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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-06-28, Page 1010 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, June 28, 2006 Boards scramble to finish budgets By Stew Slater SPECIAL TO THE TIMES -ADVOCATE DUBLIN — After the recent announcement of an overall $600 million boost in the amount granted to school boards by the provincial government compared to last year, administra- tors of the Huron -Perth Catholic and Avon Maitland District School Boards are now scram- bling to finalize their 2006-07 budgets before the summer break. "We don't really know what all the implications (of the funding boost) are until we plug the numbers into the (Education) Ministry's formula, which we've begun doing this week," explained Avon Maitland education director Geoff Williams. "As we plug those num- bers in, we'll get more and more of the pic- ture." Trustees from both boards were expected to be presented with bud- gets during meetings June 27. And, especially given the funding boost, few surprises or tough decisions are expected. "We think we'll be able to maintain the sta- tus quo," Williams said. "We don't think we'll be able to add some of the things people might like us to add, but you won't see any major elements of the budget eliminat- ed." His counterpart at the Catholic board, Larry Langan, meanwhile, predicted "a balanced budget that won't have a dramatic effect on our school system." At their regular meet- ing June 19 (the June 27 meeting was arranged solely for bud- get approval), Huron - Perth trustees expressed displeasure with the province's tim- ing for announcing the size of the 2006-07 edu- cation grants. "For administration, it's very difficult," said Stratford representative Ron Marcy. "We used to get (information about) the grants in March." This year, information was provided in mid- June, late on a Friday afternoon. Business superinten- dent Gerry Thuss agreed it's problematic. "Essentially, now it's too late. Staffing decisions have been made for next year already. If there are any surprises during the budgeting process, it's too late, really, to react." Thuss tempered his criticism of the govern- ment, however, by praising what he called "a philosophical change" in the way the ruling Liberals have begun delivering educa- tion funding. "At the end of the day, they've worked hard to get dol- lars into the education system that, probably a month ago, weren't there," he said. A news release from the Coalition for Small Schools, which has lob- bied hard to promote policies that don't dis- criminate against small and rural facilities, described it as "a strate- gy to shift thinking and institute a school-based funding formula." It's a work in progress, according to Williams, who says small schools with declining enrolment will still be forced to look to the future with caution. "As long as your funding is tied to your number of students ... you're always going to have declining revenues," he said. He also noted trans- portation and Special Education funding dis- parities have not yet been addressed to the satisfaction of some rural school boards. Overall provincial edu- cation funding for 2006- 07 is $17.5 billion, with $153 million going to the Avon Maitland board and $44.3 million going to the Huron - Perth Catholic board. Express split games EXETER — The Express played two games on the weekend defeating Strathroy 5-4 on Friday and losing 7-1 at Tillsonburg, said team spokesman Joe Fulop. In both cases manager Doug Fairbairn was limited with only nine players available on Friday and 10 on Sunday. Friday saw the return of Derek Masse who threw six strong innings and held Strathroy to one earned run, striking out eight batters and allowing six hits. Strathroy took an early lead in the first on two solid hits but the Express responded with two runs in the bottom of the first. Aaron Patterson reached first on an error and stole second before two walks to Justin Hayter and Dan Masse plus a sacrifice fly by Bobby Grant and two Strathroy errors led to the runs. Masse tired in the sixth allow- ing two unearned runs on two hits. Paul Elston, who had been playing the outfield all game, came on to pitch the final three innings. Strathroy scored one unearned run in the seventh to take a 4-2 lead. The Express roared back with a two -run rally in the seventh to tie the game. Patterson singled, stole second and scored as Lonnie Hawke and Grant had solid hits. The game was tied until the bottom of the ninth when consec- utive walks to Derek Masse, Patterson and an intentional walk to Hayter loaded the bases with one out. Grant stroked a game winning single to win the game while Elston was the winning pitcher. The humid weather, a shortage of players, the fact the game was started only 12 hours after a Friday win and a strong defen- sive effort by Tillsonburg ended any thoughts the Express had of a weekend sweep, said Fulop. Marty Merner tried to stem the tide but Tillsonburg rolled up a 6-0 lead by the fifth inning Merner allowed 10 hits and four earned runs. Nate Burns relieved for the last four innings giving up one run on three hits. Both pitchers were hurting and could have used a few more days of rest between starts but that option was not available. The Express had nine hits dur- ing the game but came up with their only run in the sixth as Hawke, Vic Oliveira and Cory Burtch each singled. The other six hits were well scattered throughout the game. Contributons came from Oliviera, Burtch, Hawke, Patterson, Scott Smith and Dan Masse. The team seemed to lack spark due to the reasons given previ- ously plus the concern about the whereabouts of players who can't seem to make games whether they are on the week- end or weekdays said Fulop. The Express played Lakeside in Exeter Tuesday night with the team record at five wins and four losses which places them fourth in the league. Be sure to celebrate Canada on July 1 By Kaitie Jinks TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF Canada Day is just around the corner, and there are many events and opportu- nities to celebrate your country within the area. Exeter area: There are events happening from dawn until dusk and there is something for everyone. • 8-11 a.m. — The Exeter Legion Ladies Auxiliary is host- ing a breakfast at the Ag Building. $6.00 for adults, Society. The dinner is at the South Huron Rec Centre and for adults the cost is $12, $6 for children six -12, and children five and under eat for free. There are only 400 tickets, so get them in advance at the Rec Centre or Contact Wayne at 519-263- 2800. • 7:30 p.m. — After you have eaten enjoy a local band, River Junction, for some live entertainment. • Dusk — Admission by donation to see the Canada Day Fireworks I Display. They will be shooting up into the sky from the ball dia- mond. Raindate: Sun., July 2. $2.50 for children 12 and under, and $20.00 per family 111111 ��'��' • 9 a.m. -4:30 p.m. — The Classic Car Show will be going on with the proceeds going to Huron Perth Christmas Bureau. Contact Sue 519-235-0160 ext. 228 • 10 a.m. — There is a Bike Decorating Contest sponsored by the Exeter Lioness. This contest is for children 12 and under and it is at the South Huron Rec Centre. • 11 a.m. -1 p.m. — Check out the Ag Building for games, face painting and clowns at the Child's Fair. • 11 a.m. -12 p.m. — There is a demon- stration put on by the South Huron Fire Department. The demonstration will take place at the west side of the Ag building. • 11 a.m. — The Exeter Lions Chipwagon will be on location to serve those of age of majority alcohol. • 1-2 p.m. — Enjoy Dancepiration, instructed by Lisa Arnold at the Ag Building. • 2-4 p.m. — Head on down to the South Huron Swimming Pool to cool off for a free swim. • 2-5 p.m. — Enjoy Douger the DJ at the Ag Building. • 3-4:30 p.m. — Performance by Ricky Majic, starring Ricardo Leon. • 5-7 p.m. — If your stomach is growl- ing, attend the roast beef dinner spon- sored by the South Huron Agricultural NADAFor themCanadaa informationDay cele - For about Day brations in Exeter contact Nancy Rader at 237-3412. Lucan area: Lucan also has several events in cele- bration of Canada Day, and they are all at the Lucan Community Centre unless oth- erwise stated. • 10-10:45 a.m. — Sit back and enjoy a parade down main street. • 10:45 a.m. -12:30 p.m. — Lucan Optimist is hosting a Bicycle Rodeo. • 11:45 a.m. -1:00 p.m. — Free barbe- cue. • 1-1:30 p.m. — Check out the flag rais- ing and cake cutting. • 1-4 p.m. — Free admittance into the Donnelly Museum on 192 Frank Street. • 1-4 p.m. — Free Swim at the Lucan Pool. • 1:30-5:30 p.m. — There is an Outdoor Concert and Beer Tent with Moonshine Riders. • 1:30-2:30 p.m. — Games for children. • 2-4 p.m. — Check out the Jack Russell Terrier Races. • 2 p.m. -1 a.m. — Meat Draws and Horse Races at the Lucan Legion. On Sunday there will be Fun Horseshoes from 1-6 p.m. Grand Bend area: Be sure to check out the best fireworks in the area at dusk. `Cotton Patch Gospel' lifts spirits By Deb Lord TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF GRAND BEND — The beloved parables are relived with laughs, tears, music and poignant acting at Huron Country Playhouse's rendition of "Cotton Patch Gospel". Based on the book "The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John" by Clarence Jordan, "Cotton Patch Gospel" kept the audi- ence entertained and in awe with the fun - filled antics of all the actors. Set in the southern United States, this con- temporary retelling of the Gospel of Matthew allowed the rapt audience to travel through the life of Christ, as it might have happened had he been born in Gainesville, Georgia. Actor Mike Nadajewski played the lead role of Matthew, the narrator. Nadajewski's facial expressions masterly enthralled the crowd to believe his 20 different characters including Jesus, Simon, Peter, Herod, Pilot, an array of politicians, angels and even televangelists. Nadajewski's perfected acting talent, com- bined with his moving musical spectrum of human emotion, took the crowd on a narrated journey throughout the whole evening. With Nadajewski the production stars a four -piece band comprised of Duncan Cameron (fiddle), Bobby Prochaska (bass), Mark Stewartson (banjo) and Darmy Williams (guitar). This group of highly talented musi- cians offered comic relief and expertly struck all the right chords. Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment, directed the production. Being a loyal Harry Chapin fan made the evening perfect as the play featured the final and perhaps best work of one of the world's greatest songwriters. This show is a must see for all ages. The result is a bold, uplifting performance guaranteed to offer the audience a hands clappin' and feet stompin' experience. "Cotton Patch Gospel" is bringing toe -tapping entertainment to Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend until Saturday. Above from left, Mark Stewartson, Duncan Cameron, Mike Nadajewski, Bobby Prochaska and Danny Williams retell the "The Greatest Story Ever Told" to a full house. (photo/submitted)