The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

durhamregion.com THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ NOVEMBER 23,2005 ♦ PAGE A9 Knowing when to fold 'em Program gives volunteers opportunity to host immigrant Preventing youth from making bad bets BY JULIAN FOLLERT Staff Writer DURHAM -- Kenny Rogers famously said you've got to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em. It's tough advice to follow, especially for young and inexperienced gamblers caught up in the thrill of big risks and/or the stress relief of becoming immersed in a game. According to the Province's Responsible Responsible Gambling Council, youth 18-24 are twice as likely as older adults to develop a gambling problem, a reality not helped by the recent popularity of online games and televised poker tournaments. "Youth are used to getting messages about things like alcohol and safe sex, but there are big risks associated with gambling too," said Laurie Bell, director of. prevention programs at the council. "We hear about students blowing their OSAP loans on a game of Texas hold'em, or ruining relationships because of gam- 'It's self-soothing behaviour, because it allows them to disassociate from their environment.' - Steve Chiasson bling addictions. It can really affect their lives." In an effort to reach young people before problems start, the Responsible Gambling Council is sending a troupe of actors across the province, to perform a play called Caught in the Game that teaches high school students about the risks associated with gambling. This is the sixth year for the program, which will touch down at R.S. McLaughlin McLaughlin CV1 and Mon. John Pereyma CSS in Oshawa, at the end of this month. "We don't have a big problem with gambling but we want to be proactive and teach the students up front that there are hazards," said McLaughlin principal Karen Allan. "In the past, some schools , in the area have had problems with students students gambling with dice and we want to avoid anything like that." Durham's Pinewood Centre has been offering problem gambling services since 1997 and according to counsellor Steve Chiasson, the number of youth seeking this kind of help is on the rise. He said while there is no common pathology or characteristic that all young gambling addicts share, emotional vul- • nerability is often a key factor. "It. surprises people to find out that youth often aren't gambling for money, they're doing it because-it helps them get relief from stress, or anxiety or grief," Mr. Chiasson explained. "It's self-soothing self-soothing behaviour, because it allows them to disassociate from their environment." At Pinewood, youth struggling with gambling problems can attend one of two weekly support groups and can also talk with counsellors like Mr. Chiasson, who are certified to specifically treat problem gambling. These services are available in Oshawa, Ajax and Port Perry. DURHAM - Volunteers are being sought to help newcomers to Canada feel at home. The Community Development Council Durham needs volunteers for its Host Program, which matches new immigrants in Durham Region with current residents. The volunteers provide friendship, support support and help as the newcomers adapt to life in Canada. A volunteer helps his or her match find major services in the area, enrol children in school, learn how to use public transit, and anything else the newcomer needs assistance with. In turn, the volunteer gets the chance to make new friends, leam about another country, a different language and culture. An information meeting is being held Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. in the Community Development Council Durham Durham offices, 134 Commercial Ave„ Ajax. Those planning to attend should call to confirm attendance. New immigrants can also attend. It's funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. For more information, information, call host program co-ordinator Mahmood Mustafa at 905-686-2661. |ii hum 1 \ : n < MESSIAH BROKEN Wft SSSi ■ ■ REs .D? 1 FREE PEPUCTIBL E 1 \ . r V r ; : I p - ON MOST INSURANCE CLAIMS \ | AUTO GLASS [ Dlv. of 1303459 Ontario Ltd. 164 Baseline Rd. E., Bowmanville 90S 623-8451 FREE MOBILE SERVICE 1-800-658-3904 Guaranteed Urethane Installation Coupon Expires November 29,2005 Some Restrictions Apply COUPON COUPON COUPON COUPON Sunday, November 27. '200 ) ( hi i i (,i V \ k k Si \ i s m n \> \ |)\ I \ I I > I ( III k< tl ; I , ; k ; \. N i r i ■ : ! \N i « ■ ' ! \" \ « . ! : ; ; ! . • < n ., ' \ .» ' \ • ' I •' WANTED HOMES THAT NEED ROOFING A select number of homeowners in Durham Region will be . given the opportunity to have a lifetime METALWORKS STEEL SHINGLE roof installed on their home at a reasonable cost ! If we could use your home in our campaign to showcase the | look of our "Quarry Slate" or "Cedar Shingle" roof, we will definitely make it worth your while. Metalworks shingles are guaranteed for a lifetime and are available in a choice of colours to complement any home. As a display home participant, you will receive attractive savings and will have access to our special o.a.c. low interest unsecured bank financing. This limited offer will be serviced on a first come, first served basis. Call today to see if your home qualifies. www.TheLastRoof.com -866-894-4040 email: metalworics@bil-den.com OUR LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR! WOMEN'S SLINKY GLITTER TOP Styles as shown. • assorted colours ' polyester-spandex • available in our Dress Shop Sears req. 39.99. Ea. 19.99 few* OUR LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR! WOMEN'S Jessica sport®/*" TURTLENECK SWEATER Style as shown. il • assorted colours • viscose-nylon-cotton Sears reg. 39.99.19.99 90! CAI Each OUR LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR! MEN'S DOCKERS® LONG-SLEEVED CASUAL SPORTSHIRTS REG.-PRICED AT $60 OUR LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR! GIRLS' NEVADA® 3-TIER DENIM SKIRT, SIZES 4-6X • cotton #52012. Sears reg. 21.99. Also available In sizes 2-3X OUR LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR! WOMEN'S SELECTED Jessica®/*" REG.-PRICEI CHRISTMAS KNIT PYJAMAS Sears reg. 39.99. Set 19.99 Use your Sears Card on all furniture*, sleep sets, major appliances, sewing machines and vacuums** and "tolled Double Sears Club Points On approved credit. Offer does not apply to taxes, deferral or installment billing fees, maintenance agreement, delivery or installation charges. For Catalogue and on-line orders, quote bonus offer number 9416 22458 to receive your Double Sears Club Points. Excludes items in our Liqu'dation/Outlet stores. Offer ends Sun., Nov. 27, or where closed, Sat., Nov. 26,2005. Ask for details. Unless otherwise stated, optional financing programs do not qualify for Sears Club Points. ♦D/601 Furniture Shop; excludes baby and patio furniture In Sears Retail Mall stores, ♦♦D/620 Sewing S Floor Care Shop; excludes wet/dry vacs save OUR LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR! CRAFTSMAN 14.4V, 3/8" CORDLESS DRILL/DRIVER #22541. Sears reg. 99.99. 39.99