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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-11-14, Page 66 Times–Advocate Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Opinion Forum News Treasured possession stolen On Oct. 30 in the evening, someone came onto my property and removed my large pumpkin with a wooden black cat attached - head, four paws and a tail. I've used this decoration outside every Halloween for 10 years. My husband Bob made it and he died five years ago - everything he made I treasure. Now it's gone; left behind were bits and pieces of the pumpkin and "one paw." If anyone has this cat in their possession, I would like it returned. Thank you. MARION KERSLAKE, Exeter Column receives praise Re: Pat Bolen's Nov. 7 column, "Let them have their day": Your recent column about Remembrance Day being drowned out by the sound of cash registers and Christmas carols was read at Queensway's Coffee & Current Events group Nov. 8. It was greeted with a resounding "Amen," as residents and staff voiced their agreement with your observations. Thanks for so creatively expressing what many of us feel. SHARON MARTIN, CAROL GASCHO AND COFFEE & CURRENT EVENTS GROUP Queensway Nursing and Retirement Home Studies have proven the 'Swim With Dolphin' trade is devastating to the dolphins. It's unregulated, rips dolphins from their life-long families and confines these intelli- gent animals in an unnatural and stressful environment, cages that are misleadingly called `lagoons.' If the dolphin is a global symbol of freedom and humanity's connection to the oceans and environment, then please compare the ethics of these tourist (and dol- phin) traps to your own values and beliefs. Make a difference rather than make this magnificent animal provide you with entertainment. By drawing the line beyond our own backyard, it's a step closer to perhaps redrawing the line a little closer to home. Letters For further info go to Google.com and search on: Is Swim to the With Dolphins Cruel? KATHY HARKER, Kincardine -Editor Prevent animal cruelty Now that the season for taking southern sun vacations and cruises is upon us, I would like to appeal to your readers to make an informed decision and choose not to patronize any `Swim -with -Dolphin' attractions. This growing tourist business advertises to unknowing northern tourists by offering a `magical' or `natural' or `educational' encounter. Help needed for soccer program Following the success of our soccer teams this summer, we are in preparation for our 2008 soccer season. In order to achieve a positive experience for our youth who play soccer, many aspects of the program need to be enhanced. As the old proverb states, "many hands make light work," we need parental assistance in order to expand and improve our soccer program. I warmly invite any coaches, parents or former players to attend our next meeting Wed., Nov. 21 at South Huron District High school, Room 77 at 7 p.m. We sincerely thank all parents for their assistance during this past 2007 soccer season. It is only by getting input from a larger group of people that we can grow and develop our program. Please plan to attend our next meeting! ERNIE SZABO, President South Huron Soccer Club Update from South Huron mayor SOUTH HURON — I feel I should explain why I made the comments about the white squirrel. My definition of economic development is the enhancement or the betterment of the life or lifestyle of the citizens of a municipali- ty. The municipality should be promoting South Huron as a great place to live, to work and to play. This can be accom- plished by providing a good infra- structure and services for the residents. The municipality should promote and create a great place for people to move to, businesses to relocate to, and even for existing businesses to expand. The results are for the better- ment of all the people in the area and this is a good use of munici- Ken Oke pal dollars. It has been suggested that we use the white squirrel for this adver- tising and I strongly feel the results would be negative. Another type of economic development is to promote business and manufacturing result- ing in putting dollars in the pockets of com- panies or individuals. I do not feel this is a wise use or a fair use of municipal dollars to help benefit individuals. The Goderich BIA (Business Improvement Association) told us of their success story. They promote the businesses that they rep- resent and not a bird, fish or an animal. They promote themselves by taking on major projects such as studies, new street lights in the square, advertising, signage and even hiring a manager to look after the associa- tion. It was loud and clear these projects were done with their own money and not munici- pal dollars. However they did ask the munic- ipality for help with building a gazebo in the main square. I suggested that the Exeter BIA should stop promoting a squirrel and start pro- moting the businesses they represent. I will admit that some people do come to Exeter to see the white squirrel, but the retail sales as a result of those visits would probably be insignificant. The Exeter BIA tried to promote a White Squirrel Festival and it petered out. This shows the power of the white squirrel. The BIA could advertise for people to visit the unique shops on the historical main street of Exeter. If they needed a brand or image, use the clock tower at the town hall. That is the main thing that stands out as you drive through town. If you need a slo- gan, try something like "Exeter — the Town with Charm and Tradition." This is only a suggestion. I think Exeter has a lot to offer and we are missing out by trying to promote a squirrel. The slogan for the City of Oshawa was "Home to Canadian General Motors." They realized it wasn't doing the city any good to promote General Motors. The new slogan is "Oshawa — Be Prepared to be Amazed." Remembrance Day assembly — Our Lady of Mount Carmel held Remembrance Day assembly Friday. Students placed wreaths, crosses, poppies and other Remembrance Day items on a table.Above, Grade 7 student Michael Snopko places two handmade poppies on the table.The students also participated in the annual Operation Christmas Child cam- paign, collecting over 100 shoeboxes filled with items for less fortunate children in different countries. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) its Principal's message EXETER — In a couple of columns recently, I have been rather critical of some aspects of student behaviour at South Huron. This week, however, I would like to start by commending the student body for its conduct at the Remembrance Day service we held last Friday. The students were attentive, quiet and respectful throughout the service and I am very proud of their outstanding conduct. I am also proud of the high quality of the Remembrance Day assembly, something we have come to expect at South Huron. Credit for this goes to David MacLeod, head of our Canada and World Studies Department, who works tirelessly every year to put together a service of exceptional quali- ty. Additional credit must be given to the many students who took part — the 41 students who represented the individuals on our Honour Roll, Leanne Hoffman and Melissa MacLeod who read the names, Christine O'Reilly and Tim Dionne who put together a wonderful slide show presen- tation on the Vimy Pilgrimage, the students and staff from the Vimy trip, the choir led by Ms. Milner, and the band under the direction of Mr. Moore. I would like to thank all these individuals for contributing to an outstanding service. I would also like to thank the members of the R E Pooley, Branch 167, of the Royal Canadian Legion for their participation in our service. Their presence at the service every year makes it more real and meaningful for our students and con- tributes significantly to the impact of the service. We are pleased to have them involved every year. I would like to remind everyone that the School Council is hosting a community forum this week on drug awareness. It will take place in the school library tonight (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. We have invited Const. Dave Matheson, a drug enforce- ment officer for the Huron OPP, and members of the local OPP detachment to speak to us about drug use in the community. This will be a good opportu- nity for parents to find out about current trends in drug use and learn what signs to watch for, including what various drugs and drug paraphernalia look like. We invite you to join us for what should be a valuable and infor- mative session. On Monday, Glenn McGregor from the AMDSB board office will be at the school to talk to students about OYAP, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Glenn provides liaison between schools and industry in our area and has considerable knowledge about apprenticeship opportunities in a variety of fields. Students interested in attending his presentations must sign up this week in the Guidance Office. A session for Grade 12 students will take place in Room 118, starting at 12:45 p.m., and a session for Grade 11 students will follow at 2:05 p.m. For students considering apprenticeships, this will be a good opportunity to get information and ask questions. Finally, we will soon be starting our annual campaign in support of the Huron County Christmas Bureau, which provides assistance to families in need. We will be encouraging students and staff to donate toys, food, clothing, and cash in sup- port of this worthy program. The local Christmas Bureau location this year is Exeter United Church, and donations will be accepted in the week of Dec. 10 - 14. If you know of a family that would benefit from assistance from the Christmas Bureau, you are encouraged to call 1-800-265-5198, ext. 3271. Your support of this program will be greatly appreciated. JEFF REABURN PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE