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The Huron Expositor, 1987-07-29, Page 3Seaforth manlands part in , movie LOCAL ACTOR -A Seaforth man recently had a bit role in a Canadian -made movie, Blue City Stammers, made in Blyth in June: Jim Thompspn orSeaterth was the father of one of the girls on the women's:baseball team and said 'the.experience-was one he will never foraet. Blake photo. A Seaforth man became all amateur • movie actor overnight when he played a bit' part in the Canadian movie, Blue City Stam- mers, filmed in the Blyth area the last ,yveek of May to June 22. Jim Thompson, an amateur stage actor, landed the part of the father of one of the girls on the title baseball team when' his sister; Judy McMichael of Dungannon, sug- gested he call Tony Armstrong, Toronto, for information about the auditions. The part called, for a man who could look like a 50 to55-year-old farmer who discusses selling his farm with a real estate agent wlifle the sma Mown Medal" team battles - to win a Labor Day tournament.. The $1.2 million movie, written by Layne Coleman for The . stage and screen, was featured et the Blyth Summer Festival in 1984, which the Thompson happened to attend. Mr. Thompson read•lines from the movie script at the audition held the second week in May at the Blyth Inn and three weeks later heard. he was picked. He had only' a ; week to learn his part before he was called to the set, but added. it wasn't .difficult • ,because his part was a small one. Mr: Thompason-had-some experience ac- ting on stage with the Goderich Litle Theatre in 1980-81. He participatedin three. ' plays - Witness for the Prosecution and The Woman in White, both by Agatha Christie and How the Other Half Loves. In 1985 he acted with the :Seaforth "Fantastics" in a show directed by Bruce Whitmore and spon- sored by the Seaforth Agricultural Society, Mr, Thompson said he enjoyed acting in the movie and was excited because it was a "major motion picture. being made in `a small town". It doesn't happen very, often that one gets to be a, part of such a produc- tion, he said. Watching .the set take its form and realiz- ing how the movie will look when the seem- ingly unrelated shots are put together was also a good experience for Mr. Thompson:, He said: he is anxious to see the movie when. it premiers at•the Festival of Festivals in Toronto or at theNew York Film Festival, both this fall. The father of four children, Mr. Thomp- son went to his location on a farm near lielgrave once to do his scene and was finished. He said the only major difference between acting on stage and acting before a camera was the 50 crew members were the ` audience and scenes could be done many times over if needed. He said he was more relaxed at a taping and added on stage he was accustomed to getting his scene perfected before presen- ting it•to•the public. A.drawback, he said,'was that actors do not get to seethe entire 6.0.90 minute show because they are allowed to.go home when finished shooting. A press. release published in the Jane 22 edition of The London Free Press said, "The men and Women of -Blue City are like the heroes of Bruce Springsteen's songs. They are the working. class who play and work hard' full out and 'Blue City is their anthem." Appeal made for families to host students A Seaforth woman is making an urgent appeal for host families who will invite a foreign exchange student into their homes for the 1987-88 school year. Janice Rose, a teacher at the Seaforth District High School, is the Seaforth volunteer Area Representative for Educa tional - Foundation • for Foreign Study (EFFS), a non-profit organization -which ar- ranges high school exchanges. EF Foundation students are young am- bassadors who would like to learn about Canada from the inside out. They undergo intensive screening in their •homelands before they are accepted into the program •and are selected for their fluency in GENEViEVE WESTCOTT, an award• winning television jounrallst, has been ap- pointed co -host -reporter for W5. She returns to her native Canada and CTV after holding senior positions with Television New Zealand. Westcott appointed W5 co -host Award-winning -television journalist Genevieve Westcott, daughter of former Seaforth resident Clare Westcott, has been appointed co-hest/reporter of W5. She will join co-hosts Jim Reed and Bill Cunn- ngham for the 1987-88 season. Ms. Westcott is a former CTV bureau chief and national reporter in Vancouver, with nine years experience in television news and current affairs reporting. She returns to her native Canada after holding senior positions- with Television New Zealand. She was a senior reporter of RVNZ's "Flying Squad", a special unit formed to provide major in-depth investigative documentaries on key issues. Previously, she was a senior correspondent on "Close Up", TVNZ's prifne time newsmagazine. . While working on "Close Up" in 1986, she was awarded New Zealand's top jour- nalism prize and also the top television cdrrent affairs award for her one-hour pro- gram that investigated gang warfare in Auckland and the ensuing pressures it broughtto beat on the New Zealand criminal .justice system. Ms. Westcott's hour-long special pecial sparked nation wide debate and resulted in questions in Par'lia- ment, Not long after, the New Zealand governfiient announced a Royal Commis- sion on violence in society. Ms. Westcott's 1986 television awards were not her first' ones. In 1985, she was awarded New Zealand's top prize for television news reporting. She was also chosen "Woman of the Year" for 1986 in Auckland. ' Before joining LTV in 1982, Ms. Westcott worked in Vancouver' as a reporter with CRC Television and for CKVU Her print background includes editiorial page writer for the Vancouver Province and financial r'eporterwith the Vancouver Sun. Ms Westcott holds a Master degree in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario and an Honors degree in political Science froth York University in Toronto. English, adaptability, maturity and academic motivation.' Once in Canada the students participate as active members of the both the family' and community. They share in daily family life and join in school and community clubs and sports. Theyare also expected to adhere to a strict set of rules andregula- tions during their stay. Students pay, their own fees to participate in the program and arrive in Canada in August and leave at the end of June. All students carry full medical and property in- surance and each provides their own spen- ding money for, things such as clothing, souvenirs and movies. Families provide room, board and a loving, atmostphere for the student in the home. No other respon- sibility is required of the host family. Unfortunately though, students arrive in Canada in just a few weeks, and many have yet to be placed with volunteer host families. Host families come from all walks of life. tgmondville man An Egmondville man took advantage of the situation and started his own plumbing and heating business a few weeks ago when he heard Sills Hardwareplanned to stop their services. Larry McGrath quit his job with Sills Hardware six weeks ago and was about to take a maintenance job when he heard the hardware store was going out of the plumb- ing and heating business. With an indea the people of Seaforth should have a choice of plumbers, rather than one compnay having a monopoly, Mr. McGrath started his own business from his home. "There's room in Seaforth for two out- fits," he said. Although it is impossible to set up over- night, Mrs. McGrath said he already has a truck, some tools and will get his supplies from a friend. He added it will probably take about two months to get completely stocked up and to build up a good credit rating with local suppliers.. mr. McGrath said the loss of a steady paycheck is frightening, and so is the pro- spect of being the one who has to worry. about custornersatisfaetion and maintain- ing stock. But, he figures he can handle it. "Owning your own business makes you think more and if you "lose your shirt, you can only blame yourself," he said: "It's searey getting started." One disadvantage of working from his home, according to Mr. McGrath, is the pro- blem of answering the phone. .When customers call during the day his wife • Dianne, is working and he, himself, is Work- ing so there is no one answering the calls. An answering machine he said, could solve the problem but he believes it might drive customers away if they don't like talking to They usually include. two parents anc children, but single-partent families, young couples with no children, and older couples have all had successful hosting experiences. All families over 25 years of age who have a sincere desire to share their family life with an exchange student are considered eligible to'be an EF Foundation Host family. According to Miss Rose, "It's not only a case of families not having much surplus in- come. Economic difficulties have been with us for a long time, besides, people in less af- fluent areas are some of the most willing to host. We just have .to let caring, happy families know about our program; we want good homes, not necessarily wealthy ones." Seaforth area families who have an extra bed and who have an interest in interna- tional friendship, and would be interested in hosting an exchange student, can call Janice at 482-3768 or call Educational Foun- dation for Foreign Study toll-free at 1-800-447SHARE. Families can pick their own student. starts business 1 NEW BUSINESS -Larry McGrath took ad- vantage of the situation and started his own plumbing and heating business a few weeks ago after Sills Hardware decided to quit the service, Mr. McGrath has the business out of his home in Egmondville. Blake photo. machines. Mr. McGrathsaidbusiness is .booming. with quite a bit of work already ahead of him, He addedhis policy is to keep jobs caught up, so customers don't have to wait months for service. He will specialize in new home installa- tions and repairs and, with his wife keeping the books, is optimistic about the future of his endeavor, While working for ,Sites Hardware Mr, McGrath applied for an apprenticeship in plumbing and heating and now has his gas fitters licence. Prior to that he. was an employee of Bendix Florae Systems, Hensafl. Summer students The Huron -Perth Roman Catholic Separate School Board recently held a six- week summer school prograrri centering on the loss of Colonel Vali Egtnond's dignity and land at the St, James Separate School. Nine girls front Perth county par- ticipated in the program which was headed by teacher, Susan Kraftchuck. The group learned about Colonel Van Eg- mond and his troubles, through songs, books and quilting. Since the summer school was to be held in Seaforth this year, Mrs., Kraftehuck thought it would be appropriate to hold seine of the classes at the Van Egmond House. A tour of the budding got the girls aegtiainte'd with their roles as women of sketch .homes Van Egmond's era. Wearing period clothes obtained from their parents and teacher; the group spend Monday; July 20 at the historical site play- ing Croquette, music, singing songs and holding a quilting bee. Sketches the group had completed earlier were placed on the quilt, and included sket- ches of such places as Maplewood Manor, Cardno's Hall, the Van Eginond Weise and period homes around town. The summer school ended Friday with a skit of scenes from Annie and Tom Sawyer presented to the residents of Maplewood Manor. The session for Huron County students is now underway _ ... _-.. FIDDLER'S PICNIC-A:picnic for fiddlers who attended the Fid'dler's Jamboree was held Sunday at the Van Egmond House to educate the fiddlers about the house and to celebrate their hours of dedication. to the Jamboree. Floyd Stanbury, London, fiddles around with Gladys Van Egmond, orgarozer of the Atonic, Hank Greene, who celebrated his 87th birthday and Lloyd Tho'rrisorl,.St. Mary's. Blake photo. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, JULY 29, 1987 vo w nrr�rctrty.car,. d S=:k, xe. - iota • ' • MINIATURE CHURCH -A Seaforth man decided to build church'for the top of his tree when he heard town maintenance men were going to rip the tree from its roots and ruin his driveway. Robert Aberhart put up the church one month ago and says various aspects of the church could be interpreted to have biblical meanings. Blake photo. Centre Street resident sparks, curiosity with church -on -a -tree A six-foot high miniature church was plac- ed atop a 12 -foot stump one month ago by a Seaforth man to stir up curiosity and to add another attraction to his street. • Robert'Aberhart of 82 Centre SL, made plans for the church about one year ago when he was told town maintenance workers were going to cut down the tree in front of his property. Mr. Aberhart con- sented on the condition town employees cut the tree I2 feet from the ground so he could place'something attractive on top instead of tearing , it up by the roots, which would damage his cement driveway. He got the idea of placing a church on top and proceeded to get a picture of one from a Christmas card. He gave it, along with the plans, to Terry Baillie of Dublin to make. Mr. Baillie's father is a neighbor and friend of Mr. Aberhart and Terry was the only per- son Mr. Aberhart knew who could make the small building. The 120 -pound Church was placed on the stump using scaffolding. ft has been design- ed to let moisture escape in the winter or after a rain. It is decbrated with stained glass windows and has little People near the front door and artificial flowers inside the picket fence which surrounds the building. Mr. Aberhart also installed a speaker and lights so music could be played and so the church could be lit up at night. Mr. Aberhart does not play church music, except on Remembrance Day and Christmas Day, so said his church is "not in competition with the Presbyterian chimes". The music played is usually country or soft music. Mr. Aberhart said the church was placed so high so children could not swing from it and also because he was motivated by the bible scripture, "And I John saw the holy ci- ty Jerusalem coming out of God from heaven." A native of Seaforth, Mr. Aberhart, said he chose a church because he thought he could cheer up the people who lived on his • street, He said he also wanted to remind people about the meaning of church and what TV evangelists are supposed to preach. He referred to the PTL scandal and commented that they've damaged the reputation of Christianity. "Almost every television preacher is try- ing to take your money by threatening death in Hell if you don't comply," he said. Mr. Aberhart said he also wants to make people, curious to find out what his church represents. Depending' on how people take the decora- tions.there could be a lot of different inter- pretations of the church. The shamrocks could, for example, repre- sent the holy trinity with its leaves, but they really refer to his Irish roots. As to what religion he represents Mr. Aberhart says them all, since they are all the same in his mind. A Legion member, Mr. Aberhart has been living in Seaforth for the past seven years and prior to that taught for 34, years in a 21 -room school house in Kapuskasing. He also taught in a town just south of Kapuskas- ing called Temagami and in Barrie for five years. , In 1933.34, Mr. Aberhart taught in a rural school in Varna. He himself attended Seaforth Collegiate Institute. Mr. Aberhart predicted the reaction of people to his church might be negative but stood up for his attraction by saying being prejudiced is like, "Being down on something you're not up on." • COMMUNITY CALENDAR If you're organizing a non-profit event o1'interest to other Seaforth area residents, phone the recreation office at 527-0882 or the Expositor at 527-0240, or mail the information to Cortiimuni- ty Calendar, The Huron Expositor, Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOR IWO well in advance of the sdheduled date. Space for the Community Calendar is donated by The Huron Expositor. Wed.., July 20 Sat., Aug. 1 Couples Invitational Golf Tourney, 1:30 - 4 p,nt. Public Swimming Seaforth Goff and Country Club 1:30 p.m. Shuffleboard 6:80 - 8 p.m, Mom's and Tots Roller Skating t p.m. Creamery''vs. Bears 830 pan. Mainstreet vs. Topnotch (Lions Park) 6 - 8:38 pin. Public Swimming 8 - 9 p.m. Ivtn'ess.'S Fun Thurs.,' July 30 7:30• pan. Topnotch vs. Korriakoyy 8:30 p.m. Cents v§ B'oiife'rsmfth 9:30 pain. Brewers S. Beachwood 6:30 p',m. Pee Wee Obit vs. Wingharn 7 pan. Walton at Belgrave Squirt Boys 8 p.m. Pee Wee Boys vs. Walton p,in. Walton at Wfnthrop Pee Wee Boys 9 pan. St. Mary's Jrs. at Walton Iri., July 31 Sun., Aug. 2 van Egrriond Foundation Country' Breakfast Mon., Aug. 3 7 p.m. Queens vs. Bears - 8:80 p.m. Mainstreet vs. Creamery (Optimist Park) Tues., Aug.4 Junior Farmers Blood Donor Chnid 7 - 8:30 p,m. Ladies Softball at Lions Park Wed:, Au.. 5 7 .m, Turf Club Vs. gio Helen 10:30 p.m. Roller Skating, West Branch (Lions Park) Michigan Weekend. July Si, Aug. 1, 9 p.m. Listowel at Walton Bantam Girls f