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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-05-10, Page 4Page 4 May 10, 2006 • The Huron Expositor Opinion Proprietor and Publisher, Bowes Publishers Limited, 11 Main St., Seaforth, ON, NOK IWO opportune yes from Bridges Seaforth and area residents finally had a chance this weekend to take an inside look at models of the homes that will soon be occupied by an increas- ing number of retirees being wooed to the area by the Bridges of Seaforth development at the golf course. While the development's been 12 years in the,y making, there's no doubting any longer that the "adult lifestyle community" for close to 500 empty nesters is quickly becoming a reality. The homes are beautiful and packed with mod- ern amenities and the setting is gorgeous with a large recreation complex to begin construction sometime this year. But, the residents, who are coming from all over Southwestern Ontario with interest as far away as Vancouver Island and Ireland, will also be mem- bers of the broader community of Seaforth and Huron East. With the first buyers moving in this summer, Seaforth still has a bit of time to consider the ques- tion = are we ready? Huron East economic development officer Ralph Laviolette is predicting that the influx of affluent adults will have far reaching economic benefits, many of which we haven't yet imagined. Developer Bill MacLean is also predicting noth- ing but good news for Seaforth's downtown, espe- cially if golf carts can get as close as possible to Main Street. If they haven't already, local entrepreneurs will be asking themselves what goods, what services that aren't here right now can be offered when big city tastes and budgets come to town. And, what new businesses ,that. can be started might provide the opportunity for Seaforth's young people to stick around instead of migrating to the cities. Opportunities are knocking - are we ready to welcome them? Susan Hundertmark With the crack of the bat, it must be spring. Other people wait for the first robin or the first purple crocuses peeking up from the soil as signs of spring. In my household, one can always tell that win- ter's done and spring's begun by the emergence of baseball equipment from the basement. For several weeks now, baseball gloves have been oiled and taken outside for the first games of catch of the season. Baseball bats have been gathered and base- ball cleats have been tried on for size and orders made for the next size up. But, this year for the first time, a very strange contraption has been rigged up in the backyard. When my husband begins pacing around the backyard, taking measurements and mut- tering to himself, we know that an invention is in the making. After the sound of the drill in the basement, he emerged with a rope which, threaded through the centre of a baseball, he tossed over an overhanging branch of the backyard tree. Wearing a grin that said, "Aren't I the clever one," he announced to the kids there would batting practice in the backyard. They, of course, were game and began swinging for all they were worth. But, while a baseball on a string seems a good idea in theory - no more trips over the fence into the neighbour's yard and no more concerns about possible broken win- dows - there were still a few wrinkles to iron out. While my nine-year-old daughter's _attempts at hit- ting the ball seemed trou- blefree, the more powerful swing of my 13 -year-old son created a problem. The second time he connected with the ball, it took a ride over the next branch and hung 10 feet overhead, the rope it was connected to also out of reach. And, a very short -live l bat- ting practice ended abruptly. With a ladder and a stick, the ball was retrieved but several swings later, the ball was back in the branches and the game was quickly losing its charm. However, the inventors in my house are not easily defeated. Plenty of tinkering and experimentation ensued and I'm happy to report that, with the rope now anchored to the ground as well as tied to the tree, the con- traption is perfected. You'd think my kids were now out there honing their skills to a Henry Aaron level of proficiency. But, somehow with the end of the scientific experiments came the end of all interest in batting practice. Seems that sending Dad up the tree for the ball was the best game of all. Ron & bave You got a "0" on your history test? It was a stupid test and it was really hard! G' fI took that course when\ I was in grade three, and it wasn't that hard! by David Lacey There's been a lot more history since then Yeah, but you were in grade 3 two years agol Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 E-mail us at seaforth@bowesnet.com Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com ca!) OUEBECOR MEDIA Canada± �..:•� "We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs." SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 35.85 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. SENIORS: - 33.85 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. USA & Foreign: 35.85 a year in advance, plus $83.20 postage, G.S.T. exempt Published weekly by Sun Media at 11 Main St., Seaforth. 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Box 69, Seaforth, ON., NOK IWO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper dation & the Ontario Community Newspapers Assoc Tom Williscraft Susan Hundertmark Publisher Editor Bernie Pugh Advertising / Office Jeff Heuchert Reporter Dianne McGrath Marcie Riegling Front office Composing Editorial and Business Offices - 11 Main Street.,Seaforth Telephone (519) 527-0240 Fax (519) 527-2858 Mailing Address - P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK 1 WO