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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-07-17, Page 11MMI JN!TY Tidies -Advocate, July 17, 1991 Page 11 hs return home after years of service in Ethiopia Customs brought home - Dressed in traditional Ethiopian clothes, Cyril and Carol Gingerich carry a basket which generally holds a sta- ple food made from a sour dough, which when baked, looks like a flat pancake. Also in the basket is the meat sauce in which they dip the bread. Since everyone eats with their hands, it is custom to wash your them in a basin of water in front of the host upon arrival to the home. By Rhonda Vandeworp ZURICH - Cyril and Carol Gingerich have both devoted al- most 15 years to improving the living standards of people from Aiwa - 'less developed countries. For nine years Carol served with Christian Blind Mission Interna- tional (CBM) as a medical secretary for an eye hospital in Afghanistan, and Cyril spent eight years working with the Mennonite Board of Missions in Nigeria. After they were married, the couple decided to work together for CBM in the Horn of Africa. After seven years of ser- vice, they have recently returned to their home in Zurich. The Gingerichs were chosen by CBM to be the organization's country representatives in Ethiopia. The Christian Blind Mission is at work in -102 countries rehabilitating the blind, providing special educational facilities, and at- tempting to prevent blindness with medical and sanitation improvements. A country is provid- ed with a national representative if the number of projects is substantial. In Ethiopia alone, CBM has 41 medihe ann educational projects in operation at this time. As Cyril explains, these projects are partially funded and organized by CBM, but they are operated by other organizations. CBM does not itself operate these hundieds and hundreds of projects throughout the world. They do it through partners, and the partners are national organizations in the countries, churches, or missions. They sometimes work with national governments, but they prefer working with national churches," says Cyril. The largest partner with which CBMb- a ciates is the Ethiopian National Association for the Blind which operates two schools for the blind and six rehabilitation projects. Although most of the projects are run by Ethiopians, for- eign operations such as Catholic -run eye clin- ics, a health centre operated by an Italian priest and doctor, and two hospitals run by Norwegian Lutherans also play a cntical role. Since CBM is not directly in charge of the in- dividual projects, but does provide funding and materials for them, it was the Gingerich's re- sponsibility as country representatives to keep close contact with the partners, visit their pro- jects, and make recommendations to CBM headquarters in regards to financial support, building and vehicle supplies, and operational improvements of the projects. Their work demanded a lot of time and pa- tience, but seven years of work and no play was not a rule by which the Gingerichs operated. Besides official visits to projects, they enjoyed travelling to various locations within Ethiopia, in addition to excursions to Egypt and Kenya. "We travelled to Nairobi at least once a year, and took a week's holidays to visit' Kenya's game parks. When you come from Ethiopia to Nairobi, you almost feel as if you're in the West," says Carol. The Gingerichs also appreciated visiting with both foreign and Ethioptan friends, learning the customs of the local people, and enjoying the "thirteen months of sunshine." Not all of their experiences in Ethiopia, how- ever, were pleasant ones. The Gingerichs admit it took time to adjust to the poverty displayed all throughout the capital city in which they lived. However, they were not turned off by the sad sight, but instead their desire to help was strengthened. Zurich playground changes announced By Carmel Sweeney ZURICH - Due to the small number of kids registered for the Zurich summer playground pro - grafi this year, changes have been made. There will now only be swim- ming lessons on Wednesday and Thursday mornings followed by playground on those two after- noons. The children arc to bring their lunches if they wish to stay for activities until 4 p.m. It will cost an extra $12 per child for the duration of the four weeks. The bus leaves the arena at 10:15 a,m. on Wednesday returning at 1 p.m. and leaves on Thursday for Vanastra at 10 a.m. and returns around 1:45 p.m. Playground su- pervisors to contact for this year are Patti -Ann Dickert at 236-4426 and Kris Klopp at 236-7436. NDP picnic The New Democratic Party held a potluck family picnic Sunday at the home of MPP Paul Klopp. Chicken barbecue The Zurich Mennonite Church is holding a chicken barbecue Thurs- was the highlight of Wednesday evening's meeting of the Senior Diners at the Zurich Community Centre. Annie Finkbeincr won the 50/50 draw, and three tables of eu- chre and solo were enjoyed. There will be no Senior Diners on Wednesday, July 17 due to the community picnic. The Diners will meet again July 24. Fair parade The community needs your sup- port as the annual Zurich Fair Pa- rade quickly approaches. There are places for individuals, business- es and clubs, and children should pre -register at the Hay Mutual Fire Insurance office in Zttrich during regular business hours. Participating in the parade gives free entry to the fair, which will also host a baby show, wrist wres- tling, Lion's Cage, 4-H show as well as livestock and exhibits. The Optimist Club is sponsoring chil- dren's events. Lutheran Church Women The July meeting of the Evangeli- cal Lutheran Church Women was in the form of a summer picnic held Tuesday at their fellowship hall. Mission work Wednesday -evening Brother Bob Mittleholtz showed slides of his day, July 18 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at Seyler's Food Store, Just Desserts or CG Farm Supply, at $8 for adults and $4 for children. Seniors picnic The Zurich Seniors picnic will be held this Wednesday, July 17 beginning at 4:45 p.m. at the com- munity centre. Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. Senior diners The video, "Age is no barrier" work in India with the poor and sick. The presentation was made at St. Boniface Church, and on behalf of the parish Father Hayes donated a gift of money for his continued mission work. Personals Congratulations to Greg O'Brien and Yvonne Falsetti who were mar) ried on Saturday on their farrn fol- lowed by a dinner and reception at the Zurich Community Centre. The' groom is the son of Eugene an* Shirley O'Brien. Congratulations also to Janine Masse and Mark Pridham who were married on Friday at St. Boni- face Church by Father Peter Hayes. The bride is the daughter of Darl and Tillie Rau of Zurich. Michelle Durand and Perry Sere - da exchanged vows on Saturday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church followed by a dinner and reception in Exeter. Michelleis the daughter of Sharon Hughes of London. Birthday wishes are extended to Paul Morrison, Cindy Crete, Shir- ley -Hay -Janke, Sara and Vicky Du- charme. Best wishes for a speedy recov- ery are expressed to Wilfred Corri- veau, Allan Becker and Gladys Bedard, all patients at South Huron Hospital. May we offer our sympathy to the family of 'Mattie' Jantzi of the Blue Water Rest Home, who passed away at the age of 94. She was the mother of Wilma Erb. Friends of Elroy and Myraline Desjardine joined them in an after- noon of playing and listening to music at the pavilion in Zurich fol- lowed by a dinner at their home. A Miuleholtz and Smith family get-together was held at the home of Ken and Sylvia Mittelholtz on Sunday in honour of Brother Bob who is here visiting from India, and their sister Florence. Also attend- ing was their uncle Simon Smith from Hamilton. Sunday visitors with Joe and Do- '.` a Denomme were their son and alcny and Donna Denomme of oderich. Gary and Bette Flaxbard and two „Children of Kitchener spent last week visiting his parents, Earl and Anne Flaxbard. The five grandchildren of George and Mary Haggitt got together at their home on Saturday, holding a birthday party for Natasha Haggitt, daughter of Louise and Paul. Also attending were cousins Rick and Joshua Geoffrey, sons of Shelley, and Kevin, and Nathaniel and Vicki Haggiu, children of Linda and Mike. Clarence and Beatrice Geoffrey, Kevin and Shelley Geoffrey and Clair Bedard all attended the wed- ding of James Geoffrey to Jan Gregory on Saturday in Novi, Michigan. Jim is the grandson of Clarence and Beatrice. Alicia and Chris Sauve spent the week with grandparents, Paul and Marie Cyr. Camping at the Pinery Provincial Park this week were Bette Bedard, Joanne Ducharme, Christy Du- charme, Renee Sweeney and Steph- anie Durand. Dashwood residents attend Nlerner reunion DASHWOOD - The 29th Meurer reunipn was held at Charles and Donda Bartliffs home in Campbell- ville, Ninety relatives joined in races, games and food. The Meurer twins Luella Tieman and Arnold Meurer wctc the eldest with the youngest being Nickolas Schilbc, son of Wayne and Jody, Zurich. Attending from Dashwood were Ron and Ruth Ann Merrier, Mi- chael and Karen Tiernan, Mitchell and Laura, Jennifer Regier, Luella Tiernan and Shirley Tieman. Hugh and Berniece Boyle at- tended Gordon and Beth Cro- chare's 40 anniversary which was held at the Lambton United Church Centre in Forest. Beth and I have kept in touch since our younger years in school, church and choir. It was great to meet oth- er people that you haven't seen for 1 45-50 years. Last Sunday Pastor Larry Stoj- kovic commissioned three mem- bers of Zion to be missionaries for two weeks this summer in Co- logne Illinois. Shelli Rader, Donna King and Karen Gaul arc part of a team of 14 from across southern Ontario heading for Cologne. Part of their mission work will be to hold Vacation Bible School TRIANGLE DIscouror . 433 Main St., Exeter duly 15 t0 30, 1991 236-1661 Pride of the World, 200 g. jar 249 Instant Coffee 100 ml. tube toothpaste Crest Dish Soap, 500 mI. bottle Palmolive 169 Hair Remover, 125 ml. Nair Lotion '19 249 R9ach Assorted Toothbrushes 99' Anti -Plaque dental, 500 ml. Plax Rinse 399 4 O.B., 30's Tampons 549 J&J60yd. or Denotape 30 yd. Dental Floss 1.19 J & J Baby Powder 400 g. or Lotion 240 ml., or Oil 240 mI or1Shampoo 300 ml. J & J Products 269 Halsa 350 ml. Shampoo or Conditioner 269 in two mission congregations there. They will also be canvass- ing and doing some street evangal- ism, along with puppetry and sing- ing at some of the major attractions in the arca. A juvenile home and sick childrens hospital are also on the schedule. "I think the difficultyis you see so many poor people. When we frst went, there were so many beggars in the city. Addis Ababa is a city that doesn't have a slum section as such. you will find a nice house behind walls and shacks all throughout the city. You feel as if you have to help them," explains Cyril. Another frightening experience, . which the Gingerichs recently faced, was an intense battle within the capital between government forces and the rebel group which has since overtaken the responsibility of governing the nation. "It wasn't as bad as they had expected. There was one day of intense fighting when the rebels entered the city. At that time there was a 24- hour curfew, yet women and children were out stealing things. We stayed inside, and were afraid of stray bullets landing in the compound. We didn't know what was happening outside, but we could hear it," Cyril said. The Gingerick hope this governmental coup has finally ended the war that has been raging for almost 30 years. They have acquit i a new confidence in the future of Ethiopia. "The rebel group is for free enterprise. One does not need a clearance pass to leave the city, and all signs of Marxism have been eliminat- ed," Carol explains. . In regards to their own future, the Gingerichs are officially on a two month vacation, and are being strongly encouraged by CBM to join them again in the fall with another project. The Gingerichs, however, have only been home for a short period of time, and therefore haven't seriously thought about future plans. For now they are taking the time to enjoy Cana- da's "greeness and wide open spaces." Notice to Water Customers of the Exeter Public Utilities Commission The Utility has a customer that uses large quanti- ties of water for processing vegetables. Normally, one type of vegetable is processed prior to the sec- ond crop of vegetables maturing for processin,g. This year these crops will overlap for the period of July 24th to August 13th, a period of approximately three weeks During this period, the Commission is revising the water restriction period for residential customers as follows: Effective July 24th until August 13th West side of Main Street Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. East side of Midn Street Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Your co-operation will be appreciated and following August 13th, normal restrictions for lawn watering will again apply. Exeter Public Utilities Commission ALL Spring & Summer •Dresses *Blouses *Sweaters. •Coats •Jackets *Skirts •Pants •Suits •Jewellery 20" OFF1e ALL LINGERIE PR1cE JULY 17 -27TH SALE • S LADIES' WEAR 151 Queen St., St. Marys SPECIAL! alma) PANTS $19.99 OPEN M'on.-Thurs. 9-5:30 Fri. 9-9 Sat. 9-5