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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-01-04, Page 1616 Exeter Times—Advocate Wednesday, January 4, 2006 • • V� NAPPY AEW YEAR it The Exeter Times -Advocate surveyed prominent members in our community asking for their forecast of 2006. Will it be a year of development, change and challenges or will it be a year of cutbacks, hard decisions and hard work? ORGANIZATION: Stephanie F. Donaldson President, Greater Grand Bend Community Association 2006 WILL BE A YEAR OF: the environment. WHY? The past year has seen an unprecedented level of upheaval in our natural world. Tsunamis in Asia, hurricanes in the southern United States and earthquakes in India and Pakistan were brutal reminders of how little control we have over the earth we live on. Combine events like these with other threats ranging from global terrorism to the Asian bird flu, and it is difficult for anyone, anywhere to feel complacent about the environment we live in today. These disasters have all served to remind us of how small and fragile a world it is that we inhabit. One can only hope that 2006 will be kinder to the residents of planet Earth, and that the events of 2005 do not represent a new and ominous trend. It is all too easy to become complacent, residing as we do in such a beautiful and stable environment on the shores of southern Lake Huron. Environmental changes here tend to be measured in decades, and even political upheaval tends to run in four-year cycles... if you can ever call it upheaval. Terrorism usually only occurs downtown, and the weapon might be a can of spray paint. A healthy and stable environment is vital to our community, and as resi- dents we all have a responsibility to nurture it. We are all caretakers of a beautiful landscape that borders 011 the world's largest reserve of fresh water. We have neighbours who for the most part, value and respect each other. Events in other parts of the world must serve as an example of how dili- gently we need to work to preserve these privileges. All of us must, in some way become activists in the cause of protecting this planet. We can help protect our natural environment by supporting initiatives that aim to safeguard a cleaner world. It is reassuring to see efforts being made to study water quality in our area, and to identify threats to it from both urban and rural sources. It is encouraging to see that farmers in Huron County are embracing wind power generation as a pioneering new source of clean energy. It is gratifying to see all levels of government giv- ing more importance to environmental issues. We need to preserve the way of life we enjoy in terms of security and personal freedoms as well, and for that reason you need to get out and vote in the upcoming federal election. I hope you carefully consider your options, and vote for the candidate or party that will most ensure a stable political environment, and protect your rights and freedoms as Canadians. As world events continue to show, we cannot take these for granted. While many aspects of our daily lives are outside of our control, there are many things we can do as individuals to make a difference. I hope that you can make a positive contribution to our environment in 2006, and wish you and your family all the best for a healthy, safe and prosperous new year. STEPHANIE DONALDSON Junior girls team plays in tourney SARNIA - The junior girls vol- leyball team played in a tour- ney in Sarnia recently. The tourney was the first time the girls had played cooking with memories BY DEBBY WAGLER JUST LIKE MOM'S CHILI I PLAN ON FILLING THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WITH COMFORTING FOODS FOR OUR USUALLY STORM AFTER STORM, WINDY, FROSTY AND BLUSTERY JANUARY! CHILI HAS TO BE THE NUMBER ONE COMFORT FOOD! ONE OF THE FIRST TIMES I EVER CAME TO VISIT RANDY'S FAMILY, MOM WAGLER MADE THIS CHILI. IT WAS QUITE A BIT DIFFERENT FROM THE WAY I MADE IT IN MY OWN HOME AND I LOVED IT. I GOT THE RECIPE, OF COURSE, AND HAVE MADE IT THE HOME RECIPE. THOSE OF MY OWN, ON THEIR OWN HAVE THIS RECIPE IN THEIR FILE OF FAMILY STANDBY RECIPES! THANKS TO FRAN WAGLER, OF BADEN, ENJOY A COMFORTING NIGHT OF CHILI WITH TOAST AND DILL PICKLES! I Ib of lean ground beef 1 onion chopped fine 1-2 ribs of celery chopped fine 1 clove garlic minced or 1/2 tsp of garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste 1-10 oz can of tomato soup 1-28 oz can of diced tomatoes 1-2 14 oz cans of baked beans 1-19 oz can of kidney beans drained and rinsed 1-3 tsp chili powder (depending how spicy you like chili) Brown the beef and then add the onion, celery and garlic and cook till limp. Season with salt and pepper. Add all other ingredients into a large dutch oven and bring to a simmer. Add in seasoning and let simmer at least twenty minutes or up to an hour. Double the recipe and freeze some. It freezes beautifully and makes great meals for the kids lunches if they can take hot food to school or to send back with those university students cooking for themselves. together as a team so there was some adjustments to be made. The South Huron squad played competi- tively through- out the whole day and lots of signs of improvement and awareness of the system were seen as the day pro- gressed. With only four veter- ans back from last year, the team should be commended for their strong play. Rosie VanElswyk and Natalie Hayes were great mas- ters throughout the day along with great lead- ership from Bryn Price. Carrie Powe, Jenna Easton, Kacie Erb and Lauren Haberer were leaders in the serving posi- tion. Former South Huron DHS volley- ball players returned to their alma mater to assist in a Christmas break junior girls volleyball clinic. Brock University students Brayden Lord, Mark Laye and Margaret Geurts along with University of Western Ontario student Sarah Watson shared their expertise throughout the clinic.Top photo: Brayden Lord assists SHDHS junior middles Lindsay Jayne Hayter, Mairead O'Rourke and Evelyn Johns with their volleying skills. Middle photo: Margaret Guerts demon- strates the proper spiking approach to Julia Roberts, Carrie Powe and Kacie Erb. Girls behind practicing their serving are Natalie Hayes and RosieVanElswyk.At left: Mark Laye assists Kacie Erb with her passing skills. (photos/Pat Bolen) •r- / r HAPPY M NEW YEAR, The Exeter Times -Advocate surveyed prominent members in our community asking for their fore- cast of 2006. Will it be a year of development, change and challenges or will it be a year of cut- backs, hard decisions and hard work? ORGANIZATION: Deputy Mayor, Township of Lucan Biddulph 2006 WILL BE A YEAR OF: Progression WHY? The past two years have set the stage for this third year of municipal council. A number of forward thinking projects are underway and should see major steps or completion in 2006. These include work- ing with youth towards obtaining a new skate park, working with Fanshawe to develop a promotional package, working with builders and developers to promote residential development and growth, working with the Lions and Heritage group to complete a museum, working with business partners, the Ausable Center and local service clubs to make this a more prosperous community. THE COMING YEAR'S CHALLENGES AND HOW TO MEET THEM?: The challenges in Lucan Biddulph have always related to communication, co-operation and volunteerism. PERRY Through discussion and proactive thinking the first two hurdles seem to CASKANETTE be behind us. The third hurdle relates to the people. To make this com- munity the best that it can be it takes time and energy. If your vision of Lucan Biddulph fits the description above, and you have even one hour to spare, then con- tact the office and see how you can help out. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Many hands make light work. It is time to pull together and continue to support the community we call home.