Leons Opens

Officials with one of Canada's oldest furniture companies says Fort Frances is a good fit for their business.

Leon's Fort Frances officially opens at 12 noon today.

Franchise manager Nelson Sampson says they have no problem having stores in smaller communities.

"It grounds us a company," says Sampson. "It makes us remember what our roots are and what really the customers Leons' has and the industry has who rooted in small communities like this."

Yesterday, local dignitaries gathered with local franchise holder Mark Howarth and staff for a private celebration.

Palliative Care Discussed with Feds

Two Lakehead University Researchers are speaking with the Federal Government about palliative care in northern Ontario.

Dr. Mary Lou Kelley says they're telling the feds how they can better help residents who want to die at home.

"It isn't mandatory from the federal government to fund community services," says Kelly. "We feel the federal government should make a chance in that respect and then they should establish a palliative end-of-life care strategy."

They're also hoping to see cultural training for those providing palliative care in first nations.

Tourism Group Work Continues

The work toward creating a new tourism marketing zone for northern Ontario continues.

Paul Pepe is part of a nineteen member transition team set up to a establish the new tourism organization.

"We've been putting together the terms of reference and the transition plan for the Ministry," says Pepe, "and working towards that legal incorporation of the organizations that can then go out and appoint its inaugural board of directors."

Pepe says the northern zone has been broken up into three sub-regions with $1.54 million allocated for northwestern Ontario.

Students Trick or Treating for Can Goods

Some teenagers in Fort Frances and Emo will be among the treat-or-treaters this Sunday.

Natalie Hyatt, who will be among them, says they won't be asking for candy.

"The students will be trick-or-treating for can goods and non-perishable food items instead of candy," says Hyatt. "They will then be given to Safeway and the number of food items we collect will be matched by both Campbell's and Shaw and donated to the local food bank."

Hyatt says the students are part of a new high school group called "Saving Faces" that aims to help a variety of charitable organizations.

I. Falls Thinking Christmas

The International Falls Chamber of Commerce is thinking about Christmas.

President Faye Whitbeck says they're putting out a call to groups and organizations on both sides of the border interested in taking part in this year's 'Twas the Lights before Christmas Parade.

"We're just hoping they can get it on their calenders, get it in their schedules, to get employees together to have a company float," says Whitbeck, "friends to gather together in somebody's garage to build a float, or families to plan those little costumes for the youngsters to walk in the parade."

The parade is November 26th.

Registration can be made by calling the chamber office.

Indian Culture Celebrated

India's Festival of Lights, Diwali, will be celebrated at St. John's Anglican Church in Fort Frances this weekend.

It is the Indian equivalent to Christmas and celebrated around the world.

Wayne McIntosh, one of the organizers, says the Church will host an authentic East Indian supper Saturday in recognition.

"We're going to be having at least twelve dishes," says McIntosh, "and they will all be authentic and made from scratch. There will be vegetarian and non-vegetarian."

Tickets for the supper can be purchased by calling Sarah Gervais at 274-5872.