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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1992-09-09, Page 11JON COMMUNITY Times -Advocate, September 9, 1992 Page 11 Granny E. a loving, honest rendition of an 83 -year-old 's life By Michelle Ellison T -A Staff GRAND BEND - What do you do when you are 83 -years -old, have hundreds of interesting mem- ones floating in your head, a little extra spare time and wonderful grandchildren? Write a book, of course. That seemed a logical answer to Elsie Hodgson of Grand Bend. Her book entitled Granny E. spans her life from growing up on a farm near St. Marys as Elsie Gourlay to the present when she is known as Granny E. by her five grandchil- dren. The book often speaks directly to her children and grandchildren and is filled with loving and honest ad- vice and wisdom for both the thrills Elsie Hodgson chose to celebrate her 83rd birthday by writing a book about her life to leave to her six grandchildren. Granny E. is almost a historical account of life in the Exeter and St. Marys area accompanied by Hodgson's own illustrations. New women's shelter opens for Huron TORONTO - Women and chil- dren in Huron County who are vic- tims of family violence will bene - fn from new provincial funding for a new women's shelter called Sur- vival Through Friendship. A Si million jobsOntario Capital grant will provide eight months of em- ployment for about 13 people dur- ing construction of the new build- ing. Huron MPP Paul Klopp said Survival Through Friendship will receive $1 million from the prov- ince to build a new centre in Godc- nch that will provide up to 12 beds for women and their children. "The jobsOntario Capital grant will provide funding to build a new women's shelter and much needed protection and. counselling services will be available to abused women and children in Hu- ron County," he said. Construction of Survival Through Friendship will begin in the spring of '92 with a targeted opening date of fall '93. New Ontario Minimum Wage Regulations The following new general minimum wage rates (excluding harvest workers) take effect at the beginning of the work week in which November 1, 1992, occurs GENERAL (including domestics) New Rate General (hourly) S 6.35 Students under 18 (hourly) 5.90 Liquor servers (hourly) 5.50 Hunting/fishing guides (day, 5 hours +) 63.50 Hunting/fishing guides (less than 5 hours) 31.75 Previous Rate (6.00) (5.55) (5.50) (60.00) (30.00) The following new minimum wage rates for fruit, vegetable and tobacco harvesters will go into effect on January 1, 1993: Adults Students under 18 96.35 (6.00) 5.90 (5.55) Maximum room and meal allowances in calculating the minimum wage (applicable to general workers at the beginning of the work week in which November 1, 1992 occurs, and to harvest workers on January 1, 1993): Room — private (weekly) — non -private (weekly) Meals — (each) — (weekly) Room and meals (weekly) — with private room — with non -private lodging Housing (weekly) for harvest workers only — serviced — unserviced 929.40 14.70 2.35 49.35 78.75 64.05 92.10 87.95 For more information, contact your local Ministry of Labour office. ® Ontario (27.80) (13.90) (2.20) (46.20) (74.00) (60.10) (87.00) (64.20) and disappointments in life. "Grandchildren, do learn to laugh as you make your way in the world. Laughter cures a lot of ills. 1 have never heard of any ills long faces have cured," she writes. Her daughter-in-law, Susan Hodgson, a doctor of philosophy, first made the suggestion that Elsie record the thoughts of her life. De- spite the fact that she suffers from arthritis and osteoporosis, she took on the task "to leave something to the grandchildren". "1 wanted to write about how 1 felt about things that happened 50 years ago and how I feel different about them now," says Elsie. In one story, Elsie writes about choosing her first teadhing job in a one room Rainy River schoolhouse in northern Ontario over airtarriage proposal to a "so-called boyfriend". The story continues with Elsie's deep feelings of homesickness and how her landlord tried to comfort her by offering her a ride into town. Hodgson accepted on the condition that she get to diivc. The driving story is echoed in a later memory of purchasing her first 1928 model A blue Ford coupe which she bought for travel- ling home to St. Marys, from an Exeter dealer who happened to be her second cousin. "As for my parents, what must they have thought? 'Well, Papa taught us never to say 'I can't' and forced me to drive -a car at thirteen, so what could he say," wrote Hodg- son? Although most of the 100 page book was handwritten in bed, Hodgson was given the opportunity to technologize her technique when a supportive friend, Barb South- cott, offered a tape recorder as a means of relaying her memories easier. "I couldn't think into a tape re- corder," explains Hodgson. For that reason, Southcou and Pat Ven - ton received long -hand copies of Hodgson's creations which they typed for her and retuned for edit - mg. Writing the book took nine months and she says it was prob- ably the best therapy for what ails her and she says, "I'm sure I didn't feel any pain when I had an inspi- ration." Often, she says, inspira- tion came in the middle of the night. The lovingly written book, is complemented by Hodgson's own pencilled illustrations of people, fa- miliar places and family homes and outings. "Anything 1 couldn't explain in words I scribbled down," says Elsie who adds that her only artistic training came when she took a night class after her children Doug- las, Barbara and Mane had left home. Most of the excerpts depict the places Hodgson has spent most of her life. After leaving the clan of the Scottish Strathdees on the St. Marys farm to teach near Exeter, she married her husband Herman in 1936 and ended her teaching ca- reer. They resided in Exeter for 27 years as Herman, fondly referred to as Hoddie in Granny E, began W.H. Hodgson Insurance. They now reside in Southcou Pines in Grand Bend where flowers deco- rate the verandas and Hodgson's impressive needlepoint the walls. How did her family and friends react to having the intimacy of their unique relationships with their friend, cousin, daughter, sister, Thames Road by Rhoda Rohde THAMES ROAD - Rev. Jim All- sop conducted the first fall church service on Sunday morning. The congregation sang the children's hymn "Saviour Teach Me Day by Day" and Rev. Allsop told the chil- dren's story "Follow the Leader". The lust eriputre. lileaditag Lcuer of Paul tee Philemon" and th second was from Luke 14:25-33 was read by the minister. His ser- mon was entitled "Challenge of Discipleship" Erin Kraftchek was the new or- ganist Karen Etherington, Superinten- dent of the Sunday School took charge of handing out the seals and diplomas. Intermediate class: teachers Judith Parker and Melonie Miller, students are Tim Parker 12 yr. seal, Brian Richardson 11 yr. seal, Jackie Morgan 10 yr. seal, erin Richardson 12 yr. seal and Lisa Kemick 11 yr. seal. These two girls ran the nursery class last year. Also, Lori Kernick 10th yr. seal, Rebecca Miller 11 yr.'seal. Those graduating into Intermedi- latc are Derek Etherington 7 yr. )seal, Erin Parker 9 yr. seal, Lori Richardson 9 yr. seal, Amanda Hodgen and Jody Hodgert arc members of the class. Junior class: teacher Janis Rich- ardson and Joan Morgan, students are Laura Miller 7 yr. seal, Vanessa Bray 8 yr. seal, Amy Hodgen 4 yr. seal, Brenda Miner 5 yr. seal, Ryan Parker 7 yr. seal. Graduating into Junior Class and receiving bibles are Robyn Etherington 7 yr. seal, Ann Mane Hodgert, 4 yr. seal and David Vandenbussche 4 yr. seal. Primary class: teachers are Kathy Bray and Marilyn Vandenbusachc, Students are Megan Parker, 5 yr seal, Maggie Miller 5 yr. seal, Kris- ty Bray 6 yr. seal, Heather Morgan 5 yr. seal, Brenna Osgood 3 yr. seal. Graduating into Primary class are Sarah Miller 3 yr. seal, jessica Bray 3 yr. seal, Paul Morgan 3 yr. seal and Susan Miner 3 yr. seal. Beginner's ,Chea: -teachers are Laurel Miner and Mary Lou Bilcke. Students are: Corey Bilcke 2 yr seal, Steven Vandenbussche 2 yr. seal, Ian Osgood 2 yr. seal, Nathan Cann. Diploma new members arc Justin Cann, Timothy Bilcke, Mat- thew Miner and Shaun Morgan. UCW The Thames Road UCW arc meeting on Monday, September 14. A pot luck supper is at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Bnng the recipe for your dish to share with others. Bnng first course on dessert_ Manse This Wednesday the Manse Com- mittee is catering to the Ducks Un- limited . Banquet at Kirkton This year the Manse Committee is also having a bake sale at the Exeter Fair. They are asking a donation of two pies (or $ 10.00) from each lady in the two congregations (no cream pies or lemon meringue). Personals We are glad to report that Bea- trice Dawson has returned home from University Hospital on Satur- day. Congratulations to Hilda Kellett on the birth of her third grand- daughter Nicole Lynn Kellett daughter of Lawrence and Val Kel- lett. We would like to thank everyone who came to the Hopper -Hockey Funeral on Sunday to pay respects to my mother. Exeter Legion news By Dave Firayae EXETER - Well, summer is over (did it ever start?) and the Legion is getting ready for another busy sea- son. During the summer, the Legion had a bus trip to several branches, a family Corn Roast at the Legion Pavilion and the Men's Golf Team qualified for the Provincial Finals. Unfortunately Comrade Phil Campbell, Past President/ Cau nututy Service Officer. passed away this past week and he will be missed by his family. friends, vete- rans, community and the Branch. Coming up in the future is the Second Annual Regional Chili Cookoff on Saturday, September 12 - all day activities and a dance at night will be happening. Exeter Taxi will be providing free rides to aad from the Chili Cookoff for Legion members who are -unable to get out by themselves. i (wheelchairs. walkers, etc.) Please 1 tall the Branch on September 12 for this service. On Sunday the Zone Convention will be at the Goderich Legion with a puede beginning at 1:00 p.m. Le- gion Week nuts September 21-26 with many activities planned during the week for the community to lake part in. The next Executive meeting is September 16 at 7:00 p.m. and the General Meeting will be on Sep- tember 24 at 8:00 p.m. Hensall By Vanessa Cook HENSALL - Betty Grenier and her four daughters, Rose Rader, Carole Luther, Cathy ;Taylor and Joanne Bongough spent last week- end in Las Vegas. They attended several shows and had lots of ex- citment playing die slots. mother, grandmother or wife leap- ing off the pages of a novel? Although she heard more than once, "couldn't you have left that ow mother," she says the family was very proud and she has re- ceived many letters from delighted readers in the area. "My oldest daughter was very en- thusiastic. She said she learned a lot and it put her life in perspec- tive," said Hodgson. Granny E. can be purchased for $15 at the Huron Country Play- house gift shop and Studio 21 in Grand Bend, Crosthwaite's in St. Marys and the Times Advocate in Exeter. Back in Time from the archives of the Times -Advocate 10 Years Ago September 1, 1982 -South Huron Hospital announced Thursday that it intends to initiate a Central Registry Sys- tem this week in an attempt to speed the processing of pa- tients using their facilities. Dashwood Industries announced the recall of a further 60 people and now have about 200 hourly employees back on staff after a low of 50 in the latter part of June. For the second consecutive year, Karen and Dave Roger have won the Exeter Lioness Green Thumb award for beautiful grounds at their property at 214 Pryde Boule- vard. The conference for local women held at Centralia Col- lege on the weekend was successful attracting more than 100. The Exeter Co -Op juniors won the Ontario Baseball As- sociation Junior "D" championship on the weekend with four straight victories. The coaches are Joe Fulop, Bruce Shaw and Brad Gregus. 25 Years Ago August 31, 1967 - It's back to school Tuesday for about 5,000 students in South Huron and North Middlesex. All will be attending central schools as the area school build- ing program has come to a halt, at least temporarily. The newest facility is Bidduiph Central School. Committee chairman Dick Roelofson said this week he is hoping for an attendance of 6,000 for the upcoming Mid- west Rodeo in Exeter. Installation of floodlights at Crediton Community Park was completed this week. The venture is a joint Centennial project of the police village of Crediton and the township of Stephen. The Centennial 100, the aircraft being built by Found Brothers Aviation at Grand Bend drew the largest num- ber of onlookers at Sunday's Fly -in at Sexsmith Airport. Construction of the Parkhill Dam is progressing quite favourably. Completion date has been set for October, 1968. The contract was let for *1,881,738. 50 Years Ago September 3, 1942 - Ray ,Waghorn is the new principal of Exeter Public School replacing J.B. Creech who has joined the R.C.A. F. In accordance with a proclamation and at the request of His Majesty the King, Sunday will be observed as a Day of Prayer and special dedication to mark the beginning of the fourth year of the war. The T -A received several odditites this week. One is a double carrot forming a V. Louis Day brought in two large cucumbers measuring 17 inches in length with . ch being grown from seed procured in England. Noble Scott brought in a head of millet, the top of which forms a V. The new Exeter telephone directory is being distributed this week. In an attempt to save paper, it has been reduced by 36 pages with , four columns on each page instead of three. As there are more than 7,800 new and changed list- ings, please discard your old book inunediately. Four Huron county farmers were fined $18.10 each for possessing cream cans used for purposes other than trans- porting milk and cream. 100 Years'Ago September 1, 1982 -A tug-of-war between Stanley and Stephen townships will be one of the highlights of the Zu- rich fair on September 12 and 13. A disgraceful scene was witnessed on Exeter's Main street by many of our citizens last Tuesday which was too shocking for the eye to behold. A certain married woman whose name we will withhold was seen riding in a public conveyance so overcome by the influence of liquor that she could not sit up in the rig. Mr. S. Ross of Brewster has disposed of his roadster stal- lion to Mr. W. Scott therefore receiving a good figure. He has since purchased a handsome drive from Mr. C. Tay- lor. The clerk of Exeter, M. Eacrett was instructed by coun- cil to borrow $600 for current expenditures. Mr. James Creech has opened a new tailor shop in the building between J.P. Clarke's store and Fanson's Block, making eight tailor establishments in Exeter. A book entitled "Smith's Principles of Latin" was lost last week between Exeter and Elimville. FALL COMPUTER COURSES CENTRALIA COLLEGE Instructor: Jayne McCann Computer Orientation 1 Sat. Sept. 26 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) Cost: $37.45 or October 24 Keyboarding 3 Sats. Oct. 3/17 (9 a.m. - 12 noon) Cost 853.50 Introduction to Computers 2 Mons, Oct. 26 -Nov. 2 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) Cost $69.55 Oct. 29 -Nov. 19 (7-10 p.m.) Cost: $69.55 Nov. 7-21 (9 a.m. - 12) Cost: 853.50 Nov. 16 -Dec. 7 (7 - 10 p.m.) Cost 869.55 Introduction to WordPerfect 5.14 Thurs. DOS and Managing Your Hard Disk 3 Sets. Simply Accounting vs Quicken 4 Mons. Introduction to Lotus 1-2-3 4 Thurs. Nov. 26 -Dec. 17 (7-10 p.m.) Cost: 869.55 (Alt course oostttiaclude OST) r\ CENTRALIA For more information or to swum Aynistry of COLLEGE call Colley Agriculture 7.4"7411°.6.14r4"14""(519) 238-if91, Ertl. 285 oniarto and rood