SATURDAY, Feb. 27/10

"HISTORY OF AYLMER TO 1900" (Used!=$5). Now available at Campbells/ Library

*****

AYLMER TODAY:

-(Monday-Saturday:   Church of God ‘Gospel Meetings’ ,   7pm)

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OBITS:

-Violet Brooks;  of Tillsonburg, formerly of Springfield;   on Feb. 26;   in her 81st year;   wife of Douglas;   Visitation at Kebbel Funeral Home Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 pm;   Funeral Monday at Kebbels at 1pm.

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“THE SATURDAY (S)CEREAL!!!” =  “AYLMER 50 YEARS AGO”

“Aylmer Truman Garage Rockets Juveniles advanced to the OMHA hockey finals for the second straight year in March, 1960.  Coached by Bob Heslop, Aylmer was defeated by Huntsville in 1959 and then the two teams squared off again the next year. Aylmer was hoping to win its first OMHA title at any level.  Aylmer dispatched of Paris in three straight in the semi-finals by scores of 11-4, 9-2, and 12-4. In the best-of-five finals Aylmer travelled to Huntsville on a weekend for the opening games – but fell 8-0 in the opener and 7-6 in overtime in game two.  The first game saw the team shaken up somewhat as two vehicles carrying Aylmer players collided on the way up – fortunately there were no serious injuries. Back home the following weekend, Aylmer was edged 3-2 Friday and Huntsville were champs once more.”

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"AMISH OF AYLMER" ($5); Available at local stores.

FRIDAY, Feb. 26/10

*****

“ONTARIO ANNOUNCES THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF AYLMER’s CHATEAU GARDENS”

(Statement from MPP Steve Peters)

AYLMER – Residents in the Aylmer area can look forward to more modern and comfortable living as the province redevelops the 64 beds at Chateau Gardens. The Chateau Gardens project is part of a province-wide announcement to redevelop over 4,100 beds across Ontario. The redeveloped homes will meet the most modern design standards and will feature greater wheelchair access for residents in private and public spaces. The redeveloped homes are expected to be completed as early as 2012. This phase of the government’s renewal strategy will help create or sustain approximately 4,000 jobs in Ontario. “All long-term care home residents should have access to modern facilities that offer the very best and latest features,” Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Steve Peters said. “This redevelopment of our older long-term care beds will provide Aylmer area residents with new amenities such as new bedrooms and washrooms as well as a new common room, lounge and activity space.”

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“BAD WEATHER CANCELS WOSSA BASKETBALL AT EESS TODAY; RE-SKED TO MONDAY!”

(-EESS Jr will play at 10:30, Sr at Noon)

“BAD WEATHER FORCES BUS CANCELLATION FOR ELGIN SCHOOLS  TODAY”"

(Report from Dave Cryderman of Badder BusLines, Aylmer) “East/West roads were heavily drifted earlier this morning. Weather forecast indicated that winds would remain high for the rest of the day and more snow was likely during the afternoon.”
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“FIVE QUESTIONS: “THE MALAHIDE AGRI-INDUSTRIAL PARK”

(The following info was provided by Michelle Casavecchia, Chief Operations Officer for Malahide, responding to an AylmerNews inquiry into the proposed Malahide Agri-Industrial Park near  Springfield)

1-What is the actual location and maximum size of the park?

The Springfield Agri-Industrial Park is proposed to be located just southwest of the Village of Springfield on College Line between Hacienda Road and Springfield Road.  The present proposal provides for the development of approximately 390 acres.  However, this proposed parcel size remains unconfirmed since it is dependent on two things:  (i)  the ability to reach an agreement with the respective landowners regarding future development options for their land; and (ii) the ability to obtain approval from the Province for an official plan amendment and subsequent zoning and subdivision agreements necessary to create the Agri-Industrial Park.

2-Why is this location the primary site for development according to the Official Plan; Isn’t this area still good quality farmland?

Since 1998, Springfield has been identified in the Malahide Official Plan as the Township’s primary growth and settlement area. The proposed site is close to and provides easy access to key transportation routes including Highway 401 (via Imperial Road) and Highway 3.  The proposed site is close to Springfield, yet far enough away from the built-up areas to provide for buffering.  Springfield provides proximity to sanitary sewers and water once the proposed waterline extension is completed. Other services such as natural gas, high speed internet, and 3 phase electricity are also available. As well, there is easy access to the surrounding communities of Woodstock,St. Thomas, Aylmer, Tillsonburg, London, and Ingersoll.

While the subject lands are not currently designated to permit the development of an Agri-Industrial Park,  the Township will be seeking an Official Plan Amendment to re-designate the 390 acre parcel from Agriculture to permit Agri-Employment Uses.  The Township is presently preparing and will be submitting the required Official Plan Amendment to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval in the next few weeks.  The proposed Agri-Industrial Park will help to ensure the protection of the Township’s agricultural resource base by allowing for the diversification of the agricultural economies of the Township and the Elgin County region. The proposed site is currently designated for agricultural use and is actively being farmed.

3-Why does Malahide need this kind of park; are other nearby townships doing the same?

The Township of Malahide is proposing this 390 acre fully serviced development to create a healthy sustainable economy while ensuring the protection of the Township’s agricultural resource base by focusing and diversifying the agricultural economies of the Township and the Elgin County region.  It is the Township’s intent that industries locating in this Agri-Industrial Park will support and compliment the Township’s agricultural nature. It is not intended to be related to traditional manufacturing or compete with urban industrial areas. There is a demonstrated Township and County-wide need for Agri-Industrial Lands.  In 2007, the County of Elgin undertook a complete Economic Development Plan.  The Plan outlined in the SWOT analysis as a weakness -”Lack of Serviced Industrial Land”. The limited availability, quality and location of services industrial/employment land is the single biggest impediment facing the County in its efforts to attract new industrial/business investment.”

Re-others: I do not know.

4-Specifically what kinds of businesses might operate here, why didn’t the bio-diesel facility across the road go here?

The primary use shall be for agricultural-related industry and employment.  A sample of permitted uses include – food and beverage processing, crop/seed development, bio-fuels production, fertilizer plants, intensive indoor/outdoor aquaculture, nutraceuticals (soluble fibers, oils, acids, etc).

The proposed Agri-Industrial Park is not yet ready for construction.  My understanding is that they are ready to proceed this spring and the Agri-Industrial Park will not be ready until 2011.

5-How will this be serviced in terms of water and sewage; Next steps?

In order to establish the proposed Agri-Industrial Park, the Provincial Policy Statement mandates that it be serviced with full municipal services.  Springfield provides proximity to sanitary sewers and to municipal water once the proposed waterline extension is completed.
As previously indicated, the site does not presently have a municipal water supply. The first step in the process to supply water to the site is the completion of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA).  This public process is currently underway and will identify and evaluate the various alternative solutions and a report will be created recommending the preferred route for the water transmission main and other technical details required to service the proposed Agri-Industrial Park.  Finally, the other significant factor in enabling this project to proceed is financing.  The Township has submitted an application for funding to the Federal Government to assist with the overall servicing costs of the Agri-Industrial Park.  This grant funding will be incremental in enabling the Agri-Industrial Park to go forward for the purposes of addressing local needs and priorities, resulting in long term job creation, economic diversification, and enhancing business competitiveness.

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AYLMER TODAY:

-Aylmer Community Band/Choir present “A Night At The Movies’; Doors open at 7, Show at 8 pm;  $10; at Old Town Hall Theatre; Tickets at Prime Ingredient

-Thursday-Saturday: Elgin Adult Council for Education presents Job Skills, Training Programs etc.;  at Elgin Mall; 11 am to 8 pm

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“EESS GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM WINS SEMI-FINAL;  Vs. STJOES IN FINAL”

-EESS defeated Ingersoll 6-4 in TVRAA TriCounty Girls Hockey yesterday. EESS now advances to the final against St.Joes.

THURSDAY, Feb. 25/10

*****

WOSSA  BOYS BASKETBALL SKED AT EESS FRIDAY:

JUNIOR = 10:30 am – EESS vs. London Central (semi-final);  (winner plays in final at 6:30 pm)

SENIOR = Noon – EESS vs. Stratford Northwestern (winner plays in final at 8:15 pm)

NOTES:  EESS Jr. overall record is 22-3;  EESS has never won junior boys WOSSA basketball;  Team members include:

Grade 10s = Clayton Passmore, Greg Bennett, Tyson Benoit, Jevon Bisschop, Scott Boersema, Kyle Booy, Christian King, Spencer Roloson, Joel Twinem, Tyler Unger; Grade 9s =Derek Farnell , Dexter Van Vlaanderen , Craig Maltby, Dennis Catt , Dylan Burch; Coaches Albert Van Vlaanderen, Leon Passmore, Ryan Nesbitt. Managers Scott Kerkvliet and Jeremiah Krahn.

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AYLMER TODAY:

-Thursday-Saturday: Elgin Adult Council for Education For presents: Job Searching, Training Programs  at Elgin Mall, 11 am – 8 pm

-Communities in Bloom Committee meets in Town Council chambers at 4 pm; All Welcome; Planning for this year’s competition.

-First Impressions/Aylmer Optimist Club present “20 Years of Fashion” at East Elgin Comm. Complex;  7 pm;   $30;

-(Friday: Aylmer Community Band/Choir presents: ‘Friday Night At The Movies’: Doors open at 7, Concert at 8 pm; $10; Tickets at Prime Ingredient

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24/10

*****

AYLMER TODAY:

-(Thursday-Saturday; Elgin Adult Council For Education presents Job Searching, Training Programs etc. at Elgin Mall; 11 am-8 pm)

-(Thursday= Communities in Bloom meeting at Town Hall Council Chambers, 4 pm,  All Welcome. Preparing for this year’s competition)

-(Friday – Aylmer Community Band/Choir presents “Friday Night At The Movies”; at Old Town Hall Theatre; Doors Open 7 pm, Concert 8 pm; Tickets $10 at Prime Ingredient.)

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EESS SPORTS PLAYOFFS TUESDAY:

-SR. BOYS BASKETBALL – EESS 47, Huron Park 41 (Walker, Cornelissen, Rollo 8 pt each); qualify for WOSSA this weekend

-VOLLEYBALL – Seniors lost to WESS ; Juniors lost to St Joes (season over for both teams)

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BAYHAM HARBOURFRONT COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (From Thursday Council meeting):

-Ron Bradfield, Craig Gregson, Doug Lester, Brenda Martin , Ray Talbot.

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“ELGIN COUNTY CULTURAL MAPPING PROJECT  TO BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 31st”

Elgin County’s Cultural Mapping project is underway – a board for public input has been set up in the Aylmer Library – with the deadline date being March 31.

According to the overview: “Broadly speaking, cultural mapping is a process of collecting, recording, analyzing and synthesizing information in order to describe the cultural fabric of a given community or group that, once analyzed, affirms the “uniqueness” of place.  Within the context of the County, this includes both tangible assets (such as museums, historic sites, parks, trails and ecological sites) and intangible assets (such as ethnic communities, local heroes, folklore, celebrations and events).  The information gained from this project will ultimately benefit the County’s marketing, tourism development and planning efforts.”

Added Brian Masschaele, Elgin Director of Community and Cultural Services: “The timing is appropriate in light of the development of the County’s first official plan, a process which is just starting.  We are therefore in a unique position to integrate cultural considerations into the OP from its inception as opposed to having to graft it on after the fact which is the case almost everywhere else.  It differs from pure tourism promotion due to the fact that is is also playing a role in the planning process, although tourism promotion is still a major benefit. Tourism is currently promoting existing attractions and members but this project will hopefully tell us things we don’t know and could cause us to develop new campaigns as a result.  For instance, we know Elgin has a lot of ecological assets but they have never been jointly marketed.  In order to market them, we need qualitative and quantitative information which this process will reveal.”

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“A READER WRITES:”

“I notice the meeting of CIB is on your agenda this week. About 10 years ago, Judi Wright along with Marg Sinclair, were here in Kaslo, B.C.  for a visit. and Judy remarked that our village would be a perfect fit for Communities in Bloom.  Well it has taken time, but there is now,a Kaslo committee, that is now planning their second year with CIB. Slowly we are progressing, and can look to the Aylmer model as a guide. Sharing a good idea, often has amazing results. Thanks. Mary Stickel.
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“A READER WRITES”

“I write from Bristol, England, UK and wonder if you or your readers can help me. I am trying to trace whether there are any living descendants of Wallace Antill (1892 – 1916).  Wallace was born in Leicester, England in 1892 and he emigrated from Liverpool, England to Halifax, Canada on 24 Mar 1910. He married Arabella Alice Cleaver on 11 Sep 1912 in Elgin Co, ON.  .  Wallace enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on 18 Sep 1915 but was killed at the Battle of the Somme on 18 Nov 1916They had two children born in Canada: John Cleaver Antill (b abt 1914) and Muriel Bertie Antill (b abt 1915).  Muriel married Stanley J Armstrong abt Dec 1933 and John married Lillian Mabel Graham abt Dec 1941 in Aylmer, ON.

Thanks – John Antill

cdefg@blueyonder.co.uk

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TUESDAY, Feb. 23/10

*****

AYLMER TODAY:

-Elgin NFU presents 2 films: 7:30 pm ‘In Transition”/8:30 ‘Power of Community’; FREE’; at Old Town Hall Theatre

-(Friday = Aylmer Community Band/Choir presents “Friday Night At The Movies”; at Old Town Hall Theatre; Open 7 pm, Concert 8 pm; $10; Tickets at Prime Ingredient.

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OBITS:

-Michelle Volland, on  February 22,  of Tillsonburg and St. Thomas in her 49th year.Cremation has taken place. Visitation at  Kebbel Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at Calton Cemetery.

-Donn Curtis, February 22,  of Straffordville in his 72nd year. Dear brother of Lorna Horton of Lyons. Visitation at Kebbel Funeral Home on Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 11:00 am.

-Colleen Wiebe,  February 21, 2010. of R.R.#2, Aylmer in her 45th year. Beloved wife of John Wiebe. Loving mother of Rebekah, Andrew, Jeremy and Heather. Visitation at Kebbel Funeral Home,  on Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Springfield Baptist Church on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.

-William Berry,  February 21, 2010. of Aylmer in his 83rd year. Beloved husband of Helen (Parker) Berry. Dear father of Nancy Chevalier and husband Wayne of Aylmer and Bill Berry and wife Tina of Aylmer. Visitation at  Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer on Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where the funeral service will be held on Thursday February 25, 2010 at 1 p.m.

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AYLMER POLICE REPORT:

-Some counterfeit bills were passed in town recently, two American bills were exchanged at the CIBC and another at a local business. No suspects yet.

-An identity theft occurred recently involving an Aylmer woman. Someone obtained her drivers licence and bank card numbers – not the cards -and used them in transactions in Toronto. She was alerted by an NSF notice at her bank machine. She realized  the latest transactions were not hers. A bank where bogus cheques were used to withdraw the money is examining their video tapes for a suspect.

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EESS SPORTS REPORT – by Allie Walker

The Sr boys basketball team had a great game against St. Joe’s this past week, winning the first three quarters with ease, and ending the match with a tight fourth quarter. The boys won 49-39. Top scorers were Carson Morse and Steve Barton with 10, and Even Rollo with 7. The boys play on Tuesday at Huron Park. If they win against the Huskies, they will then advance to WOSSA. The Jr boys played against Parkside with an outstanding win, 72-29. The Sr girls volleyball team had an incredible win against Glencoe this past Thursday. They won all three games 25-13, 25-10, and 25-7. They now face West Elgin in West Lorne on Tuesday. The Jr girls volleyball team won their games against Central Elgin on Thursday as well, winning all three games 25-16, 25-22, and 25-22. They now will play St. Joe’s on Tuesday. This past week both Boys and Girls hockey teams played against Parkside. The boys had an unfortunate loss, 5-1. The goal was scored by Trevor Stuart. The girls however won against Parkside. Top scorers were Leslie Todd, Krista Stevenson, Tina Marceau, Averi Nooren, and Morgan Vansevenant. Goalie Kelli Boogemans had 14 saves. They will now play the first place team next week. This past week was WOSSA for the swimming team. Andy Marsh qualified in three events to go to OFSAA. Alex Toth was third in one event, and second in another. He is now advancing to OFSAA as well. Joining Andy and Alex at OFSAA is Miranda Afman who won the 50 m backstroke. The girls curling team had a fairly successful year this year. Despite their inexperience, the girls did fairly well and won a game against Parkside. The girls finished the season fifth in the standings. The boys curling team also did fairly well. They finished fourth in the standings and will compete at the TVRAA South Playoffs in Glencoe on Monday.

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AYLMER COUNCIL MONDAY:

-The town officially signed a development agreement with Walter Ostojic and Sons to construct the first of two 23-unit affordable housing apartment buildings at the north east corner of Melanie Drive and Brown Street.

MONDAY, Feb. 22/10

*****

“EESS JR. BOYS WIN TVRAA SOUTHEAST BASKETBALL CROWN”

Woodstock – East Elgin downed St.Joes 74-40 Saturday here to capture the TVRAA SouthEast Basketball title. EESS has won a junior boys basketball championship only once before – in 1986. Coach Albert Vanvlaanderen said EESS will host WOSSA this weekend, with his team scheduled for a 10:30 am game Friday.

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OBITS:

-Charlie Jackson;   of Aylmer;  on Feb. 19;  in his 82nd year;  Former President of Aylmer Legion;  Charlie served with the RCAF Combat Engineers Regiment ;   Visitation at Kebbels Funeral Home Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 pm (Legion Service at 7 pm);  Funeral at Kebbels Thursday at 11 am.

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AYLMER TODAY:

-Aylmer Council, 3:30 pm

-(Tuesday: Two documentaries sponsored by Elgin National Farmers Union at Old Town Hall Theatre; FREE; 7:30 pm “In Transition”, 8:30 “The Power of Community”)

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“AYLMER AREA’s CHRIS RIPLEY NARROWLY MISSED OLYMPICS (BUT GETS TO GO DOWN WHISTLER ANWAY!)”

(Chris Ripley, a 1998  EESS grad from Belmont whose parents still live in the Aylmer area,  is a member of a 4-man bobsled team that won the Canadian championship in Calgary in January – Canada’s best outside of the only two teams that could qualify for the Olympics. The team also produced a children’s booklet last year, Chris did the illustrating, entitled “Bobsleigh Jellybeans”. He provided this info to AylmerNews)

“I’m in Whistler right now with my team.  We are getting ready to begin forerunning for the Games.  Forerunners are sleds that go down just before the competition starts to make sure the track is safe and all the timingis working.

We had a very busy season trying to qualify a third sled for the games, unfortunately we came up short.  We exceeded our expectations on the America’s Cup, but with the amount of points accumulated by other nations it wasn’t possible to qualify a third sled.  Our team is happy to be forerunning and is taking in the Olympic experience first hand though. This experience will hopefully help us in future competitions.

Our season ended on a high note, with our team winning the national championship in both the two and four-man events (the two top teams were in Europe).  I slide along with Adam (our pilot), Hugh (crewman) and Bobby in the four-man event, and even though the two top teams were missing we performed great and won by a convincing margin of almost 2 seconds.

The response for the book has been overwhelming.  We are over 3000 in sales now and they are still going strong.  We are using the book as a great opportunity to promote literacy and the great messages itcontains to children.  We have been to quite a few elementary schools to do readings and the children love it, we are hoping to visit more once we return from the Olympics. The book is currently available at Abbeywood’s Emporium in St. Thomas.  For more information on the book and the story behind the book please visit www.bobsleighjellybeans.com.

I’m currently working as a freelance artist for my company Ripley Designs. I studied painting and drawing at the University of Lethbridge and graduated in 2004.  Information about my paintings is available at mywebsite www.ripleydesigns.com.  I reside in Calgary, but my parents still live near Aylmer in St. Thomas.  I plan on continuing to train full-time this summer and hopefully will be competing in the World Cup next year.

I would say my favorite Olympic moment so far was watching Lyndon Rush come back and slide his third and fourth heats of the two-man race after
the unfortunate crash of the night before.  He could have very easily just dropped out of the race to rest up for four-man, but he showed a lot of
determination and spirit to finish the race off.”

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“ELGIN’s NFU HOPING TO START ‘TRANSITIONS’ GROUP “

Aylmer – (This info was provided by Chris Dancey of Aylmer, President of the Elgin branch of the National Farmers Union. The group has another  film night slated for Tuesday at the Old Town Hall theatre.)

“We can debate the time when the end of cheap oil will be a reality and we can debate the effects of climate change – but I don’t think many people believe that there won’t be change as a result of both. Communities such as Aylmer and surrounding Malahide Township can make change a positive experience that gives hope and unites people within our local area. We can guide our governments toward the change we want, rather than waiting for them to act and complaining about what they do – or don’t do.  I know it is possible, because the Transition movement that began in the United Kingdom a few years ago has spread worldwide.   During Tuesday evening, the documentaries will demonstrate the power of communities to determine the change they want. If enough local people are willing to be part of this movement, then we can work toward becoming an official Transition Town, just as more than a dozen Canadian towns and cities have already done.   A representative from Transition London will speak for about ten minutes between the movies and informal discussion and socializing will follow the movies. The response to this evening will determine if we proceed. My experience to date is that there is an amazing support system to guide us, if we decide to join the Transition movement.  To learn more about the Transition Town movement visit  www.transitionnetwork.org “

 

SATURDAY, Feb. 20/10

"Amish of Aylmer"/ $5/ On sale at local stores

“History of Aylmer to l900″/ Used= $5/ At Aylmer Library

****

“EESS IN JR BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS TONIGHT!”

Woodstock – EESS defeated Woodstock St Marys 65-23 here yesterday in the TVRAA SouthEast  semi-finals to advance to todays final at 5:30 against St.Joes at College Ave Secondary School. EESS has only won a league championship in junior boys once – 1986.  Coach Albert Vanvlaanderen reported that “all played a strong game” yesterday. East Elgin placed first, undefeated, in league play as St Joes placed third – St Joes upended Central Elgin and Huron Park to advance to the final. EESS downed St Joes 55-24 in their last meeting. AVSS will play WCI in the Senior final.

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EESS SPORTS THURSDAY:

-GIRLS HOCKEY: = EESS 12, Parkside 2 (playoffs);  next game tba.

-BOYS HOCKEY =EESS lost to PCI 5-1 (season done)

-GIRLS VOLLEYBALL = Playoffs = Jr. defeated CECI; Sr. defeated Glencoe;  Jr to St Joes and Sr to WESS next Tuesday

-SR BOYS BASKETBALL = Challenge game next Tuesday at Huron Park

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AYLMER TODAY:

-APAC presents Damhnait Doyle,  jazz/celtic singer, at Old Town Hall theatre, 7:30; tickets at Aylmer Library etc.

-EESS Jr Boys Basketball vs. St Joes at Woodstock College Ave in finals, 5:30 pm

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***THE SATURDAY (S)CEREAL!” = “AYLMER 50 YEARS AGO”

“GOING TO THE AYLMER STRAND THEATRE IN 1960″ -  The price was 75 cents for adults. There was always a double feature and cartoons, starting around 6:45 pm,  with the first show repeated afterwards. Saturday matinees were at 2 pm. Usually a show ran on Thursday-Saturday and another was held Monday-Wednesday. Featured in 1960 were Rio Bravo, Steve Reeves in Goliath, Fabian in Hound Dog Man,  Journey To the Centre of the Earth etc. The Sinking of the Bismarck was shown the whole week and for two weeks. On The Beach was also held over for a second weekend. There were a few Restricted shows occupying the Monday-Wednesday slots. On the Sunday before Labour Day a special showing of The She Creature was held at midnight. And as usual there was a free movie for children after the Christmas parade.

FRIDAY, Feb. 19/10

*****

“MALAHIDE HAD 3 FIRES IN PAST WEEK“

-Tuesday, Feb 9 – 49235 Wilson Line, at approx.  4 pm, severe smoke damage to interior of house,  15 firemen at scene for 1 hour and 55 minutes, started in the laundry dryer area.

-Wed., Feb. 10, at 521116 York line, at Noon,  home being constructed was gutted by fire; all four dept. responded; firemen at the scene for 8 hours; fire started in the attic

-Sat. Feb 13 – at 52001 Ron McNeil Line, about 9 pm; approx 20 Firefighters, fire was at rear area of house starting near a wood stove, firemen at scene for 4 hours,

- Tuesday, Feb 16 – at 51241 Ron McNeil Line, about 2 am; approx. 12 firefighters, as a truck backed into a hydro pole, transformers leaked oil, on scene for 2.5 hours

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VANDALS STRIKE IN BELMONT (From Elgin OPP)

(ELGIN COUNTY) –Elgin County OPP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for a rash of mischiefs in the Belmont, Central Elgin Area. Five similar incidents have been reported since the 1^st of February, 2010.  In three of the cases the rear windows of vehicles were smashed using large rocks. In two other cases the rear windows were smashed using a stick or bat.  The mischiefs have occurred in the areas of Kettle Creek Drive, Borden Ave., West St. and Belmont Rd/Washburn St. and have occurred between 7pm and midnight. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the Elgin County OPP at 519-631-2920 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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AYLMER TODAY:

-EESS Jr. Boys Basketball Semi-Final at College Ave., Woodstock, at 3:30 vs. St Marys

- (Sat:  APAC Presents Damhnait Doyle, jazz/celtic singer,  at 7:30pm ; tickets at Aylmer Library etc.)

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OBITS

-Pauline Batzold , 83 of Hendersonville, Ont., on Feb. 15, sister of Doris Lehnen of Aylmer.

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“GLOBE AND MAIL HAS STORY ON Joseph Webber Acquittal

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/a-poster-boy-for-justice-gone-awry/article1470371/

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“ACT’S ‘DEARLY DEPARTED’ ONE OF TOP 3 PLAYS FOR ATTENDANCE”

(Information supplied by Ron Sawyer, Artistic Director for the Aylmer Community Theatre)

The response for “Dearly Departed”, both critically and in attendance, was tremendous. Reviews were consistently good and we averaged over 110 patrons per show, which is certainly among our top three productions. Judging by the laughter, which often required long pauses in the action, the audience had a great time. So did the actors. We have such fun playing to a really lively audience.

Our next production in our “Season of Death” is “Murdered to Death” by Peter Gordon. It’s a parody of all those Agatha Christie manor house murder mysteries with a doddering butler, snooty retired colonel and a bumbling police detective.   It’ll be a hoot!
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“MALAHIDE ACCIDENT SUNDAY” (From Elgin OPP)

On Sunday February 14th around 6 pm ,  Elgin OPP were dispatched to Talbot Line east of Springfield Road for a single motor vehicle collision.  The vehicle was travelling west bound on Talbot Line when the driver lost control and travelled into the ditch. As a result of the investigation a 45 year old Middlesex woman has been charged with Failing to Drive in Marked Lane contrary to section 154(1)(a) of the Highway Traffic Act.

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EESS Jr BOYS BASKETBALL IN SEMI-FINALS TODAY

The EESS Junior Boys Basketball team finished in first place this season – 9 wins and 0 losses. Tonight they will play Woodstock St Marys in an Oxford-Elgin semi-final at College Ave. Coach Albert VanVlaanderen said they havent met either of the Oxford leading teams this season. If they win the final will be tomorrow at 5:30 at College Ave.  EESS has only won an Oxford Elgin Junior Boys title once previously – in 1986.

THURSDAY, Feb. 18/10

***

AYLMER TODAY:

-Bayham Council 8 pm

-Malahide Council 8 pm

-EESS Sports:  Girls Hockey host Parkside;  Girls Volleyball host CECI, junior, and Glencoe, senior

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“HAITI UPDATE: ANNEKE’S HUSBAND, MOTHER IN LAW  FLYING TO MISSION TODAY”

Anneke (Barbour) Jones, formerly of Aylmer, whose mother in law has a mission in Haiti, reports that her husband and mother in law are flying to Haiti today and are bringing some medical supplies for a clinic there. She adds that the UN has provided some food and shelter but the needs are still great at their mission.
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“MALAHIDE FIRE CALLS:”

-Responses for the period  February 8, 2010 to February 16, 2010

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- 8:22 p.m. – February 8, 2010 – Station # 4  – 13570 Imperial Road – CO Alarm

– 9:38 p.m. – February 8, 2010 – Station #2   – 9365 Hacienda Road – Medical Assist

– 2:18 p.m. – February 9, 2010 – Station #2 assisted by Station # 1   – Talbot Line – Vehicle Extrication

– 3:57 p.m.  – February 9, 2010 – Station #4  assisted by Stations #1, #2 & #3  – 49235 Wilson Line – Structure Fire

– 12:06 p.m. – February 10, 2010 – Station # 4   assisted by Stations #1, #2 & #3 – 52116 Yorke Line – Structure Fire

– 6:24 a.m. February 12, 2010 – Station # 1   – 49986 Vienna Line, Medical Assist

-9:37 p.m. February 13, 2010 – Station #2 – 8952 Springfield Road – Medical Assist

– 9:20 p.m. February 13, 2010 – Station # 3 assisted by Stations #1, #2 & #4 – 52001 Ron McNeil Line – Structure Fire

– 6:20 p.m. February 14, – Station # 2 assisted by Station #1 – Talbot Line – Vehicle Collision

– 2:02 a.am. February 16, 2010 – Station #3 assisted by Station # 2   – 51241 Ron McNeil Line – Hazardous Material

– 8:25 a.m. February 16, 2010 – Station #2  -  49867 Dingle Street – Medical Assist.

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EESS SPORTS RESULTS:

-JR. BOYS BASKETBALL= Defeated Parkside 72-29 yesterday;  Vs. St.Marys Friday 3:30 at College Ave. in semi-final; finals Saturday

-SR. BOYS BASKETBALL = Lost to St. Joes 49-39 yesterday,  eliminated; Chance of a WOSSA playoff challenge t.b.a.

-GIRLS HOCKEY = Lost 3-1 to St.Joes yesterday;  Host Parkside today in Playoffs.

-BOYS HOCKEY = Playoffs: Defeated Glencoe 4-3 Tuesday (Goals: Laurindo 2, Underhill, Ellis); Play at Parkside today

-VOLLEYBALL – Girls host playoffs today; Juniors vs. CECI, Seniors vs. Glencoe

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“St. Thomas Student – Business Leadership Conference 2010″

Date: Saturday, February 20, 2010

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Location:   Fanshawe College 120 Bill Martyn Parkway, St. Thomas ON

Description:

-Free buffet lunch!! Free prizes!! Get a FREE movie ticket just for showing up!!!!

-Hear the success stories from young professionals such as:

• Jamie Quai, Winemaker, Quai du Vin Winery
• Chris Streib, Physiotherapist and Owner, Talbot Trail Physiotheraphy
• Jody Doan, Engineer, Formet Industries
• Ali Burgess & Lane Walker, Laywers, Bowsher and Bowsher
• Melanie Knapp, Administrative Clerk, City of St. Thomas
• Megan Siemens, Accountant, Graham Scott Enns
• Nicole Geerlinks, public school teacher
• Dr. Jackie Fleming, Optomotrist

Register now with: Jillian Brady jbrady@city.st-thomas.on.ca

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“ELGIN OPP HEAD TO RETIRE”

OPP Inspector Ryan Cox will retire on Feb. 26. Inspector Wayne Burke from Western Region OPP Headquarters will assume the role of interim Detachment Commander beginning February 22^nd.

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*****

AYLMER TODAY:

-Junior Boys Basketball Playoff, EESS hosts Parkside 3:30

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OBITS:

-Alfred Kern;   of Aylmer;   on Feb. 16;   in his 79th year;   husband of Maria;   Visitation at Kebbels Funeral Home Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 pm;  Funeral at Kebbels Friday at 11 am.

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“EESS STUDENT COLE ROBITAILLE  PASSES AWAY”

-After lengthy illness,  Funeral is 11 am today at Westview Funeral Chapel in London,

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“AYLMER FIRE DEPT. ANNUAL REPORT TO COUNCIL PRESENTED AT TUESDAY’S MEETING”

Highlights:

-Property damage was up considerably last year = $956,000 (compared to the yearly average of $268,000 over the last 10 years)

-Of the six residential fires, the cause of four of them was electrical problems

-The Dept. had 75 responses, about the same as 2008,  with 18 Medical Assists, 5 Motor Vehicle assists, 11 fires, 4 illegal burns, and 20 false alarms

-The Dept. is in need of auxilliary firemen.