Delving Into Zorra Township's Fascinating Past

community events and services

Winter 2009

community events and services

Delving into Zorra Township’s fascinating past

See page 6 for full story community events and services

community events and services

Table of Contents NOW now

community events and services community events and services on the cover Zorra 6 Delving into Zorra Township’s fascinating past Zorra Zorra community events and services 3 Township Winter Information 4 Thamesford Community Events 10 Do you have a 72 hour Kit? Zorra 5 Embro Community Events 11 Notice to Residents - Winter Road Maintenance  8 Municipal Holiday Closures 12 Keeping Safe from the “Silent Killer” 9 Tax information 13 Catch the Spirit - Olympic Torch Relay 10 Staff changes

Message from the Mayor - Margaret Lupton

Of interest to many residents opening of our own gravel pit . It is our intent to run this pit will be the Official Plan Review just responsibly with regard to the environment. It seems only underway in Oxford County. If you right that a Township so rich in aggregate resources should wish to be kept informed of issues be able to use its own material and not have to purchase that may affect you, contact the from other sources. This is to be a small operation with County Planning Department and gravel crushed for our own use only. Experts believe there register to receive regular updates by will be material there sufficient for our needs for the next 30 mail or email. years. Also be aware of the proposed At the same time a zone change was approved for the increase in bag tags slated for early Banner Pit. While there are many who would wish to next year. As well there will be a stop the proposal completely we were pleased to see it major change to items picked up in the large item pickups. substantially reduced in size. With the proper berms in place No longer will small items be collected. If it will fit into a there should be minimal disturbance caused for Thamesford garbage bag that is how it is to be put out, properly tagged. residents. I had the pleasure of escorting, on behalf of the County, Earlier this fall Ingersoll presented Council with a a group of visitors from Taiwan. As usual they were proposal to annex land both north and south of the extremely interested in anything connected with Zorra’s Township Office. Councillors agreed to consider the south own George Leslie Mackay who is a national hero in their portion only. At a public meeting it became very clear that country. Part of the day included preliminary planning for residents there could see no benefit to this proposal. While an exchange visit next year between the two countries. many argued that the northern portion was the preferred For many years Council has recognized achievements by choice I am hearing from many residents there that they do residents in sporting competitions beyond the borders of not want to leave Zorra either. Any further discussion has Zorra. We are now extending this programme to recognize been postponed until next year to give everyone time for residents who are successful in competitions in the field of more in-depth consideration. culture e.g. art, music, drama, dance, etc. Please contact me Wind Turbines have been a very controversial topic in with names of nominees. some areas of the Township. It is difficult to decide which Zorra, along with South-West Oxford welcomed a new “expert” is right because the information in the presentations fire chief with responsibilities to be shared over the three is conflicting. I would strongly advise that before you sign fire halls in each township. As in so many areas of work, anything you at least contact a farm organization (OFA, rules, regulations, training standards, etc. are changing in Christian Farmers, etc.) fire fighting and it is necessary to not only meet these but as they have excellent check lists of things to consider. to provide complete documentation ready for whenever Be sure to plan on being in Thamesford at the Royal inspections occur. Both Councils believe that in hiring Jeff Bank Plaza by 9 a.m. on December 27. We are one of the Smith for the Chief’s position we will enhance the level of communities hosting the Olympic Torch run. Fiollowing service provided while freeing our volunteers to do the work this we will have our own run to the Thamesford arena for they are trained to do. a free Pancake and Sausage breakfast and free public skating. I am pleased to announce that Zorra successfully All Zorra residents are encouraged to participate. defended, at on OMB hearing, its position regarding the With the Christmas Season approaching, I want to Township Winter Information The Dogs Paw Christmas Tree Disposal For all Township residents, natural Christmas trees can be taken to any of the Leaf and Yard Waste Depots to be recycled. Small and Medium Breed Grooming Please remember to remove all decorations and plastic All Breed Nail Trimming bags used for transportation. Pick up & delivery available within the village of Embro on The Leaf and Yard Waste Depot is located across from Wednesdays and Thursdays the Kintore Public Works Yard at 783036 Road 78. To minimize stress, we book in/out appointments whenever possible Winter Parking Restrictions and Snow Removal We avoid use of cage dryers and NEVER use sedation For snow removal purposes, winter parking restrictions are in place from November 15 until March 31 of each year in accordance with By-law 7-95. Parking is not permitted on any road or street in the Township of Zorra between the hours of 1:00 am and 8:00 am during this period. Please be aware that the Township’s By-law Enforcement Officer will be making regular patrols to enforce this by-law and parking tickets will be issued. Call us for a quote & appointment! Tracy Hiuser & Linda Salt Snow Removal onto Roadways P.O. Box 81, (Snake’s Trail) Embro, Ontario N0J 1J0 This is a reminder to all residents that depositing 519.475.4779 phone • 519.475.4005 fax snow from private property onto a public roadway is [email protected] www.kismah.com dangerous and in contravention of By-lay 6-95, Zorra Highway Protection By-law. Pushing or placing any snow or ice or any other obstruction of a roadway is an offence that carries a fine of $105.00. Please be considerate of the safety of the travelling public. Reduced Load Season An early reminder to all drivers of heavy trucks and equipment that the reduced load season takes effect for the period of February 15 to April 30 each year. In accordance with By-lay 21-03, signs indicating the allowable limits will be posted on applicable Township roadways.

Zorra Now - Winter 2009 5

Thamesford Community Events

Thamesford Arena Public Skating The Thamesford District Recreation Centre December 4, 2009 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. will close at 12:00 p.m. on December 6, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 24, 2009, and at 4:00 p.m. on December 13, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. January 3, 2010 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 31, 2009.

Parent/Tot Skate We will be closed on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. December 25 and 26, 2009 as well as January 1, 2010. Adult/Senior Skate Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Public Skating Sponsored by Tim Hortons December 20, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Merry Christmas & Happy December 23, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 27, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. New Year from the Thamesford December 30, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Recreation Department! We wish to thank Tim Hortons for sponsoring our Christmas Public Skating.

67 ZorraZorra NowNow -- WinterWinter 20092009 Embro Community Events

Embro Arena Public Skating The Embro West Zorra Community December 4, 2009 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. December 6, 2009 2.00 – 3:00 p.m. Centre will close at 12:00 p.m. on December 13 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 24, 2009, and at 4:00 p.m. on Aaron Yeck Memorial Skate December 31, 2009. December 27, 2009 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Parent/Tot Skate We will be closed on Wednesdays 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. December 25 and 26, 2009 Adult/Senior Skate as well as January 1, 2010. Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Public Skating Sponsored by Tim Hortons December 20, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 22, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 23, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Merry Christmas and Happy December 27, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 29, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. December 30, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. New Year from the Embro December 31, 2009 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. January 3, 2010 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Recreation Department! We wish to thank Tim Hortons for sponsoring our Christmas Public Skating.

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67 ZorraZorra NowNow -- WinterWinter 20092009 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 7 Delving into Zorra Township’s fascinating past

Story and photos By GEOFF DALE or three groups of enthusiastic Looking proudly over the with them, finding out about their Fvolunteers the task-at-hand finished product – a hard cover background and delving in the past was very specific – research, beautifully bound fully-indexed helped me learn more about this compile and preserve the unique two volume set of more than area and the residents.” history of Zorra Township for 1,600 pages published last The three also praised the present and future generations. December 7 – she said the work, efforts of a diverse range of While the predominately rural while extremely time-consuming, organizations and institutions township was only formed back was nonetheless a work of love. including the township; Lafarge, in 1975 through the amalgamation “We spent the better part of contributing $45,000 and Federal of East Nissouri, West Zorra four weeks just indexing the books White with its $4,500 donation. and North Oxford townships, but it was important to include as “The general public was also the region’s communities and its much information as possible,” very generous, helping with a large people boast a lengthy and unique she said. “I just love family history portion of the $85,000 we got history. and really enjoyed this type of from fundraising efforts,” added With a grant of $10,000 from work. What a great experience it Brenneman. the Ontario Trillium Foundation was meeting people in the Embro Jim Verwer said the numbers (a third of the $30,000 allocated to and surrounding area – many I had working on the East Nissouri the three groups), those working never seen before.” project have grown substantially on the West Zorra/Embro project For co-chair and the township’s since research began back in 2005. began meetings in 2003, spending current mayor Margaret Lupton, Their geographic boundaries are countless hours researching the intensive volunteer work from Highway 2 to Highway 7 and properties at the registry and provided an ideal opportunity to the 31st Line to Cobble Hills Road tirelessly delivering information get involved in a totally different “We had a core group, but there packages throughout the area. kind of project. are so many individuals who have “Essentially we had three people “Meeting the people was first lent their considerable skills to but there were 53 delivering and and foremost,” she said. “I’ve this work,” he said. “For example, picking up packages and many never taken part in a project that Scott Gillies’ father used to run a more helping,” said committee co- looked at history so carefully. cheese factory, so Scott’s interest in chair Helen Brenneman. “We also It was a lot of work but very that area has been invaluable. got an Oxford grant which gave us gratifying. Looking at the the services of two very capable results gives you a real sense of young students. accomplishment.” “We focused on the area from Fellow researcher Lorena the 29th to the 47th lines and from Chalkley, who grew up near Highway 2 to the Perth Oxford Harrington, said the project took Line. This encompasses eight on a personal feel. concessions and the two villages “There were so many people of Harrington and Embro. The in the community I had heard Pictured with their two-volume set time frame was essentially 1820 to of but had never seen or been in on the history of West Zorra/Embro about 2007.” are committee members, from left, their homes,” she said. “Talking Margaret Lupton, Helen Brenneman and Lorena Chalkley. (Photo by Geoff Dale)

8 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 “Joyce Graves has done an ways a real social aspect to all of “What this group has done is incredible job setting up and this – a coming together of the amazing. Al Baigent has done a moderating a website (http:// community-at-large.” terrific job at the registry; Anne groups.yahoo.com/group/East_ Jim Muterer admits, while Coordes is a great secretary and Nissouri_Township_History- North Oxford may have been Charlie Reeves, a 90-year-old with Book/). The site provides a the smallest township, work has the mind of a 20-year-old, is a vast great database of both ancestral nonetheless been tiring at times resource of information. information and photos which since it got underway in 2003. “In fact, everyone on this team people can view and contribute The group tackling this from the core group to our newest to.” project is covering a region from member Jim Stephenson has done One particular area of interest Highway 2 south to the river an excellent job. There is still more to the group is locating some of from the Old Ski High Road on to do. Right now we’re working on the misplaced photographic work a dummy book, which will give our of Carter and Isaac – a husband editor and the committee a better and wife team that traveled up look at what will ultimately be the and down the concessions at the final product.” turn of the 20th Century, taking Pointing to the need for pictures of homesteads. seemingly-endless fact finding and “Joyce has done an amazing job research, he said while the identifying many, incorporating experience has been gratifying, them into the database and there he offers observations on some Current members of the committee requirements for the task. are photos in the St. Mary’s working on North Oxford’s history, Museum,” he said. “They are front row, from left to right, Jim “You certainly need people with numbered on the backs but many Muterer, Charlie Reeves, Pauline age to conduct this type of work Hanlon, Alice Hutchison and Al have been misplaced with some Baigent. Back row, from left to right, but, as there is so much involved, framed in homes over the years. Douglas Hutchison, Anne Coordes, you also need younger people who “These photos offer real clues Peg Hanlon, John Knox and Jim have the energy to carry it out,” he Stephenson. Missing from the photo, as to who the people were and Carl Chambers. (Photo by Geoff Dale) said. “There is no question this is exactly where some properties a very dedicated group and seeing were. As well, the cheese factories what they’ve accomplished so far and one-room schools have the west side to the river toward has been encouraging.” provided us with some fascinating Woodstock – basically a pie- insights into our past. We owe shaped piece of territory. thanks to J C Graphics for the One particularly time- Those interested in purchasing the consuming element for work scanning some original West Zorra/Embro book(s) can call the committee was the photos.” Helen Brenneman at 519-475-4874 composition and distribution Now going over their work or contact the township office at 519- from concession to concession, of questionnaires to every rural 485-2490. condensing and readying the household in the region, with material for editing, Verwer said additional volunteers assisting Inquiries on the East Nissouri project the committee has a possible with the latter task of visiting completion date of late 2010 in farms. contact Jim Verwer at 519-871-3654 mind. “We’re looking at it before the or log on to the website at http:// “That’s possible but you know time it was properly colonized groups.yahoo.com/group/East_ with projects like this, it’s often right through 1975 (amalgamation) Nissouri_Township_History-Book/. very difficult to define the end and a little beyond that, which will to this kind of work,” he said. carry us into the era of Zorra,” Call Jim Muterer at 519-485-2168 or “Whatever the case, it’s been hard said Muterer (the township’s mayor email Anne Coordes at a.coordes@ work, a lot of fun and in many from 1995-2000). sympatico.ca for information about

8 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 9 Municipal Holiday Closures

The Oxford County landfill will be closed on the following days for the holiday season: Friday, December 25, 2009 Friday, January 1, 2010

Regular hours will be maintained all other days. Effective January 1, 2010, Oxford County Landfill tipping fees will increase from $61.32/metric tonne to $62.06/metric tonne. There is a $10.00 minimum and the site remains cash only!

Municipal Facility Closings The Municipal Office will be closed at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 24, 2009 and will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2010. In the case of an emergency requiring Township staff, please call (519) 485-2490 and leave a message at extension 226. Messages will be monitored on a daily basis and forwarded to a contact person.

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1011 ZorraZorra NowNow -- WinterWinter 20092009 Tax Information WHO LIKES PAYING THEIR TAXES 4 TIMES A YEAR? Why not pay 10 times a year! DOG TAGS – Sign up now for the 10 month Pre-Authorized The Township of Zorra will be sending Dog Tag Payment Plan for 2010. If you are interested in Collectors around door-to-door issuing new 2010 tags, enrolling in this payment plan for 2010, you can find please be advised that they will be around between an authorization form on our website at www.zorra. April - May 2010. Dog Tags are $ 15.00 per dog. on.ca or call Kelly at 485-2490 ext 222. Applications Kennel Licences will ONLY be issued at the office, need to be submitted as soon as possible to ensure requiring the documentation for registered dogs. enrolment for 2010. If you are currently enrolled in the pre-authorized payment plan, you do not have to WANTED - DOG TAG COLLECTORS The Township of Zorra is looking for dog tag re-apply each year, only if there is a change with the collectors to go door to door issuing 2010 Dog Tags. account. $5.00 per tag, you must have your own vehicle and keep accurate records of all calls made and monies Pay your taxes on-line collected. If you are interested - please send resume Online or telephone banking is available for making to our office or fax it to 485-2520, by March 16, 2010. monthly, arrears, or regular instalments. All banks Any questions, please call Kelly at 485-2490 ext 222. accept the Township of Zorra as a client and the account number required is your ROLL NUMBER from your tax bill. Season Greetings and Merry Christmas from the Tax Department and all the best for the New Year. Commercial and Industrial Property Kelly Hall, Tax Collector/Deputy Treasurer Owners Only 519-485-2490 x 222 • [email protected] Vacancy Rebate Program If your commercial or industrial property was vacant for a period of up to three months for 2009, you are eligible for a vacancy rebate. Applications can be found on our website or picked up at the Township Office. The deadline for filing is February 27, 2010.

Just A Reminder: if you remove a structure from your property, it is your responsibility to contact me to have the structure written off. Thamesford Sewer Debentures Property owners on the south side of Thamesford will be billed their Sanitary Sewer Bill in the early part of 2010. This bill will be issued by the County of Oxford for $7 500.00 per lot. There are two options for payments – either payment in full or a debenture for 10 years. The debenture will be based on the fixed annual interest rate determined at debenture issue. The debenture will be added to your annual property taxes and split over all of the tax instalments.

1011 ZorraZorra NowNow -- WinterWinter 20092009 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 11 Staff Changes

Fire Chief Jeff Smith Linda Pike The Township of Zorra is After 33 years of employment with the Township’s pleased to welcome Jeff Smith as Recreation Department Linda Pike is retiring in Zorra’s first full-time Fire Chief. January of 2010. Council, staff and residents will The Fire Chief position is being certainly miss Linda’s presence at Thamesford shared with the Township of District Recreation Centre and Embro West South-West Oxford and Chief Zorra Community Centre. Her co-workers in the Smith is based out of the Zorra Recreation Department will particularly miss Linda. Municipal Office. We wish her best of luck in the future. Chief Smith comes to the Township having served Ron Greason as a Community Services Officer with the County of Uniondale Fire Chief Ron Greason will be retiring Norfolk Fire Services. Chief Smith was also Acting effective December 14, 2009, after 34 years of service Deputy Chief for a one-year period. He was also with the Uniondale Fire Department. Ron served a volunteer firefighter with the Town of Simcoe 20 years as a Captain and the last 14 as Fire Chief. A Fire Service prior to its amalgamation as part of the replacement District Chief has not yet been named. Norfolk Fire Service. The Township Council would like to thank Ron for Chief Smith looks forward to working with our his volunteer service and his management of the Fire dedicated and highly trained volunteer firefighters Department. Ron will still continue to work for the and the District Chiefs in Uniondale, Embro and Township in role a Foreman in the Public Works Thamesford. Department.

Do you have a 72 hour kit? Many of us are anxiously awaiting Santa’s arrival, but that such events can happen anywhere. The message is simple, also means Old Man Winter is also on his way. prepare yourselves. Just over a decade ago, Eastern Ontario was hit with a Our goal is to create a disaster resilient community. One severe ice storm. The magnitude of this natural disaster of the key steps to achieving this goal is to educate our exposed the lack of preparedness to deal with an residents on the role they play in managing emergencies. emergency of such proportions. This disaster affected Being able to take care of yourself and your family for residents and personal property, disrupted business and a minimum of 72 hours during an emergency will greatly damaged public infrastructure. Many, many residents faced assist all levels of government to respond progressively and a lack of food, water and essential supplies. Basements were direct resources to where they are most needed. flooded and roadways were slick with ice and utility poles Prepare a 72 hour kit and in the event of an emergency and transmission towers were toppled by thick layers of ice. you will be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Power outages in some regions of the province lasted as You can purchase 72 hour kits from such retailers as long as a month. Canadian Tire, Home Hardware or visit the Canadian Red Are you prepared if such an event took place here? We Cross website at www.redcross.ca. need to learn from others experiences and realize that

Emergency Survival Kit Checklist  Flashlight and batteries or wind-up  Food and bottled water (3 day supply)  Radio, battery powered or wind-up  Clothing and footwear  Spare batteries (radio & flashlight)  Blankets or sleeping bags  First-aid kit  Toilet paper & personal hygiene items  Candles and matches/lighter  Medication  Cash (including small bills & change)  Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)  Copies of I.D. (identification)  Playing cards, games  Extra set of keys  Backpack or duffle bag (to pack items)

1213 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 NOTICE TO RESIDENTS WINTER ROADWAY MAINTENANCE ON TOWNSHIP OF ZORRA ROADS

The Municipality of the Township of Zorra Council has defined the period when Township of Zorra employees a-b Realty Ltd., Brokerage will be performing winter roadway maintenance (salting, Independantly Owned and Operated sanding, ploughing, and related activities) on the Township roadways. The level of service to be delivered is prescribed in the Minimum Maintenance Standards – Ontario Regulation 239/02 regarding snow and ice control. The Minimum Maintenance Standards are a Andy Veldman regulation of the Municipal Act, 2001. Sales Representative The period of Winter Roadway Maintenance is defined from: November 16, 2009 to April 16, 2010

Service will be delivered during the following hours: 88 Wellington Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2L2 Monday to Friday - 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Res: 519-349-2760 • Cell: 519-854-0926 additional hours as determined by weather conditions Bus: 519-273-2821 ext. 265 • Fax: 519-349-2792 Saturday, Sunday, holidays - as determined by weather E-mail: [email protected] conditions

Aden Corcoran, C.E.T. Director of Public Works ZorraAd.qxd 3/17/09 1:27 PM Page 1 ThAcct_ZorraAd.qxd 11/11/09 3:48 PM Page 1

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1213 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 13 Keeping Safe from the “Silent Killer”

The following information is provided by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). For more information about carbon monoxide safety, visit their website at www.tssa.org, or contact your fire department.

Due to a local tragedy that took place one year ago, we be particularly sensitive to CO. present this information as a reminder of the need for 4. Visit TSSA’s public safety website at www.safetyinfo.ca awareness surrounding this issue and the necessity for for more information and tips on how to protect installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. your family and friends. For more information on the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education visit Endthesilence.ca. If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home… If you or anyone in your home is experiencing What is Carbon Monoxide? the symptoms of CO poisoning, Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, ensure that everyone leaves the odourless, tasteless and toxic gas and home immediately, leaving the is often referred to as the “silent door open. Call your local fire killer”. When inhaled it inhibits department or 911 from a the blood’s capacity to transport neighbour’s telephone. If your oxygen throughout the body. CO alarm sounds, do NOT In high concentrations, this assume it to be a false alarm. poisonous gas can kill in just Open all doors and windows minutes. to ventilate the home. If you There are four steps people cannot find the problem and the should take to help ensure alarm continues, contact the fire their own safety: department. If there is a strong smell of natural gas in your home, evacuate 1. Eliminate CO at the source. immediately, leaving the door open, and Make the maintenance of your contact your local gas utility. furnace, boiler, fireplace, all fuel- burning appliances, equipment and venting Where should a CO alarm be located in systems an absolute priority. It is the smart the home? thing to do and it is your responsibility. Call a Proper placement of a CO alarm is important. In registered heating contractor to have all your general, the human body is most vulnerable to the fuel-burning devices professionally inspected by a effects of CO during sleeping hours, so an alarm should certified technician. For a list of registered heating be located in or as near as possible to the sleeping area contractors, ask your fuel supplier or call TSSA of the home. toll-free at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) to ensure a If only one alarm is being installed, it should be contractor is registered. located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. 2. Ensure your home has certified CO alarms. They Where sleeping areas are located in separate parts of will warn you of rising CO levels, giving you and the home, an alarm should be provided for each area. your family time to take potentially life saving action. Additional CO alarms should be placed on each level Your local fire department can provide advice on of a residence and in other rooms where combustion the proper locations for CO alarms in your home. devices are located (such as in a room that contains a Without them the only way you may be alerted is solid fuel-fired appliance, gas clothes dryer or natural if the physical symptoms of its poisoning become gas furnace), or adjacent to potential sources of CO apparent and by then it may be too late. (such as in a teenager’s room or granny suite located adjacent to an attached garage). 3. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. They are Unlike smoke, which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes similar to the flu – nausea, headache, burning eyes, with air. Recognizing this, a CO alarm should be located confusion and drowsiness or loss of concentration at knee-height (which is about the same as prone – except there is no fever. If they appear, it is sleeping height). Due to the possibility of tampering or imperative to get everyone, including pets, outside to damage by pets, children, vacuum cleaners and the like, fresh air immediately and call 911 and/or your local it may be located up to chest height. To work properly, a fire department. In severe cases, CO poisoning can CO alarm should not be blocked by furniture, draperies cause brain damage and death. The elderly, children or other obstructions to normal air flow. and people with heart or respiratory conditions may

1415 ZorraZorra NowNow -- WinterWinter 20092009 Zorra Awards Program For many years Township Council has awarded Zorra medals to individuals and teams to recognize their successes at athletic competitions at the provincial and national levels. We would like to expand the awards program to include arts and cultural achievements. Awards will be given to Zorra residents of any age who achieve recognition in music, dance, literature, art, etc. in competitions beyond our area. Contact the Excavating • Trucking Township Office with your suggestions and we will be pleased to recognize their excellence. Welding • Repairs Safety’s A gift idea from Santa’s elves ... Historically Bound Embro and West Zorra 1820-2007 History Book would make a lovely gift. If you are interested Phone: 519-475-6024 in purchasing this two volume set please contact the Township Office at Mobile: 519-808-6088 519-485-2490 or Helen Brenneman at 519-475-4874. RR #2 Embro • 924242 Rd. 92 • N0J 1J0

Olympic Torch Relay ~ “Catch the Spirit” Thamesford, Ontario “Catch the Spirit” and mark your calendars for Sunday, December 27, 2009. The Olympic Torch arrived in Victoria, British Columbia on October 30th and began its 106 day relay across Canada. The Olympic Torch is expected to arrive in Ontario on Saturday, December 12, 2009, Day 44 of its trek. The torch will travel throughout the province making stops for celebrations in a number of communities. The torch will remain in the province for 24 days, leaving on Tuesday January 5, 2010. The Torch will arrive in Thamesford on December 27th, Day 59 of the cross country journey. The Torch will leave London, Ontario and is expected to make its way through the village at approximately 9:00 a.m. Spectators should arrive early to get a spot along the torch route. The Torch will make a brief stop on Dundas Street at a gathering place adjacent to the Royal Bank where the Mayor will welcome the Olympic Torch to the community and some photos can be taken. After the flame leaves Thamesford, it will continue on to Ingersoll, Woodstock, and Tavistock before leaving Oxford County and ending it’s day in Kitchener. A community celebration is planned in conjunction with this event. Upon the torch’s departure from Thamesford, there will be a community relay to the Thamesford District Community Centre where a pancake and sausage breakfast, sponsored by the Township of Zorra Council, will Thamesford Ontario December 27, 2009 be served. Breakfast is being prepared by members of the Thamesford at 8:45am Lions Club with food and coffee being donated by Maple Leaf Foods on Dundas Street. and Tim Hortons. A public skate will follow.

1415 ZorraZorra NowNow -- WinterWinter 20092009 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 15 Call today for a free estimate!

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16 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 community events and services

community events and services

community events and services Community Contacts Listing

Minor Sports Calithumpian Committee ...... 519-285-2515 Embro: Canadian Blood Services ...... 888-236-6283 Embro Minor Hockey Assoc...... 519-475-6515 Canadian Cancer Society ...... 888-939-3333 Zorra Skating Club ...... 519-475-4646 Canadian Red Cross ...... 519-539-0265 Embro Minor Ball Association ...... 519-475-4012 Children’s Aid Society, Oxford County .519-539-6176 Embro Minor Soccer Association ...... 519-475-4210 Crime Stoppers ...... 800-222-TIPS Cuckoos Nest Folk Music ...... 519-473-2099 Kintore: East Nissouri History Book . . . . . 519-349-2069 Kintore Minor Soccer ...... 519-283-1120 Embro West Zorra History Book ...... 519-475-4443 Thamesford: Embro Library ...... 519-475-4172 Thamesford Minor Hockey Assoc...... 519-285-3401 Embro & Zorra Agricultural Society . .519-475-4437 Thamesford Skating Club ...... 519-461-0291 Fanshawe Pioneer Village ...... 519-457-1296 Thamesford Jr. “D” Hockey Club . . .519-285-3107 Girl Guides - Thamesford ...... 519-285-3749 Thamesford Minor Ball ...... 519-285-5521 Hardeman, Ernie, MPP...... 519-537-5222 Thamesford Minor Soccer ...... 519-285-9936 Horticultural Society (Ingersoll) ...... 519-485-1808 Thamesford Rec. Men’s Slow Pitch . . 519-268-2232 Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre . . . . 519-485-4691 Thamesford NBC League ...... 519-285-2164 Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts . 519-485-3070 Zorra Girls Hockey ...... 519-461-0347 Ontario Early Years Programs . . . . 800-539-9800 OPP ...... 800-265-7191 Schools (Elementary) Oxford County Jr. Farmers . . . . . 519-469-3281 Embro Thamesford Business Association . . .519-285-3496 Zorra Highland Public School ...... 519-475-4121 Thamesford Public Library ...... 519-285-3219 Thamesford Snowmobile Club ...... 519-285-5014 Kintore Township of Zorra ...... 519-485-2490 A.J. Baker Public School ...... 519-283-1098 Scouts - Thamesford ...... 519-285-5835 Thamesford Welcome Wagon ...... 519-485-2990 Thamesford Public School ...... 519-285-2043 Women’s Canadian Club ...... 519-471-8924 St. Joseph’s Catholic School . . . . . 519-660-2784 John Knox Christian School . . . . .519-539-1492 School Boards Working for You! Thames Valley District School Board . . .519-452-2000 ...... 1-888-224-3354 London District Catholic School Board . 519-663-2088 Please contact my ofﬁce for any of the following items or for help with any concerns you may have. Service Clubs & Community Groups Thamesford Taking Action Group . . . . .519-285-3919 • Assistance with birth, death or marriage Thamesford Lion’s Club ...... 519-285-2734 certiﬁcates • birthday and anniversary scrolls Kintore Optimist Club ...... 519-283-6321 • cutting through provincial Other government red tape Alzheimers Society ...... 519-421-2466 • explaining how new Beachville District Museum . . . . . 519-423-6497 legislation will affect you Caledonian Society ...... 519-475-6765 • information on provincial government programs “Zorra Now” Magazine is published quarterly by the Township of Zorra. Circulation is 4000 and is deliv- ERNIE HARDEMAN ered to the residents and businesses of Zorracommunity Township. events and services M.P.P. - Oxford If you have any questions or comments or would like 12 Perry St. to advertise in the magazine, please contact: Woodstock, Ontario Don MacLeod, Chief Administrative Officercommunity events and services N4S 3C2 Township of Zorra Tel. (519) 537–5222 274620 27th Line, P.O. Box 306 Fax (519) 537–3577 Toll free: 1–800–265–4046 Ingersoll, ON N5C 3K5 E-mail: [email protected] Ph. (519) 485-2490 ext. 226 community events and services Toll Free 1-888-699-3868 [email protected] This newsletter is printed www.ErnieHardemanMPP.com www.zorra.on.ca on recycled paper 16 Zorra Now - Winter 2009 community events and services Oxford Mutual Agents and Brokers

Mary Ellen Garner, Embro (519) 475-4437 Email: [email protected] (877) 897-2108

Henderson Yost Ins. Brokers Ltd, Kintore (519) 283-6614 Email: [email protected] (877) 214-9235

Ken & Tim Howard, Woodstock (519) 421-1058 Email: [email protected]

McFarlan Rowland Insurance Brokers Inc. (888) 734-8888 Website: www.mcfarlanrowlands.com

Matt Langford, Thorndale (519) 461-9408 Email: [email protected]

Tom Garner, Ingersoll (519) 485-0400 Email: [email protected]

Derek Stead, Ingersoll (519) 485-0500 Email: [email protected]

Greg Stewart, Thamesford (519) 285-3514 Email: [email protected]

Patsy Switzer, St. Marys (519) 461-0009 Email: [email protected]

Robert J. Morris Insurance & Consulting Ltd., Kintore (519) 283-6608 Email: [email protected]

Jamieson-Hilt Insurance Brokers Ltd. Woodstock (519) 539-2071 Email: [email protected]