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THE NEW TANNER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2008 20 Weber Gas Grill Model 274001 Reg. $2399.99 NOW $1899.99 Ducane Gas Grill Model 30537401 Reg. $1249.99 NOW $999.99 ROCKWOOD HOME HARDWARE Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker with Case for Cook and Carry Model 4218057 Reg $87.99 NOW $52.99 Fuller Screwdriver Set Model 1366014 Reg $59.99 NOW $36.99 ASSORTED BICYCLES 35% OFF 273 Alma St. 519-856-9551 A L L STA I N L E S S ST E E L P R E M I U M M O D E L S G R E AT G I F T I D E A S ! SAVE UP TO 75% ON REMAINING CHRISTMAS STOCK Sale Prices in effect Dec 23 to Dec 28 JIMS REPAIR SHOP 105 Alma St. Rockwood Tel: 519-856-2564 Fax: 519-856-9657 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year May all your wishes come true this festive season. Bruce, Jeannette, Betty Ann, Ken, Jeff & Danny Open 8 - 12 Mon. Dec. 24/07 Re-open regular hours Dec. 27 to Dec. 29 Closed Dec, 31 Re-open Jan. 2/08 regular hours Township welcomes new clerk during November EWAG funds dwindle The East Wellington Ad- visory Group (EWAG), is feeling the pressure of the downturn in the global economy, right in our own back yard. More families are look- ing for assistance this By Rebecca Ring The Township of Guelph/ Eramosa welcomed Anne Burns-Bensch in November as its new Clerk. Previous- ly, the position was filled by CAO Janice Sheppard but it became impossible for one person to do both jobs. As the Township grew, so did the responsibilities and tasks facing Sheppard. An organizational review showed that the workload of both positions was too much for one individual. It was time the position was split, says Sheppard, Each of us can now concentrate on our own position. As CAO, she oversees the general oper- ation of the municipality, assists council with policy, and is ultimately responsible for every department. Burns-Bensch began working as the Clerk on November 4. Her dut- ies include assisting the CAO, preparing resolu- tions, by-laws, agendas and communicating with the residents. She brings a wealth of experience to the job working for municipal- ities for about 25 years, her first position with the City of Kitchener. Her most recent was with a rural municipality in Manitoba, near Winnipeg, where she worked as manager of ad- ministration and finance. That position was very similar to the one Im filling here, she says. Although she loves Winnipeg area, she was eager to move back home to Ontario to be near her aging parents in Water- loo. In addition to her great experience, Burns-Bensch is very educated in her field. She has several cer- Anne Burns-Bensch New Clerk tifications, including AMCT (Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers), CMMA (Certified Manitoba Municipal Administrators) and is a certified tax col- lector. Her next educational goal is to become a Certified Municipal Officer. You really need certifi- cation to pursue a career in municipal work, she says, Even though experience goes a long way. Burns-Bensch says she loves working with the cur- rent council; It is so nice to work with a council that has a vision for the munici- pality, and works hard to get things done, she says, As their secretariat, I help make that happen. She says she loves work- ing with people and invites the public to come to her with any questions, concerns or suggestions; My door is always open. She adds that she is looking forward to a long and productive future working for Guelph/Eram- osa Township. Christmas, just as the charity is facing a de- crease in replies during its Star Light, Community Bright Christmas appeal, the most important fund- raising campaign of the year. We rely on the annu- al Christmas direct mail appeal to support our ser- vices. The appeal was sent out in late November and early December. The people who have made a donation have been very generous, and were truly thankful to them. How- ever, our replies are down from last year at this time but requests for assistance have increased, said the agencys Executive Direc- tor, Glenyis Betts. Next year EWAG will be celebrating 25 years of service and maintains frugal, no frills adminis- tration costs with 85 cents out of every dollar going directly into programs and services, many of which are provided to the com- munity for free. FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN: Sacred Heart Cath- olic Church invites everyone to view their Nativity Scene throughout the Christmas season. - Rebecca Ring photo