By: Christina Hajjar

We often set new years resolutions, but we don’t often keep them.

Mariette Maille, a counselor at Counseling and Consultation Services in Timmins told EZ Rock the most important thing about sticking to our resolutions is to set short term goals. “What’s ironic is that we set goals on a daily basis and we achieve them, but when it comes to setting and achieving new years resolutions, we seem to be highly motivated at the time, but over time we drop out of everything.” She said. “People forget to use the same criteria to set long term goals.”

Maille added it’s important to set short term goals to overcome them in the end. For example, if you were trying to quit smoking, set the first goal of not having a cigarette for an hour, then move to half a day, then a full day. The same goes with weight.

She says the S.M.A.R.T formula is the best way to make sure you stick to your resolutions.

S is for ‘specific’. So if you want to lose weight, you need to be so much more specific. For example, “I want to lose 10 pounds by January 31st.”

M stands for measurable. You need to know every week if you can measure what you are achieving.

A is for action oriented. Maille said you need to strategize in advance. “I’m going to lose ten lbs by January, for example I’m going to go to the gym three times a week, but what we must remember is it has to be enjoyable. If we don’t enjoy going to the gym then we should pick another activity.”

R stands for realistic. Naturally you can’t expect to loose 100 lbs by the end of the month. You always want to make sure you have the time, energy and resources to reach the goal.

T stands for time bound. “I’ve heard before a goal is really a dream with a deadline and that’s what we should have.” Maille said.

Maille couldn’t seem to stress enough that whatever goal a person chooses it should be short term as much as possible. If you do, you have higher chances of ascertaining it. When you do, it boosts your self esteem and self confidence, then you are ready for your next goal.

By Tom Parisi

With snowmobile season to hit full swing the OPP is reminding you to drive safely.

With the recent brash of accidents leading to fatalities, Const. Marc Despatie with the South Porcupin OPP said safety should always be a priority while driving your snowmobile.

“Wearing the proper safety gear like a helmet and warm clothing is always a must, you should also keep a survival kit with you incase you become stranded in remote areas.”

The OPP also patrol trails and surrounding areas to ensure the sfaety of pedestrians and riders.

“We deploy special officers who will stop riders if they are speeding or breaking any law or we beleive may be intoxicated. If you are arrested the charges are very similar to that of drunk driving or accidents involving cars. We’re always looking to keep people safe.”

He says drivers should always have their permits on them and to keep their snowmobiles in top condition to avoid be stranded.

JANUARY 2011
-Shania Twain Marries Boyfriend Frederic Thibaud at a private ceremony before friends and family on New Years Day.
-The Provincial NDP’s are lobbying the Ontario Government, to eliminate the HST from home heating bills. Party leader Andrea Horwath says it’s unfair to saddle Ontarians with the additional costs.
-Racers ages 5 to 18 compete for 3 cups at the annual Boreal Cup. Organizers face mild temperatures, but -the race is still a go.
-28 year old Richard Roy of Chelmsford was injured on the 82 hundred level and rushed to Timmins and District Hospital, where he later died.
-Lakeshore Gold continues to grow, producing over 12 thousand ounces of gold in November and December to end last year. That’s ahead of their 10 thousand ounce goal.
-Shania Twain is in the news again, this time with the announcement that she will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of fame this March.
-Donald Chalmers pleads guilty to one count of careless storage of a weapon. The 26 year old from South Porcupine faces a total of 48 charges.
-After a short hiatus Timmins and District Hospital is re-opening their Outpatient rehab services.
-Former Kapuskasing Mayor and Ontario Minister of Northern Transportation Rene Piche passed away at his home in Orleans after a battle with Cancer. He was 79.
-Council has approves a tender of just over 14 thousand dollars to purchase flowers for parks and recreation areas as well as the city’s downtown core, sparking a debate around the council table.

FEBRUARY 2011
-Some members of council have questions regarding the city’s new waste collection program.
-Councillor Todd Lever wants the city to look at the possibilities at re-instating development charges for contractors, and land owners in the city.
-NDP Leader Jack Layton challenges the Conservative government to show how Canadians have benefitted from Xstrata’s corporate behaviour.
-The first annual young professional awards were tagged as a huge success in the Timmins business community.
-Timmins and District Child and Family Services join forces with CFS partners in Temiskaming and Hearst to form one group.
-Timmins James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson puts pressure the opposition about whether or not they knew Agent Orange was being used by the Ministry of Transportation.

MARCH 2011
-Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren, as well as the Timmins Chamber of Commerce are recognized for their contributions to the Ontario Forest Industry.
-Ontario Government releases Northern Growth Plan, working over the next 25 years to make decisions and investments that improve the economy across the region.
-An accident at the Hoyle Pond Mine has claimed the life of a 57-year old man.
-The City of Timmins announces that Xstrata Copper will provide one time transitional funding of approximately 2 million dollars to assist with the financial challenges associated with the closure of the Kidd Met site.
-The City of Timmins moves forward with a new vision and strategic plan.

APRIL 2011
-One resident dies as a fire destroys the Rainbow Suites retirement complex on Riverside Dr.
-A large sink hole opens up on Father Costello Drive between Goldcorp Lane and Murray Tire Sales.
-550 tickets are sold for the 9th Annual Nova Awards. Outgoing Chamber president Gary Marriot says it shows the community’s dedication to local business.
-The Ontario Professional Foresters Association holds its 54th annual conference and AGM in Timmins.
-After polling 200 of his clients, Roger Picard and his famous Barber Shop poll says 37 percent feel Conservative Bill Greenburg will come out on top. However, incumbent Charlie Angus wins the election; it’s only the third time in 35 polls that Picard’s prediction is inaccurate.

MAY 2011
-Timmins and District Hospital foundation rises close to 2 hundred thousand dollars for the TDH orthopaedic surgery department, at the annual Spring Ball fundraiser.
-Xstrata Kidd Mine was winners of the annual Timmins District Mine Rescue competition.
-Long time hockey coach Mike Mulryan is awarded the Rick F. Albert Memorial award for being instrumental in the area of hockey development.
-Timmins Hosts Canada’s largest gold show as the Northern Mining Exploration Expo.
-Northern College enters into a partnership with Goldcorp Porcupine Gold Mines to offer the common core program in the Timmins Area.
-Olympic Gold Medalist Cindy Klaussen and her sister Lisa attend the Athletes in Action dinner.
-The Manitoulin Islanders announce they will be on the move to Kirkland Lake, where they will be known as the Blue Devils for the 2011-2012 NOJHL season.

JUNE 2011
-The 39th annual Timmins Multi Cultural Festival goes at the McIntyre Arena.
-The Town of Chapleau is named Canada’s 2011 World Fishing Networks Ultimate Fishing Town.
-People in Timmins celebrate National Aboriginal Day
-Timmins James Bay MP Charlie Angus calls out Minister Tony Clement on the spending of 50 million Dollars in Clement’s riding, which was supposed to be used for border infrastructure.
-It couldn’t have been a better day for the opening of Timmins Downtown Urban Park. However, the park sees increased traffic and fantastic weather for the majority of the summer season.
-Staff and students at Queen Elizabeth and Flora MacDonald say goodbyes on as they prepare to move into the new Centennial School opening it’s doors in September. However, later it is announced Centennial School is not ready for the beginning of the school year.
-Timmins Police unveil the newest member of their platoon “Thumper” a 14 year old standard thoroughbred is officially presented with her badge at a special ceremony at the police headquarters.
-Timmins Police chooses it’s new Chief, Inspector John Gauthier announced to take over from Chie Richard Lapperiere on August 1st.


JULY 2012
-Timmins Firefighters responded to a fire at Premiere Recycling, while crews were concerned initially with the fire being so close to the bush, they were able to contain the blaze quickly and extinguish any potential spread. No one was injured.
-Local Golfer Chris Wilson charges up the Canadian Junior Golf Association Rankings. The 17 year old ranked 26th in the County.
-July 8th marked the 100th Anniversary of the Porcupine Fire which devastated the Porcupine Camp. The tragedy was memorialized by a moment of silence.
-The Timmins Native Friendship Centre wins an award for their work and contribution to the community.
-The Timmins Tornado Steve Sullivan signs a one year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins after a number of productive seasons with the Nashville Predators.
-Motorist have to slow down with the newly enforced speed change on Highway 101 in South Porcupine. From 80 KM to 60 KM.

AUGUST 2011
-41 year old Simon Wesley is charged with criminal negligence in connection to a death of a person during a house fire on Birch St N.
-Councillor Steven Black creates buzz around Timmins with discussion of bringing a multi pad arena to the city. The idea gains a lot of positive feedback on social network site Facebook.
-City rolls out new waste collection system. Mixed reaction from city residents, some say the automated system makes life easier, others say the bins are much too big, and hard to handle.
-A sad loss for the Timmins Community. NDP Leader Jack Layton passes away. Jack was familiar face in Timmins working with NDP MP Charlie Angus on many Northern issues.
-August 26th marks the 60 year anniversary of the disappearance and plane crash of Dr. Henry Hudson and Maple Leafs Defenceman Bill Barilko.

SEPTEMBER 2011
-The College school year opens with unionized support staff at Ontario’s community colleges including Northern and College Boreal go on strike. The strike ended September 16th.
-Timmins Police Canine officer Trax passes away from an illness. TPS suspends operation of it’s canine unit.
-Campaigns kickoff for the 2011 Provincial Election.
-Council announces they will not support a report on a new multi pad facility.
-With fall sports season ready to go McIntyre Arena is forced to close it’s doors due to ice conditions.
-After nearly six years without a permanent home, the Timmins Museum and National Exhibition Centre opens it’s doors at their new location off Second Ave.
-Members of CAW local 599 voted in favour of a new 3-year contract that will take them into the year 2014. Averting a strike at the Xstrata Met Site.
-Timmins Chamber of commerce offers congratulates outgoing President Gary Marriot, who passes the gavel to Christine Leclair at the Chambers AGM.
-Accused Shania Twain stalker Dr. John Palumbo changes his plea to guilty.

OCTOBER 2011
-The Timmins Anniversary Committee announced the city’s centennial will begin with a musical and figure skating event at the McIntyre Arena, including Elvis Stojko.
-Incumbent MPP Gilles Bisson wins another election for the NDP. Bisson edged out Leonard Rickard of the Liberals and Al Spacek of the Conservatives.
-Porter Airlines announces they will be setting up a terminal at Timmins Victor. M Power Airport, with full service flights starting in January of 2012.
-Mayor Tom Laughren addressed the city saying Timmins has a very diverse economy and is excelling in many areas, including recycling which has gone up between 20 and 25 per cent from previous years.
-A 14-man expedition recovers the plane wreckage of Dr. Henry Hudson and Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bill Barilko, north of Cochrane. A full documentary of the recovery is to be produced. CBC’s Elliott Friedman travels to Timmins to produce an “Up Close” piece for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.
-Mobile customers in the Gogama, and Watershed areas able to access NorthernTel’s 4G network.
-Steve Sullivan plays in his 900th NHL game against the team which drafted him the New Jersey Devils.
-The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund holds their Mining Ready Summit at the Days Inn. The summit is all about bringing first nation and industry representatives from various mining companies together to discover the benefits the industry brings to community.
-A community group enters a bid in the Aviva Insurance Community Fund competition to bring a Sports Heritage hall of Fame to Timmins. The bid advances to the semi finals but falls short in the end. Organizers call it a success.

NOVEMBER 2011
-Timmins James Bay MP Charlie Angus brings awareness to the fact many residents in Attawapiskat have no shelter or running water. Angus declares it a state of emergency.
-OPP escort a convoy carrying a large mill unit consisting of three 60 ton cylinder’s to Lake Shore Gold Corp. The mill was purchased from Chile before it began it’s journey across the ocean.
-A helicopter crashes near Kapuskasing claiming the life of three people from the North Bay area.
-The city officially opens their new transit building.
-The Oppenheimer family sells their 40 percent stake in De Beers to American company Anglo American, ending an 80-year ownership of the company. The sale was reportedly for five-point-one billion dollars.
-Theriault High School’s Boys Cross Country team battles chilly temperatures, but is golden once again at the OfSAA Championships in Ottawa.
-Participating restaurants in Dining for a Cause raise just under 15-thousand dollars to go towards a new infant warmer for T&DH.
-A three alarm blaze destroys two out of three barns at local Haasen dairy farm.
-Facing a third straight year of losing over 3 million dollars, President and CEO of TDH Roger Walker says the plan is to eliminate 38 full time positions, reducing the debt by two million dollars.
-DeBeers Canada and the Victor Mine are recognized for outstanding achievement in Crisis Management, Tailing Management and Community Outreach. They receive the honour from the Canadian Mining Association.
-City council voted unanimously to move forward with a hotel and restaurant on Riverside Dr.

DECEMBER 2011
-The Asthma Clinic receives a cheque of just over 21 thousand dollars, thanks to generous residents of Timmins who bid for a cause at the T and D H Charity Auction November 23rd.
-Attawapiskat band Chief Theresa Spence says the federal government’s third party manager who was ejected from the reserve isn’t welcome.
-Timmins James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson says Northern Ontario Roadways are not being maintained properly. Bisson says motorists used to feel safe during the winter months.
-Rogers Communications and Bell team up to buy a 75 per cent stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
-Timmins City Council agrees to put money into the budget for a multi-pad arena feasibility study.
-The T&DH Auxiliary Presents a cheque to the Hospital Foundation for 81 thousand five-hundred dollars Tuesday. President and CEO of the hospital Roger Walker says the money will go towards buying new equipment in the New Year.
-Xstrata announces expansion to the Kidd mine in Timmins has been completed on time, and under budget. The expansion will extend operations at least until the first half of 2018.
-Const. Nicolas Moland-Osbourne of the Timmins Police receives the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery. He and three other firemen were presented with the Medal by Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David Onley.

-Timmins – James Bay MP Charlie Angus is named one of the top MPs in Canada, only the late Jack Layton and Prime Minister Stephen Harper are ahead in the poll.

By: Christina Hajjar

An Iroquois Falls man is facing five charges, including two counts of assaulting a police officer.

The Ontario Provincial Police responded to a call where Craig Chasse is alleged to have assaulted a neighbour and uttered death threats to him.

Constable Marc Depatie told EZ Rock, the two officers were also assaulted.

“While attempting to arrest the subject, both officers were assaulted. One sustained a bite to a hand, the other sustained kicks to the shin and knee. The cruiser also sustained some damage in the course of the arrest.” He said.

The incident happened on Christmas day.

By: Christina Hajjar

A 30-year-old Chelmsford man has been killed in a tragic single vehicle snowmobile collision.

Gogama OPP responded to the emergency call Tuesday evening when Alexci Gariepy’s snowmobile struck a rock cut.

Constable Marc Depatie with the OPP told EZ Rock Gariepy was with other snowmobilers when it happened.

“It appears that he had been out snowmobiling with a group of other enthusiasts and they made their way back to the camp. At that point they realized they were no longer together as a group and mounted a search to locate the collision site.” He said.

Depatie added the collision happened in a very remote area, about 50 kms north of mile marker 43, off of the Sultan Industrial Road.

Gariepy was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to Timmins and District Hospital and later transferred to Sudbury for an autopsy.

OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators are working alongside OPP Forensic Identification officers are at the scene to determine the root cause of the fatal collision.

CITY SERVICES:

Waste Collection:
The waste collection schedule will be as follows during the holidays:
• Normal Monday collection on December 26 will be done on December 27
• Regular service resumes on January 2, 2012.

The Deloro Landfill schedule will be as followed:
• December 24 – Closed at 2:00 pm
• December 26, 26 – Closed
• December 27, Open 8:00 am to 3:45 pm
• December 31 – Closed at 2:00 pm
• January 2, Open 8:00 am to 3:45 pm

City Hall:
• Dec. 23 (closed at 2:30 pm)
• Dec. 26, 27 closed
• Dec. 30 (closed at 3:30 pm)
• Jan. 2 closed

Police
Business offices, including the Collision Reporting Centre:
• Dec. 23 (closed at 2:30 pm)
• Dec. 26 , 27 closed
• Dec. 30 (closed at 3:30 pm)
• Jan. 1, 2 closed
All services provided by our uniform complement remain unchanged.

Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool
• Dec. 24 (Pool closes at 12:15 pm)
• Dec. 25,, 26, 27 closed
• Dec. 30 (closed at 2:00pm)
• Jan. 1 & 2 closed

Timmins Museum: NEC
• Dec. 23 (closed at 2:00 pm)
• Dec .24, 25, 26, 27 closed
• Dec. 28 & 29 (Open 9 am to 5 pm)
• Dec. 30 (closed at 2:00 pm)
• Dec. 31 closed
• Jan. 1 & 2 closed

Shania Twain Centre
• Dec. 23 (closed 2:30 pm)
• Dec. 24, 25, 26, & 27 closed
• Dec. 30 (closed 3:30 pm)
• Dec. 31 closed
• Jan. 1 & 2 closed

LCBO (From LCBO website)

LCBO stores will open at regular hours and close at 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, and on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31.
All LCBO stores and head office will be closed on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, Boxing Day, Monday, December 26 and New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012. LCBO stores and the helloLCBO Contact Centre will re-open on Tuesday, December 27

Walmart:
Christmas Eve open until 6 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
Boxing Day open 7 a.m.

Food Basics:
Open Christmas Eve until 6 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
Open Boxing Day 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dailey’s Independent
Open Christmas Eve 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Christmas
Open Boxing Day 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

No Frills
Christmas Eve open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open Boxing day 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Metro
Christmas Eve close at 6 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
Open Boxing Day 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
December 27, open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
December 28, opens at 8 a.m. and stays open right through to New Years Eve.

By: Christina Hajjar

The Hollinger Park skating rink is Officially open!

Mayor Tom Laughren along with JP Legault of Panels and Pipes officially launched the inaugural season with a “Skate about” Thursday morning.

Mayor Tom Laughren Told EZ Rock the rink will benefit everyone.

“This is something that people will really enjoy. You know we had a tough start with the weather, but I think as this goes into the rest of December, January February, this is something families can enjoy and get some exercise. We’re very proud of Mr. Legault and his group, and the partnership we have to make this happen for the citizens.” He said.

Legault, owner of Panels and Pipes told EZ Rock what he hopes the rink will bring to Timmins.

“I like to see the kids skating around and seeing every coming in to be a part of it, it’s very important. I want the public to use it, the people to have fun and the community to come together.” Legault added it took a lot of work to put the rink together, but he’s happy with the outcome saying, with a hint of pride, “we’ve managed to put a skating rink on the park.”

If any non profit organizations would like to volunteer, Legault said they can call Panels and Pipes head office at 1-877-267-8245.

The rink has benches, change areas, and loud music to skate to as well as hot chocolate to warm you up.
Here is a video of the Mayor and Legault taking the first office “skate about”.

By Tom Parisi

It’s been a busy year for Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus.

With the death of NDP leader Jack Layton, uncovering the G8 spending controversy and being a mentor to young MPs, Angus says even with all that on his plate our riding has ever looked better.

“Gold and other mineral prices should stay steady and the new will offer a breath of fresh for us in parliament. We’re hoping to have a new leader soon and I’ll continue to fight for this riding.”

Angus also pointed out some onf the highlights of this year.

“I had the privilege of knowing Jack Layton on a personal level and his passing was sad for all of us but we’v perservered and this is the proudest I’ve ever been to be in office.”

Uncovering the G8 spending controversy and being named one of the top MPs in Canada were high durin g the year for Angus.

With the ongoing housing crisis in Attawapiskat, Angus says he’s glad to see people are starting to get the message.

“We’ve got the United Nations on our side now and Canada is starting to realize just how bad some of these families have it up north.”

Angus said with all the young and enw MPs becoming accustomed to life in parliament, the next year should be fun and interesting for the NDP.

Garett Chisholme

Giving back to the community, and helping out those in need is a big part of the curriculum for students taking social justice at O’Gorman High School.

So when Haasen Farms suffered a major loss from a fire earlier this month, the staff and students thought it would be the perfect opportunity to give back.

The school has been raising money as part of their advent, and plans on presenting a cheque to the Haasen family on Friday.

Timmins –Robert Perrault, Chairperson of the Timmins and District Hospital Foundation board of directors, presented the Foundation with a cheque for $500 from RBC. Accepting the donation on behalf of the Foundation was Ryan Taylor, a Foundation Board Member.

RBC donated the funds through their Employee Volunteer Grant program. The program recognizes employees and retirees for the good works they do in their personal time, by volunteering in their communities. Employees and retirees who donate more than 40 hours per year to a charitable organization can apply for a grant of up to $500 for their organization. Since 1999, RBC has made over 19,500 grants and donated more that $8.5 million to celebrate our employees’ volunteer efforts globally.

Mr. Perrault, a retired RBC Employee, is dedicated to donating his time to the hospital through the Foundation. Mr. Perreault volunteers his time as Chairperson of the Foundation’s board of directors. “I’ve been Chairperson of the Foundation since 1999 and every year, RBC has made a donation based on the amount of time I volunteer.” Mr. Perrault explained that this program applies to all RBC employees, including the ones who are retired.

Ryan Taylor expressed the gratitude of the Foundation: “We are grateful for the generosity and support of RBC through their Employee Volunteer Grant program and we are grateful for Mr. Perrault’s tireless commitment and work on behalf of the Foundation in the role of Chairperson.”

The money received will be allocated towards the purchase of medical equipment as part of the 2011 Foundation Fundraising Campaign.