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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1977-06-22, Page 4Page 4 Citizens News, June 22, 1977 NEWS ITEM: Arctic drilling authorized 'lEerfpnrroN+3bur(NAL 04. Canada Week Taking Canada for granted is one of our national pastimes, that and discussing the weather, the latest sports scores and what's for supper. It is no secret that Canadians are apathetic, at least on the surface, when it comes to expressing ourselves about Canada. But that is changing. Canada Week 1977 from June 25 to July 1 is the eighth consecutive year that Canadians from coast to coast and in the northern territories will be celebrating all things Canadian. Through the happy celebrations of Canada Week we are forg- ing a new kind, of nationalism. A unity out of diversity. Last year Canadians in about one thou- sand communities all across this great land participated in hundreds of activities in celebration of Canada. This phenomenon must surely represent one of the greatest grass roots efforts by thousands of volunteers from one end of the country to the other. The spirit that motivates these people is as diverse as the activities of Canada Week itself. To some, it is fostering pride. Pride in the accomplishments of their community and the country. To others, it is a time to remember. To reflect on our cultural heritage and diversity. A time to show off the skills and the culture their ancestors brought to this country. Or it is time to meet others, from neighbours to people across town or across the country. A time to realize that there are things which bind us together as Canadians. To others, it is a celebration. A party. A time to set aside the day-to-day problems and concentrate on the positives. To some, it is a simple and quiet manifestation of faith. Faith in the country and a renewal of a deep determination to keep Canada united come what may. To recognize that there is a bedrock of unity which can never be shaken. That problems of graphic differences, regional disparities, language and cultural differences are pre- sent but will never shake the foundation of one Canada Hundreds of thousands of people around the world would like to live in Canada, because Canada is a country with a dazzling potential. Canada is a blend of the old and the new. It combines North American initiative with the qualities of other civilizations to make a unique Cana- dian way of Life. We must make certain it stays that way. And that is why the Council for Cana- dian Unity organizes Canada Week and en- courages Canadians at this birthday period to show pride in Canada, promote national unity and encourage dialogue and un- derstanding among Canadians. Canada Week can be a remarkably positive force. It is a time of tolerance, goodwill and understanding. It is also a time for thanksgiving - Canadians have much for which to be thankful. As a Canadian, what can you do? You can fly a flag, or dance, sing, twirl a baton, or march in a parade. Say hello to your neighbour from across town or across the country. Take a trip or sponsor a stu- dent exchange. But, whatever you do, put your heart into it! FIRST WITH LOCAL NEWS Published Each Wednesday By J.W. Eedy Publications Ltd. Member: Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association Ontario Weekly Newspapers Association Manager - Betty O'Brien News Editor - Cathy McKinley Second Class Mail Registration Number 1385 Subscription Rates: $7.00 per year in advance in Canada $14.00 per year outside Canada Single copies 204 Fiddling has a new fan, me. Last Saturday night I attended the Ontario Fiddling Championships in Hensall to take pictures of the winners, not expecting to really enjoy myself too much. I was wrong. The fiddle possesses an almost mystical quality of be- ing able to set toes tapping and hands clapping, without the owner of those toes and hands even being aware of what is happening to them. The music floats around you urging you to dance a jig or at other times makes you long for a clear floor and your favorite partner so you can waltz until your head spins and there is no one else in the world. I watched children who have probably never heard fiddlers before stilled in their seats as the music played with eyes shining and small hands clapping. Or, as the fid- dle became livelier, they would jump off their chairs as if they could no longer contain the joy of movement inherent in the sound of the fiddle and go tearing off half dancing, half running, just foi' the sheer joy of movement. I watched older -ladies who took on a glow which was a joy to see as their toes tapped to the beat and their eyes closed and bodies swayed and I could not help but wonder what forgotten beaus they were dancing with at what long ago dances. Time flew by and the evening was gone, but the magic was still there. I think I was born too late, it would have been a joy to live when dances meant fiddlers and you knew who your partner was because you held each other close, and fast or slow, the music filled you with such emotions. For sure, I was born too late. In sharp contrast to -the Hensall Fiddlers Competition, Grand Bend's Buffaloburger fest this weekend was an exer- cise in noise, people and spilled beer. The beer' tent on the beach was packed to overflowing both Friday and Saturday and close to 8000 buffaloburgers were consumed. Bands played all day and all night, bands geared for family entertainment in the afternoons and for the young at night. Beer flowed like water and the police had a great time keeping anyone they felt had indulged to excess off the streets. The craft show was small, but the quality of the merchandise varied from hand crafted items to the seedier rummage sale type. On Sunday the Lioness' took over the beer tent and served milder liquids along with delicious bar-b-qued beef- burgers well worth the 85¢ charge. Activities for the children abounded and the free wagon rides up and down the main street were a big attraction and well used. All in all it was a well run festival with a lot of people having a good time and making a lot of noise while they were at it. * * .* Last week another lady fell as she tripped- over the un- even sidewalks in the village. In many places the Goshen St. sidewalks are a disgrace as they have cracked and buckled causing walking to be rather hazardous, particularly if you are carrying a couple of parcels. Several people have called this to myattention, and they have a good point, but there are always two sides to everything. I believe Zurich council would love to fix those sidewalks and they fully intend to, but only when the money becomes available. It is impossible to fix everything in one year. If council tried to do this the taxes would be un- bearable. As it is, the village has only a certain number of dollars available for such fixing of streets, sidewalks and drains and they must spend it where they feel it is needed most. This is not to say they do not feel the sidewalks need to be fixed, I'm sure they do, and I am also not saying coun- cil's decisions to spend the money on other streets this year is the right decision. But, when we elect people to take care of our villages we are giving them a vote of confidence in their ability to take everything into consideration and come up with the best possible use of our money. We put them there, let's not be too ready to condemn them for doing what they feel best. Their best is all they can do.