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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1978-08-24, Page 28Page 28 Times-Advocate, August 24, 1978 'Picnic' actor says Playhouse, resort great place to work and play Il’s noon at the Huron Country Playhouse on a warm August day, nine hours away from that evening’s performance of “Picnic” but already there are preparations being made for the show; the lawn is getting a trim, plants are being watered and the actors and actress’ costumes are being sent to the wardrobe department for another washing. Also present is Michael Bierne, the New York based actor who plays Hal, the rugged ex-college football player in William Inge’s interpretation of life in a small Kansas town during the fifties. Beckening this reporter. Bierne introduces himself and suggests that his dressing room would be as good as place as any to hold an interview. One of the first things that one notices about Bierne aside from having a physical presence is his warmth and apparent sincerity for whatever he’s talking about beit the future direction of his career or about the great beach which Grand Bend has. In a word Bierne is intense. The actor whose primary source of income is from TV commercials followed a somewhat unusual path to the acting profession. Bierne was born and raised in Endicott, New York, a city of 40.000^ 180 miles north of New York City where he grew up in a lower middle income neigh­ borhood. Following high school, Bierne attended New York University on a scholarship. Bierne then enrolled and was accepted into the Harvard school of business. Bierne said that at this time he had little interest in acting aside from being active in a few productions at his high school. He became hooked after just out of a sense of curiosity, reading for a part in “Look back in Anger”. He got the part and began looking at the 1------------------------------------------------------------------ Tomlinson & Son ELECTRICAL and INSULATION CONTRACTORS Urethane Insulatidn — Spray On Rapco Foam — Cavity Walls etc. Cellulose Insulation — Attics etc. Cellulose Blower for rent Cellulose Insulation For Sale Serving the Public For Over 25 years Phoha 284-1455 Collect acting profession seriously. Meanwhile Bierne con­ tinued his activities in the "real world” spending a year working out of St. Louis as a travelling salesman. In 1963 Bierne was signed to a two year contract by Universal Pictures where he played on such shows as “The Doctors.*' “Wagon Train,” and “The Virginian." Following his return from Hollywood. Bierne began a career that aside from two brief interuptions has cen­ tred around the 30 and 60 second clips that grace the TV during and between the shows. Bierne said he spent time as an advertising account executive and as a producer for a talk show on a New York educational TV station, but that acting always lured him back. Performing on com­ mercials has given him the freedom to do the things which he wants to do,Bierne says, citing the 23 days that he will have spent in Grand Bend preparing and starring in "Picnic." On his stay in the resort community, Bierne says he has thoroughly enjoyed himself and says the people who he has met have been "just great" to him. Bierne related the incident of him asking members of the Grand Bend OPP detach­ ment the location of the Village Inn. After he had received the directions, Bierne decided to go to the Playhouse. Meanwhile, the same OPP cruiser that had dispensed the directions, noticed he was travelling in the op­ posite direction and followed Bierne to inform him that he was travelling the wrong way. The item that brings thousands to the resort every year, the beach has won another convert in Bierne who says it is comparable to any of the beaches in North America that he has visited. He's taken the beach to heart as the summer staff of the Grand Bend works depart­ ment discovered one mor­ ning Bierne said he was practising some of the dance routines in Picnic just as the work's crew was picking the garbage in the early a.m. When asked how Bierne ended up at the Playhouse for the production Bierne said it all began with an “Eno" commercial that he made in Toronto. To perform in Canada you must join ACTRA. the Canadian actors alliance, Bierne said, which among other things allows you to be placed in an actors catalogue. He said James Murphy when casting for “Picnic" I * Xjf-4* \ £ •■c ^1 JU ... MICHAEL BIERNE WHITING'S a name to think about when you're thinking about . ,* BUYING —t' Y CARPETpfcJfs^ you can be assured of getting top ' jw/jfw value for your money ... just ask many of our completely satisfied “ J customers. If you're looking for low prices on carpet or hard surface flooring, you'll find them at Whiting's. * Selection * Quality * Brand Names * Prices you can afford We give you "More for Your Money" We also bring you everydr ' warehouse prices on FURNITURE and APPLIANCES WHITING'S Main St.235-1964 • Warehouse Furniture and Appliances Unlimited (New & Used) • Antiques & Things consulted the catalogue, saw Bierne, phoned him up and inquired if he’d be interested in coming up to Grand Bend. Bierne said he accepted with little hesitation. The experience at the playhouse has been very rewarding Bierne said and added that he would like to come back next year, possibly in a musical. On his profession, Bierne says he “loves being out there on the stage” and he thinks it’s important for him to set an example as he thinks it’s important for young people to have heroes. Asked if he was insecure, Bierne replied he was and that he loves the reaction, the attentiveness which only live theatre gives. Bierne in a few words in a type of person ,who appears to have few hangups and above all is earnest and sincere. He also dispells the notion that actors are superhuman or as Bierne paraphrased“theyput their pants on the same way as other people do.” Bierne practiced what he preached and that was evident by a rip in the leg of his pants. Actors are human and that’s good to see. WIN PRIZES AT FAIR — Most youngsters attending the Lucan Fair over the weekend took home at least one prize from the various games. From the left are Brent Link, Sean Bates and Donna Link. T-A photo Guenther reunion has 50 members present Clandeboye couple attend celebration the 25th an- for best Ailsa Craig By JOY SCHEIFELE Some thirty families gathered at the Ailsa Craig Park on August 8 as the Riverview W.I. held their annual family night. The evening began with a picnic supper followed by a number of prizes being awarded to members. Roy Morton took home the prize for being the eldest person present, Mrs. Ida Bice for having the most buttons on her clothes, Mrs. Ivy Adams for guessing the number of buttons in a jar, Mrs. Sadie Walker for having the most pennies in her purse, and Lyle and Jean Lee for being the couple present married the longest. A short business meeting was held with Mrs. Loretta Hughes reporting on the plans for the 40th an­ niversary. A dinner in October has been scheduled which will be followed by entertainment. Members were asked to be at the Masonic hall September 5 at 1:30 when a tour of a local farm will be taken. Mrs. Ivey Adams presided for the few items of business. Members then played bingo. It proved a lucky evening for Mrs. B. Scafe who won three prizes. Following adjournment of the evening several con­ tinued on in the park to watch a scheduled ball game in progress. A sudden heavy downpour brought the water rescue and helicopter demonstra­ tion by the O.P.P. at the Pinery Provincial Park to a somewhat hurried conclu­ sion Saturday. The program designed to encourage safe­ ty practices was sponsored by the Ontario Provincial Police with the ministry of Natural Resources and the Forest and District Am­ bulance Service was a re­ scheduling from a few weeks earlier when it was cancelled due to inclement weather. Emergency first aid relating to both boaters and campers and basic lifesav­ ing techniques were demonstrated in the mor­ ning, In addition an am­ bulance from Forest was on display and its equipment and operation explained. Police dogs and their masters also showed their skills in locating lost per­ sons. Water safety was emphasized in the afternoon as the officers outlined regulations and restrictions for canoes, rowboats, sailboats, and pleasure craft as well as water sports and diving. Highlight was the arrival of the O.P.P. helicopter used in search and rescue operations. The craft landed on both the water and land demonstrating its adap­ tability to both conditions. In the meantime police divers also took to the water demonstrating underwater safety. The program was held in­ side the park close to the' store where campers could easily congregate for the displays. A trial project to help the public become more safety conscious, it was the first in which the two provincial groups joined forces. By MRS. IRVIN RADER DASHWOOD The Charles Guenther family reunion was held at the Dashwood Community Centre, Sunday. Around 50 members were present from Exeter, Tillsonburg, Simcoe, Markdale, Port Elgin, London, Windsor and Gary, Indiana. The president Glen Guenther of Merriville, Indiana conducted a short business session. The president for 1979 reunion will be Mrs. Judy Johns and the secretary Mrs. Patti Anger. The childrens sports were conducted by Michelle Many attend Hayter shower Janice Hayter, daughter of Mr. & - ' Hayter, September honoured showers throughout the summer. Nursing classmates held a surprise shower in Windsor with Terry Thompson hostess. Janice’s bridesmaids were hostesses for a wine and cheese shower at the home of Joanne Maguire, Grand Bend. Friends from this area were in attendance. Dashwood Community Centre was the setting for a shower recently. The combined efforts of Janice’s aunts made this a memorable occasion. Joy Hogg, Zurich hosted a shower on behalf of friends of the groom’s mother, Betty Oke. On August 10 Janice was honoured with a shower at Ruth Relatives tended. Janice folded to que at Ron Merner’s cottage, Port Franks Saturday. Past fellow employees of Mer­ ner’s Meats honoured Brad and her. Aunts of the groom held a pool-side shower at Kay Webb’s, Zurich. Relatives of the groom were in at­ tendance. Many lovely gifts were bestowed upon Janice at these occasions. These past few months will certainly be treasured by both her and Brad. Mrs. T. Harry bride-elect of has been by numerous Oke’s, Goderich, of the groom at- arrived blind- a surprise bar-b- Green and Mrs. Lynn Green. The weather was ideal the meals delicious. It was a most enjoyable day for all. Personals Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Rader vacationed at Wasaga Beach, Mrs. Jim Lynn and Chris, Centralia spent a few days with them. Mrs. Irvin Rader, Curator for Dashwood W.I. attended a Tweedsmuir History workshop at St. Thomas Museum last Tuesday. Jayne Hayter, Daniel, David, Jonathan and Judith Melleck and Patti Rader attended the WOW Retreat weekend at Mississauga August 11-13 for members of JOY. Wi tness Outreach Weekend was a time of Inspiration, growth and training of Christian youth, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Van- dorsselaer and Susan spent Sunday at Stratford with Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Rader and called on Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Rader and their new son Adam Mathew. Guests for the week end with Mr, & Mrs. Syd Baker were, Mr. & Mrs. Glen Guenther and son Jeffery. Mr. & Mrs. John Melissa, Timothy Amanda and Mr. & Mrs. Ron Nixon, all of Indiana. Guests with Mrs. Letta Taylor were Mr. & Mrs. H.T. Guenther, Windsor and Mr. & Mrs. Irvin Guenther, Port Elgin, Several return from visits By MRS. ARTHUR HODGINS Mr. & Mrs. Peter Nott attended niversary celebration of CFPL TV London on the week end. A reception was held at the Holiday Inn, City Centre, Friday evening with a dinner - dance at Won­ derland Gardens, Saturday evening. Peter is one of the 11 original staff of CFPL-TV that officially opened November 28, 1953. Many will remember Mrs. Nott when she was “Miss Dorothy” on C.F.P.L.-TV’s “Sunshine School’’ several years. Celebrates Congratulations and wishes to Lome Derbyshire who celebrated his 89th birhtday, Wednesday August 16. Mr. Derbyshire, a former resident of Clandeboye for many years, has been a patient in Komoka Nursing home for about three years. His three daughters, Dorothy Joyce, Windsor, Marilyn Lee Brinsley and Hazel Williams, Clandeboye enjoyed a birthday dinner with him at the nursing home. Mrs. Harold Hardy en­ joyed a bus trip to Blyth on Thursday sponsored by Granton W.I. They visited the “Old Mill” leather stores, then attended the Blyth Summer Theatre for the comedy presentation “His Own Boss.” Mr. & Mrs. Charles David Guelph were week end visitors with Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Lynn and family. Mrs. Wilmer Scott, Mrs. Harold Hardy, and Carolyn attended a bridal shower for Lynn Knight, held at the home of the brides’ aunt, Mrs. Mert Culbert of Lucan. Mrs. Rupert Williams is a patient in University Hospital where she is having surgery on her hands. Clarence Millson, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Millson, Debbie Glavin and children spent Monday at Grand Bend visiting Ruth and Jim Beckett of Kitchener who are holidaying there. Mrs. Helen Scott, Peter­ borough spent a few days last week with her brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Edie Worthington. Jodi and Meagan Henry have returned from a holiday with their uncle and aunt Mr. and Mrs. Donald Bogart of North Bay. Advertising- I is your way of introduction. CANADIAN ADVERTISING ADVISORY BOARD MERNER'S Rai, and Kippen By MRS. RENA CALDWELL Mary Thomson has ac­ cepted a position at Westfort High School in Fort Frances. Mr. & Mrs. Bert Thomson, Mary and Bruce have returned from a week’s holidays at Parry Sound, Terrace Bay and Fort Frances. They also attended the Bayfield county Fair in Wisconsin.. Marsha, Brian, Barry, Karen and Paul Pressey are happy to have their mother and step-father Mr. & Mrs. Gunnar Hansen home again after a three week visit with relatives in Denmark. Mrs. Art McCallum un­ derwent surgery in Univer­ sity Hospital. London. St. Andrew’s Church has acquired a parking lot to the east of the church. U.C.W. of St. Andrew’s held a successful bake sale at Homestead, Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Kyle returned from a trip to visit Mr. and Mrs. Don Kyle and family at Amherst, N.S.' By MRS. HAMILTON HODGINS WHALEN Mr. and Mrs. Dave Hord and Larry, Strathroy visited Monday with Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ferguson. The Hords had just returned from a trip out west. Paul Johnson Keswick spent a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Johnson. The Johnson’s took Paul home Saturday and stayed over night and returned home Sunday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. John Scott spent Sunday at Brigden at the Steam show. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Sherwood, Dorchester visited Wednesday with Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ferguson. Tuesday evening Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Hodgins visited with Mr. Fred Mardlin to Louise’s birthday. Lisa Parkinson, St. Marys spent a few days last week with Mr. and Mrs. Earl French. Jeffery Betteridge, St. Marys spent a couple of days with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Johnson. Louise. Lynn and Lisa Mardlin spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Hodgins. SIDES OF BEEF HIND QUARTERS CUT, WRAPPED & FROZEN I and Mrs. celebrate CUSTOM KILLING — Butcher Day Wedneaday For Pick-Up Service Call 237-3314 Choice of Clear See-Thru Film or Brown Freezer paper Fully Processed - Satisfaction Guaranteed Special Free Beef Pickup In September Phone 237-3314 For All Processing or Freezer Needs THE HURON-PERTH COUNTY ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD Registration of New Students (Kindergarten to Grade 8) Parents of Kindergarten students who have not yet registered their children or residents new to the Huron-Perth area may register their children at any of the following schools on - SUMMER SALE Now is The Time To Get That Much Wanted Thomas Organ At The Lowest 3 USED ORGANS IN STOCK | IA Why not trade up that small organ for a solid state two Thomas Featuring chording, Rhythm . keyboards for easy playing with our full line of speed music. keyboard Automatic bass, and Lighted Now Carry Oreana Organs & Music EASY TERMS New Organs From »59500 And Up CThOmdS Organs A SOUND FOR EVERYONE Closed Wednesdays, Open Fri. Till 7 P.M. 429 Main St., Exeter Phone 235-2522 Thursday, August 31 st HURON COUNTY SCHOOLS St. Joseph's School (KINGSBRIDGE) Mr. David Zyluk, Principal RR 3, Goderich (529-7646) St. Columban School (ST. COLUMBAN) Mr. Ray Contois, Principal RR 2, Dublin (345-2086) Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Mr. Gary Birmingham, Principal RR 3, (Mount Carmel)Dashwood (237-3337) Ecole Ste Marie Mrs. Lilliane Laporte, Principal RR 2, Zurich (236-4860) St. Joseph's School Mr. Donald Farwell, Principal 169 Beech St., Clinton (482-7035) Precious Blood School Mrs. Esther Rau, Principal Sanders St., Exeter (235-1691) St. Mary's School Miss Betty Clark, Principal 70 Bennett St., E., Goderich (524-9901) St. James School Sister Theresa Mader, Principal Chalk St., Seaforth (527-0321) Sacred Heart School Mrs. Mary O'Malley, Principal Box 68, Cornyn St., Wingham (357-1090) St. Boniface School Sister Louise Lowry, Principal Box 128, Zurich (236-4335) Kindergarten children need to be December 31st, 1978. Please bring between the hours of 2 P.M. and 5 P.M. PERTH COUNTY SCHOOLS St. Patrick's School Mr. Larry Cook, Principal Mill St., Dublin (345-2033) St. Patrick's School (KINKORA) Mr. Ennis Murphy, Principal RR 1, Sebringville (393-5580) Holy Name of Mary School Mr. Leo Turner, Principal 161 Peel St., St. Marys (284-2170) St. Mary's School (HESSON) Mrs. Florence McDonald, Principal RR 4, Listowel (595-8929) Immaculate Conception School Mr. Michael Dewan, Principal 15 Well Street, Stratford (271-9936) St. Michael's School Sister Audrey Dumouchelle, Principal 8 Grange St., Stratford (271-0890) St. Ambrose School Mr. Paul Nickel, Principal 181 Louise St., Stratford (271-7544) St. Joseph's School Mr. Adrian Pontsioen, Principal 363 St. Vincent St., Stratford (271-3574) St. Aloysius School Mr. Sam Alberico, Principal 228 Avondale Ave., Stratford (271-3636) 5 years of age on or before _ Birlh Certificate, Social insurance Number, if available, O.H.I.P. Number, Immunization Cards and any other pertinent health records at the time of registration.