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Serving South Huron
Huron Park
kne.Ghte s
closing
HURON PARK - Huron Park's
only supermarket may be closed
next week. Saturday is the last day
the Knechtel's store will be operat-
ed by Larry and Mike Cronyn.
"Darling's have terminated our
lease," confirmed Mike Cronyn,
who said that while the building
was offered to him, he did not buy.
"The price didn't suit me," he
said.
Joe Darling, owner of Darling's
Food Markets in Exeter and Lucan
explained there are no definite
plans for the Huron Park store after
it is officially taken over on Sun-
day.
"Our plan is to sell the business,"
said Darling. "We can't afford to
be operators of it."
Nevertheless, Darling said he
hoped the building would continue
as a ery store for the Huron
Parktralia area. He said he is
consulting with potential buyers for
the store.
However, whether or not the
store's doors will remain open next
week had not been decided as of
press time. Darling said there was
a possibility of operating the store
during a transition period between
owners.
Minor injuries
in two
accidents
alar!'_ - Saturday the Exeter
OPP were called to a single vehicle
accident on Highway 83.
Police say that the car driven by
Geoffrey Donaldson of Grosse
Point Farms, Michigan went into
the highway's ditch, struck a fence
and rolled over. A passenger, Su-
san Hodgins of Grand Bend, re-
ceived minor injuries in the acci-
dent.
Damage to the car was moderate,
say police.
Last Wednesday, the OPP inves-
tigated a collision at the junction of
Highway 83 and Huron County
Road 11. Vehicles driven by John
Buchanan of London and Nancy
Hodgert of RR 1 Kirkton were in-
volved in the collision. A passen-
ger, Amir Hodgert age 9, received
minor injuries. Damage to the ve-
hicles was moderate.
In addition to the 57 Highway
Traffic Act charges the OPP laid
last week, they charged two people
for impaired driving, and issued
charge for driving while under
North Middlesex & Lambton
Since 1873
Wednesday, August 28. 1991 75 cents
Kloss swims across Lake Huron
By Fred Groves
GRAND BEND - "Come on
dad."
"Come on grandpa."
Shouts of encouragement
stretched out across the water to
Dick Kloss Sunday night from
his family who, along with hun-
dreds of supporters, awaited the
completion of his remarkable ac-
complishment.
As the sun dipped beyond the
horizon, the 50 -year-old Parkhill
resident grasped for the sandy
shores of Lake Huron at the Pin-
ery Provincial Park.
It took Kloss, a Brucefield na-
tive, 36 hours to swim from Port
Sanilac, Michigan to Grand
Bend, a distance of 44 miles.
He was supposed to touch land
Crew gets credit for success
Ha did it - Rick Kloss, left; helps his father Dick off with his wet suit just seconds after getting out
of Lake Huron on Sunday night. Kloss swam the lake in 36 hours to mark his 50th birthday and to
help raise nearly $6,000 for the Grand Bend Library fund.
about 10 hours earlier on the
main beach in Grand Bend, but
Saturday night he was slowed by
10 -foot high waves and winds of
up to 25 knots per hour.
Monday at noon, just 15 hours
after he stepped out of the water,
Kloss modestly described his ad-
venture.
"I could feel them on my face,"
said Kloss of the large waves. "It
was like a slap in the face."
He said his crew played a big
part in making the trip a success.
"My crew encouraged me. The
crew worked harder than I did
and I appreciate that. These guys
had the hardest job," said Kloss.
While he was in the water bat-
tling waves and winds, his 29
member crew had to keep their
vessels going.
"The boats were literally out of
control. Dick kept struggling, he
was an inspiration to the crew,"
said Tom Lawson who captained
one of the communication boats.
Kloss is used to high waves as
he has gone on canoe marathons
which required some paddlers to
climb into a moving canoe.
Six weeks ago Kloss sprained
his ankle and his wrist in a bicy-
cle accident but that didn't dis-
courage him from making his
dream come true.
The swim was scheduled for
August 16 but rough weather de-
layed it a week. When they left
from Port Sanilac on Saturday
the waves were three feet high
and pounding the shore.
His crew decided earlier Sun-
day it would shorten his swim if
he was to finish at the Dunes
beach at the Pinery Park. Al-
though his final destination was
changed, there were still many
well-wishers greeting him when
he arrived.
He still had enough energy to
nut to shore as everyone gave
him a round of applause.
"He ran to shore, that's incredi-
ble," said Kloss' coach Paul
Dockstader.
After Kloss got out of the wa-
ter, medical personnel along
with the crew of the Coast Guard,
vessel Cape Hurd were on hand
to take him back to Grand Bend.
There at the harbour, he was
Clgreeted by hundreds more who
the banks of the Ausable
River.
On the beach just before Kloss
completed the swim, it was like a
silent vigil as they awaited a man
who marked his 50th birthday on
Monday. His family who waited
on the beach were very con-
cerned for his safety Saturday
night.
"We didn't really know it was
that bad until I called down to
Steve Lingard at the harbour
building and said he had a bad
night," said Kloss' daughter
Wendy Case of Hensall just 45
minutes before her father came to
shore.
Lingard, the Grand Bend har-
bourmaster was in constant com-
munication with Kloss' crew.
"My dad is a really determined
man and I had no doubt he would
make it," said Case while fight-
ing back tears of emotion.
Kloss stayed in the water
throughout the 36 -hour ordeal
and was not touched. He was fed
his diet of chicken noodle soup
and peaches by an accompanying
swimmer who would pass it to
him in a basket.
"My sister, brother and I all
swam with him this afternoon. I
think it helped him," said Case.
Kloss later said he had little
idea of who was• in the water be-
cause the only way he could rec-
ognize the pace swimmers was
by their bathing caps.
Please turn to page 2
ouse should stay, park committee told
By Adrian Harte
EXETER - While representatives from the Exeter -
Morrison Corridor committee were determined to prove that
the demolition of the I30 -year old house in MacNaughton
Park was necessary, those who attended the public meeting
Thursday evening were equally determined the house had
more value than its area in parking spaces.
The Exeter and Area Heritage Foundation also put their
support firmly behind the preservation of the house which
was originally built as the miller's residence for the Pickard
Grist Mill. The Foundation wrote a letter to the Ausable
Bayfield Conservation Authority saying they would be glad
to take over the structure as a possible site for local archives.
John Schwindt of the ABCA outlined the plans for the park
and the river trails connecting with Momson Dam. He
pointed out that the river banks between the park and the
dam are still under private ownership: "something the public
doesn't seem to be aware or.
Schwindt explained that pfmti were drawn up in 1988 to
plot the future of the river area, and that MacNaughton Park
was targeted for a revitalization. A student the following
summer drew up plans which called for lighted walkways,
gardens, and better public facilities in the park - plans which
the Lions Club and Conservation Authority are working to-
gether to put into effect over the next few years.
Schwindt noted the ABCA, which owns the house in the
park and the adjacent swimming pool land, had considered
demolishing it in the early 1980s, but the decision was re-
versed due to its good condition and because of public oppo-
sition.
While the house and nearby PUC buildings didn't add to
the park, said Schwindt, they were screened off with trees,
and are today barely visible from the pavilion where Thur -
day's meeting was held.
Jon Dinney, a Lions Club member and chairman of the hx-
eter-Morrison Corridor committee, explained that the Lions
were happy to take on the project of fundraising for the
park's future because of its contribution to the community.
"It was beneficial to seniors, children, and whole families,"
said Dinney, adding that the cost of the project would be be-
tween $300,000 and $400,000 over the next two to 10 years.
Dinney said the Lions Club had already approached town
council and asked that the plans be modified somewhat to al-
low for re -paving of the park's original roadway. The
present roadway will eventually be eliminated in the interest
of traffic safety.
The house, however, despite being incorporated into the
Corridor committee's plans, continued to trouble the Lions
Club.
"From day one this house was a problem," said Dinney,
who said it did not fit in with the park and called if_an eye-
sore. --- ---
Dinney
—Dinney said suggestions of making the residence into a
museum, da -care centre, or other public facility were not
feasible or affordable. A barrier of trees around the house ef-
fectively cut the park in half, said Dinney. . - -
A parking lot ut front of the pool area would be a less at-
tractive option than demolishing the house and locating the
parking there.
"It doesn't matter what house in town you tear down, some-
one's going to be upset," said Dinney. "We think the signifi-
cance of that property is more important as a parking lot than
heritage."
Stu Homuth asked Dinney how many parking spaces
would be created on the relatively small house property.
Dinney said he was not sure. Homuth also asked about the
life expectancy of the pool and whether or not the town
would build its next pool on that same property and if the
parking would be needed by then.
Dinney said the pool's '.re expectancy i a matter of de-
bate, but said the pool �sattly well i. ,ed. However,
some at the meeting di. , d with Jinney, pointing out
summer swimming program enrollment has dropped since
the private indoor aquatics centre opened.
Explaining the rest of the project and its gardens, Dinney
said the overall intention of the project is to create an attrac-
tive park with low maintenance. Councillor Dorothy Chap-
man inquired as to whether the Lions Club had actually
conte up with an estimate of maintenance costs and whether
or not they would be less than present costs. Dinney admit-
ted there were no concrete estimates.
When councillor Ben Hoogenboom asked if the Conserva-
tion Authority were willing to sell the house to the town for
S1 either for demolition or future use, manager Tom Prout
said the ABCA's position on the house has not changed. The
house currently makes a small profit on its rental and the Au-
thority is not planning to part with it, but the board of direc-
tors agreed a public mecung might indicate if a new policy
was needed
Schwindt pointed out that even with the house demolished,
the PUC buildings still affect that part of the park.
Chapman said it did not make sense to tear down houses
whenizations are looking for properties for daycare or
seniors drop-in centres. She said too many other beautiful
buildings in town have made way for parking lots.
"I have some problems with tearing down a house for the
five or six parking spaces it would create; insisted Chap-
man.
Andy DeBoer said other municipalities have used old
houses in their parks for museums or arts and crafts shops.
Dinney said such suggestions were too expensive, but
Please turn to page 2
Leningrad student reaches Canada Just before coup
GRAND BEND - Over the past
two weeks the world has witnessed
a dramatic power struggle in the
Union of Soviet Socialist Repub-
lics. And while the world hopes
for a swift resolution, we can hard-
ly imagine what it must be like to a
14 -year-old Leningrad girl, whose
fust impressions of Canada were
people glued to televisions, view-
ing turmoil in her homeland.
Eva Katchava landed in Canada
just last Sunday. Her home is in
the republic of Russia with her
mother, while her father lives in
the republic of Georgia. As part of
the Inter -Culture Canada program,
she will be staying with Phillip and
Roberta Walker as an exchange
student until next July. Already,
Katchava has been introduced to
several cultural differences, but
that is what she came for.
"Canada was the fust place I
chose," she said in very good Eng-
lish. "I !Ore it."
Katchava applied for the pro-
gram at her school of 400 in Lenin-
grad. Based upon grades and her
success on an entrance exam, she
was selected to accompany three
others from her school on the ex-
cursion.
Eva Katchat*
Katchava unit the only one to
come to Huron County, as students
are only accepted into areas where
others in the program are going
out. A young Bayfield girl is cur-
rently travelling in Jamaica, which
enabled ilumn to accept one visi-
tor. Last spring, tie Walkers were
the first to apply to host an ex-
change student, and are now pm-
viding a home for Katchava.
Since arriving in Canada, Katcha-
va has encountered many firsts.
Living in Grand Bend has already
been an experience in itself, sharing
a large modern home with a family.
At home, she and her mother share
a small apartment, the norm for her
community. Several things which
we may talce for granted, are all no-
ticeable differences which could
understandably frighten a newcom-
er.
"I'm not scared," said Katchava.
"But things are very different."
Take, for example, a simple trip
to the grocery store. It's not un-
common to have thousands of prod-
ucts in one building, of more than
one variety. Katchava's mother
runs a grocery store in Leningrad,
which sells baby food. When you
shop, choices are limited. If you
want bread, you buy bread; there is
no variety.
"In Canada, you don't run out of
food," said Katchava. "In my
home, you have to buy 5 or 10 kg
of meat today, because tomorrow
they won't have any."
Itaving spoken with her mother
recently, Katchava said that since
Russian president Boris Yeltsin has
risen in authority, he has had an im-
mediate impact. Although variety
is still limited, there does seem to
be more food on the shelves.
According to Walker, Katchava
has quickly developed afor
ice cream, and really lovess bana-
nas, something unavailable in the
USSR. She has been to McDo-
nald's in Moscow, but like every-
thing else, lines are long and It
is
veryexpensive. A hamburger will
cost you slot rubles.
Another change for the young ex-
change student, will be the shift in
school systems as she enters South
Huron DHS. Moving to a school
almost triple the size is enough for
anyone to endure, but then throw in
a brand new set of principles. She
studies six subjects a day in her
homeland, but again their system is
more limited.
"You don't have any choice in
school," said Katchava. "You go in
the morning and the principal puts
on the board the six subjects you
will study that day."
Ha curriculum consists of Eng-
lish, Russian, Russian literature,
mathematics, geography, history,
biology, physics, chemistry, and
typing. She has a year of private
French and knows some Italian.
Her school has no computers.
Typical of her needs, Katchava's
desires while in Canada seem to re-
flect the basics. She enjoys English
and has come to Canada to experi-
ence our culture, learn our history
and speak our language.
Said K,achava shyly, "1 have
come to Canada to meet new peo-
ple and make lots of friends."
Inside
CURB
New program
for
beaches
page 3
Melba
New clothing
store
in Exeter
page 5
Family Picnic
Hensall gets
together
page8&9
.
Bean Fest
As big
as
ever
pagel2&13
""-N
ws
;.
. *.
Float -a -Cop
Nickel sticks
it
out
page 13
OBA hosts
Dashwood
Midgets
this weekend
Second front
Huron Park
kne.Ghte s
closing
HURON PARK - Huron Park's
only supermarket may be closed
next week. Saturday is the last day
the Knechtel's store will be operat-
ed by Larry and Mike Cronyn.
"Darling's have terminated our
lease," confirmed Mike Cronyn,
who said that while the building
was offered to him, he did not buy.
"The price didn't suit me," he
said.
Joe Darling, owner of Darling's
Food Markets in Exeter and Lucan
explained there are no definite
plans for the Huron Park store after
it is officially taken over on Sun-
day.
"Our plan is to sell the business,"
said Darling. "We can't afford to
be operators of it."
Nevertheless, Darling said he
hoped the building would continue
as a ery store for the Huron
Parktralia area. He said he is
consulting with potential buyers for
the store.
However, whether or not the
store's doors will remain open next
week had not been decided as of
press time. Darling said there was
a possibility of operating the store
during a transition period between
owners.
Minor injuries
in two
accidents
alar!'_ - Saturday the Exeter
OPP were called to a single vehicle
accident on Highway 83.
Police say that the car driven by
Geoffrey Donaldson of Grosse
Point Farms, Michigan went into
the highway's ditch, struck a fence
and rolled over. A passenger, Su-
san Hodgins of Grand Bend, re-
ceived minor injuries in the acci-
dent.
Damage to the car was moderate,
say police.
Last Wednesday, the OPP inves-
tigated a collision at the junction of
Highway 83 and Huron County
Road 11. Vehicles driven by John
Buchanan of London and Nancy
Hodgert of RR 1 Kirkton were in-
volved in the collision. A passen-
ger, Amir Hodgert age 9, received
minor injuries. Damage to the ve-
hicles was moderate.
In addition to the 57 Highway
Traffic Act charges the OPP laid
last week, they charged two people
for impaired driving, and issued
charge for driving while under
North Middlesex & Lambton
Since 1873
Wednesday, August 28. 1991 75 cents
Kloss swims across Lake Huron
By Fred Groves
GRAND BEND - "Come on
dad."
"Come on grandpa."
Shouts of encouragement
stretched out across the water to
Dick Kloss Sunday night from
his family who, along with hun-
dreds of supporters, awaited the
completion of his remarkable ac-
complishment.
As the sun dipped beyond the
horizon, the 50 -year-old Parkhill
resident grasped for the sandy
shores of Lake Huron at the Pin-
ery Provincial Park.
It took Kloss, a Brucefield na-
tive, 36 hours to swim from Port
Sanilac, Michigan to Grand
Bend, a distance of 44 miles.
He was supposed to touch land
Crew gets credit for success
Ha did it - Rick Kloss, left; helps his father Dick off with his wet suit just seconds after getting out
of Lake Huron on Sunday night. Kloss swam the lake in 36 hours to mark his 50th birthday and to
help raise nearly $6,000 for the Grand Bend Library fund.
about 10 hours earlier on the
main beach in Grand Bend, but
Saturday night he was slowed by
10 -foot high waves and winds of
up to 25 knots per hour.
Monday at noon, just 15 hours
after he stepped out of the water,
Kloss modestly described his ad-
venture.
"I could feel them on my face,"
said Kloss of the large waves. "It
was like a slap in the face."
He said his crew played a big
part in making the trip a success.
"My crew encouraged me. The
crew worked harder than I did
and I appreciate that. These guys
had the hardest job," said Kloss.
While he was in the water bat-
tling waves and winds, his 29
member crew had to keep their
vessels going.
"The boats were literally out of
control. Dick kept struggling, he
was an inspiration to the crew,"
said Tom Lawson who captained
one of the communication boats.
Kloss is used to high waves as
he has gone on canoe marathons
which required some paddlers to
climb into a moving canoe.
Six weeks ago Kloss sprained
his ankle and his wrist in a bicy-
cle accident but that didn't dis-
courage him from making his
dream come true.
The swim was scheduled for
August 16 but rough weather de-
layed it a week. When they left
from Port Sanilac on Saturday
the waves were three feet high
and pounding the shore.
His crew decided earlier Sun-
day it would shorten his swim if
he was to finish at the Dunes
beach at the Pinery Park. Al-
though his final destination was
changed, there were still many
well-wishers greeting him when
he arrived.
He still had enough energy to
nut to shore as everyone gave
him a round of applause.
"He ran to shore, that's incredi-
ble," said Kloss' coach Paul
Dockstader.
After Kloss got out of the wa-
ter, medical personnel along
with the crew of the Coast Guard,
vessel Cape Hurd were on hand
to take him back to Grand Bend.
There at the harbour, he was
Clgreeted by hundreds more who
the banks of the Ausable
River.
On the beach just before Kloss
completed the swim, it was like a
silent vigil as they awaited a man
who marked his 50th birthday on
Monday. His family who waited
on the beach were very con-
cerned for his safety Saturday
night.
"We didn't really know it was
that bad until I called down to
Steve Lingard at the harbour
building and said he had a bad
night," said Kloss' daughter
Wendy Case of Hensall just 45
minutes before her father came to
shore.
Lingard, the Grand Bend har-
bourmaster was in constant com-
munication with Kloss' crew.
"My dad is a really determined
man and I had no doubt he would
make it," said Case while fight-
ing back tears of emotion.
Kloss stayed in the water
throughout the 36 -hour ordeal
and was not touched. He was fed
his diet of chicken noodle soup
and peaches by an accompanying
swimmer who would pass it to
him in a basket.
"My sister, brother and I all
swam with him this afternoon. I
think it helped him," said Case.
Kloss later said he had little
idea of who was• in the water be-
cause the only way he could rec-
ognize the pace swimmers was
by their bathing caps.
Please turn to page 2
ouse should stay, park committee told
By Adrian Harte
EXETER - While representatives from the Exeter -
Morrison Corridor committee were determined to prove that
the demolition of the I30 -year old house in MacNaughton
Park was necessary, those who attended the public meeting
Thursday evening were equally determined the house had
more value than its area in parking spaces.
The Exeter and Area Heritage Foundation also put their
support firmly behind the preservation of the house which
was originally built as the miller's residence for the Pickard
Grist Mill. The Foundation wrote a letter to the Ausable
Bayfield Conservation Authority saying they would be glad
to take over the structure as a possible site for local archives.
John Schwindt of the ABCA outlined the plans for the park
and the river trails connecting with Momson Dam. He
pointed out that the river banks between the park and the
dam are still under private ownership: "something the public
doesn't seem to be aware or.
Schwindt explained that pfmti were drawn up in 1988 to
plot the future of the river area, and that MacNaughton Park
was targeted for a revitalization. A student the following
summer drew up plans which called for lighted walkways,
gardens, and better public facilities in the park - plans which
the Lions Club and Conservation Authority are working to-
gether to put into effect over the next few years.
Schwindt noted the ABCA, which owns the house in the
park and the adjacent swimming pool land, had considered
demolishing it in the early 1980s, but the decision was re-
versed due to its good condition and because of public oppo-
sition.
While the house and nearby PUC buildings didn't add to
the park, said Schwindt, they were screened off with trees,
and are today barely visible from the pavilion where Thur -
day's meeting was held.
Jon Dinney, a Lions Club member and chairman of the hx-
eter-Morrison Corridor committee, explained that the Lions
were happy to take on the project of fundraising for the
park's future because of its contribution to the community.
"It was beneficial to seniors, children, and whole families,"
said Dinney, adding that the cost of the project would be be-
tween $300,000 and $400,000 over the next two to 10 years.
Dinney said the Lions Club had already approached town
council and asked that the plans be modified somewhat to al-
low for re -paving of the park's original roadway. The
present roadway will eventually be eliminated in the interest
of traffic safety.
The house, however, despite being incorporated into the
Corridor committee's plans, continued to trouble the Lions
Club.
"From day one this house was a problem," said Dinney,
who said it did not fit in with the park and called if_an eye-
sore. --- ---
Dinney
—Dinney said suggestions of making the residence into a
museum, da -care centre, or other public facility were not
feasible or affordable. A barrier of trees around the house ef-
fectively cut the park in half, said Dinney. . - -
A parking lot ut front of the pool area would be a less at-
tractive option than demolishing the house and locating the
parking there.
"It doesn't matter what house in town you tear down, some-
one's going to be upset," said Dinney. "We think the signifi-
cance of that property is more important as a parking lot than
heritage."
Stu Homuth asked Dinney how many parking spaces
would be created on the relatively small house property.
Dinney said he was not sure. Homuth also asked about the
life expectancy of the pool and whether or not the town
would build its next pool on that same property and if the
parking would be needed by then.
Dinney said the pool's '.re expectancy i a matter of de-
bate, but said the pool �sattly well i. ,ed. However,
some at the meeting di. , d with Jinney, pointing out
summer swimming program enrollment has dropped since
the private indoor aquatics centre opened.
Explaining the rest of the project and its gardens, Dinney
said the overall intention of the project is to create an attrac-
tive park with low maintenance. Councillor Dorothy Chap-
man inquired as to whether the Lions Club had actually
conte up with an estimate of maintenance costs and whether
or not they would be less than present costs. Dinney admit-
ted there were no concrete estimates.
When councillor Ben Hoogenboom asked if the Conserva-
tion Authority were willing to sell the house to the town for
S1 either for demolition or future use, manager Tom Prout
said the ABCA's position on the house has not changed. The
house currently makes a small profit on its rental and the Au-
thority is not planning to part with it, but the board of direc-
tors agreed a public mecung might indicate if a new policy
was needed
Schwindt pointed out that even with the house demolished,
the PUC buildings still affect that part of the park.
Chapman said it did not make sense to tear down houses
whenizations are looking for properties for daycare or
seniors drop-in centres. She said too many other beautiful
buildings in town have made way for parking lots.
"I have some problems with tearing down a house for the
five or six parking spaces it would create; insisted Chap-
man.
Andy DeBoer said other municipalities have used old
houses in their parks for museums or arts and crafts shops.
Dinney said such suggestions were too expensive, but
Please turn to page 2
Leningrad student reaches Canada Just before coup
GRAND BEND - Over the past
two weeks the world has witnessed
a dramatic power struggle in the
Union of Soviet Socialist Repub-
lics. And while the world hopes
for a swift resolution, we can hard-
ly imagine what it must be like to a
14 -year-old Leningrad girl, whose
fust impressions of Canada were
people glued to televisions, view-
ing turmoil in her homeland.
Eva Katchava landed in Canada
just last Sunday. Her home is in
the republic of Russia with her
mother, while her father lives in
the republic of Georgia. As part of
the Inter -Culture Canada program,
she will be staying with Phillip and
Roberta Walker as an exchange
student until next July. Already,
Katchava has been introduced to
several cultural differences, but
that is what she came for.
"Canada was the fust place I
chose," she said in very good Eng-
lish. "I !Ore it."
Katchava applied for the pro-
gram at her school of 400 in Lenin-
grad. Based upon grades and her
success on an entrance exam, she
was selected to accompany three
others from her school on the ex-
cursion.
Eva Katchat*
Katchava unit the only one to
come to Huron County, as students
are only accepted into areas where
others in the program are going
out. A young Bayfield girl is cur-
rently travelling in Jamaica, which
enabled ilumn to accept one visi-
tor. Last spring, tie Walkers were
the first to apply to host an ex-
change student, and are now pm-
viding a home for Katchava.
Since arriving in Canada, Katcha-
va has encountered many firsts.
Living in Grand Bend has already
been an experience in itself, sharing
a large modern home with a family.
At home, she and her mother share
a small apartment, the norm for her
community. Several things which
we may talce for granted, are all no-
ticeable differences which could
understandably frighten a newcom-
er.
"I'm not scared," said Katchava.
"But things are very different."
Take, for example, a simple trip
to the grocery store. It's not un-
common to have thousands of prod-
ucts in one building, of more than
one variety. Katchava's mother
runs a grocery store in Leningrad,
which sells baby food. When you
shop, choices are limited. If you
want bread, you buy bread; there is
no variety.
"In Canada, you don't run out of
food," said Katchava. "In my
home, you have to buy 5 or 10 kg
of meat today, because tomorrow
they won't have any."
Itaving spoken with her mother
recently, Katchava said that since
Russian president Boris Yeltsin has
risen in authority, he has had an im-
mediate impact. Although variety
is still limited, there does seem to
be more food on the shelves.
According to Walker, Katchava
has quickly developed afor
ice cream, and really lovess bana-
nas, something unavailable in the
USSR. She has been to McDo-
nald's in Moscow, but like every-
thing else, lines are long and It
is
veryexpensive. A hamburger will
cost you slot rubles.
Another change for the young ex-
change student, will be the shift in
school systems as she enters South
Huron DHS. Moving to a school
almost triple the size is enough for
anyone to endure, but then throw in
a brand new set of principles. She
studies six subjects a day in her
homeland, but again their system is
more limited.
"You don't have any choice in
school," said Katchava. "You go in
the morning and the principal puts
on the board the six subjects you
will study that day."
Ha curriculum consists of Eng-
lish, Russian, Russian literature,
mathematics, geography, history,
biology, physics, chemistry, and
typing. She has a year of private
French and knows some Italian.
Her school has no computers.
Typical of her needs, Katchava's
desires while in Canada seem to re-
flect the basics. She enjoys English
and has come to Canada to experi-
ence our culture, learn our history
and speak our language.
Said K,achava shyly, "1 have
come to Canada to meet new peo-
ple and make lots of friends."