Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-12-06, Page 5Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Times—Advocate 5 Opinion Forum News 10 YEARS AGO December 4,1996 - South Huron District High School music teacher Rob Robilliard was named Exeter's citizen of the year at Thursday night's annual town banquet. The float designed by Faith Tabernacle in Centralia was voted the best religious entry in Saturday's annual Santa Claus parade. McGuire Farm Equipment of Lucan was the best overall float and the best school entry came from Usborne Central. 20 YEARS AGO December 4, 1986 - After three Centralia College students pleaded guilty to stealing pump- kins, real estate signs and mail boxes and dump- ing them on college property, Judge R.G.E. Hunter ordered the three to write 2,500 word essays. The topics are to be "alcohol and under- age drinking" and "the sanctity of private proper- ty". The Hensall and District Co -Operative posted a total net profit of $691,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1986. The dramatic turn around from the $67,000 bottom line of the pre- vious year contributed to the complacent mood of the more than 300 Co -Op customers who attend- ed the annual dinner meeting in Seaforth. 35 YEARS AGO December 2, 1971 - Officials of Stephen town- ship announced early this week that an area grain processing firm has purchased land in the township and will be erecting a large elevator and processing plant. A building permit has been issued to Cook's Division of Gerbro Corporation of Hensall to allow construction to begin on part of Lot 1, Concession 1 at the southwest edge of the township, near Centralia. Value of the build- ing and equipment will be $700,000. Flora Doerr and Bill Hart, both of Exeter have been chosen to display their pottery works at this week's annual Art Mart at the London Public Art Gallery. 45YEARS AGO December 4, 1961 - Huron MPP Charles MacNaughton has received a distinguished Service Award from the Ontario Water Resources Commission "in appreciation of his leadership in pollution control". The local executive of the Canadian Bible Society is pleased to report that the sum of $800 has been contributed by the town and surround- ing districts. The area Roman Catholic School Board has decided to build a two -room school on the west side of Exeter. Iris Marshall, R.R. 1. Kirkton was the top scor- er among the 4-H members at the Huron County Achievement Night at Wingham, Friday night. 50YEARS AGO December 3, 1956 - Thieves had to abandon the safe at Tuckey Beverages Ltd., on the town sidewalk early Tuesday morning when they found their loot too heavy to load onto the pickup truck they had stolen from the same business. Exeter council, Monday night agreed to issue a debenture loan of $95,000 to provide the Public Utilities Commission with its share of the cost of the Morrison Dam. School children at Mount Carmel moved into their new $50,000 school this week. The separate school has three classrooms to house 94 pupils. 60YEARS AGO December 4, 1946 - Mr. Roy Ratz was re-elect- ed as reeve of Stephen township with 563 votes to 486 for his opponent Elmer Lawson. Addison V. Tieman was elected president of the Dashwood Business Men's Club. Clayton Pfile is the secretary -treasurer. The officers and directors of the Exeter Agricultural Society held a banquet at the Central Hotel Friday night when 27 sat down to dinner 85YEARS AGO December 2, 1921 - The Dominion election on Tuesday resulted in the defeat of the government of Prime Minister Meighen and the return of the Liberals to power. Hon. Mackenzie King will be the next Prime Minister. Mr. A. Paul, who has operated the butcher shop here for some time has disposed of the busi- ness to Mr. Frank Wood. ROSS HAUGH BACK IN TIME Seniors' Perspective By Jim Bearss SENIORSCORRESPONDENT 'Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.' Thomas Jefferson Christmas Season at McCully's Hill Farm St Mary's: McCully's Christmas Gift Baskets are a great way to shop for everyone on your list! Make your shopping easy this year with gift baskets to suit all tastes and budgets. McCully's baskets include their own jams, jellies, preserves and maple products. Drop by and browse the selection of over 150 varieties of preserves and 15 maple products — you can customize a basket for every- one on your list. Exeter Oddfellow's & Rebekah's & Spouses Christmas Dinner: Plan to attend this great event on Tues., Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lodge Hall. Non -Perishable food items would be appreciated for the Christmas Bureau at the Exeter United Church. Huron County Christmas Bureau: Exeter United Church will be host for the Christmas Bureau from Dec. 11 — 15 and 18 — 21. The first week will be for receiving and organizing donations and the second week for distribution to clients as referred by the Huron County Christmas Bureau. Debra Johnston and Ruth Mercer -Ross will be the bureau managers. They are looking for volunteers to donate their time and talents to make this event a success. If you would like to help this worthy cause contact the church office at 519-235-0860. Probus Meeting: On Wed., Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. plan to attend the regu- lar Exeter & Area Probus Club meeting at the Exeter United Church. An interesting speaker will entertain you and new members are always welcome to attend. Come and see what Probus is all about. For this meet- ing, please come into the church by the back door as people will be busy with the Christmas Bureau at the front. For more information, contact 519-235-1780 or 519-235-1909. What is happening at Grand Bend? Dec. 11 "Grand Bend Blood Donor Clinic" Grand Bend Legion 5 p.m -8 p.m. Dec. 12 "Living with Cancer Group Support" 2 p.m. Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre. Contact Cathy Campbell for details 519-238-5072 Dec. 12 "Port Franks Garden Club Meeting" Christmas Party 7:30 p.m. Port Franks Community Centre. Diabetes is becoming an issue for many — be sure to get checked before it does damage: The Canadian Diabetes Association is urging all Canadians to get serious about diabetes prevention and management. The Association reports that the situation is becoming increasingly critical. Over two million Canadians currently have diabetes, and this figure is projected to rise by 50 per cent to at least 3 million within the next four years. People with diabetes are four times more likely to die of cardio -vascular complications than those without diabetes. Four out of five people with diabetes will eventually die of heart disease. Early diagnosis and good diabetes management can significantly reduce this risk. However, one in three people with diabetes remain unaware that they have the condition. In fact, most people have diabetes for an average of seven years before they are diagnosed. During that time, elevated blood glucose levels can cause considerable damage, often with no symptoms. That's why it is vital to find out if you have diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes 2003 Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada recommend that everyone age 40 and over should be tested at least every three years. Screening should begin earlier and occur more often if any of the follow- ing apply to you: overweight, especially if you carry that weight around your middle. Also get screening if you have: a parent, brother or sister with diabetes, any of the health complications associated with diabetes, including heart disease, kid- ney disease, eye disease, problems with impotence, or nerve damage, given birth to a baby over 9 lb. in weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other fats in your blood. If you have diabetes, (think six glucose blood test) and walk, walk walk. Find out more and get a risk reduction action plan at www.getserious.ca Senior Fraud: These are some of the schemes that con artists use on a regular basis. Hopefully some of the following tips will help you avoid becoming a victim. In order to be successful, you must remain alert, suspicious and be aware of all the "catch phrase" warning signs that come from a con artist at work. If you believe that you are being solicited by a con artist in any way, personal- ly, by phone, mail or e-mail, contact the police immedi- ately. Prevention Tips: • Watch out for products that are promoted with prizes of free trips. • Be suspicious of "no risk" claims or promis- es of huge financial gain. • Beware of individuals or firms that operate outside of Canada. • Resist pressure to act immediately. Act on reason, not impulse. • Before investing your money, get a second opinion from a fmancial advisor or attorney. • Find out what percentage of money a chari- ty actually receives before making a donation to a charitable organization you have never heard Jim Bearss of. • NEVER give your credit card, phone card number, social insurance number, bank account number over the phone. • NEVER give your PIN number to anyone, or have it written down. Memorize it! • NEVER give personal information over the phone. • Be careful when someone offers to deliver a product to your home. By telling them when it is convenient, you may also be providing them with the times when your house will be vacant. • Middle aged women are particularly vulnerable to fraud if they have little knowledge or understanding of their financial position. If a woman's husband dies, it poses even more problems if she is uninformed about family finances. • Elderly people should list all their assets such as bank accounts, investments, mortgages, property, jew- elry, art items, antiques and home contents and regu- larly check the items in their possession against their inventory list. A copy of the list should be left with next of kin or lawyer. • Have your pensions and other incomes deposited directly into your bank account rather than have them mailed. This way no one but you has access to your money. CAA advice on getting your car ready for winter: Winterize your car now before old man winter beats you to the punch. CAA warns motorists not to get left out in the cold when a major storm hits. To ensure your vehicle is ready for another winter season, CAA suggests a complete vehicle check-up. It's like getting a flu shot for your car, poor tires, weak bat- teries and malfunctioning lights can all become haz- ardous in bad weather. How to get your vehicle ready for winter: • Tires: Winter tires are the best option for areas that receive heavy snowfall. All season tires are an ade- quate alternative for urban centres that are frequently plowed. The traction between the tires and road sur- face determines how well your car starts, turns and stops. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. • Battery: A fully charged battery is a must for cold weather starts. Typically a battery should be changed every four or five years, but should be checked regular- ly. • Windshield wipers: How else can you see in a bliz- zard? Replace all worn out windshield blades and ensure you fill the reservoir bottle with a winter -40 washer fluid. • Ignition system: Damage to the wires, a cracked dis- tributor cap or worn spark plugs can make starting dif- ficult or may cause sudden breakdown. • Heating system: Check your radiator and hoses for cracks and leaks. Make sure the radiator cap, water pump and thermostat work properly. Test the strength of the heater and defroster. • Cooling system: If it hasn't been done for awhile, drain and flush out your cooling system with a good chemical cleaner and put in fresh anti -freeze. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season will go a long way to increase the reliability of your vehicle and fuel consumption while avoiding costly repair bills. A Retired man who volunteers to entertain patients in nursing homes and hospitals went to one local hospi- tal and took his portable keyboard along. He told some jokes and sang some funny songs at patient's bedsides. When he finished he said, in farewell. "I hope you soon get better." One elderly gentleman replied, "I hope you get better too." Reporter: "It's been great interviewing you on your 99th birthday. I certainly hope I can come back again next year and see you reach 100." Oldster: "I don't see why not young feller, you look healthy enough for me."