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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-11-27, Page 5Times -Advocate, November 27, 1991 P5 - Grand Bend bank saves trees GRAND BEND - While the Toronto Dominion Bank in Grand Bend is looking forward to an expansion next spring, something employees did not want to give up in the process was a pair of Colorado Spruce trees next to its parking lot. However, with the extension of the building all set for next March to double the size of the building, the parking lot would have to be relocated to where the trees now stand. Branch manager Jud Bum - stead was able to convince the bank's head office that the trees were worth saving. "We just couldn't see sawing the trees down," said Bumstead, adding that with environmental programs to plant more trees, it did not make sense to destroy two mature specimens. John Gibson of Tree Mendous of Seaforth, who was contracted to relocate the two trees to the edge of the property said the op- eration was a considerable un- dertaking. He also said the trees were "probably a good 20 years old". But to move the nearly 30 -foot high spruces, a special machine had to be brought down from Toronto in order to lift the trees along with a root ball 90 inches in diameter. The two spruces represent about the largest trees that can be moved safely. Con- sequently, an Austrian Pine also on the property, not as tall but larger in diameter, could not be moved and will end up as a Christmas tree donated to the Oakwood Inn. After the bank is expanded, the Colorado Spruces will be in- corporated into new landscaping plans. So after Friday afternoon's op- eration, bank patrons and Grand Bend residents used to seeing the tall spruces grace the 81 Crescent property will find that they are still there, only a little further east than before. A special tree -transplanting machine was brought to Grand Bend from Toronto on Friday to help move two of these Colo- rado Spruces. The trees were relocated to clear the way for the expansion of the Toronto Dominion bank. Dinney's Funeral Home meeting changing needs of society EXETER - Recognizing there are a growing number of people who want to be better informed about all aspects of funeral service, many funeral homes have begun to in- clude themselves in activities to as- sist. In the past, the thoughts of speak- ing about funerals has been some- thing of a taboo. But in this day and age, things are changing. What many funeral directors are now doing, is offering services to people in order to aid them in ac- cepting death and helping them to be prepared when it happens. "It makes things a little easier to deal with," said Bill Dinney of Din- ney's Funeral Home in Exeter. "Basically, directors are trying to educate the public so that they are better prepared." Disney has just started what has already become quite common in larger centres. A few weeks ago, he was approached by a local group to offer a tour of the funeral home, a practice employed by most homes in nearby cities. Because the group tours all the other local businesses, they felt obliged to tour the funeral home as well. Last week, a group of Zurich cubs visited the home, and this week the Time-out parents group from the United Church. "The funeral director of today is more of a member of the public health team," said Dinney. They are expected to also act as a coun- sellor helping people to deal with both physical and mental grief. The funeral helps them through that processs which can only be healed by time. Disney himself has been in- volved in the business for 21 years. He started working in his father's furniture store at age 16, and was granted his funeral directors license in 1970. Over the last 10 years Dinney feels that in general, people are gradually becoming more prepared. Part of the reason is because mon- ey now is invested for later through Guaranteed Investment Certifi- cates, which are guaranteed by the Ontario Funeral Service Associa- tion. In reality, it has become more of an investment. In Ontario, money put away in GIC's by individuals for prear- ranged funerals has jumped from less than $1 million in 1981 to $81 million in 1990. Cremations are also becoming more and more accepted in today's society. Funeral homes used to perform one or two a year, but now do that many a month. With kids, Dinney has found they have a really different perspec- tive because of television and mo- vies. They also ask a lot of intelli- gent questions, that others would simply be embarassed to ask. According to Dinney, the most popular question among every group is whether or not children should attend a funeral. According to psychologists, the answer is yes. They feel that parents should help the child through the grieving pro- cess because children have the same feelings as adults, despite their age. It is better to deal with it then. "Parents should bring their chil- dren if they want to go," said Din- ney. "But by the same token, don't push them if they don't." The Ontario Funeral Services As- sociation has already introduced a number of pamphlets, aimed at helping the family unit. In addi- tion, they have now produced col- ouring books and videos aimed spe- cifically at helping children to cope with the loss of a loved one, all of which are available at Dinney's Fu- neral Home. When a death hap- pens, it's very difficult and individ- uals are forced to make decisions during a stressful time. "One thing people don't tend to realize is the fact that some -titne_in_ life tJTiey will assist in making fu- neral arrangements, be It: ;mother, father or spouse," confirms Dinney. "Our job is to provide information to see that they are better prepared and can make arrangements with more confidence." Council to consider options for bed and breakfast sign EXETER - Town council will be considering at their next meeting what to do about a sign for a bed and breakfast that contravenes the town's bylaws for signage in resi- dential areas. Wendy Boyle appeared at the last council meeting to plead her case to keep the $1,500 sign on the lawn in front of the White Squirrel Inn, say- ing she had been unaware of the bylaw regulations at the time the sign was installed. Also contributing to the issue are the differing opinions of the neigh- bours, some of whom dislike the commercial nature of the highly visible illuminated sign on William Street, others who appreciate its visibility after being disturbed by travellers seeking directions to the inn. The committee of adjustment has proposed a compromise in which the sign is set further back from the street and placed parallel to the home. However, Boyle argued this would reduce the visibility of the sign. Council has asked town staff for more information on the issue and will reconsider the issue at their next meeting Monday. • r. M f 4., PAY NO GST � 0 THURSDAY & FRIDAY NOV28TH AND 29THT N.„ [flflflO1flfl TIRE We will give you a 7% Discount on everything (Includes sale items and service work) No cash bonus coupons will be given during this event CANADIAN TIRE EXETER 111