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The Huron Expositor, 1980-12-04, Page 3ne-a Pace in awhile, if yotere lucky' '-abook comes along that's more than a good. read. .it s a breath of freall , That's the , way KoWalski;$ Last Chalice by Canadian writer Lee. SinaPatiori struck me recently and in the ' is the sort Of book youMight; like to bay for 'yourself or to ' dull and depressing early winter days We've had lately the experience is Something . .wQrth sharing. The Iocal library has it or Will as SPe/if tie; take back nlY overdue copy but Kowalski NEW MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT—The in- augural meeting of the 1981-82 Seaforth council was held Monday. Seated, from left, are: Reeve William Dale, Mayor John Sinnamon and deputy reeve Bill Bennett. The back row, from left, are councill Dinsmore $ Hazel Johnston, Paul Crocker... give SopleqUe , YPU love a', laugh for Chriatinas, . It concerts the adyenturesi Of one small prilicenette. • that's Kowalski. and .his brush with .Jeprechatuts'. Perhaps 2thel'' 94IY slightiv tedious section in the book , 'lehesiintOgreaf detail on the :10Prechauns. who their i'inetterne'dtess, operate multi -national g ationoinalctodthat.nglomerate, t,i Take it as an article of faith.. .Kowalski gets help. from leprechauns. (Kowalski and the two old aunts he lives with. and tries .to entertain also end upset for life thanks to the fePrechauns but you have to readthe book to find -out about that.) Simpson's book is notable or hish7 only -slightly - exaggerated -for -laughs characters . . . the police sergeant witha heart of gold, the police chief with an addled head and his " arrogant, politican wife, and the establishment lawyer who Says "we can give it priority, put a rush on it, say three months." The plot is a great turn around when those who've been feeding at the public trough get their's . town's ' r itziest n ors Gerald Groothuis, Robert Hildebrand, Alf Ross, Irwin Ross and town clerk Jim 2, (Photo by Shoveller) . . the ei ghbour- hood is deomolished for, right, a park. My repeated guffaws were loud enoagh to bring worried leeks and "are you ' alrights?", from the better ;half. Very few smalltown; people remain " Onshaftedi Here's Simpsons description of the Eradferrowi Lawn Bowling Club where "only a modest ameurit of tem! bpwling . went (in''. Conversation in the middle of a week day afternoon is along the lines of "Plenty of jobs for anybody who wants , them, . ," • .yoti don't see pride of craft any , more ." ". . .110 incentive to go out to work you see, with a government cheque in the mail regular as elockwork . . ." and ...never spent a penny in my life I didn't earn but these people, . . ." There's a homicidal maniac running the local toy store and the police chief's niece frolics with a not so hon'est cop in a fertility ritual. , Throughout it all Kowalski remains a gentle, honest, relaxed individual - and the book's ending proves good guys do finish first. Kowalski will be -back I hope and perhaps on the Big Screen as well as in another novel. Town plan review winds u BY: HERB SHOVELLER With the laet Of a series of public meetings , completed and recorded the Seaforth plan- ning committee will now begin to sift through the hours of taped conversations as they gradually work at a new town plan. The Thursday night meeting, the final of four perliminary discussions, consisted of a review of previous meetings on industrial, ., commercial and residential development and parks. Equipped with a record of citizen con- cerns, the board will construct a plan whipli will provide guidelines for Seaforth'S develo- pment for the •next several years. Cince complete, the new plan will be circuleted in the community and will be followed by another series of public hearings. At the summary session, meeting chair- man Ken Cardno reviewed the highlights of the earlier/ gatherings. He explained the completed*n would be a legal document to provide a "framework or blueprint for improvement" in the community. Mr. Cardno explained Seaforth was the smallest town and showed the lowest growth performance italuronCounty He noted a quarter of the town's population was of retirement age. twice the provincial average. while younger members of the community were going elsewhere for jobs. A centre reason for the departure of young people. Mr. Cardno erld, was the lack of industrial growth. and currently there is a lack of suitable industrial site in Seaforth. ff Seaforth is to attract new industry, he conttnucd, there are certain factors the town must considet. Industry prefers spots where its interests do not conflict with those of residents so it can minitnIze public com- plaints, it leaks for land in a ready -to -go state (serviced lots) and further. industry might consider easy access toshighway 8 an asset. KEEP INDUSTRY IN ONE PLACE A the earlier meeting on industry, it. wae sug ested the town puchase land in other parts of town rather than expand the existing industrial park. But Mr. Cardno explained the general consensus was to expand. the current park eaeteely and northerly. Such eepasisien, he added, wanid keep industry in that section of town. Charlie Campbell, who chaired the indust- ry meeting, explained the development of the land could be left to the current metiers but added industry prefers to deal with the municipality. He noted expanding the existing park to keep future industries together would mean the town would fieve to be tess selective about the kind of business it will acept. Atiother planning board member. Ken Ohlacre, said industry does have an affin ity fot industry in outlining the importance of keeping such develepinent together. Jim Crocker, town clerk. added Seaforth has a reserve fund for industrial develop- ment which is in excess of S$0,000 but added this would cover only "35 as 40 percent of the cost of getting the land" which is being considered for the town's expansion. A major pitfall for commercial develop- ment in Seaforth continues to be the town's parking meters according to a review of the commercial development meeting Henry Mero chaired. He noted public displeasure with the meters developed after a bylaw enforcement officer was hired. He added public sentiment is in support of removing the meters, but explained the town's debt on them will have to be depreciated before they can be taken out. A major factor in the town's commercial development could be the establishment of a Business Improvement Area (B1A). Mr. Mero explained, the first 13IA proposal was defeated last week but it was agreed to'try to start again with a new committee and new ideas. A SENSE OF UNITY "The failure of the first B1A wasn't because of the work of the study group," added Mr. Cardno. "Many merchanfg didn't understand. If they had understood we wouldn't be where we are now (starting over)". He added. however, that once the, BIA plan was fully explained at the meeting. there was posit* support from most. "If there is a merchant that didn't go out of here Tuesday night with a greater sense of unity. then I don't know what's wrong with them." Other considerations which eeolved from the commercial development meeting. out- lined by Mr. Cardno is his review. were plans to look at downtown parking and traffic circulation problems. to 113Ve merchants park 'off Main St. if the meters are removed. to push for owners to dean up the rear of their Main St. buildings and to encourage merchants to offer a wide selections of merchandise at cornpetitise prices while Staffa fire claims stock The cause of a barn fire in which 134 pigs were killed last Thursday near Staffa is still undetermined. "I don't think they haee established a cause yet," said Ivan Norris. the owner of the livestock. We just don't know for sure. There were two heat lamps in there. and they could have started it. There are numerous things that could have starred it." Mr. Norris rerticedthe fire shortly before midnight. but the fire was out of control before the Mitchell fire department reached the scene. "Our loss was in the neighborhpod af 521.000" explained Mr. Minis. who was renting the barn fume H J. A Fahes of R.R. 2 Staffa. John Scot:. a partner in H.J.A. said there is not yet a final estimate foe the foss of the barn. Ross Reggae:h. Mitchell fire chief. said when his denartritent arrived there was no hope ief seeing the bare "Ali we could dc was just .try to liotect be Other buildings around it." he explained.;Only oae th surroun-ding building suffered dainff•ffl and it was slight according to the chief. Mr. Norris estimates he has about 80 per cent insur ance coverage for his loss, Murray acclaimed chairman BY: WIT,IVIA OKE Rotald M. Murray of R.R. 2 Dublin, was acclaimed 1980 chairman of the Huron -Perth °entity Catholic school hoard at the inaugu- ral meeting Monday in Dublin. The 43 -year old McKillop Township farmer, who was vice chairman last year, succeeded Ron Marcy of Stratford. Vincent Young of Goderic.h was elected vice-chaitman. The 52 -year old department manager at Champion Road Machinery of Goderieh. won over John O'Leary of R.R. 2 Staffa in a second ballot as there was a tie in the first ballot. Named to the nominating committee were John O'Leary and Ron Marcy to act with Mr. Murray and Mr. Yoting to choose the four standing committees and the three ad hoc committees of the, beard for the corning year Rev. A.F. Loebach of Griderien. Dean of the Stratford Deanery, spoke briefly. He said Catholic high schools have economic diffii- culfies with government grants only cover- ing Grades 9 and 10. He wondered if a Catholic high school could be established in the Huron -Perth district in a more populated area as a start to getting Catholic education for secondary. students. He said this was . being started in Woodstock. The firm of Donnelly and Murphy of GOelerich was appointed solicitor for the board. A borrowing bylaw for S3 million was approved, up from 52 million last year. The next meeting of the board will be held December IS. maintaining a courteous and cordial atmos- phere. . , At the conclusion of the/ commercial development section of the Thursday even- ing discussion Henry Mero, chairman of that section and an outgoing councillor, said: "This will be my last official meeting. I think there are qeat things happening in Seaforth and we as citizens will see it through. I do' hope the new council and the new planning board carry it on." Besides Mr. Mero and Irwin Johnston and a brief appearance by Robert Dinsmore. there were no members of the current council at the meeting. New councillors Alf Ross, a member of the planning board, and Paul Ross took part in the procedings. ENOUGH SITES HOUSES The third section of the final meeting dealth with t•esidential development ana parks and workshop chairmen Ken Oldacre explained Seaforth has enough building sites at present and added "without growth over the next five years we should have enough houses to meet the requirements." 'A major topic in this section of the discussion was whether the town should designate an area for mobile homes. The planning board will recommend that if permitted mobile homes should be kept separate from other residential develop- inents Charlie Campbell suggested, much tike industrial planning. that an area be set aside for such housing. Clerk Crocker noted the new plan could only recommend to council that an area be designated and then a zoning bylaw would be needed before development could proceed. He added that to date. however. there simply wasn't a demand for such a subdivision. Another residential concern involved group homes and the planning board said the general feeling was that they will he allowed but applications will be dealt with on an individual basis. , In his review, Mr. Oldacre noted individ- uals could continue to operate businesses E HURON EXPOSITOR, DECEMB from their homes with only a few exceptions - external appearance must be kept subtle. meaning excessive displays would not be permitted. ENFORCED IN EXTREMES The planning board may also recommend council pass a property standard bylaw to ensure homes in Seaforth are kept in an attractive state. Mr. Oldacre said the bylaw would not be enforced except in extreme cases. He said it gives the municipality the authority to act whcn there are enough valid complaints. In those instances, the owner would be warned and if he failed to act the , town would move in. clean up the property and bill the resident on his taxes. The board also mentioned the possibility of acquiring Munn's Bush property in (he northwest corner of town with the ai m of establishing a town -owned naturalist area. Tire fire blamed Heavy black smoke which blanketed Egmondville and Seaforth Thursday after- noon is being attributed to tires which accidently ignited during a controlled burn 41 the dump. Seaforth clerk Jim Crocker suspects the cause was accidentn1 but suggestS there are other possibilities. "The only thing that is burnt out there is limbs." he explained ((or instance) "Whether it was an accident from Bill (Bill Chesney. caretaker at the damp) doing a controlled bum or whether someone hi it. I don't know There was only one complaint." Mr. Crocker said. The complaint. registered with the Mini- stry of the Environment. was made by Betty Brady 'of Enmoradville Seaforth fire department were called and stood by to keep the fire under contrail Mrs. Brady added at times the flames reached 20 feet into the air The thick black smoke was noticed on Main St. and north of town in McKillop township. Tuckersmith council outlines procedures I3Y WILMA OKE The inaugural meeting rif Tuckersmith Township council was held Tuesday night in spite of the storm which raged throagh this area. Clerk Jack McLachlan said it took him three-quarters of an /mut to drive to and from the meeting, held for the first time at the township office in Vanastra. which has been newly renovated for the council meetings. With three new councillors much of the meeting thee was spent outlining council business to them to acquaint them with towraship matters. Appointments were made to various committees and boards: Councillor Bob Braodfoot was appointed to the Clinton fire area board. Deputy reeve Bill Brown to the Seaforth fire area board and Reeve Robert Bell to . the Hensall fire area board. Councillot Jim Papple was appointed to represent the council on the Farm Safety Association and Cleave .Coombs of Egmondville on the Seaforth Community Hospital board. Deputy reeve Bill Brown was appointed to the landfill site committee. Reeve Bell and Councillor John Brownridge Will N n sent council on the Vanastra day care board. - A tile drain I. an 'application approved. for 55,200 was The next meeting will he held on December If PECKIN' OUT THE TREE— touches to the community Ch tree was donated by Dick Bu UC worker Dennis Medd applies finishing istmas tree at the Seaforth Town Hall. The ss. (Photo by Shoveller) DUBLIN ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF LOCAL MAN—Jim Melady, 37, of RR 2. Dublin, was killed Thursday afternoon when his pickup.truck was involved in a collision with a box van driven by William Vanosch of RR 3. Goderich The accident Occurred at the Dublin intersection during Thursday's Sodden winter storm (Pboto by Ellis) You're invited The Seaferth Horticultural Society invites the public kb attend its :nor:this rneetine on Wednesdas . December 10th at 8 p.m in the Seaforth Public School Auditorium Joanne Burke Dinnes of Ceuntry Ficevers. F Teter will demonstrate cut and dried flower arrangements for Christmas The Christmas meeting of the Hospital Auxihary will be herd Tuesday. December 9th at 6 30 in the Board room of the hospital A pot luck supper will precede • the Meeting Come and bring a friend! Christmas meeting of the Seaforth. Wornens Institute will begin with a family pot luck supper at the Seaforth Public Sehool. Tuesday. Dec. 9. at 6:30 p.m. Thee will be fi gift exchange. (52.00 in value). Roll Call: A Christmas custom from your childhood. Supper Convenors are Mrs. R.J. Doig and Mrs: Rachel Richt. Santa is coming! Continued from page 1 Victoria Park. The Lions sponsored parade theme this year. according to chairman Irwin -Johnston. is nursery ryhrnes and its onderstexnai that a lot of the kids' favourite characters will he escorting Santa through town Santa will arrive at Larorie's after the parade arid will wernotre focal visitors for about an hour and a half. As part of the shop at home this Christmas promotion% local merchants have arranged to have a am ot community paean ipati•-n downtown every Saturday tiefoee Christmas Hot chocolate will he for sale on street corners bv Seaforth Nursery St. helot Bill Leeming will have sleigh or wagon rides for the kids; local church choirs will be singing and there'll be other special Christmas music and Christmas elves distributing candy. Seaforth Leos will provide haroysitting at the town hall for the three Saturdays before Christmas. from 10 to 11 30 a m and from 1.30 to 4 p Market St. is priority Continued from page 1 thanking Jonn Flannery, who retired from council this year after 20 years. His last position on 061111Cil was as reeve. The meeting began with PUC officials anci members of council taking their oaths of office. Reverend James Van Slyke of Northside United Church followed this with a prayer. Reeve William Tale and Hazel Hildebrandi a newly -elected councillor, were selected for the striking committee. Their task is to meet this week to set up council's new commit- tees. There was only one committee report at the abbreviated meeting. that of the arena group, and the only it em on its agenda concerted the appointment of a new arena manager. The committee recomenended Jo .n (Jack) Price now an arena attendent a d a former manager be awarded the post. accepted by council Bill Benett, chairman of the arena committee. explained there were two other applicants considered besides Mr Price One. from London. had related experience -but would not come to Seaforth for less than SI 7,000 a year. The other. from Ilderton. had no experience. The new manager replaces William Fish - back, who resigned in November to take a 'position in Woodstock. Mr. Price will go through a 90 day probation period. and will he required to take an arena managerscourse at the University of Guelph. which runs one week a year, for six years.. Mr. Price will earn 513.214 per amium. g5 k Help with that Christmas gift seardi Lockeng for a gaft that comes once a month and tens your friends what they need to know about the arts ;n Western Ontario') Village Square ma-gazane eovers the music and theatre scene arong watt; features on interesting new stores and craftspeople- in the area Some- times there s fiction and historii And every month there's a restaurant review, a day trip dining outvnd coming attraction tistangs Or maybe you know a retired farmer or someone who's recently moved into the rural area who'd like to keep up with the people in farming in Western Ontario Give them Rural Voice for Christmas It's a monthly magazine for the whole farm family Each magazine is only $5 a year and they're available here in Seaforth at The Huron Expositor We'll send a gift card in your name Perhaps you need some small gifts, stocking stutters or a little something to take to your Christmas season hostesses. There are still some Huron Expositor 'Christmas Cook- books left, at $1 each. If yOu'd like we'll mail them anywhere for another 50 cents. Stop at The Huron Expositor, you'll get something for everyone on your Christmas list ' ...was. aYaV. ''A.I. .7,.... .... .46., ..M.....a4.-..11;Z..-..A....e t ::, ,tieill...1115...N.41.r4Vi,..4214 ainriGeki4r4C.VT 4 fes