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40 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 26, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Be nice, clear ice from hydrants The Oakville Fire Department is asking residents and businesses to clear snow and ice away from fire hydrants on or near their properties. Taking a few moments to remove snow from around the hydrants ensures they are visible and accessible to responding firefighters. "Municipal staff will clear snow away from many public hydrants, however when heavy snowfall occurs we ask the community to help by clearing snow and ice away from fire hydrants near residential and business properties and assisting others to do the same," said the fire department's Public Education Officer Michael Harrison. Residents of Halton who are elderly or are physically not able to clear hydrants near their property can call Halton Region at 905-8256000 for assistance. This is a limited service to the community. Clear access to a fire hydrant can save precious time during an emergency. If a fire hydrant is buried, it can be difficult for firefighters to locate. Once located, firefighters then have to race to clear the snow and gain access to the hydrant while a fire continues to burn. These vital minutes are needed to bring a fire under control. Make sure fire hydrants are easily accessible and visible from the street. Ideally, the snow should be cleared away from three feet around the hydrant in order for firefighters to have enough room to connect the hoses. Formalities LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER BOXING WEEK BLOWOUT! Our Entire Regular Stock of Christmas Fabric, Trimmings, Accessories and a Special Selection of Festive Wear Fabrics DE C. 2 7-3 1 ONLY ! FOR THE KIDS: St. Thomas Aquinas' Student Council Social Committee raised $400 for Ronald McDonald House Hamilton after organizing the high school's Winter Wonderland Christmas formal that was held at Le Dome Banquet Hall and attended by approximately 300 of the school's Grade 11 and 12 students. Present for the cheque presentation at last week's Christmas assembly were, from left: Ana Antunes, Pearle Wolfe, Executive director for Ronald McDonald House; Kelsey Kerr, Danielle Cook and Jessi Pacheco. The four students are on the Social Committee whose staff advisors are Cindy Miller and Justin Leraci. The formal sponsors included: Zellers at Hopedale Mall, Tim Hortons, MG Forensics Accounting & Investigations, Accessible Solutions Inc., Wines Unlimited, and Exclusively Women's Fitness Centre at Hopedale Mall. SIMPLICITY & NEW LOOK PATTERNS $ Individually priced. Dec.27-31 only. Not valid with any other discounts. Entire In-Store Stock! Entire In-Store Stock! BURDA PATTERNS 1.99ea. Dec.27-31 only. Not valid with any other discounts. 1/2 M.S.R. Price Individually priced. Offer valid Dec.27-31/07, excl. promotional merchandise & special purchases. Details in-store. Insertion Date: Wednesday, December 26/07 (or other) Insertion Size: 4 X 118 lines (or other) Please set all relevant address info in this space, in reverse, big & bold as space allows. Proof to Store Manager. Happy Holidays! OPEN SUNDAYS 12-5 140 Rebecca St. OAKVILLE 844-7728