ONTARIOnews COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION’S clipsNOVEMBER 2006 http://members.ocna.org VOL. 20, NO. 11 Algoma news editor passes away

By Wawa Algoma News Review Staff live and work in Wawa. loria J. Avis, managing editor Jointly with Bob, Gloria carried out a of the Algoma News Review number of reorganizations and expansions and secretary-treasurer of of Wawa Print & Litho, publishers of the Wawa Print & Litho, Inc. died Algoma News Review. on September 27 at the Lady Member of the Rotary Club of Wawa, GDunn Health Centre. Gloria fought the good Gloria was very proud of becoming only the fight against cancer for nearly 10 years. second female president of the local club. Born Gloria Jean Harrison in Goderich She served in Rotary from 1994 and was on December 24, 1942, she lived her early president in the 2001-2002 term. life in Stratford where she served as a legal Gloria and her husband enjoyed a camp secretary after leaving school. She married (cottage) on Hawk Lake for over 20 years Edward Burford and followed him to where they would often both be seen riding Dubreuiville and later Wawa where she about on their four-wheel ATVs. became a high school teacher from 1965 to Having only touched on the depth and 1975. The couple had two children, Leanne complexities of Gloria, let it be noted that and Charlene who both grew up in Wawa. she was so organized that she had largely In 1984, Gloria was remarried to Bob planned her own funeral service, including Avis and has been the guiding light for both her choices of non-traditional music during the company and Bob ever since. In this the ceremony. All this more than two years marriage, she also inherited three stepsons, before. We will miss you. Goodbye! Ronald, Richard and Roland, all of whom Toronto Happy trails, Wilma Community Veteran community editor is retiring to New Brunswick By Krissie Rutherford News launches Oakville Beaver ince August 11 1975, Oakville has been fully interactive Wilma Blokhuis’ beat. Now, after 31 years and two months with the Oakville Beaver, Web site the veteran community editor is retiring, packing her bags and moving to New By York Guradian Staff SBrunswick. oronto Community News, On Friday, October 27 she filed her last story, the publishing group that read her last e-mail, layed out her last Community includes the York Update page and drove away from the Oakville Guardian, has launched Beaver's Speers Road office for the last time. decisiontoronto2006.com, While she's covered beats including politics, Ta fully interactive Web site designed crime and entertainment over the years, it's the human to simplify the election process for interest stories, profiles and features that shed light on Toronto voters. Oakville's residents and organizations that Blokhuis is In addition to the extensive cover- best known for. age of the issues, candidates and indi- ‘But after 31 years, the native of Holland says vidual races provided by the Mirror, she's ready for a change. the Guardian, the Villager and the "I've always wanted to retire early, and even Moment newspapers, the site will also thought I would retire at 50," she said. include ward and candidate profiles The second youngest in a family of nine, Blokhuis Continued on page 7 Continued on page 9 Photo by Barrie Erskine WHAT’S INSIDE: HR Tidbits PAGE 3 Stewardship Program PAGE 4 Writing Coach PAGE 10 Page 2 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 a word from OCNA... From audits to awards By Anne Lannan culation Community Newspapers draw past Tuesday. OCNA Member Services some $7 million annually from this fund to You will have noticed the changes insti- t seems our member newspapers are cover reader subsidies when mailing their tuted in the program this year. Many of the especially busy with the municipal newspapers. CCNA Executive Director Premier Awards categories now cover sin- election looming and the Christmas John Hinds suggests publishers tell their gle articles, instead of a series of articles or advertising rush now on. Here are local MPs how important this program is to a special section. This change was made so quick snippets to keep you posted on their newspaper. our judges would be able to compare Iassociation happenings. apples to apples, so to speak. Our BNC Health and Lifestyle Day Cancelled Task Force has also added a new category Verified Circulation for a Series of Articles, above and below The CCNA Board of Directors approved The Health and Lifestyle Reporting for 10,000 circulation. changes to the Verified Circulation pro- Community Newspapers, originally Feedback from members and judges for gram last week, that will allow electronic planned for November 8, has been can- the General Excellence Awards was well subscriptions to be counted as part of your celled due to low attendance. Our speakers, received last year, so we will continue the audited numbers - for both paid and con- which included the Minister of Health, the three-person panel for this year’s program. trolled papers. Medical Officer of Health, and representa- There are certain requirements that will tives from a number of health and lifestyle Spring Convention have to be met but they appear to be very industry associations, were disappointed Mark your calendar now for OCNA’s reasonable. In the case of controlled elec- but are willing to speak with our members Spring Convention, planned for March 30- tronic circulation, a subscription may only at a later date. OCNA will reformat the 31 in Niagara Falls. We are developing the be counted if it is as a result of a personal program into a series of webinars for the program which will include some time for or company request. Papers will need to new year. you to enjoy the sites and attractions of the record an e-mail reply confirming their Better Newspaper Awards area. Our educational sessions on Saturday will be organized for 10 quick 25-minute wish to receive an electronic edition. Thanks to all the newspapers who sessions for our editorial and advertising A subscription to both print and elec- entered the 2006 OCNA Better streams. We will be utilizing the expertise tronic editions will only be counted once. Newspapers Awards. The Burlington office of many of our members so if you have Renewals and cancellations will have to be is now officially besieged with thousands ideas for topics or speakers, please let us recorded annually. of tearsheets as the entry deadline was this Ontario Junior Citizens know as soon as possible. It’s nomination time! This is E-mail Best Practices YOUR program that OCNA coordi- A new weekly column Communication is key, but nates on your behalf. Our newspa- database maintenance can get pers are leaders in their communities us locked up trying to keep and this program allows you to rec- track of constantly changing e- ognize outstanding young people in mail addresses for staff mem- your own community. Please pro- bers at our 300+ member mote the Awards through editorial with newspapers. and advertising coverage. Display OCNA would like to recom- the poster and brochures in your mend newspapers establish front office and promote on your "Canadian Achievers by Dick Drew" generic e-mail addresses for Web site. Nomination deadline is [350 words] Interesting stories of living each department, as opposed to November 30. Newspapers may individual’s names. So nominate someone as well. Canadians written in an easy to read personal [email protected] as opposed to johnsmith@ Canada Post Issues style. Details and sample columns mynewspaper.com. John can Canada Post would like to pull its have two addresses and the $15 million from the $65 million www.Canadianachievers.com or e-mail messages can flow into one Publications Assistance Program [email protected] mailbox. through Heritage Canada. Paid cir- OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 Page 3 HR tidbits Employer’s obligations on Election Day By Wendi Krulicki Employer’s Convenience provide time off with pay. http://laws.justice.gc.ca/ OCNA Human Resources The absence shall be timed On the other hand, if an cgi-bin/notice.pl?redirect=/en/ Associate to suit the employer’s conve- employee works from 10 a.m. E-2.01/14658.html#section he Municipal nience as much as possible. to 6 p.m., the employee will -132 Elections Act, 1996 not have three consecutive sets out the obliga- No Deduction or Penalty hours to vote either before or Canada Elections Act, Section tions of employers The employer shall not after they start work and the 133 - No penalty for absence to allow employees make a deduction from the employer will have to grant one from work to vote: Tto be absent from work for as employee's pay or impose any hour of paid time off either http://www.e-laws.gov. long as is necessary to vote other penalty for the absence before or after the employee on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/ provided the employee would from work. starts work. Section 50 sets out English/90e06_e.htm#BK11 not otherwise have three con- that the absence shall be timed secutive hours to vote on vot- Final voting day is to suit the employer's conve- Ontario Elections Act, Section ing day. November 13, 2006 from 10 nience as much as possible. 6 - Employees serving or vot- a.m. to 8 p.m. unless otherwise A person who contravenes ing at an election: Section 50 of the Act reads scheduled by the Municipality. a provision of this Act is guilty http://www.e-laws. as follows: If an employee has three con- of an offence and, if no other gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/ secutive hours to vote when penalty is provided, is liable, English/90e06_e.htm#BK12 Elector’s Absence from Work they are not working within on conviction, to a fine of not An elector whose hours of those polling hours, Section 50 more than $5,000. Municipal Elections Act, employment are such that he or does not require the employer Section 50 - Elector's absence she would not otherwise have to provide time off. For exam- For further details, please from work: three consecutive hours to vote ple, if an employee works from visit the Web sites below: http://www.e-laws. on voting day is entitled to be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., they have four gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/ absent from work for as long as consecutive hours to vote Canada Elections Act, Section English/96m32_e.htm#BK65 is necessary to allow that between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and 132 - Consecutive hours for amount of time. the employer does not have to voting:

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Metro Creative Graphics, Inc. • www.metrocreativegraphics.com Page 4 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 New fees and changes to Stewardship program proposed By Gordon Cameron favour of 2006. Second, OCNA Government Relations new penalties have been In-kind program Information Associate put in place for stew- For those unfamiliar with how OCNA and CNA members meet their fter a lengthy ards who file their stew- obligations to municipalities under the Waste Diversion Act here's a short delay, due in large ard’s reports late. Those explanation: part to the provin- who file more than 30 Under the Waste Diversion Act companies who produce or use designat- cial government's days after the March ed Blue Box materials (like newsprint or glass, paper or plastic packag- decision to start a 31st deadline will be ing) are required to pay Ontario's municipalities 50 per cent of the net Adeposit return system for charged a late fee of costs to operate the recycling system (as it costs more to collect, sort and LCBO beverage containers five per cent on the recycle these materials than they are worth on the market with the excep- beginning February 2007, the amount they paid in the tion of Aluminium). That shortfall is then allocated to various material rates at which OCNA members previous year. If the groups (including CNA/OCNA newspapers) based on the number of will have to pay to the Ontario's report is over 90 days tonnes of material each municipality collects. That amount is then run recycling system have been set. late then an additional through a formula that gives those materials with a high recycling rate For next year all obligated 10 per cent penalty will (like newsprint) a discount in their fees at the expense of those items that OCNA members, or their par- be charged based on the are not well recycled (like plastic film). OCNA and CNA's total contri- ent companies will be required previous year’s fees. As bution is divided amongst the various municipalities based on the amount to contribute $5.03 of in-kind most of OCNA's contri- of OCNA/CNA newsprint collected. That dollar amount is then divided linage per tonne of newsprint butions are made in- amongst all the papers servicing that municipality regardless of whether used to print OCNA or CNA kind, any late filing or not they use more than 15 tonnes of newsprint or gross more than $2 member newspapers and pay penalties would be million in the data year. (Stewards who fall under both benchmarks are $1.98 per tonne in cash to cover changed only on the exempt from paying fees.) Dollars are then converted to linage using pub- the administrative costs associ- administrative fee, lished CARD rates. Municipalities can only book ads that deal with waste ated with running the provin- unless the company in diversion issues and all ads are sent through Ad*Reach. cial stewardship program. question is the steward All OCNA members are required to run the ads booked through the in- The new fees differ from of another Blue Box kind program on the date and size they are booked. Your paper will not those paid in 2006 when mem- material (i.e. non- receive payment, the ad itself is payment to the municipality for recycling bers were obligated to con- OCNA/CNA newsprint, services. Newspapers who do not use more than 15 tonnes of newsprint tribute $5.47 per tonne of plastic bags used in and gross less than $2 million are required to participate in the in-kind newsprint used for in-kind delivery etc.) Third, any program to ensure that every municipality in benefits from advertising and $1.82 in cash steward who had regis- the program just as they would if we were paying cash. per tonne. The drop in the per tered with Stewardship tonne in-kind amount relates to Ontario and filed a Fast facts: 2007 CNA/OCNA rate to cover our industries' obligation to a removal of the subsidization report but grossed less Ontario's municipalities - $5.03 per tonne (paid through the use of in- that members were contribut- than $2 million or used kind advertising); 2007 CNA/OCNA rate to cover our industries' share ing to assist the stewards of less than 15 tonnes of of Stewardship Ontario and Waste Diversion Ontario's administrative other printed paper materials newsprint and was not costs - $1.98 per tonne (paid in cash); Average rate paid by other Blue while the increase is attributed required to pay fees will Box stewards - $70.90 per tonne (paid in cash); Total value of 2006 of to a general increase in the now face a $500 fine for OCNA in-kind advertising program - $549,009.40; Total number of costs associated with operating not filing every year. If lines given by OCNA members to the 2006 in-kind program - 429,455. the stewardship activities in you fall under both of general and for the in-kind pro- the minimums and have gram in specific. Two other not filed in the past factors helped lower the overall OCNA recommends you CCNA Board of Directors obligation for 2007 - the do so as it will help give removal of LCBO glass which Stewardship Ontario a reduced the system cost as a clearer picture of the total whole, and the distribution of tonnages used by our $3.41 million program surplus members. against the 2007 fees. As before all OCNA The program has also been members, regardless if changed in a number of other they fall under the mini- ways for next year. Firstly, the mum levels, are required numbers that you file in your to contribute linage to the next steward’s report will be in-kind program. your tonnage for 2006 and not However, they will not be 2005. In the past, the current charged the administra- year’s obligation was based on tive fees that members or actual tonnage used two years owners who use more Photo by W. Andrew Powell prior (i.e. the 2006 fees were than 15 tonnes a year Standing (left to right): Richard Holmes, Chris Ashfield, Frank McTighe, based on 2004 data). You do and/or gross more than Greg Nesbitt, Nelson Becker, Brad Alden, Neil Thom, Paul McNeill, not have to report your 2005 $2 million are required to James Tennant, Rick Shaver, Abbas Homayed, Ken Sims, and George Bakoyannis. Seated (left to right): Brian McCristall, Coleen Campbell, tonnage to Stewardship Ontario pay. Cam McKnight, Lynn Hennigar, Lana Meier, and Heather Dickson. as that year will be skipped in Absent: Mike Williscraft OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 Page 5 'Go local, go deep, position for the future' By Peter M. Zollman As I spoke about the ing service has lots of pictures mean? Ideally, your database of Founding Principal of changes in real estate, recruit- of houses for sale. Not when online ads will include infor- Classified Intelligence and ment, automotive and other auto dealers make the invento- mation about every home for the AIM Group classified categories, one ry of every car on their lot, and sale in your market. Every car s audiences theme came to mind: A local others, available for the view- on a dealer's lot, and every pri- migrate online at a newspaper has several ing. Not when Ebay has items vate-party seller’s car, too. remarkable pace, strengths, but its No. 1 advan- for sale in your market; when Every job in the area. And too many newspa- tage is clear --- its ability to Craigslist offers free ads for more. It’ll include extensive pers are position- out-local anyone else. just about everything you editorial content about all of Aing for the past. charge for. And not when those verticals. Plus data about They're trying to convert One recruiter Monster.com, schools. Home prices. The twice-a-week readers into CareerBuilder.com and largest, the best, the most ‘fam- three-times-a-week readers. called print less niche sites of every stripe ily friendly,’ the growing They're using every trick in the include long, detailed job employers. Things a buyer book to increase print circula- and less effective descriptions of jobs in your can't find anywhere else. tion. They're focusing on sell- market that aren't in your Recently, Classified ing more inserts, more classi- every year, as the newspaper. (Don't believe Intelligence and ERE Media fied ‘liners’ --- frequently giv- new generations it? Send me an e-mail and surveyed recruiters about their ing them away --- and more I'll prove it to you. No advertising spending habits small print ads to more small don't read the charge.) and trends. Almost half the par- advertisers. Go local. It's obvious. ticipants said they plan Great ideas, all. I wouldn't classifieds. None of the national sites to increase spending with denigrate a one. But why not knows your market better online job sites this year instead focus where the audi- So the theme of my pre- than you do. They won't cap- over last; 43 per cent said they ence is going? Why not posi- sentation was simple: ‘Go ture school information with would cut spending on tion for the future, instead of local. Go deep. Position for the day-in, day-out coverage of the print. One recruiter called the past? future.’ education scene in your area. print "less and less effective Will newspapers still be Should a local newspaper They can't offer local video every year, as the new genera- printed for the next 20 or 30 not provide national tools, or clips on a real estate site -- tions don't read the classifieds". years? Most probably. But will national content? Of course it generic clips, perhaps, but (The report, Recruiters the generation that's now should. And regional networks nothing truly local. Rate Advertising Effectiveness, teenaged or younger suddenly are extremely valuable --- news Go ‘deep.’ What does that Continued on page 7 come to rely on newsprint as it content, classifieds, matures into a generation of regional retail 20s and 30s? Not a great idea to advertising. But that Ed Henninger of Henninger Consulting bet your future on that! newspaper should would like to provide OCNA members with With that issue in mind, I focus its effort on spoke a few weeks back at the the place it can do the following services FREE!! Western Classified Advertising the most good and Association. It's a wonderful have the most www.henningerconsulting.com group, and unlike many confer- impact. Local. ences I attend it focused heavi- More local. And ly on the changes classified still more local. • A phone evaluation of your newspaper’s design. advertising departments face. A database of • Answers to questions about your newspaper’s (Contrast that with so many ‘just the classified design. newspaper association confer- liners’ from the • Answers to questions on design issues and trends. ences, where the classified pre- paper is not enough sentations are all about protect- to serve the audi- • Answers to questions on type and typography. ing print from the "encroaching ence. Not when the • Answers to questions on color and color use. Internet"). local multiple list- • Answers to questions on advertising design. Page 6 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 New reporter hits big story By Louise Sproule site which was soon cordoned off from spectators. Remarkably, no Publisher, Vankleek Hill Review one was injured. The blast pictures were on the Review’s Web site lgonquin College within 25 minutes and were journalism graduate aired on CTV News within Matthew Talbot of two hours of the blast. Hawkesbury joined Talbot spoke about the blast the Vankleek Hill and its repercussions on Review'sA journalist staff in national radio and televi- September. Talbot, who graduated sion. Talbot found it from Algonquin’s school of jour- remarkable that people nalism this spring, received an called their weekly newspa- exciting initiation into the world per immediately to find out of small-town journalism when what was going on . . . some one of his first assignments was people called the newspaper covering the devastating natural before calling anyone else. gas explosion which occurred in The Review has been Vankleek Hill on October 2. congratulated on its cover- The blast destroyed three age of the explosion; the houses and damaged dozens near- township declared a state of by in a subdvision. Engineers have emergency for about two inspected dozens of homes and days, as people were evacu- repairs were still underway weeks ated from their homes. On later. Talbot was on the explosion the day of the blast, the scene before the police arrived and took exclusive pictures at the Review posted pictures and hourly updates (on the day of the blast) plus an interview with Talbot on its Web site. More than 7,000 unique visitors kept tabs on Vankleek Hill on the day of the Retired Tillsonburg News blast and up to one week later. See more pictures from the blast at owner celebrates 50th http://www.thereview.on.ca/explosion%20gallery.html. anniversary Media Recognition Award Bill and Marion Pratt Editor, reporter celebrated and photograph- their 50th er for the Innisfil wedding Scope, Michelle anniversary Minnoch was Saturday, presented with October 28 at the Media the Recognition Tillsonburg Award on Soccer Club October 12 at Hall. Over 100 Georgian guests attend- Downs. The ed. Bill Pratt was editor of the Tillsonburg News for 36 years award recog- and respected as one of the best editors in the business. In 1952 nizes members he became part-owner with Chuck McKnight and saw their hard of the media for their ongoing coverage and interest in the environ- work turn Otter Publishing into a strong company with nine ment. Left to right: Councilor Paul Wardlaw, Councilor and Chair of newspapers. Pratt served as OCNA president in 1982 and later the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Roy Bridge, as CCNA president. Councilor Lynn Dollin, Mayor Brian Jackson. OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 Page 7 Expanded Record News now offers free distribution Smiths Falls Record News Staff town as well. Weir, Vice-President of Publishing with elcome to a new era for The local news is now being delivered Performance Printing in Smiths Falls. “The the Smiths Falls Record in a more timely manner as well with a Record News has been part of the commu- News. Starting with the Tuesday publication date. With a Monday nity fabric for almost 120 years and we October 3 issue, readers night deadline, you can be assured of the intend to ensure it continues to thrive here of the venerable commu- very latest news and information each and for many more years to come.” Wnity newspaper that dates back to 1887 will every week. Editor Ryland Coyne says he and his notice significant changes. And with The Record News circula- news team - associate editor Bruce Peever, The first is the cost, The Record News tion climbing to more than 11,000 each and reporters Marla Shook-Johnson, is now being distributed to every house- week, the size of the paper has also grown. Laurie McVicar and Sabine Platzer- hold in and around Smiths Falls free of Now, you’ll find more of the news you can Gibbins - look forward to providing read- charge. No more subscriptions. No news- use - council, features, entertainment, ers with even more information week to stand cost. It’s absolutely free and deliv- sports - along with strong support from week. ered right to your door. local advertisers, both local advertisers, “This is a significant development in If you happen to misplace your copy both display and classified. the history of the paper and we are all or prefer heading to the corner store to pick “We’re thrilled to be able to offer an determined to publish the highest quality up your edition, The Record News will be expanded Smiths Falls Record News to our product possible for our readers,” he said. made available at various outlets around readers and advertisers,” said Duncan Toronto Community News Continued from page 1 voters must stick to the issues and refrain from mudslinging at candidate blogs, photos, an event calendar, information polls and their opponents. more. We believe strongly that as a community newspaper of Each and every one of the 464 candidates running for coun- record, we have a responsibility to provide voters with all cillor, trustee and mayor is being offered, free of charge, a simple the information they need to make an informed choice on way to connect with the people of Toronto in the form of a blog on November 13. the site. Not only can each candidate relate their biogra- phies, news and views to the voting public, they also have the opportunity to listen to what the voters have to say in response. Community organizations and campaign organizers can post their election-related events like campaign launches, policy announcements, debates and forums on home | insidetoronto.com | forums | candidate profiles | ward profiles | campaign videos | contact | our events calendar and post photos taken at those events. EVENTS SEARCH « October 2006 » Election draws 40 per Search Access to the news stories is open to all, however, in Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 1 cent spike in order to add to the discussion or leave comments, both 2345 678 NAVIGATION 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 news voters and candidates are asked to complete a simple reg- 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 candidates - of all 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 recent posts istration form. The site will be monitored, candidates and 30 31 kinds forums Submitted by Louie Piacentini on Tue, 2006-10-17 17:13. photo galleries UPCOMING EVENTS LISA QUEEN voting guide All Candidates Meeting , Ward 6 Etobicoke- [email protected] Position for the future Lakeshore (event) (3 hours) USER LOGIN A Toronto council candidate is “frightened” by the Weston Community Coalition hosts Username: * Continued from page 5 idea of actually getting elected in the Nov. 13 Mayoral Debate (event) is available through ClassifiedIntelligence.com.) (1 day) municipal election. Mayoralty debate set for Oct. 19 (event) Password: * Running in a ward in the city’s north end, he also Similar results are clear in the automotive and real (1 day) ran in 2003 and received about 500 votes without All-Candidates Meeting for Ward 38 & 37 - Log in estate categories. Circulation and readership numbers for Scarborough Centre, Scheduled for knocking on one door or handing out any campaign Create new account Saturday October 21 at 3pm. (event) literature. newspapers make the related downward trend obvious: (3 days) Request new password Fewer people are using the printed product; more are Mayoral Debate w. Miller, Pitfield and Le This time around, the candidate is putting some Drew on youth issues (event) effort into campaigning. However, he did share his (5 days) going online. fears about the prospect of winning his ward seat. All-candidates meeting for Ward 31 (5 days) (event) Faced with that inevitability, doesn't it make sense to “To be honest, I would be frightened if I won.”

‘position for the future?’ Focus where the audience is more Perhaps someone should explain to him that you have a much better chance of not getting elected if going? POLL you don’t run at all. That's one of the things that made Wayne Gretzky Have you decided who you will be voting for as mayor of Toronto in the Nov. 13 read more | login or register to post comments | 26 reads great as a hockey player. Although Gretzky is often quot- municipal election? ( categories: Annex | Beach-Riverdale | City Centre | Yes East York | election general | Etobicoke | North York | Scarborough | Villager | York ) ed (incorrectly) as saying so, it was actually his father, 79% Walter, who taught Gretzky, ‘to go where the puck is No going, not where it has been.’ 9% Number of issues of Undecided

Good advice, too, for a newspaper publisher. 12% interest in Ward 40 Total votes: 34 Submitted by Louie Piacentini on Tue, 2006-10-17 17:03. 1 comment | 102 reads | older polls Peter M. Zollman is founding principal of Classified LATEST NEWS STORIES Four candidates seek Scarborough- Intelligence and the AIM Group, consulting groups that work Election draws 40 per cent spike in Agincourt council seat candidates - of all kinds with publishers print and online to develop profitable interactive 22 hours 33 min ago NORM NELSON Number of issues of interest in Ward 40 [email protected] media services. For more on their services, visit their 22 hours 44 min ago Eight candidates in race for Ward 38 It shouldn’t take long for Ward 40 (Scarborough- Web sites,ClassifiedIntelligence.com and AIMGroup.com. Reach (Scarborough Centre) 22 hours 56 min ago Agincourt) voters to get up to speed on their slate Zollman at [email protected], 407-788-2780. All-candidates’ meeting set for Ward 35 of candidates. Page 8 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 NAA Foundation President elected to Ontario Press Council oberta L. Jamieson, president had a career of distinguished firsts. In addi- of the Canadian Ombudsman Association of the National Aboriginal tion to becoming the first indigenous and vice-president of the International Achievement Foundation and, woman to earn a law degree, she was the Ombudsman Institute. for 10 years Ontario first non-parliamentarian appointed ex- At the Ontario Press Council she suc- Ombudsman has been elected officio member of a House of Commons ceeds Robert G. Elgie, a public member Ra public member of the Ontario Press committee, and the first woman elected who was elected chair at the last annual Council. Chief of Six Nations of the Grand River meeting. Jamieson, 54, whose home is on the Territory. The Council was founded in 1972 to Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, She was appointed in 2004 as presi- defend the freedom of the press on behalf received a Bachelor of Law degree from dent and CEO of the National Aboriginal of the public and press, to serve as a medi- the University of Western Ontario in 1976, Achievement Foundation, an organization um of understanding between the public the first woman from a First Nation in dedicated to realizing the potential of First and press, to encourage the highest ethical Canada to graduate from law school. At the Nation, Métis and Inuit youth through and professional standards of journalism, same time she founded Canada’s Native scholarship assistance and other support. and to consider specific, unsatisfied com- Law Students Association. She was Indian Commissioner of plaints from the public about the conduct A recipient of the Order of Canada and Ontario for 10 years and, as Ontario of the press and gathering and publishing of 12 honourary doctoral degrees, she has ombudsman, she was founding president news, opinion and advertising. Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year What you need to know: Nomination deadline is November 30, 2006 Publish Ads and Editorials throughout November - available on http://members.ocna.org/listall.php?path=/var/www3/AFS/OCNA_Programs_Services/Junior_Citizen_Material Display poster and brochures Encourage nomina- tions - available on www.ocna.org Provide a link on your web site to www.ocna.org/Awards/junior.html. Revised estimates for 2006 and 2007 budget By Mel Sufrin Ontario Press Council Executive Secretary he Ontario Press Council, at its annual meeting on October 20, approved a proposal that the assessment The strength of our community lies in solid citizens. Here is your rate for member newspapers, set at 9.0 cents per unit chance to nominate a young person, aged 6 to 17, who is involved in of circulation in 2006, be increased to 9.2 cents for worthwhile community service; who is contributing while living with 2007. As required by the constitution, the budget Sponsored by: limitations; who has performed an act of heroism; or is a ‘good kid’ Tnow goes to publishers for approval. November 30 is the dead- who is making life better for others and doing more than is nomally line for responses. expected of someone their age - help us recognize their contribution. Spending in 2006, originally estimated at $204,916, now Nominations will be accepted until November 30. appears likely to come in at $206,385 while revenue is expect- Nomination forms available at www.ocna.org ed to be about $207,000. The result will be a surplus of $615, or 905-639-8720 or contact this newspaper. which will increase the Council’s accumulated surplus to Coordinated by: $59,369. Ontario Junior Citizen Of The Year Awards Continued on page 10 NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY! OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 Page 9 Wilma Blokhuis retires Continued from page 1 than I ever thought it would. ves a success far exceeding Canadian Cancer Society's is just five years past that mark. When I came it was once a their original goals. She has Oakville unit. After renting for years in week, a small paper. It's brought public awareness and "We've been through a lot Oakville, Blokhuis now owns become huge. It's no longer a assistance to some who had together, mainly happy times," her “first little house" near St. little paper," she said, smiling. almost given up all hope for said Gibb, who will be visiting Andrews-by-the-Sea, a resort Oakville's population is their cause." Blokhuis out East once she gets town. also about 100,000 bigger than One of Blokhuis' favourite settled. While she's excited about it was when Blokhuis first got stories to cover was the work of Mayor Ann Mulvale has the move, there are a lot of here. Kerr Street Ministries, which become another long-time things the avid outdoorswoman "It's still such a pretty helps rebuild the lives of those friend of Blokhuis’. will miss - like hiking, town, and people look out for devastated by poverty or crisis. "I would say that she is the Oakville's trails and gardens. each other, people help each "They do such good work personification of an outstand- In fact, one of her fondest other," she said. "If there's a with disadvantaged kids and ing community reporter," said memories of work is her Happy fundraising endeavour, people adults, it's like giving them a Mulvale. "She is emphatic, Trails series, a look at rise to the challenge. They're second chance," said Blokhuis. genuinely interested in the Oakville's many hiking trails, always there, ready to help. I "For some of those kids, it's activities of the not-for-profit which she called "a plum like that." their only chance." sector and various community assignment". The same can be said of It's shedding light on orga- groups. She has been a tremen- And of course, Blokhuis Blokhuis, says Davis, who nizations like these and dous ambassador for the news- says she'll also miss her co- called her "one of the most gen- remarkable people that paper and I believe will be workers and the many friends uine people I know". Blokhuis enjoyed most. sorely missed as a result." she's made in town over the And while it was a job, People like Melissa Recognizing Blokhuis' past three decades, all of whom Blokhuis says her time at the Vassallo, who survived a seri- dedication to the community, she wants to thank for ‘long- Oakville Beaver didn't seem ous car accident, Veronica Gibb nominated her for Halton time friendships’. that way. White, who had what Blokhuis Woman of the Year award in "I know she will miss her "It was more like my life," calls "a tangled web of blood 2000. colleagues as she embarks on she said. "I poured my heart vessels on her brain" but got Blokhuis has also received her new journey," said editor- and soul into the job to do the through it after surgery and is a lot of recognition over the in-chief, Jill Davis. "But I am best I could." now "very upbeat and happy" years for her writing, including not sure she realizes just how That's why when the and David Visschedyk, who two first-place Sport and much we will miss her." Beaver’s managing editor Rod lost a leg to cancer at age eight Recreation awards from the Blokhuis, who studied Jerred nominated Blokhuis for and cycled across Canada last OCNA and several honourable journalism at Sheridan College the President’s Award in 2005 - summer to raise funds for neu- mentions, among other awards. from 1971-1973, landed her the highest honour possible roblastoma research. And when it comes to first job at the Erin Advocate from the paper’s parent con- "I love interviewing peo- thank-yous, Blokhuis has for a two-month summer stint. glomerate, Metroland Printing, ple, writing about people, inter- received a lot of those from the After that, she worked for the Publishing and Distributing - acting with people. That's the community, especially lately, Orillia Wednesday Nighter for he called her "the heart and best part," she said. from friends and story contacts eight months and then spent a soul of the Oakville Beaver." "I've met so many interest- thanking her for her work. year and a half at the Orillia Jerred says Blokhuis ing people, almost too many to "I got an e-mail from Packet and Times before mov- played a key role in "making list," she added, including somebody I don't know, who ing to Oakville. Oakville the close-knit commu- highlights like Pierre Berton, wanted to thank me for the arti- Much has changed since nity it is today", by not only Margaret Laurence, Susan cles I've written over the Blokhuis' rookie reporter year covering events but often get- Aglukark and Canada's funni- years." in Oakville. ting involved in fundraisers, est weatherman David Phillips, And the years, she admits, "When I started I was including the Terry Fox Run who had his audience "rolling have flown by. "I think I've using an old Underwood type- and various cancer fundraisers in the aisles" during a speech. evolved and matured, grown up writer and a film camera," she - one year she even shaved her One of her story contacts and grown old here," she said, said. "Then came the arrival of head for the cause. became a life-long friend, Joan smiling. computers and e-mails, faxes. "Through her dedication, Gibb, now president of the You wonder how you lived hard work and dili- without them - it makes the job gence, Wilma has so much faster. brought the people of "Before, to look things up, Oakville closer you had to go to the reference together," said Jerred. Without Advertising library." "In her more than 30 Blokhuis has been in two years at the Beaver, different offices with the Wilma has helped Nothing Happens! Oakville Beaver, which started numerous volunteer Brand Management Sales & Support Programs on but outgrew its Church groups get their start Street office in 1977 and and saved them from moved to its present location. folding. She has media-pros.com "The paper's grown helped make count- tremendously, much bigger less fundraising dri- Toll Free: 877-230-7300 Page 10 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 writing/editorial ‘Did you see...?’ stories By Jim Stasiowski were triumphant moments. places that some of our "Did you see ...?" Writing Coach Newspapers don't do enough "Did you newspaper stories should appear, we pile bout a year see ...?" stories. Recently, on the front on the sober stuff about Iraq and North ago, my dad page of a Sunday edition of The Korea and dirty politics and global warm- died. Saying Washington Post, I found a story that -- ing. that I miss him you probably won't believe me -- explained I only wish we would exploit the is trite and how cell phones are changing the way opportunity we're missing. Imagine this: Asimplistic. I do miss him, seagoing fishermen are doing business in Tucked alongside Iraq and dirty politics but that sounds as if I were India. one day, we run a colourful yarn about how saying that, if I could see him just one Here's where I get extremely grumpy gumball machines are making a comeback more time, the ache in my heart would sub- with the consultants who think they can tell in small shops around town. side. Those who have lost loving parents us what to put into newspapers to attract (I made up the comeback, but today I know that ‘miss him’ or ‘miss her’ cuts a readers. did spot two gumball machines in a branch lot deeper than that. If a person doing a readership survey bank.) Sounds trigger longing. When my dad called me and asked, "Sir, would you read Here's the scene I envision. A dad is would hug me, he would make a mock- a story about cell phones?" I would say, reading the paper, he reads about the gum- grunting sound, as if he were trying with "No. I don't own one, and I don't like ball machines, then says to his 14-year-old all his might to hold me. Occasionally and them." son playing a video game, "Did you see involuntarily, I make a similar sound, and "Sir," the caller would say, "how about this story?" and he hands him the newspa- the memories spill out. a story about fishing?" per. So, what does all this have to do with "Nope. Don't fish, don't much care." Maybe the kid rejects it. I'm not sure. newspaper writing? "Well then sir, how about commercial But maybe he reads it, and as he's reading, Lucky you asked. Otherwise, I might fishing off the coast of India?" his eyes make contact with the Iraq story have filled this space with nothing but dad "What, are you nuts?" I'd reply. and the dirty-politics story, so he at least stuff. "Never in my life." knows a little more about his world than he I recently was preparing to visit a Yet, I read the story, all 41 paragraphs knew before. newspaper, reading about 10 editions so I of it. And yes, for a moment, I thought of Maybe the kid gets a good feeling could do a full-paper critique, and I real- my dad because it was a perfect "Did you about newspapers. ized that the paper didn't have many "Did see ...?" story. I know he'll get a good feeling about you see ...?" stories. The paper I was reviewing when I his dad. Until dad's eyesight faded, he loved thought about "Did you see ...?" stories is newspapers. He would read at least two a extremely well-regarded. It has a strong THE FINAL WORD: ‘Facility’ is a day. His last years, he read The (though small) reporting staff and smart word that looks harmless, but I hate it. Washington Post and The Sun, Baltimore's editors with high standards. It covers com- When I read ‘facility’, the writer usu- morning stalwart. prehensively the events of its community. ally has used it as a convenient but clumsy An early riser, I always read both It is, in all respects, a highly responsible synonym to avoid repeating ‘building,’ as papers before dad got up. But almost every newspaper. in, "The hospital is building the facility for day, as he was finishing his reading, he But it's not as much fun as it should mental-health patients." would say to me, "Did you see the story in be. Its "Did you see...?" repertoire was ‘Facility’ sounds fancy and is impre- (The Sun or The Post) about (some wild uninspired, as if editors assigned a few just cise. I cannot see ‘facility’ but I see ‘build- invention or perilous expedition or other to fill a quota. It has plenty of meeting, ing.’ This works: "Hospital executives say oddity)?" speech and government-report stories. I the new building will serve mental-health Usually, I had, and we would discuss cannot recall dad ever asking me if I saw a patients." it. Sometimes, I had missed it, and he story about a government report. would hand me the paper and beam while I know why TV and the Internet are Writing coach Jim Stasiowski welcomes your he watched me read it. Sometimes -- not stealing our readers. They're fun. They're questions or comments. Call him at 410-796- often, as my dad was a hard guy to get the probably too much fun, really, as they tend 0210, or write to 6310 Bayberry Court, No. better of -- I would find a "Did you see ...?" to distract us with all the "Did you see ...?" 1007, Elkridge, Md. 21075. story that he hadn't read. For me, those stuff the world offers. By contrast, in the OCNA is looking for a new look for News Ontario Press Council budget Clips. If you have Continued from page 8 ideas/suggestions or Spending in 2007 is estimated at $209,179 or $2,794 more than 2006, with salary increases part- would like to give ly offset by lower spending on travel. your input please With circulation of 38 daily newspaper members down by more than 61,000 to 1,872,494, rev- contact Shaba enue from this source based on the current fee schedule of 9.0 cents per unit of circulation would be Qureshi at about $168,500. Revenue from community and specialty newspapers would be about $37,000. And there would be approximately $1,500 interest for an overall total of $207,000, resulting in a deficit 905-639-8720 ext. of about $2,179. 244 or e-mail The assessment rate was increased in 2006 from 8.7 to 9.0 cents. An increase to 9.2 cents in [email protected] 2007 will produce $210,393 in revenue and increase the accumulated surplus by $1,214 to $60,583. OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006 Page 11 From the Lending Library CLASSIFIEDS This month we are featuring four HR books that will help you boost employ- Looking for that tact: Dan Watkin at ee morale, manage your employees effectively, tips for dealing with difficult special interest col- [email protected] employees and how to manage your employee’s performance. umn to grab the om. Fish: A Remarkable Way To Boost Morale And Improve attention of your Results - Author: Stephen Lundin Ph.d. readers? Addressing today's work issues (including employee retention ‘Vet Talk’ by Dan Buying & Selling and burnout) with an engaging metaphor and an appealing mes- Watkin DVM is what A Business Column sage that applies to any sector of any organization. This book your publication is Are you looking for offers wisdom that is easy to grasp and instantly applicable. looking for. A veteri- punchy articles from narian with 28 years an Ontario author The One Minute Manager - Author: Ken Blanchard experience, Dr. Dan who specializes in For more than 20 years, millions of managers in Fortune 500 brings topical and rel- mergers and acquisi- companies and small businesses have followed The One Minute evant issues to light in tions? Doug Robbins Manager’s techniques, thus increasing their productivity, job sat- a manner that is is your solution. Doug isfaction, and personal prosperity. enjoyable and infor- writes columns to mative. Dr. Dan offers capture interest. Your Managing Difficult People - practical hints and circulation gleans Author: Marilyn Pincus tips that your readers valuable, useful tips Learn the tools you need to cope with all kinds of difficult employees. From sneaky slackers to resident office tormentors, will find valuable and regarding buying and this handy guide cuts to the chase, helping you identify and deal insightful. Dr. Dan selling a business. He with specific personality types. Watkin is a practicing is a member of the veterinarian living in editorial board of a 2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Review - Amherstburg, GTA newspaper. His Author: Paul Falcone Ontario. In addition to fees are nominal. Call This book puts the right words at your fingertips, with ready-to- practicing veterinary Joyce Hansen, Class use phrases and words, action items, and descriptions managers and supervisors can use to evaluate performance, prepare devel- medicine, Dan is an Act Connections, opment plans, and address performance problems. This book experienced outdoor 905-278-0952 today covers the 25 most commonly rated factors, including productiv- writer. He wrote a to book Doug. ity, time management, decision making, and teamwork, as well weekly outdoor col- as specific roles such as customer service, finance, sales, and more. umn for the for 11 years. His Spaghetti for For a full list of the OCNA Lending Library material, please go to: material is also pub- Breakfast http://members.ocna.org/AFS/Best_Practices/Lending_Library/Lending_ lished regularly in by Catherine Library_list.pdf To borrow this or any other publication from the lending library, please go to: many of the large out- Cunning-ham is an http://members.ocna.org/AFS/Best_Practices/Lending_Library/Lending_ door and fishing mag- award-winning Library_Orderform.pdf azines in both the humour column loved Contact Karen Shardlow at 905-639-8720 Ext. 232 or [email protected] United States and by readers of all ages Canada including is available for syndi- Outdoor Canada, Bob cation at only $7.00 Izumi's Real Fishing per column. To Water Cooler Magazine, Canadian receive a promotional Sportfishing, package call 705- Canadian Sportsman, 440-6771 or e-mail: Muskie Hunter, spaghettiforbreakfast • Stephanie Gunson has joined the Mid-North Monitor as its newest court reporter. Walleye Insider, the @rogers.com • Brian V. Sullivan, long-time contributor of the Voice of Pelham is leaving. Ohio Outdoor Previously • Perth Courier sold to Metroland. The sale was effective October 25, 2006. • After 10 years as Publisher of the Kingston Whig Standard and V.P. Eastern Beacon, Michigan published columns Region, Fred Laflamme has decided to retire. Outdoors and In can • Jim Ambrose Publisher of the Peterborough Examiner will assume the role of Fisherman Magazine. be viewed on-line at Publisher the Belleville Intelligencer, Trenton Trentonian, Community Press He has presented http://www.simcoe.co and Picton County Weekly News. many seminars at m/ • Darren Murphy will replace Jim as Publisher at the Peterborough Examiner, he outdoor shows in sc/alliston/column/v- is currently Publisher of Northumberland Publishing. Ontario and Michigan, scv2/ Laughter is now • Don MacLeod currently Diretcor of Advertising Development for Osprey has been and has appeared on on the menu. Order appointed Publisher of Northumberland Publishing. several T.V. shows. your weekly serving • Andy Wheeler, currently Publisher of the Lindsay Daily Post, will move to Osprey For syndication rates of Spaghetti for in the newly created position of Director, Circulation Sales and Marketing. and information con- Breakfast today! Page 12 OCNA’S NEWSCLIPS • NOVEMBER 2006

OCNA 2006 Webinar Training Calendar

At OCNA we understand the challenges facing Community newspapers when it comes to providing high quality training for their staff. In keeping our commitment to support the continuous improvement of Community Newspapers we have developed a training program that is accessible without leaving the office.

OCNA proudly presents the following 1-hour Lunch & Learn topics:

st NOVEMBER 1 - EDITORIAL SESSION - Editorial Writing Skills

DECEMBER - PRODUCTION - Production tips and tricks when working with Adobe

All you need to attend each session is a phone and a computer with Internet access!

Date: First Wednesday of each month Time: 12:00 p.m. noon – EST Cost: $55 per session (use a speakerphone and one computer and you can train as many staff as you like for one low price.)

If you are interested in registering, please contact Karen Shardlow at 905 639 8720 ext. 232 or send an e-mail to [email protected] with the following information:

1. Name of your newspaper (with billing address) 2. Contact name (and the approximate number of participants who will be on the call) 3. e-mail address & telephone number

Cancellations are permitted without penalty 5 or more business days prior to the start of the Webinar session. Individuals who cancel their session less than 5 business days prior to the session will be charged the full amount.

OCNA TEAM OCNA OFFICERS Anne Lannan, Member Services Manager; Todd Frees, Mike Williscraft, President, Niagara This Week; Rick Controller; Lucia Shepherd, Accounting/CNRIE; Karen Shaver, First Vice-President, Cornwall Seaway News; Published monthly by the Shardlow, Member Services Coordinator; Nancy Burman, Abbas Homayed, Second Vice-President, Sudbury Ontario Community Newsprint; Lynn Fenton, Carolyn Press, Minna Schmidt, Northern Life; Linda Plumridge, Secretary/Treasurer, Newspapers Association Sean Lind, Erica Leyzac, Ad*Reach; Carol Lebert, Sales Fort Frances Times; Dave Armstrong, Past President, Coordinator; Ian Youseman, Technical Systems Coordinator; New Liskeard Temiskaming Speaker. 3050 Harvester Rd. Ste 103 Gordon Cameron, Government Relations Associate; Shaba Burlington, Ontario, Qureshi, Communications Coordinator; Wendi Krulicki, OCNA DIRECTORS L7N 3J1 Human Resources Associate; Shari Willerton, New Business Keith Roulston; Blyth/Brussels Citizen; Dave Sykes, Tel: (905) 639-8720 Fax: (905) 639-6962 Development Coordinator, Susana Czyrnek, Accounting Goderich Signal-Star; Peter Winkler, Metroland http://www.ocna.org Coordinator Southwest Division; JT Grossmith, Alexandria Glengary E-mail: News; Cam McKnight, Tillsonburg News; Tim Dundas, [email protected] NewsClips Editor: Shaba Qureshi ; Don MacLeod, Osprey Media