Loading...
The Times Advocate, 2005-10-12, Page 1818 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday,October 12, 2005 South Huron District High School's Manufacturing Technology class recently helped out the Exeter Legion by making 40 red metal poppy boxes, which will be used this year during the Legion's Poppy Drive, starting at the end of October. Poppy chairman Bart DeVries says the Legion places 145 poppy boxes throughout the com- munity during the Poppy Drive to raise money and awareness.With DeVries, from left, are the four students who did the majority of the work on the poppy boxes: Nate Falk, Matt Romagnoli, Dustin Clifford and Jason Neevel. (photo/Scott Nixon) Habitat selects family for first home CLINTON — Habitat for Humanity Huron County (HFH HC) hosted a beef barbecue Sept. 11 at the site of their first Habitat house build in Clinton. The purpose of the gathering was to introduce the recently selected family who will live in the house. The family was introduced to neighbours, board members, com- mittee members and other volun- teers. The perfect weather pro- vided a sunny and warm backdrop to a festive event. Habitat for Humanity Huron County selected Kathy Morris and her children Elyssa (age four) and Elijah (age two) as the family who will buy the first Habitat house built in Huron County. Kathy expressed her sincere appreciation and considers it an honour and a great opportunity to be the first family to occupy a Habitat house in Huron County. Kathy takes her newly formed asso- ciation with Habitat seriously. She was at the job site on Sept. 10 working on interior partitions. She will not only be working on the house, but also plans to accompany Habitat volunteers to various events and speaking engagements to keep enthusiasm at high levels and keep the public informed about how Habitat for Humanity works. Paul Dyck, HFH HC chairperson, stated, "We have about 60 people here today, all of whom played a part in the past 19 months to get where we are today. It's been an incredible journey. And there are many others who couldn't be here today who also played a part. The response from all over the county has been phenomenal and we thank everyone for their contribu- tions of time, material and talent." Dyck introduced each person at the picnic, calling them all V.I.P.s, including Kathy and her children, who can't wait to move into the house. Rev. Alex McGillvery led local clergy in blessing the house with a few readings and prayers. Glenn Hayter also introduced a group of local financial advisors from Dundee Wealth Management who have combined their efforts to become HFH HC's first gold level sponsor. They have committed $5,000 to the organization for each of the next three years, for a total of five thousand dollars. HFH HC expressed appreciation, not only to those present, but to the many, many others who have made this house a reality. Completion of the home is expected in November, when Kathy's family will move in. The house is locat- ed in Clinton almost directly across from Tim Hortons on Highway 8. The exterior walls are complete, and the roof trusses have been set in place with sheathing applied. The Kinsmen Club of Clinton were among the volunteers. The Kin club contributed the labour to apply the shingles. Many local and county businesses and organizations have been extremely generous in their contributions of labour and materi- al. A list of these businesses, organi- zation, faith groups, and others can be found on HFH HC's website at www.habitathuroncounty. ca. The site contains a wide variety of information on the group's activi- ties and structure. Habitat for Humanity is a non- profit, independent housing pro- gram made up of local affiliates that are locally managed. Habitat for Humanity Huron County is entirely operated by volunteers. Habitat provides a "hand up, not a hand out" by selling homes to qual- ified families through "sweat equi- ty" and non-interest mortgages. Each local chapter must meet the strict guidelines of Habitat for Humanity Canada. Started in 1976 in the United States, Habitat for Humanity now enjoys success in 87 countries around the globe. Habitat came to Canada in 1985 and has built over 600 homes. Habitat for Humanity Huron county can be contacted at www.habitathuroncounty. ca, or at P.O. Box 68, Hensall, Ont., NOM 1X0, or a message can be left at our office at 262-5222. Obtain passports before leaving your homeland By Ellen K. White EXETER — I had the good fortune to be born in Canada, and can proudly say my parents and grandparents were as well. As a child, I thought very little about it, until a questionnaire came to my home and one of the questions asked the nationality of my par- ents. I remember they were to check their answer, British, Irish, Scottish, French, German etc. My mother looked at it and said, "I am not any of these. I am a Canadian" - and wrote in the word `Canadian.' As a child I was horri- fied. She was breaking the law sending it back with the wrong wording! But we were loyal to the country of our birth and had every right to the name `Canadian.' My parents, and other Canadians won the bat- tle in the end - we are Canadians. So are thou- sands of citizens from all over the world who have had the good for- tune to make this their permanent home. When I travel I carry a passport that tells the world I am a Canadian and I carry it proudly. A few years ago this was not as important unless I were travelling to Europe or some exotic destination. Many countries embraced us with open arms with little identifi- cation. But unfortunate- ly, the world has changed. There is suspi- cion everywhere—even within our own borders. When travelling outside our country, we must be ready to prove our citi- zenship and identity. Because of the world problems, Canadians must now have identifi- cation to enter the United States. There is no other iden- tification as positive as a passport, as anyone can get a driver's licence and all residents have health insurance, not just Canadians. A birth certificate name is often different from that on our other papers. It is still a bit of a nuisance obtaining it, but it is worth the time. The American govern- ment is now preparing to demand identification with an electronic code. Such is our passport. Don't wait until you are ready to leave Canada. If you don't have an up-to-date passport, act now. Obtain the docu- ment that proves you are a Canadian. It could be one of the most important things you can do. And carry it with pride. I must warn our friends who live securely within Canada, but have not yet joined us as citi- zens of our great land, that you cannot leave Canada now or return without a Maple Leaf card to show that you are of Landed Immigrant status. If you wish to go to the United States, you fall into one of two groups: you may travel for only three months rather than six, unless you apply for special permis- sion beforehand, or as an immigrant from other countries, you must obtain a special visa before entering at all. It is extremely disap- pointing to plan a trip and then be left at the border. Yes, the world has changed, and we all hope the change is tem- porary, but until we all believe it is a safe place again we must go along with it. I'm still glad I am a Canadian. The Canadian Snowbird Association strongly urges all Canadians planning on travelling out of Canada to obtain passports. Any member with questions is invited to call 1-800- 265-3200. We are concerned about all travellers and always open to new members. Ellen K White is the Immediate Past President of the Canadian Snowbird Association. Peace -of -Mind Service Package Buy 3 Tires Multi -point Peace -of -Mind Inspection including: Check Brakes Check Exhaust System Check Electrical System Check Cooling System Check Suspension Top -up of Washer Fluid and Check other Fluid Conditions Written Report on Findings and Much More PLUS Tire Rotation PWS Lube, Oil and Filter Change On now for only Environmental handling charge will apply. Get the 4th Tire FREF' Available on our full line of tires including: BFGoodrich GOODYEAR Momentum - GRAND PRIZE MSRP 98,105 V, See retailer for additional qualifying brands.,70,.7. G E One of three 2006 Dodge Magnum R/Ts Details in store.