SATURDAY, August 21/10

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*THEAYLMERNEWS WILL BE ON HOLIDAYS FOR 3 WEEKS.  BACK ON MONDAY,SEPT. 13*

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN UPCOMING:

-Today, Sunday – Fred Eaglesmith Concerts at Springwater

-Tuesday – MPs BBQ. 4:30-7 at Pinafore Park

-Thursday -Jazz at the PERC Coffee Shop, Aylmer – (Don Durkee, Tom Starks) 7-9 pm

-Thursday -Elgin County’s’ Savour Elgin’ at CASO Station, St.Thomas, 5 PM

-Aug. 27-28 – AYLMER CORNFEST = Friday- Sidewalk Sales, Teen Dance; Sat. – Art in the Park, Lots of Music, Corn on the Cob etc.

-Aug 28 – Straffordville Watermelon Days

-Aug. 29- Opening of ‘Malahide Place’, Springfield, 1-4 pm

-Aug. 30 – Aylmer Council

-Sept. 2 – Bayham Council, Malahide Council

-Sept. 10- Municipal Nominations Close

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“SUSPECTED ESTHERVILLE STONES AT NEARBY BRIDGE!”

(Pt. Burwell) – The Estherville ‘Pilgrims’, a group of local residents trying to preserve a larger part of the old Estherville cemetery just north of the village, reported that yesterday Elgin County workers had retrieved 13 inscribed stone bases from an embankment of a bridge one mile east of the cemetery on Glen Erie Line.

Spokesperson Honor Wassing said apparently the gravestone remains were removed from what is believed the extended unmarked part of the cemetery to be used as bank stabilization for the bridge in the 1960s.  County workers in doing work at the bridge site Friday also went looking for the stones and by noon had uncovered a number of bases with names ie. McConnells, Merrills. The Pilgrims had permission to remove the stones to a private site with hopes that the stones can be re-established in the cemetery property.

The Pilgrims have been in an ongoing dispute with Bayham Council over the actual boundaries of the cemetery – Bayham allowed a local farmer to build a cucumber shed on land the Pilgrims believe was an unmarked extended part of the pioneer cemetery. As well, Mrs. Wassing said MPP Steve Peters has called another meeting to discuss the issue – Tuesday at 1 pm at the Municipal Office in Straffordville.

Her report to TANews: “The stones are on the Little Otter by the bridge near the trailer park on Glen Erie Line.  We were tipped off about them more than a year ago and have been hounding the municipality to do something about them.  Turns out it was county responsibility.  Mayor Lynn Acre got the county to co-operate.  When the headstones were put into the cairn and the graveyard levelled and filled in in the late 1960s, many of the stones and monument bases were used as fill for bank stabilization in several spots.  When one of our group was taken on a hike along the banks of the Little Otter, he identified three large bases with the names Mc Connell, Saxton and Backhouse…all founding pioneers in this area.  They have brought up 13 bases which have been loaded on skids and will be transported to a secure location.  The Shippey and Leach stones sat in the Straffordville yards for 12 years before we were tipped off that they were there. The county is doing some upgrade work to restabilize the creek bank and that’s why they are being brought out now. ”
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“BANDSHE…(with part of SHELL gone!)”

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“AYLMER NOT AFFECTED BY St.THOMAS WATER ISSUE”

(Info provided by Laura McLachlin, Director of Public Protection for Elgin St.Thomas Health Unit):

“The St. Thomas Area Secondary Water Supply System and the Aylmer Area Water Supply System are two of 5 secondary water systems in our county that come off the Elgin Area Primary Water Supply System.  There was no problem with the Primary Supply System, only the Secondary System providing water in St. Thomas.  Aylmer and East Elgin water supply is monitored by a number of means by the operators of the system.  Routine sampling of the water for the presence of bacteria is done weekly at a number of sites.  Chlorine residual testing is done frequently each day as an indicator if anything is stressing the water system.  If there was a sudden drop in the chlorine levels it would be an indication that something was going on.  This type of situation was not being seen in the Aylmer water distribution system.”

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“THE SURVEY SAID…..”

-With 110 replies to “how many provinces have you spent a night in”: 45% said they had slept in 5 or more provinces and 30% said they had been overnight in 3-5 provinces.

-AND of 106 replies, 67% believe Davenport (South/Rutherford) should also have a crossing guard.

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FRIDAY, Aug. 20/10

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-All Weekend: Fred Eaglesmith and Friends Concerts at Springwater

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OBITS:

-MARTHA KENT;  of Stratford;  on Aug. 19;  wife of George;  Arrangements through Young Funeral Home, Stratford.

-DORIS RYCKMAN;  of St.Thomas; on Aug. 19;  in her 75th year; Mother of Bill and partner Lisa Moosberger of Aylmer;  Arrangements through Williams Funeral Home, St.Thomas.

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“IMMANUEL PRINCIPAL ON CROSSWALK DECISION:”

“DENNIS BOADWAY, DENTIST FOR 39 YR., RETIRES”

“THE LOCAL LENS”

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THURSDAY, August 19/10

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How many provinces have you spent a night in (other than Ontario)?

(polls)

Should Davenport/Immanuel (South/Rutherford) also have a crossing guard?
(polls)

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-Malahide Council, 8 pm

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OBITS:

-IRENE LAIDLAW;  on Aug. 18;  of Aylmer;  in her 88th year;  wife of the late Murray Laidlaw;  Visitation at Kebbels Thursday 7-9 pm;  Funeral at Kebbels Friday at 2:30.

-BRADLEY WILLOWS;  on Aug. 17;  of St.Thomas;  in his 25th year; Son of Fred Willows of Belmont and Jean Underhill of Pt. Burwell;  Visitation at Kebbels Thursday 7-9 pm; Funeral Friday at Kebbels at 11 am.

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“SURVEY” …..Why not attend the Fair?/Improvements? (Send:an email/Facebook note)

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“BELMONT BREAK AND ENTER”

(BELMONT) – Elgin County OPP were called to a residence on Tuesday August 17, 2010 when a resident woke up and found a young male leaving his garage and another young male rifling through his vehicle in the driveway. The youth left the area, but further police investigation identified them as two 15 yr. old youths from Belmont. The two youth have been arrested and charged with Break and Enter and Trespass/Prowl near a dwelling house. The youth cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

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“STANLEY BID SINKS, BURWELL NETS SUB”

(Elgin Military Museum awarded the Ojibwa Sub site to Pt. Burwell on Saturday. Bayham Mayor Lynn Acre had this comment to TANews:)

“Regarding the sub, I’m absolutely thrilled. This is a perfect fit for our community. We have the room, we have a marine museum link and we have the political will and community support. If you want to see some indication of the community support,  see how many local businesses put in ads of welcome (in the local paper) for the Ojibwa. I even got a phone call from the United Kingdom while I was away.”

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“AYLMER DOG PARK UPDATE:”

(Info from John Forsdike) “We are progressing with the Dog Park at the Fairgrounds.  The site at the west end of the fairgrounds is being cleaned up. We are removing dead branches, weeds ( including deadly nightshade), grape vines, and debris. We have obtained about 1/2 of the required fencing but we will purchase the gates and posts.  If anyone has good snow fencing ( plastic or wooden slate), we will buy it or accept it as a donation.  Monies has been promised from two local businesses that should cover our costs for this Dog Park.  We need more manpower or people power to install the posts and fencing.  If you are willing to help, please call John Forsdike at 519 773 9058 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              519 773 9058      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.”

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(Email Dave at dferguson@frontrowseats.ca)

*THEATRE:

Port Stanley Festival Theatre – contact 519 782 4353 for show times www.psft.on.ca/

August 11^th – September 4^th – Wrong For Each Other by Norm Foster

*MUSIC & STUFF:

-Every Wednesday Open Mike Night @ M.E. & Suzies in Port Stanley from 8PM to 11PM – bring your own instruments.

-Open Mic Music in the park every Wednesday evening has moved to Kinsmen Park near the tennis courts. Showtime begins at 6PM

-Monday August 1^st – Monday October 18^th – Rush Creek Wines Family Corn Maze is surrounded by 1000’s of sunflowers the maze is fun for the whole family, stroller friendly as well. – 519 773-5432

-Friday August 20^th to Sunday August 22^nd – Fred Eaglesmith Charity Music Festival. Fred’s line-up includes Americana, Alternative Country, Bluegrass, and just great song writing. For more info check out www.catishcreek.ca

-Sunday August 22^nd – Reds, Whites & The Blues: Celebrating Wine & The Blues at Quai du Vin Estate Winery (45811 Fruitridge Line, R.R.# 5 St. Thomas)  Showtime from 2PM to 7PM with tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Contact 519-775-2216 Website: www.quaiduvin.com

-Thursday August 26^th to Sunday August 29^th – St.Thomas Iron Horse . This year’s festival will include a Class Car Night, Motorcycle Show & Shine, Walk the Chalk chalk art competition, FreshFest: A Local Taste Experience, Iron Chef Cookoff, Ribfest, Midway, Kids Junction, crafts, exhibitors, and much more. www.ironhorsefestival.com

-Friday August 27^th and Saturday August 28^th – Celebrating Aylmer’s hometown agricultural roots with a Cruise Night on Friday and downtown sidewalk sales, family activities in the parks, art and antiques in the park, street buskers and performers, free games and wagon rides, crafts and more.

-Friday August 27^th to Saturday August 28^th – Murder Mystery Comedy Dinner at Sparta House and Tea Room Restaurant – a murder mystery comedy and a three course dinner. Contact 519-775-2313 for reservations. Website:  www.spartahouse.com

-Saturday August 28^th – Watermelon Fest 2010 organized by the Straffordville Community Committee from 7AM (Fireman’s Breakfast at fire hall and Lion’s Breakfast at the ball booth. Parade begins at 10AM and the rest of the festivities with midway rides, pony rides, music etc.  Movie in the Park will begin at dusk. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy.

-Saturday August 28^th – Talbot Trail Of Yard Sales  Follow the Talbot Trail (Talbot Line) through Dutton. Outdoor farmers market, multi-family yard sales, unique vendors, sunflower maze, fireman’s breakfast & lunch, hot roasted sweet corn.

(In Bayham: Start at Springerhill Road, follow Heritage Line to Straffordville then south on Plank Road through Richmond, Straffordville and Vienna and on to Port Burwell. At Heritage Line Herbs: They will be offering yard sale prices on many items from their store. Enjoy a BBQ with chicken on a bun, angus burgers, hot dogs or veggie dogs and salads. Website:  www.heritagelineherbs.com )

-Saturday August 28^th to Saturday Sept 25^th – Murder Mystery Train Rides Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Kathy’s Catering, followed by a moving performance on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail. Dinner is at 6PM and the train departs at 7PM for a moving performance. Call the Port Stanley Terminal Rail Station @ 519-782-3730 for reservations. Website:  www.pstr.on.ca

-The Aylmer Performing Arts 2010-2011 schedule is posted. Performers are 100% Canadian content. Please visit the website for dates, times and ticket information. www.artsinaylmer.com

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“A READER WRITES:”

“I was recently reviewing our Eastlink business phone fee breakdown to compare our local with others and I noticed that there was a promotion section on their home page. There is a business bundle promotion only if you live in Forest,  Arkona,  Kettle Point or Aberarder.   The rate for phone bundle and internet is $79.95  vs.  at least double or triple that amount for those of us in Aylmer etc.   I spoke with a rep out east and he simply said that there are no plans to offer it here?   Same answer from downtown office thank-you very much.  The Chamber of Commerce in Aylmer has been contacted and it is on the agenda next month.  In the meantime those of you in business need to review your statements and compare your rate to what the aforementioned  communities are getting and then pick up the phone,  if you still bother with one, and call to demand the business bundle promotion rate–if you can get through.   Pressure and numbers will promote change.” – (Barb Warnock)

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WEDNESDAY, Aug. 18/10

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How many provinces have you spent a night in (other than Ontario)?
(polls)

Should Davenport/Immanuel (South/Rutherford) also have a crossing guard?
(polls)

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-(Aug. 28 – Straffordville Watermelon Fest;  Talbot Trail Yard Sales)

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LATE OBITS:

-Irene Laidlaw, 87, Aylmer, At Kebbels

-Brad Willows, 24, St.Thomas, son of Fred Willows, Belmont and Jean Underhill, Pt. Burwell; At Kebbels

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“SURVEY” …..Why not attend the Fair?/Suggestions for Improvements? (Send us an email)

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“TOM CHARLTON IS MALAHIDE CANDIDATE”

(MALAHIDE) – Tom Charlton, a longtime (now semi-retired) South Dorchester dairy farmer informed TANews this week that he has filed Candidates’ Papers to run in Ward 1 Malahide in the Oct. 25 Municipal Election. Mr. Charlton, who has recently moved to Aylmer but still owns his farm north of Springfield, will oppose incumbent Mark Widner.  He said he had been approached by residents to consider running and “I have the time now and I think I can contribute”.  He added that he didn’t see any outstanding issues: “I know the building of the halls out here were controversial but that’s done now, the agri-industrial complex needs to be done properly, and you need to watch the budget.”

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“EAGLESMITH AT SPRINGWATER THIS WEEKEND”

(Musician Fred Eaglesmith of Pt. Dover returns to Springwater this weekend. He appeared on The David Letterman Show in June and he has a new CD “Cha Cha Cha” (see website).  At the weekend Springwater Concerts he will appear at 9:30 Friday, 9:30 Saturday and 4:30 Sunday. Event Co-ordinator  Sara provided this info to TANews)

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1-Does Fred do any other weekend events or is Springwater unique? -Yes, unique, this is currently the only weekend long ‘Fredfest’.
2-When did he add more female content to his band? – The Ginn Sisters have been touring with Fred since the summer of 2009, Kori Heppner the drummer has been with the band for about 9 years.
3-Country singer Alan Jackson recently recorded Fred’s  song, ‘Freighttrain’ and named his CD ‘Freighttrain’; is this his most notable ‘cover’ artist? – Other notable covers have been done by Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and for Can Con – Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.
4-Are there mostly Canadian bands slated for Springwater? – All the bands are Canadian with the exception of the Ginns and the Poss Brothers who are Texans, and Audrey Auld from Australia. As a matter of fact some of them could even be considered “famous Canadian Musicians” and have been Juno nominees – Matthew Barber, Carolyn Mark among them.
5-Are any longtime repeaters ie. Washboard Hank – Yes,  Fred’s close friends who come back time and time again include Roger Marin, Gordie Tentrees and Carolyn Mark. They all join us every year they can.
6-Is the Atlantic boat excursion (see website) new for him? – Yes, that is new but he has done train tours through the States and The Polar Bear Express with a similar feel.
7-Does he still keep a residence in Pt Dover, does he get there much?  Yes, Fred is proud of his Southern Ontario roots – running businesses with his family in both Port Dover and Simcoe. He resides in a little Masonic Hall near the two communities. He is not there often but when he is he is sure happy to be home.

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“BEE-EAUTIFUL!”

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“A READER WRITES”

“Just checked my bill and I’m also wondering why some long distance calls within Ontario show a charge of .13 per minute and others are billed at .29 per minute?  Time to make a change! And just opened a new bill and wondering just how I could possibly have late fees charged on an automatic withdrawal payment?” – (Barb Warnock)

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TUESDAY, Aug. 17/10

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-(Aug. 27-28 = Aylmer Cornfest)

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OBITS:

-PAT Mac Leod;  of Aylmer;  on Aug. 16;  in her 71st year;  wife of George;  Visitation Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 at Kebbel Funeral Home;  Funeral Thursday at Kebbels at 11 am.

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“AYLMER FAIR ATTENDANCE UP”

(Information on the Fair provided by Scott Lewis, serving his fourth year as President)

1.How was the turnout? Factors? =  “Attendance was up, close to 25%/Due to mother nature co-operating and more to offer”

2.How did some new ideas go over? =  “The Beer garden was successful but not overwhelming; the square dance and country singing we will have back; the Quad Pull had a low turnout but it was its first time around; the Ambassador competition was good to see. We did have a mixup with  singer Tina Dickson and I apologize and we will make a donation to Sunshine Foundation.”

3. How was the Midway received? =  “We were down in bracelets sold but Campbells Amusements were excellent,  although they only brought half as many games – it was their choice due to economy, but we hope to get that number back up”

4.Any other impressions? = “We actually had more volunteers than any other year.”

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“RESPONSE SURVEY:” …..why didn’t you attend the Fair?/Suggestions for Improvements? (Send us an email)

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“GIANT HOGWEED IS SMALL ISSUE IN ELGIN”

(Info provided byDavid Pullen, Elgin Weed Inspector) “Despite all the media attention, Giant Hogweed is not a major issue in Elgin County.  I have made 5 positive ID’s of it in the whole county, and 3 of those sites are essentially eradicated but will be watched for new plants next spring.  The other two sites are in the process of being controlled by property owners and are not large areas and well away from public places. I have had many calls and have provided ID service for almost all the relatives of Hogweed, including Cow Parsnip, Angelica, Wild Parsnip and Poison Hemlock.  This link to a Michigan Dept. of Agriculture brochure gives a good description of the related plants. www.michigan.gov/documents/MDA_Hogweed_Brochure_2_115074_7.pdf.  At this point there is no hogweed that I’m aware of in Malahide or Aylmer.”

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“CLOVERMEAD BEE BEARD RESULTS SATURDAY:”

(Aylmer) – (Info from Chris Hiemstra of Clovermead) “There were four contestants, with four bee groomers.  Albert Devries from St.Thomas was the winner.  My wife Christy also competed as the only female entrant. Our cow pasture and old sheep pasture were full of cars, we had over 300 paid admissions.  Over $2000 was raised for World Vision Canada, the money will be used to buy beehives and training for poor families in places like Bosnia. There were no problems, it was raining a wee bit after the event.  Great weather and lots of fun.”

“A READER WRITES:”

“I would just like to express to you the sentiment of a few friends and family members in regards to Eastlink’s “Unlimited Long Distance” plan which they are marketing. I feel that it’s an issue many people are ignorant of and they are being mislead. For $19.95/month, you can subscribe to their unlimited long distance plan, which includes calls to anywhere in the US and Canada. The flat rate for long distance inside US and Canada is $0.05 without the unlimited plan. Therefore, obviously, in order to save money you need to make at least 400 minutes of long distance calls. It’s a great plan for these heavy users.

The problem is, at the top of each statement, Amtelecom would state how much you “saved” with your unlimited plan even if you didn’t make it to the 400-minute break-even point. They based this statement off what you saved with the unlimited plan in relation to a different service providing long distance fees, not based on the $0.05 flat rate. This is incredibly misleading when in reality the unlimited plan didn’t save, but in fact was more costly than making long distance calls without the unlimited plan.  I personally don’t live in Aylmer, am not a subscriber of Eastlink (or former Amtelecom) and I don’t have a bill in which I can provide this proof to you, but if you are (or were) a subscriber to this unlimited plan and keep records of your bill you can have a look back at your previous bills and see what I’m referring to.  I find that the ignorance of so many subscribers is astounding and the fact none caught this blatant example of deceitful marketing almost makes me want to scrap this letter, but my grandmother has been an Amtelecom customer for decades and a brief glance at her bill was all it took to spot this deception. It’s one thing to throw away $20 for a plan you won’t use, but it’s another to misappropriate the loss as savings. I’m not sure if Eastlink has continued with the practise of stating these “savings” on the new bills. I wish I wrote you sooner but I just thought about it again now when I was helping my grandmother switch to the new digital cable service. I can let you know next month, I told my grandmother to let me know when she gets her bill.  (Name withheld by request)”

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MONDAY, August 16/10

“AYLMER FAIR VIDEO:  ‘Fair Ambassador’

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-(This Weekend: Fred Eaglesmith at Springwater)

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“AYLMER FAIR VIDEO: ‘On the Midway’“

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“MALAHIDE FIRE CALLS:”

 

– 11:52 a.m. – August 9, 2010 Station #1 assisted by Station # 2, #3, #4 – 51298 Nova Scotia Line, Unauthorized controlled burn

 

– 10:33 a.m. – August 10, 2010 – Station #1, 51186 Calton Line, Pot on Stove (no fire)

 

– 11:44 p.m. – August 10, 2010 – Station #2, 52958 Talbot Line, Controlled Burn

 

– 1:27 a.m. – August 11, 2010 – Station #2, 9317 Rogers Road, alarm equipment malfunction

 

– 1:42 p.m. – August 11, 2010 – Station #2, 50918 Dingle Line, Medical Assist

 

– 9:29 p.m. – August 11, 2010 – Station # 4 assisted by Station # 2, Lyons Line at Putnam Road MVC

 

– 4:48 p.m. – August 12, 2010 – Station #2 assisted by Station # 1, Talbot Line MVC

 

– 7:29 p.m. – August 12, 2010 – Station # 4 assisted by Station # 2, Lyons Line at Putnam Road MVC

 

– 4:40 p.m. – August 13, 2010 – Station #2, 48187 Catt Line MVC

 

– 7:37 p.m. – August 15, 2010 – Station #2 assisted by Station #3, 9799 Rogers Road MVC

– 10:49 p.m. – August 15, 2010 – Station # 1, 50069 Calton Line, Medical Assist

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“AYLMER ROOKIE BALL REPORT” (by Dave Patterson)

The Aylmer A’s Rookie team started the round robin playoffs with a loss to the Dorchester Dolphins. Aylmer was outscored 26 – 7 in the game. Leading the way for the A’s with 3 hits each were Devon Kellington, Tyler Hopper, Quentin Isaac, Ethan Reid, Landon Underhill & Nolan Wiebe. Seth Hedges, Chase Wittland, Aiden Hopper, Bryce Walcarius, had 2 hits each and Evan Jones, Ryan Nancekivell  & Andie Wittland had 1 hit each.

In the second game the A’s lost to the Dorchester Piranha’s 8 – 7. Leading the way with 3 hits each were Seth Hedges, Bryce Walcarius, Aiden Hopper & Devon Kellington. Landon Underhill, Ethan Reid, Chase Wittland & Tyler Hopper had 2 hits each and Quentin Isaac, Evan Jones, Ryan Nancekivell, Andie Wittland & Nolan Wiebe had 1 hit each.

The semifinal game pitted the Aylmer A’s against the Dorchester Piranha’s. The Piranha’s beat the A’s 21 – 13 in a game that was not indicative of the score. Leading the way for the A’s with 3 hits each were Tyler Hopper, Aiden Hopper & Devon Kellington. Seth Hedges, Chase Wittland, Bryce Walcarius, Nolan Wiebe, Andie Wittland & Ryan Nancekivell had 2 hits each and Evan Jones & Quentin Isaac had 1 hit each.

(Season done)

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SATURDAY, August 14/10

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-AYLMER FAIR – 10am-10 pm;  Adults $7

-Clovermead BeeBeard Contest (re-sked) 1:30

-Dixie Flyers at Pinecroft

-Air Show (Harvards) at Tillsonburg Airport, 9 am-3:30 pm

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AT AYLMER FAIR FRIDAY:

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OBITS:

-JEAN MOORE;  of Aylmer, formerly of Eden; on Aug. 13;  aged 92 yr.;  Survivors include children: Barbara (Robert) Balthes, Dianne (Arthur) Pragen, Linda Riddell, all of Straffordville and George (Anne) Moore of Pt. Burwell;  Visitation Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 and Funeral Monday at 2 pm at  Ostranders, Tillsonburg.

-FERNAND FORTIN;  of Pt. Burwell;  on Aug. 14;  aged 71 yr.;  Survivors include: wife Denise and children Vicky and Matt, at home;  Visitation Thursday 6-9 at Ostranders, Tillsonburg. Cremation has taken place.

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AYLMER FAIR TODAY:

-9 am Horse show, Dairy Show

-2-6 pm Val the Snake Lady

-7pm Demo Derby

-(Sunday – Baby Show, Quad Pull, Pizza Eating)

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“NEW SOUNDS AT BANDSHELL”

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“PT. BURWELL MENS FASTBALL:”

Record: W6, L14 (Last night hosted Ayr)

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“THE SURVEY SAYS…”

-Of 78 replies, 53% said they didn’t participate in the Power Challenge this past Wednesday.

-Of 85 surveyed, 71% said they would not be attending the Aylmer Fair

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AT AYLMER FAIR FRIDAY:

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AYLMER FAIR AMBASSADOR WINNERS:

Kelsey Berkelmans, 19, of Malahide, and Michelle Dykeman, 16, of Aylmer were named Senior and Junior Aylmer Fair Ambassadors, respectively,  at the Opening Ceremonies last night.

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FRIDAY, August 13/10

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(polls)

(polls)

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-AYLMER FAIR – 10am-10 pm;  Childrens Day;  Adults $7

-(Sat: Clovermead BeeBeard Contest (re-sked)

-(Sat: Dixie Flyers at Pinecroft)

-(Sat: Air Show (Harvards) at Tillsonburg Airport, 9 am-3:30 pm)

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OBITS:

-MERRITT MATTHEWS;  aged 83 years; on Aug. 12;  at Tillsonburg;  Survivors include: wife Bernice, children Randy (Terry) Matthews, Rick (Barb) Matthews,  both of Straffordville;  Visitation at Ostranders, Tillsonburg Friday 7-9 pm;  Funeral at Ostranders Saturday at 11 am.

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“AYLMER FAIR TODAY:”

-CHILDRENS DAY (12 and under get in free )

-9am Pony Show

-2pm Childrens Events

-4pm Childrens Musical Show

-7pm Opening Ceremonies

-7:30 – Demo Derby

(Sat:  Horse Show, Dairy Show, Demo Derby)

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“TWO CRASHES NEAR ‘SHACKLETONS’ THIS WEEK

(Info from Elgin OPP)- LYONS – At 9:11pm on Wednesday the OPP were dispatched to a two vehicle motor vehicle collision involving an armoured truck and a sport utility vehicle.   The collision occurred at the intersection of Lyons Line and Putnam Road, Malahide Twp. At the time of the collision a 2008 International Armoured vehicle was travelling south on Putnam Road and failed to stop for the stop sign at Lyons Line. A black 2007 Jeep Liberty that was traveling east on Lyons Line collided with the armoured vehicle t-boning it.  The driver of the armored vehicle, a 41 year old London Ontario man and his 28 year old female passenger also of London were uninjured in the collision.  The driver of the Jeep Liberty, a 30 year old Oxford County woman also was not injured in the collision. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene, the armoured vehicle sustained damage to the front passenger side while the SUV sustained heavy front end damage.  As a result of the collision, the armored vehicle was pushed into and knocked down the northbound stop sign on Putnam Road at Lyons Line.The investigation has resulted in police charging the driver of the armoured vehicle, Michael HEATH with failing to stop for the stop sign, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.

In a second collision at the same location, OPP were called to the scene of a two vehicle collision last evening around 7:15pm.  The collision occurred at the intersection of Lyons Line and Putnam Road, Malahide Twp.  At the time of the collision a 2007 Dodge PT cruiser was travelling south on Putnam road and stopped at the stop sign at Lyons Line and had just proceeded when struck by a 1997 Ford pick-up truck that was travelling west on Lyons Line.  The driver of the PT Cruiser, a 78 year old London, ON. man and his 77 year old wife were both taken to Tillsonburg Hospital with minor injuries.  The driver of the Ford pick-up, a 45 year old Langton, ON man and his 18 year old female passenger also of Langton were uninjured in the collision.  Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.  As a result of the investigation police have charged the driver of the Dodge PT Cruiser, Metheus DROST with failing to yield to traffic on a thru highway contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.Police have noted that there have been numerous collisions at this location and will be conducting a Collision Prevention Through Environmental Design Traffic Study at this location.

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“AYLMER MINOR BALL UPDATE:” (by Richard Broer)

-Rookie Ball team has lost both games and will play Friday at 6:15
-Mosquito Travel house league team has won a game and lost a game and plays Saturday at 12:30
-Midget team has won a game and lost a game and played last night at 8:30 at City Wide
-The PeeWee competitive team was in the OBA qualifier last weekend and lost their first game then lost their second game by only one run in the last inning. They are eliminated however and thus do not move on to the OBA tournament.

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“PASSING THROUGH”

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“UPDATE: BIKE SPILL”

(Recently a reader said she fell off her bike on the Myrtle St. Bridge when her tire caught in the bridge grate. This response is from Rod Topp, Aylmer Director of Operations)

” In regards to your enquiry, the Town was made aware of the accident and I spoke with the lady that had the spill on her bike. As for the bridge, the steel grating spacing that is on the bridge is 2” x 3 “ which is manufactured and used all over the Province with similar type bridges.  The grating spacing will not permit a bicycle tire to become lodged between the gratings, however depending on how fast a cyclist is moving and any sudden hard braking may have both been attributing factors with this particular incident.  Braking on steel grating is quite different than on an asphalt or similar smooth surface, there is no give on a steel grated system.The Town would prefer that all pedestrians and cyclists use the separate wooden walkway to cross over the bridge and not the grated driving surface that is meant for use by motorized vehicles. As you are also probably aware of, the Myrtle Bridge is a “One Way”, “One Lane Bridge”. The Town is looking into having signage made up and erected to notify cyclists to either dismount and/or use the pedestrian walkway to cross over the bridge to hopefully prevent any future unfortunate accidents.”

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THURSDAY, August 12/10

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-AYLMER FAIR: Grounds Open at Noon; Midway at 2 pm; Admission $7

-Bayham Council,  7 pm

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OBITS:

-CARL MCLELLAN;  aged 69 yr.;  of Belmont;  on Aug.9;  husband of Pat;  Visitation Thursday, Funeral Friday at 11 am; Arrangements through Bieman Funeral Home, Dorchester.

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“AYLMER FAIR TODAY:”

-2 pm Pet Show

-5 pm Potato Peeling Contest

-6-8 pm – Mini Tractor Pull

-7 pm Holstein Show

(Friday = Childrens’ Day;  Childrens Events; Opening Ceremonies; Demo Derby)

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(Get noticed! Email dave at dferguson@frontrowseats.ca)

THEATRE:

- Port Stanley Festival Theatre – contact 519 782 4353 highlighting for show times www.psft.on.ca/

August 11^th – September 4^th – Wrong For Each Other by Norm Foster – Once again Norm Foster proves why he is one of Canada’s most popular playwrights with his classic romantic comedy, “Wrong For Each Other”. Deft one liners, finely drawn characters, and a surprising conclusion, “Wrong For Each Other” has something for everyone.

MUSIC & STUFF:

-Every Wednesday Open Mike Night @ M.E. & Suzies in Port Stanley from 8PM to 11PM – bring your own instruments

-Open Mic Music in the park every Wednesday evening has moved to Kinsmen Park near the tennis courts. Showtime begins at 6PM

- Monday August 1^st – Monday October 18^th – Rush Creek Wines Family Corn Maze is surrounded by 1000’s of sunflowers the maze is fun for the whole family, stroller friendly as well. After visiting the winery have some fun in the maze! Cost $3.00 each, children in strollers are free. You may go in as many times as you want. Located at 48995 Jamestown Line south of Aylmer (near Copenhagen) 519 773-5432

-Thursday August 12^th – Sunday August 15^th – Aylmer Fair Come join the annual tradition that began in 1846. The East Elgin Agricultural Society presents demolition derbies, horse shows, midway rides and games, 4H competitions, craft and flower exhibits, as well as many interesting events and shows. All Grandstand Shows are FREE www.aylmerfair.ca/ (Adults $7; Children under 12 $3; Under 6 – Free) Daily Special: Pay One Price All You Can Ride For $30. Available EVERY DAY!!

-Saturday August 14^th – Bluegrass with The Dixie Flyers 1PM – 5PM Also performing The Jammin’ In The Cabin gang. Tickets $20 each are available at Pinecroft. Bring your own lawn chair. No Alcohol or pets.

-The Aylmer Performing Arts 2010-2011 schedule is posted. Performers are 100% Canadian content. Please visit the website for dates, times and ticket information. www.artsinaylmer.com

-Saturday August 14^th – Annual Bee Beard Competition at Clovermead 11302 Imperial Road Aylmer Bee keeper Olympics starts at 1:30 pm. The fierce competition starts as beekeepers demonstrate their skills at squeezing honey comb, lighting smokers, suiting up and catching bees. At 2:30, the competition kicks off. Live Music from 1:00-4:00 pm

-Wednesday August 18^th – Elgin Cattleman’s Association BBQ at Pinafore Park in St. Thomas from 5PM to 7PM. Come and enjoy locally grown beef, corn, potatoes and freshly baked buns. Entertainment provided by Three Penny Piece. This event runs rain or shine. Adults $12 and children $3.

-Friday August 20^th to Sunday August 22^nd – Fred Eaglesmith Charity Music Festival Come and see this popular entertainer for the day or weekend. Fred’s line-up includes Americana, Alternative Country, Bluegrass, and just great song writing. Enjoy great Canadian Music at its best! For more info check out www.catishcreek.ca

-Thursday August 26^th to Sunday August 29^th – Iron Horse This year’s festival will include a Class Car Night, Motorcycle Show & Shine, Walk the Chalk chalk art competition, FreshFest: A Local Taste Experience, Iron Chef Cookoff, Ribfest, Midway, Kids Junction, crafts, exhibitors, and much more. www.ironhorsefestival.com

-Friday August 27^th and Saturday August 28^th – Celebrating Aylmer’s hometown agricultural roots with a Cruise Night on Friday and downtown sidewalk sales, family activities in the parks, art and antiques in the park, street buskers and performers, free games and wagon rides, crafts and more.

-Saturday August 28^th – Watermelon Fest 2010 organized by the Straffordville Community Committee from 7AM (Fireman’s Breakfast at fire hall and Lion’s Breakfast at the ball booth. Parade begins at 10AM and the rest of the festivities with midway rides, pony rides, music and much more fun for the entire family goes the entire day. Movie in the Park will begin at dusk. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy.

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THE LOCAL LENS:

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WEDNESDAY, August 11/10

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AYLMER/EAST ELGIN TODAY:

-Power Challenge (Cutback on Electricity in Ontario)

-(AYLMER FAIR – Aug. 12-15)

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AYLMER COUNCIL DECISIONS MONDAY:

“CROSSING GUARD STILL FOR McGREGOR, BUT NOT DAVENPORT”

-Continue to provide a Crossing Guard at the McGregor School corner (John/South), but no longer at Davenport (Rutherford/South);

-Construct a concrete dance pad in front of the Bandshell, cost approx. $12,500;

-Have staff prepare a report on the re-establishing of a Parking Enforcement Officer on a trial basis;

-Spend another $92,000 to complete the Town Hall Basement renovation;

-Officially sign a contract with Keith Hunt Construction to begin Bandshell reconstruction.

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“AYLMER COMPETING IN TODAY’s POWER CHALLENGE”

1. The communities with the highest number of Power Pledges per capita by 8 p.m. tonight win both a trophy and a $10,000 award to support a local renewable energy project;
2. The community achieving the largest reduction in electricity use from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today will win the megawatt-reduction category and the prestigious Woodstock Cup.

• A focus of this year’s Power Pledge campaign is Phantom power – the electricity consumed by many electronics devices turned off but left plugged in – which can add up to 15 percent of total household consumption.”

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“AYLMER FAIR STARTS TOMORROW“

-Grounds open: Noon to 10 pm, Cost $7

-Pet Show 2pm

-Midway opens at 2 pm

-Mini Tractor Pull 6 pm

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