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Times-Advocate, 1979-07-04, Page 17job not pumping away from Grand Bend, gravity would force it to roll back. Two large "surge tanks" were built to take any water that comes gushing towards them. The surge tanks are built with some water in them, and air-space on top. If water rushes into them the air acts as a cushion. It's obvious that Allan Scott's devotion to his job goes much further than just tasting the product. Right now, he is working on building a scale model of the waterworks plant. That's dedication to your job, when you want to take it home with you. with Jim Dodds and Alex Murray works CLEANING UP -- Chief of maintenance Don Leatherland cleaning one of the four main pumps. Beach 0' Pines. Ivy's solicitor said that he un- derstdod rumours were cir- culation to the effect that Ivy was in favor of the annexation of Bosanquet and Stephen townships as proposed by Grand Bend Council. Ivy's solicitor said he BUSINESS AND PLEASURE •-• Mark Stewart co-owner of surf-soil rentals in Grand Bend, checks one of his books on technique. T-A photo Surf-sailing excites summer swimmers A couple of years ago, Mark and Debbie Stewart did something that few peo- ple ever do — they paid close attention to a televi- sion commercial, The com- mercial didn't entice them to buy the product which was Labatt's Blue, but it did get them started in a whole new business. The T.V. ad featured surf- sailing — the technique of riding the waves on a surf board powered by a sail. Un- til that time, few people had ever heard of surf-sailing, but Labatt's brought it into everybody's living room. Mark and Debbie figured it looked like a lot of fun, and they started asking questions. A year later they opened their own Surf- sail rentals in the old casino on the beach at Grand Bend, The Stewart's home is near Port Franks, and they have been long time lovers of the lake. They soon became expert surf-sailers. The sail boards they rent out are made in Toronto, They are expanding their fleet to 10 this summer. The rental price is $7 an hour, and $3 extra for a lesson. They also arrange seasonal rentals at $150, or they'll sell you a surf-sailer for $850, The boards are made of fibreglas with a foam core, and they're unsinkable, The surfer steers by shifting his Weight and turning the sail. The entire surf.sailer weighs 54 pounds. If it does tip over, and according to Mark, that's part of the fun, then the sail acts as an anchor and holds the board in place until you can get back on. Mark says it doesn't re- quire muscle to use a surf- sailer, just weight. He says that Debbie who isn't as strong as he is, has sur- passed him in the handling of a surf-sailer. Mark says he can teach anyone who weighs more than 80 pounds how to surf-sail, The sport started in California and soon spread around the world. Mark says that now Germany is the most popular spot for surf- sailers. The many small but windy lakes draw surf- sailers to the area. Books showing different techni- ques are available to avid fans, Mark compares surf- sailing to hot-dog skiing. He finds the sport challenging, and says that many different maneuvers can be per- formed. A favorite is the "head- dip" where the surfer arches his back until his head is in the water, Another is called "riding the rail", The board sits up on its side, and the surfer balances it there. "People see us out there, and get enthused," Mark says, And that's good for business, he adds, IT'S ONLY H2O -- Allan Scott, assistant supervisor at the water treatment plant has his daily cup of water. Allan checks on the taste of the water every morning. sHERE WE AREI -- Superintendent Bill Sturdevant points out Grand Bend on the map and shows the route the pipeline takes to London. ' '1414MWMtaigiraitt e" :AMMON!: 1Wril ry's wain BY MARY ALDERSON • .4. Page lA July 4, 1979 Price Per Copy 25 Cents Church told to install sewer hook-ups Times Iluitsot hoilh MIddltie dvotate- . lamtlon folcr MI SURF-SAILING Larry Ebbs demonstrates surf-soiling technique technique in the fake at Grand send. T Tasting water is. daily Allan Scott starts work each day with a drink of cold water, It's not because he's thirsty, it's just part of his job. Scott is the assistant superintendent at the Lake Huron Water Supply System on the corner of highways 21 and 83 north of Grand Bend. From this complex-water is supplied to all the people who live in Grand Bend, and those in London, with many in between, Scott isn't taking any chances on people complaining about bad tasting water. By tasting it, he can determine whether or not the right number of chemicals are being used• in the right amount, It takes a staff of 19 at the waterworks to get that water out of Lake Huron and into the huge pipeline and on its way to Arva and then Lon- don. Bill Sturdevant, who has been with the water- works since it opened 12 years ago, is superintendent. Last month a new booster station was opened in West Williams near Lieury. This station will help the water along its way, and meet IN CONTROL — Joe Mayman trols of one of the Waterworks future demands, Grand Bend waterworks is still capable of pumping the water all the way to London. Water from this pumping station is also supplied to Parkhill, Ailsa Craig, Ilder ton, Denfield, Nairn, and the townships of McGillivray, London, Stephen and Bosanquet in part, Dashwood is soon to be added to the route. As well as the full time staff to keep the water flowing, a couple of students are hired for the summer to keep the grounds tidy or take groups through the building on tours. Employees from the waterworks also look after water and sewage problems in Thedford, Arkona, Zurich, Hensall and other such communities. They are under the Ministry of Environment. Allen Scott starts out his day with a taste of water and he takes a close look at it, too. Two taps flow con- tinuously in his laboratory, one with water straight from the lake, the other with treated water. Scott looks at the water in clear glass beakers to check its turbidity or clarity. Then he uses a series of other gadgets if he feels the look of the water warrents it, He has a P H meter and a ther- mometer. The water averages 10 degrees celcius, but in summer it goes up to 20 degrees, and in winter it will go as low as 3 degrees. The water comes from a pipe six feet in diameter and is partially buried on the bottom of the lake about 30 feet under the surface of the water. The end of the pipe is 1 V2 miles out in the lake, Divers have reported that there is no suction at the end of the concrete pipe, and it is covered by a grill. However, fish do sometimes get into the works. Soon after it is brought in, the water is treated with chlorine, which un- fortunately kills any fish that do get in. The building closest to the lake is called the low lift station. It pumps the water up out of the lake and into the treatment station. A long stairwell takes an employee far underground. The lengthly climb is made about three times a week, Scott says. All the pipes in the waterworks are color coded A blue pipe indicates that the water has been treated and is "good". Other colors are used for the untreated water and the chemicals. After the low lift station pumps the water up, it flows by gravity to the main treatment building. The pipe runs un- derground, and a long cold tunnel allows workers to keep an eye on the progress between the two buildings. Chemicals are added to the water at this stage, Usually the only chemical needed is alum. The still dirty water is brought to the "flocculation" I thought I'd better start this week's column with a few corrections of last week's column. Las( week I gave a few ideas of what our British honeymoon would be like. Now, I'll tell you the truth. First, we didn't get the Austin Mini we ordered. Since they're rather unreliable, most car rental 'agencies have replaced them with other small cars. We had a Ford Fiesta, which ran beautifully and got about 50 miles to the gallon, But then, it wanted to--petrol cost around $3.00 a gallon over there. High prices were the only drawback on our otherwise wonderful trip. We had lunch in London one day, which consisted of two omelettes,an order of french fries, and two Cokes. When the bill came, Victor asked me how I had enjoyed my meal. I said that it was alright, and he said I'd better enjoy it because it had cost about $23.00 (9 pounds). Out in the country prices weren't quite that bad, and meals we had were very good. Another suggestion I made last week was that we could be stuck on a back road in the mud. Not true. We took many back roads, but every single trail was paved. The British don't know what gravel is. I also mentioned last week that we would probably have an argument. That didn't happen during our trip either. In fact, the only fight we've had, has been about where to stack all the wedding gifts we haven't had time to open since we arrived home. Only once were we spotted as honeymooners. Another couple were on their "wedding trip", and asked us if we were newlyweds. They were Scottish and lived near Glasgow, but were staying at a caravan (trailer) park at the seaside. We're looking forward to seeing them again when they immigrate to Canada next month. I'm not going to give you a travelogue, because it seems as if everybody and their brother has been to Britain recently or is going this year, Believe me, we heard enough travelogues before we left to last for awhile. Anyway, we had a great time, and it sounds like our weather in "jolly old" was much better than yours here. area next. This looks like huge swimming pools with giant mix masters stirring them up, From flocculation the water goes on through large filters, until the operators see that it's coming clean. And then there's the pumps, The whole of the waterworks operates on a preventative maintenance program, and the pumps are a prime example. If they know that two pumps will be needed, then three are ready to go, if they know that they will need three pumps, than four are prepared. With these huge pumps they are able to move an Grand Bend council refus- ed to support a motion by councillor Harold Green that the United Church be exempted from installing sewer connections on their vacant lots. Green made the motion at Tuesday night's meeting after a request for special consideration came from the church, The church does not feel that sewer hook-ups average of 26 million gallons of water a day. The only time that presents a problem is during a power failure, But even this is partially looked after by diesel generators. The generators provide power for emergency lighting and whatever else is needed in the plant. They can also supply enough energy to provide water for Grand Bend, Fortunately London has sufficient resevoirs to see them through a normal black-out. But in a case where the pumps stop pumping other precautions must be made, In the event that water was are necessary on the two lots which are used for out-of- door worship services dur- ing the summer. Adequate sewer connections are being installed for the church building and the manse. Green moved the exemp- tion, knowing that he would not get a seconder. Reeve Sharen said that the hook- ups were necessary since the church' may not be in that location much longer. Councillor Bill Baird said he refused to make an ex- ception in the mandatory hook-up rule because then others would seek special consideration. "Once you make one exception, you're. going to be bugged to death there on down the line," he said. 'CouncilloaelO,Cravvford said that' one exception would lead to more, and that council should stay with their original policy of re- quiring every lot to have a sewer connection. The two extra hook-ups will cost the church $700. William Adelman attend- ed the meeting to put in a request for council to recon- sider zoning by-laws on property he owns. Adelman says he wants to expand his motel complex, and changes in the village's zoning will have to be made. Coun- cillors were generally in favour of his requests, and referred him to planning board. Art Read and Don Southcott came before coun- cil to discuss the problem of street lights in Southcott Pines. The lighting problem will be taken to Stan Lovie and the Public Utilities Commission before council makes any decision on the number of lights and type that will be installed in Southcott Pines, Clerk Louise Clipperton read a letter to council from the solicitor of Peter J. Ivy, a resident of Oakwood, owner of Oakwood Golf, and an owner of property in A 1976 Camaro driven by Jeanette DeVet was forced off the highway early Sun- day morning by an oncoming car. Ms. DeVet was travell- ing southbound on highway 21 near Grand Bend when the accident occurred. Damages to her car were es- timated at $2,500. The other driver was apprehended and charges are pending, There were no injuries. The Pinery Park detach- ment of the Ontario Provin- cial Police laid 50 charges under the liquor licence act and 92 charges under the provincial parks act. Six people were charged under the narcotic control act, and eight under the highway traffic act. Grand Bend OPP reported a quiet holiday weekend, Three minor accidents oc- cured and there were no in- juries. There were 33 charges laid under the liquor licence act, and two minor thefts of liquor reported. No narcotic charges were laid, wanted to make it clear that Ivy was "not in favor of such annexation and will oppose such a move", The question of the ownership of Centre Street between the Brewer's Retail and Thompson-Warner came before council. The area is a right-of-way for cottages and is presently be- ing kept by Harold Klopp. Council decided to instruct their solicitor to inform Klopp that they are going to proceed with expropriation of the area. In other business deputy reeve Judy Uniac informed council that employees of the Ausable Bayfield conser- vation authority would be Rehearsals for the Huron Country Playhouse's second production of the season, "Angel Street", are now under way at the Playhouse. "Angel Street", the suspense filled play by Patrick Hamilton, enjoyed popular success both in London and New York and won an Oscar for Ingrid Bergman for her per- formance as the terror filled wife of a crazed husband in the movie version of the play called "Gaslight". The play set in the 1880 livingroom of the Man- ningham household, unfolds to reveal a diabolical plot: the suave master of the household, has devised a series of mental ploys to drive his wife slowly insane. Superficially this villain appears to be a gentle, loving and concerned husband. By insidious means he spreads the seeds of doubt, fear and terror as he attempts to dupe his trusting wife into believing that she, like her mother before her, is mad, Mrs. Manningham, played by the renowned actress Irena Mayeska, is indeed in a crazed state when a police coming next week to move trees into the village's new parkette area. A sign permit was granted for The Orchard at 11 Main Street. A $10 fee will be charged for the wall sign. Councillor Green re- quested that a sign be erected to stop children from playing in the "Grand Bend" hedge. "I get hoarse getting kids out of Grand Bend hedge," Green said. "Kids ride their bicycles right through it, and jump in it, it's a shame, it's a nice hedge," he added. Council agreed that something should be done to preserve the hedge. Inspector arrives at their house with some startling revelations about her husband. John Codner takes the role of Inspector Rough. "Angel Street" is a classic, psychological thriller that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats until the final spine tingling scene. Inena Mayeska stars as Mrs. Manningham taking the "Gaslight" role which won Ingrid Bergman an Oscar in the movie version of the play. One of Canada's foremost leading ladies, Ms. Mayeska has starred in all of the major theatres in this country. She played the title role in "Major Barbara" at the Shaw Festival, won best actress for her per- formance as Laura in' "The Glass Menagerie" and was featured in the Walt Disney movie, "The Incredible Journey." Her first ap- pearance at the Playhouse will be a memorable one. Paul Craig, who plays Mr. Manningham will be remembered as Philip in "The White Oaks of Jalma" and most recently in the TV series, "The Collaborators." of Bayfield works at the con- many filters, And as for my jokes about flying a DC-10--when we arrived in England we were told we'd have to call the airline to see what time our flight home was. You see, they hadn't scheduled anything yet, because we were to go home on a DC-10. The day before we left, we found out we were flying a 747,the same as what we had gone over on. We flew Wardair, 'and sat right beside one of the galleys. The stewards and stewardesses were a great bunch and were having more fun than most of the passengers. One steward was new on the job, and apparently had to go through an initiation rite. His superior stuck a sign on his back, unknown to him. All 450 passengers saw him serving drinks with a sign on his back that read "Smile if you think I'm cute." In spite of, or perhaps because of the crew's merry- making, the service was great. They were enjoying the flight, and I think everyone on board did, too. * * * So with a case of mild jet lag, I'm back on the job. My first duty was to attend Grand Bend's council meeting as usual. I've been going to their meetings for several months now, and my reaction to most of what they do ranges, from mildly amused to bored, Much of their discussion is routine and most of the time they handle problems with sound logic and judgement. Reeve Sharen will ask "What's your pleasure?", and one of the members will speak up. Generally coun- cillors Crawford and Baird will agree with Sharen, and Deputy Reeve Uniac will join the majority. Councillor Green will often balk, but usually comes around, And in most cases they come up with a solution that is in the best interests of Grand Bend and the people who live there, But last night things were different. For the first time I had to literally bite my tongue to keep from speaking out. The majority of council is not showing' their usual good judgement in this decision. Only councillor Harold Green was willing to make a reasonable compromise, and did not go Please turn to page SA Car forced off road, * I • no injuries Classic thriller now in rehearsal