out in a red and white suit. Ecstatic voices called out, “Our Santa has found us!”

Down the hill they flew, with the sound of their hooves clomping over the wooden bridge and finally coming

to a stop at our little red school house. Everyone lined up, waiting for our name to be called so we could sit on Santa’s knee and receive our Christmas gift. For some reason, Santa knew each of us, even commenting on something we had done during the past year.

After everyone had their visit with Santa, he climbed back on the sleigh, and with a hearty HO HO and the horses stomping in the cold, they disap-peared into the night. What an exciting time it was for all the children in this isolated little village.

Sunday morning the stage would be gone, the pulpit in place, chairs set up and the weekly church service would begin.

There are so many memories relat-ing to this way of life: As a four-year-old hiding behind the pulpit (stored) in the cloak room while my mother taught school; witnessing runaway horses dur-ing school hours; and listening to Foster Hewitt broadcasting a hockey game on a Saturday night when the Maple Leafs actually won their games. I feel truly blessed to have lived this experience in a small village in Northern Ontario.

HOLIDAY MEMORIES

A Northern Ontario Christmas

Ray Waldick, who lives on the Radical Road near Port Dover, feeds birds at feeders in his front yard as well as a natural feeder in his backyard. Ray hangs Indian Corn and Sunflower heads, all from his extensive garden, on the back clothesline for birds to eat. Ray mentioned he gets a variety of local birds visiting his property and the Blue Jays particularly enjoy the garden feed in the back.


Last winter and springhad its ups and downs

TOBY BARRETTQueen’s Park Report

New Year festivities trace their origins back 4,000 years to Mesopotamia. The tradi-tion of a baby representing the coming year and an old man representing the past originated with the ancient Greeks.

January 1 became New Year ’s Day by decree of Cae-sar to honour Janus, the god of all beginning. Representa-tions of Janus portrayed two faces, one looked to the new year and one looking to the past 12 months.

Looking back on the year past, we realize good old Haldimand and Norfolk had their ups and downs, as did our Province of Ontario.

Close to a year ago, my

phone started to ring, on Jan. 5, after a bald eagle’s nest was cut down to make way for a Next Era wind turbine. I rushed to the site to raise awareness again that wind turbines kill eagles.

The bad news continued in January when Mr. McGuinty announced the closure of Nanticoke Generating Station by year’s end.

Over the winter months, ongoing work-to-rule meant no extracurricular activities for many students.

More than a year of work in my role as Opposition Crit-ic for Social Services came to fruition in January with my White Paper: Welfare to Work. In it, I propose integrating welfare and disability at the municipal level, while cutting red tape. Other recommenda-tions would help those receiv-ing assistance to keep more of their earnings and create bridges between assistance and work. Employers who hire people with disabilities would also be rewarded.

At the end of January,

Kathleen Wynne was ap-pointed premier. As the year unfolded, we found it was a situation of “new boss, same as the old boss” - 47 of 52 Liberals ended up with a pay raise as cabinet ministers or parliamentary assistants. Wynne herself became Ontar-io’s first part-time Minister of Agriculture.

In the wake of new, more stringent guidelines for Drive Clean, I continued the call to scrap it.

Haldimand and Norfolk suffered and sympathized when the current government ended the Slots at Racetracks program and promised to build 29 new casinos.

More details from the cost overruns at Ornge continued to be revealed at our Public Accounts Committee -- money wasted on Harleys, speed boats and bonuses.

Last spring, the The Fraser Institute confirmed wind turbines are 10 times more costly than installing pollution-control equipment on Ontario’s existing coal

plants. In April, Ontario’s Auditor

General revealed costs for the cancellation of the Missis-sauga gas plant at $275 mil-lion - $85 million more than claimed. In June, my caucus and I called for a police probe into deleted e-mails.

When the budget was released in early May, it con-tained few of the recommen-dations for social services reform suggested by Frances Lankin. Despite legislation calling for a Select Committee on Developmental Disabili-ties, it was yet to be formed.

Just before spring planting, government announced a new round of farm tire eco-fees.

Dunnville received good news in early June when it was announced Original Foods would be opening in the former Bick’s plant.

The ups and downs of 2013 to be continued in next week’s column.

P.S. -- Join me at my New Year’s Levee on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m., at my home, 311 Cockshutt Road.

>>

LETTERSSend letters to [email protected] Main St., Port Dover N0A 1N0

Memories of a caring local doctor

When I celebrated my last birthday, memories were running through my mind. Of course, growing up in Port Dover, lots of good memories there.

But one special person came to mind. He was well-known in Dover, if he was never person of the year he should have been. I first met this man on the corner of Nelson St. and St. George St. Being only sixteen at the time, he left a lasting impression on me.

When I visited there I remember the lively music playing in the house, he would lift the phone to use it and he would say “Harold please hang up the phone”. Always a pleasant smile and kind words for everyone.

The man delivered all three of our children, healed so many hurts, and a couple broken bones and many sur-geries. Coming to our home several times on house calls. Being very young I remember some of his words of wisdom, one was “Barb-a-ra hold your head up high and be proud” (I was very shy and insecure).

There was always kind words of encouragement. I needed to go to the hospital one day, he drove me because we had no car at that time, got me there and admitted. To me and our family, we had the very best care and compas-sion, from the man who was Dr. Robert Hynscht.

Thanks for the memories!

Barbara Mepham (Rutter)Simcoe

Halifax-raised Betty Wells fondly remem-bers the cranberry pies that her grand-mother always made for Christmas Eve. “It’s a favourite in the Maritimes,” she said.

Her grandmother lived in Sheet Harbour, where the men made their living by fish-ing. There were cranberry bogs in the area that always yielded plump berries for pies. Grandma always insisted that no berries were to be picked until after the first frost, perhaps because she thought the taste had been heightened and because the bugs were gone by then. Betty remembers taking a pil-lowcase with her to the bogs to hold the ber-ries while walking over the soggy ground.

“My people were very frugal,” Betty said, “and we used whatever the land gave you.”

Her grandmother prepared her own pas-try for the crust and always grated a couple apples into the cranberries. She had three daughters, including Betty’s mother, and always gave them each a couple pies.

On Christmas Eve, Betty recalled, the kettle was heated for tea in anticipation of visitors to the house who were given a piece of the cranberry pie, topped with whipped cream. There was always a sweet red wine available for the men who didn’t want tea, she said.

After her grandmother passed away, Betty’s mom took over the tradition of bak-ing cranberry pies for Christmas Eve. Betty, herself, has only made cranberry pie a very few times. But years ago, it was always part of her Maritime Christmas Eve.

Cranberry pie was a favourite

HOLIDAY MEMORIES

There are about 6,400 miles, as the crow flies, between Tokyo and Brantford. Despite the distance, Juliann Kuchocki was deter-mined that she would get home for Christ-mas.

Juliann, who operates the performing arts business called ProArts, and who taught Yoga on the Beach this past summer, was pursuing her career as a dancer and singer by working in Japan in the mid-1990s. “In those days, you signed either a six month or eight month contract,” she said, so getting time off wasn’t easy.

A weather disturbance in Japan had seri-ously interrupted flights. Ready to board at the Tokyo airport. Julian and her girlfriend, also an entertainer, learned that their flight to Los Angeles was cancelled. Her friend, so anxious to get home to her husband, had a major meltdown.

The plight of the two homesick girls got the attention of a flight crew who was re-turning an empty aircraft to LA. Fate smiled upon the girls and they became the only passengers on that flight. Juliann remem-bers that they were able to visit the cockpit -- something that would never happen in this day and age. But on that day back in the mid-90s, Christmas spirit travelled above the clouds.

From L.A., the girls flew to Toronto. On that flight, Juliann got talking to a fellow passenger. He was a teacher accompanied by some students. The teacher said the group

had just attended some shows in Los Angeles and he then took the time to thank her as a dancer and singer for working so hard and for being on the road so much of the time in an effort to bring entertainment to all.

The Christmas spirit again travelled above the clouds.

Weather upon landing at Toronto wasn’t the best but Juliann did make it to Brant-ford. She, along with her sisters Stacey and Erica, and their mother Bonnie gathered at Grandma Gwen’s home for dinner. It was during the meal that the ladies got involved in a food fight but it was Grandma Gwen who surprised all of them when she let loose with a piece of broccoli. That spontaneous moment of fun had encompassed the three generations at the table.

Juliann had brought a unique Christmas gift home with her. A friend in Japan had taught her how to sing Silent Night in Japa-nese. Her song was to make its Canadian debut on the Brantford radio station that is now Jewel 92. As the time approached for Juliann’s song to be aired, no one could find a radio at Grandma’s house. Then, someone thought of the truck in the driveway. The ladies dashed outside and turned on the truck’s radio just in time to hear the family’s world traveller sing the traditional carol with a Japanese flavour.

For 1 1/2 days, Juliann marvelled in the joy of Christmas. Then, she was back at the airport to return to Japan.

Getting home from Japan


The Dover Cheese Shop is now owned and operated by Jenny Ball and her husband Kenyale Lowery.

It is stocked with popular brands such as Jensen’s, Pine River, the very popular 5 Brothers from Gunns Hill of Woodstock, Chanoki of Hagersville and Bel-labitana. There are imported cheese brands from United States, England, Scotland, Italy, France and Switzerland.

Owner Jenny Ball has gift bas-kets and cheese trays available. There are accessories too -- cheese boards, cheese knives, fondues and a variety of crackers.

The store at 320 Main Street is open Wed. and Thursdays 11 to 5; Fridays 11 to 8; Saturdays 11 to 5:30; Sundays 12 to 3.

On Mondays and Tuesdays the store is closed to enable owner Jenny Ball to personally visit cheese producers, before plac-ing an order. Having helped in cheese production in the past she is knowledgeable about various varieties.

Happy New Year!

Shirley and Gilbert Guia Pereira opened The British Store at 307 Main Street in mid-Decem-

ber. The couple previously oper-ated a similar store in Brantford. “We love it here,” Shirley told The

The British Store is very British

Shirley and Gilbert Guia Pereira are pictured in their ‘The Brit-ish Store’.

Maple Leaf, “as everybody is so friendly”. Gilbert has noticed that more people here park their car to walk along the street than at their other location. They decided to re-locate to Port Dover as numerous local people patronized their Brant-ford location, and, as Gilbert noted, “there are a lot of British people living here”.

An inspection of the well-stocked store revealed national flags of UK, soccer team sweaters, pennants, soccer balls, a large se-lection of frozen British favourite foods including steak and kidney pie, haggis, sausage. In grocer-ies, there is a variety of imported Mushy peas, Heinz beans, cookies, candies and beverages including Iron Brew (non-alcoholic). Gift-ware items include an Original Brown Betty teapot, also egg cups, mugs, Coronation Street memora-bilia and more.

The British Store winter hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10 to 5.

The Dover Cheese Shop has variety

Dover Cheese Shop owner Jenny Ball in her Main Street shop.

Prospect Street on the Sunday morning after the ice storm. Lots of trees and power lines buckled with ice. Photo courtesy tracybphotography.com

Rivers and creeks were raging last Sunday afternoon due to heavy rains, ice and run off from the large amounts of snow. Photo courtesy tracybphotography.com

Tracy Bennett writes “Believe it or not. On my travels around Port Dover on December 22nd, I spotted a Robin perched in a ice covered tree. Photo courtesytracybphotography.com

Earl Harlen took the photo of an icy Powell Park above and writes “compared to the other areas of Ontario, Port Dover was very fortu-nate when it came to the ice storm.” Photo courtesy Earl Hartlen

Ice storm does little damage


Pictured with Legion members is Beaver Carson Zilkay. Left to right are Sharon Dobbie, Marie Mayo, Barb McDonald, Bill Orgar, and Edward Long. Beavers Ty Des-deschamps, Jaden Hare, Cohen McDonald, Ben Shafer, Adam Whitton, Noah Whitton were absent at time of photo.

Legion Members Don Barron and Shelley Barron flank the Primary poster winners (l-r) front Braden Moore, Abby Livesey Morton, Grace Mummery, Kylie Hone, Shayla Logan, James Thompson and back row Natalie Suprun, Kelton Boylan, Ella Bradt and Teagan Gulley.

Flanked by Legion members Marie Mayo and Barb McDonald are the Junior Co-lour Poster winners (l-r) front Brianne Smith, Ainsley Jackson, Joseph Michael James Fuchs, Hunter Cutbush and MacKenzie Cunliffe. Back row Elise Miller, Abby Victoria Enid VanZon, Grace Anne Davis, Ashlyn Anne Wilkinson, and Oliver Scott Godelie. Absent from photo are Julianne Goncalves and Petra Stewart.

Winners of the Port Dover Branch 158 Poster and Literary Competition – Interme-diate (grades 7-9) Left to right front row : Karissa Boylan, Camryn Kilpatrick, Avery Lampman, Olivia Cullen, Jane Rodger, and Georgia Stride. Back l-r are Legion mem-bers Edward Long and Bill Orgar.

Junior Black and White poster winners are l-r front row Kayla MacDonald, Brianne Smith, back row William Rodger, Sophia Monture, Paige Dunn, and Alexander Lewis with Legion members Sharon Dobbie and Ken Beckett.

Legion Remembrance Day Poster winners

By Heather Walters

The Port Dover Legion Branch 158 met on December 10 to recognize and award cer-tificates to the 2013 winners of their annual Poster and Liter-ary Competition.

First place winners will be sent to Zone, the next level of competition.

All winning entries showed thoughtfulness, respect and un-derstanding for an important part of Canada’s history, and expressed the importance and meaning of each Remembrance Day.

For the first time, the Port Dover Legion recognized and awarded a group of local Bea-vers for their contribution to and support of the Canadians that have served for our country.

The Beaver group, under the leadership of Mary Elder and Mary Shafer discussed what Remembrance Day means, read the poem In Flanders Fields, and created a poster depicting what this means to them. They were also awarded certificates and ribbons for their efforts.

Les Andersoncontinuesworking on a proposednew medicalcentre in town

Les Anderson says work is continuing on a proposed new health and wellness centre for Port Dover.

Mr. Anderson, who is leading this project and recently spoke of his plans at Norfolk County Council, said last week that there is a great deal of work to be done.

He reported January will see a new board of directors put in place for the not-for-profit cor-poration.

Mr. Anderson says he will also be working closely with planning staff to address any issues that may arise. The pro-posed location is at the former ball diamond on St. George Street beside the arena.

“Over the past few weeks, I have received a number of very favorable comments about this project,” Mr. Anderson said. “It is obvious to me that the com-munity continues to be very supportive of a new medical centre being built.”

The project has requested that Norfolk County Coun-cil consider a contribution of $250,000.00, paid over five years, in their 2014 budget delibera-tions.

At that time, Mr. Anderson says he will present Council and staff with budget and construc-tion information as well as a timetable for the various stages of the project.

Port Dover Lions Club and Port Dover Health Care Initia-tive had also discussed plans for a new medical centre.


Country Lane Kennelsis ideal for short

or long staysPlanning that well-

deserved vacation? It is important to plan a safe and reliable kennel for your dog. Country Lane Kennels is a brand new facility in Norfolk.

At Country Lane Ken-nels, we offer pet owners extra large indoor and outdoor kennels. There are privacy walls on the indoor kennels, for that shy dog.

Also, there is a very large fenced-in play yard, which they get to run in a minimum of three, half-hour play times per day. Group play times are encouraged, but we offer in-dividual time for those who don’t like to socialize.

Our kennels have heated floors (all our clients LOVE the heated floors!). Country Lane Kennels offers air-con-ditioning in the summer.

Other features include

daily disinfecting and cleaning. We offer a Cuddle couch and music 24/7 … and lots and lots of tummy rubs!

Pick up and drop off times at Country Lane Ken-nels are 8-10 a.m., and 3-5 p.m. by appointment only.

Long term and Short term boarding is available.

So whether you are do-ing a day trip (shopping, beach, boating) or going on that long, well-deserved vacation ... Country Lane Kennels is your first choice for daycare and over night stays.

Call Country Lane Ken-nels now to book your dogs’ vacation, and see how we have literally “GONE TO THE DOGS”.

Call us at 519-586-9442, countrylanekennel.caor on facebook at: www.

facebook.com/boardnow

Everything PETS

Country Lane Kennels

Everything PETS

For information on this featurecontact advertising rep at 519-583-0112


Norma Jones

JONES, Norma Beatrice of Cedarwood Gardens passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday December 20, 2013 at Norfolk General Hospital in her 88th year. Predeceased by her loving husband Howard (2001). Loving mother of Nance (Jack) Ross, Ted (Fran) Payne all of Port Dover and Marty (Margaret) of Racine, Wisconsin. Proud grand-mother of J.J, Dana, Marty, Me-lissa, Stephen, Jennifer, Lee, Kai-tlin and Michael. Also honoured great-grandmother of Jarrett, Jack, Jaycee, Leo and Stanley. Predeceased by her parents John and Jessie, and her first husband Donald Payne, and siblings and their spouses, Clayton (Pansy), Jack (Millie), Betty (Knobby) and Marion (Reg). Norma was a mem-ber of the Women’s Auxiliary Corp, and former Cub Scout lead-er. She loved to play shuffleboard, travel and stop at Tim Horton’s for a coffee, double cream one sweetener please. This sweet lady will be remembered and loved. A graveside service was held at Port Dover Cemetery. Arrange-ments have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, 102 First Ave. Port Dover, (519-583-1530). For those wishing, dona-tions to the Port Dover Library Fund would be greatly appreci-ated. Online condolences and or donations can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca

A. M. Lee Gaunt

GAUNT, Alicia Mary (Lee) nee: Curtis. It is with a deep sense of loss that the family of Alicia Mary (Lee) Gaunt announce her pass-ing at West Haldimand General Hospital on Thursday, December 19, 2013. She died peacefully, in her sleep, leaving behind the pain and physical challenges that in-truded on her life these past few years. Lee faced life on her own terms and, at the end, she left it on her own terms. Her parting words were, “I did what I wanted to do. I have no regrets.” She be-gan her law practice when she was a mere sixty years old. She once mused, “Here I am at sixty years old, when most people are begin-ning to slow down, but I’m picking up speed.” While she was work-ing on her social work degree at McMaster University as a mature student, she took the plunge into law. Lee aced the LSAT examina-tions and studied at the University of Western Ontario. She reasoned that, if she was a lawyer, no one could make her retire at sixty-five. Lee’s family felt her great love, which we returned as best we could. She is survived by her son, Bob Gaunt (self-proclaimed favou-rite son,) Toronto, and daughter, Laurie Connor, Winnipeg, Mani-toba; four amazing grandchildren, Erin Weller (Glenn), Kitchener, Michael Gaunt (Sheryl) Oakville, Robert Murray, Winnipeg, and Lee-Anna McKenzie (James) also Winnipeg; and three incredible great-grandchildren, Rylan (Mike and Sheryl), Camden and Carama-rie (Erin and Glenn). Predeceased by her husband Neil (1992). In reply to the most asked question about her, Lee was 92 years old – not that she was counting. She operated her highly successful law practice in Port Dover almost to the end. Lee’s family sincerely hopes there are a lot of fast cars and wide-open highways in Heav-en, or there might be a situation. Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother was a very giving and compassionate person. She would be very pleased if, instead of flowers, a donation be made to the charity of your choice.

DEATH NOTICE HAPPY ADS

IN MEMORIAM

Lois ChowhanCHOWHAN, Lois, R.N. Peace-

fully, surrounded by the love of her family at the Brantford General Hospital on Monday, De-cember 23, 2013 at the age of 81. Mary Lois Trepanier, beloved wife of the late Ralph Chowhan (1993). Loving mother of John “Jay” (Jo Banville) Chowhan of Ottawa, Debbie and Bob Ran-dall of Princeton, and Tracey (Mark) Cummings of Alberta. Cherished grandmother of Jace, Taylor, Catriena, Becki, Cindi, and Kenny (Dana). Treasured great-grandmother of Braelynn. Lois was a dedicated volunteer for the Red Cross for many years. She was also a member of the Catholic Women’s League, and the Port Dover Yacht Club. Fam-ily and friends will be received at McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Rd. N., on Thursday, January 2, 2014 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Basil’s Roman Catholic Church, 50 Palace St., Brantford, on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation has taken place. As expressions of sympathy, donations in memory of Lois made to The St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation, the Grand River Conservation Authority, or the Brant Animal Aid Foundation would be gratefully appreciated. The family would like to express their thanks to the caring staff at Telfer Place, Paris, to the Nurses and staff at the BGH, and a big thank you to Mrs. Marie North. Special memories and condo-lences may be forwarded to the family through [email protected] 519-758-1553 www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4SILVER LAKE Farmer’s Mar-

ket. Each Saturday at 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Year Round, St. Patrick Street, Port Dover. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, nuts, meats, fish, baked goods, cheese, preserves, health and beauty products, plants, flowers, kettle corn, etc. Indoors and outdoors. “Meet you at the Market.”

MEAT RAFFLE. Each Satur-day at 4 to 6 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, 212 Market St., Port Dover. Everyone welcome.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8EUCHRE. Each Wednesday at

1:00 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, 212 Market St., Port Dover. Cost $1.50 for 10 games. Everyone wel-come.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9PORK (or Spaghetti) will be

served at the Royal Canadian Le-gion auditorium, 212 Market Street. Serving 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. $9.00 per person ($6.50 for spaghetti). Chil-dren half price. Take-out available. Everyone welcome. Next week: Pickerel.

FUN DARTS. Each Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Branch 158, Royal Cana-dian Legion, 212 Market St., Port Dover. Join us.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10KARAOKE from 8 to 12 p.m. at

Port Dover Legion, 212 Market St., featuring “Half Pint”.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14TAOIST TAI CHI Open House at

25 Peel Street, Simcoe on Tuesday, Jan 14 from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursday, Jan. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. For all ages and fitness levels. In-troductory classes begin January 20th. For further info, call 519-428-0313 or visit our website [email protected].

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15HORTICULTURAL Society of

Port Dover & Woodhouse Pot Luck Dinner and AGM on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, 302 St. George Street. Please bring dishes, cutlery and a dish to share. Entertainment by Top Secret Bluegrass Band. Everyone welcome. Call 519-583-1731 for info.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25BURNS NIGHT SUPPER at

Knox Presbyterian Church, 101 Chapman St. W., Port Dover on Sat-urday, January 25 at 6 p.m. Enjoy a traditional Burns dinner plus mu-sical entertainment Scottish style. Tickets $25 each, available at Port Dover Maple Leaf office.

EVENTS ADSInclude your events in this col-

umn. Call 519-583-0112 for details.

BIRTH

EVENTS

In loving memory of my Mom,Marion McNeilly

who left us on January 1, 2011.God saw you getting tiredand a cure was not to be,

So He put His arms around youand whispered “Come to me”.

With tearful eyeswe watched you pass away,

Although we loved you dearlyWe knew you couldn’t stay.

A golden heart stopped beatingHard working hands at rest,

God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best.

Still missing you, loving you always,

Lynn

SHERK – TURNER

It’s a Girl!Zac and Melanie are happy to announce the arrival of

Willow Seraphinaborn November 30, 2013

in Brantford, weighing 7 lbs, 6 ounces.

A little sister for Morgan. Proud Grandparents are Gary and Louise Turner

of Townsend, Steve and Judy Sherk

of Waterford and Karl Feere of Port Dover.

D EATH NOTICE

CARD OF THANKSOn behalf of the Port Dover and

Area Lifeline Food Bank, we would like to thank all those who donated to our food bank this past year. The vendors at the market, those who donated food hampers from the market, vegetables or fruits from their gardens or came and donated money or food to us. To Mike’s No Frills, Port Dover Kia and all Port Dover businesses who helped us, we are truly grateful. Port Dover is indeed a very caring community.

D EATH NOTICE

NOTICES

Scott Stratten headlinesEconomic Development Symposium

Scott Stratten is the keynote speaker at the Norfolk County Eco-nomic Development Symposium on January 29 in Port Rowan.

Formerly a music industry marketer, national sales training manager and professor at Sheridan College, he ran his own agency for nearly a decade before solely focus-ing on speaking at events.

He was named one of the top five social media influencers on Forbes.com and has written three business books, the newest being “QR Codes Kill Kittens”.

Mr. Stratten’s presentation is sponsored by Norfolk County, Cline Backus, O’Grady Insurance and Tri-County Insurance.

The theme of the 2014 Economic Development Symposium is “Digi-tal Norfolk.”

The Norfolk County Economic Development Symposium features an early morning speed-matching breakfast session followed by the main program at 9 a.m. Award win-ners for the Norfolk County Entre-preneur of the Year, Travel Writer of the Year and Sustainable Tour-ism Ambassador of the Year will also be announced.

Registration costs $30 per per-son for Norfolk County Marketing Partners, $45 per person for non-partners.


WANTED RECIPES WANTED for Fund-

raising Cookbook to help Ryder Mandryk. Our aim is to see Ryder take food by mouth and not by feed-ing tube. Contact Michele Beckett to contribute to “Ryder’s Hope” at 519-583-2817 or P.O. Box 1514, Port Dover, N0A 1N0. Donations also be-ing accepted at Scotiabank, Acct# 908520002224.

PERSONALS DRINKING PROBLEM? Call

AA’s: at 519-583-2251, 519-909-9837, or 519-752-5981.

SENIOR SUPPORT SERVICES provides Meals-on-Wheels, Trans-portation, Diner’s Club, Adult Day Programs, Telephone Reassur-ance, Volunteer Visiting, Emer-gency Response Systems, Safety at Home, Home Maintenance Bro-kerage and Hospice programs. Gift certificates available. Volunteer drivers wanted. Call 519-426-6060 for information. ~

TEEN Resource Program for pregnant/teen parents. Prenatal classes, prenatal vitamins, food gift certificates, parenting support and more. Free and confidential. 1-800-893-2244. ~

WOMEN living in fear? Shelter, counselling, transportation avail-able for abused women and their children. H-N Women’s Shelter. Confidential 1-800-265-8076. ~

ALCOHOLICS Anonymous. Have a desire to stop drinking? Check us out at Grace United Church, Chapman Street on Fri-days at 8 p.m. ~

FOR SALE OUTDOOR cage for storage of

propane tanks, $150; Indoor metal dog crate, 48” x 33” x 36” high, $125. Please call 519-443-7300.

2005 HARLEY-DAVIDSON Elec-tra Glide Ultra Classic. American bike 39,000 miles. New brakes, tires and shorty windshield in Summer 2013. for more info call Ron at 709-699-4945 after 6 p.m.

8000 BTU in-room, self-evap-orating air conditioner, used 2 summers, $125; 8000 BTU window air conditioner used one summer, $150. Call 519-583-0660.

SERVICES OFFERED NEED HELP around the house?

Trustworthy cleaner has Monday openings. 519-428-3292. Can shovel snow too!

PRE / POST-Christmas house cleaning and organizing. Call Bun-ni at ‘Jazz It Up’ 519-732-8206 for a free estimate.

CAREGIVER/Registered Prac-tical Nurse available for care in your home – days or nights. Meals, laundry, shopping, transportation, companionship and care. Jane. 519-583-0711.

DEBBIE’S HAIRCUTS On Wheels: In-home service for se-niors. Tuesdays and Thursdays. For further info, call 519-583-1410.

FOR RENT 3-BDRM farmhouse on

Cockshutt Road near Boston. $900/month plus utilities. 905-541-5876; [email protected].

LUXURY Bachelor: one bed-room and 2-bedroom hotel style apartments available. For more information, visit www.anthonys-gardens.ca

MEDICAL & DISABILITY

LOST & FOUND FOUND: Rogers cell phone

found on the street at the corner of Regent and Greenock St. West at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27th. Call Val at 519-583-2445.

WINNERS SILVER LAKE MARKET week-

ly basket winner: Dec. 21, Laurie St Amand; Dec. 28, Anne Law of Port Dover.

PORT DOVER Lions Club Tur-key Raffle winners of the advance ticket sales: Judy Wilson ticket number 550, Larry Stanley #407, Lee Buffin #009, Sherry Roberts #152, Dave Challen #488, Helen Ventin #150, Betty Walker #435, Connie Forsyth #168, Robynne For-rest #116, Paul MacNeal #097.

VITTORIA LIONS Turkey Draw winners from Dec. 7th: Scott Winkworth ticket number 67, Lynn Whitehead #489, Scott Tomlinson #86, Faye Jarvis #312, Bob Vanhoo-ren #57, Larry Sinden #357, Dave #91, Gage Townsend #339, Steve Henry #471, Betty Chadwick #379, Dave #100, Jenny Bouw #281, M. Braun #258, Hugh Rabsey #219, Dave Charters #297, Liz Fitch #224, Len Brinker #265, Ed McClure #124, Kelsi Martinsen #95, Ed Castelano #213, Don Sitter #429, Jenny Bouw #281, Marius Bouw #258, Jason Mychajluk #116, Frank Hayhurst #459, Greg Condie #273, Rick Muckle #268, Charles Vanbe-sin #344, Charlie Luke #101, Dave #98, Jeannie Spain Beckerson #161, Jack Knoll #463, Larry Stan-ley #335, Ron Cole #375, Tony Cope #179, Bob Castles #460, Vanden-heede #372, Jill Stanley #327, Jack Jacobs #104, Gary Cooper #35. The Vittoria Lions Club would like to thank everyone who supported us on our Annual Turkey Raffle and Draw. Proceeds from the advanced draw went to the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation.

KNIGHTS of Columbus ‘Cash for Christmas’ Draw winners from Dec. 16: $100 ticket number 200, $50 #225, $50 #067, $50 #109, $50 #233, $50 #112, $50 #076, $50 #017, $100 #055, $500 #043.

STORAGE SECURED MINI-STORAGE for

rent in Port Dover. Long term or short-term. Phone 519-583-1242.

THEMAPLE LEAF

WELCOMES

LETTERSSend them to

[email protected] 351 Main St., Port Dover

HOW TO REACH USTelephone [email protected] 519-583-3200In Person or by mail351 Main Street, Port Dover N0A 1N0

HOW TO REACH USTel. 519-583-0112 e-mail [email protected] Fax 519-583-3200In Person or by mail 351 Main Street, Port Dover N0A 1N0

CHURCH NOTES

>> CLASSIFIEDS

Authorized ADP Vendor

62 Pond Street, Simcoe ��www.silvercross.com

Find recycled or new healthcare equipment in your area

Buy � Sell � Trade��

�� TS11

1565

5

Local dart league results

Port Dover Dart League results from play on Monday, December 9 were as follows: Legion Vipers 8, Erie Beach Sharpshooters 5; Le-gion Smokers 11, Legion Latecom-ers 2; Angelo’s Rookies 7, Legion Troops 6; Angelo’s Easyriders 10, Erie Beach Sirens 3; Legion Ty-tans 11, Angelo’s Rebels 2; Norfolk Shooters 10, Legion of Doom 0.

Men’s High Score of 140 was achieved by Brian Burns of Ange-lo’s Rebels, Billy Patterson of An-gelo’s Rebels, and Mike Fehrman of Legion Tytans. Men’s High Out went to Donnie Pierce of Angelo’s Rookies with 101.

Dawn Morris of Erie Beach Sharpshooters scored the Wom-en’s High Score with 140.

Women’s High Out winner was Kathy Bristol of Legion Vipers with 77.

The League results from play on Monday, December 16 were: Norfolk Shooters 8, Legion Vipers 5; Legion Latecomers 7, Angelo’s Rookies 6; Angelo’s Easyriders 7, Erie Beach Sharpshooters 6; Le-gion Tytans 9, Erie Beach Sirens 4; Legion Smokers 11, Legion of Doom 2; Angelo’s Rebels 7, Legion Troops 6.

Men’s High Score was achieved by Mike Mereweather of Erie Beach Sirens with 140.

Men’s High Out went to Drew MacDonald of Legion Troops with 83.

Men’s 180 went to Brian Doherty of Legion Smokers.

HOLIDAY MEMORIESSanta always deliveredto the right address

By Joan Doyle

As a young boy -- perhaps six or seven years of age -- Kim Cotting-ham was truly amazed that Santa Claus knew where to deliver his Christmas presents. That’s be-cause he wasn’t at home.

Instead, he, his brother and sis-ter would drive with their parents from the Windsor area to spend a couple days at Christmas with their grandparents in Toronto.

“Even though I wasn’t at home, Santa always seemed to find me,” recalled the Lakewood Elementa-ry School principal.

In those days going to the big city was a big adventure, he said. The trip often included a bit of shopping and more importantly for a young boy, a visit to High Park Zoo. “Today, it’s not much of a zoo,” he said, “but going to To-ronto for Christmas is one of my fondest memories. It really was a nice time.”

SPORTS NEWS

The Maple Leaf welcomes your sports reports from

local teams and events.Please send to

[email protected] drop off at

351 Main St., Port Dover


GETTHE

MAPLELEAF

IN YOUR MAILEACH

WEEK...

CALL583-0112TO GET

STARTED

PORTDOVER MAPLELEAF

Local Real Estate

FREE ESTIMATES

WAYNE’S MOVING & STORAGE519-426-6000

For Prompt Couteous Service

Since1998

For Prompt Courteous Service

NETWORK CLASSIFIEDSNetwork ADVERTISE ACROSS ONTARIO OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY!For more information contact your local newspaper.

SERVICES Have you become addicted to prescription medication? Drug & Alcohol Helpline 1-800-565-8603www.DrugAndAlcoholHelpline.caAlso find us at:Drug and Alcohol Helpline on Facebook or @ConnexOntario on Twitter

PERSONALSTIRED OF BEING ALONE? Make it your New Years resolution not to be! Let MISTY RIVER INTRODUCTIONS help you find someone wonderful to spend your life with. CALL (519)658-4204, www.mistyriverintros.com.DATING SERVICE. Long-term/short-term relationships, free to try! 1-877-297-9883. Talk with single ladies. Call #7878 or 1-888-534-6984. Talk now! 1-866-311-9640 or #5015. Meet local single ladies. 1-877-804-5381. (18+)TRUE PSYCHICS! For Answers call now 24/7 Toll Free 1-877-342-3036; Mobile #4486; http://www.true psychics.ca.

STEEL BUILDINGSSTEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILD-I N G S 6 0 % O F F ! 2 0 x 2 8 , 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuild-ings.ca

MORTGAGES$$$ 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES - Debt Consolidation, Refinancing, Renovat ions, Tax Arrears , no CMHC fees. $50K you pay $208.33/month (OAC). No income, bad credit, power of sale stopped!! BETTER OPTION MORTGAGES, CALL TODAY Toll-Free 1-800-282-1169, www.mortgageontario.com (LIC# 10969).FARM MORTGAGE SPECIALIST - Bank Being Difficult? Equity Loans. Confidential Advice. Reg Barnes, Bax Mortgage Group (Lic. # 11036). CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION: 519-670-8542 or Email: [email protected].

DRIVERS WANTEDLAIDLAW CARRIERS VAN DIVISION requires experienced AZ licensed drivers to run the U.S. Premium mile-age rate. Home weekly. New equip-ment. Also hiring Owner Operators. 1-800-263-8267

HEALTH

1 in 5 Canadianswill experience a mental health issue in their lifetimeMental Health Helpline1-866-531-2600www.MentalHealthHelpline.caAlso find us at:Mental Health Helpline on Facebookor @ConnexOntario on Twitter

WANTEDWANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older. Ampl i f ie rs , Stereo, Record ing and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond organs. Any condition, no f loor model consoles. Cal l Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393 / 519-853-2157.

ADVERTISINGREACH MILLIONS OF CUSTOM-ERS IN ONTARIO WITH ONE EASY CALL! 1-888-219-2560, [email protected] www.OntarioClassifie-dAds.com.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Want to talk to someone about gambling problems?Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline1-888-230-3505www.ProblemGamblingHelpline.caAlso find us at:Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline on Facebook or @ConnexOntario on Twitter

EMPLOYMENT OPPS.JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna A lber ta . Hanna Chrys ler L td . offers competi t ive wages from $32/hour, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop. Full-time permanent with bene-fits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info at: hannachrysler.ca Fax 403-854-2845; Email: [email protected].

FOR SALE

#1 HIGH SPEED INTERNET$32.95/Month

Absolutely no ports are blockedUnlimited Downloading

Up to 11Mbps Download &800Kbps Upload

ORDER TODAY AT:www.acanac.ca

or CALL TOLL-FREE:

1-866-281-3538

SAWMILLS from only $4,897 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready t o sh ip . FREE In fo & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

Connect with Ontarians – extend your business reach! www.networkclassified.org

OCNANetworkClassifieds

Week ofDecember 23 and / or 30

PostedDecember 18

WesternRegion Ads included

This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papers

HAPPY ADS

A GREAT WAY TO SHARE A SPECIAL DAY


MARY ETTA McGRAWWhat a Dish!

Hope you have recovered from the festivities, especially if you had a lot of travel. I remember those days and feel quite fortunate now that my Christmas fam-ily gatherings are local. I really detest highway driving and if the weather is iffy I don’t even want to drive as far as Vittoria. Seriously!

I think one of my worst driv-ing experiences happened in St. Petersburg, Florida when I got off the plane with my old school friend Franny and discovered as we made arrangements to rent a car that she assumed I would do the driving while there.

I had assumed otherwise. Hmph! You know what they say about assume. Any way off we went, me at the wheel, but very quickly things went off the rails. The weather was clear and sunny but the road itself became chilling.

I soon found myself at the base of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, head tilted back and looking straight up. Skyway is the bald un-varnished truth -- that bridge went halfway to the sunshine before dropping back to earth.

On top of feeling threatened by dozens of cars whipping in and out around me at high speed, I was about to add my 5-alarm fear of heights. The nerves in my legs were already jangling. I pulled to the shoulder and told Franny “There’s absolutely no way I can do this!!”

But she was even more absolute in her refusal -- she held onto the door handle tightly with one hand and covered her seat belt clasp with the other declaring she hadn’t driven outside her city’s limits in more than ten years!

With no way to turn back we were, rather, I was trapped. I remember forcing myself to some deadly still place inside. I accepted no visuals except asphalt and lane lines. Really the last thing I wanted to do was keep my eyes open; but then again, closing them was hardly a viable option, eh?

As we reached the top of that bridge horribilis I was so terrified I was begging God to keep me sane until we could get off. But to get off meant in mere seconds I would come over the top. I began to shake anew. I literally wanted to cry. As we approached the summit I kept my no-tears-allowed eyes on the immediate space ahead of me and prayed that no one would cut in. I

could keep us inside the lane lines but reacting to any outside influ-ence – I feared the worst!

I was going so slowly – (al-though not so slow I would roll back – another fear that had intruded) -- that I had to stay in the right-hand lane. But, that in turn was closest to the edge and the bridge designers had kept the rail as low as possible so passengers could enjoy the view. Unbelievable!

Franny meanwhile was having a great time. “Wow! Look at that huge ship; those people have a beautiful sailboat; oh, look at him slalom.” Just hearing her words made my tummy clutch. “Look over the railing!? Are you joking!? You have a death wish!?”

That trip and a couple of other experiences put paid to my four-lane highway driving. Whenever possible I find the country roads to get to where I need to go. J Pret-tier too.

The recipe I will share today is a bread pudding I made for my daughter Mandy’s birthday in December. Mandy prefers to limit the wheat in her diet so this recipe reflects that. I bought the loaf of bread from Trish’s Bakery Café on Main Street (which is 100% gluten free) and let it stale for two days.

The bread pudding is so rich it doesn’t need any kind of sauce although adding a traditional custard or caramel sauce would be fine. If you want to garnish it, I recommend a dollop high fat Greek yogurt or whipped cream sweet-ened with brown sugar.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding

Buy the bread at least 2 days ahead. If you want to make it right away ask for day old at the very least.

1 loaf white or multi-grain bread

I used one white loaf from Trish’s Bakery Café on Main Street Port Dover

1 can apple pie filling1 cup packed brown sugar (I use

golden)2 eggs1 Tb non-hydrogenated marga-

rine or butter3/4 cup skim or other milk3/4 cup eggnog if available

(otherwise increase the milk)1/4 tsp cinnamon1 tsp vanilla or rum flavouring1 handful pecans chopped (or

other nut of choice)

Pudding Topper3/4 cup large flake oatmeal2 Tb brown sugar2 Tb my “apple crisp spice and

sugar blend” - see below1/4 tsp cinnamon3 Tb non-hydrogenated marga-

rine or soft butter

Pre-assemblyWarm the margarine in 1/4 cup

milk until it is melted. I micro-waved it on high for 30 seconds.

Pre-heat oven to 325F. Grease two 8” x 4” loaf pans and line lengthwise with a strip of parch-ment. Grease the parchment. I use non-hydrogenated margarine for this.

TIP: My small loaf pans are glass so I also wrap them in a double layer of foil to prevent the bread pudding from getting overly brown and crusty on the outside edges. This also works for fruit breads and cakes baked in lighter weight cake pans.

The Bread PuddingCrumble the bread into small

pieces about 1” x 1”, breaking up the crust well. You should have about 8 cups.

Open the can of pie filling and using a knife, cut the apple pieces smaller. Turn out in a large mixing bowl and cut any large pieces of apple that remain.

Mix in the sugar, eggs, milk, eggnog, milk with melted marga-rine, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir in the crumbled bread and chopped nuts. When thoroughly combined, divide between the loaf pans.

TopperUsing a fork, mix the ingredi-

ents for the topper, mashing it all together. Use your fingers to distrib-ute over the top of the two pans.

Place on the centre rack of the pre-heated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes. Check every 10 minutes after the first hour. A paring knife inserted into the centre should come out clean. It may be a trifle moist but not wet.

My Apple Crisp Spice mixI use this in pancakes, on

roasted fall vegetables, as a glaze on roasted chicken pieces, in a cream sauce for onions or other root veggies and on sliced apples and pears to serve with ice cream, yogurt or pork chops. Yep, it does it all! J Oh, and mixed into the apples and topping for apple crisp, of course.

2 cups brown sugar1 Tb cinnamon1/4 tsp allspice1/4 tsp grated nutmeg 1/8 tsp ground cloves

I keep this in a mason jar. To prevent it from going rock hard, clip a corner from any plastic bag and insert a tiny piece of folded paper towel moistened with water. Re-dampen the paper towel each time you open the jar.

You know this comfort food is just the medicine after re-experi-encing that scary trip!

Mary Etta McGrawHome Economist, 519-583-2797.

Comfort foodsto share this winter

Wins Knox Church 50/50 drawRuth Clayton of Delhi won the 50/50 draw sponsored by

Knox Church in Port Dover, receiving $1,892.50 with ticket number 920. She is pictured with church member Bessie Smith who sold her the winning ticket.

Roulston’s helped make a merrier ChristmasPort Dover Roulston’s staff collected money a few weeks be-

fore Christmas with savings from ‘Dress Down Fridays’. They purchased gifts to donate to a family with three small children to make their Christmas merrier. Arrangements were made through the Children’s Aid Society. Pictured are (left to right) staff members Bobbi Bisson, Kareena Ivanis, Cindy Downs, Rose Atkinson and Tracey Taylor.

Fishermen land winning walleyesFirst place winner Bill Mathews, former longtime resident

of Port Dover, now of Kincardine is pictured with co-winner Fred McKeen of Hagersville having landed identical walleyes being 19½ inches and weighing 3¼ lbs. They participated in the annual Fish ‘N Rest Camp derby located near Lindsay. Bill and about 25 friends have been getting together for a fishing weekend for about 25 years.

Lighthouse Festival Theatre will mount a production of the hit musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” as its 2014 Community Show.

The Tony Award-winning Ca-nadian musical played on Broad-way for 674 performances, and has had major productions around the world. Lighthouse Artistic Direc-tor Derek Ritschel selected the show after learning that the rights to the previously announced mu-sical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” were not available.

Ritschel is pleased with the

change. “This is by far my favou-rite musical of all time,” he said. “It’s flashy, foolish, fun and full of laughs. To say I am excited would be a vast understatement.”

Ritschel will cast 20 local per-formers, including a children’s chorus. Choreographer Kiri-Lynn Muir and a yet to be named musi-cal director will help him prepare the cast for April performances.

Ritschel re-instated an annual community production at Light-house Theatre in 2011.

There is one more opportunity to audition for the Community

Show, on January 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. Anyone who auditioned for “Jo-seph” does not have to re-audition to be considered for “The Drowsy Chaperone”. To arrange an audi-tion time, call (519) 583-2221.

Registration for LighthouseYouth Conservatory Program

Registration for Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s 10-week Youth Conservatory theatre program is now open. From January 15 through March 19, a Junior class for children aged seven to 11, and a

Senior class for participants 12 and older will assemble at the theatre to receive specialized instruction in theatre fundamentals, includ-ing movement training, character development, acting, sound effects production, illusions, costume de-sign, set design, makeup, and spe-cial effects, while working as part of a creative team. Juniors will meet from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Se-niors from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Former Port Dover Compos-ite School drama instructor Val Smith will lead the program, with assistance from Lighthouse The-

atre Youth Coordinator Nikki Campbell, and experienced local actress and singer Charly Buck. Lighthouse Artistic Director Der-ek Ritschel will also be involved in ensuring a rewarding, professional experience for participants.

“Providing young people inter-ested in theatre with a high-quality, supportive environment to learn and develop their skills in is a ma-jor priority for me,” said Ritschel.

The 10-session fee is $150. To register for the Youth Conserva-tory, call the box office at (519) 583-2221.

Lighthouse Theatre’s 2014 Community Show is “The Drowsy Chaperone”


Today is Christmas and I would have been alone, but a friend invited me to go with her to the turkey dinner at the Anglican church hall at noon. What a fantastic day! A gentleman hung up my coat, and then we were wel-comed by folks wearing San-ta’s red hats and directed to a table. Then we all received large shopping bags full of candy and other goodies. Af-ter grace, we then formed a long line to the buffet table, and received a plate full of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, squash, carrots, cole slaw, and relishes. Someone came around to give us tea, coffee or hot apple cider. The desserts seemed endless and such a selection. Then my musical instruments were passed around, and we all sang a few Christmas carols while we banged or dinged the instruments. Then came the left-overs, and all could take home enough for a cou-ple more meals. But then - chaos hit, and I couldn’t find my coat, that had my house key in the pocket. All hunted, but no coat. What would I do next? Well, some smart lady suggested that all who still had coats hung there would come and claim their own. What a smart idea! Mine was the only one left, so I was able to keep warm, and get into my home. Thank you seems so inadequate for such a great meal, and lovely way to spend Christmas, rather than being alone. The or-ganizers, donors and work-ers all need much praise for making it such a happy day for so many. -- Helen Young

I think the merchants who supported the Christ-mas Community Luncheon on Christmas Day are owed a hugh vote of thanks. It was an excellent Christmas din-ner served with all the trim-mings including dessert. In fact, it is very unlikely you

would have had a better din-ner elsewhere. There were many volunteers who made certain you found a table at which you could meet new friends, and they kept your coffee and tea cup refreshed at every request. I heard that over 100 dinners were devoured! When one walked through the yellow door of the Anglican Church Parish Hall, the table settings and decor gave a very ‘warm’ Christmas welcome to all who joined the fun. A din-ner participant even had all of us singing the well known Christmas music. A very big thankyou to the Community Committee who put it all to-gether. Very well done guys! Looking forward to next year. -- John from Dover

If you want to hear Christmas music, go down Main Street past Market on the left to Dover Hairport. Debbie has a beautiful bell ornament that plays wonder-ful Christmas songs. Thank you for the Christmas spirit. If you miss it this year, check it out next year.

Attention taxpayers of Port Dover. I read an article about Doverwood School property for sale. Well, there was a meeting on October 21 and the motion says it is surplus to the Board’s fu-ture accommodation needs. Preferred agencies have 90 days after October 21st to de-cide if they are going to bid for this. What is the value of this property, please tell me? So then, where is the money going to if it is sold? It should be kept within Port Dover because we as taxpay-ers have paid for this prop-erty, maintained it, paid for the schoolteachers’ wages. Is it going to be developers building houses, condos? Do we need any more of those? I don’t think so. And when it is sold, where is that money

going to? Is it going to the lo-cal school for improvements? No, I doubt it. It will prob-ably go to the general fund in Brantford. Anyway, I hope the money will be disbursed within the community.

I walk my dog daily at Sil-ver Lake Park and I would like to express my disgust toward the Grinch who chose to cut down one of the Memo-rial Trees, presumably to be used as their family’s Christ-mas tree. And if that isn’t bad enough, a Christmas wreath, which had been placed on one of the Memorial Benches to honour their loved one, has been removed as well. I can’t imagine anyone could possi-bly enjoy these items know-ing they stole them from a fellow citizen’s memorial.

I and my family were good contributors to the Salvation Army until they stopped dressing up for it. The de-light of giving Santa a $20 bill and the looks on the kids’ faces as they contributed as well. But over the last 10 years or so the volunteers at the kettles have not dressed up as Santa, an elf, Rudolf, Jesus etc. The only reason I can come up with is they are too lazy or they do not wish to offend anyone. Well I am telling you I am offended by taking the fun out of Christ-mas and the Lord from his rightful place. Do not get me wrong I think they do excel-lent work in helping the poor, but a little effort I believe will go a long way to increase donations at the kettle.

I see on January 18th the sale of Doverwood School is probably going to go ahead.

Sound Off Call 519-583-0112 evenings 6 pm - 6 [email protected]

Wouldn’t it be nice if the money raised from the sale went for services in the com-munity to make it a more attractive community for the people living here? How about some of the money be-ing used to help pay off the new library debt or to help build the new medical cen-tre? Both services which we badly need and which are very useful to all the com-munity rather than the mon-ey going off to who knows where.

It is appropriate that the Ministry of the Environ-ment has chosen to do the public commentary of the Port Ryerse Wind Turbines Project over the Christmas holidays as it is reminiscent of so many Christmas sto-ries such as Scrooge and The Christmas Carol, and the fa-ble of The Grinch That Stole Christmas. Why? Because the characters, location and plot are very similar with the lovely village Whoville, which is Port Ryerse, and a green grinch which is the Green Energy Act as a per-sonified figure from the cre-

ator Dalton McGuinty who started the trouble, and the other anti-heroes, the wind companies.

I would still appreciate an explanation of why we are asking for donations for the new library. The commu-nity donated and paid for the library on Main Street, so why aren’t the proceeds of the sale of this property suf-ficient to fund the library at the new location? What hap-pens to the money when the Main Street library is sold?

I am in my 70s and I still haven’t figured out some things about Christmas. The ladies get to do the Christmas shopping; wrap the gifts; dec-orate the home and – oh, yes, bake the (traditional) Christ-mas cookies and more. Then there are the parcels to pre-pare, and the cards to write and mail (if the enjoyable gesture of colourful, person-al Christmas cards still ex-ists). That – while working at a job and keeping up the de-mands of that. When the big day arrives, the ladies had better be upbeat, organized and ready to feed (turkey, of course) guests which num-ber anywhere from 10 to 40 – for a fabulous, festive Christ-mas meal. If lucky, they may be able to commission some help with the dishes – or a dish-washer. Their day ends

with somehow restoring order out of the chaos of the day. They collapse, ex-hausted – not just from one day, but from weeks, if not months, of preparation. Is there something wrong with this picture? Is this all that Christmas is supposed to be? A belated Merry Christmas, Super Ladies!

My heart aches for the mother of Chad Everets who was killed and left of the Cockshutt Road after a Biker Day. On Dec. 22, 1960 my husband was hit and left on the road to die on Nelson Street after a heavy snowfall. Thankfully, he was discovered in the middle of the road by a Port Dover couple and this changed the outcome for us. According to the doctor, if 20 minutes more had passed my hus-band would have died. The police report stated that whoever hit him would have surely known. Our son was born two weeks after the ac-cident and my husband lived to see three children grow up. We were blessed! Each year I wonder how no one in this small, close-knit town came forward, and if they live with the awful memory of what they did. My sincere sympathy to Chad Everets’ family who also may never know closure for their pain.


The second annual Toy Drive sponsored jointly by Port Dover Kia and Mike’s No Frills, “gathered in a tremendous amount of toys, games and so much more,” ex-claimed Kelly Fulsom of the Kia dealership.

In making the presentation of items to representatives of various charities, Mike’s No Frills co-owner Christine Ramierez agreed wholeheartedly, saying “Port Dover people are very generous”.

The piled donations covered a large por-tion of the Kia auto showroom floor.

Every person who donated to the Toy Drive filled out a draw ticket with their name and phone number … two tickets were drawn from the drum on Dec. 20, the winners were Teresa Rothwell and Kim Mc-Conachie (both of Port Dover) … each will receive a $50 gift certificate, one from each sponsor.

Sailors donate turkeys to food bankSeven Port Dover Sailors hockey players were at Port Dover Lifeline Food

Bank on Dec. 23 to donate 13 frozen turkeys. The birds were intended to be part of a give-away draw sponsored by the club for its ‘Fan Appreciation Day’ on Dec. 22 … unfortunately Simcoe Storm cancelled the match-up (claim-ing bad weather) … but a Sailors executive member cited “we were really pumped for that game, our players were determined to beat Simcoe, adding “and we would have!”

Food Bank representatives Geoff Manuel and Mary Lou VanSickle (at left) accepted the turkeys from Sailors (left to right) Captain Steve Parker, Calum Smith, Michael Almas, Josh Herter, Matt VanSickle, Bob Wilson, Reilly Wilson.

Toys for children of all ages were distributed to Port Dover Lifeline Food Bank, and other charitable organizations, on Dec. 18, present were (left to right) front row, Andrea Hoyle (No Frills), Christina Ramirez (No Frills), Mary Lou VanSickle (food bank), Maureen Rossitter (food bank), Kelly Fulsom (Kia) Donal McCollum (food bank). Back row, Kelly Duke (Kia), Geoff Manuel (food bank), Kathy Stack-house (food bank), Jack Lavery (Kia).

Generous response to Christmas Toy Drive

Port Dover & Area Food Bank thankfully received a $500 Christmas bonus from Merid-ian Credit Union. The banking institution, located at 34 Haldimand Road 55, Nanticoke, inside the OPG site, was represented by Fi-nancial Service Advisor Louise Bell and Member Service Rep Michelle Clark for the cheque presentation to Geoff Manuel, Food Bank Chairman and a number of Food Bank Directors.

The Food Bank, which is located in the basement of the Anglican Church Hall on St. George Street in Port Dover, is open from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. every Tuesday morning.

Geoff Manuel told the Maple Leaf the ser-vice, which was well stocked leading up to the holiday season, is used by approximately 65 families. Each week about 25 to 30 plus families visit the Food Bank on a two week rotating basis. “We are helping about 110 people a week”, he said.

The local food bank has 15 directors and 30 volunteers. Geoff said the volunteers rep-resent all four churches in the community in addition to other community members.

For anyone wishing to make a money donation, official income tax receipts are is-sued. Geoff can be reached at 519-909-9494.

Meridian donates $500 to Port Dover Food Bank

15 Years AgoDecember 23, 1998

In the spirit of Christ-mas, Port Dover Public School students Justyn How-den, Kelsey Mitchell, Jessy Gamble and Kenndall Sovie presented food collected from students to the Life-line Food Bank organized by Rev. Brian Elder. Port Dover Composite School student’s council representatives Aly-sia Christiaen, Jordi Hep-burn and Dave Prescott de-livered food collected from the high school students. Doverwood School student’s council members Corey Tay-lor, Margo Mullin, Aaron Swarts, Michelle LaBonte and Andrea Wedow made a monetary contribution to-ward the cost of Christmas lighting in Powell Park to committee members Patri-cia Hall and Carol Taylor.

The old wooden lattice fence in Memorial Park which has stood the test of time for over 70 years is getting a new lease on life. Gordon Reid, who resides near the park on St. Andrew Street, has volunteered to repair the fence during the winter months.

40 Years AgoDecember 21, 1973

Port Dover Council dis-cussed its Christmas bonus policy at the December meet-ing and will continue to give all town employees, and po-lice, a $10.00 Christmas bo-nus.

Main Street merchants extending their Christmas Greetings were: Lewis’ Food-land, Hume’s Fina Station, Kerby’s Colour Centre, Bark-er’s Laundromat, Waddle’s Variety Dept. Store, Blake’s Texaco, Andy’s Antenna Service, The Hobby Shop, Watkinson’s Men’s Wear, J.N. Schilz & Son Hardware, Hallam’s Friendly Discount, Varey’s Men’s Wear, Stetson Jewellers, The Fabric Inn, Clark’s Shoe Store, Dover Barber Shop, Jacob’s Shoes & Repair, The Purple Truck Store.

Port Dover’s licence plate renewal issuer Gerald J. Clark announced that a new system would be introduced in 1974 whereby motorists will not receive new plates but will be provided with a sticker to be attached to the existing rear plate. Fees are

$23 for a 4-cylinder vehicle; $32 for 6-cylinders; $40 for an 8-cylinder and $5 for trailers.

Norfolk Fish and Game Protective Association will cease its 36 years of service to this area at the end of 1973. In the early years the club was active in tree planting and fish stocking programs. As the province formed its own fish and forestry depart-ments, the club’s functions became redundant.

Regional Councillor John Roxburgh has taken action to ensure that the Port of Entry designation remains with “Port Dover” as there are concern that it could be lost to “Nanticoke” follow-ing the recent change to re-gional government.

Bob and Mary Wams-ley extended their sincere thanks for the generous pa-tronage extended to them during the five years they have operated Wamsley’s Market, Chapman Street, Port Dover. The store has been sold to Ron and Joan Hinatsu who will take pos-session on Jan. 1st, 1974, with the store name “Joan’s Market”.

Council discussed $10 Christmas bonus

January 1 2014 maple leaf e edition

Documents

Transcript of January 1 2014 maple leaf e edition