Loading...
Clinton News-Record, 1979-09-27, Page 1,f1-4'5,"1"—•"`"<e'r4"-..1, ',7"."'r,"7.7`4,7'1:7"?"`",7, 1 114th Year • 39 Thurs4py; September 27, .1979 35 Cent$ n plan By Debbie Ranney Hullett Township reeve Joe Hunking was presented with the master for the development 2400 hectares (6000 acres) of the Hullett Wildlife area \last Wednesday, a plan which would make the area one of southern Ontario's most significant wildlife habitats. Implementation of the plan would Cost around $1.7 million, The master plan was presented to the reeve at a meeting held in the Hullett Maintenance buildings. Ducks Unlimited, a privately funded Conservation organization has offered its help in paying a major portion of the financing and is ex- pected to contribute up to $1 million for the project and other funding for such things as a visitor's service centre, roads and parking areas will come'out of the MNR's development funds. Norm Richard, district manager of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) office in Wingham explained that after several years of studying the area, the master plan will be the official policy for the development and management of the area and told some of the history behind it. It was back in the early 1960's that the area was identified as a potential wildlife management area but it wasn't until the early 1970's that the first parcel of land was acquired. The last parcel of land was acquired in 1976. Mr. Richards said that since then, the major problem has been financial. He said that the Ministry still has approximately five properties to be negotiated for and it looked like in most cases they would get them. When presented with the master plan, Reeve Hunking said now that Ducks Unlimited was helping he hoped things would really get going. "Maybe in a few years, we'll have a little more to show for what we've been doing," he said. The wildlife area floods only in the spring and fall and the MNR hopes that the development of the master plan will allow them to hold the water While many pieces of equipment sit abandoned, one popular item is the Adventure Playground in Vanastra. Created' this summer by three young people employed under 'a Canada Works Grant, the struture is composed of wood, tires and tubing and seems to be a popular item during recess and noon hour and on weekends for Vanastra youngsters. (News -Record photo) 40 by Shelley McPhee We're playing the old switcheroo game at the News -Record again this week. This time it's our editor, Jim Fitzgerald, who's away and I have the responsibility of preparing the traditional first column. +++ Yes this column is truly a tradition to the News -Record. Looking back over old files the weekly blurb has appeared on the front, left corner of the paper since the 1940's and with that longtime standing I wouldn't feel right about ditching the old girl, or is it a guy. So, here goes. +++ The weather is often an overused topic of conversation, but 1 just can't let September go by without some passing comment. All in all, my limited knowledge of weather has seen September , as just a gorgeous month. I must admit that I'm partial to the fall season, but who couldn't be pleased with these warm . sunny days. Granted, the nights 'have been on the cool side, but perfect . for lighting up the fireplace or snuggling under a pile ...., Of quilts and blankets. One reason why I enjoy fall so ueh is because 1 love watching th0 leaves turn to their brilliant Shades of orangeand red, It Makes Otte. Ontario countryside an out• Standing sight, + + + 1/4i'l We forsomoityies.takeiit e granted the becititif01 ,tiketc We v OuSittesslifi in /ran illinoitt redent1 y li wilithteliridelei ti te, llt'llt11.11 tae Mir 1°6SXbettaeUdtlYy gaze at a Lake Huron sunset. Yes, we, --do have some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. +•+ + If you'A not a nature lover this area has many other activities to take part in, In Bayfield, for in- stance, an interesting book group is forming at the Library. Gwen Pemberton can tell you more on that in her Bayfield Bugle news on Page 10. +++ And for the younger group, a Story and Craft Hour ' is being started for preschoolers. Begin- ning October 3 at the Huron Cen- tennial School south of Brucefield, youngsters are invited to take part in a weekly session of reading. The Story and Craft Hour will com- mence on October 3 and will be held each Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:15 pm in the school's library. +++ For bargain hunters, the Clinton Hospital Auxiliary's Penny Sale is still on. The draw will be made this Saturday so you still have a chance to win one of the many gifts. +++ The News -Record is featuring a special edition on the Central Huron Secondary School grads this week. It's amazing to see hew the area yolillg people have grown and interesting to see what they are doing now.• + Well, it'sone hour until deadline and I still have umpteen Stories to Write. SO VII cUt my rambiitigg here, Oh, aid1y the way Pitz wilt be back next week to 4erY on this traditiOit for a longer period of time than nature allows. The master plan states that the unpredictable nature of water levels which vary from year to year discourages nesting since sites can disappear rapidly as flooded lands drain. Water level fluctuations also influence food production since shallow waters must exist for prolonged periods of time before valuable plant life becomes established. According to the master plan, it was decided that if the area could be permanently flooded, it would con- stitute a maror waterfowl habitat location within Southern Ontario. In order to accomplish this, it was proposed that a dam be constructed in the northwest sector of the property and that the flooded land be sub- divided by means of a system / of dikes. This would result in a major im- poundment within four sub - impoundments and two small peripheral pools within which water levels could be manipulated in response to local weather conditions and waterfowl needs. John Dobell, District Biologist with the MNR in Wingham who gave an overview of the Master Plan said, "If we can control the water level we will be able to keep the birds and improve the wildlife in the area." The goals of the Hullett Wildlife Management Area as listed in the Don't want debt .1979 1978 LO 111 Lo 1 18 22 11 16.5 Oitoembelrd 5 19 11 28_ 21 1 30 21 17.5 9.5 19 AI 22 16..5 1 19 5 23 17 -2 19 5 24, 21 2 20 4 No rain Rain 6.5 mm the • Master Plan is to manage 'the area's resources in such a way as to provide opportunities for high quality, wildlife -based, day -use, recreational experiences for the people of Ontario. •And within this goal, the specific objectives are: to manage the, area for a range of benefits to wildlife; to provide public hunting opportunities; to provide other resource -based - recreational opportunities; to provide other resource-based opportunities consistent with the above and to manage forests within the area for production of wood products when consistent with the goal. • Ducks Unlimited, the organization which has offered to help with the financing' was first formed in the United States by a group of American sPortsmen, and has provided funds for wildlife habitats in Canada and the United States. The fact that the organization originated in the States had some of the people at the meeting concerned that the Americans would derive the most benefits from this project and that American hunters would get first crack at the ducks. But John Dobell from the MNR said that Canadians would get first crack at the ducks and the idea lof main- taining such a large area is to hold the ducks here for a longer period. And' in reply to a question from Huron -Bruce M.P.P. Murray'Gaunt about hunting restrictions, Mr. Dobell said there would be at least two places for non -hunting that would be sanc- tuary areas. , . Grace Addison of Clinton claims she has no place to put all the gifts available at. the Hospital Auxiliary's penny sale. Nevertheless,'she thoughtfully submitted her tickets into many of the 160 appropriate boxes. On Saturday at 3 pm one ticket will be drawn from each box and winners will be announced. (News - Record photo) Vanastra businessmen oppose addition Vanastra businessmen are up in arms over •the prospect of being saddled with a huge debt if the proposed addition is built on to the Vanastra Recreation Centre, The addition proposed by Tuckersmith Township council last week, was estimated a year ago to cost about $225,000. Council has refused to give the cost as to what the • engineer estimates it will cost when it is built now. ' The council members, who were invited to the meeting at Vanastra Tuesday night, were told that the residents of Vanastra could not afford a $900,000 (estimated value of present centre plus new addition) recreation complex. Harvey Hammond, chairman for the meeting, informed council it would mean more than $1,000 per person for every man, woman and child of the 800 residents living at Vanastra -- just to create recreation. "When you look at these figures it is startling," Mr. Hammond said. "We would like to see it go on county council and that's the only way we would like to see it built. You are shooting in the dark, unless you can promise that, we shall not accept it." After Mr. Hammond introduced the busitnessmen to council he asked a number of questions. The first was what, the new addition would be. used '4101- at& he was told. by recreation director, Dianne Durnin that it would provide accommodation for the mentally retarded, the physically handicapped and older people to use the facilities of the pool and exercise rooms and especially those in wheel chairs. Asked whether the centre would,be run with a profit or a deficit, Clerk • Jack McLachlan replied that with additional users and additional Money and grants that there should be a profit. He said the centre would be eligible for 50 percent grant for the construction and if the . community could raise 25 percent with a fund- raising drive, then the government grants would match it with another 25 percent. He said the government has not confirmed the grants in writing, only verbally. Mr. Hammond asked what the addition for the mentally retarded and handicapped would do for the people of Vanastra. Mrs. Durnin explained with the additional rooms added for them, the rooms could be used for local groups at Vanastra as well, such as the Lions Club and the Cubs (both who meet at the centre at the present time). • "Asked whatL,Wouldi.n'apirn neighbouring town put in an enclbsed pool, Reeve Ervin Sillery replied that when council members visited the . ministry offices in Toronto, aides to the minister had said Vanastra had a. very good centre. They said if another centre wanted an enclosed pool 'they would have to put up a very good argument. Asked what the architect's•fees had been for drawing up the plans for the construction of the addition and renovations to the present complex, Clerk McLachlan said the fees would be eight percent of the total cost which would amount to about 124,000 if the construction was, carried out. Asked if many extra employees would be hired, •Mrs. Durnin said probably one other person and said there would perhaps be other government grants to fund activities. • To the question of how much janitorial expenses plus materials would be incurred, Clerk McLachlan replied that utilities and janitorial would cost $3,500. amily of five make home here by Shelley McPhee —Although their facial features may be different than our own, their names may be difficult to pronounce, and their language and customs will be foreign to us, a family of five from Southeast China are willingly ac- cepting' life in a new country as they make their home in Huron County, Ontario, Canada. This week 29 -year-old Bhiem Tyen Mach, his 28 -year-old-wife Phung Xuan Jo and their three children, son, To Tuan, 8 years old and daughters My Lien, 6 years and My Yen, 4 years will be making their home in an apartment in Vanastra. The family, refugees from the South China Sea area arrived Monday night,' Spon- sored by the Clinton Christian Reformed Church. As adoptive guardians for the family the church is required to Phone cable cut If you were having difficulty making telephone calls or receiving them on Monday, don't despair the problem has been found and corrected. Fourteen communities including Goderich, Hensall, Grand Bend, Dashwood, Crediton, Nairn, Pert Franks, Exeter, Thedford, Parkhill Exeter, Centralia, Kirktun and Lucan were without telephone service for 21/2 hours on Monday after an un- derground toll table in London WAS, accidently severed. , 1 The able Was cut about 11:30 ain , by contractors Installing sewers and water ains. Service was restored by 2 pm, ' il give material assistance of food, clothing, lodging and incidentals for the family. As well, they are required to offer general orientation and moral support for the new Canadians; to meet them upon their arrival; to give initial counselling; help them settle into the community and help them seek employment. • Christian Church minister, Rev. Arie Van Den Berg explained that the immigration papers said that the family's husband and father is a welder who has aye years of education. However, until employment.. is found, the church will offer monetary support for the family. As well, the ladies of the church have decorated the apartment for them and the church has donated furnishings. All preliminary plans for the family's arrival are running smoothly, well nearly all. One small problem will hopefully not hamper relations between the refugee family and ,their sponsors. It was learned last week that the family speaks no English and Cantonese, a common Chinese dialect is the only laguage they know. Rev. Van Den Berg admitted that he was slightly concerned when immigration authorities informed him of this. PI had a few moments of 'doubt when I learned that they didn't speak English but I found that this may not be a,tremendous barrier. There won't be ktotal tack of communication," he assured.' WiLh Sernoclick thinking, RevVan en erg approached an acqualn- titnce in ford who may be able to hclp as a t a slator. As well. MO IIP'riforgod., •�wncr of the Mhay Mee Restaurant in Clinton was ap- proached, and he has offered his help to bridge the initial communication barriers. • "That's already quite a help. I now see some signs of hope," Rev. Van Den Berg said. "Mr. Hanfonged will really help to support the family with any cultural shock they may feel. I hope they will be very welcome in our community too," he added. Father Hardy from St. ..JOseph's Catholic Church has offered his support for the Clinton area's first refugee family. Rev. Van Den Berg noted that Father Hardy is helping to work on a proposal that if it is found that there are enough refugee people settled in the area who would benefit from studies on the English language, perhaps a language class could be set ° up. A former high school English teacher from Clinton has offered her services. While after months of waiting the Reformed Church has finally been able to help some of the many .homeless Southeast 'Asians, they are still waiting for word on •a second family they applied to sponsor. "We have no assurance that the next farnily will speak Cantonese. We hope they do hover so;the two families can offer supf)ort to one another," Rev. Van Den Berg ex- plained. ' hlfhink that helping these people is a tremendous thing. We have so total. We have been blessed with so . nitich material wealth that we should slitil'e,', Rev. Van Den berg noted. "this Will hel u be a little less selfish, It no only a 'good thing fOr the refugees, bitt for en Ilaa too, for it will holp to brint us toget er." ,r1 I ‘ 1 • 1 . ,, When asked how the council could think Vanastra could stand the extra expense of the addition, Deputy .Reeye JtobertBell, said ithe had ,any 41"vbite dit4co6' 4 th'e costs were spread across the township. Turn to page 3 Phone service to improve in Londesboro area By December 15 telephone users in the Londesboro and Blyth area will have better service. To relieve problems of Bell Canada subscribers who have faced crackling telephones, intermittent service or no service at all, new telephone cables between Londesboro and Blyth were installed this week. Peter Croombe, of Stratford, area manager of Bell Canada, said the new cable replaces 1930 vintage wires installed by the former telephone company in that area, Maitland Tele Service. The poor telephone service became a widespread problem this spring when the ' outdated, lead -covered, overhead cable began to break down because of old age and weather erosion. The $100,000 replacement of modernized cable which has been buried underground is made out of plastic and is waterproof. While the cable has been installed it will take until December 15, to complete the splicing of wires. The project is only the beginning of a major renovation of telephone service in the Blyth, Brussels and Auburn area. By 1980 a one -and -a -half million plan will be undertaken to lessen the number of late party lines in the rural area and introduce more private lines. Mr. Croombe explained that this project will reduce party lines from five or six users, down to a maximum of four. Celebrate 50th Tykes take WOAA Raceway entries Henson news Macs are back Area weddings CI -SS raise funds Hullett area news Auburn L Ions meet jf Support ionatito At the te6lon i f P. 3 p.6 p.7 p. 12 p. 13 p. 14 p. 15 ,p. 16 p. 18 p. 19 p. 23