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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-03-19, Page 23COMMIJNI'fY Times -Advocate, March 19, 1997 Page 23 Ready for dinner From left, Lillian Beer, Betty Simmons and Bea Uyl get goodies ready for a Hensall Legion Family Dinner on Sunday afternoon. New recruits For their community. Dale Miller, far left, Marty Merner, inside the truck, Doug Finlay, right, and rookie Greg O'Brien, kneeling, are the newest members of the Zurich Fire Department. All of them said they joined to serve their community. O'Brien is carrying on a family tradition as his father Eugene also was a firefighter. So is Merner, his father Bob was fire chief for 10 years and still serves the department as a dispatcher. Has -Beans donation The Zurich Has -Beans old- timer hockey club raised $500 at a recent tourna- ment for ex -player Wayne Hamather who was severe- ly injured last June in an explosion at his workplace. Hamather, in turn, donated the money to South Huron Hospital's Physiotherapy Department which has helped him recover. Ha- mather said he didn't think twice about giving the hos- pital the cheque and cred- its the hospital and staff for saving his life. From left, Joe Kenda, president of the Has -Beans hockey club, Wayne Hamather and Mr. Ian McCrae, director of Physiotherapy. McGillivray Speakers At the Middlesex County Northwest Region Effective Public Speaking Competition held recently, two students from McGillivray Central School, Heather Irvine, left, placed first and Meredith Webster, right placed second. A .1 2 J Your Views Letters to the editor White squirrel neeeds protection When the squirrels moved into early Exeter they were accepted with interest and enthusiasm by the new settlers. Dear Editor: I am not certain when the white squirrel came to Exeter to live with his black brothers and sisters. But 50 years ago a man by the name of Ed Dignan was their mentor and faithful friend. A long-time resident and living on William Street he became known as a friend and expert of Exeter's squirrels. I think he knew every squirrel in the village, certainly they knew him. They carne at his bidding when he called, climb- ing onto his lap and shoulder, searching his hands and pockets for food that was always there. Ed loved these animals and over the years gained their trust and confidence. He was their protector and provider. It was only natural that his attention centered mostly on the white squirrels. Descended from the grey family, the whites were in a much lower ratio than the blacks. They were unusual. They were unique and outstanding in their pure white coats, similar to ermine but with longer fur. The alert black eyes, the soft pink of its nose, mouth, ears and palms were the other attributes that distinguished the white squirrel. My assumption is that the first grey and black squirrels came out of the thick forest to live amongst the early settlers form Devonshire, Eng- land, when they built their first homes in Exeter dur- ing 1832 and later. Prior to this time the genes of the grey and black squirrels dictated that a certain number of their off- spring would be pure white with black eyes. They were not albinos although albinos could happen for the same reason it happens in other species of ani- mals and birds. The white squirrel could produce its own kind ei- ther white or black. But the whites could never gain in numbers in the wild habitat because they fell prey to predators such as hawks, owls, fox and vultures. Their pure white fur stood out like neon lights to be caught by any passing predator. It could be argued that nature had flawed by not changing their white coats to brown in summer. When the squirrels moved into early Exeter they were accepted with interest and enthusiasm by the new settlers. The squirrels soon learned that as long as they found enough food within the confines of the village they were safe from the ravages of pred- ators. And so an early co -existence was established between men and squirrels in the village of Exeter. The squirrels thrived and their numbers increased both black and white. The only significant factor was that the white squirrel depended entirely on the human race for protection and longevity. My interest, appreciation and love for the white squirrel began with my association with Ed Dingan in 1940. 1 thank him for those early years of friend- ly talk and knowledge gained. No longer a resident of Exeter my interest is rejuvenated by frequent vis- its. Our itinerary for out-of-town guests always in- cluded a trip to Exeter to see the white wonders. Thc home of Cliff and Audrey Moore, on the hill overlooking the Ausable River was a very special place for white squirrels. They raised many broods in their own nest boxes. One brood was all white and the young came to the kitchen, window to be fed. Bill and Peg Maclean literally opened their doors to the white squirrels. The nest boxes in their trees have produced many whites some of which are tame enough to sit on their out -door table when called for feeding. When looking for whites to show a visitor, we never missed finding several op the Maclean property. Bill was responsible for approaching town council in providing funds to distribute and feed them during the cold seasons. He became one of Ex- eter's greatest boosters and protector of the white squirrel. There were others who share much credit in pro- moting the white squirrels. Andy DeBoer and the Exeter Business Association, Peter Snell for com- posing words and music and a disc record extolling the virtues of "White Wonder". I am advised that a number of years ago, a request to Exeter council was made to have the white squir- rels placed on a protected list and was turned down on the assumption that they were not endangered. This assumption, undoubtedly was made in good faith and under certain conditions that existed at that time. It would be assumed that all the citizens of Ex- eter in one accord were sincere g'•ardians and pro- tectors of the white squirrel. Ever).me would be ex- pected to nurture and endorse the well being of this unique animal to guarantee its existence. Council in its wisdom at the time did not reckon with the possibility that poachers would trap and re- move dozens of squirrels regardless of color and dump them in somebody's bush or roadside. No per- mission given! No questions asked! Mums the word! And for what reason? "Get rid of the pests who eat my bulbs, my shoots and prized blooms." Nor did council recognize another problem that would decimate the white squirrel population in Ex- eter. The traffic jams on Main Street! Two stop lights and a possible third have been installed to slow down the traffic to give citizens safe passage through bumper to bumper traffic. Drivers are not aware nor do they care that white squirrels are cross- ing the highway and are an endangered species. Any squirrel, white or black is fair game. This need not be and should not be. In a recent issue of a lovely magazine called "Birds and Blooms" and printed in the USA, one of the readers had sent in a picture of 10 white squir- rels. The caption of the article reads: "White Squir- rel Week in State of Missouri". Marionville is only oche of several towns in which white squirrels exist in Targe numbers. A large billboard tells you its the "Home of the White Squirrel". The 'town takes its love of the white pals seriously - there is a $500 fine for killing or deliberately trapping or injuring the rare animals. Motorists must yield the right-of-way to them at all times. Many places of business are named in honor of the squirrels. Each year a whole week from September 23 to 29 is set aside for a big "White Squirrel Cele- bration" in the whole state of Missouri. This picture of 10 white squirrels feeding on a lush lawn sur- rounded by beautiful flowers illustrates man's co- existence with these magnificent white animals. The residents take great pride and enjoyment to ensure longevity for their fury friends." An estimate of the number of white squirrels left in Exeter can be counted by the number of fingers on your hands. Too bad! Shame on Exeter! Too bad for the few citizens who did try to promote care and protection. Too bad for the Exeter Business Associa- tion that can promote "WhiteMonder" only in the photo shops. Too bad for me when I wear my lapel pin in honor of the magnificent animals now depart- ed. Wake up Exeter! You've been counting sheep too long! Better you should count your white squirrels and weep with me. Carfrey A. Cann Speaker describes highlights of African tour ZURICH - Monday afternoon at Blue Water Rest Home, Ian McAl- lister, treasurer, board of directors, showed slides to the residents of his recent trip to Africa with his fellow members of the Canadian Food - grains Bank. The delegation visited Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya on their 21 day trip with numerous air craft changes. He explained to the resi- dents what the people ()leach coun- try were accomplishing with aid from the Canadian Food Grain Bank and the culture of each arca. Throughout thc presentation the residents questioned McAllister about the people and how he felt about thc situations he became in- volved in. Tuesday evening was birthday party time for nine residents - Edith Smith, Esther Makins, Catherine Riehl, Mae Bulak, Maurice De- nomme, Elizabeth Gingcrich, Doro- thy Hayter, Rose Denommc and Rose Merncr. Members of Zion Lu- theran Church, Dashwood were the evening hosts with Marie Ticman as chairperson and Nancy Rader as pianist. The guild members madc a memorial entrance dawning their new Easter bonnets to the tune of the Easter parade. Cara, the infant daughter of Elizabeth and Pastor Tremulak amused the residents with her baby tricks. Jayne Hayter played the piano and sang "Amaz- ing Grace" and "I Love to Tell thc Story." Jordan Skinner gave his speech "Thomas' Snowsuit" which won him awards in a recent public speaking competition. Doug Ste- phen played a variety of tunes on his mouth organ, accordion and the piano. Mae Bulak, who celebrated 101 years on March 11, spent a quiet af- ternoon with her niece's daughter and granddaughters, then partied with Zion Lutheran Church Tues- day evening, followed by another party in her honor on Wednesday afternoon. Her niece Eula Mclick and husband Dan of Godcrich and family, and her niece Peggy MacL- ean of Exeter visited. Members of the Clinton square dance group un- der the direction of Les Greenwood of Parkhill called many square dance tunes. Dancers Al Hoggarth, Mona Aldcrdicc, Mr. and Mrs. Art Horst, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart McLel- len and Mr. and Mrs. Andy Dougall performed in their full skirts and crinolines and how ties and the resi- dents watched. Al is the only child of Ruby Hoggarth who has called Blue Water Rest Home, home the past 20 years. As a young woman, Mac was a school teacher in Hay township and one of her students, Edith (Dick) Flemming and her daughters from London came to wish Mae a happy birthday. Mac was Edith's first teacher some 70 years ago. Rev. Gani Lazaro, Dashwood/ Zurich United Church conducted Thursday afternoon Chapel service. Fr. Matthias Wronski, St. Boniface Church, Zurich celebrated Mass. Friday afternoon, the Home, like many other communities, experi- enced the inconvenience of not having electrical power, however that didn't dampen the spirits of the residents as they brought out their rhythm hand instruments and filled the auditorium with the sound of music. Monday, St. Patrick's Day, the residents and staff donned their Irish colors for "Green Day" and enjoyed afternoon (green) tea in the auditorium. Condolences go the family and friends of Edna Johnston who passed away March 15 in her 91st year at Blue Water Rest Home. She was a resident at thc Home the past eight years. The residents look forward to a visit from thc Christian Reformed Church on March 18, the Lakeview Conservative Mennonite Church on March 19 and Max Ducharme and the Town Liners on March 20. The Adjuvant has a game in mind for the residents that involves a number of decks of playing cards. If you have extra card decks which you don't need or use, the Home would appreciate receiving some. Thieves gain entry through door USBORNE TOWNSHIP - Prop- erty valued at an estimated $10,000 was stolen during a break and enter that occurred March 10 on Conces- sion 2. The culprits gained entry into thc residence through a kickcd-in door. Once inside, jewelry, U.S. currency and the contents of a safe were re- moved. 1