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The Times Advocate, 2005-08-17, Page 266 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, August 17, 2005 Opinion Forum News Seniors' perspective Continued from page 5 along with the rest of his fellow soldiers. Although he was not killed from the gas attack in that battle, his lungs suffered from the effects of the fighting and he passed away on March 27, 1920 at the age of 27 years. He was buried in Delarin Cemetery in Manitoba. There is a cross at the Hensall Union Cemetery with his name on it. Sergeant Harry I. Dougall was the son of Henry and Catherine Dougall of Hensall, Ontario. Gender issues You may know that many non -living things have a gender. For example: Ziploc Bags — They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them. Copiers — They are female, because once turned off, it takes a while to warm them up again. It's an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can wreak havoc if the wrong buttons are pushed. Tire — male, because it goes bald and it's often over -inflated. Hot Air Balloon — male, because, to get it to go any- where, you have to light a fire under it and, of course, there's the hot air element. Sponges — female, because they are soft, squeez- able and retain water. Web Page — female, because it's always getting hit on. Subway — male, because it uses the same lines to pick people up. Hourglass — female, because over time the weight shifts to the bottom. Hammer — male, because it hasn't changed much over the last 5000 years, but it's handy to have around. Remote Control — Surprise, it's actually female. It gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know the right button to push, he keeps trying. More diets begin in dress shops than in doctor's offices. Feeding time There was once a man from the city who was visiting a small farm and during this visit he saw a farmer feed- ing pigs in a most extraordinary manner. The farmer would lift a pig up to a nearby apple tree, and the pig would eat the apples off the tree directly. The farmer would move the pig from one apple to another until the pig was satisfied, then he would start again with another pig. The city man watched this activity for some time with great astonishment. Finally, he could not resist saying to the farmer, "This is the most inefficient method of feeding pigs that I can imagine. Just think of the time that would be saved if you simply shook the apples off the tree and let the pigs eat them from the ground!" The farmer looked puzzled and replied, "What's time to a pig?" Going in style A young preacher was asked by the local funeral director to hold a grave -side burial service at the small local cemetery for someone with no family or friends. The preacher started early but quickly got himself lost, making several wrong turns. Eventually, a half- hour wait, he saw a backhoe and its crew, but the hearse was nowhere in sight, and the workmen were eating lunch. The diligent young pastor went to the open grave, and found the vault lid already in place. Taking out his book, he read the service. Feeling guilty because of his tardiness he preached an impas- sioned and lengthy service, sending the deceased to the great beyond in style. As he was returning to his car, he overheard one of the workmen say: "I've been putting in septic tanks for 20 years and I ain't never seen or heard anything like that." Writer wants municipality Information must be shared to become partner Dear Editor: As reported in your newspaper last week, I appeared before South Huron municipal council Aug. 8 to discuss my concerns as a local resident with regard to Huron Industrial Park. At the time I made the appointment to appear before council, my plan was to inform council members about my proposed NATO event for Huron Park. Three days earlier, Huron Industrial Park tenants held a meeting and formed an association. During the meeting several business operators stated they were prepared to move their businesses from Huron Industrial Park if sale negotiations with Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) did not proceed soon. I suggested to those attending the meeting that they send one of their representatives to appear before South Huron municipal council in my time slot. The association agreed to send Mr. Frank Zawalsky. I would like to commend Mayor Rob Morley for suggesting council's monthly com- munications meeting (Aug. 29) be held at Huron Park. Mayor Morley has again demonstrated his ability to deal with pressing situations in an immediate manner. Members of Council should be commended as well for supporting the Mayor's sugges- tion. I hope the Aug. 29 meeting will encourage our municipality to become a partner in Huron Industrial Park. I'd like to see the municipality negotiate with ORC for the pur- chase (for a nominal fee) of the runways and former college at Huron Park. (WALLY) PETER FYDENCHUK, Crediton A possible flood solution Dear Editor: Re: Wed., Aug. 10, 2005 article entitled, "Residents demand flood solution". I endorse this letter stating that I take exception to statements made in the public meeting as reported in the article. The gentlemen's statements addressed Mayor Rob Morley, Chief Administrative Officer, Larry Brown and all in attendance. Those speak- ing did not digest the mayor's statement as quoted. Mayor Morley accurately stated that the property owners are willing to look at solutions for the flood problem. The suggestion of expropriation of the lands of some owners who don't participate, to solve the problem, is a very negative one. As a landowner I have no option but to oppose expropriation and would be forced to vigorously challenge such action in every way I could. Mayor Morley offered a timeline of seven years minimum. In March 2003, we did try to work with the Town by way of a combined owners' development proposal. We requested a 300 home retirement related development completed with clubhouse, pool and all the amenities typical of these upscale lifestyle communities. For those not familiar with the streets, many years ago the town dead - ended the asphalt of Sanders Street directly into the Hamather lands. It could be assumed the future plans allowed for these very lands to be included in the town. Unfortunately, a short time after March 2003 the Huron County Planning Board, upon their wisdom, elected to omit this clearly developable land adjoining the east boundary of the town, from the 20 -year planning process. I feel the Town could have supported the Hamather led proposal by rectifying this planning oversight at that time. Gib Dow Sr. and Jr. proposed several enhancements to Ironwood course. This included a driving range facility and another nine hole while addition to their existing 18 -hole course. This died with the planner's outcome. I submit that as a by-product of the course design alone and most certainly the sub- division engineering, the flood design would now not even be an issue today. Subsequent (previous) suggestions by the town for swales and second choice solutions on the lands to the east have not been acceptable. The best solution is to put the pipe in the ground for this specific area and take the flow to the river. Looking back on what might have been, I question if the above grade solutions, in the context of our current awareness of West Nile Disease, would have led to public meetings and resi- dents' concerns of a whole different type. That is water under the bridge, which in my opinion is the best place for water, not laying on grade or in someone's basement. I would like to suggest that if the town really wants to settle the flooding problems in the best way (not a quick fix) with the greatest short and long-term benefits, they pro- mote public meetings with the County Planning department, provincial politicians, all landowners, would-be homeowners and even regional golf enthusiasts. Let's all hope that as a group of Huron County Supporters and concerned people, it is never too late to do the best thing for our town and families. Regards, ROBERT HAMATHER, Landowner Dear Editor: In the Times -Advocate editorial last week it was said that the citizens should be more involved and take an active role in municipal politics. This has to begin with the council and administration's attitudes towards the people they are there to serve. It is sad that businesses such as those in Huron Park would have to resort to gorilla politics as they did at the Aug. 8 council meeting in order to solicit information and have their concerns addressed. These businesses should have been automatically given any reports concerning changes to the real estate they helped to develop and also should have a seat on any committee related to these properties. At the Aug. 8 council meeting a concerned citizen asked to see the study and costs for the shelved proposal for flood management cast of Pryde Blvd. prepared by B.M. Ross and was told by the mayor that this proposal was history, would be difficult to locate and we need to look forward. This citizen had a valid question and deserves an answer. We paid for this proposal and it should be an integral part of the studies being executed by Mr. Dietrich dealing with the same problem. The previous plan should have existing grades and waterways noted on it, which would save time and money preparing the current study, as Counc. Armstrong stated that existing grades are now being looked at to determine a course of action. It would also be helpful for Mr. Dietrich to know why this plan failed to win over the landowners, so as to not repeat the same mistakes. This council and administration need to improve its communication with the citizens and businesses that it serves. When a citizen requests information -- it should be given. The majority of the files in the municipal office are public record. New bylaws and amendments need to be distributed to the people that they will obviously affect prior to being accepted as law or policy for seri- ous discussion. The input that would be gained from the many talented indi- viduals in this municipality is price- less and would be far more useful than the expensive studies that this if council and administration currently depend on. 4 Letters tO the Edi tOr Yours truly, DEAN DucHARME, Huron Contractors Inc., Registered Home Builder Exeter blood donor clinic A blood donor clinic was held at the South Huron Rec Centre ,Aug. 10. Claudia Gard a phlebotomist nurse takes blood from Ron Rader of Exeter. This marks Rader's 30th donation. Exeter's next clinic will be Oct. 12 at the same location.(photo/Nina Van Lieshout)