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The Huron Expositor, 1983-04-06, Page 1F • Incorporating O Brussels Post; 500 per copy (fxpositor SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1983 — 20 PAGES cL __ County share of Huron budget is up 5 per cent County okays In a 16 to 14 recorded vote Huron County council has approved using the firm of Woods Gordon of London to conduct a computer feasibility study for the county. Council, at its March 31 meeting, heard repeated arguments opposing the, study led by Zurich Reeve Don Van Patter. The Zurich reeve had opposed the idea of a feasibility study from the beginning, stating the county could invite computer firms in to suggest the type of computer which would be best for the county. The study has been budgeted at $25,000, although Morris Township Reeve William Elston said the cost of the study has been estimated at about $17,000 plus travel and mileage. He noted the study,would determine if the county needs a computer and if it does. what kind it needs. East Wawanosh Township Reeve Ne Vincent moved that the whole idea of a computer study be sent back to the executive committee. This motion was defeated by council. Executive committee. member Brussels Reeve Calvin Krauter said that committee has studied the question. He added the county could ask several companies to recommend computers to the county, but QUITE A POSE—A number oaf area people turned out for the first martial arts class at St. James' School In Seaforth Mar. 29. Paul Hildebrand of Seaforth Is teaching the weekly class. (Photo by Hook) computer study stated, "how much smarter would we be, not one iota." "i do have experience in computers, personal experience," said Reeve Van Patter adding if county council couldn't make a decision on what type of computer to buy "there is something wrong with the system. "The question is whether we even need one (computer). Woods Gordon is in the business of doing this and will tell us if we need a computer and if so, what kind we need." said Hullett Reeve Tom Cunningham. Exeter Deputy Reeve Lossy Fuller dis- agreed. "1 don't think its a question of need or not. but keeping up with the times." She agrees with the idea of the county being on a computer system, but said county staff should be able to determine the computer iv/equipment necessary. Clerk -treasurer William Hanly said pure - chasing a computer for the county is a very important step. Estimated costs for such a system range from 5150,000 to 5200,000. ' 1'11 be the first to admit 1 don't have a clue about computers," said Mr. Hanly noting he doesn't know what kind of computer system would benefit the county most. Those voting in favor of Woods Gordon preparing a computer feasibility study include: Guy Township Reeve Leona Arm- strong, Ashfield Township Reeve John Austin, Seaforth Reeve William Campbell, Blyth Reeve Tom Cronin, Reeve Cunning- ham. Reeve Elston, McKillop Township Reeve Marie Hicknell, Brussels Reeve Krauter, Turnberry Township Reeve Brian McBurney, Osborne Township Reeve Gerry Prout, Stanley Township Reeve Paul Steckle, Goderich Township Reeve Grant Stirling, Stephen Township Deputy Reeve Ralph Weber, Hay Township Reeve Lionel Wilder, and Goderich Reeve Harry Worsell with two votes, Those voting in opposition to the motion include: West Wawanosh Township Reeve James Aitchison, Hay Township Deputy Reeve Anthony Bedard. Tuckersmith Town- ship Reeve Robert Bell, Clinton Reeve Ernest Brown. Exeter Deputy Reeve Fuller, Bayfield Reeve David Johnston, Colbourne Township Reeve Russell Kernighan, Wi Reeve Joe Kerr, Hensall Reeve Harry lu gel, Exeter Reeve Bill Mickle, Howick To ship Reeve William Newton, Reeve Van Patter, Reeve Vincent and Stephen Township Reeve Alan Walper. . Goderich Deputy Reeve James Britnell was absent from the council session. Huron County council brought in its 26 municipalities' share of the 1983 bbudget at a 4.985 per cent increase with the municipali- ties to share in the over 53 million in county costs. Approved by county council at its Mar. 31 session, the county apportionment increased $165;000- from 53,310,000 in 1982 to 93,475,000 for this year. While the county's share went up by under fWe per cent, the county's total 1983 budget increased 14.8 per cent over its 1982 budget. The county's total 1983 budget increased by $1,920,778 from the 1982 budget to bring it to 514.902.378 for this year. The province will be paying percentages of various depart- ments' costs such as roads, social services and the health unit for a total of $8,392,364. The province's share is up from the 1982 budgeted figure of 57.406,277. Other revenue will be obtained from municipal grants and fees in the amount of 512,500. fees and service charges in the amount of 52,305,494, miscellaneous re- venue in the amount. of $340,600, a general surplus of $230.141 and a highway surplus of 5121,279. Exeter Reeve Bill Mickle suggested the county's entire budget should have come in at a five per cent or less increase. He did acknowledge that if the social services budget is deducted from the total picture, the county's total 1983 budget increases by about 8.56 per cent. The Exeter Reeve also expressed concern about future provincial grants. "The provincial government may not be as getlerous in the future," commented Reeve Mickle. The Exeter Reeve and Exeter Deputy Reeve Lossy Fuller did not vote in favor of the 1983 budget. Huron Warden Grant Stirling said, 'It's a good budget. We tried to keep the increase at under five per cent and as you know it came in at 4.985 per cent without cutting any serviced." The county has done a very good job of maintaining . the same level of service," added Warden Stirling. The largest portion of the budget is for social services in the amount of 55,944.227. This includes general assistance, Hurortview. Family and Children's Services, patriotic grants and grants to day care centres. Over 55 million has been budgeted for the highways department and other expendi- tures include 51f 3,880 for members of council, 5754,105 for general administration, 51,601,459 for health services, 594,544 for plumping and environment, 5821,506 for recreation and cultural services, 5389,627 for planning and development, and 547,030 for agriculture and reforestation. Both the library and plumbing and environment budgets that were sentback by county council at its previous session were reduced to come in at the recommended _amount. The county's portion of the library budget was reduced from 5551,781 to 5528,281. The county's share of the plumbing and environment budget was reduced by 8,100 to 540,544. Both changes are reflected in the approved budget.. Seaforth's contribution is 587,431, com- pared to 587,715 in 1982. McKillop will contribute 5109,097 to the county, compared to 598,667 in 1982, while Tuckersmith's share is 5156,379 (5136,137 in 1982). Brussels will pay 532,178, compared to 532.306 in 1982. Hensall's share is 563,412 (558,236 in 1982); Grey will pay 5126,187 0116,365 in 1982); Morris 592,801 (585.706) and Hullett 5120,459 (5106,391). Sweet Adelines organize here The sound of music will fill the halls of the Seaforth public school tonight, Wed., April 6. Several area women have shown an interest in forming a Sweet Adelines chapter in Seaforth and hope to organize a female barbershop chorus. Doreen Strong and Joan Campbell have done most of the ground work, assessing -if interest is sufficient to make the chorus viable. Mrs. Campbell', involved in acappella ' (without instrumental accompaniment) sing- ing through her husband Ken's involvement in the recently formed Seaforth Harmony Kings, says 25 female voices are required to form a Sweet Adelines chapter. "We don't know how much interest there is, but we feel it is sufficient to form a group. if a chapter is formed, we are required to be sponsored by a sister chapter." Two chapters near Seaforth include the Stratford and Listowel Sweet Adelines. To Van Egmond Foundation to "burn mortage" BY VIVIENNE NEWNHAM After 12 years of effort by many, many people the Van Egmond Foundation plans to symbolically burn its "mortgage" at the annual general meeting Monday, 'April 11, at the Van Egmond House. The symbolic burning represents the clearance of debts and all loans at the local bank. Without the trusting belief in the historic project by the various managers at the Seaforth branch of the Toronto Dominion Bank, this stage could not possibly have been reached by the Van Egmond Foundation. There has never been an actual mortgage on the property since acquisition in 1971. In 1970 the Ontario Heritage Foundation recommended to Huron County Council that the former Van Egmond House be preserved and restored. Eventually,' Seaforth Reeve John Flannery was approached with this request, and, with Tuckersmith Reeve Elgin Thompson called a citizens' meeting at the Seaforth Town Hall in October, 1971, to gage the amount of local interest. Chaired by John Flannery. this meeting produced a repre- sentative group to do a feasibility study on a restoration project with the group to report back to a follow-up citizens' meeting for. approval (or otherwise) of its findings. The approval of the follow-up meeting is now well known, and under the elected chairmanship of Jim Doig. and with the support of Clare Westcott, the Van Egmond Foundation evolved, complete with charter dated Jan. 28. 1972. Upon interviewing some of the early volunteers in the restoration project it was made abundantly dear that Jim Doig is held by them to have been an active moving force in forwarding the aims of the group. He talked to many in the area who became interested and eventually contributed the major part of the ongoing time and work needed. DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR in order to raise the 514.000 purchase price. an applicatidn was made to the Ontario Heritage Foundation. They agreed to grant $7,000 if the Van Egmond Foundation raised the remainder by private donations. Through a vigorous fund-raising campaiglr this was done. and the property purchased. As an ongoing program a further 514,000 was raised on a dollar for dollar agreement with the Ontario Heritage Foundation. Applications were made to Wintario for further funding and the first instalment was eventually received in December. 1979. Many people have been involved over the years with the fund raising projects giving hours and -hours of their time. Programs such, as Opportunity for Youth, Local initiatives Project, Maitland Valley Conservation Au- thority, Katimavik, Community Develop- ment Project and other groups contributed to the ongoing success of the restoration. T7�,he support of the Town of Seaforth and .mfore recently the Township of Tuckersmith Sand local citizenry has been a continuing encouragement. To receive funds from Wintario and the Ontario Heritage Foundation the Van Eg- mond Foundation has been required to raise funds including the value of donated labour - first. and present the paid-up bill to them. Over the last two difficult years it has been necessary to obtain loans from the bank 'to meet this requirement. The loans have been higher because of prevailing interest rates. At last. through the generous contribution from the members of the Van Egmond Family Group, sale of a portion of the property to the Egmondville Cemetery Board, and a portion to the Parks Committee of the Township of Tuckersmith the Foundation has cleared its loans, and looks forward with great relief and hope to completion in the future of its earlier projections. Enzensberger and F. Vivienne Newnham, until in 1979 when the former chairman of the Master Plan and present chairman Paul Carroll was elected to that office. He has stayed with it, believing in the place in Canadian, history of Colonel Anthony W.J. Van Egmond. WHY? Mr. Carroll believes the Van Egmond House could and would tell the story of the very earliest days of this part of Huron County in Upper Canada. As well, he feels that school children in this learn more of female barbershop singing, Mrs. Campbell explained a group of Seaforth area ladies will observe the Listowel Sweet Adelines during a dress rehearsal, Tuesday evening. April 5. A member of the Listowel chorus and director, Bonnie Gropp, will attend tonight's meeting to explain barbershop singing to interested ladies. In addition, Mrs. Campbell says it is possible two Listowel quartettes will attend. "Bonnie is willing to give us all the help we require to get started." Forming a Sweet Adelines chapter in Seaforth was first discussed over a month ago, says Mrs. Campbell. "Several spouses of The Harmony Kings voiced their interest after attending a barbershop concert in Chatham. At least 15 have shown interest." Mrs. Campbell explained a female barber- shop chorus would provide a night out. It isn't meeting oriented. Barbershop singing is a form of relaxationand ladies can sigg out their frustrations if they have ttny,shie joked; part of Huron County could have an example of pioneer life without having to travel by' bus hundreds of miles to such exhibits. He adds. that the house would be so close to home for the children that they would search the story of their own family. This way they will add their pieces to this huge jig saw puzzle and eventually complete the picture of pioneer tinies for all to see. "To understand something of the time that we presently livein, we need to know our earlier history", says longtime Van Egmond Foundation volunteer, Margaret McCowan. • "There is really,/nothing offered in the community which is oriented for women." Positive the interest -is there. Mrs. Campbell says Margaret Whitmore of RR4, Walton has consented to act as director. Mrs. Whitmore, a music teacher at Grey Central School. more recently directed the music section of The Fantasticks. Mrs. Campbell agreed the chorus will be a learning experience for all. All females, young and old, who have a desire to sing are invited to attend. The organizers hope to draw members from Brodhagen. Mitchell, Dublin. Walton, Brussels. Clinton, Kippen, Brucefield, Xxeter and the Seaforth areas. As for tonight, Mrs. Campbell says those attending will get together and sing their first song in four part harmony. What does the male chorus think of the idea? Mrs. Campbell says the Seaforth Harmony Kings fully support the. formation of a Seaforth Sweet Adet}ut ch¢rtt3:.. ' • Optimists hope for good canoe race weather Seaforth Optimists are hoping for a sunny day and local people are getting their canoes ready to launch as the 12th annual Optimist canoe race on Sunday approaches. Organizer Arnold Stinnissen says there should be at least as many participants as last year when 80 canoeists, half of them from the iSeaforth area, braved snow and cold to canoe the Bayfield River. Last year's race was post-poned once, because of a blizzard and Mr. Stinnissen says a Michigan couple, Bill and Caroline Schmitz, who arrived last year to find the race snowed' out, and then got snowed in here for the weekend, are expected back this year. The event. which 'always attracts lots of spectators, gets underway at 1 p.m. from the Egmondville bridge. There are eight classes for various levels of expertise. Breakfast will be available from Optimist members at the race starting line and free chili will be served to participants only, at the Optimist Hall, following the.race. As part of the event, which ra'es funds for Optimist youth work, a 15 foot Scott canoe, on display now in Seaforth Automotive's win- dow, will be raffled off following the race. Last year's winners of the mens expert class were local canoeists, Rick Kloss of Brucefield and Rene Boogemans of Hensall. .• $1000donations noted on plaques may want to speed up their payments in order to have a plaquewith their name on it on the arena wall at the time of the opening. "The May 1 deadline is necessary to have the plaques prepared in time," Mr. Vincent said. Anyone who has donated a lesser amount and can give a little more to make a total donation of $1000 will also be recognized with a plaque, he added. Donations can still be forwarded to the r fund raising committee at Box 1180. , Seaforth. CIDERFEST The maip annual fund raising event since 1915 has been Ciderfest and recently this has grown to involve the community. Publicity is of the utmost importance, and all involved have recognized the generously donated support given to the Foundation by the Huron Expositor of Seaforth. in writing this article a page of acknow- ledgements developed to those volunteers apart from the chairmen, who have notably and reliably worked on this project. But in fear of not including others worthy of mention. it has been decided to leave this until a future time. Most certainly acknow- ledgement will be accorded in the credits of the Foundation when the house is officially opened. When Jim Doig resigned the chair in 1915. it became the pattern for a new chairman to he elected each year in February on. or about. Heritage Day. Jim was followed by Robt. W. Newnham. Dr. Rodger Whitman. Mona KITTENS— Marra arid Jeremy Westervelt found two kittens from a litter delivered by the Westervelt farm cat. The children took time to show kids from Seaforth (phnursery oto by drool l while they visited the farm last week. Names of those who have given 51000 or more to the new Seaforth and District Community Centres, some of them memorial donations, will appear on plaques in the new building in time for the June 4 official opening. "But we'll only be able to put up plaques for the opening if donations have been received in full by May 1," says fund raising chairman Marlen Vincent. He told the `Expositor the community centres' committee hopes people who have pledged 51000 o more but have not paid the whole amount yet • County objects to tax change Huron County Council "objects strongly" to the provincial governments' proposed farm land tax rebate program. Council approved a motion to object at its March 31 meeting. Presented by Stanley Township Reeve Paul Steckle, the motion urges the province to continue the current method of tax rebate whereby farmers apply for 50 per cent of the taxes paid. The motion suggests the present rebate program contin- ue until "such times as an equitable method is found for land to continue to contribute to the tax system for those services that relate to land." "Before we vote, we should remind ourselves that farmers will pay taxes as always," said Howick Township' Reeve William Newton. The proposal by the province states that in 1984, farmers will be able to apply for a 100 per cent rebate on farm land taxes. At the same time there will be no rebate available on the farm house and one acre of land. Reeve Steckle said farmland needs to contribute to the services it receives such as roads and fire protection. He said that the problem is the province's proposal goes • l€yohd the idea of farmland not paying for education. Nursery school tours a farm /43,A13 Students look for summer jobs /A3, 18 Dumpers second in Ontario broomball /A10 Junior Farmers host a dance for seniors /A8 Pee Wee A's are WOAA champs /A11 Births /A19 Brussels news /A6, 7 Classified /A 17, 18 Dublin news 1114, 5 Entertainment /A8 Family 1,419 Farm /Al2, 13 Hensel! news /A16 Kids 1,415 Obituaries 1,45 People /A8 Roulston /A2 Smiley /A2 Something to Say /A2 Sports /A10, 11 Walton 1,49 r1 j