HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2010-10-28, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010. PAGE 19. Brussels hunting shophosts grand opening
Hunting enthusiasts have a new
stop in Brussels – The Rack and
Roost Hunting Shop.
Slated to have its grand opening on
Saturday, October 30, the hunting,
gun and ammo store will feature
everything that a hunter needs to get
started; guns, ammo, calls, clothing,
decoys, boots, accessories and, most
importantly, according to
owner/operator Mike Smith, good
service.
“I’ll be able to help people get
outfitted,” Smith said. “And not just
men, we’ll have clothes and
equipment for men and women of all
ages.”
Smith, who has been hunting for
27 years, since his father took him
out on his first hunting trip, has
wanted to own his own hunting store
since he was 20 years old.
Until recently he worked as a
hunting guide at a private game
resort, but late last year he decided it
was time for a change. That’s when
he started the process of opening the
shop.
In September, 2009 he prepared a
business plan and started figuring
out what he would need to open the
shop. He contacted the Chief
Firearms Office, suppliers, security
companies and “dealt with a lot of
headaches” before he started renting
the storefront on the Brussels’ main
street, one year to the month after he
started the process.
Smith said he will be carrying all
popular brands of firearms.
“I’ll strictly be carrying non-
restricted weapons and
ammunition,” Smith said, indicating
he would not be selling pistols or
similar personal protective firearms.
Smith’s experience as a hunting
guide and an avid local hunter will
give him the necessary experience to
help both seasoned and new hunters
find the best equipment, the right
tools and maybe even a few tips and
tricks of the trade.
Smith has local experience with
hunting deer, turkeys and upland
birds.
He also hopes to turn the business
into a family affair, planning on
having his children work there and
take over when that time comes.
“Hunting is a real family issue for
us,” he said. “I’ve been hunting since
I was a kid, and my son’s been
hunting since he was two years old.”
While Smith plans on offering
hunting services in the future, he has
said that he can currently provide a
networking point for local hunters
since he knows great taxidermists
and dog trainers.
He said he has received a lot of
interest in the store, and has many
people “waiting for the doors to
open.”
Being, in his own words, not a
salesman, but a hunter who is
opening the shop, Smith hopes that
he can provide the best service
because of his outlook.
By Margaret E. McMahon
The “Community” meeting of the
Walton Women’s Institute started
with a tour of the Walton Early
Literacy Centre. Members were
greeted by Debbie Budna who
escorted the group through the
various rooms.
The school has children ranging
from 18 months to four years old
when they then graduate to regular
school.
The original school was built in
1962-1963 and closed in 1999 and
reopened in 2002 for preschoolers.
The programs are geared to the
children’s ages. President Ruth
thanked Debbie for the tour.
Barmy Tech, which is in the same
building was the next visit. Dorothy
Cummings spoke on the various
items she makes with the help of two
other sewers. She uses all natural
fabrics in her articles and the
coloured ink used for the printing is
a vegetable oil base. The members
were shown how the embroidery is
put on the canvas bags with a
machine that is computer
programmed to do the stitching. One
of the employees was making a pair
of drapes and was in the process of
making the pleats across the top.
A lady from a bake shop in New
York, at the site of 9/11, placed an
order for pillows which read “Life is
uncertain. Eat dessert first” which
she presented to the firefighters who
were working at the scene of the
disaster. Marjory thanked Dorothy
for the tour.
Marjory Humphries served a
hearty lunch at her home which was
followed by the regular meeting. A
donation is to be given to the
Brussels Legion for the Poppy Fund.
Plans were made for the November
meeting at which the Majestic WI
ladies are guests. It was decided to
focus on Women’s Heart Health
which is the project for FWIC’s
triennium 2009-2012. The purpose
of the project is to educate women
that heart disease is their number one
health threat!
The next meeting is scheduled for
Nov. 17.
Tickets available at The Centennial Hall Box Office.
Call: 519-672-1967 or online at www.centennialhall.london.ca
TUES., NOV. 30, 2010 - 7PM - CENTENNIAL HALL - LONDON
Walton United Church
Annual Turkey Supper
Wednesday, November 3
at the BMG Arena, Brussels
from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Adults: $15.00;
Children 6-11: $6.00
5 & under: free
Takeouts Available
Tickets call:
Brussels - Jo-Ann 519-887-6751,
Gloria 519-887-6482, Phyllis 519-887-6697
Seaforth - Marion 519-527-1877,
Dianne 519-527-1633, Olene 519-527-1866
Happy 16th
Birthday
Dalton
October 30th
Love Mom, Dad
& Camden
Happy 40th
Birthday
Shannon McGavin
October 28
Love Jeff, Jacob,
Mackenzie & Teegan,
Mom & Bob &
Dad & Peggy
Rack and Roost
Mike Smith will be welcoming the public to his hunting
store, The Rack and Roost Hunting Shop, during a grand
opening on October 30. (Denny Scott photo)
By Denny Scott
The Citizen
Halloween safety tips
Walton WI tours Barmy Tech
Continued from page 1
Halloween if you witness any
suspicious behaviour by persons,
call police immediately.
• Drive slower and be alert,
especially in built up areas where
children may be walking. During the
excitement of trick or treating,
children may dart out from between
parked cars.
• Watch for children walking on
roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and
alleyways carefully.
Tips for children:
• Older children, plan a safe route
for you and your friends to follow
while going door to door. Make sure
you get home by the agreed time.
Make sure you are out in a group.
• Trick or treat only in
neighbourhoods you know. Only go
to homes that are well lit. If the
home is in darkness, pass it by.
• Do not go into homes or
apartments even if you are invited.
• Do not talk to strangers on the
street or go into cars while out trick
or treating.
• Do not run from door to door
and don’t cut across front lawns.
There may be objects like a hose,
rake or other obstruction you may
trip over in the darkness.
• Obey the safety rules when
crossing the street. Only cross in
well-lit areas.
• Do not snack on your treats
while trick or treating. Take all of
your Halloween loot home and have
your parents inspect it.
The OPP will be conducting RIDE
checks and closely watching vehicle
speeds on Halloween night.
Motorists are asked to keep their
speed at or below the posted limit
and remember there is a zero
tolerance for drinking and driving.
Ben’s 60th Birthday
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, October 30th
1-4 pm
Huron Chapel Evangelical
Missionary Church
119 John’s Ave, Auburn
Ben Ten Pas is turning 60 and we
want to celebrate surrounded by
friends and family. With the recent
event of dad’s heart attack, there is
even more reason to celebrate the
Blessings of life that God has given
him. So spread the word and let’s
make this day one to remember.
Happy Birthday Dad.