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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.