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The Huron Expositor, 1995-03-15, Page 1414—THE HURON EXPOSITOR, March 16, 111/6 f• 47. CARDS OF THANKS ARMSTRONG The family of the late John (Jack) Armstrong wish to express our sincere thanks to friends, relatives, and neighbors for your support, expressions of sympathy, cards, floral tributes, memorial donations sent at the time of our Toss of a dear father, grandfather and great grandfather. To the nursing staff and doctors at Huronview our grateful thanks for care, kindness and understanding given him while he was there. To those who remembered him with gifts, treats and especially visits at Huronview we are truly grateful. Thanks to the Beattie -Falconer Funeral Home, Rev. Paul Ross for his comforting words, Londesboro U.C.W. for the lunch and the Hullett Masonic Lodge for their meaningful service. All of these things will be remembered with gratitude by our families. - Ken, Marlene and Families, Doreen and Glen and Families 47-11x1 AYASSE The family of the late Elizabeth Ayasse wish to express their sincere thanks to all who sent cards, food, floral tributes and memorial donations. The nursing staff of the Seaforth Community Hospital always gave our mother/grandmother sympathetic care and she had a warm feeling for the nurses. A special thanks to Dr. Rodney. Thanks to Audrey McLlwain for being there for mom and to Jack McLlwain for travelling to Toronto to be a pallbearer. To everyone, your kindness in the loss of a dear mother and grandmother will always be remembered. Seaforth and area is truly a great place to live. - Jim and Helen Crocker and Family 47-11-1 BACHERT We would like to extend our warmest thanks to friends, relatives and the community for their kindness and support in any way during and since Julie's accident. Thanks also to the police, ambulance attendants, nurses and especially Dr. Shepherd who were there when we needed them. God has been with us through this difficult time and we also thank you for your prayers. This incident should teach each one of ,us to be prepared, because today.could be our last. Proverbs 27:1and Hebrews 9:27. Once again, thanks to all. - Dan and Mary Bachert, Dan, Karen, Brian and Julie 47-11-1 CLINTON RADARS We would like to thank all of our sponsors arid fans for all their support and encouragement during the season. - Clinton Radar Senior A Hockey Team 47-11xlcc .. FRAISER I would like to say thank you to the Seaforth, Clinton and Stratford ambulance. Also to family and friends for visits, cards and treats while I was a patient in Stratford and Seaforth Hospitals. Special thanks to Rev. Gordon Redden and Seaforth Legion 156 for the get well card signed by the members. Thank you very much. - Doug Fraiser 47-11x1 Windows smashed in McKillop Twp. From Feb. 27 to March 5, Goderich O.P.P. officers investi- gated 35 occurrences, including eight motor vehicle collisions, live mischief counts, four thefts and four liquor licence act offences. On Feb. 27 in McKillop Township, County Road 25, a 1984 blue Oldsmobile was left on the side of the highway. The next morning the owner found all windows had been smashed out of it. Damage value is unknown. On Feb. 27 or 28 on the same road, someone smashed a large plastic illuminated sign doing 5100 damage. Wannabees - In first place as season ends The Wannabees wanted to be the season champs for the Thursday Night&rs Bowling League and on March 9 they managed to stay ahead of The Buds to capture the win. Now the playoffs will start for five weeks. The Falling Pins were coming on strong at the end of the sea- son but not soon enough to catch the top teams. They man- aged to take two games and total pins over Murray's Marauders. Top bowlers for the Pins were Betty Coleman 182- 509 and Doug Procter 218,245,225-688. The Marauders best games came from Todd Doig 213; Mary Wynja 189; Deb Bedard 197, 201-553; Erich Matzold 186 and spare Jack Ungarian 195. On lanes 3 and 4, The Buds needed all of the points, but the Boozin Brewers had a strong first game to take two pints while The Buds took 5. Jason Cooper's 180,231; Patricia Schwarz's 184,189-522; Gary Bedard's 239-614 and John Coleman's 261,219,300-780 were excellent, but not enough to overtake the Wannabees. The Brewers got some help from Sharri MacDonald 195; Nancy Sue Thomson 202-513; Trevor Price 268 and Doug Leonhardt 295,251,286-832. The final match -up was between the Wannabees and the Wolverines with the Wannabees taking the championship by winning two games and total -pins. .Showing the rest c1E:. us. how it • is done were Stan Mailloux 226-610; Sandra Klaver 210-541; Tracy Klaver 186-520; Pat Ryan 157; Brian Barry 264,209,268-741 and Steve Steep 228. The Wolver- ines high scores were Karsten Carroll 215; Sue Alce 191 and Mike Thomson 288,235,305- 828. Team Standings: Wannabees - 90; The Buds - 89; Boozin' Brewers - 82.5; Falling Pins - 81; Wolverines - 71.5; Murray's Marauders - 69. J Community Calendar WED,, MARCH 15 9:00-4:00 p.m. - March Break Program at the Arena 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Free Public Skating at the Arena sponsored by: Seaforth Optimist Club 1:30-4:00 p.m. - Senior Shuffleboard at the Arena 7:00-8:00 p.m. - Step Training at the Arena 7:00 p.m. - Seaforth Youth Motorsports Club at 172 Isabella Street 8:00 p.m. - Meeting of the Learning Disability Association in the St. Columban Rectory Basement 8:00-9:00 p.m - Fitness at the Arena 8:00-10:00 p.m. • Recreational Volleyball at the Highschool THURS., MARCH 16 8:00-5:15 p m - Mini -Tyke Hockey Tournament 9:00-4:00 p.m. - March Break Program at the Arena 8:00.11:30 p.m. - Ladies' and Men's Broomball at the Arena FRI. , MARCH 17 9:00-4:00 p.m. - March Break Program at the Arena 10:30-11:30 a.m.. Story Hour at the Library 1:00-3:00 p.m. • Free Public Skating sponsored by Rec. & Parks Committee 1:15-3:00 p.m - Seniors' Bowling at Starlight Lanes ' SAT., MARCH 18 6:30-7:30 a.m. - Panthers vs. Blues Houseleague Hockey 7:30-8:30 a.m. • Bruins vs. Ducks Sr Houseleague Hockey 8:30-9:30 a.m. - Sharks vs. Oilers Jr. Houseleague Hockey 9:30-10:30 a.m. - Leafs vs. Kings Jr. Houseleague Hockey 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Whalers vs. Canadians Jr. Houseleague Hockey 11:30-12:30 p.m. Mites and Tykes Hockey 12:30-2:30 p.m. - Ringette 2:3Q-4:00 - Free Public Skating sponsored by: Nobel Sanitation SUN., MARCH 19 4:00-5:00 p.m. - Stratford vs. Petite Ringette at the Arena 5:00-6:00 p.m. - St. Marys vs. Tween C Ringette 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Forest vs. Junior C Ringette 7:00-8:15 p.m. - Tween A vs. Belle Ringette MON., MARCH 20 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Free Public Skating at the Arena 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Coffee Hour at the Children's Co-op Centre 6:00-9:00 p.m. - Karate at the Arena 7:30-10:30 p.m. - Bingo at the Arena - Hall opens at 6:30 p.m. 9:00-10:00 p.m. - Blyth vs. Beavers Oldtimers Hockey TUES., MARCH 21 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. - Play group at Northside United Church 2:00 p.m. - March Break Crafts at the Library for ages 510 8 years 8:00-10:15 p.m. - Harmony Hi-Lites practice at the Public School WED. , MAR. 22 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Free Public Skating at the Arena 1:30-4:00 p.m. - Senior Shuffleboard at the Arena 7:00-8:00 p.m. • Step Training at • the Arena 7:00 p.m. - Seaforth Youth Motorsports Club at 172 Isabella Street 8:00-9:00 p.m. - Fitness at the Arena 8:00-10:00 p.m. - Recreational Volleyball at the Highschool If you're organizing a non-profit event of interest to other Seaforth area residents, phone the recreation office 527-0882 or the Expositor at 527-0240, or mail the information to Community Calendar. The Huron Expositor, Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario. NOK 1VV0 well in advance of the scheduled date. Free listing includes date. time, name of event and location only. Space for the Community Calendar is donated by The Huron Expositor. News and Views Groups join to promote business BY DAVID EMSLIE The betterment of the economy in Huron County is the goal of two organizations who marked their first year of successful operation last week, before amalgamating into one large corporation. The first annual general meetings of the Huron Community Futures Corporation and the Huron Business Development Corporation (HBDC) was held at the Clinton Town Hall on March 8, and those in attendance for the meetings were able to view displays from over 30 businesses and services available in the county. Aside from viewing the displays, those on hand also learned about the activities carried out by the now amalgamated corporations in their first year. Don Pullen, chair of Community Futures, welcomed all to the meet- ing, and noted the evening was being held so all can reflect back on the fj!'st year of operation for the corporations. He stated that all involved care about the future of the Huron economy, and all have worked over the last year "to do something about it." Through Community Futures, which is a federal job creation program supported by Human Resources Development Canada, Pullen said that local people are able to take charge of helping the local economy. According to the corporation's annual report: "In November 1993, the Huron Com- munity Futures Corporation launched its five-year program for economic renewal. The Community Futures strategy focuses on initiat- ives to support existing business, build upon agriculture, promote tourism, develop new skills, encour- age entrepreneurs and attract new economic activities to Huron County." Paul Nichol, the coordinator for Community Futures, gave an over- view of the corporation, and stated that its mission ' is: "To create and maintain employment opportunities and assist the residents of Huron County to adapt to a changing economy." Using an overhead, Nichol showed the audience that the long term goals of the corporation are: • to increase job prospects for Huron County residents • to diversify the local economy in a variety of new sectors • to encourage job opportunities, for our youth • to generate more business and commerce • to maintain agriculture as a foun- dation of our economy • to ensure the competitiveness of business - • to stimulate entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial culture • to encourage local leadership in dealing with community develop- ment issues Also while using the overhead, Nichol explained that the corpor- ation hopes to meet these aims by supporting existing business, build- ing upon agriculture, promoting tourism, developing new skills, encouraging entrepreneurs and attracting new economic activities. Nichol also outlined the work followed through by Community Futures in 1994. Among the pro- jects he mentioned were helping to establish the Huron Business Centre; supporting marketing efforts for locally produced ars, crafts and food products through the Christ- mas in Country catalogue; enhanc- ing business management skills and knowledge for county enterprises through sponsoring a Business Training and Counselling program; sponsoring small business seminars and workshops; offering a Farm Business Initiative to help 19 farm families in their efforts to develop, expand and enhance on-farm busi- ness and income opportunities; undertaking an All Jersey Market Feasibility Study; compiling and publishing a Huron County Farm Gate brochure; helping local tourist operators form the Huron Tourism Association; and offering a 10 -week Introduction to Small Business course. Aside from looking back over the past year, Nichol gave a sneak preview of what Community Futures has planned for 1995. On the overhead, he showed that Com- munity Futures will: • pursue the establishment of a Community Investment Share Cor- poration to encourage more local investment in Huron County busi- ness ventures; • offer Business Management Workshops to improve customer service and marketing skills among Huron County businesses; • develop opportunities for enhanced processing and marketing of Huron County farm projects by organizing information workshops and seminars; • establish a Farm Ventures Pro- gram to help create farm -based micro -enterprises and alternative income opportunities for local farm families; • determine the potential for new tourism events and attractions, including annual "Maple Mania" and "Renaissance" Festivals; ■ help draw more visitors to Huron County by creating Visitors' Incen- tive Programs in concert with local tourist operators; • coordinate and sponsor a 1995 10 Steps to Community Action leader- ship training program; • participate in the development of a Labor Market Information Net- work providing area employers with accurate, up-to-date information on labor market trends, labor- force characteristics and available busi- ness programs and services; • work with a coalition of organiz- ations to develop a Youth Employ- ment Initiative that will improve future job prospects for young people; ■ identify emerging business opportunities for Huron County entrepreneurs through market research and feasibility assessments; • assist local entrepreneurs in bringing new products or services to market by establishing a Huron County Innovation Award Program; • support local efforts to promote area business opportunities through an Industry Ambassador Program. HURON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE James Niesen, the general man- ager of the Huron Business Devel- opment Corporation, discussed the first year of operation for the busi- ness development centre, which is a component of the Community Futures Program funded through Human Resources Development Canada under the Canadian Jobs Strategy. According to the annual report: "This organization has been estab- lished within Huron County as a non-profit corporation whose oper- ations are overseen by a volunteer board of directors. The composition of the board is intended to reflect both the geographical and industrial diversity of Huron County. The Huron Business Development Cor- poration has a mandate to promote employment opportunities within Huron County by assisting its small business community. "The Huron Business Develop- ment Corporation assists the local business community by providing three separate services: referrals, counseling and financing." With an initial investment fund of $250,000 available to assist in financing small businesses in the county, Niesen told those at the meeting that the corporation was successful in approving and disburs- ing $242,500 in loans to businesses in the county during its first year of operation. He noted that only one other business development centre in the Southwestern Ontario region was able to exceed this level in its first year, and the average level achieved was loans. of just over $155,000. With 11 businesses receiving -financing from- the -corporation, he said, seven were in a start-up situ- ation. The annual report states: "Through the first year, HBDC staff had 397 consultations with both loan and non -loan clients. As already indicated, 11 loans were approved totalling $242,500. As a result, HBDC directly influenced a total of 112 jobs through its invest- ment fund. Of these jobs, 23 were newly created while 89 are clas- sified as retained. While the major- ity of loans were granted to new Meetings to discuss groundwat Water is one of the most precious resources on this planet Earth, and it seems so abundant. An eye opening tidbit of trivia reminds us however that the Earth is 97.4 percent salt water, 2.53 percent fresh water of which only 0.1 percent is water available for meeting our needs. Another amazing though is that we are drinking the same water that Christopher Columbus washed his clothes in or that the dinosaurs swam in. In fact every bit of water that was present when the earth was formed is still present today in one form or another. This continuous recycling of water is known as hydrologic water cycle. Water precipitates onto the earth, percolates into the ground or runs off the land into lakes, rivers and streams, and evaporates only to precipitate again. Tum on your kitchen sink tap and it's no surprise that out flows clean, fresh sparkling water...or does it? Much of the water in our local watersheds issupplied through the Lake Huron water pipeline or water wells. Many individual farms and rural homes depend on underground reservoirs known as aquifers. Groundwater becomes contaminated Auto theft on the rise Auto theft is on the rise. In 1993, over 26,500 automobiles were stolen in the provinces of Ontario (Insurance Bureau of Canada). This is a situation that affects everyone. Stolen automobiles have wide spread repercussions, for most it is the loss of the second most expensive purchase made, and it will result in higher insurance rates. A stolen automobile also puts friends and family at risk. Often auto theft is perpetrated by inexperienced drivers with limited regard and understanding for the responsibilities associated with motor vehicle operation, creating a public menace. There is a line of defense. The Canadian Automobile Association and Crime Prevention Ontario, in conjunction with Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Ministry of the Solicitor General and Correctional Services have joint forces to produce Combat Auto Theft (CAT). CAT is voluntary program that encourages vehicle owners, who do not ordinarily drive between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., to put a high visibility decal on the rear window of their vehicle. The decal indicates the owner has given the police consent to stop the vehicle if it is being driven during these hours to verify the driver's license and registration. Statistics indicate that most auto theft occurs after dark. CAT is effective because it works when your car is most vulnerable. The line of defense is simple. The presence of the CAT sticker makes a vehicle difficult to steal. The sticker is designated to be removed only with a maximum degree of difficulty and is time consuming. The average thief can steal a car in an average of sixty seconds. Few thieves can afford to take the time necessary to remove the sticker. A stolen CAT car, is at high risk of being stopped by Police. The sticker is reflective and highly visible at night. Other provinces currently employing the CAT program have reported significant decreases in auto theft. Participating in CAT is free. Registration forms can be picked up at the local CAA office, your local Police Station/Detachment or the Crime Prevention Ontario office in Oakville Place Mall. Completed registration forms must be mailed to the Crime Prevention Ontario office to be process in our database; from here decals will be mailed to the participant. Everyone can do their part to stop auto theft. when people -created substances are dissolved in waters recharging the groundwater. Examples of this are petroleum products leaking from underground storage tanks, nitrates from the overuse of chemical fertilizers, manure on farmland, applications of chemical pesticides or accidental spills. Contamination can also occur naturally. As citizens of this planet we do not have a good track record of managing our water resource well -. we have often abused it. The good news is that we are becoming aware of past misuses and are beginning to change. There is much to be businesses, the greatest job impact resulted from the financing of exist- ing business. Niesen explained that the board for the corporation set specific targets for loans with five sectors in the county. Those sectors are agri- culture, manufacturing, service, retail and tourism. In 1994, four loans for the service industry totalled $35,000, while five loans issued for retail were worth $107,500, and two for tourism totalled $100,000. It was noted in the annual report that neither the agriculture or manu- facturing sectors met the expected lending levels of 20 per cent each, but this lack of action was explained as "both industry sectors are very capital intensive with respect to assets. Conventional lenders are more willing to lend funds to business when there are significant 'hard' assets for use as collateral. This situation becomes even more pronounced as the gen- eral economy improves." The report also notes that on average, the HBDC provides less than one quarter of the capital requirements of clients, while the owner provides 10 per cent, and other lenders provide 65 per cent. "As a result, HBDC may also be considered as a provider of seed capital," the report states, conclud- ing, "The importance of this con- cept is that through its existence, HBDC was directly and indirectly responsible for new capital invest- ment in Huron County totalling $1,023,400. While it is unlikely that all of this capital was spent on goods and services at Huron County business, it is probable that a sig- nificant portion of it was distributed in this way. Additionally, while expenditures on Huron County goods and services by those employed through HBDC's efforts are immeasurable, they are substan- tial. Even the portion of wages and investment capital that is not spent within Huron County may have important benefits for Huron County and those residents who commute to other neighboring com- munities for employment." AMALGAMATION In other business at the meeting, a motion was passed to amalgamate the Community Futures and Busi- ttess'Development Coiiporatiorskf. Niesen, in an interview early Vis . week, noted that the amalgamation of the two organizations has been in the works for approximately one year. He stated that the govemment agency responsible for funding the corporations, Human Resources Development Canada, felt that the amalgamation would make the programs more efficient. The amalgamated organizations will now be acting under the single name of the Huron Business Devel-, opment Corporation. er quality done and much we can do. The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is hosting an information evening on groundwater quality - plan to attend on Wednesday, March 22 from 7:15 to 9: 1 5 p.m. at t h e Thedford/Bosanquet Community Center. Speakers representing the Middlesex Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the ABCA, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy are addressing this stewardship issue. Water testing kits will be available for you to take home. Past warden tops list Former Huron County Warden Allan Gibson topped the list in remuneration paid to county councillors in 1994. Gibson took home a total of $33.120 in remuneration, includ- ing convention costs and other expenses. In total, county councillors took home just under $200,000 in remuneration for the 1994 session of county council. Defeated Goderich Township county councillor Dave Gower came in with the second-highest remuneration total at $14,285. Remuneration is paid to county councillors for attendance at various boards and committees as well as conferences. For Huron County taxpayers the good news is that the remun- eration total for 1994 is less than the 1993 total, and will likely continue to drop due to the downsizing of county councillors achieved last year. The 1993 remuneration total saw county councillors take home $220,392. The 1993 Huron county Warden, Tom Tomes, was paid $43,825. Convention and other expenses were relatively the same for 1994 as in 1993, with roughly S26,000 paid out in both years. Bayfield barbecue stolen The Goderich O.P.P. reports that from between March 6 to March 12, 1995 officers investigated 28 occurrences, including seven police assistance calls, four motor vehicle collisions and three mischief offenses. In Bayfield, between March 1 - 12, 1995, someone stole an 'OMC' propane barbecue from the front porch. It was black, had two bumers, redwood shelves, 201b cream propane tank and a black vinyl cover. Value S500. On Feb. 27 or 28 someone .nmshcd a maillxtx on Conces- .ion 4, Tuckersnlith Township. on March 4, a 1988 Yamaha Mazer, black snowmobile, Lic 1l()61 038 was stolen from out- side of Tops Bar in Vanastra. Value is set at $3,500. The luvcstigation is continuing.