HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-08-27, Page 13r .�
IG E iEX S
1 Rent 1 Video Get 1 FREE
.26 Thames Rd. East (Beside
vatu-mart)
U I Call 236-3803 :
August 27 1997 L Expires Wed., Sept. 3
Schwindt gives trip to Germany a rave review
The four-week excursion gave Schwindt a better understanding of the world and an appreciation of his. heritage
By Kate Monk
T -A Reporter
EXETER - Mike-Schwindt has returned from the experience
of a lifetime — four weeks in Germany at the Lions Youth
Camp Bergen 1997.
Through Lions International, the program allows youth
between the ages of 16 and 23 to gain a better understanding of.
another country and its -culture by spending a month there.-
"I
here."I wanted to do it as soon as 1 heard about it," explained
Schwindt, adding he wanted to take the trip for the experience.
"After acting and all the theatre that I do, my next thing -is
international politics. 1 think this is one of the things that really
helps that."
Although Schwindt's first choice was Iceland, its camp.was
full. Germany was his next choice.
- "I wanted to go to Germany because all.of my ancestors are
from there," explained Schwindt.
Schwindt was one of two Canadians on the trip with others
from Europe, Israel, Russia, India and the United States.
Schwindt said just spending time with people with such
diverse backgrounds gave him a greater understanding of the
world.
"Anyone whp wants to see another part of the world = do
this. It's great. It's so easy and a -great way to see another part
of the world. You have people there spending their whole time
- on you, showing you around
"Anyone who wants instead of just finding it out
on your own," explained
to see another part of • Schwindt.
the world- do this" - For the first week, the
group lived at a British army
barracks at Bergen with day trips to a local farm, industry and
cultural sites followed by a site -seeing tour of Germany.
While staying at the British army camp and later on with his
host family, he had a chance to see authentic German life but
admitted he felt like a tourist on the trip through Germany.
Following the country -wide trip, Schwindt moved in with a
local family of four an English teacher, her public school
headmaster husband and their children aged 10 and 14.
"The best part of the trip was arriving back with our host
families after the round trip (of Germany). It gave us a taste of
everything, but it was great to come back home and relax."
Although there were many places where people spoke
English, Schwindt still had to learn enough phrases to interact.
Living with the German family helped a lot, although he was
quick to point out that he learned much of the language from
the 10 -year-old member of.the family.
The Exeter Inions Club, Schwindt's parents and hard-earned
hockey refereeing.wages covered the costs of the trip.
This fall, Schwindt will be attending the University of
Windsor to take a Bachelor of Arts in drama. He is already
planning his return trip to,Europe in four years to see the
friends he made this summer.
Ga0
yovtIn qg
Above, Exeter
resident Mike
-Schwindt displays his
souvenir's'of the trip
including a gift from
his host family to his
parents — a book on
the Luneburger Heide
area of Germany.
At left, Schwindt
(center front) spent
four weeks in
Germany as part of
'the 33 -member Lions
Youth Camp Bergen
1997.
Stone marks Lucan High School site
LUCAN - Part of the recent
Lucan Area Heritage Days was a
successful Lucan High School
Reunion.
Many students, some • from as far
away as California, Vancouver.
Nova Scotia. Winnipeg and north-
ern Michigan returned to enjoy vis-
iting with friends whom they had-
n't seen for many years.
Stewart Park, who celebrated his
94th birthday Iast-week, was the
eldest ex -student in attendance.
Two former teachers, Marjorie
Park and Betty Revington rode in
Sunday's parade. The guest speaker
at the church service was ex -stu-
dent Jean Darling.
in commemoration of the old
school, a granite stone and marker
has been placed at the site.
In 1953 the original building,
then serving as Lucan Public
School, was burned to the ground.
The present school replaced it in
1954.
Thanks to the untiring efforts of
Heritage member Harry Hardy, this
granite stone and marker now
marks the site of the Lucan High
School, 1890-1949.
Present also for the ceremony
were Barry Carlson, director of
facilities representing Middlesex
County Board of Education and
Grant Wales, retiring custodian of
Lucan Public School.
author of
Ghost Towns of Ontario
A Field Guide
Get a first-hand look at the oldest existing
sites all across Ontario. Places you'll never
find with an ordinary road map.
Toronto's Lost Villages
Get to know the city in a completely
different light. Old Toronto lurks in some
very unexpected places.
a field guul
Vanished Villages
The fascinating stories and characters
behind Ontario's whistlestops, mill towns,
relics and ruins of Old Ontario.
"Nobody knows Ontario like Ron Brown" CBC Radio
BOOKS ALSO AVAILABLE: • 50 Unusual Things/Ont. • Backroads of Ontario • The Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore
Heritage atone. Lucan Area Heritage member Harry Hardy,
left, stands behind the commemorative stone marking the
site of the former Lucan High School at the present Lucan
Public School with Middlesex Board of Education director of
facilities Barry Carlson and Lucan Public School retiring custo-
dian Grant Wales.
424 Main St. Exeter
Can't make it? Call (519) 235-1331 to reserve your copy.