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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1998-04-15, Page 10Page 10 Times -Advocate, April 15, 1998 Crediton Optimists donate The Crediton Optimists recently held a dance for the family of Doug and Darlene Finkbeiner, recent fire victims. Making the presentation of a cheque for $4, 763.75 are Optimist officials Brenda Morgan .and Carolyn Southcott to Carrie Lynne, Doug, Michelle, Darlene and Jeff in front. Landfill sale not wanted. Copy of a letter sent to the Minis- Township miserable with the implications that this try of the Environment.. Dear Sir: .. Attention: Dave Staseff Re: Town. of Exeter Landfill Site Cert. App. #A1615 Please he advised that we are landowners of 'Lot 4. South Boundary Concession, Hay Township just East of the current Exctcr Landfill site and proposed - landfill site on Concession 4-5 of Hay Township. We strongly oppose the . future plans that die Town of Exctcr and the Country of Huron have .for • this site and arc very concerned about the water quality that we will have once the dump grows up and out in -size. our land values. noise pollution from increased traffic and also odour. noise and. • trash From the site. We already get airborne trash from the current Exeter dump which adds to the trash that we pick up diligently from our sidcroad and highway. I also feel that as as Ministry you would have more respect for the environment as the current landfill site is situated in a swampy. cavi ronmentally sensitive arca (Hay Swamp). Our water was tested a few years ago in connection with the current Exeter dump hut we had no idea it was proh- 'ahly being- tested for this Huron County landfill ex- • pansion. •Wc have been very ill-informed about all of this and definitely have not been given enough time to voice our opinions as neighbours to this site. N. a would appreciate receiving any copies of docu- • ' ments with regard to current and further proposals. such. as Environmental impact Studies that Must . have hecn done. We feel that there is a greed on the part of the Town of Exeter for the $2.1 million to sell the land-- fill and-fill site to the County without considering we land- owners around the dump. It is a lot of money but in the long run why make . all of our lives in Hay dump might bring. The dump will not only be an eyesore and contamination for the people around it . hut a degradation for Exctcr to have- such a large. proposed site near the town. We felt that this whole proposal is' a blatant disre- gard for the local environment and a great concern to the landowners very near and around the landfill site. Government does not seem to think twice about how people's lives and feelings arc affected by proposals such as this and wc• certainly want a clean environment and un -polluted farmland to pass on to our children. We appreciate having a drink of water. from our well any time. of day! If such is not the. case then you •-have lost the -confidence of we taxpayers and our children who arc very near voting age at thc present time. We would like'io propose thc closure of thc cur- rent landfill site; the halt of any- further expansion; • that our Government not he allowed to just expro- priate the land and that new and not so environmen- tally sensitive sites he chosen for Huron Ccsunty's- trash. as we do realize that the garbage has to 'go somewhere. As noted before we thought it only fair of your Ministry to inform we landowners. particu- larly we who had our wells testcd.•01 your findings and proposals for this site. We want Exeter to "wake up" and realize that if the town receives the above-mentioned $2:1 million in revenue from the sale of the proposed land you will niakc our lives and the lives of the landowcrs immediately beside the new proposed site and the current site a night- marc. In closing we ask you this: "How would you like a dump site of 'this magnitude in your back- yard?" Please think of what you want to pas} on to your children and what we want to pass on to our children. With concern Lam and Donna Shapton Hay township A vision of Canada "The Christian Heritage Party of Canada offers an alternative, both principled and workable." Dear Editor: At a recent public meeting sponsored by a local MPP. the latest solution for Canadian unity, known as the Calgary Framework, was discussed. M that meeting the question was asked, "Is Canada still to he considered a Christian country?" The emphatic negative response should spur even the most laid hack political spectator to re-evaluate the current political structure and mainline parties. • Canada was formed under British Common Law • with Judco-Christian principles which arc now in total jeopardy. The Christian Heritage Party of Canada offers an alternative. both principled and workable. The local riding is hosting Deputy Leader Ian Knight at its annual meeting on April 17. 8 p.m.. in the Clinton and District Christian School. Your vision for Canada is at risk under thc current political process; This is your chance to look at the alternative. . H. DcVries, Exeter Panther Profile By Sarah Vermunt The new sports teams of the spring season have hecn hard at prac- tice for a couple of weeks now. The sports for spring arc soccer and rugby. Both the girls and boys rugby and soccer teams began their seasons this week and you can find out when all the games arc in this column in .the next few weeks. Good luck to ail of the Panther teams just beginning their seasons! A big event that everyone looks forward to every year is student council elections. The elected positions will remain the same but Some of the appointed positions have changed from this year. The elected positions arc Premier, two Co -Deputy Premiers, Social Con- vener, Grade 10 Rep.. and Grade 11 Rep. The appointed positions are Secretary, Student Trustee, three S.A.C. positions. Treasurer, and the new one is Public Relations. Elections run from April 27 to May I. The halls will be plastered. with posters on thc first day of election week and will stay up until April 30. Speeches will he given in an assembly on Friday, May 1 and voting will takc place later that day. A special committee is will. be formed to decide on the appointed positions. Being on student council is a great experience and a good way to get involved and make your school better. It doesn't take much to get a couple of people together to help organize a campaign, so if you're interested inbeing on council or have even wondered what it would be like, just try it. The more people that run for council, the better next years student council will be! If you're wondering what you have to do if you run or how to get started. talk to me or anyone else on this years student council to help you out...lt could' be a way to make next year your best year at SHDHS! Upcoming Events Wednesday, April 15 - Mid-term reports handed out. boys soccer at Goderich, senior badminton at Madill . Thursday, April 16 - Peer helpers attend a workshop in Listowel, girls soccer at South Huron, girls rugby at St. Marys Friday. April /7 - Boys rugby at South Huron, Jr. badminton at• Madill Saturday, April 18 - SAC conference Sunday, April 19 - SHDHS music spring concert at 4 p.m. in the large gym (cost is a donation) Monday, April 20 - Peer mentor activity day, boys soccer at Clinton Tuesday, April 21 - Girls soccer at Seaforth, Madill rugby at South Huron, parent's night • r Constable offers safety tips for women EXETER Exeter Alpha Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma met at the hone of Leona Amos. St. Marys on April 7. . Amos' introduced guest speaker Constable Tracy .Coglin of the Sebringvillc detachment of the O.P.P. Her topic was "Women Falling Victim to,Violent Crime." She pointed out that women travel- ling alone arc prime targets. She offered the following tips: • Women should look cord ident while walking alone. • Never park underground if alone atter dark. • Carry car keys pointed out between thumb and finger in a fist to use to protect yourself. • Use "Call Police" signs in win- dows if stranded and stay in your. vehicle opening the window one inch if approached. • Never get on an elevator with one man alone. She spoke of many more precautions to protect your- self. Only six per cent of assaults are reported to police. Elsie Witteveen thanked her for her talk. Marion Rider reported on the sale of daffodils on Daffodil Day. A profit of $4,400.34 was realized for the Cancer Society. The Sorority would like to thank every- one who bought daffodils to help in this very worthy cause. The 'Founders Day Banquet will be held on April 28 at the Ranch House Inn. Your Views Letters to the Editor Speeding- motorist hits dog "They go far too fast, exceeding the speed limit during al! hours..." Dear Editor: On Saturday evening, March 28, at approximately 11:15 p.m. my neighbor's beautiful large collie/husky named Bear, was hit by a speeding motorist in front of the owner's home. They live on the main street of Dashwood (Hwy. 83) in the centre of the village. - I am writing this letter in the disgust I have for the 'driver of this vehicle that hit this dog. It was obvious the car was exceeding the speed limit and no attempts were made to stop. People living in the arca never heard squealing of brakes, only a loud hang , when the impact occurred. The sad thing of all this is the driver didn't have thc courtesy to stop to see how the dog was - kept going and left her suffering. She died minutes later. I find this appalling and inhu- mane. As a resident of Dashwood I have strong concerns for the lack of respect many drivers have travelling through our small village. They go far too fast, exceeding the speed limit during all hours, especially in the late evenings or early mornings. I ask that motorists please slow down and take into considera- tion the possibility of small children playing on the sidewalks in front of their homes. It was sad losing Bear, but thank goodness it wasn't a child. . Bearis sadly missed by her owners, especially the three small children. She was a gentle, loveable dog and was my friend. I miss her too. Concerned resident, Anne Nagel. Dashwood P.S. l would also like to extend a thank you to the couple who came upon Bear a few seconds later. - stopped and showed their concern. Area needs more adoptive homes for strays However my quoted comment is misleading and unfair to the vil- lage of Hensall.... Dear Editor: Thank you .for your excellent and timely article in last week's newspaper about the Huronia Branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. • However, my quoted comment is misleading and unfair to the village of Hensall, and -I would like to set the record straight. My expressed concern was that the area desperately needs more foster _homes for strays and abandoned animals because we lack shelter facilities; as an example, I pointed out that my home is the only one in t-lensall which currently fosters for the Humane Society. The residents of Hensall are certainly as kind and generous as most other municipalities. Many family pets began life as strays, and my hundreds of neigh- _bors routinely feed and shelter abandoned and wild cats, dogs, squirrels, and other animals.. Unfortu- nately, most of us cannot afford the expense of vete- rinarian care and neutering or spaying which is nec cssary before introducing a stray -animal into one's home. - Undcr the fostering system, I agree- to feed and care for the animal until it is adopted (there are nev- er enough adoptive homes, either). while the Hu- mane Society pays the vet bills. . - Thank you .for any clarification you may find space for in the upcoming issue. Sincerely yours Ann MacMillan A great season "The boys and parents really appreciate your support..." Dear Editor: • The Nabisco Atom A/E team would like'to say a big thank you for the support from the fans and busi- nesses. It has been a great year for the team. Thanks to Robert Ens for designing the programs, Jbhn Norris for supplying the paper and photocopy- ing of programs, Terry Bourne and John Rasenberg for dropping of the puck and Brenda Desjardine for Ile singing of the National Anthem, for helping with the opening ceremony of the O.M.H.A. final series. '- Thanks Thanks to Darryl McCann for the use of your equip- ment and announcing. Thanks to Mikala McDougall for the gatorade for the team. Thanks to Bill Armstrong and the fire department for the victory ride on the truck. The boys will always remember their ride through the town. Thanks to Bart Devries Photography and RSD Sport Den, for their speedy service. Thanks to all the businesses who had signs up for us and the Hawks for their support. The'boys and parents really appreciate your supr port for making this such a memorable year! Nabisco Atom A/E Team, O.M.H.A. champs ' 30 hourfamine a success• Every year I am greatly impressed by the willingness of people in the Exeter area to help... Dear Editor: On April 3rd and 4th. 60 students- and three staff members from South Huron District High School participated in the 30 Hour Famine, to raise money for World Vision. While the final tally is not yet in, the students raised approximately $2500. for this worthy cause. The 30 Hour Famine is a nation wide .event. and World Vision has earmarked a portion of funds raised this year for special disaster, relief in: Southern Sudan. would Tike to thank all of the students who par- . ticipated. who raised funds. and who gave•30 hours. of their liycs to help people who are in desperate need of assi!stanee. Thank you to all the parents, grandparents. family and friends who sponsored the students. -Your generosity is thankfully received, and will be faithfully applied. • Once again the merchants of Exeter aid surround-" ing area played a significant rote in helping us to ac- complish this. Drinks for the students were donated by Huron Park Food Town, 'tem Variety. Crediton. and Holtzmann's iGA and Shopper's Drug Mart in Exeter. Additional drinks, ice and cups were donat- ed by McDonald's Restaurant. The students were kept entertained with movies from Regl Time Vide- os. And. after 30 hours without food, the students enjoyed pizza courtesy of Mrs. Gilbert at New Or- leans Pizza. Without the generosity of these mer- chants our, 30 hour famine would not have been the success it was. This was the fifth time I've helped with the 30 Hour Famine. Every year! am greatly impressed by the willingness of people in the Exeter area to help. The challenges facing our planet are great, and we can't solve them all ourselves, but working together we can help to make the world a bit better place. My sincere thanks to everyone who helped us to meet the challenge. • Dave MacLeod, Crediton Tax troubles "..:don't believe everything that's reported to you on an 'official' looking information slip." Dear Editor: The General Income Tax Guide'97, on page 13, in a boxed -in comment regarding Line 114 on your Personal Income Tax Return, states the following: "You may have received a lump -sum CPP or QPP benefit in 1996 (other than a disability benefit) of which $300 or more relates to 1995 or previous years: If so, you may not have received the more • beneficial tax calculation for that payment. To receive this tax calculation, call Human Resources Development Canada, at 1-800-277-9914, to get a statement that shows how much of the payment applies to each previous year, and then ask us to adjust your 1996 return." Well, don't hold your breath! It took several phone calls, over several weeks, to solve the mystery of one client's reported CPP going up and down like a yo-yo since 1995. At the first call we were told, that most likely the client did receive 'a lump -sum payment in 1996'. We asked for verification, and were promised that a request for a breakdown was being issued and processed. This was in early March. On March 18 the client received a second T4A (OAS) slip. His Income Tax Return had already been efiled several weeks earlier, on February 20, on the basis of the first T4A (OAS) he'd received. Interestingly enough this first slip had been labelled "amended". It was issued for the standard of full Old Age Security this client was entitled to receive. On the other hand, the second slip, but seemingly the • 'first' one (are you as confused as we were?) was issued for several hundred dollars less. A phone call confirmed the latter slip was incorrect. A week later the same client came in with yet another slip. This time a T4A(P). It, too, was labelled "Amendment" and was issued for an amount more than $700 Iess•than the first one. I sent in a "Request for an Amendment." Today he brought in another T4A(P). This one •was labelled "duplicate". The 'Year' box had been left blank. The amount was certainly not a duplicate of either this year's amount, nor last year's, nor the year before. During yet another phone call to Human Resources 1 learned that this most current slip is fur the year 1996.11 assuredly is for the correct amount of Canada Pension received by my client. And, are you listening carefully, it is issued -for an amount almost S1400. less than the original slip issued and filed in 1996. The sad part is: This taxpayer is managing on a relatively low income. He is elderly, and finds this whole rigmarole confusing and perhaps a bit upset- ting. He's also being haunted by Revenue Canada for Income Tax Arrears on an 'imaginary' income that all of a sudden had tripled his tax liability (until by accident I found out that he'd forgotten to tell me about support payments he was entitled to deduct). So, please, Seniors and Taxpayers in general, don't believe everything that's reported to you on an 'official' looking information slip. Those, too, can sometimes be wrong. • Sybille Schaufler, Hensall