HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1990-12-26, Page 3Poet pens Santa comes to
Seaforth... (and Egmondville )
SANTA COMES TO SEAFORTH_
(AND EGMONDVILLB VILLAGE, TOO...)
Santa came this Cbnstmas
"cross Southern Ontario Skies,
And, as he passed u' er Seaturth
He heaved a hearty sigh.
"1 thunk," he said to Dasher,
(His handsome, Lead Readers,)
"I'll stop off first io Seaforth,
And Egmo dvill►e, this year!
Usually I head more southward,
Then, Stop on my way back;
But, this year, I'll give the local kids
First chance at my peck!
1 remember, one cold Christmas,
Back 'Bout '48...
1 left, for all the girls and boys,
Toboggans, Skiis and Skates.
Phase Skates got lots of Action
Down on Silver Creek,
When, In a Game of "Skinny"
Each Kid would try to Beat
His Buddies who would come to play
Down off "Coleman Street."
And, though there was no Ski -hill,
Many a happy time
Was had from 'Hind a Spirited Horse,
With Jingling bell, and line...
"And, Many a new Toboggan
Was carried, with a will,
Down to "Seaforth Gully"...
To the top of "Nixon's Hill."
"Up that hill, - Six miles High, -
(Or, so it seemed to Childhood eyes,)
They'd gaily trudge their winding way
Every Year, - On Christmas Day...
With Brand new scarves and Mittens,
Toboggans snug against their hips,
They'd climb to face the challenge
Of the mighty "Devil's Dip!"
"And every child would leave, for me,
Cookies and a coke..."
"And Barley for my reindeer
Parked on the Roof's South Slope."
"Those kids are now all grown up,
With Children of their own;
But, still, a tasty treat I find
In every village home..."
Dasher Slowed His prancing gait,
And peered Down through the trees:
"Look, Santa Claus! - by city hall!
- A giant Christmas tree!"
Santa Swung his Reindeer
In an arc across the sky...
Arad, - made a three - point landing!
(He's a flying ace, that guy!)
He threw the reins to Dasher:
Exclaimed, "I'll be right back!"
And flung across his shoulders
His bulging, toy sack...
Then, High upon that Christmas tree,
(There by city hall,) -
He hung a magic, silver star, -
And a snow-white Christmas Ball.
"There," said Santa, Smiling,
"That will bring "Good Luck," and "Fun"
To the "Egmondville" and "Seaforth Folk",
- In 1991!
Through Egmondville, and Seaforth Streets,
Drove Santa through the snow,
Stopping at each store - front
To tie a Big, Red Bow...
He tucked into each Mail box
A card with Greeting Bright,
From He and Mrs. Santa Claus,
This cold, December night..
Tai, up un to the Roof lops,
And, Down Chimneys Sanaa Sid:
Finda4 every [Horn and 1k,p,
Fast Wmp to Bed,.
But, In each hale mane bed,
Every sleepy Tyke
Was trying hid to stay dwelt
Until die first daylight:
(Just to tree if Santa Claus
Would Really come, that night,
- with a bulging Pack of Toys
And a Beard of Snowy W hue! )
But, Chnsurws Eve is Magic!
And every Child must sloop;
For, Salta Claus "...has miles to go..."
"...and pronusies to keep "
So, he sprinkled magic stardust
In their Drowsy, sleepy eyes,
And they Tumbled off to Dreamland
To dream of their surprise...
Then, under every Christmas Tree,
(And on the Mantles, too,)
Santa piled the toys...
(Left for pop, - and "Irish Brew"!)
- For every Sleeping mama,
He left some "Rum and Coke;"
"Because," The old Elf Chuckled,
"They're sure my kind of Folk!"
He filled up every Stocking,
And Piled upon the floor
Bright Beribboned Presents, -
And Toys by the score...
Then Santa, Thinking "Gram" and Gramps"
Would like A bit of cheer,
Reached into his Snowsuit, -
And, Presto! Labau's Beer!
In every house Santa found
Notes in Script, so fine: -
"Dear Santa," (Mom and Pop had Writ,)
"We left you cake and Wine!"
"Thank you for the splendid Gifts
You gave us all last year."
"Eat! and Drink! Be Merry!
"Raise a cup of Cheer!"
"Do you have a Designated Driver?
(In Case you "Sup too much!)
"Is there a holiday Sky -Patrol?"
("Wouldn't that be just your luck!")
Santa Smiled and Tucked each note
Into his Red Snow -Suit:
And, - Every slice of Christmas Cake
He washed Down with cold milk.
"I'll save the wine for Mrs. Claus,"
He said with Roguish smile:
"It takes A sober Santa
To cover all the miles..."
Finally Santa Finished up -
Every house in town,
And spotting Grandma's Rocking Chair,
Gratefullly sat down.
He Rocked, - And stroked his fluffy Beard,
And puffed upon his pipe;
Then, floated up the chimney
Into the starry night...
Out unto the roof top
Santa sprang with Lusty cry, -
And fastening his seat belt,
He flew across the sky...
But, as he swung his Reindeer
'Cross No 8 Highway,
I heard his Merry laughter,
- And I thought I heard him say...:
"Merry Christmas Seaforth!
- And All of Egmondville, too!
Have a Happy Christmas, -
And a Snappy, Real Cool Yule!
- by Judy Eckert - MacLean
. . / . . , . � . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE HURON E)MOMI. mbar 30. MO 3
CAROLUNG AT THE MANOR - Hesidents of Seaforth Manor and Retirement Horne were treated to
Christmas Carols sung by St. James Separate School Grade 4 Bass December 20 Some of the
residents sang along with the students. Oxford photo
Hospital has temporarysolution to access
Seaforth's Public Works Superin- Transporation has denied approval Four possible solutions for a
tendent John Forrest has been given of a second access off of Highway second access are: connect Side
authoruization to purchase and 8. It has also denied a request to Street directly with Alexander
install a sign east of the hospital have the 50 km/hour sign moved Street; curve Side Street onto Board
entrance, indicating a hidden inter- further east to slow traffic down of Education property to join
section. That sign will be equipped before it reaches the hospital Alexander Street; extend the north
with a flashing amber light. entrance, and the erection of an road at the high school easterly and
The sign is a temporary solution amber light at the intersection itself. Centennial Drive northerly to meet;
to finding an alternative access and extend Duke Street easterly and
route to the Seaforth Community The hospital board feels the only Centennial Drive northerly to meet.
Hospital. To date all other avenues other option available is to obtain
sought have met dead ends. another access to the hospital off of Those options are being inves-
Most recently, the Ministry of one of the town's roadways. ligated.
Hensall, Seaforth light up, get into spirit
Residents of the Town of
Seaforth, and the Village of Hensall
have gone all out in their Christmas
decorating this year. Residents seem
to have attempted to combat the
gloomy prediction of a recession,
with an overly cheery approach to
the Christmas season. More exterior
decorations, especially lights, seem
to have made an appearance
everywhere, especially in Seaforth
and Hensall, and make a light drive
almost a necessity this year.
Hensall and Seaforth do hold an
annual decorating contest, which
nip be partly responsible for the
increase in the visual Christmas
spirit.
In Hensall, winners of the
decorating contest are: HOUSE - 1.
Joe and Joanne Bengough, 93 Rich -
Garbage truck
bus collide
Seaforth police report a two
vehicle accident involving an empty
schoolbus and a garbage truck
December 21. There were no in-
juries from the accident.
The accident occured at 8 a.m. at
the corner of Birch and Main Street
South when the garbage truck came
out of Birch Street and failed to
yield to the schoolbus that was
travelling northband on Main Street.
The schoolbus received damage to
its right side. The garbage truck
received damage to its front fender,
bumper, engine and rear right wheel
causing the tire to deflate.
The driver of the garbage truck,
John (Sandy) Lammont, Seaforth,
was charged with failing to yield
under the Highway Traffic act.
Fate of Fire Chief still in debate
BY HEATHER ROBINET
Seaforth Town Council took no action on correspondence from
Tuckersmith Township Council, which voiced that township's strong
opposition to the appointment of a full time Chief to the Seaforth and
Area Fire Department - now or in the near future. The correspondence
was circulated to the Town of Seaforth and other members of the
Seaforth Area Fire Department, for their support. Seaforth took note of
the opposition, but took no action.
An investigation into the feasibility of hiring a full time fire chief for
the Department has been ongoing for approximately one year. A report
compiled by the Fire Marshall late this summer, revealed a need for
such a move, but the investigation continues. A decision one way or
another will probably be reached within the next few months.
Members of the Seaforth Area Fire Board are: the Town of Seaforth,
and parts of Tuckersmith Township, McKillop Township, Hibbert
Township and Hulku Township.
APPROVE REQUEST
Seaforth Town Council passed a motion to approve a request from the
Seaforth Optimist Club for LBO privileges at its Winter Camival. The
carnival will be held Saturday, January 19, and Sunday, January 20 at
the Seaforth and District Community Centres.
REQUEST REFERRED
A request from the North Huron Big Brothers to have its logo shown
on the signs at the four entrances to the Town of Seaforth, has hien
referred to the town's Streetscape Committee. The Big Brothers Or-
ganization has a satellite commiuee in Seaforth headed by hoard mem-
ber Harry Denhaan.
The organization matches an adult male with a boy from a fatly r
absent home. Every effort is made to pair men and boys with sin.
interests and this provides a one-to-one friendship.
LEAVE POR LATER
A decision on a grant request from the 1991 Ontario Senior Gan es
Committee has been postponed to 1991, when the town reviews its
budget.
in the past participating communities have made a donation to the
Games. Seaforth has always been an active participant
LATCH KEY CARE
Seaforth Town Council will leave it up to its Finance and General
Government ('ommittee to investigate a "latch key" care program in
town.
The decision was made after a town citizen rowed approximately 2.5
6
pupils awaiting entry to the Seaforth Public School, during a steady
rain, almost 45 minutes before classes were set to begin.
"I understand that classes begin about 9 a.m. and that the Education
Act requires that school buildings be opened no less than 15 minutes
before the commencement of classes. In actual practice, I believe that
Huron county schools are open to the pupils much before that minimum
deadline," wrote Paul Carroll.
"I do not know hoy many would babe been there since 8 .m., nor can
i tell you the corresponding number of children waiting at St. James
Separate School on the same rainy day."
Mr. Carroll noted that school boards arc not in the babysitting
business, and said that as a citizen taxpayer he would be concerned if
he were asked to pay for such services as part of his school tax bill.
He said he suspected the parents of these children had gone to work
early, and for whatever reason, decided the school yard was the
appropriate waiting place to fill the gap in time.
He asked that the town study a need for a "latch Key" care program
in Seaforth. Such a program would provide babysitting -type services to
students whose parents work hours do not correspond with the school
hours.
HERITAGE PROPERTIES
Another request from Paul Carroll, concerning the wording used in a
new policy itemizing the Huron County philosophy of heritage
preservation, and which defines methods of providing assistance to
heritage organizations, has been referred to Seaforth's Finance and
Genet :il Government Committee.
Mr. Carroll said he finds the language, rather than the substance of the
fX .lacy, insulting, and suggests Seaforth Town Council review it, and if
in agreement, refer it back to Huron County Council's Museum
ommittee.
"1 do not wish to suggest that the County should solicit participation
in the management and administration of heritage properties, or
necessarily, seek the acquisition of additional heritage properties. But
i am personally offended by the wording which would be better turned
around to become an offer to assist in problem -solving with small
heritage sites outside the Town of Goderich which may need help
dealing with the often overwhelming challenges and bureaucracy of
management and adminstration," he said.
"An offer to help (not financially!) in this regard would be much more
pilatahle than a NA denial for involvement.
Tors toe me4•
mond Street North, 2. Jim and
Marylou Hyde, 19 York Crescent,
3. Gary and Judy Kyle, 155 King
Street. APARTMENT WINDOW
OR BALCONY - 1. Ralph and
Peggy Mathonia, 93 Wellington
Street, 2. Babe McGregor, 80
Queen Street, Apt. 110, 3. Rob and
Joan Baker, 174 Richmond Street
South. STORE WINDOWS - 1.
Village Flowers, 2. William's
Hairstyling, 3. Ron's Health Centre.
In Seaforth, winners were:
HOUSE - 1. Clara Ducharme, 26
Franklin Street, 2. Harry Laycox,
19 Centre Street, and 3. Elvey
Marshall, 31 Chalk Street.
Honorable mention went to Rita
Core, RR 4 Seaforth, and Paul
Carroll, 131 Goderich Street West.
The Seaforth contest was sponsored
by the Optimist Club and the BIA.
CAROLUNG FOR S.A.i.D. AND HOSPITAL - Students Against
Impaired Driving and fellow carollers went singing for patients at
Seaforth Community Hospital December 20. Oxford photo.
_Community Calendar—
Wed.,
Dec. 26
BOXING DAY
Thurs., Dec. 27
10:00 a.m.-12 Noon - Fres Public
Skating sponsored by: Seaforth
Legion Branch 156
'3:00-4:00 p.m. - Petite I vs. Petlte 11
4:00-5:30 p.m. - Figure Skatlng
5:30-6:30 p.m. - Bantam Hockey
Practice at Arena
6:30-8:00 p.m. - Minor Broomball at
the Arena
7:00-9:00 p.m. - Seaforth Wood
Carving Club at SONS
7:00-11:00 p.m. - Mixed Curling
8:00 p.m. -12:00 midnight - Men's
Broomball at Arena
Fri., Dec. 28
1:00-3:00 p.m. - Free Public Skatlng
sponsored by: Seaforth Legion
Branch 156
3:00-4:'0 p.m. - Centenalres
Practice
4:30-5:30 p.m. - Novice Ringett• at
the Arena
5:30-6:30 p.m. - Junior
Houselesgue Hockey practice
6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. - Senior
Houselesgue Hockey practice
7:30-8:30 p.m. - Junior Ringette
8:0410:00 p.m. - Mixed Curling
8:30-10:00 p.m. - Port Albert vs.
Merchant Oldtlmers
Sat., Dec. 29
7:30-8:30 a.m. -Oilers vs. North
Stars
8:30-9:30 a.m. - Canadians vs.
Kings
9:30-10:30 a.m. - Whalers vs.
Penguins
10:30-11:30 a.m. - leaf's vs. Flames
11:30 a.m -12:30 p.m. - Mites
Hockey
12 30-1 30 p m - Petite 1 and 11
Rlngstts
1:30-3:00 p.m. - Free Public Skating
sponsored by: Whitney Ribey
Funeral Home
1:30-2:30 p.m. - Story Hour at
Seaforth Library.
3:00-4:00 p.m. - Minor Hockey
4:00-5:15 p.m. - Goderich vs. Atom I
5:15-7:00 p.m. - Wingham vs.
Midgets Hockey
7:00-8:30 p.m. - Beavers
8:30-10:30 p.m. - Free Teen Skating
sponsored by: Seaforth Lions
Club
Sun., Dec. 30
11:00 a.m.-12 noon - Atom 11
Hockey practice
1:00-4:00 p.m. - Exeter vs.
Centenalres
4:00-5:30 p.m. - Atom 1 Hockey
practice
5:30-6:30 p.m. - Petite iI Ringette
practice
6:30-7:30 p.m. - Tween Ringette
practice
7:30-8:30 p.m. - Junior Ringette
practice
8:30-9:30 p.m. - Clinton vs. Belle
Ringette
9:30-11 00 pm.-I.NL.
Mon., Dec. 31
7:00-10:00 p.m. - Free Family
Skatlng sponsored by: S.O.C.C. -
P.U.C. & Town Employees
Tues., Jan. 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Wed., Jan. 2
800 a.m.-5:30 p m - Houasleague
Hooky Tournament
1:30-4:00 p.m - Senior
Shuffleboard at Arena
6:30-7:30 p m - Centenalres
Practice
7:30-9:00 p in - Minor Broomball
O:00-11- 30 p m - Lades' Broomball
If you're organizing a non-profit wont of interest to other Seaforth area
residents, phone the recreation offioe 527-0882 or the Expositor at 527-0240.
or mail the information to Community Calendar. The Huron Expositor, Box
69, Seaforth, Ontario. NMC IWO well in edvanoa o1 the scheduled date. Free
listing includes date, time, name of *vont and location only Space for the
Community Calendar is donated by The Huron Expositor