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The Times Advocate, 2008-03-05, Page 13Wednesday, March 5, 2008 Times -Advocate Exeter the setting for new novel By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — A former Exeter resi- dent is paying tribute to her old home town by making it the scene of her recently -released novel. Kathleen Mendelin (nee Speziale) recently published "Vamplitude," a novel inspired by the music and persona of musician/actor Rick Springfield. As Mendelin, now living in Kitchener, explains, the book deals with "vampires, comets and a struggle with keeping the faith." "Vamplitude" was inspired by Springfield's CD "Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance." Mendelin, who has met Springfield more times than she can count, recently travelled to Nashville to see him in concert and present him with a copy of the book. Mendelin gradated from South Huron District High School in 1986 and left Exeter for university. A couple of years ago, she started writing a short story that eventually "took on a life of its own" and became a full-length novel, "Vamplitude." At the time Mendelin started writ- ing her book she had recently recovered from a bad accident that she called "life changing." Springfield's music helped her with her emotional healing. A fan of his music since the 1970s, Mendelin says Springfield "writes with such depth and understands the female mind." She describes him as gener- ous and funny and someone who has "the best heart in the world." Some of his lyrics are included in Mendelin's book. She said Springfield's fans are like a family and offered her support while she recovered from her acci- dent. As Springfield is a fan of vampires and science fiction, Mendelin said he was eager to read her book. As for Exeter, Mendelin says it always felt like her hometown, even though she didn't move here until Grade 4. She said she quickly felt at home in Exeter and was always comfortable here. "It's the prettiest town I've ever seen," she says. "It's just a beautiful town." The street she grew up on, Carling Street, and the Exeter Inspiration — Former Exeter resident Kathleen Mendelin, seen above with her musical hero Rick Springfield, has recently published "Vamplitude," a novel based in Exeter.The book was inspired by Springfield's music and Mendelin recently travelled to Nashville to pre- sent the musician/actor with a copy of the book. (photo/submitted) Library both make appearances in "Vamplitude," which has a cliffhanger ending. Readers have been encouraging Mendelin to con- tinue the story, something she may do. She has also written an unre- leased fictional children's book based in Exeter. Mendelin says readers of "Vamplitude" have been giving her very positive feedback and she ran out of copies on her trip to Nashville. She's seeing Springfield again in May and plans on taking more copies with her. The book is available online through Volumes Publishing and at vamplitude. com Mendelin says some of the pro- ceeds from sales of her book will go to a fellow Springfield fan in the U.S. who is battling breast cancer. TinkerTots field trip Young artists — The Hensall Tinker Tots had a field trip Feb. 20 as they visited Hensall Hobbies and Crafts. Front from left are Griffin Phillips, Jori Westlake, Bryson Hern and Kinsley Richardson. Back: Ethan Trocchi, Brooke Johns, Chase McGregor, Sam Van Bakel, Molly Towton, Corey Hoffmen, Cayla Hoffinen,Andrew Taylor and Arica Graham. (photo/Pat Bolen) KATHLEEn irlErIML[rl Huron United Wray falls short of goal GODERICH — The Huron United Way board of directors announced last week that the 2007 cam- paign will not reach its announced goal of $260,000. The campaign will fall short of the target by more than $30,000. Through an analysis of the campaign it was deter- mined there are several factors that impacted the final total, a press release stated. "Perhaps most significant are the large capital campaigns taking place throughout the county," said Huron United Way executive director Kimberley Payne. "Two communities, Goderich and Exeter have two significant campaigns taking place, both for health related activities, a new CT scanner for Alexandra Marine General Hospital and new upgrades at South Huron Hospital. The impact of these capital cam- paigns is affecting not only the United Way but many of the smaller not for profits as well, like Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron, who are currently experiencing a financial crisis." The CT scanner is the third capital campaign in Goderich in the past eight years, and the long term impact on the social sector is beginning to reveal itself, with many small organizations cutting services due to lack of necessary funding. Other factors affecting the campaign are the condi- tion of the manufacturing sector, the largest sup- porter of the United Way in Huron County. Chris Meier, chairperson of the Huron Manufacturing Association, said, "I am saddened to hear that the United Way did not make its goal this year but I am not sur- prised. In the manufacturing sector, which has been a big supporter of the United Way in the past, both corporations and employees are feeling the pinch of economic pressures caused by a high dollar and a sluggish U.S. economy. Our employees support many causes and it seems like there are more and more causes to support every year. As manufactur- ers we would like to support them all too, but this is impossible as we have to be accountable for our dol- lars and there is less of this kind of discretionary spending available to us these days." Huron United Way chairperson Randy Stanlake said, "We expect the final total of the campaign to reach $230,000, and we do not expect to see a nega- tive impact on the funded agencies as several agen- cies are not accessing the community fund this year." It is not too late to send in your contribution to the Huron United Way at Box 211, Goderich, Ont., N7A 3Z2, or go to www.huron.unitedway.ca The Huron United Way is a local non-profit agency investing in Huron County through its 12 funded agencies. For more information, contact the Huron United Way at 519-524-7900 or e-mail huronunited- way@tcc. on. ca United Way Gardeners' popular spring workshop By Liz Sangster HENSALL CORRESPONDENT HENSALL - At Hensall United Church service began with welcome and announcements and the passing of the peace. Rev Keith Lewis was the min- ister, his sermon was "Be strong in the Lord". Bill Gibson was the organist. Julie Towton was the greeter. Judy Mallette was the reader and can- dle -lighter. The ushers were Gary Campbell and Jan Collings. Lisa Elder looked after the nursery. Service closed with com- missioning, benediction, and choral amen. Next week at Hensall United Church the guest speaker will be John McNeilly. At Carmel Presbyterian Church Rev. Andy Meinen was the minister, his ser- mon was "Letter to the Church". Joyce Pepper was the organist. Amanda Meinen sang a solo and Jennifer Taylor played a piano solo. The offering was received by Harry Moir and Al Hoggarth. The service closed with benediction and choral amen. Everyone is welcome to attend the World Day of Prayer on Fri., March 7 at 2 p.m. at Carmel Presbyterian Church. Pastor Steve Hildebrandt will be the guest speaker. Spring workshop Tickets are going fast for the Hensall and Community Horticultural Society's Annual Spring Workshop, on Sat., March 29 at 9:30 a.m. at Hensall United Church. The cost is $25, which includes morning refreshments, lunch, door prizes and gift bags. Featured speakers are Janet Anderson of JEA Perennials, and Heather Wind -Mulder from Seeds of Diversity. This popular event has become a "do - not -miss" for area garden- ers, so be sure to phone 262-2715 for your tickets. The Hensall shuffle- board scores for Feb. 26 are as follows: (4 games) Donna Smale 407, Merle McLellan 366. (3 games) Anne Wouters 391, Charlotte Norton 353, Rebecca Wilder 340, Joe Stephens 267, Hank Dorssers 242. Solo scores Feb. 27- High Score June Regier, 2nd High Score Kay Elston, High Solo Mary Thompson, 2nd High Solo Hubert Miller, Mystery Score Iva Blair