The Times Advocate, 2008-09-10, Page 3Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Times–Advocate
3
Exeter's Canadians in Uniform Day this week
EXETER — The community is invited to partici-
pate in the "Heroes Welcome," expected to be
around 2 p.m. today as the Musical Ride arrives in
town.
Members of the OPP Golden Helmets, along with
the South Huron Fire Department and Huron County
Emergency Medical Services will escort the Mounties
into town.
Students from Precious Blood, Exeter Public
School and South Huron District High School
(SHDHS) will be lining the route to welcome all of
these Canadians in Uniform. A short ceremony of
welcome, and the official opening of the stables will
be held at the Agriculture Building.
About 2,500 students from the local schools are
expected to attend Canadians in Uniform Day from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.
The RCMP stables will be open to visitors from 9
a.m. to 9 p.m.
Displays from a number of organizations which
serve the community, the province and the country
will give the students an opportunity to learn more
about these dedicated professionals, and a chance to
interact with positive role models.
The RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian
Armed Forces (Regular Force and Reserves),
Canadian Coast Guard, Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority,
South Huron Fire Department, Huron County EMS,
and Ornge (the operator of the air ambulance ser-
vices in Ontario) have all committed to attend.
Everyone attending the event will receive a free
24 -page souvenir program made possible by the sup-
port of many local businesses and community orga-
nizations.
Highlights of the day will be a demon-
stration by the South Huron Fire
Department and a noon hour perfor-
mance by the Ontario Provincial Police
Golden Helmets precision motorcycle
team, followed by the world famous
RCMP Musical Ride at 1 p.m. in the
rodeo ring.
The SHDHS Senior Concert Band
under the direction of Isaac Moore
will perform at both shows. Limited
numbers of seats will be available to
the public for the afternoon show.
SHDHS student Jessica Brock will e
open the performance by bringing in
the Canadian flag. The flag she will
carry was the flag SHDHS students took to the Vimy
Memorial Rededication in 2007.
A second performance of the Musical Ride open to
the general public will be held at 6 p.m. Admission is
$10.
The RE Pooley Exeter Branch of the Royal
Canadian Legion is sponsoring a roast beef dinner
from 5 to 8 p.m., and there will be free skating in the
arena for the children who attended the earlier show
in the day.
SHDHS student Chelsey Jeffrey will be the flag
bearer for the evening performance.
A wheelchair accessible viewing
platform will be available for the
evening performance of the RCMP
Musical Ride. A designated parking
area has been set aside at the north-
west corner of the South Huron
Recreation Centre parking lot. A
shuttle will be available from the
parking area to the stands, courtesy
of the Trailmobile from the
Ausauble Bayfield Conservation
Authority.
The Army Cadets will be also be
available to assist people to the
stands.
The RCMP Musical Ride is being
hosted by the Exeter Lions Club.
For over 60 years the Lions have served the com-
munity. Funds raised will support youth programs
like Scouts and Guides, and for community improve-
ment.
Support for young farmers
Recognizing the importance of improv-
ing financial prospects for beginning
farmers in Ontario, the Ontario Federation
of Agriculture has passed a resolution that
is intended to improve the future financial
support programs for this critical group of
future farmers.
Based on that resolution, OFA will be
re -acquainting both levels of government
for the need to include beginning farmers
in any assistance programs. To be pre-
cise, the federal and provincial govern-
ments should allow beginning farmers to
use a different process to determine eligi-
bility for assistance programs We're ask-
ing for an industry average of annual net
sales based on the size and type of their
start -up years, when average net sales is
the basis of income support initiatives.
This adjustment will ensure these young
farmers are eligible for support programs.
Previously, they struggled financially
through their start-up years, watching
funding assistance flow to established
farmers.
Beginning farmers face inequities
We became increasingly aware of the
inequities faced by beginning farmers
when we examined such programs as the
Agri -Invest – Kickstart, and the Ontario
Cattle, Hog, and Horticulture Payment
programs. There has not been a satisfac-
tory mechanism established for getting
fair support dollars to beginning farmers.
Farming is a highly capitalized venture,
second only to mining. Beginning farmers
are carrying a staggering debt burden as
they enter the industry. The debts are
related to productive assets, new tech-
nologies and investments that will make
their farming operations efficient, safe,
and competitive.
When a market failure occurs and
brings this group of farmers to the brink
of failure, we need to close the cracks in
the support programs and offer the same
hand up that we do to any other farmers.
OFA suggests program changes
To move this process forward, OFA will
recommend to the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs that
changes are needed in program design to
enable beginning farmers to get a Farm
Business Registration number based on
projections, what currently happens under
the Farm Property Class Tax Rate
Program.
As it is now, farmers must be able to
show income tax records from the previ-
ous year, documenting at least $7,000
annual gross farm income to be able to
register for a Farm Business Registration
number. Without that number they are
not allowed access to financial programs.
We will also be asking OMAFRA to fund
a program information awareness system
to ensure beginning farmers, eligible for
government programs, are aware of the
programs and how to apply.
Based on the 2006 Farm Census, we
know that nearly half of all Ontario farm
operators reported an off -farm job or
business - that's an increase of five per
cent from the 2001 census. This tells us
the restricted farm loss provisions will
continue to increase as more farmers
work off the farm.
Basic farm economics tells us that
beginning farmers are more likely to need
off -farm income in the
early years of starting
their farm business.
This becomes increas-
ingly true when expan-
sion is part of the begin-
ning farmers' plan.
OFA will work with
the Canadian
Federation of
Agriculture and our
Federal and Provincial
levels of government to
get the necessary
changes to encourage
beginning farmers -
something essential to
the future of Ontario's
agriculture sector. Geri
Kamenz, President,
Ontario Federation of
Agriculture
Grief support program
GRAND BEND — A support program to help those dealing with
the loss of a loved one through death, separation or divorce is
starting at St. John's Anglican Church in Grand Bend Sept. 17 at 7
p.m., continuing for six weeks.
The program, called Beginning Experience, continues after the
six -weeks with a weekend of
intense self -confrontation, followed
by an eight-week follow-up.
Rev. Derek Parry and Simone
Lebel Brown are running the local
non-profit program.
Information provided by
Beginning Experience states that
the program "helps grieving single -
again persons emerge from the
darkness of grief into the light of a
new beginning, and move into the
future with renewed hope. The program helps deal with the nat-
ural grief process and offers an opportunity, through God, for
turning the pain of loss into an experience of positive growth."
The program was founded by a Catholic nun and is rooted in
Christianity, but serves those of all faiths.
The program is presented by a team of people who have suffered
loss in their own lives. They lead the participants through a series
of presentations, private reflection and group sharing.
Those interested can call Lebel Brown at 519-243-0539 or
attend the Sept. 17 meeting at St. John's Anglican. There is a $10
registration fee.
The program, called
Beginning Experience,
continues after the six -
weeks with a weekend of
intense self -confrontation,
followed by an eight-week
follow-up.
—;
Children have teddy bears to keep them safe.
Parents have Hunter Douglas.
Wrap your home in comfort
ith Duettc® honeycomb
shades. This soft shade actually
traps air before it enters your
room, decreasing the chill in
winter and the heat in summer.
LiteRisem allows you to raise and
lower your shades and blinds
with just the touch of a finger.
Your window fashions will open
and close evenly every time, and
can be stopped at any position
along the way. There are no pull
cords to become tangled in, so
kids and pets stay safe.
FREE!
LITERISE'®
F.am September l,n in Noromber Ise 2008
rau'll gu a free 1.811.e Upgrade when
roumda a Duette" honeyramb rhml.-
Hunterpouglas
LIGHT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING'
Auntertlaugles
FOR HOME & OFFICE
Custom Window Coverings, Custom & Ready -Made Bedding
for the Whole Family & Home Accessories
415 Main St. S., P.O. Box 1773 Exeter, ON • NOM 1S7
Tel: 519-235-2444 • 1-866-835-2444 Fax: 519-235-1979
• E-mail: customcoversforhomeoffice@bellnet.ca
HASKETT
FUNERAL HOMES LTD
www.haskettfh.com
Serving families since 1882
Traditional...
There's no such thing, J,ir
..
Every family deserves their own way to say good-bye.
223Main Street, Lucan 519-227-4211 • 370 William Street, Exact- 519-235-1220