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Times Advocate, 1991-05-01, Page 14 • 1 S.H.D.H.S. presents FAME may 8.11 SC Gainer-Kneale Insurance Call us for Comprehensive Competitive HOMEOWNERS 235-2420 Serving South Huron North Middlesex & Larnhton Since 1873 Wednesday, May 1, 1991 75 cents n: • Will Sharen run again? �y • Conservation Dinner believed to exceed last year's success EXETER - The results are just in from Thursday evening's Conserva- tion Dinner and all indicators show the event appears to have been at least as successful as last year's. After expenses were deducted from the funds raised through raf- fles, ticket sales, donations, and general and silent auctions, the din- ner appears to have netted about $26,000. Kathy Monk at the Ausable- Bayfield Conservation Authority said she was pleased that the fund- raiser had gone so well the second year in a row, and may even prove to be of more benefit to the area than last year's. "This year with (the funds) split between the Lions Club and us, we know the money is going to be staying in the area," said Monk. Last year's event was co- sponsored by the Ontario Federa- GRAND BEND - The 1991 mu- nicipal election is seven months away and there are a few rum- blings around the village of who will run for the head of council. Bruce Woolley, who is the cur- rent reeve, confirmed he will run. Woodley took over as reeve fol- lowing the resignation of Bob Sharen last May. Sharen sighted an increased business commitment - as his reason for stepping down. Since the last municipal elec- tion, Woodley has vaulted through the ranks from councillor to depu- ty -reeve following the death of George Kadlccik, and then to reeve. But Sharen hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of cam- paigning. "I'll put it this way, emotion and ego say you should, common sense says no," said Sharen. The head of Grand Bend Council, and all municipal councils across the province will still be called reeves. A proposal by the former Ontario Liberal government indi- cated a switch which would see the head of councils in all municipali- ties be called mayors, but the NDP let the proposal die. Sharen, who said it's much too earl)' to think about throwing his hat into the ring, is opposed to how candidates must register if they want to raise funds for an election. "It encourages people to start campaigning now instead of stick- ing to the business at hand of run- ning the municipality. I think it's created a lot of problems for politi- cians," said Sharen. tion of Anglers and Hunters, which took 20 percent of net profits for administration, 40 percent for their own programs, leaving 40 percent for the ABCA, which amounted to about $12,000 of the $44,000 gross revenue. The ABCA plans to continue its upgrade of nature trails at Morrison Dam for wheelchair access with the money, as well as improving the portable classroom at Parkhill's White Pine Woods. "That's what we're hoping to do, depending on how much money we raised," said Monk. Lions Club president Jon Dinney told the 400 people at the $30 a plate dinner that the club would be putting its share of the funds into its plans to beautify the Ausable River corridor through Exeter, with special attention to MacNaughton Park. The project is expected to cost about $300,000 and will take years to complete. "We're going to kick this off to- night with the funds for this pro- ject," said Dinney. Although final figures show a slightly better net profit than 1990's dinner, it did appear at Thursday evening's general auction that bid- ding on the works of art and fire- arms was a liule softer than last year's with fewer items command- ing high bids. Nevertheless, the 25 s on the agenda garnered $11,37.50, with the top bid of $2,050 going for the Tammy Laye original painting Fisher in Flight. A limited edition print, also by Laye, entitled Waiting commanded a price of $740 on the auction floor. A wood carved Canada Goose by Art. Gaiser earned $610, and a 12 gauge Remington shotgun was bid up to $600. There may still be hope for Standard Trust EXETER - Even though the Canada Deposit Insu- rance Corporation (CDIC) has announced that it has asked for an order to "wind up" Standard Trust, com- pany officials say that doesn't necessarily mean that it's alt over for the small trust company which closed its doors nearly two weeks ago. Word is expected by mid -week on whether or not the company will indeed be wound up or whether a deal will go through to salvage the operation - possibly through a sale to the Laurentian Bank of Canada which Rhad offered to buy Standard thtveeks ago. .The offer was rejected by 25 Standard creditors who' doubted the soundness of the deal. However, some re- ports have suggested that if Standard Trust is wound up, the depositors and not the creditors will be the first to be reimbursed from what funds are available. Nevertheless, the CDIC is saying that if the winding up order is issued by the Attorney General of Canada, depositors will be notified within two weeks of details concerning the repayment of their deposits. The CDIC insures a maximum of $60,000 per person in deposits with Standard Trust. Officials at the Exeter branch revealed that some lo- cal depositors have already been issued cheques by the CDIC as a means to alleviate "hardship situations". The process, described as "mixed up" by one employ- ,. ee, requires that Ih4;_ epQsitor,contact.the DIC first to make a request forfunds. The toll-free •iumbcr is 1- 800-461-2342, but be prepared to call several times as it is often busy. The line operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Walkathon participation far exceeds original high hopes EXETER - "I'm still on a high from yesterday. What a tremen- dous success." Audrey Skinner's Monday enthu- siasm was understandable. The walkathon which she and husband Steve or- ganized for Sunday afternoon was ex- pected to get be- tween 50 and 100 people out walking around Exeter to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario. Audrey Skinner had hoped to bring in up to $2,000 in pledges, maybe, to go towards the hospital where her daughter Stepha- nie Lynn spent so long before dy- ing of complications after a liver transplant last year. However, about 350 people turned out Sunday to walk from the Lions Youth Centre to Morrison Dam and back, and while the pledges have still to be collected and totalled, they are plainly far in excess of the $2,000 Skinner ex- pected. People were throwing all kinds of figures at me, so I have no idea," said Skinner. "I think it's going to be more than we dreamed." If all the pledges come in on time within the next week or two, then the Skinners are still scheduled to go on the Children's Network Tele- thon to present the donation on be - half of the walkathon participants. The walkathon went so well theme is a "high possibility" it may be back next year and may become an annual event. Audrey will be need- ing help though because she is cur- rently expecting a new baby. Nev- ertheless, offers to help run the walkathon next year are already coming in. Even the weather was more coop- erative than expected, with the pre- dicted rain over and done with ear- ly in the morning. "It turned out to be such good weather," said Skinner. "I guess that's what thinking positive is all about." Attempted break-in at MacLeans EXETER - The Exeter Police Force are still investigating an at- tempted break-in at MacLean's Hardware in Exeter last Thursday morning. The would-be thieves were bold enough to try and make their way into the store right through the front door which is clearly visible from Main Street. However, they were soon deterred by an audible alarm system which also alerted the store owners and police at about 5:30 a.m. The only result of the break-in at- tempt was some minor damage to the store's door lock. The police say the incident is still under investigation and are await- ing the results of a forensic exami- nation from Mt. Forest OPP. The police arc also hoping a pas- ser-by along Main Street at that time may have noticed something and will report it. Constable Brad Powell comment- ed that the thwarted attempt at least proves the value of alarm systems. "It paid for itself on that call any- way, agreed Ken Varley at Ma- c ns Sod turning on Osborne road shed Friday EXETER - The sod is scheduled to be turned this Friday for Usborne Township's new road works shed. The sod turning ceremony is planned for 3:30 p.m. at the new road shed site across from Usbomc Central School. Council approved a tender of $213,988 from Jim Grcgus Con- struction for the construction of the new road works building which will house all equipment used to maintain Usborne's roadways. The township has, however, been ap- proved for a $183,100 subsidy from the Ministry of Transportation On- tario. Because the township's road crew will be preparing much of the site for construction and its laneways, they will be making use of materi- als from the township's gravel pit. A separate tender of $10,626.90 was approved for the transportation of these materials to the site. In other business at their April 16 meeting, township council ap- proved a $54,355.90 tender for the construction on the McElrea munic- ipal drain from Roth Drainage Lim- ited. The drain affects the eastern regions of the township north of Ktrkton, along concessions 11 and 12 between lots 7 and 11 No evidence of turnaround Food bank nearing crisis with shelves nearly empty AILSA CRAIG - Ron Myles points to a stack of nearly empty shelves and says "this room's usual- ly full of food", and for the 28 fam- ilies who currently rely on that room's supply to help supplement their weekly grocery budget, those empty shelves are bad news indeed. Thanks to donations from Lon- don bakeries and Grand Bend area farmers, Ron Myles is able to keep a good stock of bread and potatoes at his Ailsa Craig food bank and thrift shop. Unfortunately, it is of many of the other staple items that he is running out. \Hed like to see his shelves full of the spaghetti sauces, pasta, tuna, canned stew, macaroni and cheese, cereal, sugar, and coffee that he had before Christmas after the Ailsa Craig Fire Department food drive and a series of donations got the food bank up and running. However, private donations have dwindled over the past weeks. Per- haps because many believe the economy to be improving and the need for food banks is disappear- ing. Not so, says Myles. I haven't seen any evidence of things turning around," said Myles. "I haven't seen any evidence at all." Myles is, however, very grateful for the donations the food bank has received so far; in fact, he says he's amazed at what has been given, but - he speculates awareness of the fact families from Ailsa Craig to Grand Bend and Exeter are still going hungry has "levelled off'. Myles said he had hoped a recent food bank drive in London might have "spilled over" as a reminder to donors in the Ailsa Craig arca of their local bank, but it never materi- alized. In order to increase local aware- ness of the food bank, Myles and the other volunteers who work there are holding an open house on May 17 and 18. They hope people who wouldn't otherwise set foot in the combined food bank, kitchen, and thrift shop will come in to take a look "so they can see what we're doing". Myles has other projects on the go as well. In the works is a group home for battered wives and people who have lost their homes in these hard times. He has a house in mind, he has the furniture, he just needs to raise the money to pay the rent. Because they want to remain a Christian -organized program, government ministries can't be- come involved, however. The thrift shop has also become a place for Bible stud, a Sunday morning worship service, and even marriage counselling. But Myles first and foremast problem is the empty shelves in the Continued do page 2 e Inside Walkers 350 join in walk page 3 Cleanup South Huron students lend a hand page 13 Jr. 'D' Trojans lead Irish Second front Preview A look at the Juniors page 18 • Will Sharen run again? �y • Conservation Dinner believed to exceed last year's success EXETER - The results are just in from Thursday evening's Conserva- tion Dinner and all indicators show the event appears to have been at least as successful as last year's. After expenses were deducted from the funds raised through raf- fles, ticket sales, donations, and general and silent auctions, the din- ner appears to have netted about $26,000. Kathy Monk at the Ausable- Bayfield Conservation Authority said she was pleased that the fund- raiser had gone so well the second year in a row, and may even prove to be of more benefit to the area than last year's. "This year with (the funds) split between the Lions Club and us, we know the money is going to be staying in the area," said Monk. Last year's event was co- sponsored by the Ontario Federa- GRAND BEND - The 1991 mu- nicipal election is seven months away and there are a few rum- blings around the village of who will run for the head of council. Bruce Woolley, who is the cur- rent reeve, confirmed he will run. Woodley took over as reeve fol- lowing the resignation of Bob Sharen last May. Sharen sighted an increased business commitment - as his reason for stepping down. Since the last municipal elec- tion, Woodley has vaulted through the ranks from councillor to depu- ty -reeve following the death of George Kadlccik, and then to reeve. But Sharen hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of cam- paigning. "I'll put it this way, emotion and ego say you should, common sense says no," said Sharen. The head of Grand Bend Council, and all municipal councils across the province will still be called reeves. A proposal by the former Ontario Liberal government indi- cated a switch which would see the head of councils in all municipali- ties be called mayors, but the NDP let the proposal die. Sharen, who said it's much too earl)' to think about throwing his hat into the ring, is opposed to how candidates must register if they want to raise funds for an election. "It encourages people to start campaigning now instead of stick- ing to the business at hand of run- ning the municipality. I think it's created a lot of problems for politi- cians," said Sharen. tion of Anglers and Hunters, which took 20 percent of net profits for administration, 40 percent for their own programs, leaving 40 percent for the ABCA, which amounted to about $12,000 of the $44,000 gross revenue. The ABCA plans to continue its upgrade of nature trails at Morrison Dam for wheelchair access with the money, as well as improving the portable classroom at Parkhill's White Pine Woods. "That's what we're hoping to do, depending on how much money we raised," said Monk. Lions Club president Jon Dinney told the 400 people at the $30 a plate dinner that the club would be putting its share of the funds into its plans to beautify the Ausable River corridor through Exeter, with special attention to MacNaughton Park. The project is expected to cost about $300,000 and will take years to complete. "We're going to kick this off to- night with the funds for this pro- ject," said Dinney. Although final figures show a slightly better net profit than 1990's dinner, it did appear at Thursday evening's general auction that bid- ding on the works of art and fire- arms was a liule softer than last year's with fewer items command- ing high bids. Nevertheless, the 25 s on the agenda garnered $11,37.50, with the top bid of $2,050 going for the Tammy Laye original painting Fisher in Flight. A limited edition print, also by Laye, entitled Waiting commanded a price of $740 on the auction floor. A wood carved Canada Goose by Art. Gaiser earned $610, and a 12 gauge Remington shotgun was bid up to $600. There may still be hope for Standard Trust EXETER - Even though the Canada Deposit Insu- rance Corporation (CDIC) has announced that it has asked for an order to "wind up" Standard Trust, com- pany officials say that doesn't necessarily mean that it's alt over for the small trust company which closed its doors nearly two weeks ago. Word is expected by mid -week on whether or not the company will indeed be wound up or whether a deal will go through to salvage the operation - possibly through a sale to the Laurentian Bank of Canada which Rhad offered to buy Standard thtveeks ago. .The offer was rejected by 25 Standard creditors who' doubted the soundness of the deal. However, some re- ports have suggested that if Standard Trust is wound up, the depositors and not the creditors will be the first to be reimbursed from what funds are available. Nevertheless, the CDIC is saying that if the winding up order is issued by the Attorney General of Canada, depositors will be notified within two weeks of details concerning the repayment of their deposits. The CDIC insures a maximum of $60,000 per person in deposits with Standard Trust. Officials at the Exeter branch revealed that some lo- cal depositors have already been issued cheques by the CDIC as a means to alleviate "hardship situations". The process, described as "mixed up" by one employ- ,. ee, requires that Ih4;_ epQsitor,contact.the DIC first to make a request forfunds. The toll-free •iumbcr is 1- 800-461-2342, but be prepared to call several times as it is often busy. The line operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Walkathon participation far exceeds original high hopes EXETER - "I'm still on a high from yesterday. What a tremen- dous success." Audrey Skinner's Monday enthu- siasm was understandable. The walkathon which she and husband Steve or- ganized for Sunday afternoon was ex- pected to get be- tween 50 and 100 people out walking around Exeter to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario. Audrey Skinner had hoped to bring in up to $2,000 in pledges, maybe, to go towards the hospital where her daughter Stepha- nie Lynn spent so long before dy- ing of complications after a liver transplant last year. However, about 350 people turned out Sunday to walk from the Lions Youth Centre to Morrison Dam and back, and while the pledges have still to be collected and totalled, they are plainly far in excess of the $2,000 Skinner ex- pected. People were throwing all kinds of figures at me, so I have no idea," said Skinner. "I think it's going to be more than we dreamed." If all the pledges come in on time within the next week or two, then the Skinners are still scheduled to go on the Children's Network Tele- thon to present the donation on be - half of the walkathon participants. The walkathon went so well theme is a "high possibility" it may be back next year and may become an annual event. Audrey will be need- ing help though because she is cur- rently expecting a new baby. Nev- ertheless, offers to help run the walkathon next year are already coming in. Even the weather was more coop- erative than expected, with the pre- dicted rain over and done with ear- ly in the morning. "It turned out to be such good weather," said Skinner. "I guess that's what thinking positive is all about." Attempted break-in at MacLeans EXETER - The Exeter Police Force are still investigating an at- tempted break-in at MacLean's Hardware in Exeter last Thursday morning. The would-be thieves were bold enough to try and make their way into the store right through the front door which is clearly visible from Main Street. However, they were soon deterred by an audible alarm system which also alerted the store owners and police at about 5:30 a.m. The only result of the break-in at- tempt was some minor damage to the store's door lock. The police say the incident is still under investigation and are await- ing the results of a forensic exami- nation from Mt. Forest OPP. The police arc also hoping a pas- ser-by along Main Street at that time may have noticed something and will report it. Constable Brad Powell comment- ed that the thwarted attempt at least proves the value of alarm systems. "It paid for itself on that call any- way, agreed Ken Varley at Ma- c ns Sod turning on Osborne road shed Friday EXETER - The sod is scheduled to be turned this Friday for Usborne Township's new road works shed. The sod turning ceremony is planned for 3:30 p.m. at the new road shed site across from Usbomc Central School. Council approved a tender of $213,988 from Jim Grcgus Con- struction for the construction of the new road works building which will house all equipment used to maintain Usborne's roadways. The township has, however, been ap- proved for a $183,100 subsidy from the Ministry of Transportation On- tario. Because the township's road crew will be preparing much of the site for construction and its laneways, they will be making use of materi- als from the township's gravel pit. A separate tender of $10,626.90 was approved for the transportation of these materials to the site. In other business at their April 16 meeting, township council ap- proved a $54,355.90 tender for the construction on the McElrea munic- ipal drain from Roth Drainage Lim- ited. The drain affects the eastern regions of the township north of Ktrkton, along concessions 11 and 12 between lots 7 and 11 No evidence of turnaround Food bank nearing crisis with shelves nearly empty AILSA CRAIG - Ron Myles points to a stack of nearly empty shelves and says "this room's usual- ly full of food", and for the 28 fam- ilies who currently rely on that room's supply to help supplement their weekly grocery budget, those empty shelves are bad news indeed. Thanks to donations from Lon- don bakeries and Grand Bend area farmers, Ron Myles is able to keep a good stock of bread and potatoes at his Ailsa Craig food bank and thrift shop. Unfortunately, it is of many of the other staple items that he is running out. \Hed like to see his shelves full of the spaghetti sauces, pasta, tuna, canned stew, macaroni and cheese, cereal, sugar, and coffee that he had before Christmas after the Ailsa Craig Fire Department food drive and a series of donations got the food bank up and running. However, private donations have dwindled over the past weeks. Per- haps because many believe the economy to be improving and the need for food banks is disappear- ing. Not so, says Myles. I haven't seen any evidence of things turning around," said Myles. "I haven't seen any evidence at all." Myles is, however, very grateful for the donations the food bank has received so far; in fact, he says he's amazed at what has been given, but - he speculates awareness of the fact families from Ailsa Craig to Grand Bend and Exeter are still going hungry has "levelled off'. Myles said he had hoped a recent food bank drive in London might have "spilled over" as a reminder to donors in the Ailsa Craig arca of their local bank, but it never materi- alized. In order to increase local aware- ness of the food bank, Myles and the other volunteers who work there are holding an open house on May 17 and 18. They hope people who wouldn't otherwise set foot in the combined food bank, kitchen, and thrift shop will come in to take a look "so they can see what we're doing". Myles has other projects on the go as well. In the works is a group home for battered wives and people who have lost their homes in these hard times. He has a house in mind, he has the furniture, he just needs to raise the money to pay the rent. Because they want to remain a Christian -organized program, government ministries can't be- come involved, however. The thrift shop has also become a place for Bible stud, a Sunday morning worship service, and even marriage counselling. But Myles first and foremast problem is the empty shelves in the Continued do page 2 e