Vol. 2 #4 Grand Bend Strip - June 25, 2008

G R A N D B E N D ’S F R E E C O M M U N I T Y N E W S P A P E R

Vol. 2, No. 4

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BURGERFEST BRINGS BEDS BACK TO BEACH James “Tully” Mason, Justin “Bones” Mason, Kyle “Baby Goo” McCann, Jason “Juice Hungy” McCann, and Scott “Sparrow” Musser show what it takes to come in second at the second annual Burgerfest. More on p. 8 & 9.

PLUS: RISING GAS PRICES, COUGAR TRACKS SET IN STONE, AND LOTS OF PHOTOS

COVER PHOTO BY CASEY LESSARD

Mom & Dad p. - Technically Speaking p. - Living in Balance & Golf Tips p. - To Do List p.  You can now use your SEARS credit card Custom design inspiration - unitedfloors.ca

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Do you have gas pains?

View from the Strip

By Casey Lessard Everyone seems to be concerned about the price of gas these days, and I’m certainly among the crowd. I’m not eager to face the pumps when I have to resume my commute to Toronto every week to teach this fall.

But what do you do? I’ve been trying to figure out ways to reduce my reliance on my vehicle, but in this business it would be impossible to ride a bicycle everywhere. This is one of the curses of living the good life in rural Canada.

They say gas will only get more expensive, and I guess that has always been the case. How expensive does it have to get before you would stop driving, and when does the price of gas impact your life?

My guess is that you are already feeling the effects, especially if you work in Grand Bend, own a farm, commute to London, or simply scrape by on a meager budget. As gas prices escalate, so does the price of everything else. If prices for the things you buy regularly haven’t

gone up, they will eventually. Businesses can only shoulder supply and transportation price increases for so long.

With the current crisis, it is time to start thinking of other solutions. During a visit to the Green Living show (yes, we drove to Toronto for it), we could see the exciting prospects of solar power, energy efficient homes, hybrid and electric cars, etc. People want these technologies for the environmental reasons, and they are more attractive when they actually save you money.

Soon enough, these technologies will be more affordable than the fossil fuel technologies we have relied on for so long. I can’t wait for the day, and the environment can’t, either.

I only hope enough of us still have jobs when that day arrives.

We would like to hear how gas prices are affecting you.

Drop us a note at: mail@grandbendstrip.com.

Dear Casey, I just wanted to let you know how very well received your (wheelchair accessibility) article was, by your readers and by many merchants. I know it can be a gamble when dealing with businesses and I admit it was not always comfortable for me, but it truly has turned out to be such a worthwhile project. Scott and I have had so many calls, beautiful letters, and well wishing comments that we were overwhelmed; I have never known such heartfelt concern and support. As we discussed, there have been some incredible hurts and frustrations with people who could not handle the changes in our life.

Well, this has done so much to restore my faith in human kindness. Some of the businesses immediately made changes as a result of your article and became very proactive in their attitude.

You are a very kind and generous man yourself and this series of articles demonstrates

your commitment to bettering life for all citizens. I hope you feel proud and not too humble that you won’t print this. To all the people who approached Scott and me, wrote and sent cards, I thank you so much as it is just this sort of thing that empowers us to advocate for better services for all persons requiring chronic or long term care. We have a long way to go in getting drug coverage, but the financial services firm of Campbell and Lehman have been very kindly working on a trust fund for myself and others in my position to help with costs until one of either the Ontario Ministry of Health or Hoffman-LaRoche steps up to the plate and does the right thing. It is not my wish to be in the public eye for the reasons that I have been, but if this is what it takes to make improvements for myself and others, then so be it. Thanks again.

Sincerely, Denise Halpenny Exeter

Publisher/Editor: Casey Lessard Advertising Sales: Sid Reaburn Chief Photographer: Casey Lessard Grand Bend Strip P.O. Box 218 Grand Bend, Ontario N0M 1T0 CANADA Phone: (519) 614-3614 Fax: 1 (866) 753-2781 mail@grandbendstrip.com http://www.grandbendstrip.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Strip Thoughts

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Distribution: Joan McCullough, Rita Lessard and Casey Lessard Contributors: Tom & Rita Lessard Anjhela Michielsen Jenipher Appleton - nature/birding James Eddington - Eddingtons of Exeter Tamara Nicola - VisitGrandBend.com Cameron Rankin - Sand Hills Golf

To the Editor: I appreciate your recent efforts to grade accessibility in the area. I have arthritis in both knees and use a cane constantly. Entry to buildings, washroom facilities etc. are things I struggle with on a daily basis.

I was surprised to read that Gar’s (Bar) in Exeter got an average rating. I guess it was fair by your scoring system. However, what distressed me was your mention of the cleaning equipment in the handicap washroom. This is because I was at that facility this past February for lunch and when I went to use the handicap washroom there was a bucket and mops and no room for me. I had to use the regular washroom and – because the toilet was abnormally low – I had to grasp under the door to pull myself up; otherwise, I would still be there. Thank goodness the door held and I was again upright.

I asked to speak to the manager who was “not in today.” So I spoke to the person at hand and asked her to accompany me to the handicap washroom to show her why I was upset. She then explained that the equipment was in there because if she stored it downstairs, she would have to carry it up to clean. Because I didn’t agree this was a good reason to block handicap usage, I then demanded some compensation for my troubles. Am I wrong in assuming there is a law about having a handicap washroom available in public areas?

My compensation ended up being a free lunch.

But as my friend expressed to the woman why I was so upset, she responded, “She’s not handicapped!!” I guess more education is needed here.

You don’t have to be in a wheelchair to be handicapped! So I was happy to see you mention that in your recent editorial. Thank you for doing this.

There are other problems that people are often not aware of. The number of marked parking spaces is never enough and when I mention this at the municipality I am told the code requires one space for every thirty regular spaces. Is there a law that says you can’t include more than the building code stipulates? Duh! I would think the number of handicapped persons is only going to increase this decade.

Another seldom-confronted situation is the installation of handrails on stairs. Some are on the left and some are on the right. Some people have trouble going up, I have trouble going down and need a rail in my left hand. Why not have rails on both sides?

As Lisa Grady mentioned in her article, people want to do it themselves and maintain their dignity and independence. So let’s help them do that!

Thanks for listening Casey. You are doing a good thing. My next topic will probably be the development of a scent-free environment. Do I have any support on that issue?

Wilma Harris Port Franks

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From the editor: Wilma, thanks for your observations. It must be frustrating when a business has the infrastructure in place, but does not make it available to the customers for which it is designed. Our standard required that someone using a wheelchair can get in the door from the street and get around. If a person could use the washroom, reach the counters and sit at a table, those counted, too. I called Gar’s, and the owner is on vacation, but I was told the cleaning equipment still restricts use of the washroom. It’s a shame because this is a simple change (like other changes that could be made there and elsewhere) that could have helped it earn a higher rating. I was told Gar would likely reflect on this upon his return. Ultimately, business owners need to make accessibility a priority because, as you suggest, more people require such services each year.

Regarding the legal question, I do not believe restaurant washrooms are covered under the law yet, so if you would like to complain, your best avenue would be the Ontario Human Rights Commission. They, however, recommend you address your concerns with the business first.

And regarding the scent-free environment question, that’s certainly a good fight to wage.

I was pleased to see your newspaper in my mailbox; very interesting. I live in Parkhill and do a lot of my shopping in Grand Bend and area. I am very disappointed in the law enforcement that they don’t take care of the ongoing problem with wheelchair parking spaces. I find myself being mad most every time I have to park my truck when I see countless people (parking in these spaces) with no problem walking to the store. You people should be glad you can walk; STOP parking in the wheelchair space. I would stand out in the rain all day just to give out tickets to people who take the wheelchair parking spaces.

For the businesses that make excuses about why they don’t have wheelchair spaces or ramps, you should be ashamed of yourselves. It seems to me that everything has to be about the money. Why does it seem that bad things have to happen to someone before they make changes in their life?

We want to make changes in our community but we only want to go halfway. The people in wheelchairs have a right to shop anywhere they want, so why are they being left out?

Patti Wilton Parkhill How pleasant a surprise it was to see how well Grace Hodgins was doing after her surgery on Friday, June 13. Grace had to get a pacemaker and I was so worried for her, but like the trouper she is, she rallied once again and is expected to be home shortly. Lots of love and encouragement in your quest for better health. Love and good luck. You go girl!

Joan McCullough Shipka

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Strip VIPs

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On the road again The road took his life, but Curtis Hutcherson is taking it back the Smart way As told to Casey Lessard My first memory of driving was growing up on the tobacco farms of Tillsonburg, driving the trucks back and forth. It was great. Gas was 45 or 50 cents a gallon then. No problem.

My first car was a 1963 Valiant with a little slant-6, 174 Enduro. Wow! It was beautiful. Back then, everybody else was driving the Mustangs, the Camaros, all the hot cars. This was 1966, 67 or 68. I drove the Valiant for a couple of years. I bought it for $100 and sold it for $250.

Then I bought a Rideau 500, a big Ford that sleeps six. Four hundred horses. The whole shebang. It was gorgeous. Then one night, I totaled it. I had gone to a party and was driving home drunk and high. It just rolled off the road. I don’t even remember. Woke up the next morning in the hospital.

I was 19 in 1971. I was doing everything back then. I was working as a rock and roll star with a great bunch of boys. I was not very good at school, but I was there. I had the honour of playing on the Glendale Griffins basketball team and we had some of the best basketball players in Canada: Bruce Colthard, Rick Jacobs, Barry Atkinson – 7’2” and a quarterinch back then, and we were in high school. We were the best in Ontario.

A sudden stop

Curtis Hutcherson and his Smart car

One day, I jumped on a motorcycle at the football field. It was a 350 Honda bore out to a 405 Hellcat. Ooh! That was a fast bike. I went “wah-waaah” down the football field and let her go. The next thing I knew, a tree jumped in front of me.

I don’t remember much at all, thank goodness. I had many, many problems. My eye popped out. My nose was pushed to the side of my face. My teeth were all punched in. My jaw was smashed in. My collarbone was broken. My lungs were caved a bit. I had a blood clot tumour. It was just a mess.

I spent many months in hospitals and a year or two in work programs: the CMHA, the Watch program. Later on I got all these other life situations, like diabetes type II, epilepsy, sarcoidosis, trepanning, black lung, manic, manic aggressive.

With all of these problems, they took my license away for good.

I lost everything. I lost my life. I lost my friends. Before, it was Hi, Curtis! After I came home two years later, they would cross the street because they didn’t want to get near me. They thought I was a mental case because I had the brain operation and all these other things. So I went off on my own. Then I turned to alcohol and drugs, and that’s where I went after that.

I ended up in all these bizarre places. I lived in Coronation Park in the trees. I slept there for a summer. Nobody would even come close to me.

I ran from my mother and my father and my sister and brother. I went from job to job and hitchhiked. I had a little laundry bag on my back and just smiled as I went. I went from Port Rowan to Otterville to Mount Elgin to Ingersoll to London, and over to Vancouver. I went to Algonquin College and Fanshawe College twice.

In between I worked. I would just wake up and say, let’s go somewhere else. I got $20; Wow! Cool! Here we go. Back then, the jobs were there. I would do anything and smile. Sleep under a tree or under a truck. I did that for years and years.

Then I hit 40, and the government said, That’s enough. We don’t know where you are. So they put me on a disability pension.

I got a little cabin at 241 Simcoe in London and lived there.

It was great. A little 800 square foot apartment. I had a blast.

Then my mom and dad moved to Grand Bend and a year later, in 1996, my father passed away. I moved here to be with my mother.

My father was a man I loved very much and without him, I didn’t know if there was going to be anything. I went to the rubber room (at the mental hospital), where they put rubber on the walls and you run into them. I had lost it. I lost three people in a row: my grandfather, grandmother and father.

They were my heroes. My mother and sister and brother helped me through.

A kick-start I bought this house (in Grand Bend), and it was a beautiful disaster. It took about a month to paint and redo everything.

The bathroom had to be completely revamped. It’s a whole different feeling for me now. I’m secure here and I feel wanted. I’m placed. I have roots here now. I’m 55 now, and I work a little, but just for my mom and friends.

Then last year (November, 2006), they said, Oh! You can drive again, and they gave me my license back.

My mother has a Mercedes-Benz, so we drove to Mercedes to get her car worked on. We walked into the showroom and there was the Smart car. Wow! I walked over to it and said, My God, I could put this in my pocket and pick it up and carry it out. The salesman came over and the next thing I know he’s opening the door. The door is huge – it’s three quarters the size of the car. I sat in the car and there was extra room for me, and I’m 6’2”. It was amazing. He gave me a manual to read and I came back a month later and ordered an automobile. I said, this is what I would like and he took my arm and showed me three that had just come in from Hamilton that night. Would you like the one in the middle? I broke down in tears and cried, and I bought it.

I’ve been 35 years without wheels. Now I have my own little wheels, and once you get in the automobile, you forget the size of it. It’s adorable. And it’s a very reasonable car. It’s a threecylinder diesel and gets 75 miles to a gallon. I have a five-gallon gas tank. I get 390 miles per tank. I fill it up for $25 now, and I’m good for two to three weeks. Everything is 15 miles away anyway.

I go where I want to. I go to London, Exeter, Goderich, Sarnia. Then I cruise just to go up and down the beaches.

I still feel honoured to drive because the world has finally said, You can come back to life again. I have a date tonight with a young woman and we’re going to the Red Rooster in Forest. I’m still trying to catch up because I’ve been that far without. For 35 years, I’ve lived on are a bicycle and my feet, so I just stayed at home. Plus I have all these medical issues.

For example, (because of the diabetes), tonight I might have a diet pop or water or coffee. But I don’t care because I’m there and I’m enjoying it.

It was an emotional rescue for me. First I got my license, and then the insurance, and I jump in mother’s car. Wow! Wow! After 35 years, I’m in the driver’s seat and mother’s in the passenger’s seat. Mother hit me and I said, What? What’s wrong? She said, You’re driving now. I said, Thank you. And away we went.

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Strip in the Air

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Sexsmith pilots offer kids chance to fly Exeter resident Ron Helm flies out of Sexsmith airf ield, northwest of Exeter on McDonald Road, just east of Airport Line. The pilots based at Sexsmith will offer free flights to children aged 8 to 17 the morning of June 28; pre-registration is recommended by calling Wayne Steeper at 519235-2441.

As told to Casey Lessard I grew up during the war in Yorkshire, England, and there was a Canadian bomber base airfield nearby. They used to fly convert Halifax and Lancasters. There were Spitfires and all kinds of other things there, too.

Also in that little town was an aircraft factory that made gliders, and occasionally they had openings for apprentices in the engineering office. I was lucky enough to get one, which was great. The company sponsored me to learn to fly gliders; it cost us a quarter a launch in those days.

I flew from the Yorkshire Gliding Club a little bit, and I used to go on test flights because I was the engineer.

Then I worked for Blackburn, and was a member of the Royal Observer Corps, which is a part-time affiliation with the RAF, so I used to scrounge rides occasionally with those guys.

I came over from the UK in 1967 to work for Canadair – which is now Bombardier – in their engineering department. I worked on

vertical takeoff airplanes. They got into difficulties so I came down here from Montreal in 1971. Bell Aerospace was just opening up their plant in Grand Bend, and I used to fly hovercraft for them. I was director of product support and engineering. I was there 16 years before they collapsed, and Sexsmith became part of my life.

I came on the Sexsmith airfield in 1971.

I was just interested in airplanes at the time and eventually bought an airplane, which was the Taylorcraft BC-12D (seen in the photo).

It’s a 65 horsepower Continental engine, it cruises about 95 miles an hour, and it’s got a rather big wingspan of 36’ because in those days there wasn’t a lot of horsepower and they made up for it by making it light wing loaded.

If you go flying in my airplane, you feel the bumps. If you get a strong headwind, your ground speed can be pretty slow sometimes.

You have to hand crank it to start it – it doesn’t have any electrics. It has a radio, but I run that off a motorcycle battery. It’s fairly inexpensive to run: it burns about four gallons of fuel per hour. If you get up to 115 horsepower engines (like Mike Ash’s on opposite page), you’re looking at about six to eight gallons per hour.

with a great deal of panache. Very opinionated and he would cause an argument just for the heck of doing it. But it was all part of the atmosphere here.

We all had light airplanes like mine and Piper J3s. We used to just enjoy flying around.

We’d go off on an evening or breakfast flying on the weekends, maybe to Goderich or Hanover where they had good restaurants.

Or we’d go to other guys’ fields where there would always be coffee and donuts to be had.

We had a great time.

We used to fly in the winter a lot at that time, too. Most of us had skis so we could go flying in the winter. That was a lot of fun because you could land anywhere.

Ron Riley taught me to fly at Grand Bend.

Ron is a bush pilot. Bush pilots need different kinds of skills than airline pilots. Ron had lots of skills that he would teach you that weren’t in the curriculum, like how to get down on a field in difficult circumstances, engine failures, and things like that. Ron was absolutely first class because he had all the real life experience. Everything we did was with a map, a scale rule and a stopwatch. No GPS, and no radios. When you came out of his school, you were a pretty confident pilot. If you weren’t allowed to go solo, you can rest assured you weren’t ready.

lot of time in Florida and we would take care of the field. He left the farm to his brother Wesley, who used to like to spend the summers here. He couldn’t handle the farming, and he said, if you want the airfield, you’d better buy the farm. I’ll make you a deal.

We thought, where are we going to get the money to buy a farm? It’s a lot of money.

So we all got together in 2000 and 24 of us decided that we’d put up enough money to buy the farm, and that’s exactly what we did.

That was when Sexsmith Pilots Limited was born.

Then people started buying better airplanes.

They’re mostly all Cessnas and Pipers now.

The biggest airplane on the field is a Saratoga, owned by Gib Dow, who owns the Ironwood Golf Club.

Originally if you wanted to fly, you had to have either a private or commercial pilot’s license. Now they have two more categories: a recreational pilot’s license, which is not as onerous as a private license and costs about half the price; and then there is the microlight pilot’s license.

Beyond the license, you get endorsements for higher performance airplanes, like the one young Gib flies because it flies significantly different from mine. You can get instrument, night flying rating, and then you can go for Life at Sexsmith commercial. I just like recreational flying; The airfield belonged to a farmer called that’s what I’m interested in.

Leonard Greb. He was a bachelor all his life, A permanent home It’s nice here; it’s quiet. The company’s and he had a Vagabond airplane that he flew Eventually Leonard died. He would spend a always good. It creates nice f riendships.

They’re just a good group of people. They come from all walks of life and meld into a happy family. Everyone pitches in to keep the airfield the way it is.

The next generation Yo u n g E a g l e s w a s s t a r t e d by t h e Experimental Aircraf t Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. They realized that we have to get young people interested in aviation; most people won’t make the effort because they just see big dollar signs to get in.

But if you can give a kid a ride and it doesn’t cost anything, you might just generate some interest. That’s how the Young Eagles program started. They take a half-hour ride, and get a certificate that the pilot signs and their name goes on an international register.

The other way to get kids interested is through the air cadet corps. They start with gliders and there are limited scholarships to get into power flying. Other than that, you have to dig into your pocket to go to flight school. That, of course, is a big problem because it costs a lot of money. You’re lucky to get a private license for $7,000.

We would love to get other people on the field. The problem is we’re getting older. Once you lose something like this, you can never recreate it. The problem is, kids don’t have the money to fly anymore. I don’t know whether us old guys are the last of a breed or not.

We want to know all of your story ideas, kudos and concerns.

Strip in the Air

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com • 5

Pilot can’t wait to take friends for flight Mike Ash of Grand Bend has spent the last 14 years building his plane, which he completed this spring. Soon, he will be allowed to take passengers, but he will not be ready to offer flights for the Young Eagles day. His first – and most frequent - passenger will likely be his wife Kathy, who has waited a long time for a flight.

“It’s exciting when he starts that motor,” Kathy says. “It’s a huge accomplishment. I know Mike feels it’s a big deal, too. He takes it in stride and doesn’t make a big thing of it, but a lot of people have complimented him about the quality of workmanship. He’s such a perfectionist, which is good when you’re building a plane you’re going to be flying around in.”

I’m really looking forward when Kathy and when you’re landing. The airplane’s centre of mass is behind the main wheels, so it wants I can make some trips. We would like to visit to spin the aircraft around. It takes some foot- Kathy’s family in Ottawa, and I have cousins in Owen Sound and Windsor, so we’ll be work to keep it straight on the runway.

There’s a real sense of independence and freedom (to flying); a sense of being in control of your own destiny. Now for me, it’s also the sense of being able to fly an airplane I’ve built.

The cost of fuel is certainly a consideration.

People who fly airplanes are not necessarily that much more wealthy than anyone else; they’ve just made flying a priority. They’re going to find the money to buy the gas and maintain the airplane.

As told to Casey Lessard

Benefits of Sexsmith

I can’t even remember what triggered my interest in flying. I started taking flying lessons when I was in my late teens. It’s just something that I always wanted to do and was always interested in.

I got my private license and later got my commercial license. A private license allows you to fly, but not for hire. You can fly whatever aircraft you’re licensed for and you can go anywhere you want, but you can’t make money doing it, where with a commercial license you can do that. Then there’s the airline transport rating, which is what the people who fly scheduled airlines have.

I got my helicopter rating and flew helicopters for about three years for a company in King City. I flew various contracts for them, working on forest fires, water-bucketing, moving equipment for drill crews, or just moving survey crews and telecommunications crews around in the North. I have also done rides on fairs and crop pollination. Just a mixed bag.

In the last several years I haven’t been flying much because of the building process. I’m now getting into the flying aspect and I’m really enjoying it, of course.

My plane is a Murphy Rebel. Murphy is based in Chilliwack, BC, and they make several kits, the Rebel being one of them. I did a search for the kind of plane I wanted to build and read a book or two on home builds.

I committed to buying the kit before getting a ride in one, which is not so brilliant, but it seems to have worked out well.

I got the kit in November of 1993, and I finished it in the fall of 2007. That sounds like a lot of time, but there’s about 4500 hours invested in it, and there were a couple of years when I didn’t do much on it. I got a little burned out and needed a break. But I got back at it and finished it off.

This facility is one thing that helps keep costs down. It’s run by volunteers, and it’s economical, and that helps people keep flying.

The first time I saw Sexsmith, I was attracted to it. This looked like a good place to house my aircraft. I talked to Ron Helm and found out there was a hangar available and I made arrangements to rent it. It’s such a good spot and there’s a great group of people here willing to help out. It’s also a great location: we have people experts in Huron Park and Fullarton available to help.

Aviation is certainly something that spurs a lot of people’s interest. They’re much better getting a first hand experience and the Young Eagles day is a great chance to do that.

doing trips like that. My goal is to fly to the east coast and the west coast, but I’ve got to work up to that. The number of people on our need-a-ride list is pretty large after 14 years.

Mike Ash has been building his own plane for 14 years, and is finally finished. He is eager to take his friends and family - including his cousin and her husband (above) for a flight, but needs a little more time before he gets permission to do so. He will not take part in this weekend’s Young Eagles day ( June 28 morning at Sexsmith Airfield), but hopes to next year.

Taking flight I think every time I go there’s a tad of apprehension to starting a new little trip.

And then, as soon as you’re off the ground, you relax and enjoy the scenery and the day.

Landing is the hardest part, especially with a tail-wheel airplane. They’re somewhat skittish

Tell us your thoughts by visiting http://www.grandbendstrip.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Strip Thoughts

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How much did it cost you to come to Grand Bend?

Hassen Kabouche and Monique Dion

Collin and Connie Burrowes

Came from: Sarnia Came from: Sarnia Reason: Tour Reason: Family lives here Driving: Motorcycles, including a Driving: Hyundai Accent Harley-Davidson Cost (round trip): $10 Cost (round trip): $5 each Connie: Our Ford F150 stays at Hassen: A car might cost us $20. home. We drove our Accent, which It’s a nice ride on the bikes. we bought because of the way gas Monique: It’s pretty cheap. prices were going. With the F150, you would get up in the morning and ask whether we wanted to spend $30 t come here.

Greg Vergilio with Meaty, Jennifer Spencer, and Jay Vens

Wess Doss

Agnes Dawidowski, Sophia Kacprzak, and Melissa August

Came from: Kitchener Reason: Tour Driving: Lincoln Navigator Came from: London Came from: London Cost (round trip): $80 Reason: Visit for the day Reason: CCH prom Wess: It’s worth it because it’s a Driving: Civic (Greg and Meaty), Ride: Party bus (Agnes and day off, but is it worth that much Melissa), taxi (Sophia) Grand Prix ( Jennifer and Jay) Cost (round trip): $30 (Civic), for anything? No. But we don’t Cost (round trip): $110 each have a choice. If it were $2 a litre, it (bus), $50 (each in a taxi) $25-30 (Grand Prix) Greg: I think it if got to be above wouldn’t be worth it. I’ve already cut Comments the number of visits I’ve made. $20 each way, I might not come.

Sophia: My parents wouldn’t let Jay: I’ll come anyway. Maybe I’ll me drive our SUV here because the drive the Civic instead of the Grand gas cost so much.

Prix.

Agnes: My parents wouldn’t trust me. I dented our Civic the fourth day we had it.

Peaking out: make changes before we run out of oil Alternative View

By Anjhela Michielsen “Peak oil” is the point when the world will have used half of the oil resources on the planet and the global output of oil will no longer meet demand. Peaking is usually followed by a serious decline, a prospect that worries many researching “peak oil.” Few dispute that oil will hit a peak; the arguments

centre on when it will occur. Some say oil’s peak is decades away, but many believe it will happen between 2010 and 2020 (monbiot. com). Today we consume around four times as much oil as we discover.

Peak oil is one of the world’s most serious questions because the consequences are so great. Experts predict that lack of oil will cause a steady rise in prices and frequent oil shocks, leading to increased global instability, and an unstable economy held permanent hostage to terrorists, unstable dictatorships, resource wars and natural disasters. This will start a domino effect of human rights violations in desperate bids by western countries to

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gain control over remaining oil supplies that fuel their economies.

Isn’t this already happening? Take, for example, the illegal invasion of Iraq in 2003 by the US government with the ultimate agenda of controlling oil reserves in Iraq. The violence has caused devastation to several countries – Afghanistan, Iraq and the US – which will take decades to recover from, and some countries may never recover.

This is only the beginning. Oil corporations already commit massive human rights violations in southern countries through unsafe working conditions, pollution to environment and underpaid labour (and more), and when

Men’s & Ladies’

Note: just before press-time, the government reaffirmed it would not allow electric vehicles on the roads of most provinces, even though we make them in Canada for an American market. What’s wrong with this picture?

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western countries become desperate for more fossil fuel to maintain their economies and lifestyles, the violence will only increase and the “have-not” countries – as throughout history – will pay the price. The best solution is for us to use our creativity to find solutions and for governments to support initiatives.

Strip Outside

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com • 7

The proof is in the plaster Port Franks resident feeds big cat that left paw prints in his garden Story and photos by Casey Lessard Port Franks resident Bob Rutledge is a friend to animals: he feeds 14 squirrels and a couple of raccoons on a regular basis. So it is only natural that another, larger animal would gravitate to him.

“I’ve been putting food out for the raccoons every night,” he says, describing his routine, “and they come around about 10 o’clock.

There’s a big one and a small one.

They have their feed and leave.

“Then I’ll put out a few more scraps in a pan and usually around 11 or 11:30, I end up with a big black cat there. He’s way too big to be a normal cat. He’s been around seven or eight times. He sits on my well, eats his dinner and disappears.”

Rutledge believes the animal is a cougar, which others in the area say they have sighted over the past year.

“It’s the black one,” he says. “It’s probably about three or three-and-a-half feet in length. One of my neighbours spotted a tan one at the corner of his house. The cougar’s main food is deer, and there have been an awful lot of those around this year, so they’re probably well-fed. They appear to be, because all of the small animals around here haven’t disappeared. ”

To date, no one has proof enough for wildlife authorities to confirm the animal’s identity.

Now, Rutledge believes he has proof to confirm what he has seen with his eyes.

“Our daughter is getting married on the 5th of July, so we’re trying to get our yard ready.

Saturday night, we put in some new soil and new grass, very loose.

Overnight Saturday night, he walked down through the middle of it and we got an excellent set of paw prints. My neighbour Tony Miller came over and made some casts of it.

“It’s certainly a wild animal. It’s about three to four times the size of a domestic cat. The paw prints are five to six inches in length, and the pads were sunk down a good inch into the soft earth.”

Officials have told Rutledge they need DNA or other forensic evidence (hair, blood, saliva) before they can confirm anything, but for now, he is content to enjoy the view – from the safety of his home.

“I watch them from my kitchen window. It’s been interesting to sit and watch them. One day it went past in broad daylight. And it moves very rapidly.”

Huron Country Playhouse

Grand Bend Farmers’ Market

G

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The Village of Hensall is proud to present our fifth annual

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June 25 to July 1

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Paddington’s

78 King St. just off #4 Hwy. (London Rd.)

More than 50 artists exhibiting paintings, sculpture, jewellery, photography, digital art, fabric

18 Ontario St. N., Grand Bend features: Roasted Asparagus Wild Mushroom Sauce with Chicken

General Admission $5.00 SENIORS’ DAY MONDAY Admission $2.50

Farmers’ Market is open

Sorry … I’m Canadian

Wednesdays

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 21 to October 8 Gill Road Parking Lot

See you there!!!

A Pageant of Political Patriotism Starring Neil Aitchison

Starring NEIL AITCHISON Conceived & Directed by ALEX MUSTAKAS Additional Material provided by DAVE BROADFOOT

With its charming blend of music, humour, and political satire, this imaginative and colourful Canadian show is certain to bring out the “sorry” Canadian in all of us!

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Box Office: 519-238-6000 • huroncountryplayhouse.com

FRI . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am - 4 pm

ARTISTS CONTACT: Mary Lou Hyde 519-235-3231 jlou@quadro.net

8 • http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip at Burgerfest

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

FLEA MARKET & FARMER’S MARKET

BUY LOCAL BUY FRESH

The Colonial Crib Racers lost the inaugural bed race to the team racing in memory of Sanders on the Beach: Kris McCann, Sean Maguire, Mandy Case McCann, Adam Case and Nathan Regier. “We won,” Mandy said. “Feels pretty good!”

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Cheryl Lescomb was among the acts performing under the entertainment tent.

Beds, bands and burgers at the beach Photos by Casey Lessard Nathan Regier shows off his fashion sense as one of the competitors in the bed race.

Strip at Burgerfest

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com • 9

98 Ontario Street South, Grand Bend pepsi, 7up or schweppes

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country harvest bread

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Brittany Deller and Andrew Zuk of London wait for the parachutists to land. The two were in Grand Bend for the Catholic Central High School prom. “Got everyone looking,” Zuk said of the jump.

8.31 /kg.

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chocolate bars

dole spring mix

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blueberries prod. of u.s.a.

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PRICES IN EFFECT FRIDAY, JUNE 27 TO THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2008 WHILE QUANTITIES LAST

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Strip for a Good Cause

10 • http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Survivors celebrate Photos by Casey Lessard

Steve Baird of Grand Bend gets a survivor tag pinned on by his wife Kim Baird. Steve and his father both survived cancer. “Early diagnostics is the key to survival,” he says.

Ray and Marina Jaques of Exeter both survived cancer this year (Ray: prostate; Marina: breast).

“It’s amazing that we’re able to do this together. We weren’t sure at this time last year,” Marina says.

Joanne Sweiger of Crediton shaves husband Dale’s head so he can resemble the way she looked while fighting breast cancer. “She was totally bald, and now it’s my turn,” Dale says. “I figured it was the least I could do.”

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Strip on Stage

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com • 11

Oh! Canada Playhouse does Canadian classics Legends style Story by Casey Lessard Photo courtesy Drayton Entertainment

Join us for

Neil Aitchison stars as RCMP Constable Archibald F. Inkster in Sorry... I’m Canadian, playing now until July 12 at the Huron Country Playhouse.

For tickets, call 519-238-6000 or visit the box office at http://www.huroncountryplayhouse.com

from the Inuit from Susan Aglukark. And of course, all the Canadian patriotic songs like Something to Sing About, This Land of Ours, O Canada.”

The music is performed and sung by Duncan Cameron (fiddle), Bobby Prochaska (bass), Mark Stewartson (banjo) and Danny Williams (guitar). Aitchison also recruited family friends, the Ballagh Bunch (Devan, 17, Michael, 15, Paige, 13 and Matthew, 8) to dance.

“They step dance and they just kick up a storm for us. They’re giving up sports and summer holidays to do this show.”

Aitchison says any audience will enjoy the show, but expects it will take a few performances for word of mouth to spread.

“Usually it opens slow; people don’t know what it’s all about. As soon as they go and see it, though, the word of mouth is so great that we end up selling out to the walls. Lots of people come back three or four times and bring their neighbours or kids. It really is a great patriotic Canadian piece.

“Every time we’ve done it, people ask us why it hasn’t been done before. They say the people from Ottawa should be here, and we should entertain the troops. It’s amazing how it gets people all fired up.”

Aitchison’s only regret?

“I’m just sorry that we didn’t do this sooner.”

For tickets, visit http://www.huroncountryplayhouse.com or call 519-238-6000.

OUR PATIO IS OPEN ENJOY F.I.N.E. DINING OUTSIDE

F.I.N.E. KIDS NEED Need a sitter?

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“Canadians typically say sorry for everything. We’re sorry for this and sorry for that.”

And that, says star Neil Aitchison, is the running joke for his role in Sorry… I’m Canadian, which runs June 24 to July 12 at the Huron Country Playhouse.

“Alex (Mustakas) and I collaborated and wrote this, and it’s a patriotic, feel good show.”

Aitchison stars as RCMP Constable Archibald F. Inkster, and this is the fourth incarnation for the character; previously, Aitchison played the role at Drayton and St. Jacobs in Bending the Bows, Canadian Loonie, and Canadian Twonie.

“After four different shows, we ran out of some of our one-liners, so we conscripted (renowned Canadian comedian) Dave Broadfoot,” Aitchison says. “He helped us and collaborated on a few other one-liners because we wanted to do a cross-country tour on this show. I have about 30 pages of dialogue in my head and four-and-a-half of them are from Dave Broadfoot.”

Besides jokes about Stephen Harper, hockey, the weather, and other Canadianisms, the real star attraction is the music. The show could be compared in style to last year’s Legends, but is different in the type of music: it’s all Canadian.

“They’ll recognize all the music. Burton Cummings, Gordon Lightfoot, maritime music, Leonard Cohen, some French, Alberta Bound, Saskatchewan music, music

Canada Day FIREWORKS Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Grand Bend Beach 8pm - Live Entertainment Rush Tribute Band “Different Stages” 10pm - Fireworks display

Purchase Glow Rings on the beach from the volunteers of the Grand Bend Baseball Project (GBBP) - Proceeds to the Fireworks and GBBP Celebrity BBQ at Sobeys: Fri. June 27 - 4pm-8pm & Sat. June 28 - 10am-2pm

Donations accepted at The Grand Bend & Area Chamber of Commerce

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Strip Thoughts

12 • http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Weddings, babies and... A divorce in Cyprus Advice from mom

Keeping the Peace

By Rita Lessard

By Tom Lessard, C.D.

As we get older, times change. The children become adults and some adults become children. When I was younger, my parents were the authority figures; these days, there is still authority in the family, but in some instances it seems that it rests in the hands of the children. Perhaps this is because the young generation of parents today are in such a hurry for their children to grow up. What’s the big rush? Let kids be kids; they’ll soon be adults and they’ll remember their childhood with fond memories.

One thing I’ve learned from growing old, the kids to whom I gave advice now give advice to me. How very strange; perhaps I didn’t do too bad of a job along the way!

Most people don’t appreciate change unless it jingles in their pocket, but there will always be change, hopefully for the better.

The other day I was speaking to a group of ladies and we were discussing how wedding showers and baby showers have changed.

Nowadays, what we used to give as wedding gifts are now the gifts we give at showers, and

baby showers are just as expensive.

Regardless, I’ve always enjoyed going to showers, especially baby showers. My fondest memory of a pregnancy is that of Mike’s wife, Val. We were very excited as this would be our first grandchild.

One day Glenn, Val and I were sitting around chatting and of course Val was telling Glenn how eager she was to have the baby and Glenn – who is very kind and gentle – was smiling and saying how he was looking forward to being an uncle and on and on went the conversation. Then Val got really excited when the baby started kicking and she said to Glenn, “Would you like to see my baby?”

Glenn replied, Sure, so Val lifted her blouse and Glenn looks and says, “Wow, twins!”

Much to Val’s astonishment, it was this moment when she realized she wasn’t wearing a bra and the blouse went too high. Who would have thought Val was a flasher?

Canada Day is Glenn’s daughter’s birthday, so happy 15th birthday Olivia, and happy 141st birthday Canada!

After living in Lizard Flats for a few months, the monotony of the same routine and weather day after day with very little excitement, we waited for something interesting.

It just so happened that two corporals living in the signals shack had a disagreement resulting in one throwing the other out – lock, stock and barrel. A complaint was made that Corporal J. was fooling around on Corporal G. with the latter’s donkey. Corporal G. filed for a divorce.

A court was set up on the patio of the junior ranks canteen. Sergeant T. was asked to preside as judge and to hear the case. He was agreeable and set up court during the noon hours.

Both complainant and defendant acquired lawyers. A court clerk and bailiff were assigned to court duties. Also, there were MPs in attendance. Each day after lunch, the judge allotted a certain amount of time for the sessions.

As soon as the complaint was read, the

defendant became belligerent and charged after the complainant, knocking over a table and taking a swing. Quickly, the MPs restored order. Each side’s lawyer presented his client’s case and charges were made by both.

Numerous times over the next couple of weeks, the judge had to quiet things down to try to restore order in the court. As the days went by, word got around to the rest of the battalion and the gallery increased to overflowing. It was the best entertainment on the island.

But as all good things must come to an end (it seems some people just can’t take a joke), in the middle of the trial it was brought to our attention that the company commander had received mail from some wives at home who wanted to know what the devil was going on over there.

The trial was quickly dispensed with, and everyone went back to their normal duties.

The donkey was never brought to court, and the two belligerents – to the best of my knowledge – never did reconcile.

Crafty? Sell your stuff online Technically Speaking

By Tamara Nicola http://www.VisitGrandBend.com lowdown on the cost: How do Etsy fees work? When you list an item there is a $0.20 (USD) fee per quantity of one. This covers an item listing period of four months. For example, if I list a scarf (and there’s only 1 in stock) it’ll cost 20 cents for 4 months. If you gave the listing a quantity of 3, it would cost 60 cents. When an item sells, there’s a 3.5% fee on the final sale price (not including shipping). All fees are in US dollars.

All listings are created equal, with 5 images included in the price.

When a buyer wants to purchase an item they are transferred to PayPal.com to complete the ordering process. As a seller, you will need to setup an account with PayPal. This is an easy process and even a novice can navigate. PayPal has built in currency converters so you can accept payment from any country you are willing to ship to.

Since their launch in June, 2005, over 100,000 sellers from around the world have opened up Etsy shops; it’s definitely worth From Etsy’s online help section we get the checking out.

If you can paint, sew, knit, wood carve, make greeting cards, make candles, make jewelry, or any other handicraft, you’ll want to check out Etsy.com. Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade items and it’s a great way to draw attention to your creations without the hassle of setting up your own web store. You also get to take advantage of the website traffic Etsy generates without the headache of internet marketing. What separates Etsy from the Ebay pack is that all items for sale must be made by hand. Best of all it is free to join and the listing fees are reasonable. There are tons of online tools and instructional videos to help you build your virtual storefront.

If you are like me and go out of your way to shop locally, you will love the built-in geolocator. Using this feature you can zoom in on the Grand Bend area and see all of the area crafts for sale. After a quick look you will see that there is still a lot of room for Canadians to join this popular global marketplace.

A walk on the beach

Lake Huron Coastal Centre conservationist Pat Donnelly (centre in white pants) led members of the Co-operators Insurance claims staff on an interpretive walk at the Oakwood Inn beach June 12. “They’re a corporation that has identified sustainability as important to them, and we support that,” Donnelly said.

Huron libraries offer game nights for teens The Huron County Library is adding teen game nights and drop-in gaming to its yearround program offerings starting in July. Ten of the county’s 12 branches will host monthly gaming events for youth aged 12 to 18.

Each event will feature a big screen Nintendo Wii tournament with such games as Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Super Smash Brothers and Dance Dance Revolution, as well as a variety of video, card and board games available for use. Prizes and snacks will be provided at each event and all of this comes at no cost to the patrons.

During the summer, most of these events run from 6 to 8 p.m., but some libraries will switch to 4 to 6 p.m. in the fall to accommodate students coming directly from school.

For more information those interested should check with their local librarian or visit the “Video Games at the Huron County Library” Facebook group where all relevant dates and details are available and updated regularly.

This month’s dates: Monday July 7th - Goderich (6-8pm) Tuesday July 8th - Zurich (6-8pm) Monday July 14th - Clinton (6-8pm) Tuesday July 22 - Hensall (6-8pm) Thursday July 31st – Exeter (6-8pm) In addition, all 12 branches have board and card games on their shelves for use in the library; families or groups of friends can use them whenever the library is open.

Strip for a Good Cause

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com • 13

Rockin’ for the North Middlesex Medical Centre Scenes from the May 31 fundraiser - photos by Casey Lessard

Bev and John Stamos of Lucan cut a rug to Roy Leblanc’s Roy Orbison. “He’s great,” says Bev. A nurse herself, this fundraiser “makes sense to me.”

Optometrist Dr. Bertha Wolf offered one of her bras for the cause.

If you’ve been licensed and accident-free for six years, you could qualify for accident forgiveness.

Call us today for more information.

Roy Leblanc performed as Elvis, Roy Orbison, and here as the Man in Black, Johnny Cash.

Tell everyone about your business.

And when we say everyone, we mean everyone.

The Grand Bend Strip is free to every home in Grand Bend, Zurich, Dashwood, Port Franks, Crediton, and (once a month) Exeter and Parkhill.

Call Strip ad sales rep Sid at (519) 262-3234.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Strip Outside

14 • http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

In appreciation of the bird life around us Living in Balance

By Jenipher Appleton A warm July morning on Blue Heron Bay, Muskoka. Half an hour past dawn. The lake: a sheet of glass in the rising mist. A nine-yearold girl ambles on the beach, welcoming the sun’s rays as they kiss her chestnut hair and warm the sand between her toes. The belted kingfisher winds his clock as he swoops to claim an unsuspecting yellow perch. A great blue heron lands in the reeds, poised to spear his breakfast. From deeper in the woods, the veery chimes his haunting cadence. A sandpiper hops on stilt-like legs at water’s edge, unaware of the child observer.

These early childhood scenes served to charm the child into a healthy appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the natural envi-

ronment. Children need experiences in the outdoors that will instill respect for birds and animals. Family camping trips, spending time at the cottage and hiking on the countless nature trails in Ontario can reap great rewards for parents and children. Unfortunately, not enough of us have an appreciation for the delicacy and uncertainty of the balance upon which the survival of many wild species depends. Simply having a decent field guide to the birds in your house can help to build interest in getting to know their various field marks and behaviours.

On the other hand, we, as a species, have an enormous infatuation with birds of all kinds on a quite different level. We use their names in our language daily. People are considered to have a ‘hawk-eye’ or an ‘eagle-eye’ or a ski jumper may ‘soar like an eagle’ (remember Eddie the Eagle?). An old woman may be called an ‘old crow’ or worse, an ‘old biddy’ (hen). Men or women can be ‘as wise as an owl’ or ‘crazier than a coot’ (waterfowl) or just be an ‘old coot.’ You can be a ‘silly goose’

or a ‘turkey.’ You may use Dove soap for its gentleness. We also use colours that represent birds: teal green, canary yellow or raven black, to name a few. When someone retires for the night, they may have ‘gone to roost.’ You may have been ‘pigeon-holed’ or may have your own ‘pigeon-hole’ in the office. Sports teams bear names like; orioles, seahawks, bluejays, blackhawks, pee-wees, red-wings, etc. etc…

Without birds, we would be overrun with insects. Bird song is the first indicator that dawn is approaching. The rooster wakes the farmer still. The cessation of bird song is a good indicator that a storm is approaching and the first sound to resume as the storm passes. There are birds all around. Listen, observe and appreciate.

The pressure is on for youth businesses Story and photo

by Casey Lessard “You make your own hours,” he says of the benefits of working for himself. “I can work as much as I want to and go out with my friends when I want.

“A lot of kids take on low-end jobs, so it’s different to have a highend job where you’re running your own business like an adult.

The business part is where he leans on the help of the business centre.

“Maintaining a budget, making sure my financial stuff is in place.

It’s kind of like doing homework for school. It’s a bit challenging, but it’s fun.”

Plus, the government funding helps.

“I got a lot of stuff paid for through this program. And they’re always there to help you if you need it.”

To learn more about Summer Company, visit www.smallbusinesshuron.ca.

Exeter teen Brad Keys also received funding from the program.

To learn more about his 3D video games, visit www.retralevolution. com.

South Huron Pressure Washing owner Dave Geoffrey can be contacted at 519-235-0558.

On Q ueen Street, just north of Ailsa C r a i g , Fe r g u s t h e Labrador and I managed to inadvertently flush out a large flock of wild turkeys. They must have been feeding in the roadside ditch because as we passed by, three turkey hens and all of their fledglings erupted in an explosive kafuffle. The young ones were able to fly a short distance into the lower branches of some pines. Once the parents realized that their offspring had made it to safety, each female then flew easily to the tops of the trees, vocalizing as they went.

It was indeed an entertaining sight to behold. You never know what you might see around southwestern Ontario if you keep your eyes peeled.

Take control of the course

Summer Company gives Huron teens kick start

It’s not easy getting a small business off the ground – and keeping it going – but Huron County youth are getting a hand with the Summer Company program. The entrepreneurship program run by the Huron Business Enterprise Centre and funded by the Ontario government’s Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship gives a $1,500 grant for startup expenses for youth aged 15-29, and another $1,500 upon completion of the program.

Exeter resident Dave Geoffrey, 18, is finishing high school this month, and decided to apply for the program after a representative of the small business centre visited South Huron District High School.

“It kind of stuck in my head,” he says, noting he made a business plan after the visit. “I’ve been doing pressure washing for a couple of years now on the side. I had some experience with my dad’s construction company and thought I’d go solo.”

His business S outh Huron Pressure Washing offers pressure washing services for homes, decks, driveways, fences, storefronts and industrial spaces, etc. His first job was last month, and he has done three jobs since. He currently has eight jobs on his schedule.

A recent sighting

Golf Tips

By Cameron Rankin Sand Hills Golf Resort Course management, accurate tee shots and a great short game were key to last week’s U.S. Open.

Of course, playing your second shot from the fairway produces a lower score. But fortunately, the majority of courses in this area have shorter rough than Torrey Pines, so we have a greater chance of success on our second shot. This week’s tip: manage your game.

South Huron Pressure Washing owner Dave Geoffrey got a big boost in starting his business from the Summer Company program at the Huron Business Enterprise Centre. The program gives youth 15-29 up to $3,000 to start a business.

out of a bad lie and into a better position for your third shot rather than try to make up for a bad shot by being the hero and going for the green from an impossible position.

Play it safe and low

On short shots, play the percentages, if the shot requires lower running type shot rather than a lob shot, choose the running one. Most amateurs are not practicing the lob shot, so the results could be damagPick a landing target ing to your score. If in doubt, run area Pick an area of choice where you the ball to the flag if this shot is would prefer your drive to finish, available. based on your normal shot pattern, slice, hook, fade etc. (there is always Check out the green a safer side to the hole).

Before you arrive, study the green for its surface, lie of the land, undulations. Pick the target line and the Pick the right club Your second shot should be played apex of your breaking putt and folwith a club that can reach the green low through to that point. with ease; don’t choose based on your best ever shot with a specifDon’t try the impossible do the ic club. My experience in pro-ams probable. For more tips on your golf and such is that most shots finish game see your local CPGA professhort of the flag. Play smart: always sional. choose a club that will get the ball

To Do List

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com • 15

Things to Do

sculpture, pottery, wood working, drawing, Theatre Camp. For all those Drama Kings hiking, games and MORE? Register for this and Queens out there, we have a Cider camp (early registration incentive) by calling House Theatre Camp for boys & girls aged JULY 7 TO 11 519-296-5556 or 519-296-5558.

12 to 15. This camp will focus on theatre  a.m. to : p.m. - Twin Pines tech, improv, staging, performance and Orchards & Cider House,  MUCH more. Register for this camp (early Kennedy Line, Thedford JULY 14 TO 18 registration incentive) by calling 519-296Arts Camp. Summer fun for boys and girls  a.m. to : p.m. - Twin Pines 5556 or 519-296-5558. aged 9 to 12. How would you like a week of Orchards & Cider House,  drama, music, creative movement, painting, Kennedy Line, Thedford

EVERY TUESDAY  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Bingo

EVERY FRIDAY  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Meat Draw

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25  a.m. to  p.m. - Gill St. parking lot, Grand Bend Grand Bend Farmers’ Market Huron Countr y P layhouse G uild monthly luncheon meeting at Hessenland Restaurant in St. Joseph’s. Guest speaker Susan Ferguson of Ferguson Apiaries speaking about bees and the production of honey.

Guests and new members welcome. Call Mary at 519-238-5640. Tickets now on sale for the September guild Dinner for Eight draw; tickets are only $5.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27  to  p.m. - Sobey’s

Entertainment TUESDAY, JUNE 24

Celebrity BBQ with proceeds to fireworks and Grand Bend Baseball Project.

 a.m. to : p.m. - Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House,  Kennedy Line, Thedford Junior Science Camp. This is the first time for this camp for boys and girls aged 9 to 12.

Register for this camp (early registration incentive) by calling 519-296-5556 or 519296-5558.

FRIDAY, JULY 11

Grand Bend Farmers’ Market

Parkhill sports field Parkhill Optimist Annual Jim Walsh Slo: p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Grand Bend Golden Ager’s Luncheon. Pitch Ball Tournament. Contact 519-232SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Join us for shuffleboard every Mon. & 0214 Sandhills Golf Resort B r y a n & M i k e M e m o r i a l G o l f Thurs. at 1 p.m. Euchre every second and fourth Wednesday.

Tournament. Contact 519-294-0516.

SATURDAY, JULY 12 Parkhill sports field Parkhill Optimist Annual Jim Walsh SloSATURDAY, JUNE 28 SATURDAY, JULY 5  a.m. to  p.m. - Sobey’s Grand Bend Horticultural Home and Pitch Ball Tournament. Contact 519-232Celebrity BBQ with proceeds to fireworks Garden Tour. Tickets are $15 in advance 0214 and Grand Bend Baseball Project. with lunch at the Caddy Shack in Grand Cove Estates. View five homes and their  a.m. to  p.m. - Parkhill Dam gardens plus four more gardens. Tickets Cardboard Boat Races and more Events.

TUESDAY, JULY 1 available at local vendors. Call Bob at 519 p.m. – Grand Bend beach Join us for Canada Day Fireworks. 8 p.m. - 236-7884 for details.

SUNDAY, JULY 13 Live Entertainment with Rush tribute band Parkhill sports field “Different Stages.” 10 p.m. - Fireworks dis- TUESDAY, JULY 8 TO 10 Parkhill Optimist Annual Jim Walsh Sloplay. Purchase Glow Rings on the beach Grand Bend Youth Centre Welcome Pitch Ball Tournament. Contact 519-232from the volunteers of the Grand Bend Week. Mini putt, sandcastle building, trip to 0214 Baseball Project (GBBP) - Proceeds to the Pinery Park for paddle boating and a picnic.

Fireworks and GBBP. Donations accepted Call 519-238-1155 to register, TUESDAY, JULY 15 TO 17 at The Grand Bend & Area Chamber of Grand Bend Youth Centre Animal Commerce. Sponsored by 104.9 The Beach. WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 Adventures. Includes trip to Toronto Zoo! Call 519-238-1155 to register or for more  a.m. to  p.m. - Gill St. parking lot, details.

Grand Bend WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 Grand Bend Farmers’ Market  a.m. to  p.m. - Gill St. parking lot, Grand Bend

MONDAYS

SATURDAY, JULY 12

FRIDAYS

 to  a.m. - Lions’ Pavilion, Grand  to  a.m. - Lions’ Pavilion, Grand Bend Bend Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for spouses and students. spouses and students.

Value Meals

YOU PICK - WE PICK

The Strawberry Place (519) 294-0070 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Sunday

 to  p.m. – Adult Day Centre,  Huron Road, Clinton Stroke and Your Sur viving. Informal group of stroke survivors, their caregivers, family and friends meet the second Thursday of every month. We discuss topics of interest , provide socialization and help in a comfortable and confidential setting.

Contact Tammy Antaya 519-235-4600 for info or to arrange transportation. Email tantaya@mwads.org

stin hri e’

519-238-6196

Advertise in the paper that people read cover-to-cover.

We’re the easiest way to tell everybody about your business.

Call Strip ad sales rep Sid at (519) 262-3234.

ar

M

338 Elginfi Elginfield eld Road (Between Sylvan and Thedford)

Highway 21 South, Grand Bend

THURSDAY, JULY 10

s

RESTAURANT - MILKSHAKES It’s Strawberry Time BEST’S Homemade Ice Cream

C

 to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Live Music with Jimmy Vail to July  - Huron Country Playhouse Sorry... I’m Canadian. For tickets, call 1888-449-4463.

WEDNESDAY JULY 16  to  p.m. - McNaughton Park, Exeter to August  - Huron Country Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for Playhouse SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. For tickets, call spouses and students.  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Live Music with Reverend Freddie & The 1-888-449-4463.

Distillers WEDNESDAYS  to  a.m. - Lions’ Pavilion, Grand Bend TUESDAY, JULY 1 Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for : p.m. - West Williams Park Health & Fitness spouses and students.

Canada Day Celebrations. Food, Games, Music and Fireworks (rain date July 2).

Who Wants Tues. & Thurs. evening  to  p.m. - McNaughton Park, Exeter outdoor fitness? 6-7pm at the GB Lions Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for Pavilion? Please phone Beth Sweeney (519) SATURDAY, JULY 5 spouses and students.

238-5555 to show interest!  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Live Music with Ben Shane and Bobby K

in a

Nightly Specials Thursday: Fish & Chips Friday: Shrimp & Wings Saturday: Panzarotti & Ribs

ill

Community/Charity

JULY 21 TO 25

, Bar & G

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NEW HOURS: Sun.-Thurs.: 12pm - 10pm Fri. & Sat.: 12pm - 1am

10072 Poplar Ave.

Friday Night: Karaoke w/ Fat Kat “Bobbie” June 29 and July 4 from 4-7pm: Julien on the Patio

Port Franks 519-243-3636

16 • http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Strip at School

Je Bullock of Parkhill mingles with friends near one of the older tractors brought to Tractor Day.

Rediscovering their rural roots Students at North Middlesex District High School had the afternoon off June 12 to celebrate their rurality on Tractor Day. Some brought tractors, and others simply got into the spirit.

Photos by Casey Lessard

Among the revellers was Valerie Samche of Montreal, who was visiting the Vanhie family.

Elyse Trevithick and Amanda Cook of Parkhill dosado around the schoolyard.

Ian Wold was named Cowboy of the Day.