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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2008-05-21, Page 44 Times—Advocate Wednesday, May 21, 2008 OC 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. Canada Deb Lord — Manager 0 Scott Nixon — Editor t The Times -Advocate is owned by Metroland Media Group Ltd. Metroland 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Media Group Ltd. Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • 519-235-1331 Doug Rowe -General Manager, Southwestern Ontario Division EDITORIAL Tragedy -free weekend It was refreshing Tuesday morning to receive an e-mail from Huron OPP Const. Joanna Van Mierlo informing us that there were no tragedies or serious accidents on Huron County roads over the long weekend. It seems nearly every holiday weekend is marred by some senseless tragedy that takes away innocent lives. Huron OPP were kept busy over the weekend with about 200 calls, but none were of the trag- ic variety. According to Van Mierlo, Huron OPP set up more than a dozen RIDE checkpoints throughout the county to keep an eye on things. Of course, not everything was perfect — there were the usual charges of mischief, disturbing the peace, underage drinking and speeding tickets, with one Chatham man losing his license for street racing. But for the most part things were under control and Van Mierlo's press release states, "Members of the OPP are pleased with the results of the weekend and happy that most were responsible citizens." With the Victoria Day weekend unofficially marking the beginning of a long summer that will see local roads busy with tourist traffic, let's hope we can turn last weekend's safety success into a trend. Get involved Anyone interested in having a voice with the province's prescription drug funding policy is asked to apply for a position on the Ontario Citizens Council, which will be a group of 25 individuals from across the province which will met twice a year to discuss the province's drug policy and give advice to the government. The council will also report to the Minister of Health and Long -Term Care and the executive officer of the Ontario Public Drug Programs. Each Citizens Council will serve a three-year term. They are designed to provide a voice for Ontarians to help engage them in shaping drug policy. Applications will be accepted until June 30 and can be found by going to vvvvvv.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/d rugs/drugs_ep.html and following the links. STOP COMPLAINING AND DRINK YOUR ETHANOL,.. Alork, Voirf Distributed by Canadian Artists Syndicate Local talent deserves praise I was thoroughly impressed last week while cov- ering the Blyth Festival sneak peek in Exeter. You could feel the excitement in the air as the actors performed for a large crowd from the Exeter area. This year the Blyth Festival is bringing to the stage the world premiere of "Innocence Lost," a play based on the Steven Truscott story. It is a well -anticipated play written by Beverley Cooper and directed by Miles Potter. "Innocence Lost" wraps up the Blyth sea- son, playing from July 30 to Sept. 6. Another interesting play to keep your eyes open for is "Courting Johanna," a play written by Marcia Johnson and based on "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" by local author Alice Munro. The play is based on two teenage girls who, when boredom strikes, play a game which gets out of control. "Courting Johanna" starts July 23 running until Sept. 6. The other two plays on the bill this year are "Against The Grain" written by Carolyn Hay, a story based in Manitoba, following a man's rise to power. This play opens the season, running from June 18 to Aug. 16. Also running is "Harvest," written by Ken Cameron, a story about an Elgin County family farm turned upside down. This play runs June 25 to Aug. 16. All four plays are based on Canada's rural roots, and I'll bet there is at least one play that everyone can relate to in one way or another. Also beginning their season is the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend. Their opening play is "My Fair Lady," which combines romance, comedy and memorable music. "My Fair Lady" runs from June 3 through NINA VAN LIESHOUT KICK THIS AROUND 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 519-235-0766 Fax number for accounting dept. 519-235-2449 Subscription Rates One year rate for addresses in Canada: $42+GST Two year rate for addresses in Canada: $75+GST One year rate for addresses outside Canada:$160+GST Call 519-235-1331 to order a subscription. to June 21. I would recommend checking out either venues. A lot of time and effort goes into these performances and they should definitely be recognized. I also covered "Groovy" last week at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. "Groovy" celebrates the hippies and flower children from the 1960s. The play was funny, well-done, colour- ful and wrapped up with a message of peace and harmony. These students should also be com- mended for the talent they showcased. I consider myself to be pretty lucky living in the area. Every time I turn around there's more local tal- ent to celebrate. From plays to singers and musicians to artists, and more, the Exeter area should be proud. Classified Rates Word ads: $13 for 20 words, 20t for each additional word+ GST. Notices (births, announcements, coming events, memoriams, cards of thanks): $16 + 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 message) or toll-free at 1-888-270-1602. Deadline: Fri. 2 p.m. Web site: www.southhuron.com E-mail Us TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial and last name followed by @southhuron.com. For example, Deb Lord's e-mail address is dlord@southhuron.com Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team Manager Deb Lord ext. 103 COMPOSITION Nikki Cyr ext. 101 Kelly Gackstetter ext. 101 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 Jennifer Skonieczny ext. 102 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Marg Pertschy ext. 108 Heather Clarke ext. 111