Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1976-02-12, Page 3 -r e7aez SO dad The Exeter Times- Advocate is pleased to wish Happy Birthday greetings to the following: Mrs. Eliza Leonard, RR 1, Lucan, celebrates her 80th birthday February 14, 1976. Will attend annual meeting restraints, actually supports the citizens' committee. The Ontario government has advised municipal councils that funds will not be available for new municipal buildings in 1976. The Exeter Police department currently inhabits the old Town Hall. and if it is not restored to at least minimal standards of safe- ty and comfort, they will have to move somewhere else. Erecting a new building with municipal funds is as probably out of the question as completely restoring the Town Hall. Therefore, unless satisfactory accommodation for the town police can be found among existing buildings in town, there would seem to be a practical need to repair the building. Cost in renting other quarters should be considered. The police occupy the Town Hall at no ac- tual cost to the town, except for lighting and heating required to keep it in operation. Those costs are picked up by other departments that use the building on a part-time basis, in- cluding the M.T.C. Although it is difficult to sum- marize the many arguments pro and con for the Town Hall, they seem to revolve around the following points. The town cannot afford to pick up the tab for a complete restoration of the Town Hall, but at the same time it needs accom- modation for the police. The citizens' committee has recognized the historic and aesthetic significance of the Town Hall to Exeter and is will- ing to take on the difficult task of raising outside funds to restore the building to its original beau- ty. If the project, were com- pleted, the building would not only provide the necessary police accommodation, but would be available for other uses as well, which could conceivably bring in additional revenue to the town. Province could help According to the represen- tatives from the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, the province of Ontario could grant up to 50 percent of the necessary funds for restoration, provided that the project seemed to merit such funding. Simpson pointed out that other towns have gone this route and have been successful in restoring their town halls. Funding. however, is a long road, filled with many unfore- seen obstacles. many of the bureaucratic variety. If the citizens' committee were successful. the town of Ex- eter would have a historical building to be proud of, a show- case for important community events. If the project turned out un- successful. Exeter could be left with a partially restored building, of no practical use and no funds available to complete the restoration. On the other hand, if nothing is done, the building will remain as it is. in questionable condition for any type of use, including headquarters for the police. By MRS. WILLIAM ROHDE The postponed February meeting of the United Church Women was held on Monday evening with seventeen ladies present. Mrs. David Passmore was in charge of the program of which the theme was "Love". She also gave the Call to Worship, Mrs. Passmore read the scripture lesson. Mrs. Murray Dawson read the meditation. Minutes, roll call, cards of thanks and treasurer's report were given, An invitation for the Worlds Day of Prayer on March 5 was received from Elimville ladies, It was decided to cater to the Rebekah Lodge banquet on March 3. • Personals Several people from this community attended the reception and dance for Mr. & Mrs. Peter Armstrong at Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre on Friday evening, By MRS. HUGH MORENZ After several postponements the Progressive euchre party was held Wednesday evening at Shipka Community Centre. Six tables were in play and winners were: ladies high, Mrs. Lorne Dietrich; ladies low, Jane Pickering; men's high, Bill Fink- beiner ; men's low, Harry Sheppard. Most lone hands, Mrs. Harry Sheppard. The north group were in charge of refreshments. Mr. & Mrs. Lorne Dietrich, Mrs, Theresa Brannon and her daughter Pauline, spent the weekend with Mr. & Mrs. Ted Dietrich at St. Clair Beach, Windsor. Mr. & Mrs. Tony Regier Jr. and Christopher of Detroit spent last weekend here with her parents Mr. & Mrs. Ken Baker and family. Mrs. Regier took ill and the snow plow was called in and she was taken last Monday to St. Joseph's hospital in London. Christopher is staying with his grandparents and his father returned to work in Detroit. Jim Dietrich, Ken Lovie, Harvey Vincent, Paul Hodgins, Hugh Watson and Dave Melder spent a few days last week up at Manitoulin Island, snowmobiling, and stayed at the Lovie cottage there. Congratulations to Mr, & Mrs. Henry Becker on the arrival of their third great grandchild, when a son was born last week to their granddaughter (Diane) Mr. & Mrs. Ross Leibold. Mr. & Mrs. Lorne Devine visited Friday in Waterloo with Mr. & Mrs. Ervin Latta and family. Karen Guenther, a Grade 8 pupil at Stephen Central school won first prize in Public speaking last Wednesday and will be going on to other competition. Mr. & Mrs. Bill McKeever and Tammy of London visited Saturday evening with their grandmother, Mrs. Mabel Desjardine, Gerald Zielman and three other young men motored to Florida last week for a couple weeks holidays. Cindy Desjardine of Ripley spent the weekend with her parents Mr. & Mrs. Willis Desjardine and brother Ray. Euchre at Shipka Times-Advocate, February 12, 1976 Paget I dries DID ANY OF THESE REASONS INFLUENCE HOW YOU VOTED? 1. The building should be saved for historical and practical purposes, 2. The building should be renovated due to the fact that grants and private donations may be available, 3. The building should not be renovated if Exeter's public funds are used on the project, 4. The property could be put to a better use if the building was dernolisheci, ibis survey is open only to residents of Exeter. Please enclose your name and address. We will not disclose your name when the results of this survey ore establish- ed. YES YES YES NO [ NO NO NO WHAT DO YOU THINK? Much has been said and written about the future of the Old Town Hall in Exeter. The Times-Advocate is seeking your opinion regarding what course of action should be taken on this community issue, Please check off whatever part of the questionnaire reflects your opi- nion. If your opinions are other than what we have listed please feel free to enclose your own comments. We ask that you send us your decision by Tuesday, Feb, 17 so that the results can be tabulated and published in next week's newspaper. YES NO Drive Over the Bridge and Save on STEREOS We have a complete line of quality home stereos, amplifiers, receivers, tuners, turntables, speakers AM/FM/MPX WITH 8- TRACK TAPE PLAYER & TURNTABLE Black out slide rule dial. Automatic changer with cueing lever and anti- skidding device. Slide controls for bass, treble, balance and volume, A & B speaker system. Stereo headphone jack. Power switch and lighted radio dial. List Price $199 SPECIAL MANY HOME STEREO VALUES $ 1 2 9" 101/11116. Of _ _ VISIT OUR CAR STEREO CENTRE We carry • Custom AM, FM, FM/Stereo, 8-Track In Dash Units • 8-Track Under Dash Unit • AM & FM Radios • Speakers • Aerials AUTO 8-TRACK TAPE PLAYER. Easy to use slide controls for volume and balance. Thumb wheel tone control. Channel indicator lights. 1111115 .1111M1115111111111 Performance stability achieved through highly engineered solid state circuitry. List Price $39.95 '2999 Rebel 23 CB RADIO 23 channel with PA 9 4995 We carry a complete line of CB rodios and antennaes 3 CHANNEL 1111ALKIE TALKIE MW, FGT & IC Circuits Earphone and hand straps List $89.95 $5995 Don't Forget the Automotive Trade Show in London, Feb, 13, 14, 15. We have tickets available, GET OUR PRICE BEFORE YOU BUY Jerry MacLean & Son AUTOMOTIVE LTD, Exeter 235-0800 OUR STORE IS BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOUR NEEDS.., BUT SMALL ENOUGH TO BE FRIENDLY 0 THIS IS JUST ONE OF OUR Priorities could decide fate of old town hall by LEIGH ROBINSON The question of whether to preserve Exeter's old Town Hall. or tear it down has received remarkable attention in past months, gaining notoriety and momentum on both sides as different points of view have seemingly welded into opposing forces. Back in January of 1974, engineering consultants were hired by the town to inspect the Town Hall and report on any structural hazards or problems. The report indicated that although the building needed work to bring it back into shape, basically it was "structurally sound". Last year about this time, Ex- eter Council voted to move the Council chambers from the Town Hall to the former post office and allocated funds to renovate that building for its use. At that time, an ad hoc citizens committee was appointed by council to in- vestigate possible uses for the 87- year-old Town Hall and perhaps come up with recommendations to preserve and repair it, as well. On the basis of the engineer's report. the citizens' committee compiled a list of priorities with regard to repairing the Town Hall, which included repairs to the roof and exterior, Those priorities were presented to Council last week, and Council decided to table a decision until they had considered them thoroughly. The priorities related to use of an $11,400 LIP grant approved by the federal government for renovations to the building. Grant approved A grant from Exeter Council for $2500 has also been approved. Unlike the LIP grant, the town grant is to he used only for renovations deemed necessary by the property committee of Council to maintain the building as office space for the police department and other departments which also use the building on a part-time basis. Priorities under this grant in- cluded repairing downspouts. some repairs to the exterior, plumbing and heating repairs. and fixing up the public washrooms attached to the building. Although work under the LIP grant has begun. there is clues- tion as to whether it will be allowed to continue. That will probably be decided by Council upon recommendation from the property committee. Three per- sons have already been hired for the project and most of their work so far has been to the in- terior of the building, repairing cracks in the walls of the auditorium, located upstairs. There are several issues to be considered in deciding whether the building should be restored, "patched up" or torn down, The citizens' committee is con- vinced that the building has definite historic significance and aesthetic value that would be lost forever if torn down. Their feelings are supported by a number of persons in the province interested in historic architecture, including two re- cent visitors from the Ministry of Culture and Recreation. B. Napier Simpson, an architect, and George. Kapelos, a planner were in town last Friday to ad- vise the committee on the building, including steps that should be taken in terms of restoration and, funding of the project. After a tour of the Town Hall, both men agreed that it was a "significant piece of historic architecture", and should be preserved. Scratch surface On the other hand, they ad- vised the committee that the monies that are now available for renovating purposes would only scratch the surface of what must be done to return the Town Hall to its original beauty and also to get the most efficient use out of it. Simpson estimated that it would take at least $150,000 to achieve the goals of the com- mittee. According to estimates com- piled by Doug Gould, chairman of the citizens' committee, $30 to $40,000 would be required just to bring the building back to accep- table standards for permanent use, without considering a com- plete restoration, The present LIP grant and town grant put together do not equal the funds necessary for that purpose. Confounding the situation was a report from the Exeter area fire department last week, that extensive fireproofing should be undertaken as well, to guarantee the building's safety. No es- timates of costs were given. Because of the extensive finan- cing required to do a proper job on the Town Hall, a number of persons have taken an opposing stand to that of the citizens' com- mittee. Cutbacks Exeter Council has already been informed by provincial treasurer. Darcy McKeough, that grant increases to Municipalities are being, cut back and that spending, in general, Must be curtailed. With other priorities to look at. Council has taken a "hard line" on funding for the Town Hall. When the $2500 town grant was introduced back in January, property com- mittee chairman, Garnet Hicks told the committee that this was all the money that it was felt could be budgeted for the Town Hall in 1976. If the question of financing the Euchre By MRS. FRED BOWDEN CENTRALIA The regular euchre party was held in the community centre Monday night convened by Mr. & Mrs, Sam Skinner and Mr. & Mrs. Donald Allen, Winners were as follows: ladies high score, Mrs. Maurice Mac- donald; ladies lone hands, Miss Ruth Skinner; ladies low score, Mrs. Margaret Clark; meris high score, Percy Noels; mens lone hands, Charlie Rollings; mens low score, Bob Blair. Personals Mrs. Jack Essery accompanied Mr. & Mrs, Lorne Keller and Jeff to Florida the past two weeks and spent sometime in Pompano and Orlando and also visited Mrs. Essery's sister Mr. & Mrs. Lorenz Fisher at West Palm Beach, Mr. & Mrs. Dick Neil have returned from a two month stay in Florida. Mr. & Mrs, Ray Shoebottom were Saturday evening dinner guests with Mr, & Mrs. Tom Kooy. Mrs. Lorne Hicks spent the weekend in Kitchener. Senior Citizens The Senior Citizens met in the community centre Monday af- ternoon playing euchre and lost Heir. Biddulph By Mrs. M, H. ELSTON Mr. & Mrs. Jack Blair attended a family gathering at the home of Mr, & Mrs. Bill Hedley, London recently in honor of their sister ,and husband, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Leach of Vancouver. Also at- tending were Mr. & Mrs. Leo Flanagan, Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Flanagan and Mr. & Mrs. Nor- man Blake. Donna Blair of London spent the weekend with her uncle and aunt, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Blair, Mr. & Mrs. Elliot McRoberts accompanied by Mr. Clarence Fletcher were supper guests of Mr. & Mrs. M. Elston on Satur- day. Robin Blair of University Peterborough spent the past week with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Blair returned to Peterborough on February 9. Mrs. Tom Hardy (nee Wendy Elston) visited on Monday with her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Mervin Elston. Brenda Blair has accepted a position with the Minist y of Natural Resources in Owen Sound. Please retutn by Feb. 17 to the Exeter Times-Advocate, Exeter, Oft. Name Address NOTE Please feel free to enclose any other opinions you may have regarding the fate of this building. Town Hall's restoration boiled down to how much Exeter Coun- cil was able to afford, there would probably not be much of an argument. It is the citizens' committee's contention, however, that no one is expecting the town of Exeter to come through with all of the necessary funds. The committee has been investigating other avenues of funding, from private door-to- door canvassing, to other provin- cial and federal grants. Ironically, the citizens' com- mittee was advised by Mr. Simp- son representing the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, that they might arrange for leasing the Town Hall and taking over responsibility, of restoring the building to its original condition by obtaining all funds from out- side sources. Simpson suggested that by taking over sole respon- sibility for the project. that the committee would get away from the conflicts that have plagued the project since it began, with the committee pursuing one set of priorities and Council another. Supports committee Another argument that reflects back to economic Youth gets probation and sentence Provincial court, traffic and criminal divisions sat Tuesday to hear the following cases. Justice D. Wedlake and Judge Glenn Hays presided. Nicholas Joseph Hauwert, 16, Seaforth, was sentenced to two years probation and a term at Hope Manor correctional in- stitute, Petersburg, following his conviction on three counts of break, enter and theft. The offences took place at Seaforth Community Centre, Seaforth Farmers' Co-op, and Exeter Curling Club., The stay at Hope Manor is indefiniteOnce releasedi from the institution Hauwert is bound to. report to a probation officer on a regular basis. In addition he will refrain from use of alcohol and illegal drugs. He will also be required to live at his mother's house and stay away from "undesirable characters," + + + Jeffery Dean Oesch, 18, RR 2 Zurich, was fined $300 or 30 days for giving a false account of an accident. On November 16, .1975 Oesch drove his vehicle into a tree and later reported to police the car had been stolen. The Monday following the accident he confessed to police he had been the driver of the car. Judge Hays reprimanded Oesch for wasting tax payer's money and tying up police who might be needed elsewhere. + + + Kenneth W. McLeod, Parkhill, was fined $53 for possession of liquor in a place other than his residence. + + + Herbert Lorne Broom, Exeter, was fined $28 for operating an unsafe motor vehicle. + + + Nelson Eldon Wegg, RR 1 Kirkton, pleaded guilty to possession of liquor in a place other than his residence and was fined $53. their hospital. Or is it merely that Lambton has a PC represen- tative? Huron County, long a bastion of Conservatism, has dared to elect a Liberal, and we are duly having our knuckles slapped for it. That reminds one of a small boy who loses his temper because people won't play the game his way, so he takes his ball and bat and stomps home. Unfortunately, this is not a game, and people will lose much more — essential health care — from this alarming show of political sour grapes. Perhaps the problem is even simpler to explain — perhaps this government feels that in these tight times, preservation of mental health is a luxury. Since one cannot see the illness, it is then easier to ignore, and con- centrate upon more apparent diseases. That is a serious step backward for our society, I'm afraid, and may result in heart- break and even tragedy for those 'individuals and their families requiring care that has been denied them due to economic cutbacks. What is the price, Mr. Miller, of the loss of a worthwhile individual due to a fatal, drunken accident? Or the suicide of a desperate soul who might have been treated? Or the breakup of a marriage because no guidance counsel was available? The function of the Goderich Hospital is varied, reflecting the needs of today's complex society. Such an important part of medical tare cannot be safely ignored for the sake of callous political expediency. P,S. I hope you have the in- tegrity to print this. Roberta Walker, R,N, Grand Bend SPENCER ARMATAGE-STA N LEY Spencer Arrnatage—Stanley passed away February 3, 1976 in Wellesley Hospital Toronto,Son of the late Alex and Alfarette Sceli of Lucan. He is survived by one brother, Ross Seely of Thunder Bay and one niece, (Elizabeth) Mrs. Russel Goddard of Lucan. Funeral was held from C, Haskett and Son Funeral Home, Lucan with interment in St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye on February 5. HANNA COXQN Hannah Coxon, formerly of Granton, passed away at the Sun Haven Nursing Home in Delaware, Monday, February 9, 1976 in her 95th year. Wife of the late Samuel Coxon she is sur- vived by nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Wednesday February 11 from the C. Haskett and Son Funeral Home, Interment in Birr Anglican Cemetery. CECIL LIGHTFOOT Cecil Lightfoot died at the Victoria Hospital Tuesday, February 3. Formerly of RR 4 Parkhill, he was the husband of Lila (Gilbert) Lightfoot. Predeceased by one son, Russell (1974) and three brothers, William, George and Melvin and five sisters, Mrs. Alex (Lizzi) Walker; Mrs. Bob (Maggie) Cowan, Mrs. Tom (Lill) Garrod, Mrs. Wes (Mae) White and Allie. Survived by seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Funeral services were held February 6 from T. Stephenson and Son Funeral Home, Ailsa Craig. Interment in. Nairn Cemetery. ANNA LENA O'NEIL Mrs. Anna Lena O'Neil of Aylmer passed away February 2 in the St. Thomas Elgin Hospital in her 88th year. Formerly of Lucan, she was the wife of the late Alexander O'Neil. She is survived by a son, Harry, of London and two daughters, Mrs. William (Edna) Phillips of London and Mrs. John (Merle) Wilson of Springfield. Also survived by six grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the C. Haskett and Son Funeral Home Thursday, February 5, Interment in St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye. STUARTM, SWE1TZER Stuart M, Sweitzer passed away suddenly at his residence, RR 2 Grand 13end, February 7,' 1976, Husband of Doris (Comfort) father of Bonnie (Mrs, Micheal Erikson) of Grand Bend and Jirn and Scott of RR 2 Dashvvood. Brother of Mrs, Murray (Nola) Evans, Lambeth, Mrs,Verne (Ile) Sharpe, Parkhill and Milton of RR 2 Dashwood. Three grand- children also survive. He was in his 51st year. Funeral services were held from the T. Harry Hoffman Funeral Home in Dash- wood. Interment in Crediton Cemetery. Pallbearers were Cliff Russell, Jack Ratz, Sam Sweitzer, Joe Arnold, "Karl Ohmayer, and Dale Hayter. Flower bearers were Brian Anger, Greg Brady, Gary Prisciak, Jim Campbell, Harry Comfort and Terry Pickering. LILLIAN IRENE MacKAY MacKay,Lillian Irene, passed away January 31 at Windsor. Beloved sister of Louis MacKay, Berkeley, California, Marion Thompson, Toronto and the late Barbara Ellen Shepherd, Hen- sail, and Dr. Russell MacKay, Hagersville, A native of Hensall, she taught school at SS No. 10 Hay, and at Cameron Ave School and Harry E. Guppy School in Windsor. She was also an honorary member of Beta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority and a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Of late years she was a resident of Alexander Hall. Funeral and committal service was at the Walter Kelly Funeral Home. Interment in Hensall Union Cemetery. Mrs. Jack Consitt attended the funeral of her aunt on Tuesday. Centralia Farmers Supply Ltd. Grain • Feed • • Cement Building Supplies Coal 228-6638 The Caven Presbyterian Women held their regularly scheduled meeting February 9 with president Mrs. Harry Strang presiding over the agenda. Mrs. Norman Stanlake read the devotion which had been prepared by Mrs. Harold Simp- son, The devotion was based on "Love" as taken from Romans, Chapter 12. It was decided that a delegate from the group would attend the annual meeting of the Strafford Presbyterial to be held in Chippewa Ontario. The selection of a delegate was left undecided, Mrs. Stanlake will attend planning meetings for the World Day of Prayer which the group intends to take part in, After the regular business meeting was over the Caven Quartet, consisting of Mrs. William Sillery, Mrs. Murray, Mrs, Merkley and Mrs, Hoffman performed, They were ac- companied on the piano by Mrs. Ilea, All the members of the quartet were. dressed in Valeri- tine's day costumes. The highlight of the meeting waS the talk by Mrs. John Cor- bett. Mrs. Corbett recently completed a tour through England, Scotland and Wales. Mrs. Corbett's talk centered around the old castles and homes of Great Britain and the depth of the history that she discussed lent colour and interest to her travelogue. The annual Easter Thank Offering meeting and the regular meeting for the Easter season will be combined on April 12, Shrine president Lawrie Slade of Clinton was picked as the new president of the Bluewater Shrine Club at Goderich last Wednesday, January 28. He succeeds Brian Ainslie of Goderich. Other officers elected include: Fred Willert of Grand Bend, first vice-president; Bill Turnbull of Brussels, second vice-president; Ken Flett of Clinton, auditor; Walter Newcombe of Clinton, treasurer; Bill Johnston of Goderich, secretary. Named directors were Harry Hamilton of Grand Bend, Les Habkirk of Seaforth, Bill Cook of Goderich, Ross Scott of Brucefield, Dick Carter of Clinton, Bob Drysdale of Hensall, Orville Wallis of Watford, Gard Kent of London, Bill Turnbull of Brussels, Ron Forster of Lucknow, Al Lobb of Centralia, George Cameron of Wingham, and Art Hodgins of Parkhill. Doug Morgan of Clinton was named chairman of the ways and Means committee. The new executive was in- stalled by Frank Harkness of London, Potentate of the Mocha Temple. SHOULD THE OLD TOWN HALL BE RENOVATED? Dear Editor: Poor Huron County! Suddenly we are the ultimate example of extravagance in OHIP's master plan of economy: Goderich Psychiatric Hospital is due to be closed in that particular capacity, and ominous rumours have been heard about the Exeter and Clinton Hospitals. The people in rural areas evidently have no real medical needs which can't be serviced by large centres 30 to 50 miles away. Strange that Lambton County is so much more economical Petrolia can afford to expand e eXeferZillieSaAkitiOCafe 5•1.1