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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-09-22, Page 5Wednesday , September 22, 2004 Exeter Times -Advocate 5 Opinion Forum News ROSS HAUGH BACK IN TIME 10 YEARS AGO September 21, 1994 — The lat- est deadline has come and gone and the emergency room at South Huron Hospital remains open. Jo Dee Grasdahl, 15, of Crediton won a gold medal in the recent Junior National Tae Kwan Do tourney in Toronto. St. Marys has been selected as the new home of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. It will be built on a 30 acre site at the south end of town adjacent to an existing recre- ation area. 20YEARS AGO September 23, 1984 — At a special meeting Friday morning Exeter council agreed to formally oppose the proposed agricultural/industrial development at the north next to Hay township. 25 YEARS AGO September 21, 1979 — Registration for the 13th year at Centralia College of Agricultural Technology featured a change in principals. Jim MacDonald who has been the only principal at the college since it was established in June of 1976 goes to a similar position at Ridgetown CAT. He will be replaced at Centralia by Doug Jamieson who also has been on staff from the beginning. One of the registrants at CCAT Monday was Wayne Denham of Kirkton. He is the fourth member of the Ron Denham family to study at Centralia. Winners of the final competition of the season at Ironwood golf course were Bob Fletcher and Mike Cushman. 35 YEARS AGO September 21, 1969 — Canada's Teen Age Queen of 1969, Miss Jewell McAvany spent a recent weekend with her sister Mrs. Brian Sweitzer. Last week's Midwestern Rodeo held in Exeter was bigger and better than ever with 12,000 in attendance. Chairman Bill Smith said, "I'm very happy with the results, especially with a 30 per- cent rise in entries and 6,000 at the Sunday show. Council unanimously turned down a request from the owners of the Les Pines Motel to erect a 120 seat dining and cocktail lounge. The cornerstone of the former Crediton United Church destroyed by fire earlier this year was opened Sunday morning by trustees Edward Chambers, Wilfred Mack, Russell Finkbeiner and Lorne Preszcator. They found newspaper clip- pings of May 1922 when the church was built, hymn books, Bibles, bulletins and keys to the original church of 1869. 40YEARS AGO September 20, 1964 — Bonnie Foster, 17, was crowned Queen of the Zurich Agricultural Society's Centennial dance. Susan Oesch and Linda Gascho were named Princesses. Carole Davis and Bill Park of Lucan have received $250 Provincial bursaries. Carole has enrolled at London Teacher's College and Bill will enter UWO planning to be a high school teacher. Louise H. Robertson has been named supervi- sor of public health nursing for the Huron County Health Unit. 55 YEARS AGO September 18, 1949 — After two years of pre- liminary work the campaign to provide a new hos- pital to be known as South Huron Hospital has ripened and a drive is launched to raise $200,000. 60YEARS AGO September 23, 1944 — Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coates who for the past 15 years have conducted a grocery business in Exeter have sold to Aljoe Sanders. Mr. Sanders for many years was employed by H.C. Rivers in the butcher business. 85 YEARS AGO September 22, 1919 — Exeter Ford dealer Milo Snell reports the Ford car made a world famous record in the fighting area of the Great War. Out of the 4,000 cars used in France, Italy, Egypt and Mesopotamia, 3,545 were Fords. Mr. Reg Parsons returned last week from Toronto where he attended summer school. He has accepted a teaching position at Erieau. 110 YEARS AGO September 22, 1984 — Southampton is a per- fect paradise for bachelors. At a recent ball there were 100 ladies and only 17 gentlemen in atten- dance. The males were so much in demand that they were almost hugged to death. Seniors' Perspective By Jim Bearss ADULT ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR For your information: If a group of cattle is called a herd, and a group of chickens are called a flock, and a group of geese are called a gaggle, what is a group of turkeys called? See the answer at the end of the column. Coming Events: Shuffle Board: Shuffleboard will be held Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Legion, William Street. Legion and non -Legion members welcome. Membership fee $15. 150th Exeter Fall Fair: Sept. 24, 25 & 26 at the South Huron Rec Centre, 96 Victoria St. E., Friday evening entertainment, parade, midway, ambassador competi- tion, exhibits, school division, sheep, goat livestock, Arabian, Haflinger horse shows etc. Something for everyone: Contact Norma Cockwill 235-1284. White Squirrel Festival: Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Huron Rec. Centre, 96 Victoria St. E. Held in conjunction with the Exeter Fall Fair. Family fun, enter- tainment, clowns, souvenirs, prizes. Contact: Harold DeVries 519-235-0941. Duplicate Bridge: Duplicate Bridge starts Wednesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Come and enjoy yourself at the Exeter Legion on William Street. New members and recent players welcome. Contact John Britnell 519-235-1639. Euchreama: Please plan to attend a euchreama on Monday, Sept. 27, at the Betty Carno Memorial Centre on Highway 8, just west of Clinton. A great day out start- ing at 10 a.m. with prizes and lunch being provided. Proceeds go to Town & Country Support Services. Kirkton United Church BBQ: Sept 26, Kirkton- Woodham Community Centre, Contact Agnes Denham 229-6430. International Plowing Match: On Sept. 22-26 at Meaford, Ont. 1-888-8654 or www.ipm2004.ca. Pinelands Resort, Muskoka, Fall Colour Tour: Our annual fall colour tour, Mon., Tues., Wed., Oct. 4,5 & 6, at Pinelands Resort, Muskoka. Pinelands' is a beautiful resort on Lake Joseph, and there will be new things to see. Bobby Ores new complex opened Aug. 1, 2003, Algonquin Park, a new museum,, and many more inter- esting things. The package includes two nights, five meals, two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners This will be a very colourful and interesting tour, Join us and help support the Lucan Area Heritage Association. Cruise Sell Offs.com Tico Reg. # 50007529. Contact Harry Hardy, Box 249, Lucan, Ont. NOM 2J0. Ph: 227 4887 or Wayne at 227-0444. E-mail harry@cruis- eselloffs.com. What's Happening in Grand Bend Area: Sept. 20: "How to Manage your Diabetes" 1-4 p.m. Grand Bend Area CHC, Meter teaching class Sept. 27 9:30-12 p.m. Call Aileen Knip 238-1556 ext. 4 to regis- ter. Sept. 21: "Home Security Evening" Protect your home or cottage and yourself! Join Const. Luke George at the Grand Bend Area CHC at 7 p.m. as he gives you useful information on how to protect your home or cottage from damage or theft. Const. George will also discuss telephone scams and other types of fraud to be on the look out for. Everyone welcome! Call Cindy Maxfield for details or to register 238-1556 ext. 6. Sept. 25: "Autumn Indulgence" An evening of dinner and musical entertainment at the Huron Country Playhouse sponsored by the Grand Bend Rotary Club. Steak and lobster dinner and entertainment, For more information contact Paul at 235-2740 or Brian at 238- 8892. Sept. 27: "How to Manage Your Cholesterol Class" 1-4 p.m. Grand Bend Area CHC. Call Patricia Baker at 238- 1556 ext. 3. Huron Good Food Box: Looking for a way to get fresh fruit and vegetables from local producers on a regular basis? Participate in Huron Good Food Box — good value and local agricul- ture is supported. Contact: Helen Miller, co-ordinator, 519-482-3416 or 1-877-837-6143. Alzheimer's Coffee Break 2004: Tuesday, Sept. 21 has been designated National Coffee Break Day across Canada. The Municipality of South Huron at the Olde Town Hall Memorial Square is host- ing this event so please drop by and enjoy a cup of coffee and try an assortment of baked goods etc. The idea is to have fun, while raising money for your Alzheimer Society, and to increase awareness about Alzheimer's Disease. The hours for this important event is happening 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sept. 21. Good Country music sup- plied by Ray Cann and Friends. Alzheimer Caregiver Support Groups: The Hensall Support Group is the second Monday of every month in the evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Queensway Nursing and Retirement Home and the Grand Bend Support Group is the first Tuesday of every month in the afternoon from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. at the Grand Bend Wellness Centre. If you would like to attend a support group, if you require additional information or if you prefer to receive individual support, please call the society to arrange an appointment. The society's number is 1-800-561-5012 and the Web site is www. alzheimerhuron. on. ca, and the e-mail is crit- sema@scsinternet.com. If anyone would like to contact the society personally please call Cathy Ritsema, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society of Huron County, Box 639 317 Huron Road, Clinton, Ont. NOM 1LO. Ph: 519-482-1482, Fax: 519-482-8692. Bereavement Support Group: VON Palliative Care Volunteer �lCC,,� Program is sponsoring a bereavement.�7 support group. Spend time with others who are grieving the death of a loved one in this 10 week facilitated peer support program. This program starts Sept. 22 and will continue on Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m. The location for the weekly meetings is at the Precious Blood Catholic Church, Sanders Street, Exeter. Contact Kim Winbow, VON consultant, 519-235- 2510. The Shoe: My alarm went off. It was Sunday again. I was sleepy and tired, my one day to sleep in. But the guilt I would feel the rest of the day would have been too much, so I'd go and I'd pray. I showered and shaved. I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat in a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer as I closed my eyes, I saw the shoe of the man next to me touching my own. I sighed. With plenty of room on either side, I thought, "why must our soles touch?" It bothered me, his shoe touching mine, but it didn't bother him much. A prayer began: "Our Father" I thought, "This man with the shoes has no pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched! Even worse, there are holes on the side!" "Thank you for blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said a quiet "Amen." I tried to focus on the prayer, but my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren't we supposed to look our best when walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended and the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud, sounding proud as he sang. His voice lift- ed the rafters, his hands were raised high, the Lord could surely hear the shoe man's voice from the sky. It was time for the offering and what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out, what the shoe man put in, then I heard a soft "clink" as when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me to tears, and that's no lie it was the same for the shoe man, for tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service, as is the custom here, we must greet new visitors and show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow and wanted to meet the shoe man so after the closing prayer, I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark, and his hair was truly a mess, but I thanked him for coming, for being our guest. he said, "my name's Charlie, I'm glad to meet you, my friend." There were tears in his eyes, but he had a large, wide grin. "Let me explain," he said wip- ing tears from his eyes. "I've been coming here for months, and you're the first to say 'Hi.' "I know that my appearance 'is not like all the rest,' but I really do try 'to always look my best.' I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk, but by the time I get here, they're dirty and dusty, like chalk." My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears as he contin- ued to apologize for daring to sit so near. He said, "When I get here, I know I must look a sight. But I thought if I could touch you, then maybe our souls might unite." I was silent for a moment knowing whatever was said would pale in comparison. I spoke from my heart, not my head. "Oh, you've touched me," I said, "And taught me, in part, that the best of any man is what is found in his heart." The rest, I thought, this shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am that his dirty old shoe touched my soul... For Breast Cancer: This runs Sept. 1 to November or until a cap of $50,000 is reached! Pass this on to all of your friends. There are many women out there who have breast can- cer. Let's do all we can to support this cause. The maker of M&M candies has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Foundation, to raise funds through the sale of their new "pink and white" M&M candies. For each 8 -ounce bag of the special can- dies sold, the makers of M&M (Masterfoods) will donate 50 cents to the foundation. The next time you want a treat, please pick up a bag — now sold in stores nation- wide — you will be donating to a great cause and satis- fying your sweet tooth. News and events for the Exeter Legion Branch 167: Jim Bearss See PERSPECTIVE page 6