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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2008-01-02, Page 5Wednesday, January 2, 2008 Times—Advocate 5 Opinion Forum News 20YEARS AGO December 29, 1987 - A grade six student at Grand Bend Public School received a real surprise when he received his mail Wednesday night. Trent Steelingwerf learned he was a winner in a contest held in con- junction with the 1988 Olympic Winter Games scheduled for Calgary. Trent was only one of 12 students in the province of Ontario who had their art work chosen to appear in Ensemble, an Olympic publication. When the Olympic flame is set aflame at Calgary in 1988, a number of local people are likely to feel more than the usual chill running up their spines. They will each be running at least one kilometer in Western Ontario carrying the Olympic torch. The runners will be Jan Steele, Grand Bend; Rick Abel, Ailsa Craig; Carolyn Lankin, Lucan and Tanya Deville, Centralia. Times -Advocate editor BM Batten passed away Tuesday morning at his farm home in London township. On sick leave since July 24 of this year, he had been fighting a courageous battle with can- cer. 30YEARS AGO December 30, 1977 - A 21 year-old Bayfield woman, Marie Fitzimmons, will be the new animal control officer for Tuckersmith township beginning the first of January. She will be acting on com- plaints only directed through the township clerk, John MacLachlan. More than 100 members of the newly formed Huron Real Estate Board now have the advantages of a Telatron computer catalogue. Bert Alexander of Goderich is president of the new group and Bob Sharen of Grand Bend is the vice-president. Peter Berendsen has been named the newest member of Usborne township council replacing the retiring Dan Traquair. 50YEARS AGO December 28, 1957 - Brady Cleaners and Laundeteria Ltd. of Exeter last week was awarded a 10 -year award of merit from the Sanitone people. Bob Allan of Brucefield, who, last week, was elected president of the Huron Soil and Crop Association, captured the field beans championship at the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago last week. 55 YEARS AGO December 30, 1952 - Tenders for the construc- tion of a $50,000 addition to Grand Bend Public School will be considered by the board early in 1953. W.R. Goulding, organist of Empress United Church in London, drove through the fog following Sunday evening service at his own church to lead carol singing at Caven Presbyterian Church. It was the second Sunday evening concert sponsored by the Recreation Council and Sorority. 65 YEARS AGO December 24, 1942 - The Exeter arena on Wednesday evening proved an ideal place for hold- ing Christmas entertainment by the teachers and pupils of Exeter Public School assisted by music teacher W.R. Goulding. Every child in the school took part. Private Percy Noels returned to Camp Borden Monday after spending a five-day leave with Mrs. Noels at the home of E.C. Appleton. Dr. J.W. Browning, who has been continuously practicing in Exeter for over 75 years died at his home in his 100th year. Spr. Eugene Beaver and Gunners Reg McDonald and Sydney West are all home on a five-day Christmas leave. They return to Petawawa Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. A.O. Elliott received word that their son, Sgt. Harold Elliott had lost his life during air operations in India. At a meeting of the Veterinary Association of Western Ontario, Friday, Dr. E.S. Steiner was elect- ed president for 1943. 90YEARS AGO December 28, 1917 - Mr. N.D. Hurdon, after spending the summer at Port Franks, has returned to town for the winter. Many of Mr. Hurdon's old friends received the gift of a duck that had fallen prey to his gun. Mr. J.J. Merner, the Unionist candidate was elected in the recent federal election over Mr. Thomas McMillan by a majority of 47 votes. ROSS HAUGH BACK IN TIME Seniors' Perspective By Jim Bearss ADULT ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR 'The bubbling brook would lose its song if you removed the rocks." Frank Palen Manulife Walk for Memories: The Alzheimer Society of Huron County would like to invite you to join us on Sat., Jan. 26 for our 13th annual Manulife Walk for Memories. Last year, Walk for Memories raised more than $30,000 at their five walk locations! The Society would like to make this year's walk even more successful. Come out on this special January morning and help us make this a day to remember. The date for this important walk is Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. — 12 noon. You will meet at South Huron District High School in Exeter. Additional information will be in future issues of Senior Perspective. Exeter Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group meets the last Wednesday of every month, 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the Exeter Town Hall. Facilitator is Maggie Brennan. Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods with his band `Dancing Fiddles' will be at the South Huron Recreation Centre on Sun., Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. Contact Heather Wells at 228-6136 for purchasing tickets that are only $15. The show is sponsored by the Stephen Central Grade 8 Graduating Class of 2008. Please consider helping the pupils with their fund raising efforts. After the conclusion of the show, you are invited to attend a ham, scalloped potato and dessert dinner catered by Crediton Zion United Church. Adults $13 and children aged five —12 only $5. How to stop colds in their tracks The term `common cold' is deceptive because it does- n't actually refer to a single virus. Rather, it's the name to identify more than 200 germs that can infect your upper respiratory system. Typically a cold infection lasts three to five days, from when you start feeling symptoms to when your immune system successfully fights off the virus. So once you have a cold, are there ways to get rid of it faster? If you do get a cold, there is limited evidence that mega -doses of vitamin C may lessen and shorten its hold on you. Echinacea and goldenseal, two herbal remedies may also help, but there is less scientific evidence. Doctors recommend taking an antihistamine every 12 hours as well as an anti-inflammatory drug until you feel better, it is pointed out these will only lessen symptoms. There is not a single cure that will eradicate every cold virus strain, so the best defense, experts agree, is to keep one's immune system strong to fight them off in the first place. Clinical studies have shown that certain extract from North American ginseng root, such as new extra strength Cold -!X, is highly effective and can be taken at the first sign of cold and flu symptoms. The extract itself is scientifically proven to strengthen the immune system. Health Canada recently approved Cold-fX stating that it "helps reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system." It is one of very few medicines approved by the Canadian government to fight colds and flu by boosting the immune system. Typically, hands are the transmitting culprits because (a) tiny mucus drops deposited on surfaces, such as door knobs, toilet levers etc. can be infectious for up to three hours and (b) the average person touches their eyes and nose — the main way cold viruses enter the system — dozens of times a day. Free meningitis vaccine being offered at Health Unit The Huron County Health Unit is offering a free vaccine for meningitis. The vaccine usually costs the public around $100. It has been given free to one year olds, grade seven students and high school students since 2005 The vaccine is being offered to anyone two — 65 years of age who have never had the immunization before. Only one dose is needed. Huron County Health Unit Public health Nurse Christina Taylor says, "It is unusual to offer a free vac- cine for meningitis. We're able to do this because the vaccine needs to be used by the end of the year. It's a free Christmas gift to Huron County residents." Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria. It can cause meningitis, which is the swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause blood infec- tion. Ms. Taylor says it can be a serious disease causing death. Meningitis is caused by coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing utensils and anytime saliva is passed from one person to another. The death rates tend to be higher for teenagers when there is an outbreak. The Health Unit is strongly encouraging adolescents and students attending college or university who haven't had the vaccine to come for the free clinics. The vaccine provides up to 97 per cent protection against the most common form of meningococcal disease that causes outbreaks. For information, call the Health Unit at 482-3416 or Toll Free: 1-877-837-6143. Hot tips for keeping safe in cold conditions The official start of winter is now, but the sea- son's icy roads and blowing snow are already here. To help motorists get back into the swing of winter driving, Transportation Minister Jim Bradley reminded drivers of these important tips. "When winter weather first hits, the number of traffic collisions doubles — mostly due to excessive Bearss speed and loss of control," said Mr. Bradley. "Drivers need to be prepared, and adjust their dri- ving accordingly to the changing conditions." When driving in winter Plan ahead — Check weather and travel conditions before leaving. In poor weather, give yourself extra time or wait until conditions improve. It's best not to take chances if the weather is bad. Spacing — It takes longer to stop on slippery roads. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you — twice what you would normally allow. Lighting — Turn on your vehicle's full lighting system in low light conditions such as blowing snow and whiteouts. Do not rely on daytime running lights. Visibility — Top up your windshield fluid and clear the snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and roof. Loose snow from your vehicle could also blow onto other vehicles and block other drivers' vision. Your Vehicle: Keeping a vehicle in proper working condition for winter driving is equally important: Keep your gas tank at least half full. Engines use more fuel in cold weather. Replace worn or damaged tires. Consider using winter tires that provide better traction in snow, slush and ice. If you get stranded, don't panic. Turn off your car to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and stay in your vehi- cle for safety and warmth and wait for help to arrive. Dial 911 on your cell phone to connect you with your local emergency services contact centre. Keep a winter survival kit in your car, a candle and a small tin can of matches, blanket, extra footwear and some high energy food such as cereal bars. "Unexpected weather conditions demand better dri- ving skills," Mr. Bradley concluded. "Staying alert and keeping your vehicle in good working order could save your life, and the lives of others. A gift from farmers With the holiday season upon us, many Ontarians find time to enjoy the time honoured tradition of sitting down to feasts with family and friends. As you embrace the joy the season brings, why not take a moment to give special thanks to one of Ontario's hardest working groups: the farmer. In what is often a `round-the-clock job', the Ontario farmers have long dedicated their lives and livelihoods to producing safe, healthy food. And they have done it with passion and commitment that is rare in many industries today. With a growing population, Ontario's agriculture industry has proven it is more than able to keep pace. Farming is the second largest industry in Ontario and is an important part of our heritage and our future. The last 50 years are a testament to the dramatic changes in the way Ontario farmers, farm. On average, the per -hectare production of major crops today has doubled while the productivity (per ton) of feed for dairy cattle, hogs and poultry has tripled. What it means is that Ontario farmers are producing six times as much food per hectare as previous genera- tions. This is good news for a province whose population makes up almost 40 per cent of Canada's total. The tremendous increase in agricultural productivity has occurred thanks to innovation and modern technolo- gy adaptations like mechanization, electrification, breed- ing and genetics, nutrition, computers and biotechnolo- gy. Jim Some things you may not know: Through advances in genetics and nutrition, an aver- age dairy cow can produce 27 litres of milk every day. Robotic milkers take milking machines to a new level by actually hooking up, activating and then releasing the cow from the milking machine. Global positioning sys- tems (GPS) are used to help determine fertilization and seed placement requirements in the field. Biotechnology is responsible for engineering stronger, disease -resistant and higher yielding grain and oilseed crops. Electricity supports advancements in barn technology but beyond that, farmers are implementing energy gen- erating systems such as bio -fuels, wind farms and solar energy in order to add to the energy grid.