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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-10-30, Page 5Huron county teachers prepare to market trivia game By Ray Lewis GRAND BEND - Who besides soldiers were issued gas masks dur- ing the fust World War? If you said horses, you're absolutely right, and are moving from Ground Zero into No Man's Land on your way to the master Warbuff circle. What am I .talking about? A group of Huron County secondary school teachers have spent the past three years developing a new histo- ry game. Styled along the same lines as many trivia games, WAR - BUFF is designed to capture the at- tention of those fascinated with the history of war. "Actually, we got the idea for it while discussing old times with le- gion members." said co -inventor Keith Crawford, Grand Bend's by- law enforcement officer. "It took eight of us to put it together and the finished product is a culmination of three years of hard work." The phikvtophy behind the game was to create an educational but en- tertaining board game, suitable for both the class and living room. Nearly 4,000 questions in breadth, WARBUFF focuses on the general theme of war. It takes players through all aspects of man's con- flicts, beginning with the earliest recorded battles right up to the Per- sian Gulf Crisis of present day. Subject areas in six categories vary from famous war personalities, his- toric events and weapons, to well known songs and movie tides. "The actual board design and game format were probably the eas- iest parts to come up with," said Crawford's wife Halina, another co - inventor. "Compilation of the questions was the big thing and it's taken since June just to edit them." Aside from the Crawfords, six other individuals have had a hand in the game's conception. The Bel- licose Group consists of Del Almei- da, Ron Walker, Rick Hilliard, Ca- thy Renshaw, and Stephen Oliver all of Central Huron Secondary School, as well as South Huron DHS principal Joe Wooden. Marketing has already begun, and at present, the group has produced 1,000 unique prototypes. Instead of an actual board, the playing sur- face comes in the form of a special vinyl -type mat called Kamdura, sold in a tube. It retains a flat shape and is spill and stain resist- ant. The group hopes to participate in the games shows in both Toronto and New York to acquire more or- ders. As of right now, reception has been quite good. "We loaned a couple of boards out to ball teams and students at Western," said Wooden, who is also author of The History of Exet- er. "Everyone seemed to enjoy it because there are questions every- one can answer." The game appears to have been manufactured for a global market, and Crawford agreed that they avoided too many specific ques- tions relative to any one area for that purpose. Aside from the historical as- pects, the game's birth has been a learning experience for everyone involved. Although time consum- ing, they all agreed the comraderie Warbuff Inventors Joe Wooden (left), Halina and Keith Crawford, hope their history game will take off. WARBUFF THE GAME developed within the group made even that worthwhile. Once the ball got going, the members found that games them- selves are not patented, because they consist of an idea which com- bines several different games. In- stead, a copyright is placed on the rules. As far as marketing is concerned, the inventors are looking forward to getting their first thousand games out to see what kind of de- mand is out there. WARBUFF will retail in the neighbourhood of $35, in keeping with most games of its peer design. The group has tried to keep cost at a minimum, another reason for the tube design. Any number of players can par- ticipate, comprising up to six teams. By correctly answering questions, they move towards the board's centre and the master War - buff circle. In addition, Crawford feels they have made some improvements over most trivia type games. "How many times have you been playing a game were you seem to get all the hard questions and your opponent a string of easy one's," said Crawford. In WARBUFF, players may ac- quire Fate cards enabling them to answer questions if opponents fail to do so. Veto cards enable players to retract a question from an oppo- nent, if they think it will be too easy. After three years of research and hard work, the Bellicose Group has their fingers crossed for the name's success. There appears to be a mar- ket, and with a little luck the game could very well become a hot item. The first games will be ready in the next few weeks, in plenty of time for Christmas. 1991 Municipal election Stephen Township candidates speak out By Fred Groves GRAND BEND - A total of 14 candidates vying for positions on true boiirds of education and She- phen Township council gave brief addresses and answered a few questions at an all candidates meet- ing on Saturday morning at the Grand Cove Estates. On November 12, one reeve, one deputy reeve and three councilors will be elected. Stephen Township residents should take note that advanced polls will be held this Saturday and November 6 at the Crediton Com- munity Hall. long look at our administration. It's costing too much." ' 'Sheaid she is also very opposed t6 leiChettikalrikes. . . - "They are using our students as pawns and I would do everything I can to stop a strike." Board of Education trustee Bob Heywood "I'm proud of our education sys- tem but I can't say I'm pleased," said Heywood. He said there is a lot of "dead weight" in government and there has to be a long hard look at spend- ing. Heywood also said there has nev- er been more opportunity for the underachiever as far as education is concerned. "All 1 can promise you, is i71__ m. - honest and give you good represen- tation." -- -� Reeve Tom Tomes Running for re-election, Tomes said the waste__ management- and boon ae�ry negotations with neigh- bouring Grand Bend are a couple of key issues. "Waste management is a big is- sue, not just in Stephen Township," said Tomes. He said his present council has done a good job. "If things are all right in the township, I can't accept all the cred- it." Tomes also said he would like to see more growth near Highway 21 in the northern part of the town- ship. Deputy -reeve William Weber A councillor on the present coun- cil, Weber is seeking to move up the political ladder to the next seat. He has been on council the past two terms and his father was a member of council. "I feel I have the time to commit to the job and do the best I can. Ste- phen Township is a great place to live." He said the township shouldbe _I looking closely at the goings on in the police villages. "We have to do what we can to see these areas grow. We can't be negative to developers, but -we must have regulations to protect the peo- ple there." Board of Education trustee Bonnie Slagle Seeking selection as a trustee with the Huron County Board of Education, Slaght said the board is the largest employer in the county and last year its budget was $60 million, of which $2 million is for administration. "We have to take a serious and Reeve Ken McCann A councillor from 1980-85 and the deputy -reeve frau 1985-88, McCann ran for reeve in the last election and lost out to Tomes. He said a change and different opinions are good. "I can't promise a reduction in taxes, but i believe there should be a freeze," said McCann. He noted that Crediton residents were very upset at the recent clos- ing of their fire hall and said the public should have more of a say on major decisions like that. "When I am elected, township business will cane first and 1 will do my best for the people of Ste- phen," said McCann. Deputy -reeve Steve Pertschy - =Ha- sentioned that tlds is the • township's 150th Anniversary and he is proudto live in this munici- pality. "I'm interested in the community. The community has been good to me and I feel I owe it something," said Pertschy. Pertschy said he would like to lower taxes but did not know if it was possible. "Together I think we can accom- plish many things." Deputy -reeve Garry Baker The incumbent also sits on the Hurdrt County Council and singled out the,issue kigk:taxes handed, "I am notehappy with the nine percent increase .• we've had this Year." said Baker who added it could be as high as 14 percent next Year. am for a fiscally responsible local government." He mentioned the Crediton fire hall and said it wasn't that the present council did not listen, but he said there was no new informa- tion brought forward. "If you want someone to look af- ter your concerns and problems, I'll look after yetaflod btu; 11919 nite( bight Iq ; Coundllor Gary Eagleson He is seeking re-election as a councillor and highlighted the fact that people should be looking at a different approach to employment. "We have to get people involved in job development, not job seek- ing," said Eagleson. "I am one to stand by my deci- sions for the betterment of Stephen Township. I am a mover and a shaker." Councillor Harvey Raiz Seeking his first term on Stephen Township council, Ratz said, "we have to continue to make Stephen a better place." Like all other candidates, Ratz is curious about taxes. "If elected, I will work on your behalf. I will question and keep an eye on all spending." Councillor Murray Reid Seeking his first term on the Ste- phen Township council, Reid criti- cized past elected members. "They promise you the world be- fore an election," said Reid.-- "You must listen to what tlltp pop- - t eying," He added the needs of the indi- vidual ratepayers are important. Councillor Drew Robertson Although elected to council in 1985, Robertson spent two years as a member because he took a teaching job in Australia. "The diversity of this township is very important," said Robertson. He also is concerned about waste management in the township. "We need to address this situa- tion. It's been banging on politi- cians doors for 20 years." Councillor John Bierling Originally a candidate for depu- ty -reeve, Bierling ran for council last term and was defeated. "Property taxes have gone up over 30 percent in the last throe years, that's a lot of money," said Bierling. He pointed out that in the last year, those taxes have only gone up 5.6 percent because it is an election year. "We have to spend our money within our means. All levels of government have to do this." Councillor Mark Laye, Sr. Socking a seat on council for the first time, political newcomer Mark Laye seems concerned about local residents. "As a taxpayer, there are a few • things that I am upset about," said Laye. Councillor Wilnrar Wein Although he has never been a member of council, Wein has a lot of experience as he was the clerk - treasurer for many years. "if e$ected, all new issues will be handled to the best of my ability," saki Wein. A father and grandfather, Wein said, "I feel I can relate to the needs of each generation."