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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2001-08-08, Page 3News THE MOON 11XPOS TON, August i, 2001-3 Local girls part of team that swam across Lake Huron By Julio Stecca Goderich Signol-Star Stott Crowds lined the shore at Goderich Main Beach on Saturday to watch a 'Hurricane' blow in. Bad weather conditions delayed, and almost postponed, what has become a monumental moment in Goderich history. A fleet of 20 swimmers, aged 10 to 18, crossed Lake Huron from Harbor Beach, Michigan to Main Beach, Goderich for the first time ever. The. 44 -nautical -mile swim, equivalent to 50 land miles, was completed in 27 hours and 10 minutes by members of the Huron Hurricane Aquatic Club. The first six hours of the swim saw the team push through one -metre -high waves in frigid water (estimated by the Canadian Coast Guard as 18 degrees Celsius or lower in places). "It was close to being not a go because of the weather," said Rick Kloss, event organizer. The start time was delayed by more than three hours because of weather conditions. Sea sickness was a factor that affected many team members, Kloss said. The advantage of having so many swimmers was that if one was sick, another could swim. During the day 33 degree temperatures "helped encourage them into the water," Kloss added, which M, as one of the only refuges for sick teammates. A full moon watched over the swimmers as they surged on through the black waters of Lake Huron. "We never lost sight of a swimmer for a second," Kloss said. Swimmers had glowsticks stuck in their caps to allow themselves to be seen in the darkness. The Hurricanes have descended into history following the heels of swimmer Vicki Keith, who swam the same path 13 years ago. Kloss's father, at the age of 50, also swam Lake Huron in 1991, landing in Grand Bend. Publicity for the team was one of the main goals. "(We have publicized) the fact that we exist," Kloss said, "... the fact that swimming exists in Huron County and the fact that these kids can do anything if they put their minds to it. That is what we set out to achieve." The Huron Hurricanes have certainly made their presence known in Huron County and in the United States. Al Jones, who was on vacation in Harbor Beach, Michigan was at the lake when the swimmers took off. On Tuesday morning Jones phoned The Goderich Signal - Star to ask whether or not the swimmers had completed their journey. He mentioned that when the team left Harbor Beach they were uncertain as to whether they ?rte " MR v Julia Stecca photo Members of the Huron Hurricanes, in a team effort, swam across lake Huron on the weekend raising money and awareness for the county -based swim team. would make it because of the waves. Despite such great support from Canadian and American residents, Kloss said the event was not a big fundraiser. The team has raised $4,000 to date, a far cry from the $5- $10,000 for which the team had hoped. The team was low on money before the marathon swim and needed a fresh fundraising idea that was not a hot dog sale or walk-a-thon. Funds raised from the swim will go to providing equipment and professional coaches' for the team. T-shirts and draw tickets will be sold until Friday, August 10. Despite financial disappointment, Kloss remains positive. "What is most important about the swim," he said, "is not the money raised but the personal achievement for each swimmer and the confidence gained as a result of this swim." The Hurricanes were the first relay team to cross the lake, but perhaps not the last. Talk of doing another swim in ten years began before the water logged swimmers even touched dry land. "The swimmers have accomplished something never attempted helore in an amazingly short period of time. They should he proud of themselves." said Kloss. Someone steals 9o -year-old Coleman's tricycle, his best way of getting around By Scott Hilgendorff Expositor Editor Someone stole 90 -year- old Harold Coleman's large- sized tricycle July 29 while he ate a Sunday supper at Sparky's on Main Street in Seaforth. "At about 6 p.m. he went inside, had his meal and the tricycle was gone when he came back outside," said his grandson, Kevin Coleman. "I don't understand why someone would do it," said Kevin, upset that someone has taken his grandfather's most important means of transportation around the community. At 90, Harold no. longer drives and Kevin said walking is becoming a challenge for his grandfather who, despite making slow progress, still ventures out often by foot, especially now, without his trike. The blue trike is adult -size and has a large basket on the back which allows Harold to shop for items and carry them home more easily. It helps Harold maintain his independence and, despite having a harder time walking, Kevin said his grandfather gets around quite well on the trike. Both police and Kevin have been out looking for the bike. Kevin thinks maybe someone took the bike for a joy ride and has dumped it somewhere because it has no significant value or use for someone like a racing or mountain bike might have. Harold got the trike last fall and Kevin said his grandfather uses it regularly. "He uses it to go to the Seaforth Manor every couple of evenings to visit with the older folk," he said of Harold's frequent visits to friends who live at the retirement and nursing home facility. Ron Lavoie, who lives on Harold's route to the Manor, learned of the theft last week. "I see him riding it quite a bit," said Lavoie. "I'm just amazed he can get out and ride a trike." Lavoie talked to Harold about it and said he was pretty upset about having to try and replace it. "I think it's pretty sad someone would take advantage of someone like that," said Lavoie. He is encouraging people to keep an eye out for a discarded trike. maybe lying in a ditch around the outskirts of town. "It would only he of value to a senior." said Lavoie. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Huron OPP. VVVWVVVVVWVVL DO HAVE YOUR �� 111�►1P� It's time again for the ever popular Seaforth & Area Phone Book If you have... • Moved • Changed Your Number • Are New to Seaforth • Have Your Number or Address Incorrectly Listed Please call our office to arrange any changes necessary to ensure your Phone Book is up to date and correct! Forf. ..., ,. I,Orma A f Avery W EHu_ ron ? � a �.A phew $�k� 11 Main St., Seaforth [�`retialit 527.0240 or fax us at...519-527-2858 "1" 1 Have you experienced abuse from a husband or boyfriend? The Domestic Abuse Review Team of Huron County wants to hear YOUR story. Help us get a "community snapshop" of services that work with women who have been abused, such as the police, Crown Attorney, the Court System, probation, women's shelter, second stage housing and counselling programs. Please call Tanya at 523-9721 or 1-800-265-5506 to get involved. All calls will be kept strictly confidential I.l:'l' 1 Ot It \ OILI.: lira 111: 1RI) Maitland Valley Conservation Authority 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Please join us as we celebrate 50 years of conservation! Wed. Aug. 15th MVCA Office, Wroxeter Bus Tour 1:15-5:00 pm, free Open House 2 to 4 pm, free Displays, demonstrations and children's activities Commemorative Ceremony 5:30 pm, free Barbeque Reception 6:00 pm $15 per person For information, or to reserve your spot for the bus tour and barbeque, call us at 335-3557. MAPLEWOOD MANOR Retirement Home 13 Church St., Seaforth At present we have Large Private, Private and Semi -Private accommodations available. Features include: • excellent dining and snacks • dietician approved menus • laundry • housekeeping • medication administered by our professional staff • transportation arranged for appointments • 24 hour friendly professional staff • beauty salon • barber services • daily activities ORCA sr for more information contact Tracy Nash at 527-1440 Fax If 527-2977 Maplewood Manor "Your Invitation to Gracious Retirement Living"