The Citizen, 2004-11-25, Page 17ALICE
VUN
2004 Giller
Award Winner
Alice Munro's
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Runaway
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Autographed copies
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41r
antral Huron
NOTICE
TO THE RATEPAYERS
OF THE MUNICIPALITY
OF CENTRAL HURON
Final Tax Bills 2nd installment is due November
20th, 2004. If you wish to use the monthly pre-
authorized payment plan, please contact the
Municipal Office prior to December 31st, 2004
for the 2005 taxation year.
Tips for responsible gambling
(NC) — For many people,
gambling is exciting and
entertaining. They make careful
decisions about spending time and
money, where to go and how tei have
fun.
The following are some ways
people gamble responsibly:
• Gamble for entertainment, not as a
way to make money
• Balance gambling with other
leisure activities
• Only use discretionary income,
not money for everyday expenses
• Set a budget and stick to it. If you
have lost the money you budgeted
for gambling stop
• Don't borrow money to gamble
• Avoid on-site cash machines for
additional gambling money
RESPONSIBLE
GAMBLING
COUNCIL (Ontario)"
• Always set a time limit
• Take frequent breaks
• Be aware — risk increases at
times of loss or depression
If you want to know more about
responsible gambling, visit the
Responsible Gambling Council
(Ontario) website at
www.responsiblegambling.org or
phone at (416) 499-9800 in Toronto
or toll free at 1-888-391-1111.
— News Canadir
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2004. PAGE 17.
ABCA watersheds still dry, but improving
Precipitation amounts for the
month of October were about 75 per
cent, to 80 per cent of normal
amounts over the Ausable River and
Parkhill Creek Watersheds. The
Bayfield River watershed received
above normal amounts for the
month._
However, looking at the 3 month
totals from August to October,
precipitation amounts are still only
50 per cent to 75 per cent of what we
normally expected.
During October, streamflows
were only 10 per cent to 20 .per cent
of the normal flows for the month.
With cooler temperatures and some
precipitation in the early part of
November, streamflows improved
significantly although they still
remain below normal- monthly
values.
The Bayfield River watershed has
shown the greatest improvement
while the Ausable River and
Parkhill Creek watersheds still only
have flows of about 40 per cent of
normal.
Based on these indicators, the
Ausable Bayfield Water Response
Team (WRT) has agreed 'by
teleconference that all of the
Ausable Bayfield Watersheds
should remain under a Level 1 Low
Water Advisory condition for at
least another month. , •
WRT members want to be sure
that everyone is aware of the
existing low water conditions and
request that all do their part in
looking for ways to voluntarily
reduce their water consumption by
10 per cent.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation
Authority staff will continue to
monitor rainfall and streamflow data
and keep the public and
municipalities informed of any
changes in watershed conditions.
Should above normal precipitation
occur during the rest of November
and early December, all Low Water
Advisory conditions may he able to
be removed before winter.
"Hopefully the recent
improvement in watershed
conditions continues." said WRT
chair Bill Dowson. "It would he
good to start 2005 with normal
flows and groundwater conditions"
For further information on what
you can do to help reduce water use,
contact the ABCA at 235-2610 for a
factsheet with water conservation
tips or visit:
www.mnr,gov.on.ca/mnr/water/p77
4.hunl
www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/3780-e.pdf
www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/3781-e.pdf
www.gov.on.ca/omafra
Be organized with Christmas countdown timetable
For many families, the holidays
are large events, complete with
banquet-style meals and tons of
partygoers. If even the thought of all
the work involved seems too much
to tackle, create a timetable to keep
you calm and organized. That way,
when Christmas Day arrives, you'll
be able to enjoy it stress-free!
GENERAL HOLIDAY
PREPARATION
Trimming the tree, shopping for
gifts ... all these tasks can be
overwhelming. Follow this timeline
to keep you on the right track.
Up to one year in advance: '
* Begin developing a gift list and
budget.
* Look for sales throughout the
year, and stock up on bargains.
* If you'll be travelling, look for
discount flights that can be booked
in advance.
* Shop Christmas clearances for
gift cards and wrapping paper so
you'll be ahead of the game for next
year.
August or September
* Create a central area for storing
gift wrap, tags, scissors, tape and
hidden gifts.
* Compile a list of names and
addresses for holiday greetings. Use
your home computer to print this list
as mailing labels.
* Finalize your gift list.
* Solidify travel plans.
October through early
November
* Purchase holiday cards (if you
don't already have a stash from last
year's clearance sales).
* If you'll be ordering
personalized or photo cards, do so
now.
* Fill out holiday cards.
* Purchase stamps and other
mailing supplies to beat the rush at
the post office.
* Print out mailing labels.
Late November
* Stuff holiday cards and mail
them out.
* Finish up .holiday shopping to
avoid crowds at the stores come
December.
* Unpack holiday decorations (or
at least take the boxes out of the attic
or basement).
* Begin wrapping gifts.
Early December
* Decorate the house.
* Organize your social calendar
based on invitations you've
received.
* Decorate the Christmas tree.
* Mail gifts to out-of-town friends
and relatives so they arrive in time
for the holiday.
Mid-month through Christmas
* Enjoy all of the hard work
you've done by sitting back and
enjoying the season and holiday.
* Make notes of what has gone
particularly well, and what needs
improvement for next year.
CHRISTMAS DINNER
PREPARATION
Apart from all tasks involved with
holiday planning, the Christmas
meal is the most important. It is one
New map
promoting
food
producers
coming soon
A joint project of the Counties of
Huron and Perth and Ministry of
Agriculture and Food is being
launched this fall.
With funding from Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada, a map will
feature participating food producers
in Huron arid Perth Counties.
Participation forms are being
mailed out to approximately 200
producers this week. Anyone who
did not receive a form is encouraged
to contact Jane Muegge at 482-5129
or Cindy Fisher at 524-2188 in
Huron or Daryl Ball at 271-6574 or
Ron Ostrom at 595-7570 in Perth.
The products will include
vegetables, preserves, honey, baked
goods, herbs, fish, pork, fruits, beef
and chocolate. The participation fee,
which provides a location marker on
the map, a listing and a Farm to
Table sign is only $25.
of the biggest meals that you'll cook
all year. Follow this timetable and
you'll have prepared the most
delicious, stress-free meal of the
year!
Early December
* Order your turkey, or purchase a
frozen one. (Remember, a frozen
turkey typically takes four to five
days to thaw).
* Order flowers or a special table
setting if this is part of your holiday
tradition.
One week before Christmas
* Start to defrost the turkey at the
back of the refrigerator.
* Compile a shopping list, and
purchase all nonperishables.
* Buy milk in cartons, and freeze
to have extra on hand.
Two days before Christmas
* Wash and iron all napkins and
tablecloths.
* Wash or polish cutlery, glasses,
serving dishes and china.
* Pick up ordered centrepiece.
* If possible, wait until Christmas
Eve to purchase vegetables, salads
and fish. If not, buy them now.
Christmas Eve morning
* Pick up fresh turkey if you didn't
buy a frozen one.
* Complete any last-minute
grocery shopping.
* Prepare turkey gravy, and
defrost any items you've made in
advance.
* Prepare your dessert.
* Peel potatoes, put in cold water
and keep in refrigerator.
* Prepare other fresh vegetables;
and store in plastic bags in the
refrigerator.
* Set the table.
Christmas Eve
* Take the turkey out of the fridge.
cover with foil and allow it to come
to room temperature.
* Fill the fridge with beverages
that need chilling.
* Get a restful night's sleep so
you'll be ready for cooking the
turkey in the morning.
Christmas Day
* Stuff and cook the turkey.
* Bake rolls or other bread
products.
* Toss a salad.
* Enjoy your day and the meal!
i
U d HURON "Big or Small; Toys for All"
Blyth 523-4244
www.hurontractoccom