The Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-09-12, Page 46Page 14—The Wingharzi Advance -Times, Sept. 10, 1984
'King of Cornogo pnY'
Farmers' Almana6 editor
makes stopover in Wingharn
In these days of gloomy
economic forecasts and
world tensions, one little
book lets people momen-
tarily forget their troubles
and come away smiling.
That little book is the
famous Farmers! Almanac
and much of its popularity is
due to its witty and eternally
optimistic editor, 74 -year-old
Ray Geiger of Lewiston,
Maine.
Mr. Geiger visited
Wingham last week to talk
about the almanac' and his
own philosophy of life.
The Farmers' Almanac
has been a fixture in many
local homes since the days of
our grandparents and great-
grandparents. It is an
unassuming little book, filled
with corny jokes, weather
forecasts, horoscopes, time -
tried recipes and household
hints.
Mr. Geiger likes to refer to
himself as the "King of
Cornography", saying he is
"corny, not porny". He in-
stills the almanac with his
moralistic view of life and is
proud to report the almanac
never has been criticized for
being racist, sexist or
political.
A lot of people must agree
with Mr. Geiger's old-
fashioned views because the
Farmers' Almanac is read in
over 200,000 Canadian homes
each year and 6,000,000
worldwide, which is second
only to The Reader's Digest
in circulation.
In Canada, the almanac is
distributed at National -
Victoria and Grey Trust
offices, free of charge. A
similar but not identical
Geiger Brothers publication,
the .. Canadian Farm and
Home Almanac, sells on
newsstands throughout the
country.
Mr. Geiger has been editor
of the 167 -year-old Farmers'
Almanac for 50 years, taking
over from the former editor
in 1934 just after obtaining a
degree in philosophy from
Notre Dame University in
Indiana.
Since then} Mr. Geiger has
done his best- to keep the
almanac good wholesome
reading and•yet stay abreast
of the changing times. For
example, you never will find
jokes in the . almanac
anymore about women
drivers, nor are women
always portrayed in the
home.
People still enjoy corny
jokes, said Mr. Geiger, like
"Too much corned beef and
pastrami can give you a deli
ache" or "Most of the time
the shortest distance bet -
r
lk
GOUPQR
$Irnulatec. rabies vaccine
to be dropped over county
Fourteen thousand plastic stubble and fields with tow cessful enough for use in the
bags, containing a silrig
rabies vaccine, will be
dropped over the Townships
of Hullett, Goderich, Tucker -
smith, Stanley and Colborne
next Tuesday, Sept. 25.
The bags each will contain
a ` liver -coated cube, about
the size of a golf ball
Beneath the liver is a snipll
sponge which has been
soaked in the antibiotic
tetracycline and then coated
with wax and fat. The liquid
is used to simulate a rabies
vaccine.
"When the fox or other
-wild animal bites into the
cube, the liquid in the sponge
will squirt into its mouth. If
this test is successful, we'll
be able to place liquid rabies
accine in bait as early as
t year," announced
N Resources Minister
Alan Pope recently.
The baits will be dropped
from low-flying aircraft
along the edge of woodland,
on gravel pits and other
rough land and pasture,
ulated ve etation. The baits will be field. The liquid vaccine
about 30 to 50 metres apart.
No baits will be dropped
within 100 metres of farm
buildings, houses, roads or
recreation areas.
A one -minute video tape,
which explains the ex-
periment, will be shown to
all school children in the
area before the drop takes
place. Although the liquid is
harmless, the video tape
asks children and adults to
help the experiment by not
tampering with any bait
bags they might find.
"This liquid vaccine ap-
proach, developed by my
Ministry's, research station
in Maple, is a new way to
deal with the problem of
rabid foxes. In the past
we've experimented with
another bait — a hamburger
ball. In laboratory ex-
periments we placed tiny
pills containing vaccine in
hamburger balls. The
hamburger was eaten, but
the pills did not prove suc
RA Y GEIGER of Lewiston, Maine, is the 74 -year-old
editor of the Farmers' Almanac and has been for the
past 50 years. He is a firm believer in "hug therapy" as
a cure for day-to-day stress and is giving away free hug
coupons "redeemable from any participating human be-
ing" this year.
ween two points is under
construction", both from the
1985 Farmers' Almanac,
Butmost people read the
almanac for its weather ..
predictions. Mr. Geiger said
the "publication's resident
astronomer, Caleb Weather -
bee (a pseudonym), uses a
"secret formula" passed
down since the _first Farm-
ers' Almanac in 1817 to make
his predictions.
Mr. Geiger says people
may laugh at the almanac's
secret formula, but he
claims its weather predic-
tions are 80 to 85 per cent
correct.
In addition to the jokes and
weather predictions, the
almanac offers household
hints (like how to poach fish
in the dishwasher), gar-
dening hints and tidbits of
general information.
Mr. Geiger's .personal
campaign this year is to
promote "hug therapy" and
to prove it he's giving away
free hug coupons which are
' 'Good for one hug,
redeemable from any
participating human being".
• ,Studies have proven that a
plain; old-fashioned hug can
do 'Much to lift the spirits,
said Mr. Geiger. He also has
a bumper sticker which
proclaims "Hugs • Not,
Drugs".
Each year from Sep-
'tember to December, when
he is not compiling another
Farmers' Almanac, Mr.
JACKLIN
SPORTS
200 Frances St.,
Wingham
Is now open for
another year of
skate sharpening
on Tuesdays and
Thursdays.
We handle only
the best:
Cooper, Jofa,
Koho, Brown
Phone:
357-1455 Bus.
357-1289 Res.
Geiger is on the road
promoting his publication.
He claims to be the world's
most interviewed man and
visits hundreds of television
and radio station, newspaper
and magazine offices yearly
where he pushes his theory
of wholesome living.
These appearances also
sell other Geiger products
like calendars, diaries and
business supplies.
However the Farmers'
Almanac is his life or as Mr.
Geiger describes it "eight
per cent of our volume in
sales, but 95 per cent' of my
fun."
Currently he is gathering
"little gems of wisdom" for
the 1986 edition, which he
will start to compile in
January.
The Farmers' Almanac is
truly a family affair: Mr.
Geiger is the editor, his wife
Ann collects the household
hints and his four sons all are
active in the business. In fact
his son Peter will become the
almanac's sixth editor when
Mr. Geiger retires.
But young Mr. Geiger
needn't hold his breath,
because his father claims to
have at least another 20
productive yearse
left. To put
approach has the potential of
being , far more effective in
fighting "this dangerous
disease," Mr. Pope said.
Ministry scientists will
examine the teeth of foxes
harvested by the area's
trappers and hunters for
traces of the liquid found in
the bait. Tetracycline was
chosen as the liquid for the
test because it can be
detected on teeth under
ultraviolet light.
"This is an ideal testing
ground for our rabies
research, since it is one of
the top fox hunting and
trapping parts of the
province. That's why we
have conducted several anti-
rabies experiments here
`'since the mid-1970s. But this
work wouldn't have been
possible without the
tremendous cooperation of
the residents — and .in
particular the trappers and
- hunters," the minister said.
Whitechurch Personals
l
On Tuesday of last week,
word was received that
Amsey Wilken of Listowel
had passed away. He was the
father of the late Earl Wilken
who owned the garage here
and he frequently visited
with his family. The 'com-
munity extends sympathy to
his daughter-in-law, Mrs.
Doris Wilken, his grand-
daughters, Glenna and Mrs.
Douglas Ross, and their chil-
dren, Crystal and Michael. -
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Mc-
Burney were Tuesday
visitors with Mr. and . Mrs.
Bill Purdon. On Wednesday
the McBurneys visited "with
Mrs. Alice Chatterson of
London.
The village was canvassed
on Wednesday for the Ar-
thritis Society. This disease
makes one very tired and
sufferers are urged to not
fight the fatigue but organize
agtivities so energy is, used
gradually and fatigue is
reduced.
Walter Moore arrived
home from a Toronto
hospital on Thursday. He is
to continue therapy at the
hospital and go back to work
at some specific jobs.
Mrs. Wallace Milligan is
enjoying two weeks' holi-
days.
The crocheting group is
now meeting on Tuesday
evenings at the various
members' homes.
Congratulations to Mr. and
Mrs. Murray Irwin on the
birth of a baby boy, Richard
John, on Tuesday, Sep-
tember 11, weighing six
pounds. He is a brother for
Michael.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred
Boonstra, Paul and Colvin of
Sarnia, visited Sunday with
his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Bill Uuldriks.
On Sunday a picnic was to
be held on the manse lawn.
Happy Gang resumes -
Willi -He quite simply, Mr. Geiger meetings after holiday
never intends to give up the
The regular monthly
meetings of the Wingham
Seniors Happy Gang
resumed last Friday after
the summer holidays. The
group met for a potluck
luncheon at 12:30 p.m.,
followed by the meeting
which opened .with the
singing of "0 Canada".
The president, Mrs.
Russeli McGuire, welcomed
those present and gave a
short reading to start things
moving. The program
followed with a piano and
banjo number by Mrs. Bert
Moffatt and Mrs. Jean
Conley. Mrs. Murray Gaunt
and Mrs. Diane English sang
two numbers, "Dear Hearts
and Gentle People" and
"Because He Lives". These
were followed by a
singalong.
life he loves so dearly and
will go on delivering his old-
fashioned, moralistic mes-
sage to readers across Can-
• ada and the United States.
Area young people
entertain seniors
GORRIE — .Entertain-
ment was provided by some
of the younger members of
the community when the
local senior citizens held
their first meeting in the
United Church hall with the
president, Harold Robinson,
in the chair. Tammy Dickert
sang two solos, accompanied
by Mrs. Velma Mann, and
Janice and Rodney Mann
played a medley of well-
known songs on their
saxophones. This music was
much appreciated by all.
Mrs. Nellie King and Mrs.
George Brown contributed
excellent readings'.
Committees were 'ap-
pointed to look into securing
a float, also for organizing a
display, for Howick Fall
Fair. A decision was made to
change the time for 'the
euchre and games night
from 8:30 to 8 p.m. and the
firstone of the fall season
will be held .in 'the com-
munity hall on September 25.
Arrangements were made
for ^ the club's visit to the
Fordwich nursing home on
September 20.
The regular October
meeting will be held in the
United Church hall on Oc-
tober 9.
ATTENTION
Veterans
(aid Dependents)
Provincial Service Officer
'will be visiting Branch 180
Royal Canadian Legion the
week of October 17. Those
wishing appointments please
call Legion Service Officer
Lloyd Carter 357-3784
before September 25.
Rebekahs mark
35th anniversary
The Majestic Rebekah
Lodge, Wingham, celebrated
its 35th anniversary "last
Wednesday at a dinner at St.
Fordwich
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wendt
of Torontospent the weekend
with Mrs. E. A. Schaefer.
Tim Gibson was able to
return home from University
Hospital, London, one day
last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Alec Wray of
Scarborough spent the
weekend at their home here.
'riends in the area extend
sympathy to John and
!,Sharon Armstrong and
family who lost their barn to
fire early Sunday morning.
The Armstrong farm is
located two and one-half
miles east of Fordwich on
the seventh concession of
Howick.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Magill of
London spent the weekend
with her mother, Mrs.
Marjorie Sotheran.
Quite a nurilber from this
area attended the Western
Fair last week in London.
Paul's Anglican Church.
Guests, officers and
members were in at-
tendance. The local lodge
was instituted in 1949 and
four of its original members
attended the dinner: Mrs.
Jean Aitchison, then noble
grand; Mrs. Uldene McKen-
zie, financial secretary;
Mrs. Ethel Gerrie, inside
guardian; and Mrs. Alice El-
liott.
Owing to the cool weather
the meal was held in the
Sunday School room where a
small crowd gathered for the
get-together.
Mr. and Mrs. John A.
Currie called Sunday at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Victor
Emerson on their way to a
family picnic on the second
concession of Kinloss.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Mc-
Burney left for their home at
Ajax on Monday morning
after a week's visit with
friends in this locality.
Mr. and Mrs. E. W.
Beecroft visited Sunday with
Ronald Beecroft and family
of Wingham.
Me. and Mrs. Cecil deBoer,
Jason and Andrew of Ed-
monton, arrived on Monday
to spend a few weeks'
holidays with his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. John deBoer.
Miss Karen Elliott played
the organ nest' Chal°rnei's'
Church in the absence of
Mrs. Don Ross who was on
holidays.
Miss Karen Beecroft of
Kitchener spent the,weekend
with her parents, Mr: and
Mrs. E. W. Beecroft.
Mr. and Mrs. Ron
Mrs. Hazel Bateman Nicholson, Erin and Ryan of
Strathroy, spent the
Art", and "Let the Rest of the weekend with her parents,
played "How Great Thou
World Go By", before Mr. and Mrs. John deBoer.
another singalong was held. Friends were sorry to
Margaret Moffatt then gave learn that Mrs. Bill Gibson
a readin . was in a car accident
Mrs. ,Gordon Wall gave a Saturday night near
good report on the United Walkerton, receiving facial
Senior Citizens of Ontario lacerations. The community
convention held last month
SIMULATED VACCINE—Dave Johnston of the Ministry
of Natural Resources holds a sample ofthef the area
sponge bait that will be dropped
xt
Tuesday. The bait, soaked in tetracycline, will allow
MNR officials to determine its acceptability for use once
the ministry embarks upon its program to vaccinate wild
animals against rabies.
in Windsor. The local .group
sent Mrs. Wall as a delegate
and her husband went as a
delegate from Zone 33.
Another rousing number
from the piano and banjo
team brought the program to
a close.
The business meeting
followed. The roll call was
answered by fewer than
usual, but it was thought this
was because of illness or
possibly because some of the
regulars did not know about
the meeting.. New members
always are welcome.
The minutes and the
treasurer's report were
accepted and it was decided
to hold dances on the nights
of Sept. 20 and Oct. 25.
The Happy Gang will have
a table at the day centre's
flea market next Saturday,
Sept- 29.
A blind lady at the last
zone meeting gave an ex-
cellent reading on many of
the programs put on by local
TV stations. Several local
members are going to
receive copies of her talk.
The next regular meeting
is scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2
p.m.
Following the dinner, Mrs.
Gertie Tiffin of the Kin-
cardine district and
representatives of the
Kincardine, Bervie and
Teeswater lodges, as well as
the Wingham Oddfellows,
extended greetings.
Rev. William Henderson of
Lucknow gave an interesting
talk and showed colored
slides of birds. The bluebird
was nearly extinct, he
reported, but Mr. Henderson
has succeeded in having
several of them return to
nest each year. The story of
his hobby was enjoyed by all.
Birthday cake then was
served.
(—,MRS. GEORGE BROWN
Gorrie
wishes her a speedy
recovery.
Mr. and• Mrs. Joe
Ducharme of Goderich were
Sunday visitors with her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elroy
Laidlaw.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Purdon
were at Wingham and
District Hospital on Sunday
to visit with her brother, Bill
McQuillin of St. Helens, a '
patient there.
In the canvass for the
Arthritis Society, $140 was
collected in the village by
canvassers Mrs. Evelyn
Gibb, Mrs. Alice Moore and
Mrs. Norma Rintoul. Their
work is appreciated.
Student minister Rod
Lamb of Knox College spent
the weekend at his home
here.
Jack Shiell has rented the
barn on the River Sideroad
from Mrs. Gary Rintoul.
At the dance held recently
at Whitechurch, the prize for
the centennial costume was
won by Mrs. Ken Zinn. This
was omitted from the report
and your reporter apologizes
for the error.
The Canadian Forest Con-
vention held in Ottawa in
January 1906 was organized
by the Canadian Forestry
Association and called 'by
The Right Honorable Sir Wil-
frid Laurier.
R. VV. Bell
OPTOMETRIST
Goderich
The Square 524-7661
WARD & UPTIGROVE
Listowel
(519) 2913040
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Listowel
(51 9) 291 -3040
ACCOUNTANTS
Mrs. Dorothy Hart, Mrs.
Frances Lewis and Mrs.
Isobel Raven hosted a family
gathering last Saturday in
the community hall to honor
their father, Melville Dennis,
on his 80th birthday. Family
members were present from
Etobicoke, Hamilton, Kit-
chener, Teeswater and RR 2,
Gadshill. Over 25 people
attended.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Nay
spent last Saturday with Mr.
and Mrs. Norman Johns in
London.
,.r•...+WINGHAM CANADETTES
MAJORETTE & FLAG CORP
REGISTRATION
DAY
Saturday, September 29
10:00 - 11:30. a.m.
WINGHAM TOWN HALL
AMIN
Anyone unable to register at this time
may call Mrs. Lynda Merkley at
•
357-1035
Half of fee must be paid at time of registration.
•
ICE TIME
AVAILABLE
at the Howick
Community Centre
Sunday morning until 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday 10:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Friday 10:00 p.m. - 12 a.m:
Saturday 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT
Steve on Wednesday,
Friday or Sunday
wenings at
335-3883
"Try. Buy. •
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