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The Times Advocate, 2008-12-10, Page 22 Times -Advocate Wednesday, December 10, 2008 South Huron Chamber of Commerce president to resign Continued from front page on Exeter s Main Street and the empty lot across from Trivitt Me- morial Church. The BIA has also requested a let- ter verifying proper insurance cov- erage for the farmer s market, a detailed marketing plan for adver- tising the market, and budget pro- jections, among other things. BIA president James Eddington referred to such conditions as stan- dard business procedures, saying the BIA is on the fence about the possibility of a farmer s market in Exeter. We d like to see it if it s done properly, Eddington said. Nobody s opposed to it we think it s a great idea. We just want to make sure all the [i s are dotted] and t s are crossed make sure ev- erything s done right. Eddington said there is some flex- ibility on the conditions presented, adding he believes there is no ill will from either the BIA or COC. I think both parties want to work together, he said. Eddington admitted the BIA would prefer the farmer s market be located on Main Street, where it would be more likely to attract visi- tors driving through town than at the Legion, which is less visible. McMaster said he believes the Le- gion parking is the best venue out of many we looked at, suggesting a market at the Parkette would ruin the aesthetics of that property. Eddington said he doesn t believe this would be problem, but said the BIA is open to alternate locations. We don t really have a preference on the location per se, he said. His own little empire? McMaster said obstacles related to the farmer s market partially explain his decision to step down as president of the COC, which he founded 10 years ago. Allegations that he was essen- tially a dictator while in this post provided more motivation. If the consensus out there is that I m managing my own little em- pire, then it s about time I stepped down, he said. McMaster added he doesn t think Crediton says goodbye to old hall By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF CREDITON It was one last time to say goodbye to the old Crediton Hall before it closes Dec. 17. The Crediton Community Centre Improve- ment Committee hosted One Last Look Sun- day afternoon at the hall, which gave a chance for residents to see the hall a final time, look at historical displays, socialize and enjoy some en- tertainment and food. Built in 1886, the building "has served its time," said Lois Hodgins of the Crediton Wom- en s Institute, which had members on hand Sun- day. Hodgins said the Women s Institute mem- bers, who have been meeting in the Crediton Hall since 1951, will miss the building but are looking forward to a new Crediton Community Centre planned at the former Stephen Township municipal building. Women s Institute president Anne Cottel said she has many fond memories of dinners and meetings at the Crediton Hall. She added the Women s Institute supplied many of the fur- nishings in the building. Leigh Robinson of the Crediton Community Centre Improvement Committee said the com- mittee continues to look at all of its grant op- tions for the planned community centre, which will cost an estimated $400,000 and will be paid for through fundraising efforts and from re- serves from the former Stephen Township. Fundraising projects include a gas raffle that will see the winner receive $100 of gas per week for a year, while the second place winner will receive $1,000 in cash and the third place winner will receive $250. Tickets are $10 each and can be bought from any committee member. The draw will be held Dec. 27. Farewell An open house was held Sunday afternoon to say goodbye to the old Crediton Hall, which is closing Dec. 1 7.Among those saying good- bye were members of the Crediton Women s Institute, represented above left by treasurer Alma Davey, president Anne Cottel, Lois Hodgins and Rosemary Neeb. Downstairs, there was colouring, games and bingo for the kids. From left are Aaliyah Earle and Jada Palen. (photos/Scott Nixon) Former Mohawk dies in Woodstock tragedy WOODSTOCK There is a lo- cal connection to the Woodstock carbon monoxide poisoning trag- edy that killed three members of a family with the fourth clinging to life. Richard Hawkins, 41, died along with his children Jordan, 12, and Cassandra, 14, of carbon monox- ide poisoning when a pipe in a gas fireplace became blocked. Their bodies were discovered Dec. 1. Hawkins was a former Exeter Mo- hawk. His wife, OPP Const. Laurie Hawkins, remains in hospital in critical condition and is not ex- pected to survive. Richard Hawkins is a former Ex- eter Mohawk and is remembered fondly by his Mohawk trainer, Mike Soldan. Hawkins was a forward with the Exeter Mohawks in the old Senior A League and also played Junior A with the Kitchener Rangers and Ju- nior B with the St. Marys Lincolns. Richard Hawkins His nickname was "Hawk." "Richard was an integral part of the very success- ful Mohawks," Soldan wrote to the Times -Advo- cate last week. "When a team is together over several years the players grow close together so (Hawkins death) was a shock to us all." Soldan described himself as "numb" when he heard the news. "I made several calls to tell stunned former players of the great loss. Dave Revington, who was the Mohawk boss in those days was taken back by the news." Soldan continues, "Richard and Laurie always had their home open to the team and on return trips from Dunnville it was not uncommon for the bus to park in front of Hawk s house, where the team was entertained with hospi- tality, food and beverage." Of the Hawkins family, Soldan said, "This was a wonderful, young and vibrant family and we are all reminded of how precious life is and how quickly it can change. "I know many of Hawk s team- mates will be there to show their respect when arrangements are announced. I will remember his ability as a player, his hearty laugh and his favourite saying, I11 tell ya" this was the feeling among COC members, but among certain mu- nicipal politicians. He said there was some friction between himself and municipal politicians but would not identify the cause of the friction or the poli- ticians he alleges were involved. McMaster rebuffed the notion he is a dictator with the COC, saying he never made decisions without going to the COC board first. It was always done on a consen- sus basis, he said. I never made any decisions on my own. McMaster said his goal for the COC was to unify business in South Huron. Another goal was to attract busi- nesses from centres like Goderich and London, and to keep South Huron residents shopping close to home. McMaster said he believes the COC accomplished these goals to a degree but there is more work to be done. McMaster said he expects the COC executive will appoint a new president in April when he steps down. He hopes to stay with the organi- zation in some capacity and said he has no real plans of leaving the community. I still have a heart in it ... I still have my heart and soul in it, and I hope it will survive and survive me, he said. New warden for Huron County Continued from front page provincial funding cuts will make it a challenging year and some things will not be popular. Another issue to be looked at is finding a new medical officer of health. Oke said the county has had positive discussions but no comittment from any candidate. An extension to an agreement with the Middlesex -London Health Unit for short-term coverage for an acting medical officer of health has been asked for to extend the Jan. 31 deadline, but Oke said the county has a backup plan. Oke said a priority should be the Huron County Health Unit. 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