Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1983-09-14, Page 1TIRE BAYFIE incorporating BUGLE THE BLYTH STAND cents — No. -37 Wednesday, Sptennber 14, 1983 1181 year 12,000 watch the steam engines • The Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association Reunion held in Blyth last weekend has been deemed by organiers as the most successful show in the Association's 22 year history. More than 12,000 people crowded into the Blyth Community Park on Friday, Saturday an ' Sunday to watch the monsterous old steam machines at work. ( Shelley McPhee photo) The 22nd annual Thresher Reunion was better than ever By Shelley McPhee Organizers are calling the Blyth Thresher Reunion the biggest and best yet. The 22nd Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association Reunion was held in Blyth on Sept. 9, 10 and 11 and well over 12,000 people attended the three day event. Association secretary Marian Hallahan of Blyth estimated that gate receipts were - up by $3,000, meaning that an additional 1,000 people attended the reunion each day. This broke last year's record at- tendance figure of 10,000. While Saturday's extreme heat kept some away, people from around south- western Ontario crowded into the com- munity park on Sunday to view the highest number of exhibits in all areas of the show. Mrs. Hallahan enthused, "Everything was up, the food, the crafts, the souvenir sales and the exhibits. The enthusiasm was up and everyone commented on the success of the reunion." Food booths and special fund raising dinners were some of the successful functions held at the reunion. The Blyth Lions Club served roast beef dinners to more than 300 people on Sunday and raised over $1,500. Lion Larry Walsh said that the club is determining where the money will be spent and they are con- sidering a pavilion for the Lions Park. Blyth Fire Department members tried their hand at food services in their first ever pancake breakfast on Sunday mor- ning, and served more than 170 plates of Clap jacks and sausage. Treasurer Jim Burkholder estimated at $250 was raised to help the department purchase equipment for their emergency van. The Sunday morning feast saw 60 pounds of sausage and 27 pounds of pancake mix devored, topped off with more than two gallons of maple syrup, donated by Bev Bromley. The breakfast was such a great success that the firemen are considering holding two breakfasts at next year's reunion, on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The Blyth Legion Ladies Auxiliary worked in the kitchens at the Community Centre to serve more than 275 hot dinners, plus sandwiches and pie on Friday and Saturday. Co-ordinator Lillian Riehl noted that much of the food was donated by Auxiliary members and profits from the dinners will help to support the Legion's general fund and donations. For the fourth year, the Anglican Church Women were on hand at the reunion with their outstanding bake table. Visitors and reunion participants quickly cleaned out the tables that featured fresh baking to please all tastes, including 142 pies. Organizer Florence Quinn noted that profits are still being tabulated, and money will go into the church fund. More on the 22nd annual Thresher Reunion will be published in next week's Clinton News -Record with results from the show. Parkin nder c rr.��.� ests uncal study, a ';atn By Shelley McPhee Parking permits under study As in past years, parking permits are again under debate in Clinton Council chambers. Parking permits, costing $15, have been given out to individuals on a yearly basis, and each time applications are presented to council, the subject has become an issue of concern. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) is one local office that requests the permits each year. Limited parking in the area around the King Street office has prompted OMAF officials to request the parking permits. With ap- proximately 20 employees at the office and as many as 50 to 60 visitors a day, parking space is at a premimum. At council's Sept. 6 meeting permits were requested for nine field staff members who are in and out of the office several times during the day. Clerk Cam Proctor noted that while the field staffers have been parking without permits since the removal of the downtown parking meters, they have requested permit renewals since they received parking tickets this summer. Councillor John Deeves said he realized that parking space is limited at the OMAF office, but he noted, "If we grant these, other merchants uptown will want the same benefits." Councillor Jim Hunter said he doubted that issuing the permits would eliminate the problem. He agreed that OMAF deserved council's cooperation, but said that the nrnhlam 0hn,4,1 ►.n the parking committee in an effort to come uap with a permanent solution. Councillor Hunter said that the two hour parking should be adequate if workers are only at the office for a short time. He said he understood that when parking meters were in effect, permits were essential, but now that no money has to be paid, permits shouldn't be needed. A committee will study the proposal and a decision will be made at council's Sept. 19 meeting. Arts in Clinton? The Ontario Citizenship and Culture Arts Development Committee has asked for information regarding arts programs in Clinton. They are interested in the amount of arts programs in Clinton, the funding and affect on the economy and life in the town. The request brought a nil response from council, as members tried to determine what arts programs Clinton does have to offer. Councillor Jim Hunter noted, "That says a lot for us. We should write the committee and tell them we need funds to get arts going in Clinton. It's minimual here right now, but we do have interest and talent." Plowman's Association Donation Clinton has given a $50 donation to the Huron Plowman's Association. The financial assistance, requested from various municipalities in the county, will help finance the Huron County Plowing Match which will be held on Sept. 17 at the Clare Deichert farm near Zurich this year. Superintendent to be hired BY STEPHANIE LEVESQUE A superintendent of operations for the Huron County Board of Education should be hired by November 7. Since the former superintendent filling the position, Robert Allan, was hired as director of education, the position has been vacant. Outlining the procedure to hire 'a new superintendent at the board's,September 6 meeting, Allan said the position will be advertised on Saturday, October 1 and 8 in a provincial daily. Applicants will be inter- viewed on Saturday, November 5 with the successful applicant to be announced at the next board meeting on Monday, November 7. Trustee Joan VandenBroeck asked if some of the jobs handled by the superintendent of operations could be handled by middle management person- nel. Allan commented that a superinten- dent of operations is necessary as superintendents are the only personnel licensed to evaluate operations. "Indeed we can organize any way you wish," commented Allan. But he added in reference to the number of Superintendents, "looking at other jurisdictions, the Huron Board of Educa- tion is thin on the ground." Trustee Frank Falconer, expressing an economic concern, suggested the second advertisement be eliminated and the posi- tion only be advertised once. "It's up to .the board," said Allan, con- curring that advertising is expensive at about $300 per insertion in the provincial papers. He added that it has been the board's practise to advertise twice. Falconer submitted a motion' to leave: out the October 8 advertisement, but as there was no seconder, no vote was taken. School attendance drops By Wendy Somerville Generally attendance in area primary schools is down this year. Clinton Public School has 376 students this year, a figure down about 17 students. Though they have no new teachers this year, two did come back after a year's leave. St. Joseph's Separate School also had a declined enrollment this year. Attendance figures for last year were unavailable but this year's figure was 122 pupils for the beginning of September. They do however have a number of new teachers with them. Jim McDade is St. Joseph's new principal and he has arrived from Goderich. The school also has a new special education teacher, Tina Martens from Sarnia. The new Kindergarten teacher is Doreen Nagola from St. Patrick's Separate School in Dublin. Teaching French is Karen Cleary from Goderich. Susan Karastcheck. of Exeter was a part time teacher at St. Joseph's last year and is now a full time music teacher. The new part time teacher is Michelle Whitely and she is also from Goderich. The Clinton and District Christian Reformed School has a slightly increased enrollment this year. Enrollment is up four students at 203. They have no new teachers. liolmesville Public School have a declined enrollment this year. Last year there were 268 students at the end of June, -this year there -are 260. They also have no new teachers on staff. Vanastra Public School with grades up to six also have a declined enrollment. Inst year their figure was 102 students, this year it is 95. They have two new teachers at Vanastra this year. Mr. Bruce Walker is just starting his teaching career and is a recent graduate from Western University. He is teaching Grade 6 and is focusing on French instruction. Mr. Loyell Mount of Osbourne is Vanastra Public School's new Special Learners (SLN) teacher. Blyth Public School has an increased enrollment this year. Last year there were 177 pupils in attendance, this year there are 181. They have no new teachers to report but they did however lose one. Mrs. Vincent who taught Grade 1 last year, retired this year. East Wawanosh picked up 12 students this year. Last year they had 180 students at the end of June. They also have no new teachers. Huron Centennial has the same amount this year as last year. Their enrollment figure is 505. They also have one new teacher, Mr. Al. Beaty from Osbourne. He is presently teaching Grade 5 students. Klompen Feest '83 Town hall togetpublic washrooms was a profitable event By Shelley McPhee Discussion around the Clinton Council table has finally come to a conclusion on the subject of public washrooms for the renovated town hall. Since renovation work began, council members have debated the inclusion of public washrooms. They finally agreed to complete the work when they met on Sept. 6. While washrooms had been included in the specifications, council had originally agreed to leave their completion until a later time. This month they have decided to proceed with the completion of the second floor public facilities. Council had omitted the completion of the washrooms because they felt that washrooms, previously located in a separate building behind the town hall, had been a troublesome area. Destructive vandalism had been their main concern. Councillor Charlie Burgess, at council's July meeting, urged the building com- mittee to include the washrooms in the restoration plans. "Properly constructed, the washrooms would be harder to vandalize," he said, noting that the public washrooms in the Goderich court house are well built facilities. At the Sept. meeting, council agreed to include the washroom completion, but only after a lengthy debate regarding cost estimates was discussed. According to architect Carlos Ventin, public washrooms could be located in the library basement for $15,000, or on the second floor of the town hall for $7,500. Council agreed to accept the $7,500 price and Councillor Jim Hunter supported the move noting, "Sooner or later the upstairs washrooms in the town hall would have had to be included when the hall comes into use." The second floor of the town hall, ac- cessible by an elevator, will be made into an auditorium. Councillor Ross Carter suggested that the washrooms would take up valuable seating space, but Councillor Bee Cooke noted that only 10 seats would be lost, leaving a seating capacity of 240. She also noted that the washrooms would not be accessible to the elderly or the handicapped if they were situated on the third floor, since the elevator only goes to the second floor. Explaining the costs, Mayor Chester Archibald noted that the cost is high for public washrooms because expensive, sturdy materials must be used to handle the constant use and to be relatively in- destructable to vandalism. He noted, "Public washrooms in the past have been out of use more than they are in use." He noted however that the new washrooms would follow rigid hours and would be primarily available to shoppers, "not for kids running around at night." The washrooms will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Arrangements will also be made to have them open on Saturdays. A key will also be available at the clerk's office so the washrooms may be open for public night functions. "I'm convinced that this is the only way to go," he noted. Councillor Burgess, concerned about the high construction costs, suggested, "What's the problem with making these pay toilets? We might get enough money to pay for the vandalism costs." Mayor Archibald quickly pointed out, "Pay boxes are even broken in to." Councillor Burgess, further concerned with extra costs to the town hall renovation, raised a voice of objection to the $15,000 ramp and parkette that will be designed at the front of the building. The ramp and parkette plans have just been finalized and will make the town hall accessible to the physically handicapped. The ramps will be located on the north and south fronts of the building and will elevate up to the building level. A small parkette in front of the ramp will separate the area as a pedestrian walkway. The plans require the re -arrangement of the sidewalk since the parkette will extend from the present curb an additional six feet. It will in- corporate two parking spaces in front of the town hall. The parkette area will be landscaped in cooperation with the Clinton Business Improvement Area group. Councillor Burgess asked, "It would be nice to have this, but is it something we need?" Mayor Chester Archibald noted that the ramp is "an absolute requirement" by the government. He noted that previously that many physically handicapped people could not enter the town hall themselves because of the steps leading up to the front entrance. An Accessibility Guide Book for Huron County, published two years ago, noted that the Clinton Town Hall entrance had three steps and a heavy door, however assistance was available for the han- dicapped. The study also noted that the washrooms were inaccessible to wheelcha irs. Councillor Burgess further asked, "Do we need to spend $15,000 on a parkette? Do we need to spend that much money to look nice? Mayor Archibald firmly stated, "I'm not one to spend extra money, but I fully support this expenditure. It would be a shame to do the work and not make it attractive." Mileage rates set Council members and town employees will receive 20 cents a kilometre (32 cents a mile) for expenses in travelling to out-of- town functions. In discussing expenses Councillor Burgess asked if it is necessary for council members and employees to attend con- ventions and seminars. He said that many conventions are "pretty dry and perhaps what is learned does not warrant the ex- pense to go. Shouldn't we cut back on the number of conventions. This would reduce expenditures." Mayor Chester Archibald noted that council members are allowed to attend two expense paid conventions and two, one day seminars each year. Staff may attend seminars with council's approval. Councillor Bee Cooke added, "Everyone learns something from a convention. If they didn't they shouldn't have gone. Councillor Burgess said, "I have yet to hear a report from councillors who attend con"-"ntiors. They should report to council so we can all be informed." Mayor Archibald suggested that Councillor Burgess present a resolution to this effect. The Clinton Klompen Feest Committee has now received an up to date and reasonably final report on the financial situation of the 1983 Klompen Feest, after all accounts have been paid. Most of the citizens of Clinton and of the surrounding area were aware of the fact that the 1982 Klompen Feest came up short by approximately $4,500. This deficit was attributed to the inclement weather, a sizeable carry over of inventory of souvenir items, and lower sales on the souvenir admission buttons which was one of the main fund-raising projects. The Committee voted to hold the 1983 Klompen Feest in Clinton Community Park which proved to be a wise decision. With better crowd control, improved facilities, a feeling of rain protection, plus the addition of the BIA Kick off Dance, The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines sponsored draw for two free seats to Holland, the add- ed refreshment facility, as well as an ex- cellent and varied program of entertain- ment, a fantastic chicken barbecue and a super Parade, the results were financially rewarding. The Clinton Klompen Feest Committee paid off all current debts, paid off the outstanding loan of $4,500 and realized a small balance to get plans under way for Klompen Feest 1984. Klompen Feest Chairman Bob Campbell noted, "the Committee extends to all those who worked so hard to make the Feest a success, and to all those who attended, a heartfelt thanks for their support. A special thanks to the local Service Clubs for their assistance and co-operation." Klompen Feest 1984 will again be held in Clinton Community Park the Holiday weekend in May, the 18 and 19 of May. The Kick Off Dance will be in the Clinton Arena on Sat. May 12 with Whiskey Jack Music Co. providing the music. Planning is underway for entertainment, concessions, parade etc. with the teeling that 1984 will be better than ever, Mr. Campbell noted. A meeting is called for Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 8 P.M. at Mrs. Van Damme's Holiday Lodge. The committee welcomes new and interested members of the community to attend. "Perhaps there is a job you can do to help with the Feest. The Clinton Klompen Feest is becoming better known each year as an excellent weekend of ethnic styled entertainment. Help -411e committee to keep it going, keep it strong, keep it in- teresting, and help promote Clinton and this part of Huron County as the wonderful place it is to call home," Mr. Campbell stressed. Weather 1983 1982 SEPT. 6 26 7 21 11 8 24 8 9 30 11 10 32 20 11 25 13 12 27 7 HI LO lic,x_. RAIN 4 mm HI LO 21 11 17 5 19 1 23 5 25 8 28 10 29 16 RAIN 0