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o mai 4 a. = # © 3 + 3 s I ,‘ 'l # % = = : no 2 m = C By A & Ch 3 ce Tz 1 # ¢ a Local insurance company honours 90â€"yearâ€"old employee ile others her age Wulled it a career and retised nearly three decades ago, Christine Thompson just can‘t seem to stop working. The 90â€"yearâ€"old New Hamburg woman has been an employee with the Ecoâ€" nomical Insurance Group for almost 72 years. And she still gets up early to put in an eightâ€"hour shift every Tuesday, helping the company soit and file papers for its archives. "Working there has always been interesting to me," Thompson said. "I‘ve made a lot of wonderful friends there who 1 still keep in touch with for Christmas and birthdays." Thompson caught up with many of those friends recently during a 90th birthâ€" day open house the Ecoâ€" nomical Insurance Group hosted for the longtime employee. The â€" event _ caused Thompson to pause and reflect on her years with the company, and realize just how much her colleagues appreciate her efforts. Thompson started her career in 1932 with what used to be called the Merâ€" chants Casualty Insurance Company in Waterloo, working as a filing clerk and secretary in the automotive department. Accepting the position was a major decision for Thompson, who was also working toward a diploma at Euler Business College at the time. By Anorta Bamey Chronicle Staff _ Ninetyâ€"yearâ€"old Christine Thompson has been an employee with The Economical insurance Group in Waterloo since 1932. She still works for the company one day a week. "I didn‘t want to give up my diploma," she said. "I worked until 5 p.m. every day, took the trolley to Kitchener where I was still taking night classes, then took the train home to New Hamburg. "They were long days, but I was bound and bet I was going to get my diploâ€" When the Merchants Casualty Insurance Compaâ€" ny was purchased by Ecoâ€" nomical Insurance in 1937 Thompson kept her job. and At the Watcrioo Inn 475 King St N LIFESTYLE continued on as Hobson‘s secretary when he became corporate secretary in 1952. Shortly after the sale of the company, Thompson discovered the depth of her new employer‘s generosity. "In 1937 I was in a bad car accident and had to stay in the hospital for three months," she said. "I had no insurance, and there wasn‘t OHIP like we have now. "But my company was very good to me. 1 never lost a day of pay. and they kept my job for me even though I Enjoy the best brunch in Kâ€"W on this special weekend Reservations â€" 884â€"0220 _ www.rushes.ca Vailentine‘s Gourmet Dinner February 13 or February 14 Exquisite dinner and a memorble night out. Vaientine‘s Brunch R RUSHES. Sunday, February 15 was away for so long." As Foot‘s right hand, Thompson helped him put together a history book when the company turned 100 years old. After Hobson retired in 1967, Thompson became secretary to then company president Willard Foot. "I went to the Kitchener public library every Saturâ€" day, going through the archives that had to do with the five company presidents Continued on page 11 suBmirtEo PA0TO Four personal stories will be shared during an information session called Healing From Fating Disâ€" orders, Feb. 11 at the Region of Waterloo‘s public health department. Presented by The Eating Disorders Awareness Coalition, the session will allow people who have recovered from anorexia, bulimia, and/or binge eating disorder and a family member to share their stories. The session will run from 7â€"9 p.m. at the public health department, located at 99 Regina St. S., in Rotunda Room 508. Registered dietician and lifestyle coach Linda Barâ€" ton will also be available to answer questions. ed The Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo chapter of The Crohn‘s and Colitis Foundation of Canada is hosting a support meeting Thursday from 7â€"9 p.m. at the Ratz Bechtel Family Centre, located at 621 King St. W., in Kitchener. The meeting will help those suffering to come and talk with others who are also dealing with these diffiâ€" cult diseases. Crohn‘s and Colitis Foundation holds meeting The Crohn‘s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC) is a national nonâ€"profit voluntary medical research foundation. Its mission is to find the cure for inflammatory bowel disease. To achieve its mission, the foundation is commitâ€" ted to raising funds for medical research. Education and support are also a part of the mandate. For more information, call 748â€"2195 or eâ€"mail kitchenerâ€"waterloo@ccfc.ca. Region of Waterloo public health will host a free prenatal health fair for parents in early pregnancy, Feb. 11 at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club, located at 1500 Dunbar Rd. in Cambridge, from 5â€"8 p.m. There will be over 50 displays from local health care providers and retailers, as well as two miniâ€"workâ€" shops and many door prizes. Admission is free, and refreshments will be providâ€" For more information, call 883â€"2308 Prenatal health fair offers advice to parents AL1 884â€"0220 ror Reservartons Sufferers share battles with eating disorders