Wednesday, April 21, 2010

District Living

B1

Regional trio setting sights on national science fair

By Peggy Revell Staff writer There were rockets, plants, potatoes, maple syrup, tornadoes, and more as students from as far away as Red Lake were at J.W. Walker School here Saturday to compete in the 2010 Sunset Country Regional Science Fair. And of these 25 students from Grades 4-8, three now will be heading to Peterborough on May 15-23 to compete in the CanadaWide Science Fair. It feels great, Im really excited to go on, enthused J.W. Walker student Chelsey Skirten after capturing the overall gold medal in the intermediate division. Skirtens winning project, Feel the Pressure, looked at how different genres of music affected blood pressure. I liked doing the [presentation] board and just doing the experiment, she said about her favourite part of the project. Its just fun. Doing the experiment was the best part of the science fair projects, agreed fellow J.W. Walker student Hailey Beaudry, who came in second place overall for her project, Solutions for Seeds, and also will be heading to Peterborough next month. She said working on her project was interesting and a great experience. [Wed] like to thank our teacher, Mrs. Bonner-Vickers, Beaudry added. Both Skirten and Beaudry said they are looking forward to the experience of travelling to Peterborough, as well as to see all the different projects which students from across Canada have put together. Meanwhile, coming in third place overall was Madison Bigelow from Ear Falls, whose project tested which picker-upper was the most efficient and cost-effective for cleaning up spills. The bronze-medal win was very exciting, he remarked. This is the first time Ive ever been to a science fair out of town, and the first time Ive ever done science fair, he noted. Bigelow said hes a very big fan of science, and that the best part of working on the project was doing the experiments because its the most exciting part of any projectdoing things hands-on. I learned that I shouldnt give up, he added, admitting there were points during the project when he wanted to because of all the work it took, but didnt. As for the trip to Peterborough next month, Bigelow said he is looking forward to it for a lot of reasonsone being that hes never been to southern Ontario before. Its exciting for them that are going. They get to have exposure and see all the other science projects, noted J.W. Walker teacher Jody Bonner-Vickers, one of the regional science fair organizers who also will be accompanying the students to the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Its going to be a amazing for them. It looks really fun-filled, she added about the national fair, which is organized by Youth Science Canada. Besides having their science projects judged and shown, the students will have full days of touring different sites and activities. Im really pleased with the way that things went today, BonnerVickers said about Saturdays regional science fair. Personally, I really liked seeing the energy and the enthusiasm from the students, she noted. Like the boy in Grade 4 with the rocketshe was so excited about his science fair project and he just wanted to share it. Bonner-Vickers added plans already are in the works for another regional fair next year, although which school in the area will host it remains unknown. We had some amazing sponsorship, she said about this years event, noting the Rainy River District School Board has been extremely supportive of the fair. I think its really important that we reward academics as well as sports, so this is a venue for the kids who like the academics and Please see Regional, B4

Amber Gibson was one of two people who had their head shaved for Cuts for Cancer, which was held Saturday at the Hair and Body Care Shoppe in Emo in conjunction with Spring Fever Days festivities. Besides collecting $200 to donate to the cause, Gibson also generously gave her long hair to one of the organizations that make wigs for cancer patients Dave Ogilvie photo across Canada. The other person who got their head shaved on Saturday was Laurel Armstrong.

By Dave Ogilvie Emo correspondent

Weather perfect antidote for Spring Fever

Holding up the potatoes he turned into circuits, Stephen Stechishen came all the way from Red Lake to participate in the 2010 Sunset Country Regional Science Fair held Saturday at J.W. Walker School here. Some 25 students from across the region participated, with the top three in the intermediate division advancing to the Canada-Wide Science Fair next Peggy Revell photo month.

The weather was just about perfect for the Emos 42nd-annual Spring Fever Days festivities on April 15-17. The three-day event involved local businesses and organizations from Emo and the surrounding area. On Thursday, the official opening of the annual event focused on the kick-off of the Nestor Falls Marine boat show at the Emo Arena. Other presenters in the arena consisted of Meck outdoor wood stoves, Vigor-CleanTech solar systems, Channys Photography, Earth Works Pottery, and Freedom 55 Financial. Royal Canadian Legion Br. #99 members who were selling tickets in the arena also had a table set up on Front Street. People gathered around Ted Corrigan and the other volunteers to check out the top prize of two four-wheelers and the nine other great prizes. Ticket sales, brisk throughout the three-day event, will continue until the draw on Saturday, May 29 during the Emo Walleye Classic. Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket can do so at many of the businesses around town. Meanwhile, Tompkins Hardwares boat, solar, and water conditioning in-store show got off to a great start Friday and continued to be one of the busiest locations during Spring Fever Days. Borderland Esso and Degagne Equipment also attracted many visitors, who checked out their lawn and garden products. On Friday, the sun and pleasant temperatures brought even more visitors to Emo. Several new activities began on Friday, including the Pioneer Museums Giant Flee Market on the grounds of the W.I. museum, the book sale at the Emo Public Library, Knox United Churchs Penny Table, and the minor hockey associations barbecue at the arena. The Emo & District Hospital Auxiliary, in the process of raising money for new digital X-ray equipment for the Emo Health Centre, held a tag day and a raffle on Front Street on Friday and Saturday. Organizers were pleased with the support and donations they received from those who stopped by their table. The Crafts Galore sale at the Emo Legion also attracted many visitors on both Friday and Saturday. Those who stopped by Please see Weather, B4

Above, Nestor Falls Marines display of boats at the Emo Arena during Spring Fever Days in Emo on Thursday through Saturday attracted a great many interested visitors. Tanner Neilson (left), Jeremy Haw, and Ryder Sinninghe (driving) certainly were interested in a least one of the many crafts on display. Below, Linda Carmody bought a ticket and donated money to the Emo & District Hospital Auxiliary. Heather Oltsher and Chris Hartry (seated) were among the volunteers who spent time at the table on Front Street collecting donations and ticket money that will go to help purchase a new digital addition to the Emo Health Dave Ogilvie photos Centres existing X-ray machine.

fof_20100421_B08_01_k.indd 1

4/20/10 5:51:34 PM

B4 FORT FRANCES TIMES

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Weather antidote for Spring Fever

More from B1 purchased local crafts, placed tickets on the favourite penny table items, and visited with friends and relatives. Saturday, the main day of the festivities, began with the traditional pancake breakfast at the Christian Reformed Church. Several of the tables already were full shortly after organizers opened the doors at 7:30 a.m. Traffic was busy all morning as the Dorcas Society, members of the Coffee Break group, and male volunteers from the church and community served up a delicious meal of pancakes, sausages, and fruit. Meanwhile, the 5K run/walk organized by Rejuvenate Fitness began in front of the gym at 9 a.m. About 40 serious runners and walkers of all ages paid $10 to take part in this annual event, with money raised to go to support the fundraising efforts of the hospital auxiliary. The top five runners were Avery Adrian (who also won last years race), Peter Penner, Jeff Tilbury, Jenny Hammond, and Ed Hammond. The great weather also brought out a large group of vintage and antique car enthusiasts. Many of the visitors to Emo stopped by Norlunds to admire the vehicles and talk to the owners of these amazing cars and trucks. At noon, the antique vehicles paraded down Front Street and back to the hospital before dispersing. Lunch on Saturday was avail-

Its always great when the weather co-operates. T om Mosbeck

able at several locations around town. The Emo rec council, for one, served up hotdogs and smokies on Front Street while minor hockey was selling food at the arena. There also was a barbecue at Degagne Equipment at the west end of town. Another busy location on Saturday was the Hair and Body Care Shoppe, where Cuts for Cancer continues to be a popular event during Spring Fever Days. Although only two people actually had their heads shaved, the amount of money raised was impressive. Laurel Armstrong, whose daughters previously took part in this event, was the first to sit in the chair. She managed to raise about $1,000. The other volunteer was Amber Gibson, who not only raised $200 but also donated her long hair to one of the wig-making organizations. Money collected from haircuts that morning also will be added to the total for Cuts for Cancer. Saturday also was the wind-up to Knox United Churchs Penny Table. The fantastic theme baskets quickly became the talk to the town, with a steady stream of visitors dropping tickets into the containers of the favourite ones. The quality of each basket was indicative of the time and thought
Wise customers read the fine print: +Your local retailer may charge additional fees for administration/pre-delivery that can range from $0 to $1,098 and anti-theft/safety products that can range from $0 to $1,298. Charges may vary by retailer. See local retailer for complete pricing information. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. This contest is open to Ontario residents over the age of 21, except some employees of Chrysler Canada Inc., and persons with whom they are domiciled with or their family members, its retailers and related companies and fleet customers. Entrants who purchase/lease or test drive a new 2010 vehicle at a participating Ontario Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram retailer between April 21st and April 30th, will receive a unique PIN to be entered online at www.spintowinapril.ca. There are twenty-one (21) trips for two (2) available to be won, consisting of flight and hotel accommodations, based on double occupancy. Dates of travel are between July 8, 2010 and December 15, 2010. If trips are not taken within the timeframe, Grand Prize will be forfeited. A random draw will take place on or about May 10th, 2010 in Oakville, Ontario. Odds of winning depend on total number of eligible entries received. Winner and companion must have valid passports three (3) weeks before date of travel. Winners must correctly answer a skill-testing question and sign a declaration/release. Complete details, including No Purchase method of entry, at www.spintowinapril.ca. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Offers subject to change without notice. See participating retailer for complete details and conditions. $27,999 Purchase Price applies to 2010 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 (24A+AGR) only and includes $5,750 Consumer Cash Discount and $500 Bonus Cash Offer. See participating retailer for complete details. Price includes freight ($1,400), air tax, tire levy and OMVIC fee. Price excludes licence, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees, other retailer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Retailers may sell for less. *Consumer Cash Discounts are offered on most new 2009/2010 vehicles and are manufacturer-to-retailer incentives, which are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. Amounts vary by vehicle. See your retailer for complete details. **Bonus Cash is offered on all new and unused 2010 vehicles except Dodge Challenger, Dodge Caliber CVP and Caliber SE PLUS and Sprinter models. Bonus Cash is a manufacturer-to-retailer incentive which will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes. See your retailer for complete details. 0% purchase financing for 36 months available to qualified customers on approved credit through Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, TD Financing Services and GMAC on most 2010 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram models, except Challenger, Caliber Canada Value Package and SE Plus, Grand Caravan Canada Value Package and Cargo Van, Sprinter and Ram Chassis Cab. Example: Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 (24A+AGR) with a Purchase Price of $27,999 financed at 0% for 36 months equals monthly payments of $777.75; cost of borrowing of $0 and a total obligation of $27,999. Price includes freight ($1,400), air tax, tire levy and OMVIC fee. Prices exclude licence, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees, other retailer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Retailers may sell for less. Ram 1500 offers the most powerful V8 under 6.0 litres in its class. Based on U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) scoring system for 2010 model year Ram 1500. 2010 Ram Crew 1500 Laramie with optional equipment shown. Price including applicable Consumer Cash Discount/Bonus Cash Offer: $43,735. Prices include freight ($1,400), air tax, tire levy and OMVIC fees. Prices exclude licence, insurance, registration, any retail administration fees, other retailer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Retailers may sell for less. SIRIUS and the dog logo are registered trademarks of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. The Best Buy Seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications LLC, used under license.

that church and community members put into creating these amazing prizes. Organizers were extremely pleased with the efforts of those who contributed to the baskets, as well as the generous support of those who purchased tickets. The only disappointment of this years Spring Fever Days was the lack of participation in the Poker Walkabout. This years organizer, Gaydonna Baker, who took over from Tompkins Hardware, is not sure why more people didnt take part. Anyone with suggestions on how to improve this event for next year can contact her at Rejuvenate Fitness. Finally, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, the winners of the Emo gift certificates were drawn at Tompkins Hardware. Melanie McCready of Dryden won the $500 up for grabs while James OSullivan and Don Kress each won $250. Everyone involved in this years festivities were extremely pleased with the great weather and the large number of people who stopped by Emo to find a cure for their spring fever. It was probably the best crowd weve had in several years, noted Don Foster of Nestor Falls Marine. Its always great when the weather co-operates, echoed Tom Mosbeck of Tompkins Hardware.

Motorist charged for using cellphone

Press release Rainy River District OPP officers would like to remind drivers that as of Feb. 1, it is illegal in Ontario for drivers to use any hand-held communications and entertainment devices while operating their vehicles. Since the introduction of this law in October, the focus was on educating drivers about the new legislation. Officers are observing the number of people using their hand-held cellular phones has decreased, but we are concerned about the large number of drivers who continue to engage in this dangerous activity. This past Friday, the Rainy River District Traffic Unit was conducting routine patrols and spotted a driver using a hand-held cellular phone. The driver was charged and issued a fine of $155. The OPP wants to remind drivers the legislation regulates the use of hand-held devices such as cellphones. A cellphone and similar devices only may be used as a hands-free device.

Wendy Danylchuk took her time deciding on her favourite basket at Knox United Churchs Theme Basket penny table during Spring Fever Days in Emo. The theme baskets quickly became a hit with visitors to the arena.
Dave Ogilvie photo

Trio off to national science fair

More from B1 want to excel in the academics, she reasoned. While still too young to be heading down to the national science fair, taking first place overall for the junior division was Jessica Gelderland of Red Lake, who called her win amazing considering she won silver in her own schools science fair. And its a great thing to be here because last year there was no place to go because our school couldnt find a [local fair], she added. Friction was the subject of Gelderlands project. And like the others, she said her favourite part was all the testing and experimenting. Alexander Laevens took silver overall in the junior division, with the overall bronze medal going to Kate Menard. At the junior level in the engineering/applied sciences category, first went to Gelderland, second to Laevens, and third to David RossGiesbrecht. For physical sciences, first went to Morgan Ryczek, second to Noah Johnson, and third to Nicole Baransky. And for life sciences, first went to Menard, second to Carrie Lynn Crampton, and third to Seanna Geary. At the intermediate level, first place in life sciences went to Skirten, second to Beaudry, and third to Jonah Cawston and Cole Edwards. For engineering/applied sciences, first place went to Bigelow, second to Stephen Stechishen, and third to Matt Stuart and Adam Van Ael. I want to commend all the presenters today, as well as all the judges and organizing committee, especially Mrs. Jody BonnerVickers, because of the work that they all put into this, said RRDSB Director of Education Heather Campbell, who was on hand at the awards ceremony to help present the prizes and certificates to students. It really celebrates the importance of science and research, she added.

2010 Ram Crew 1500 Laramie shown.

5 STAR SAFETY
NHTSA 5 Star Frontal Impact

TEST DRIVE OR PURCHASE ANY 2010 CHRYSLER, JEEP , DODGE, RAM VEHICLE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO

WIN 1 OF 21 TRIPS FOR 2 TO LAS VEGAS

2010 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB SXT 4X4

PURCHASE FOR

INCLUDES $5,750 CONSUMER CASH* $500 BONUS CASH** FREIGHT, AIR TAX, TIRE LEVY , , AND OMVIC FEE. TAXES EXCLUDED. OTHER RETAILER CHARGES MAY APPLY+.

Canadas Most Powerful Light Duty Pickup

27,999

PLUS GET

310 hp 4.7L Flex Fuel V8 engine 5-speed automatic transmission Electric shift-on-the-fly, part-time 4WD Electronic Stability Program (ESP TM) with Hill Start Assist, Roll Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control and Brake Assist 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels Bright front and rear bumpers Air conditioning Power, heated, foldaway mirrors Side-curtain air bags Speed control Power front windows and locks 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS SIRIUS Satellite Radio

PURCHASE FINANCING
FOR 36 MONTHS

Red Lake student Nicole Baranesky recreated a miniature tornado as part of the project she entered in the regional science fair held Saturday. Peggy Revell photo

VISIT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD CHRYSLER, JEEP , DODGE, RAM RETAILER.

DON_1025_KB_RAM_LV.indd 1

4/16/10 6:33:43 PM