HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1980-12-18, Page 4Pa t 4 Citizens News December 18, 1980
A rock -solid post
Congratulations Fred
In the course of its history Zurich has had many
events of a historical note take place but the elec-
tion of Reeve Fred Haberer as Warden of Huron
County must be considered as one of the most im-
portant.
Without a doubt Fred will do an excellent job of
representing the county just as he has done a fine
job of looking after the interests of the village and
its residents.
During his years on council the new Warden has
demonstrated the qualities which make for a good
politician; the ability to listen and the ability to be
firm in his decisions. He has a presence about him:
tall and blessed with a voice that resonates
wherever he speaks.
When it came to his election on county level the
final vote was closer than which it should it have
been for it was obvious that some members of coun-
cil were concerned that the top county position
would for the third year running go to a resident
of a South Huron municipality.
With all due respect to Howick Reeve Harold
Robinson the election of Haberer as Warden was a
just decision.
The Hay township resident outlined several
areas which he would like to see progress made but
maybe Haberer could also give some attention to
diminishing the gap between the county's villages
and towns and the townships and the unspoken
difference of opinions between the north and south
half of the county.
Without a doubt the Warden will be a very ac-
tive man this year both on the county level and in
the village where he is deeply involved in Zurich's
125th anniversary celebrations.
If past performances are any indication,
Haberer will handle both jobs with sincerity and
aplomb.
The American viewpoint
While living in the State of Arizona for a while
this past several years we have learned a little bit
more about what make the average U.S. citizen
`tick".
As Canadian citizens dwelling briefly in an alien
land we generally do more listening, and less talk-
ing. No talking at all when it comes to U.S. politics
and internal matters!
We find Mr. Average citizen still very built
up on the reputation of his U.S,.ountry, perhaps not so
much as a world leader, but as "the best country in
the world in which to live."
For Canadians this is a bit hard to swallow
without comment, because this writer for one feels
strongly that Canada is an equally wonderful place
to live - with perhaps more democractic freedom in
its makeup then has our neighbor.
We are fortunate, however, while making our
home in Arizona to be surrounded by U.S. citizens
who have come to live there from many distant
States. Most have travelled_ quite a bit more than
average, :end many are reasonably acquainted with
Canada and its geography, at least. A few have
travelled extensively in our country. This avoids
the annoyance of listening to sometimes stupid
questions and comments about Canada which we
often hear from less informed people in other parts
of the great U.S.A.
Down in Arizona we find some of the best of
U.S. culture and living habits. In many material
ways they are still leaps ahead of us; but generally
the big gaps of a few years ago have largely dis-
appeared.
Life in a community such as Green Valley has
many similarities to St. Marys despite being par-
tially a retirement community. And despite it being
situated in a desert area where the only ranches lie
in the lower valleys - and very little grows with
irrigation.
Our Western Ontario area with its large trees
and fertile fields is the sharpest contrast of all to
the outlook in this southwestern U.S.A. community.
John 1✓edy, St. Marys
Journal -Argus
Published Each Wednesday By J.W. Eedy Publications Ltd.
Member:
Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association Ontario W.ekly Newspapers Association
News Editor - Tom Creech
Second Class Mail Registration Number 1385
Subscription Rotes: $8.50 per year in advance in Canada 519.50 per year outside Cona fla Single copies 256
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1 M1seellaneoilis
Rlamblings
By
TOM CREECH
Defining rural
problems
As has been . mentionedbef ore;, in this column the
University of Guelph is one of the few universities
which has a real "feel" for the non -urban areas of this
province, and its this concern combined with its strong
agricultural 'background which has allowed Guelph to
become the champion of rural Ontario.
Through its Rural Development Outreach project
the U of G has a very strong presence in Huron county
especially in the area of helping rural seniors cope
.,with today's lifestyle.
In the December issue of Huron Community News
Bulletin Out Reach detailed some of the preliminary
results of the Central Huron County senior citizen sur-
vey which was carried out by nine Huron residents in-
cluding Gwyn Whilsmith of RR . 2 Zurich and Bernie
Eckel of the village.
About 500 seniors were surveyed and according to
the preliminary report were "fairly positive about
their lives. Most people stated that their life as a whole
was "generally satisfying and in terms of general hap-
piness they were even more positive."
Seniors said their family life Was very satisfying
while transportation was a major problem. •
The second phase of the research of Huron's elder-
ly will be in the form of extensive interviews with a
small n umber of people who completed the survey on
life satisfaction for the first part of the project. The
purpose of the interviews will be to gather more detail-
ed information about life satisfaction and also about
the rural senior's experiences of loneliness and isola-
tion.
Assisting Guelph sociology professor Linda Wood
will be Mrs. Whilsmith.
According to the news bulletin Wood in addition to
attempting to define some problems which rural
seniors encounter will also draw attention to the
positive side of rural life for seniors.
One of the biggest questions in the minds of
farmers is the extent and the effect of foreign
ownership of Huron's valuable agricultural land.
Phase one this project has determined that in 1979,
37,350 acres or 4.85 percent of Huron County farm land
was held by absentee owners. Of this, 7, 238 acres or.95
per cent of the total county farmland is held by persons
living outside of Canada. The foreign owned properties
tended to be clustered especially in Ashfield and
Howick townships.
This past summer two researchers conducted a
series of interviews with farmers who rented the land
in question. Phase three of the project will see the ex-
ploration of the social and economic impacts of
absentee owned land in the county.
It would not be stretching the truth to say that the
results achieved from the rural outreach project will
have an important effect in Huron and on rural
areas as whole, especially in south-western Ontario.
Another first for Huron but what else is new?
Just a reminder that Christmas is but a week
away. If you're like the writer you're quite aware of
this fact especially if you haven't completed your
festive season shopping.
As it stands now (Tuesday) the writer hasn't a
clue as for his Christmas purchases but one suspects
that by the day of reckoning some terrific idea or ideas
will have emerged.
How about a coffee pot covered with rhinestones?
No? Okay how about a clock which not only shows the
time but tells you in a thick Russiar�,accent "The polit-
buro says you will get up pow!"
One last chance, please? Try this one on for size, a
pair of glasses which double as a 35 milimetre camera.
You're right; the writer will quit while he's ahead.
* * *
Recently, the writer had the opportunity to chat
briefly with a former T -A staffer who these days is
toiling as a copy editor on the night shift at the Win-
nipeg Free Press.
The above gentleman who while in :'ter said he
hated sports, actually attends a few o. .he Winnipeg
Jets games and on Sunday evening witnessed a historic
event.
Sunday, December 14 will be remeered as the
day m
that the Jets tied the NHL record for most con-
secutive games Without a win.
Just as aside, this gentleman never had a four leaf
clover in his life and believed the word horseshoe was
another way of telling an equine to get lost.