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I Featured in this Section. . . We Asked and You Said Donation Made to Maternity Department Children's Author Visits Local Schools SECTION TWO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11,1991 Lots of people have pets and hobbies. And many people enjoy showing off their pets at shows designed for animals. Glenn and Helen Andrews arc no exception. However, Glenn says it will be some time until Bert and Ernie will have any competition competition in Ontario. After all, oxen arc really not that common a sight in this part of Ontario. "One woman we know had a pair of young oxen, but one of them died," Glenn said. "She may still get another." another." Glenn said he would welcome welcome entering his team into competition because he enjoys enjoys working with his animals. animals. In fact, he enjoys them so much that he has invested more money into another pair--Fred and Barney These two are younger and arc of the Maine-Anjou breed, from die cast coast. Currently, people who want to invest in oxen arc buying the animals from the east coast. However, Helen recalls that when she and her husband husband have talked to people at fairs, some have said that their ancestors had oxen here in Ontario. But, currently buyers must go elsewhere for them. For those who want to know, oxen arc castrated bulls that are trained to do work. Glenn grew up on the east coast of Nova Scotia. During those ycar,s he learned how to train oxen and drive. For the most part, training oxen is like training any other animal. It can be summed up in a single word: repetition. During the 1991 summer months, weekends at home were far and few between for Glenn and Helen. They spent their weekends at fairs • throughout Ontario. "We never had a weekend off after the Oshawa Fair in July," said Glenn. In fact, the four of diem "never had a weekend off until until after Thanksgiving." They travelled from Aurora, Aurora, to Fcnelon Falls, to the Orono Fair. However, those were not the only places; there were many more. "We have a bed at the front of the truck," Glenn explained explained while pointing to his truck while down at the bam. "We stay there with Bert and Ernie," he added. Helen and Glenn both appreciate appreciate and handle the oxen because this hobby isn't just Glenn's. One of the things Glenn would like to sec in the future is an opportunity to take the oxen to Purple Woods during the maple sap run. However, that won't be this year since the sleighs he has right now don't have any boxes on them yet. Sleighs and wagons are just part of the equipment Glenn likes to have for the oxen. Another arc yokes. Currendy, the yokes used on Bert and Ernie are the ones that he can make himself. himself. The yokes are made out of wood and are fitted to the heads of the oxen. "Every head is different. "Now, they won't work for you unless they are comfortable," comfortable," Glenn explains. And, for Bert and Ernie, that means the yokes must fit and their hooves must be shod. "It would be like you. You would not work if your shoes hurt. "When the yoke fits, they will do whatever they arc taught to do," Glenn points out. A wooden yoke can be shaped and fitted for the oxen as they grow. Which is a' good thing when one considers considers that an ox can still be considered considered growing until it reaches five and one-half years old. Glenn's and Helen's oxen arc shod by a ferrier (blacksmith) (blacksmith) in Fenelon Falls once every three months. In the winter, Bert and Ernie Ernie can be found in the 35 to 40 acre woodlot owned by the Andrews' family, hauling logs and firewood for the family's woodstove. Glenn and Helen have had Bert and Ernie since August 1989. --Hard Working Oxen are Popular on the Fair Circuit-- "You ox to be in pictures," seems to be the correct iline of thought when speaking about these two handsome handsome oxen owned by Glenn and Helen Andrews of Patterson Patterson Road, Orono. Glenn and Helen spent most of thé summer travelling to many local fairs. They went from one fair to another to show off Bert (next to Helen) and Ernie (on the right). Family Tree Lighting Kicks Off Christmas Shopping Spree After the 15 foot Christmas tree was officially lit, many Town revellers stayed awhile to listen to carols as sung by the Durham Christian Choir. Many merchants stayed open late as well, offering shoppers free cider and treats. Santa delighted the children by making a surprise appearance at the tree lighting lighting ceremony. He waved and laughed and promised to be back for Christmas Eve. ;i»S$a£BS;i£S£«£S£$SS The wet weather on Thursday evening did nothing to dampen the spirits of these musicians musicians from Bowman- ville High School. The group did a magnificent magnificent job of entertaining entertaining the crowd- which was on hand, for the annual lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Newcastle Newcastle Mayor Diane Hamre' threw the switch to officially illuminate illuminate the downtown downtown tree and to declare declare the Christmas shopping season officially officially in progress. She was assisted by representatives representatives of the Downtown Business Improvement Area. (KSKBctBaiKKiStoBaCBa 'Bert and Ernie' are a Rare Sight in Ontario