The Government of Ontario has this to say about putting winter tires on your vehicle: winter tires improve traction and control in frost, snow and icy conditions and shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent.

You can get a discount on your auto insurance – ask your insurance provider. Be sure to install four winter tires – never mix different types of tires on one vehicle. Check your tires regularly for wear and pressure. Cold weather can bring down your tire pressure, and worn or damaged tires make it harder to drive safely.

The easiest way to know a tire has been designed specifically for severe snow conditions is to look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol right on the tire. All-season tires are not the same as winter tires and can start to lose grip at seven degrees Celsius. Studded tires provide similar stopping distances as winter tires in most conditions but are less effective on bare pavement. They are re not allowed in southern Ontario, unless you’re visiting from out-of-province or a resident of northern Ontario.

Hillier Seniors Luncheon Social

Come on out and enjoy good food and conversation with old and new friends at the Hillier Town Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at noon. The menu features homemade soup, beef and vegetable stew, potatoes, vegetable, warm dessert, bread and butter, coffee and tea and will be catered by Bill Grieve, the chef with Wheelhouse and Occasions Catering. The cost is $10 per person.

There will be a presentation from Deborah Row of Community Care for Seniors about the County Seniors Centre programming for February and March.

Reserve by the Tuesday prior at noon by calling 613-476-7493. Take-out and delivered meals are available.

55-ALIVE driving refresher course

A 55-Alive safe driving classroom refresher course for seniors will be held on Tuesday, March 19 in Wellington. This is a six-hour course, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm.

The Canada Safety Council developed this mature driver retraining program and it is designed specifically to help older drivers improve their driving skills. The cost is $30 per person, which includes workbook, refreshments and a light lunch. Call the County Seniors Centre 613-476-7493 to register or for more information. Space is limited so call today.

– Debbie MacDonald Moynes