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16 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 14, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Volunteers provide a gift that keeps on giving K eith Penfold's former colleagues at AMEC Engineering certainly had a bright idea when they presented him with the gift of Membership at the YMCA of Oakville on the occasion of his retirement last year. They had the great foresight to realize that Keith would continue to enjoy his gift in the months following his retirement, but they may not have foreseen that it would also benefit the YMCA itself. Originally from southern England, Keith moved to Montreal more than 40 years ago to a new career in instru- mentation engineering which sent him to projects all over the world. He and his wife first came to Oakville in 1978 and then spent close to 10 years working on projects in Asia. They returned to Oakville eight years ago. Although of a quiet disposition, Keith has always enjoyed meeting and talking with new people, but missing that interaction as he entered retirement, he began to seek out volunteer opportunities. Keith was staggered to find that some groups he approached just didn't respond to his initiative and missed the opportunity to sign him and his talents up. It was during his visits to the YMCA of Oakville, however, that Keith became impressed with the front desk folks, who clearly did recognize a good thing when they saw it. They answered his questions, provided him with information and successfully PET Profile FEATURING... steered him to the office of Tammy Smith, the Y's Supervisor of Staff and Volunteer Development, where she was able sign Keith up as a volunteer. Thus we have another gift ­ this time to the YMCA, as Keith brings his personality and all his knowledge and experience to bear when he volunteers at the front desk, welcoming members and checking cards as they arrive. Keith very much enjoys his role and appreciates the flexibility he has in setting his hours. He prefers the busy times except early mornings - and commits about two hours each day, saying he sometimes feels like the "Sergeant- At-Arms", as he directs visitors on their arrival. When not at his post, Keith enjoys the AquaFit classes and using the exercise area. By the way, Keith is obviously enjoying his gift as he has since renewed his membership. If you, too, can make a gift of time to help out at the YMCA of Oakville, call Tammy Smith at 905-845 5597, ext. 230. The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. -- Submitted by YMCA volunteer writer, Grant Robinson. COOPER European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship Hi my name is Cooper.I am a cavalier king Charles spaniel puppy and I love my trips to Ren's. The staff makes such as fuss and gives me all of my favourite treats! Maybe one day I will greet you at Ren's with my very waggy tail! Hope to see you there! PRODUCT REVIEWS OLD MOTHER HUBBARD DOG BISCUITS BUY 1 20oz. BAG GET 1 FREE! "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" Old Mother Hubbard is a baked, fresh-ingredient filled allnatural biscuit. This contributes to a highly palatable, easily digested, naturally nutrient-rich dog biscuit. They are free of by-products, bone meal, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives and contain no added salt, sugar or soy. You Asked! LINDSAY Q: My Dog won't wear boots. Are there any other alternatives? 905.849.0266 ORIJEN PUPPY FOOD Orijen puppy food is carefully prepared in the heart of Alberta's rich farmlands, ORIJEN is made from fresh regional ingredients in unique grain-free and meat-based formulations that match the biological needs of cats and dogs. A: As a matter of fact, yes there is!! We carry four different paw ointments, Invisible Boot, NuHemp Pawzitive Therapy, Paw Guard, and Dr. Maggies. Although they are all made with different ingredients, all four of them are 100% natural. All you need to do is apply the product to the pads of your dog's feet. It will form a protective barrier that will help to keep your dog's pads from cracking and irritation, due to the ice, snow, and salt. Our featured product this month is the NuHemp Pawzitive Therapy stick, regularly $14.99 now selling for $9.99. A great gift idea!! ROLLOVER DOG TREATS Rollover is the food dogs love so much it makes a great training aid. It comes in 5 different flavours to meet the needs of every dog. Turkey, beef,lamb, chicken and salmon are sure to be a hit! Store Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8am-8pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 10am-5pm Family Owned and Operated for Over 33 Years 905-257-4611 Corner of Trafalgar & Burnhamthorpe 4002 TRAFALGAR RD.