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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1996-10-16, Page 7Letters to the editor Thank you, Mr. Somerville During those impressionable years you were our beacon of light Dear Editor: The letter below is a tribute w Tom Sommerville who passed away recently. Privately you died last Thursday, surrounded by family, a victim of cancer's cruelty at the age of fif- ty-seven. As we huddled round snapshots from the past, of children born and children wed, and thirty- five years of memories from your career as a teach- er, we reclized with a sigh just how fortunate we were to have spent our early teenage years with you in room *7. How can we begin to say thank you, Mr. Somerville? During those impressionable years you were our beacon of light. You had the courage to draw a line in the sand and explain that right was right and wrong was wrong; and how we remember your lec- ture on the importance of "respect" in our society. Sure, you were old-fashioned in your methods of discipline. Your traditional "gimme twenty" (push- ups) would not fly, perhaps, with today's pre -teens. But rarely did you have to discipline us. You com- manded respect because you respected us; we knew it and we worked doubly hard to avoid breaking the rules and risking the loss of your approval. You often reminded us to "pull up our socks" al- though, at the time, many of us never understood the deeper meaning of your encouragement. You challenged us to rely more on ourselves and to be- lieve in our true potential. Your saying: "If it is to be, it's up to me" catapulted some of us into adult- hood, and, for some, success. But again, your admi- ration was more valuable than any public speaking prize or baseball trophy. How we wanted to please you, and how we respected you; nevertheless, it took us years to figure it all out. You chose wisely when you selected your career. I guess it was your gift, not just teaching, however, but understanding your students. You took the time to listen, you watched us interact, and you put us back on our feet when we fell. We fondly remember those endearing nicknames that helped us to shape our identity. There was nothing generic or artificial about you, Mr. Somerville. You really wanted to know about the "stuff' of our miniature world; and twenty years later, as we read your report card com- ments it's obvious that your desire was to really know your students as individuals. Cancer stole from you the "life" that you seemed to treasure. Your walk, your smile, and the way you raised your shoulders up just a bit when you were "shootin the breeze" told us that life is for the living and that we must search out its mysteries. You taught us to grow from the inside (it was guidance every day in room *7) and we were encouraged to develop a social conscience. The poem on the little memorial card at your fu- neral was entitled: "Miss me - but let me go". How can we let you go, Mr. Somerville? You are alive and near to hundreds of your students, just through their everyday life, and thoughts! You were the one who taught us respect, hard work, self-control, hon- est "fun", responsibility, forgiveness, trust, joy, con- fidence, enthusiasm, inspiration... you taught us all these things, with a friendly grin and firm hands. I guess we really owe it to you to become what you thought we could be, now. Dale Donaldson, Brad McGhie, and Kate Skidmore (former students) Care and consideration of land now If people can carry the full prod- ucts in, why cannot they carry the empty out. Dear Editor: I went for a walk recently along the Ausable Riv- er. The peace and tranquility were enjoyable. Lis- tening to the babble of the river flowing over the small rapids I was near was relaxing. I sat enjoying this time alone. Sitting and admiring the leaves fall- ing as well as the rabbit that went rushing by and the muskrat that slipped in to the water, I felt calm. My mood swung very quickly though, when I looked around. There, no more then ten feet away was a pop can thrown carelessly away. My heart saddened as I searched some more. Chocolate bar wrappers, potato chip bags and yes, more pop cans. Frustrated, as well as angry, I began to wonder what the people think of when they leave their gar- bage laying around (or better yet do they think?) Do they believe that someone will come along after and clean up their mess? In this case someone did. If people can carry the full products in, why can- not they carry the empty out. I was always taught to leave better than found, and I try to follow this. When I go into the bush I carry a small bag so I can pick up garbage and clean up behind myself. Our lands, air and waterways are polluted, but it is not too late if we all take a little care and considera- tion now. We all can do our part so our children, and their children have a better place to live. Steven J. Dettmer Exeter Ontario Fair praise for fall fairs Fall fairs began and developed very much according to pattern... Dear Editor: This year between mid May and mid October some 240 fall fairs were scheduled and held in the Province of Ontario. The first was held at Rich- mond Hill and the last is to he in Walkerton. Fall fairs cannot be separated from local Agricultural Societies which organized them in the first place and have continued to sponsor and support through the last century and more. The first such society to be organized in Upper Canada was at Williamstown in the Ottawa (then Bytown) are in 1792. The first fair was organized and held there more than a half century later and has continued operating annually since its beginning, although now as an evening ex- hibition only. O.A.S. locals sought always to build interest in striving to improve quality and yield in all products and farm animals among the farmers of their districts. Displays of crops of field and garden and farm an- imals and poultry became more competitive with the years which fact led to detailed classifications, judging and the awarding of prize ribbons and mon- ey. A spirit of friendly rivalry that developed along with the lead enlrip vided by local Agriculture Representatives led to winter short courses for jun- ior farmers, the organization of calf and garden clubs and a growing consciousness, particularly among young farmers, that their industry was a business to be studied and refined in practice. The fall fairs provided ready show windows for display- ing evidences of progress on the march towards ex- cellence which they had been helpful in launching. Local O.A.S. branches also helped to launch the township School Fair movement across the province which continued through the 20s to 40s, roughly, at which time the local fairs made room for school children's exhibits and competition in their facilities and programs. Fall fairs began and developed very much accord- ing to pattern. The earlier ones, some as early as the mid 1850s, were held in open areas chosen year by year, after the manner of modern plowing matches. It is difficult to say for certain which were first in the counties but Paisley in Bruce and Clinton in Hu- ron deserve honorable mention. Most fair grounds in southern Ontario were set aside and provided with display buildings and show rings, grandstands and band stands and race tracks during the first dec- ade of the 1900s. Local innovations were added to the basic displays and activities, some of which have survived as special annual features. Such things as the Seaforth tractor pull and various fests and festivals, separate from fair time but related in theme and form, such as the Pon Elgin Pumpkinfest draw widespread interest and competitors. It is of in- terest to note that the really big C.E., C.N.E. and Western Fairs are still listed as official fall fairs. Hu- ron County can boast of ten such this year and Bruce twelve. Fall fairs, like community ventures of all kinds, depend for their success upon good organization, careful planning and the help of dedicated volun- teers. As a fair goer, competitor and supporter of decades past, let me tip the cap to all those who through interest and participation, have helped to keep alive and well in Ontario an important compo- nent of rural life, the local fall fairs. Gerry Dobrindt Exeter P.S. Reference: "A History of Agriculture Socie- ties and Fairs in Ontario 1792-1992" Published by John Deyell Co. Ltd. Times -Advocate, October 16, 1996 Page 7 Studio tour Artists of the Lake Huron Reglon held an open house studio tour recently to draw attention to artists, artisans and craftspeople in the area who believe in the importance of art in the community. Above, Jack and Mae Browne view the works of Ann and Tristan Eekhoff at their studio on Highway 81 near Grand Bend. Exeter supported Terry Fox run The run would not have been as successful without the assis- tance of our local businesses... Dear Editor The Terry Fox run took place on a very rainy Sun- day. In spite of the inclement weather, Exeter came out to support this cause. At the close of the run we had raised Si 178, a good start for us. The run would not have been as successful with- out the assistance of our local businesses. We are thankful to Tim Horton's and McDonald's for treats to get the riders through the wet day. Marlene Par- sons donated the use of Re/Max signs to point the way even in the rain. Snip's valu-mart donated a barbecue cookbook won by Doug Ellison of Grand Bend and New Orleans Pizza donated pizzas won by Dave Robilliard, Steve Boal and Ken Fraser all of Exeter. We always appreciate the coverage of the Times -Advocate our main source of advertising. Any late pledges can be submitted directly to the Terry Fox Run at local major banks. The site num- ber for Exeter is 142. Cancer research is making great strides. It is help- ing people we know. The fight will go on with your continued support. Thanks for keeping Terry's dream alive in Exeter! Sincerely, Run Organizers, Eric and Jane Hundey Auxiliary to host 1997 conference EXETER - South Huron Hospital Auxiliary held their regular month- ly meeting on October 8 at 2 p.m. Second vice-president Mary Fisher presided over the meeting. Shirley Luther introduced guest speakers Audrey Harloff from Mitchell and Brenda MacLean from London. Their topic was cancer and their stories were personal ones as both arc cancer survivors. Several women attended the fall conference of Region 2 in Cam- bridge and reports were given by Ada Dinney, June Hodgson and Olga Davis. The fall conference in 1997 will be held in Exeter hosted by the Auxiliary. Seven women volunteered,Eo 'o4on'a committee to make pians 'for the f tI91 contter= once. Four members will attend the O.H.A.A. Convention in Toronto in early November. Hospital Board Representative Marjorie Johns re- ported there will be an open house at the hospital on Sunday, October 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. and C. HASKETT & SON` 1 l' N. 1 K A.1 11 t) .t I Present "Understanding Grief" Helping Yourself and Others Heal A Seminar for the Community Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. South Huron High School, Exeter with Alan D. Wolfelt Ph.D. Thanatologist - Author -Educator Please join us. Seating may be limited. If you plan to attend, we ask that you please contact either Bill Haskett or Dan Houle at 235-1220 or 227-4211. ************************** Caregivers are invited to attend "Death, Grief and Mourning" A Seminar for Clergy and Health Care Professionals Wednesday, October 16,8:30 a.m. to 12;00 p.m. Lucan Community Centre, Lucan, Ont. Participants must register There is no charge to attend either seminar OUR PRICFS ARIE FALLING ♦ fold Jewdlerij & Coloured Stones ♦ fold Chains • Rings & pendants 382 MAIN ST. S. EXETER • 235-2468 �� Canadian Foster Parent Week PIN October 13 - 20 Honouring Families That Make A Difference Families That Make A Difference Children's Aid Society of Huron County