Baby Cupboard donation, more Remembrance Day photos

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Monday, November 13, 2017

Today – Mainly cloudy. Fog patches dissipating this morning. High 6.

Tonight – Mainly cloudy. Low minus 2.

Union Gas donates to Mom’s Baby Cupboard

Union Gas recently stopped by the Mom’s Baby Cupboard in Wallaceburg, and made a $1,000 donation.

In the photo is Kelly Barclay from Union Gas, Ann Labor, Joyce Johnston and Sherrie Carroll from Mom’s Baby Cupboard and Colleen Mazur from Union Gas.

“We are so happy to have Union Gas supporting us, they have been doing this since we started in 2010,” Mom’s Baby Cupboard organizers said.

“These girls also come and work the cupboard with us for that day and if we are ever stuck for help, we just have to call and they will send someone to help us.”

Mom’s Baby Cupboard provides diapers, wipes, formula, baby food and gently used baby clothing to families in need.

They groups serves on average 35 mom’s, and 50 or more babies each month.

The ‘Cupboard’ is able to provide these items at no charge thanks to generous donations given by the community.

It is located at St. James Anglican Church.

The Baby Cupboard, which was started back in 2010, is open on the second Thursday of each month, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Those who are caring for needy babies – mothers, fathers or other caretakers – are not required to belong to any particular affiliation to access the Baby Cupboard.

What is required is a particular need due to financial hardship and the inability to meet the need through other community resources such as food banks or other resource centers.

E-mail the church at jamesstreetministry@bell.net or details.

More Remembrance Day photos from Wallaceburg

Alicia Doxtator, president of Wallaceburg Navy League, snapped the following photos at the Wallaceburg Remembrance Day service.

Have a look:

Minister’s statement regarding the college strike and support for students

On Friday, Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development issued the following statement:

“Since the strike began, I have been clear that my focus is on students and their learning. I have had the opportunity to meet with a number of student leaders and their provincial associations. I have heard from them about hardships students are experiencing as a result of this strike. Students have been in the middle of this strike for too long and it’s just not fair.”

“While every student’s situation is unique, all students are struggling with continued uncertainty. They are worried about how to pay for unexpected costs like additional rent or canceling long-standing travel plans to be home with family. They’ve told me they are stressed about when they will be able to complete their studies or if there will be any extra help when classes finally resume.”

“That is why I am requiring that colleges establish a dedicated fund with all the savings from the strike. The fund will be used to support students who have experienced financial hardships as a result of the strike. I will work with students and colleges starting immediately to develop the parameters of the fund. We need to work out the details together and we will do it quickly. I have just spoken with student leadership from the College Student Alliance and have asked them for their advice and for feedback from their membership. I’m looking for the best ideas about how to make sure this reinvestment directly benefits students who have faced hardship.”

“This is a challenging time for everyone, but particularly for students. So, in the coming days, I look forward to working directly with student leaders and colleges on how we can lessen the impact of the strike on students. They deserve our support.”

A vote will be held this week, as the College Employer Council has requested the faculty whether to accept or reject the Employer’s offer from November 6, 2017.

OPP Community Bear Program

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the OPP Youth Foundation (OPPYF) and TD have together launched a new partnership that will enable OPP officers to continue the OPP Community Bear Program.

The OPP Community Bear Program gives an opportunity for officers to provide reassurance and comfort to their youngest victims, with the aim of beginning the process of rebuilding their sense of safety and security.

Through the sponsorship of TD, the OPP Community Bear Program will equip OPP cruisers with Community Bears that officers will hand out to children who have experienced a traumatic and/or stressful incident.

OPP, OPPYF and TD officials launched the program at the Orillia OPP General Headquarters where supporters and media were given a first look at the Community Bears before they take to the road in OPP cruisers. The 1,500 Community Bears being provided by TD will be distributed among detachments in all six of the OPP’s regions.

“The OPP is committed to assisting those affected by crime or traumatic events to get the support they need,” stated OPP Inspector Robyn MacEachern, Community Safety Services, in a press release.

“The OPP Community Bear Program connects our officers to some of our youngest victims, in hopes to encourage resiliency.”

“TD is proud to partner with the OPP and the OPP Youth Foundation to help provide Community Bears to children in stressful situations,” added Bradley Kennedy, Professional Assistant Branch Manager, TD Wealth, in press release.

Safe winter driving

The OPP is asking motorists to start thinking about safe winter driving.

– Hard packed snow and ice reduce traction. Blowing snow affects your visibility. Leave yourself more time to reach your destination in winter.

– Snow tires are marked with a peaked mountain and snowflake to show they meet specific snow traction performance requirements. Improved traction = improved safety.

– Carry a snow brush/ice scraper in your vehicle. The law provides a $110 fine for the driver not having a clear view, but the consequences can be far worse if you hit someone.

– Does your vehicle have a survival kit if you get stranded? A kit list is available online at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive.

Drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel.

Road information is available online at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/trip or by calling 1-800-268-4686.

Police official say to not contact the OPP for road and weather conditions.

Modern vehicles with electronic traction control and anti-lock brakes will help you keep control, but your best defense is to reduce your speed, OPP officials stated.

Always adjust your driving to the changing road and weather conditions; an ordinary driver reacts to road situations while a good driver anticipates and avoids a crisis on the roads. Slow down, stay alert, stay in control and arrive safely at your destination, police say.

Downtown Wallaceburg Holiday Open House on Thursday

The Wallaceburg BIA is holding their annual Downtown Wallaceburg Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Downtown merchants will offer in-store promotions and draws, product samples, plus there will be horse & carriage rides, Christmas carolers, gourmet roasted nuts & hot chocolate bar, a special visit from Santa and his helpers, plus a chance to win up to $250 in BIA bucks.

Also on November 16, Santa will be stopping by the Wallaceburg Library at 7 p.m.

Take some time, make a craft, and read a story – and visit with Santa as the holidays approach.

Santa Claus Parade in Wallaceburg on Saturday

The Knights of Pythias are gearing up for the annual Santa Claus Parade in Wallaceburg, which is set to take place on Saturday, November 18, at 2 p.m.

The route for the parade will stay the same as previous years starting on Arnold Street, down Dufferin and the downtown core, up Nelson and finishing on Elgin.

More details. here: Wallaceburg Santa Claus parade on Nov. 18

The day gets started at the K of P Hall with ‘Breakfast with Santa.’

It starts at 8 a.m. and runs to 11 a.m.

Cost is $6 for adults and kids that are 12 and over, children 11 and under are free.