Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-05-24, Page 1212 Signal Star • Wednesday, May 24, 2017 World Turtle Day event for local students International Biodiversity Day grant from BEAN network makes event possible Students from the Exeter area learned about how to protect turtles and other species by taking part in a World Turtle Day Extravaganza. This educational experience took place at Morrison Dani Conservation Arca (MDCA) east of Exeter on May 23. The program, celebrating International Day for Biolog- ical Diversity, was made pos- sible due to funding from the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN). The $500 grant supported this learning event, which was delivered by Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) in partnership with the Huron Stewardship Council (HSC). "We are very excited that the BEAN is providing this support for education about protecting the local species -in the watershed," said Den- ise lszczuk, Conservation Educator with Ausable Bay- field Conservation. "The education of youth is important for conserving Ontario's diverse species of plants and animals." As part of the event, HSC For Every 50 People Who See This Ad, If they all donated blood at the community blood donor clinic, 1 CAR ACCIDENT VICTIM COULD BE SAVED. Donate blood to honour childhood cancer survivors and to remember those childhood heroes who lost their lives. Blood Donor Clinic Goderich Knights of Columbus Hall 390 Parsons Court Wed. May 31st from 1:OOpm-7:OOpm WALKINS WELCOME To register your donation as part of the Gold Ribbon Campaign, go to blood.caroinpartnersforliife using partner ID #0010013121 ©/GoldRibbonCampaign FBook your appointment: www.blood.ca 7 1-888-236-6283 Ain ka- Canadian Blood Services it's in you to give 1 888 2 DONATE On behalf of the Kinsmen Club, we wish to express our very sincere thanks to all the corporate and business sponsors for their support in making this advertisement possible. Canadian Blood Services would like to thank the Knights of Columbus Hall for the use of their facilities and to all sponsors for their support. Compass Minerals Godench Evaporator Plant a Godench Mine cowweu. :38 Court House sAK� ❑ Square Goderich. N7A 1M9 ALL Pont .Festival City Reay TODD STANBURY Sales Representative Cell: 519-525-5691 Bus: 519-5241175 todd@coldwellbanker.ca www.coldwellbankerfc.com Your Complete GLASS SERVICE FisHER Performance Plus Vinyl t ndou:.' GLASS & MIRROR LIMITED 224 Suncoast Dr. E., Goderich 524-7312 had live animals to assist 'in active learning and under- standing of local reptiles and amphibians including the diverse habitat requirements and the diversity of species. "We want to provide local students with a meaningful outdoor experience to learn about their local reptiles and amphibians," said Jory Mul- len, Lead Species at Risk Technician with HSC. "Developing a connection to the local environment will help students to regard biodiversity with a new perspective:' Students found out, first- hand, how knowledge and science go together. After learning about the species, students used their new knowledge to act as citizen scientists to find and record sightings of reptiles and amphibians at Morrison Dam Conservation Area. . To record sightings, stu- dents learned how to use the newly updated Ontario Rep- tile and Amphibian Atlas phone application. These days, almost every- one seems to have a mobile phone with them even while walking or hiking in the Contributed photo The World Turtle Day educational learning program will be available for local students where they will learn about diverse species in our local area, much like the above snapping turtle. outdoors. Using this kind of technol- ogy to report sightings is quick ai`td easy now for many people. To learn more about this 'app' visit: ontarionature.org/ protect/species/app.php. The United Nations pro- claimed May 22 as the Inter- national Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and aware- ness of biodiversity issues. The Biodiversity Educa- tion and Awareness Network helps people in Ontario to make positive changes for the benefit of diverse species of animals and plants. This network supports education and practical actions to recover and pre- vent the loss of biodiversity in the Province of Ontario. It does so by connecting scientists and governments with teachers, parents and guardians, and students. The network helps to cre- ate awareness by offering education through BEAN - approved Lesson plans and other work. Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy led to the creation of BEAN. A statement from the BEAN Network thanked Ausable Bayfield Conserva- tion "for your ongoing efforts to inspire and empower peo- ple to protect biodiversity." John.Howard Aitken b. October 13, 1930 at Goderich, Ontario d. March 9, 2017 at Stratford, Ontario after a brief illness, with family at his side. J. H. "Howard" Aitken left us on March 9, 2017, at the age of eighty-six, after a sudden and brief illness. Our grief at losing this energetic, sociable, unique individual, who meant so much to so many, is tempered onty by his confidence that he has "gone fishing" with the family and good friends who preceded him. Howard was born in Goderich on October 13, 1930, the son of James Enslow Aitken and Jessie Jemima (Manser) Aitken. He and his brother Kenneth grew up during the deepest years of the Depression, and Howard had many stories about his early years of helping the family get by, including selling fresh bread from a dogcart! The boys' mother died when they were still young, and Howard and Kenneth were raised by their grandmother, Elizabeth J. Manser. Howard was a true Huron County boy: he knew every fishing hole and stream, and every place to get watercress. puffballs, morel mushrooms, and bullfrogs. Howard's first enterprise' was a small grocery store in Godench, which he ran with his brother until Kenneth moved his growing family to Harnitton. • Next stop was the newspaper business. Howard sold advertising for the Goderich Signal Star from 1965, and later partnered with Bob and Jo Sprier, buying into Signal Star Publishing Ltd. This collaboration expanded their group of weekly papers to include Godench, Clinton. Seaforth, Mitchell, Lucknow, Wmgham, Blyth and Walkerton. They opened a new publishing plant in 1974. Howard travelled from town to town, selling advertising and working to support small businesses. He knew everyone in Huron County who was involved in business and service dubs, and prized his extensive network of Mends and acquaintances. !n 1985, Howard retired from his position as Vice -President at the Signal Star. He was then appointed to the OMaro Liquor Board as a commissioner, a role he carried out until 1993 with the same tireless energy he brought to his entire tile. Retirement led to travel all over Canada, the United States and Europe with his wife, Margaret. Howard particularly enjoyed their trips on the luxurious Queen Mary 2, where the food and service met his very high standards! Community involvement was a second calling to Howard. As a member of the Mocha Temple Shriners, he was especially active with "Fah Fry" fundraisers throughout Ontario. He was a charter member of the Goderich Rotary Club, and a devoted Mason. lie celebrated his fifty-year. membership of the Masonic Temple (Maitland Lodge 133) in 2012, and was . a Past Master. Howard was a former president and longstanding member of the Liberal Party of Ontario, and actively involved in the Huron County Liberal Association. He also served as Joe Greene's ,campaign manager during the Tatter's Leadership campaign in 1968. For his entire life, Howard was a stalwart member of St George's Anglican Church in Goderich, serving as warden, frha tial advisor, and greeter. He also organized successful fundraisers through the annual gourmet dinners and pancake suppers, and sold wine and pate at the Hdtyberry Teas. Howard enjoyed the finer things in life. He was a true gourmand who loved to indulge friends and family with the most exquisite delicacies, from oysters and foie gras to exotic cheeses, frog legs (which he hunted himself), and Belgian chocolate. He was, legendary for driving thirty kilometres out of his way to get the best coni or melons from his favourite farm stands. A stopping trip with Howard was always bound to result in something unique and delicious! His friends and family were treated to fresh trout and bass, and the best foraged fidcleheads, mushrooms, and watercress. He kept his cellar stocked with good wines and liquors from around the world, and even made his own wine. Everyone who knew Howard knew him as a connoisseur r of Scotch whiskies, preferably enjoyed from one of his collection of antique Waterford glasses over a game of cribbage or bridge, or during a lively political discussion. ibis dry wit and stories about Goderich and its people were always entertaining. Howard leaves his wife. Margaret (Rkrhdie) Aitken, a resident of Goderich Place, and four stepchildren: Janet MacDonald -Kramer (Jonathan) of Bradford, Bruce MacDonald (Cindy) of Prince Rupert Deborah Schneider (Barry) of San Diego, and Susan Wdlcinson (Matthew) of Goderich. He also leaves several step -grandchildren in Canada, the United States, and United Kingdom. Howard was very dose to his nieces and nephews, children of the late Kenneth and Lenore Aitken: Eric Aitken (Audrey) of Hamilton, Carolyn Sanders (Clive) of North Vancouver, Brian Aitken (Wanda) of Durharn, Louise Jones of Bermuda, Charlotte Keenan of New Orleans, Gloria Robertson (Ken) 0Anc aster, and Sarah of Ancaster. There are six great-nephews, two great-nieces, and seven great -great-nieces and nephews. Howard was a unique indnidual who enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, and rt was a privilege to have known him. He will be deeply missed by all. Please join friends and family tor a memorial service at St George's Mgfican Church Goderich, ON Wednesdap, May 31st at 1100 am.