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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1984-03-14, Page 23Mary's musings By Mary Alderson "Cautious optimism" has become the cliche when discussing the economy in 1984. I recently attended two conventions in Alberta, where of course, the economy is the main part of most conversa- tions. While many people said they were looking for a good year in 1984, they were reluc- tant to make predictions as to just how good it's going to be. But most would admit that it's going to be better than 1983 or '82 and there was cer- tainly a lot more enthusiasm at these conventions than there was a year ago. In Calgary I attended a con- vention of the Western Fer- tilizer and Chemical Dealers Association. These dealers have struggled through some tough times in the past two or three years along with their farmer -customers. But this year, they say, the farmers are predicting better times, and they are hoping for im- provements, too. After our ski weekend in the Rockies, I went on to Edmon- ton for a convention of the Prairie Implement Manufac- turers Association. Similarly, this group was much more op- timistic than it was a year ago. Everyone knows about the struggles that farm equip- ment manufacturers have been having, so it was really nice to see them smiling. I was at these conventions to report on activities for the Western Fertilizer and Chemical Dealers Com - Leaders beat Beavers 4-1 March 5, the first Grand Bend Beaver Colony played floor hockey in the public gym. Divided into four teams called the Devils, Penguins, Islanders and Bruins, the eager beavers played four games. The. Devils and the Islanders met for the finals with the Devils -.winning 3-2 after a shoot-out. Jeremy Anderson scored the winning goal, but the beaver team werre no match for their leaders. The leaders won 4-1,_ by planting Rusty in front of the net like Frank Mahovolich, and Malak icing the puck every chance she got. The Devils were Michael Stanlake, Jeremy Anderson, Simon Desjardine, Billy Walker, Matthew DeJong and Adam Jean. Call foe free estimate and we'll tell you how you can save. L.W. Klelastiver Ltd. D..hnroed 237.3641 Plur„►Ing.N..1In4-ll.ctrical municator and Farm Equip- ment Quarterly, two magazines published by the company for which I work. It was certainly pleasant to write up some good news, • albeit cautiously good news. As well as spreading a bet- ter outlook for the Canadian economy, the conventions provide a psychological uplift for the delegates. Many of the speakers are called "motive- , tional", and usually conven- tioneers leave with a good feeling. Some of the speakers are fuse entertaining. One such speaker was hockey personality Don Cherry. I had lunch with Don beforehand, and reminded him that we had actually met previously when he spoke at a sportsmen's dinner in Ex- eter, Ontario. He recalled his visit to Exeter, and then remembered that he had sign- ed an autograph to my dog, Pepper, from his dog, Blue. I found it remarkable that such a busy man could remember such detail! Don had everybody rolling in laughter throughout his speech. He simply told one amusing anecdote after another. Usually his stories involved well-known hockey players. He told one story about the first time he took a Canadian team to Russia. It was rumoured among the Canadian players. that the Russians were "bugging" their hotel rooms with hidden microphones, hoping to learn some secrets about the game. After indulging in some Russian vodka, two of the players decided that they were going to find those hid- den microphones and pro- ceeded to tear the room apart. Finally they ripped up the carpet and found four screws in the middle of the floor. They removed the screws and lifted the plate, only to find four more screws. They were sure they were on- to something. Anxiously, they removed the four screws. They had just loosened the last screw when they heard a bud crash in the room below them. They had just removed a crystal chandelier! Another entertainer at the fertilizer dealers' convention was singer B.J. Thomas. His most famous hit is "Rain- drops Keep Falling on my Head" and over the years he has created a string of gold records. I can remember when his song "Hooked on a Feeling" came out. I think I was in the eighth grade. i bought "Hocked on a Feel- ing" on a 45 rpm record and played it on the old_ portable record player until it was completely worn out. When I told B.J. that, he gave me a big "Thank you" along with a hug and kiss. It was certain- ly a thrill to chat with an idol from my teeny-bopper days. B.J. continues to be a great entertainer and certainly put on .an excellent show for us. With the lively entertain- ment, as well as the "cautious , optimism" about the economy, everyone left the conventions feeling good. 1 find it interesting that despite all our modern technology, the Canadian economy is still really based on agriculture. When the farmer does well, •everyone does well. Let's hope for bumper crops and t good rnarkets in 1984! ELECTION TALK — Progressive Conservatives, representing both provincial and federal tidings of Lambton-Middlesex, met in Grand Bend Thursday. From the left they are: Sid Ftaleigh, president of the federal wing of the L. -M. party; Coleen Sharen, Grand Bend representative of the Y.P.C. group; Howard Prout, executive secretary; Hon. Lorne Henderson, representative in the Ontario Legislature and Mel Huddlestone, a member of the provincial riding executive. UCW plans for June conference This meeting was held in the Sunday School rooms of the church on March 8. Fern Love opened with the call to worship and read "The Man in the Glass." Hymns were sung, accompanied_by Nola Love at the pialio. Doris Peebles read Psalm 705, responsively with the group. President, Elizabeth Norris conducted the business and Fern read, "Ten Second Ser- mon." Thirty ladies answered the roll call with the date, place, and name of the minister who married them. The 1984 Conference for United.Church Women will be held on June 8, 9 and loth at Waterloo University, in Waterloo. Thank you's for money donations sent to Fred Victor Mission and The Blind mission were read. Lunch hostesses were Greta Luther and Norma Desjardine. (Church of God The women of the Church of God met Thursday with- 13 present. The mission study of the Refugee Church in Tan- zania, was led by Millie Des- jardine. The roll call was an offering for the missionaries in Tanzania, the Stan Desjardines. For interest time, I.ori Steckle showed how to make fun dough. lunch hostesses were Anne -Marie and Debbie Wilson. Sunday morning - Rev. Campbell took his text from 1 Kings 21 and entitled it "Misuse of Influence." Ahab misused his power when he had Naboth stoned, so that he could get his vineyard. Then, he found that there is no hiding place from God. We must be careful not to misuse our influence. Lucille Vincent sang "At the Foot of the Old Rugged ('rosy". accompanied by Lori Vincent. Beaconaires meel Monday. the 13eaconaires met for a carry -in supper. Mrs. Vera Brown presided for the business and devotional, as president Irene Read is vaca- ioning. Ephesiarts 6:16-18 vas read. regarding the value ...for that Special Occasion Wer/Gael . nvifafionJ and Acce3JorieJ Select your invitations from our collection of traditional and contem- porary designs. Socially correct thermo- engraving complements the elegance of our wed- ding stationery. Ask to see our many wedding accessories too. • • limes - Advocate Main St. Exeter 435-1331 of prayer. A film entitled "The Answer", was shown, which proved to be one of the better films viewed and was enjoyed by all. April 2 will be the next meeting date. Legion news On the weekend two teams from this branch 498, left for a tournament in Windsor. 'Tike Tataren played singles, eith Crawford and Bob c,hapdelaine doubles and the rest of the teams were Tony Gaudio, Jim O'Neill, Vern Gallant, Bob Hamilton and Rob. Four teams move on to the provincial finals in London, the Grand Bend foursome finished fifth. Good try team! At the Friday night euchre, the ladies high was won by Jean Chambers with the men's high going to Doug Marshall. Ladies low was Grace Masse and men's low Gib Roane. Sharon Graham won the door prize. There will be playoffs March 30 and April 6 with a banquet at the Colonial Fri- day April 13 at 7:00 p.rn. Don't forget the St. Patrick's dance this Saturday only .00 admission. Marg Hedley won the high in crib- bage and Vitda Clark the se- cond prize last Saturday. Art Rubery and Bob Hedley wish to thank legion members for the baskets of fruit since returning from University Hospital. Bob Iledley received a sur- prise phone call from England. from his sister Nellie McDermott, to wish him the best on his operation. Personals Alex and Ina Russell have returned home from twn weeks vacation in Hawaii, with Alex's two sisters, Dorothy Elsie from Van- couver, B.C. and Ruby Smith of London. t-11 club The regular meeting was at the home of Theresa Baltessen March 5. The leaders checked each members hooks and the girls proceeded to sew their samples. 'They cut out the moon over the mountain anti ironed then) so it would not move. The next meeting will le on l'hursday March 15 at Nancy Stokkerman's. t'nited Church Service The sacrament of commu- nion was - held last Sunday morning at Grand Bend t'nited. Preceding the taking of elements was the dedica- tion of new elders. Assisted by the clerk of session, Elizabeth Adams, Rev.Peebleswelcom- ed Don Kobe. Ann Russell, Doug Martin and Millie Kane. Fred Willert read the scrip- ture from Deut. 8:1 -end. Rev. Peebles sermon was entitled "Remember". God said to reflect, remember and look back to the Children of Israel. The choir sang "Let us Pray Together", accom- panied by Theresa Hannon. God's way is the best way. Rev. Peebles told the children to stay away from tempta- tion. A little girl Susan, went with her mother to Aunt Margaret's home to study music. Susan could have one candy before supper, so she went into the kitchen to keep herself away from the candy jar. Doug and Ann Russell were door greeters. Wednesday March 21 at 6:00 p.m. there will be a pot luck supper for the congregation and Chorale. The Chorale from the Ontario Bible College, will present a musical program.• %fter'Moon U.C. W. Special guest at the meeting was Lavina Martin, of Parkhill, who accompanied by her husband Amos, and three other people, spent three months in Zaire, Africa. as a work party last winter. She gave a slide presenta- tion with commentary. We saw grass roofed houses. churches and schools and the natives use bamboo poles to build with. Some do laundry in creeks, while others heat water in barrels and wash it by hand. Women in the work party made Bible bags and taught young girls to cook and sew. Men helped put down flooring, wiring in schools and building a water tank. They travelled in Nairobi, Kenya, Zambia and Angola; on the way home they stopped in Amsterdam, holland and showed us fields of tulips and hyacinths. Millie Kane thank- ed their guest and the meeting adjourned. Bible coffee hour There were 14 ladies at the home of Mrs. Vera Brown in Southcott Pines. Doris Peebles opened with prayer, followed by a hymn sing. Millie Kane led the study grom Matthew 5:4. to finish the Beatitudes. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." All people are equal when they stand before God. The next meeting will be on March 20. All ladies welcome. Vera Brown gave a closing prayer. Record attendance Last week, there were some 500 who attended services at the Catholic Church on Ash Wednesday, a 'record, reported Father Morrissey. We'11 Do estokalool the lob Right ... Ready -Mix Concrete FREE ESTIMATES Residential. commerical and form, foundo tions, floors slobs. sidewalks, driveways manure tanks: etc form rentals equipment rentals For guaronteed strength quality controlled and service call C.A. McDowell Rodi-Mix Ltd. Centralia, Ontario Plant: Exeter, Hwy. No. 83 west 233.2711 Office: 228-6129 After hours: 228-6780 Meet at Legion hall Times -Advocate, March 14, 1984 Page 23 Local PC's ready for election Lartibton-Middlesex P.C. party president for the federal riding, Sid Fraleigh, told a group of party members in Grand Bend that when the federal election is announced, P.C.'s in the riding will be ready. He was speaking at a meeting for area faithful at the Legion Hall in Grand Bend, Thursday. Fraleigh announced that there would be no changes in the boundaries of the riding - in spite of speculation earlier that the Middlesex portion of the riding would be changed. Hon. Lorne Henderson, who has represented the riding, provincially, for 20 years, suggested to the group that as soon as the Liberal leadership convention date was announc- ed, a nomination meeting should be planned to name a member for the L -M riding. He cautioned the group that not more than four weeks should be used for campaign- ing before the upcoming election. While there has been speculation that Henderson might seek the federal nomination, he is not com- menting one way or another at this time. Fraleigh, who was P.C. candidate in the last federal election is also not openly declaring his inten- tions. The riding is represented by Ralph Ferguson, who has recently been named parliamentary secretary to the Hon. Marc Lalonde, Minister of Finance. When questioned about the advantage sitting Liberals have had over the past year in being able to provide generous grants throughout their ridings, Henderson com- mented that a P.C. candidate need only say that he "didn't have five million dollars to give away." During the meeting, Coleen Sharen, a student at Sir Wilfrid Laurier university, Waterloo, and a resident of Grand'Bend, was named as local representative of the federal Young P.C. group. President of the group, David Kohlsmith of Mount Brydges, reminded the groups that their sons and daughters would be welcome in the Y.P.C. organization. Personals Mrs. Olive Miller is a pa- tient in South Huron Hospital, Exeter. Visitors last weekend, were David and Debbie Desjardine and daughters from Bramalea, with brother Nelson and Susan Desjardine, Port Franks. Mrs. Olive Webb has returned home after a month's holidays in Florida. She stayed in the Bradenton area, visitng with her sister- in-law, Mrs. Stella Williams. Cubs Friday night, beavers, cubs, scouts and parents travelled by bus, to the Lon- don Gardens to see the Lon- don Knights game. The NEW -ASSISTANT, NEW HOURS: Librarian Dawn Cra e introduces Judy Bowman, the new Assistant Librarian to the many books and services available at the Grand Bend Library. The library, which is housed in the public school on Gill Rd., will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. beginning Monday, March 19. Photo by Terry Crabe Swans on About 500 of the advance squadron of Whistling Swans have landed in the Grand Bend area on schedule. They could be seen with the help of telescopes on the weekend in the fields of the Haig Farm south-east of Grand Bend. The remaining 1,500 swans were delayed by the weather. Ducks. and geese, also ex- pected by the weekend, were just coming in cautiously to the area. Some 60 thousand of the big birds will probably spend about two weeks in the area - according to naturalists at Pinery Park. They will use Lake Huron's wave action to help with their spring moulting process, feed from left -over corn in farm fields, and float around in the (;rand Bend sewage lagoons I conveniently placed in their flight route by the village and the Ministry of the Environment. ) It had been feared by naturalists, that (he draining of Lake Smith, in the 'bog' area south of Grand Bend 30 years ago, would interfere with the annual spring migra- tion of the, big birds. Lake Smith was drained after are impass with the owner and Bosanque; Township. The lake area was being assessed schedule as farm land, so the owners turned it into farm land. The corn on the land has attracted the birds, as has the marshy remains, as has Lake Huron and the Grand Bend lagoons. The big swans (second in size to the Trumpeter Swans) weigh only about 20 pounds each. Each wing, when in flight, is twice the length of its body. While seemingly fragile in construction, the bird may fly the route from its winter- ing in the Washington area in just a few hours, arriving at convenient points along the Great Lakes for the annual spring stopover. Swans will spend a few short months in the Arctic before returning south to winter on the east and west coasts, as far south as California. In co-operation with naturalists of the area, Lamb - ton heritage Museum has planned two Sunday film feature -receptions at the Museum. While the weather discouraged both birds and persons last Sunday, it's ex- pected that the Museum's "Return of the Swans" celebration will have full im- pact next Sunday. The museum reception will be held in the afternoon from 1-3 p.m. Knights won 6.1. Everyone enjoyed a McDonald's treat, before a stoney ride back to Grand Bend. Thursday, local cubs en- joyed a movie film on the Calgary Stampede and Woody Woodpecker, in one of the classrooms at G.B. Public School. Couples club There were 16 members and families out to the Town and Country Bowling Lanes, in Zurich last Saturday even- ing. After the business was conducted, a donut lunch wa$ provided. Plans for their Sunrise service and breakfast were discussed for this Easter. Public speaking Thursday, at the Grand Bend Public School, the Grand Bend Lions, club held their annual public speaking Lions sponsor public speakers Two students from Mount Carmel School and one from Grand Bend School took top honours at the annual public. speaking contest sponsored by the Grand Bend Lions Club. The final competition was held at Grand Bend Public School Thursday evening. Winners from Mount Carmel School were David O'Connor and Henri Debruyn. Kim Crawford received the ward for Grand Bend.. Past president of the Grand Bend Lions Club, Frank Allister presented the winners with certificates and cheques. Twelve finalists, from four area schools, gave their speechesduring the evening. Bosanquet Central School was represented by Rodney Smith, Janice Vanderiorst and Jennifer Town. Tim Hoff- man, Ken Fitzgerald and John Paul Maurer spoke for Stephen Central School. Mount Carmel finalists were Jon and David O'Connor and Henri Debruyn. The best three- from Grand Bend School were Heather Bennett, Kim Crawford and Jenny Bumstead. Don Finkbeiner, principal of Stephen Central School, assisted area Lions in organizing the event. Judges were: area teachers Gerry Alger and Betty Ann Shore: and Doug Annand, Grand Bend. contest. Lion members kept time and judged speakers, giving prizes d $25, 15 and $10.00 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. First place went to David O'Connor, Mt. Carmel School, speaking on "Violence"; Kim Crawford, Grand Bend Public, speaking on "Acting" and third was won by Henri DeBruyn, Mt. Carmel School, who spoke on "Homework". Congratula- tions to these three students for their effort. Golden Age meet Attendance was 29 at the Golden Agers meeting, held last Wednesday afternoon at St. Johns Parish Hall. 0 Canada was sung and the Lord's prayer repeated in unison. A sing song of favorites was enjoyed with Jean Page accompanying on the piano. Vice-president Hilda Ewener presided and several bus trips were discussed. The group were informed that The Grand Bend Recreation com- mittee purchased a slide pro- jector with the help of a Win- tario grant. Any group may have the use of this for a small fee. Program readings were given by the following: Dorothy Cutting --"The Golden Age", Elda Adams -- "Keys to the Car," Annie Morenz--''If I Could Live It Over" and Vera Kuntz -- "Grandma Off the Rocker". A couple of word contests were conducted by Vera. The remainder of the after- noon was spent playing games of crokinole, euchre and solo. Lunch refreshments brought a happy afternoon to a close. . Best Interest 113/4% Guaranteed Investment Certificates `subject to change Gaiser.Kneale Insurance Brokers Inc. EXETER 235-2420 GRAND BENCH 238-8484 CLINTON GODERICH 482-9747 524-211B Grand Bend DECORATING CENTRE Your Floor and Wall Covering Specialists 1r Hwy. 21 Grand Bend 238-8603 As your financial obligations change, so should your life insurance protection. Othe C _ r 0co opetato Call INSURANCE SERVICES Verna Gingerich 374 Main St.. Exeter Clinton Community Credit Union Office ` ' Residence 235-1109 Business LiFE • HOME • AUTO • RUMNESS • TRAVEL The Co-operators; Financial Security Planning program helps you plan today for better tomorrows. For information call .. (VIVe are 10 1119 L (We d2 nqs again eot`ylap(`y (xj 132 ill) IC, 1CFlllkll�_� HENSALL, ONTARIO (519) 262-2530 t 1