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The Times Advocate, 2004-11-17, Page 7Wednesday, November 17, 2004 Exeter Times–Advocate 7 Community Foundation announces $94,586 in grants The Grand Bend Community Foundation handed out $94,586 in grants for local organizations at a press con- ference Saturday.Above, from the left, Drew Robertson of Big Brothers/Big Sisters South Huron,Val Webster of the Historical Committee of the Huron Country Playhouse Guild, Foundation chairperson Hank Krech, Kim Winbow of VON Perth -Huron, Jim Tomlinson of Friends of the Bayfield River, Kim Percy of the Grand Bend and District Optimist Club and the Grand Bend Youth Centre and Jean Irvin and Carrie Grainger of the Grand Bend Nursery School. Below are Krech, Cindy Regan of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Jane Humphries of Community Foundations of Canada, Jerry Van Bruaene of Pinery Cemetery, Dan Steinwald of the Grand Bend Area Health Services Foundation and Ron Crown of the Grand Bend Legion. The Grand Bend Community Foundation also recognized the donations of area residents. Below, from the left, Brian and Irene Hall, Catherine Campbell, Fran Relouw and Krech. (photos/Mary Simmons) Thanks to residents of Hensall Dear Editor: Just a few lines to say "thanks and "well done" to the residents of Hensall. The leaf pickup is fmished and our machinery N is safely stored inside. We sincerely hope every- one was as pleased as the Hensall Community Development Committee was with the response from both the businesses and the folks who donated funds to get the job done. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the volun- teers who gave of their time to work with Andy Bilcke and Bob Bell (even when the weather was not great). The leaf blowing -machine was given back to the vil- lage from the municipality because it was not "safe' and was "too expensive to repair." The committee felt the people in this village deserved to have this service our taxes paid for. With this in mind Andy Bilcke took on the challenge and rebuilt it from top to bottom along with George Parker. The rest is history. The community came together with funding (this included a one-time contribution from the local businesses) and we now have a successful operation. To Andy, Mike, Jack, Dave, Klass, Art and Pete our deepest appreciation for your hard work. We are holding a fish fry Aug. 14 at the Hensall United Church and the proceeds from this event along with contributions from residents will fund the project for next year. I think I speak for all of us when I say "we can make a difference." KATHLEEN WISE, chairperson Hensall Community Action Development Committee Study will investigate effects of drainage By Mary Simmons TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF AUSABLE BAYFIELD — Members of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) board of direc- tors received a report Friday on a study which will investigate the economic importance of drainage to the agricultural industry in the watershed. Healthy watersheds specialist Mari Veliz told the board the study will follow up on a review conducted last December into the ecological effects of drain enclo- sures. During the review, it was discovered there is not a lot of information on the topic. Veliz said Huron County farmer Pat Down, who sat on the review committee, recommended another study to look into the economic benefits and costs. The study will be funded through a grant from the Agricultural Adaptation Council. It will also investigate why farmers enclose drains, using case examples to identify the economic costs and benefits as well as health and safety concerns. Veliz said a factor which may entice farmers to close off drains is changes to nutrient management legislation requiring a setback of 13 metres from the top of the nearest bank when spreading manure. The study will look at man-made drains, not natural water courses. Board member Bob Bell said the drains don't serve as well when they're closed, adding he knows of cases where the decision to close them has proven to be a mistake. He said he still understands why farmers make the decision. "They're nicer to work over than around." "No man's land" An area of Lambton Shores near Port Franks known as "no man's land" since it is not part of a conservation authority will join the St. Clair Conservation Authority's watershed region for the purposes of source protection planning. General manager Tom Prout told the board there is still a possibility Lambton Shores council will decide to have the area officially join either the St. Clair Conservation Authority or the ABCA. According to provincial legislation for source protec- tion planning, every square inch of land in the province must join a watershed region and be part of a source protection plan. Prout said it will cost the municipality more if the area joins the ABCA and it would be able to appoint another board member. If it joins the St. Clair Conservation Authority, it would mean a loss of revenue generated to the ABCA from assessment since the other authority would represent more of the geography of the munici- pality. Prout and Lambton Shores representative Bill Weber said they will keep the board updated on any decisions made by council. irkton'``` e` e linic expan Dr. Bob Young takes a look at Angus in one of two new small animal examination rooms at the Kirkton Veterinary Clinic during an open house Saturday. The expansion doubled the space at the clinic and allowed the growing practice to use the area more efficiently. (photo/Mary Simmons)