HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-08-10, Page 5Opinion
After initial culture shock, I've
become a small town advocate
From Page 4
to life in a small town.
In Mitchell, I learned what it's like to be in a growing
community with a huge love for minor sports and hosting
events to support the community.
If I was asked to pick a favourite, I'd say it was a draw.
When I moved "up here", all my friends wondered how
long I would last in a small town because I wasn't used to the
atmosphere.
They worried that it would be hard to sustain a long-
distance relationship with my girlfriend (it lasted) and that
there was lack of things to do for someone in his 20s.
To their amazement, I not only survived "up here" I became
a spokesperson who educated my friends of the benefits of
living in a small town.
Not only do I smile everytime I hear the song Jack and
Diane, I've also caught myself listening to country tnusic in
my car. Those are things I don't think would have happened
without living here.,
While I've talked with members of the federal and
provincial governments, NHL players and semi -celebrities, I
always enjoyed talking with "average Joest'
I'll always remember being called the "guy from the
newspaper" or the "photographer" by kids at the arena or
school.
The thing I hope people take away from knowing me is that
reporters are there to tell the stories of a community, let
people know what's happening and help keep the powers -that -
be in line.
While it was not easy convincing people to tell their stories
and open up to me, I hope that the person who takes over my
position will care about the areas they are covering as much as
I did.
Letters
Canada Company History week
could attract history buffs to area
From Page 4
Testament.
The history of early Egmondville alone would make a
great movie.
As Seaforth is near the centre of Huron County (and has
historic roots to the settling of John Galt's Huron Tract and
because of the Van Egmond house and history going back to
the Montgomery Tavern raiders marching down Yonge
Street to oust The Family Compact) might it be an idea to
hold an annual Canada Company History Week.
It could attract history buffs and people long gone who
have roots,in the town and area. The marketing possibilities
are endless and I'm surprised that another Huron town
hasn't thought of it.
I agree that the town hall (the highest in Western Ontario
when it was built) and Cardno's Hall are great - and the
Seaforth Legion is known around Ontario as having one of
the finest museums of the history of the last two wars.
The Ontario Arts Council might be approached for seed
money to do a feasibility study of such a project.
Indeed, Maureen deserves a lot of credit. Seaforth is so
very lucky in the caliber of the many who support and
promote the town.
One important thing - if there is an interest - is to get
small committee or task force underway ASAP.
Kind regards.
Clare Westcott
Toronto
Huron East thanked for contribution
allowing repair of 25 monuments
To the Editor,
On behalf of the board of
directors for the Hensall
Union Cemetery, I would
like to take this opportunity
to publicly thank the
Municipality of Huron East
for their financial support.
Originally known as the
Warrenville Presbyterian
Cemetery, the Hensall
Union Cemetery was
created by donations of
land from William Elder
and David Dougall in the
1830s.
Interestingly the earliest
date recorded off a
monument is 1852 which
could indicate that some
monuments have been lost
in the past.
In recent years the board
of directors for the
cemetery has endeavoured
to maintain the monuments
in their best condition
possible rather than
removing or dismantling
them. They are viewed as a
part of our cultural heritage
and worthy of preservation.
Within the last year 25
monuments have been
identified as requiring
some repair work.
Unfortunately, the cost was
prohibitive.
Over many weeks in the
early spring, chairman Bob
Bell and I petitioned the
three local municipalities
(Huron East, South Huron
and Bluewater) for their
support.
We appreciate that Huron
East was the first to give us
that much needed boost of
$2,000. Soon afterward the
other municipalities
followed suit.
Because of the leadership
shown to the Hensall Union
Cemetery for this
monument repair and
restoration project we will
be able to get these 25
monuments repaired this
summer. Thank -you.
Sincerely,
Joanne Rowcliffe,
Secretary -Treasurer,
Hensall Union Cemetery
Blyth Festival' s The Thirteenth One
a heartwarming and moving story
By Susan Hundertmark
Expositor Editor
A heartwarming story that
illustrates the sacrifices made
in the name of love, The
Thirteenth One, which
opened last week in Blyth,
will have audiences both
laughing and searching for
the Kleenex.
Based on the true story of
a poor French Canadian
family living during the
Depression in Manitoba, The
Thirteenth One is written by
Denyse Gervais Regan, who,
as the 13th child in her
family, was almost given up
for adoption.
The dilemma of a devout
Roman Catholic woman who
is struggling to keep her
children fed and healthy - not
to mention the fact that she
almost died herself during
her last experience of
childbirth - is told with
pathos and humour.
Some of the best moments
of the play show the maman,
Marie Louise - played with
great depth and substance by
Suzanne Roberts Smith - and
her neighbour Annette
(Sharon Heldt), also the
mother of 10, attempting to
figure, out . "the rhythm
method" so they can have
some control over their
abundant fertility.
Fending off their insatiable
husbands and the tyranny of
a young priest who
frequently enquires after the
next addition to their families
as a "duty to God," the
women are hilarious as they
sing the, Gershwin tune "I've
Got Rhythm" with high
hopes they can please
Suzanne Roberts Smith as
themselves and their
husbands.
Heldt is deliciously funny
again when she shows up
pregnant and ironically
states, -'I couldn't carry a
tune in a bucket."
Complicating the decision
is Marie Louise's troubled
relationship with her own
mother,whom she believes
abandoned her as a four-
year-old girl.
Scenes between Marie
Louise and Grandmaman,
played very skillfully,by
Nancy Beatty, simmer with
unspoken hurt and regret.
Mark Harapiak is great as
the confused and overworked
husband, torn between his
faith in God and love for his
worn-out and weary wife.
The cast of 10 Huron
County kids who play the
Magnan and Mark Harapiak as Papa in The Thirteenth One.
Gervais children, are
charming and believable in
their roles.
Heather Thompson, of
Clinton, is particularly good
as the crippled but
hardworking eldest daughter
Majella, who cheerfully
misses school to help run the
household and keep her
mother's spirits' up.
Ken Munday also shines in
the dual role of the naive yet
hardnosed young priest who
continues to urge more
procreation and the outraged
eldest son Louis who rails
against the continuing
pressures on his
impoverished family.
Ryan Baan; of Walton, is
the perfect bratty brother
taunting one of his many
sisters with her stolen doll.
And, Jared Smith, of
Dublin, is darling as the baby
brother trotted into the
kitchen dressed. as a Shirley
Temple doll by two sisters
who cannot afford the real
thing from the mail-order
catalogue.
Worth mentioning is the
set, done by Lorenzo
Savoini, which, with the use
of a few strategic antique
pieces of a rural farm
kitchen, conveys the cramped
and simple life of the
Gervais family.
The blue skies and wheat
stalks in the background
unmistakeably speak of the
prairies and the central
crucifix, placed at the centre
of the family's beloved
piano, sets the tone for'the
entire story.
The Thirteenth One runs
until Sept. 3.
THE HURON EXPOSITOR. Aug 10. 2005-5
SEAFORTH
527-0120
EXETER
235-2121
www.teamvincent.com
Harley-Davidson Draw 2005
Your shopping is done. except for your dad
Get him a gift that will surely make him glad
Give him a chance at his ultimate toy
Got him a chance on a Harley Fat Boy
Only 2,500 tickets
will be sold!
Tickets $20 each
2005 FAT BOY 1 5TH ANNIVERSARY MODEL
Purchased from Rocky's in London
All proceeds to support Vanastra & District Lions Club
& Vanastra Rec Centre
Draw will be made Sept. 9, 2005, at the Seaforth Fall Fair
The winner will be contacted by phone and will be
responsible for pick-up, license & insurance of bike.
License #M303521
For Tickets Call Toll Free 1-888.868-7513 or 519-482-3544
Notice of Public
Information
Sessions
Ontario Regulation 97/04:
Development, Interference with Wetlands &
Alterations to Shorelines & Watercourses
Revisions to the Conservation Authorities Act by the
Province of Ontario have resulted in a new directive:
Ontario Regulation 97/04: Development, Interference with
Wetlands & Alterations to Shorelines & Watercourses. The
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority will be hosting a
series of public information sessions to present the new
regulation and mapping in an open house format.
Development within areas that are adjacent to or close to
watercourses, valleys, wetlands,or shorelines may be affected
by this regulation.
Please see below for dates and locations.
Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Zurich Arena floor, Zurich, Ontario
Friday, August 26, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Thedford
Bosanquet Community Centre, Thedford
Wednesday, September 7
4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Masonic Hall, Exeter
Tuesday, September 13
4p.m.-8p.m.
Ailsa Craig Recreation Complex, Ailsa Craig
For more infomnation contact:
Alec Scott P. Eng., Water & Planning Manager ABCA,
(519) 235-2610, ascott@abca.on.ca
Kelly Vader, R.P.P., Water & Planning Supervisor, ABCA,
(519) 235-2610, kvadcr@abca.onca
You are invited to attend these area churches
St. Thomas
Anglican Church
A Congregation of the Parish of The Holy Sr
Jarvis St. Seaforth
Parish Office 527-1522
Sunday, August 14'h
Worship at 9:30 a.m.
EVERYONE WELCOME
St. James Roman
Catholic Church
Welcomes you
14 Victoria Street, Seaforth
527-0142
Weekend Masses: Sat 5:15 pm
. Sun. 11:00 am
Bethel Bible Church
An Associated Gospel Church
126 Main St. Seaforth
527-0982
Sunday Worship Hour 10 am
EVERYONE WELCOME
EgmoncJvilte
United Church
Until Sept. 4th
Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Sun. Aug 14 - Outdoor Service 1030 a m
at Van Egrnond House. Potluck lunch to
fo°b'". unlustg a lawnchairSpsksna: lav•dish.
(
Sun. Aug. 21 - Trish MacGregor
Sun. Aug. 28 - Faye Carnochan-Murray
Suri: Scot. 4.Les HAS
NORTHSIDE UNITED
CHURCH
54 Gch St W
Rev.v. John Gould
Sunday, August 14"
Worship 11 a.m.
Sermon: Crossing The Line
First Presbyterian
Church
Goderich St. W., Seaforth
Rev. Henry Huberts
No Services until
August 28'h, 2005