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The Huron Expositor, 1994-12-28, Page 9C7 Daily, Weekly, Monthly E 0 Insurance Rentals & More E Q Free Delivery °a C7 Ask about our full transportation service IQ Youths enjoy drop-in centre in Hensall BY PATRICK RAPTIS' former Expositor reporter Hensall's new Youth Drop -In Centre is good idea, according to somo of the local youngsters who spent some time at the centre on opening night, Dec. 14. "It's awesome," said Regan Neilands, who was enjoying a board game with a few of his friends around 7:30 p.m. on a recent Wednesday night. What would the youths have normally been doing at that time on a mid -week evening? "Sitting at home, likely," said Regan.' "Either that or freezing outside," added Justin Shaw. Hanging out uptown was another probable activity, noted another youth who was participating in the game. The centre, sponsored by the Optimist Club os Hensall and Dis- trict will be open Wednesday even- ings, from 7-.10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-11 p.m. on a three-month trial basis. Despite long-standing concerns about lack of activities for young people in Hensall, support for the drop-in centre concept has been difficult to gauge, said Optimist member Alex Irvine. TIM CUMMING PHOTO MUSIC MAKERS - Ian, Murray and Gregory Murray both sang at Seaforth Manor Nursing Home last week along with their fellow classmates at Seaf, hrth Co-operative Children's Centre Inc. Residents of the Manor enjoyed lively Christmas songs by the children. St. Patrick's teacher has new baby daughter Congratulation go to Wayne and Joanne Smith, Clinton, on the birth of a new baby (laughter (Kelsey Marie who made a safe arrival on Dec. 17 weighing 7 lbs, 6 oz. The happy mother is a teacher at St. Patrick's School. Congratulations also to happy grandparents, Wayne and Mary Smith. Mary is a teacher at St. Columban School. Sympathy of the community is extended to Dr. Thomas Melady, Goderich, and to his family, on the loss of a dear wife, mother and grandmother - Teresa (Eckert) Melady who passed away on Sun- day, Dec. 18. Sympathy also gots to all the Melady and Eckert rela- tives. Congratulations go to Lori Lynne Willens and Jeff Campbell who were united in marriage at St. James Church, Seaforth, on Oct. 29, 1994. Congratulations also to the parents, Peter and Elsie Willcros Dublin by I) dthv Dillon 3•15-2883 and Les and Gayle Campbell. If anyone wishes to have their Christmas visitors, trips etc. put in the next week's paper please phone Dorothy (345-2883). THOUGHT FOR TODAY 'There's a miracle called friend- ship, We find within our heart, And with our lovc.and. kindness;) We always have a start! So as '95s before us, With surprises we're aware, So let us put forth effort, We'll have a year beyond com- pare!' Happy New Year! Usborne & Hibbert Mutual Fire Insurance Company Exeter, Ontario NOM 1St (Established in 1876) Provides Full Insurance Coverage for Farm Properties New Applications Are Welcomed DIRECTORS & ADJUSTORS 345-2678 348-4589 348-8853 229-6152 348-9705 225-2600 Larry Gardner, R.R. 2 Statta tJoyd Monson, Mitchell Lorne Feeney, Mitchell Jade Hodgen, R.R. 1 IGrkton Joe Chatte. R.R. 5 Mitchell Michael 0 Shea. RR_ 3 Granton AGENTS Wayne Maver, Exeter John Moore, Dublin Joseph time, Mchell Head Office, Exeter 235-1915 345-2512, 235-0354 A refund from surplus was declared for all policy holders who qualify, are on record and in good standing as at December 31, 1993. STRATFORD CYCLE CENTRE Where Service Counts! Ask about our exclusive... AgrGci— THE HURON EXPOSITOR. D cennberr 28, 1994-9 To All Residents of the Township of Tuckersmith The Township will provide for the DISPOSAL OF NATURAL CHRISTMAS TREES if dropped off at the Township Shed or Municipal Office prior to January 6th, 1995. Merry Christmas and Health and Happiness for the New Year. Reeve and Council of the Township of Tuckersmith Gaiser Kneale Insurance Brokers Inc. ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF Vaa 7e ylaa • AS OUR FINANCIAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE IN YOUR AREA CLINTON OFFICE 482-9747 -m4.. .,9 *ow, Rio.i W Oen 5A.e•,grry PIANO TUNING • REPAIRS • REBUILDING • KEYS RECOVERED • DAMPP CHASED` • REGULATING • BENCHES BRUCE PULSIFER ri oaGGO ANKIL IROGaGGQGQXIGIOQ Huron County's Complete ug n VEHICLE E RENTAL E o Headquarters gO Small & Mid-sized Cars E O Passenger & Cargo Vans, in i Pickup Trucks CAR & TRUCK RENTALS Division or Suncoast Ford 500 Huron Rd., Goderich CALL COLLECT Ask for Helen 524-8347 eeeeeeteee.eeeeet9eeeeeeers JOBLINK ONTARIO FOCUS GROUPS The jobLink Ontario Program is aimed at establishing the co-ordination of a set of services, supports and programs to help unemployed people prepare for. obtain and sustain employment. The jobLink Ontario Planning Committee for Huron County is hosting focus group meetings to get input from the community on employment service needs and proposed employment resource centres. You can have your say by attending one of the following focus group meetings: 1. Wednesday, January 4, 1995 at the F.E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. 2. Thursday, January 5, 1995 at the Seaforth Public School from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. 3. Tuesday, January 10, 1995 at the Canada Employment Centre in Goderich from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 4. Wednesday, January 11, 1995 at the Huron Employment Liason Program Resource Centre in Clinton from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. 5. Thursday, January 12, 1995 at the South Huron District High School in Exeter from 7,:O,Q to 9:00 p.m. It you are interested In participating in one of the focus groups or would like more information, please contact Christie Messenger at jobsOntario Training at 1-800-668-0015 no later than Tuesday, January 3, 1995. YAMAHA 11�c IkMc1' ToSatisfy. BRODHAOSEN 345- 2248 ON COONTY ROAD 111^SNOWMOBILE COUNTRY VZIMMARNERVITAMEMMENWEN Middegaal POLARIS SALES, SERVICE, PARTS 527-0104 234 Main St. N. Seaforth Full Une of Accessories 8 Clothing EVERYBODY'S DOIN' IT E3 ski-doo. 20 Dover St., Stratford 271-8911 Open 6 Days A Week - 41 Complete Line Of ;, "'<.< Accessories & Clothing 'a... Performance Modifications 0; ° Qualified Technicians ' New & Used Sleds Snowmobile Sales & Service Smolt Engine Repair R.R 1 Stratford (East on Vivian St.) 271-5881.1) BY: CRAIG NICI OI.SON 4'OLRRp\ Believe It. ONTARIO'S GROOMING CHALLENGE (c 1994 by Craig Nicholson All rights reserved ) Now consider that most Ontario snowmobile clubs are d ahead of the already strapped to meet their current payments and world. cover increased trail operating expenses. In fact, trail system and recent figures released by the OFSC indicate that the Federation of total annual operating cost for clubs has reached the way in about $343 per kilometer of trail, almost double what and charity they net each season from selling trail permits. So few clubs have the immediate wherewithal to fund the of this huge capital equipment upgrades necessary to bring d signage and the Ontario grooming fleet into line with today's rider demand. Fijiecently, Ontario has forge rest of the international snowmobiling Boasting the world's largest membership, the Ontario Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) also leads safety, environment, driver training programs. Ontario snowmobilers are the beneficiaries progress: better grooming, improve mapping, more trails, more connections, better accessibility and more reliable winter fun for the entire family. As Ontario has transformed almost overnight from a disparate series of local trail systems into the world's foremost integrated network, snowmobiling's popularity soared. Today, almost 100% more Ontarians hit the trails than in 1990. Snowmobilers from other provinces and border states are making Ontario their first winter vacation choice. But Ontario snowmobiling may become the victim of its own success. When the new TOP (Trans Ontario Provincial) Trail System comes on stream in 1995, will Ontario be able to wave the world class flag over its trails? Perhaps. The fly in the ointment may be a shortage of reliable grooming equipment. And without groomers, great trails bite the snow dust. The problem is simple. Ontario's phenomenal growth in trail development and participation is in danger of overwhelming grooming capacity. According to 1994 figures published by the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators, Ontario has only 89 "industrial size" groomers, 94 "medium" units and 152 "small" ones to groom 35,000 kms. of trails. Given that the 152 small units are outdated toys that are fast becoming obsolete in a modern, world class grooming fleet, this leaves the province with 183 groomers, or 1 per every 191 kilometers. Compare this to Quebec, whose 391 -strong industrial fleet covers 30,000 kms. or 1 unit per 77 kilometers, an almost two and half times better ratio than Ontario. Add into this equation the facts that half of Ontario's existing units are classified as "medium" whose grooming capability can't compare to larger industrial machines. And that many of this province's fleet are on their last legs age -wise, requiring prompt replacement. KOLL.MAN' S SALES & SERVICE 625-8228 36 HURON, SHAKESPEARE Will Ontario fall flat on its face? Unlikely, if the OFSC has its way. The Federation are already talking about a long term plan to assure that the province's grooming needs are met into the next century. In the last two seasons alone, 86 new industrial groomers have been purchased by clubs. But the plan needs a kick start with new dollars to lever even more units onto the snow fast. The short term saviours could be Ontario snowmobilers. In yet another ground breaking first, the OFSC has launched a member donation program called "The Great Grooming Plan". A direct mail appeal to each OFSC permit holder asks them to step into the breach by making a contribution that will help solve the immediate problem. Essentially, it's the same as a hospital building fund - asking the users to fund a process from which they will directly benefit. Launched in conjunction with the international snowmobiling community's first snowmobiling calendar, the Great Grooming Plan hopes to raise $250,000 in 1995. In return, members receive a full colour calendar both as a reminder of the need and in appreciation of their anticipated support. Contributors qualify for weekly and monthly prize draws and also to purchase additional gift calendars at substantial savings. It's a unique and innovative way for the Ontario snowmobiling community to show its support for organized snowmobiling. If Ontario snowmobilers are as passionate about their sport as the OFSC predicts, Ontario will be able to raise its flag past half mast this winter. Great trails and great grooming depend on it. To make your donation, call the OFSC. Until next time, happy trails and remember t Smart - Ride Safe, Ride Sober. For information on local snowmobiling, Snowaramas and clubs, contact the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) et 705/739-7669. To plan your Ontario tour, call 1.800 -236 -SLED. Engineered For The Way You Ride. • SALES • SERVICE • ACCESSORIES 11. Miles North of Seaforth 527-0120 of Snowmobile Clothing and Accessories KIMPEX PRICED RIGHT! FARM EQUIPMENT Hwy •2''J r c' P.1'chCo PH 348 8702 THIS SPECIAL FEATURE WILL APPEAR THIS SEASON THANKS TO THESE PARTICIPATING .' RETAILERS ALWAYS REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST!