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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-11-28, Page 22 Times–Advocate Wednesday, November 28, 2007 "Simpsons" writer recalls his time at South Huron SHDHS Simpsons Day — Several staff and students dressed up as characters from the cartoon. From left are principal Jeff Reaburn and teachers Carleen Hone, Russ Watson, Stacey Park, Tracy McLennan, writer Long, and teachers Dave MacLeod, Isaac Moore and kneeling in the front is Amy Shapton. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) Continued from front page Many of the clips shown fea- tured Homer Simpson in the scenes. "Homer is my favourite character," says Long. Long, who has written for "The Simpsons" since 1998, says when he first arrived at SHDHS in Grade 9, he didn't have much going for himself, but that he proves, "An over- weight Grade Niner with no friends can become a Hollywood big shot." Long's work has been nominated for eight Emmy awards, winning him two. "You are getting a first rate education. The teachers are incredibly encouraging," says Long, adding SHDHS students are given "every opportunity to take advantage of. This is a really, really good school." But he also advised that the stu- dents wouldn't ever need math, and explained another reason for his visit. "I'm doing you a favour. I want to stretch this assembly so you can miss school." Former principal and English teacher Bruce Shaw also commented on Long, explaining that although he was never a stellar student, he always made him laugh. "He was a riot, a class clown. He made me laugh everyday." And his wife Miranda, who had never visited Exeter, says, "He's a comedic genius and I'm very proud." Miranda also says, she's "lucky to be mar- ried to such a brilliant man." When asked what Miranda thought of SHDHS, she says, "I'm so impressed with this school and I'm really impressed with the recording studio." Miranda also says the wel- coming was "heartwarming" and says that SHDHS principal Jeff Reaburn "is so charismat- ic and kind." Reaburn, towards the end of the assembly also mentioned Long will sponsor an award at SHDHS, although details have not been confirmed. Commenting on the writer's strike, Long says, "The reason there is a strike is because management is a bunch of lying weasels," adding, "I hope it never ends. I'm so happy." He also asked if there were any guidance counsellor posi- tions available at SHDHS. One student asked what town Springfield (where The Simpsons live) actually is, Long replied, "I think it's Exeter. From now on officially Springfield is Exeter." With one last message for the students, which followed a standing ovation, Long explained, "Don't be afraid to fail. Through sheer perserver- ance I got the job of my dreams. Here's to this place." High Canadian dollar adds to hardships for industry Continued from front page other service provides to carry that on," said Robbins. While the cuts could be reversed at some point, Robbins said "it's not look- ing positive for the hog sector for 2008," and predicted at least a minimum seven per cent drop in the amount of hogs that will come to market. "And that is a very conservative number," said Robbins who added there are a growing number of hog farms for sale and producers getting out of the market. "It's a very tough time and they need those transitional loan programs to be implemented and if they're not, we don't have a long period of time," said Robbins. "Our industry cycles on a max of 120 days and if we don't see some- thing in that line, we can't just sort of turn the pigs out onto pasture...much the same as the beef industry is experiencing, we're all experiencing some very tight, if at all, margins. In our case we're losing $60 for every pig going out the door." While the high Canadian dollar was the catalyst for much of the problems facing the industry, Robbins said it was the latest in a series of pressures such as the Circovirus of the last two years and the loss of processing capability. "We're in a two year period and it doesn't look like that period is going to be soon turned around." While Ontario Pork has had to make cuts before, Robbins said they haven't been this significant and many of the factors causing the cuts are outside its control such as American policies on corn subsidies and the ethanol demand for corn which is driving driving up feed prices. Robbins noted there will be a swine seminar in Shakespeare today (Wednesday) at 1 p.m. and said it Shoppers Drug Mart supports hospital campaign „fc,(6 gctoito p F wi-- , 4.500 /out 1w-cola/Ad kwtaw :' -DOLL ._ SHOPPERS DRUG MART EXETER Hospital donation — For the past month, Shoppers Drug Mart customers and employ- ees have been participating in the cross -Canada "Tree of Life” fundraising campaign designed to support local and national charities. Exeter Shoppers Drug Mart owner Ken Courtice says,"In Exeter, my staff and I chose to support the South Huron Hospital Capital Campaign by holding barbecues, book sales and the sale of the program's leaves and apples. Kari Van Elswyk and her co -captain, the late Nancy Warwick, were the team's organizers and are happy to announce their total of $1,125. It is with great pleasure that my wife and I add an additional contribution to bring the Shoppers Drug Mart donation to $4,500.Thank you to all who participated." Pictured above from left are Pat O'Rourke of the hospital Campaign Team, Shelly Keys, Ken Courtice, Stacey Kirk of Shoppers Drug Mart and Lori Baker of the Campaign Team. 0 0 0 The South Huron Capital Campaign team thanks the follow- ing for their generosity: Leader • In Memory of Paul D. Campbell — Exeter & Area, Paul's Auto Marine Supporter • Doris Jeffery — Staffa • Don and Elizabeth Adams — Exeter • Jim Scott Enterprises and Family — Exeter • Don and Marie Brunzlow — Exeter Contributor • Maurice and Ruth Ann Haist — Centralia • Murray and Rhea Greene — Exeter • George and Elaine Ducharme — Dashwood • Laverne Hamilton— Exeter Provider • Bill and Cindy Maxfield — Grand Bend • Bill and Norma Coleman — Kippen • Harold and Wilma Caldwell — Hensall • Jean Racey — Exeter • Sam and Clara Devries — Exeter • Shirley Kirk — Exeter will be a good opportunity for producers to discuss the chal- lenges they are facing. G.i.C.'s 481% dor Gaiser �Kneale "'t� Ins. Broker Inc. 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