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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-01-11, Page 44 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, January 11, 2006 =CNA Editorial Opinion TIMES ADVOCATE PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511 We acknowledge the Financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. Jim Beckett – Publisher Deb Lord – Production Manager Scott Nixon – Editor tirt Published by roland Printing, Publishing Distributing& Ltd. 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Metroland Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • (519) 235-1331 EDITORIAL Good news for Mount Carmel Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishioners received some welcome news on the weekend when they learned their beloved nearly 150 -year-old church had been saved. There were fears Mount Carmel would be closed after it had been recommended for clo- sure last fall, but when the London Catholic Diocese released its list of churches recom- mended to be closed, Mount Carmel was not among the 35 that could see their doors locked. And a big reason for the church's salvation was the response of parishioners upon learning their church needed more than $1 million in renovations. Faced with the prospect of losing their church, churchgoers raised an impressive $730,000 to put towards renovations. That's no small feat, particularly in a rural setting, and those who generously gave money should give themselves a pat on the back. But the picture isn't so rosy in many parts of the London Diocese — a lack of money, priests and parishioners have led the diocese to rec- ommend closure of more than 20 per cent of its churches. It's a harsh reality for those who have attend- ed the same church for decades only to see it close. As well, some churches, such as Exeter's Precious Blood, Zurich's St. Boniface and Mount Carmel will have to submit plans to show their long-term financial viability. Church closures are representative of a larger trend of an aging population, a shrinking rural population and changing behaviours. School closures have already taken place in rural and urban areas and there's no doubt our aging population will no doubt mean the closure of other institutions such as Legions as we lose more veterans every year. In the meantime, we can celebrate Mount Carmel's victory. WUERFS BoNo ANP HIS DEBT FoRGIVNE$S CAMPAIGN WHEN 'NE REALLY NEED IM?! �1cc" �LCLiJ i Drinking too much isn't worth it Finally another holiday season has come and gone and 2006 is in full swing. Every year I'm happy to see Christmas and New Year's come and every year I'm relieved again that it's gone. There's so much stress and pressure on that particu- lar time of year that often times I forget to actually enjoy myself, something I'm sure others can relate to. Apart from the stress and pressure of making the annual Christmas meal (something I can't take credit for, thanks mom), spending much needed money on presents and picking out the perfect New Year's outfit, alcohol is also a part of the holiday season. I was impressed with the results of the annual Huron OPP Festive Ride Program this year, although I'm not sure how it compares to last year. The five-week program finished Jan. 2 with the Huron OPP checking 10,669 vehicles at roadside checkpoints. A total of 12, 12 -hour suspensions were issued. Four people were charged with alcohol related drinking and driving offences. Fourteen "other" charges were issued which included traffic and liquor. Yes, alcohol can make people do funny things. That's what I realized this year and that's one of my New Year's resolutions — to not be one of those people too drunk to think, talk or realize what the heck they're doing. This holiday season, more than ever, I've realized how stupid people get when they've had one too many or really several too many and for what? A huge hang- over the next day? I can relate to going out and having a great time but when people begin slurring their words and stumbling around, it's not much fun anymore. Yes, I've seen way too much when people have been drinking. Rumors starting, break-ups, fights enfolding, people crying and more. It seems people feel they're invisible when they've had a few. Well, let me tell you, you're not. And think about how many times one stupid drunken night can affect a relationship or a friendship or possibly how others see you. Really, who wants to be known as the stupid drunk who makes a fool out of themselves every time they get drinking? I know I've already labeled a few people to stay away from when alcohol's involved. Next time you want to drink, do it responsi- NINA VAN LIESHOUT KICK THIS AROUND bly. Besides don't you want to remember what happened the night before? About the Times -Advocate Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Holidays. Contact Us By Phone or Fax Classified ad & subscription sales (519) 235-1331 24-hour automated attendant (519) 235-1336 Fax number for all departments (519) 235-0766 Subscription Rates One year rate for addresses in Canada: $40+GST Two year rate for addresses in Canada: $72+GST One year rate for addresses outside Canada: $140 Call (519) 235-1331 to order a subscription. Classified Rates Word ads: $11 for 20 words, 20t for each additional word+ GST. Notices (births, deaths, announcements, coming events, memoriams, cards of thanks): $15 + GST for up to 50 words, All ads must be pre -paid. The classified ad deadline is Monday at 10 a.m. Display Advertising To place a display ad, (519) 235-1331 weekdays 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. or evenings (519) 235-1336 (leave mes- sage) or toll-free at 1-888-270-1602. Deadline: Fri. 2 p m. E-mail Us Web site: www.southhuron.com TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial and last name followed by @southhuron.com. For example, Jim Beckett's e-mail address is <jbeck- ett@southhuron.com> Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team Publisher Jim Beckett ext. 109 ADVERTISING Deborah Schillemore ext. 112 EDITOR Scott Nixon ext. 105 REPORTERS Pat Bolen ext. 113 Nina Van Lieshout ext. 107 CUSTOMER SERVICE Sue Rollings ext. 101 Kim Hern ext. 102 COMPOSITION DEPARTMENT Manager Deb Lord ext. 103/114 Heather Bilcke ext. 103 Kelly Gackstetter ext. 103 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Christina Scott ext. 108 MargPertschy ext. 111 Heaer Clarke