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The Citizen, 2003-02-19, Page 9FROM AUBURN THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2003. PAGE 9. CRA/G /V/CHOLSON Riding with rookies By Craig Nicholson (©2003 by Craig Nicholson. All rights reserved.) 150th plans moving along well A meeting of the committee chairpersons for the 150th Celebration was held Feb. 11. Everyone has their plans and things are proceeding quite well. A Fun Day is being planned with a silent and live auction. This will take place this summer. If anyone has anything to donate for this auction please let any executive or committee member know or drop it off at the Auburn post office. The group is looking for a chairperson to do advertising/public relations. If interested contact Jeff Thomson, Daryl Ball, Brenda Empey, or Cathy Carter. Monday, March 3 will be the next 150th general meeting at 7:30 p.m. (Note time change) at Aubum Knox United Church. PEOPLE AROUND AUBURN By Margaret Fraser Call 526-1112 Auburn District Women’s Institute is holding a dessert euchre party on Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the Aubum Community Hall. Everyone is welcome. Entry fee is $5 per person. Proceeds to go the Clinton Public Hospital and the Sick Children’s Hospital in London. The area hockey pool winner was Denise McCann. Lung Assoc, tulip campaign begins Helping the heart After weeks of practice, the Grade 1 and 2 students at Sacred Heart School in Wingham were geared up for the Jump Rope for Heart challenge in which they participated on Friday. Mary Kate Higgins of Blyth was just one of the jumpers who raised funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. (Janice Becker photo) Get well wishes go to Grace Datema. Get well wishes as well go to Elva Armstrong. Apologies to Lawrence Plaetzer who had a birthday celebration at the Knox United Church in Aubum and not the Carnation as was reported in last week’s paper. Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused. Happy Birthday wishes to Ethel Ball and Maurice Bean. Perth-Huron United Church Women’s Institutes held the February meeting at the United Church in Belgrave. Bernice Gross and Elva Armstrong attended. Following the meeting, lunch was enjoyed at the UCW Hall in Belgrave. Think Spring. The Auburn Horticulture Society is holding a meeting on March 10 at the Aubum Community Hall. A speaker will be present. More details will be provided closer to the meeting date. The ladies of Aubum had another quilt in. The quilters are Maxine Seers, Tina Empey, Lois Haines, Rita Cartwright, Marg Fraser, Ethel Ball. Laura Mae Chamney and Elva Armstrong. The Auburn Area Seniors Club is holding a meeting on Feb. 19 at noon at Stickers Restaurant. A former minister of the Knox United Church Rev. Sweeney passed away two weeks ago. Quote of the Day- Our lives improve only when we take chances - and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves. - Walter Anderson Most riders love to introduce newcomers to snowmobiling. But too often, we’re so caught up in our experience and enthusiasm that we forget what it’s like for a rookie. Many non-snowmobilers have mis­ conceptions about snowmobiling. Others are secretly intimidated by such big machines. Some don’t want to get cold. Others are afraid of getting lost. Many simply don’t know what to expect. So you must allay their fears and inspire confidence. The goal may be to instill a love of snowmobiling, but failing that, you don’t want to create a new critic. Plan a short ride with picturesque scenery and easy riding. The operative word is short, preferably no more than an hour to a specific destination with food, shelter and warmth, and then back again. At this point, retracing your route may be preferable because familiarity increases confidence. Discuss the route openly so it is understood and acceptable. If possible, show it on a map. Set specific times and stick to them. Provide reassurance about not being left behind or driving fast, and about stopping numerous times. If you will always be in cell phone range, say so. Go over proposed clothing from the bottom layer out to make certain it will do the job. With loaned gear, make sure it fits properly or borrow (rent) items that do. I’d recommend providing a very short two-up ride first to ensure proper warmth. If the recruit does not drive, offer only a ride as passenger on a proper two-up sled. For drivers, still provide a thorough orientation and brief familiarization ride. But remember, the rookie still does not have your confidence, experience or honed reactions, so take it very easy. Preferably, several laid back riders "Your Arctic Cat Sledquarters” ARCTIC CAT What Snowmobiling s All About.™ Service to most makes of small engines Automotive farm and tire service Jim Bauer 519-345-2248 Mike Kells who understand your intent should accompany you. If possible, have someone ride two-up, just in case the recruit wants to passenger it back. Avoid taking anyone who js prone to show off, ride far or fast, and never stop to smell the roses. Make sure the neophyte’s sled has the most comfortable ride and amenities available, and is in good working order. Take a moment to check and reset the suspension if necessary. A beginner won’t know what’s wrong, only that the steering is difficult or the ride uncomfortable. Put the newcomer in second position, where fumes will be less, sight lines decent and there are reassuring riders behind. Stop frequently at first to check for difficulties or questions. Take the time to address these as they may make or break the enjoyment of the ride. Ask the third rider to keep a special eye on the novice, watching for obvious problems and ready to make suggestions. Use the proper hand signals, avoid sudden moves or bursts of speed and allow plenty of stopping room unless you want to be rear-ended. Stay off frozen waterways, steep inclines and avoid road riding/ crossing if possible. Let the person simply enjoy the experience at their own pace and comfort zone with as few distractions as possible. After all, there’s always the next ride, when if you’ve succeeded, the new snow- mobiler will be begging for more. Until next time, remember to be a Safe Rider this winter. For trail condition reports check www.ofsc.on.ca Craig Nicholson is a regular contributor to Snow Goer, Canada’s Snowmobiling Magazine The Intrepid Snowmobiler also appears on radio and on Snowmobiler Television. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author. Nothing brightens the dull days of late winter like fresh flowers and nothing says Spring better than a bunch of colourful, fresh-cut tulips. The Lung Association’s annual Breath of Spring Tulip Day Campaign takes place Feb. 26 when Lung Association volunteers will deliver 1,900 bunches of tulips throughout Perth and Huron Counties. Tulips come cello-wrapped in bunches of five and are available for just $6. If businesses have not yet ordered tulips, they can still call The Lung Association at 519-271-7500 for delivery to their door on Feb. 26. As well, individuals can order tulips by calling The Lung Association, however they would need to pick their flowers up at the office unless they are ordering 10 or more bunches. The Breath of Spring Tulip Day Campaign is now a major fundraiser for the Association. The goal is to sell 1,900 bunches locally and 100,000 bunches across the province. The Association gives the gift of better breathing to millions of Ontarians by bringing real solutions to lung health through medical research and through programs like the Asthma Action Helpline and the new BreathWorks for those living with COPD. To be part of the Breath of Spring Tulip Day Campaign, call 519-271- 7500.___________ Pound Foolish Healthwise Carrying extra weight is hard on your body. Lose those extra pounds - eat sensibly, be physically active and consult your doctor. www participadion.com • Snowmobile Oil • Gasoline Treatment • Spark Plugs • Select Snowmobile Belts available • Super Unleaded Gasoline "Leave Your Tracks On The Trail" Radford Auto, Farm & Industrial Parts 523-9681 Blyth