Vol. 2 #16 Grand Bend Strip, February 12, 2009

Vol. 2, No. 16

AWARD WINNING JOURNALISM FROM GRAND BEND

Feb. 12 to March 11, 2009

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(519)

238-2451

70793 Hwy. 21 N.

Grand Bend

GRAND BEND DOES HOLLYWOOD Okay, so Brangelina isn’t here, but locals will become celebrities this weekend at Grand Bend’s Winter Carnival.

Our Weekend One coverage continues on pages 2-5.

PLUS: MOUNT CARMEL STUDENTS FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ABCA NAMES ITS CONSERVATION ARTIST OF THE YEAR, AND WE LAUNCH A NEW RECIPE FEATURE COVER PHOTO BY CASEY LESSARD

VIP

ADVICE FROM MOM P.11 - KEEPING THE PEACE P.11 - LIVING IN BALANCE P.13 - EYE FOR DESIGN P.13 - TO DO LIST P. 14

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2 • Thursday, February 12, 2009

Strip at the Carnival

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Grand Bend Winter Carnival launches with fun kids events What’s up this weekend SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14  a.m.

Chamber of Commerce-Rotary Parade

 to  p.m. - Oakwood Clubhouse Bring the family for a free swim. Special Kids menu begins at 4 p.m.

SUNDAY FEB 15

MONDAY FEB. 16

 to  p.m. - Oakwood Clubhouse Kids’ Talent Show. Register at Guest Services before February 3. Sing, dance, play – bring your original ideas to win prizes! Prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd. Register at 519-2382324. (17 years and under.)

 to  p.m. - Oakwood Clubhouse Bring the family for a free swim. Special Kids menu begins at 4 p.m.

A night at the drive-in

Sobey’s presented a drive-in at the Grand Bend Public School Friday night. Kids were encouraged to bring their own cars made from cardboard so they could watch movies in style.

Left: Christina Norris, 4, of Grand Bend waits for the show to begin.

Below: Francesca Bury enjoys the film from the comfort of her hot rod.

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Strip at the Carnival

Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 3

Colder than ice

Mad Science presented a show featuring the wonders of dry ice, which hovers around -78C, much to the joy of the children in attendance.

Above left: Heleen Askar, Caidee Sapelak, Marion Taylor and Mariah Gilmar blow on a cup of dry ice to see the mist they’re creating.

Above right: “Magnetic” Mel Peterson shows what happens when dry ice interacts with hot water by blowing up a balloon with the steam.

Left: Graham Rundle volunteers for a cool job: Magnetic Mel pours the steam over his head as a cold shower.

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4 • Thursday, February 12, 2009

Aunt Gussies’ Tim Hornick pitches to James Mason.

Strip at the Carnival

Snow Ballas pitcher Matt Lovie of Shipka tries to catch a runner at first.

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LeeAnn Powers swings for a hit.

Snow ballin’ Locals played in the first of two weekend sno-pitch tournaments at the Grand Bend diamond. Out-oftowners will play this weekend and face the local champs to take it all.

Left: Team S&M’s Rob Laporte tries to get the ball to Kate Sinibaldi or Bev Kobe to get Sadie McCann out at first.

Below: Janelle Erb, Michelle McCann and Nick Jeffrey celebrate a great catch.

Grand Bend photo lessons returning soon!

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Whether it’s for a day, a week or a season, leave knowing that someone is checking in on your cottage, home, plants and small pets. Peace of mind for you, and your insurance company, too.

Betts Check 519-238-6840 Ask for Dave Betts. References available.

Strip at the Carnival

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Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 5

The editor’s aunt Joan McCullough serves Kim Heathcote and her son Chandler at the Legion’s spaghetti dinner (above).

Right: Sandy Stanlake gets into the spirit. “It’s good,” she said.

Second weekend - for the adults

Oakwood Terrace Room Valentine’s dinner and dance. Bring your honey and dance the night away. Call for details. 519-238-2324.

Gables  p.m. or  p.m. seatings - Paddington’s Bring Your Own Meat BBQ. Reserve early - 519-238Candlelit Valentines Dinner. 519-238-5788 2371. Age of majority.

Colonial Rod and Gun Lounge Colonial Rod and Gun Lounge Live music with Murray Andrews Live music with Murray Andrews.  p.m. - Oakwood clubhouse  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Live music with Brian Dale.

Special Meat Draw  p.m. to close - Riverbend  p.m. to  a.m. - Gables Karaoke Contest. Age of majority.

Live music with Rumblefish. Age of majority.  p.m. to  a.m. - Gables Live music with Rumblefish - Age of majority.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14  a.m. to  p.m. - Pine Dale Motor Inn Health and Wellness Craft Sale. Everyone welcome. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Vendors please book a table. Call 519-238-2231.  to  a.m. - behind Bank of Montreal  a.m.

Grand Bend Firemen’s Breakfast Chamber of Commerce parade  a.m. - Grand Bend Legion : a.m. - United Church Veteran’s Memorial Mixed Dart Tournament. Registration U.C.W. Lunch. $6 for 13+, $3 for children. Hot dogs at 11 a.m. Doubles and Teams. available for children.  to  p.m. - Colonial parking lot  p.m. - Bernie Greens parking lot (beside No Frills) Waiters’ Race. Live music with Lance Bedard Winter Carnival and 104.9 the Beach presents ‘The  p.m. - Oakwood Terrace Room Wedding’. Everyone is welcome to watch the ceremony.

Grand Bend Winter Carnival presents the Academy  to  p.m. - Gables Awards. Formal Dress. The paparazzi will be present. Dress Search for Talent Contest. Age of Majority event. as your favorite movie star or just come out in glitz and glit to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion ter. Nomination forms throughout the village. Tickets on Steak BBQ. Tickets $10. 519-238-2120. sale Jan. 20. Cocktails 6 p.m. Awards 7 p.m.

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Strip Thoughts

6 • Thursday, February 12, 2009

On guard for thee

By Casey Lessard I wish I could be more thorough with my evaluation of this month’s release of the Lifesaving Society’s aquatic safety audit of Grand Bend beach. Unfortunately, I was late receiving a copy and had only today (the day I am sending the paper to the printer) to digest the 70-page document. (Staff responses to recommendations are included in the public report, and official comments will come in a future report.)

The Lifesaving Society saw no “priority concerns” that would require immediate attention, but made 30 primary recommendations and 19 secondary recommendations. At the time of the audits (May 30 and June 27, 2008), the beach was operating within the range of safe practice, as the Society calls it. It received that mark of approval because none of the areas covered by the primary recommendations threatened public safety. One month after the audits were performed, Ryan Albrecht of Stratford drowned at the beach.

While the report calls for improvements to record keeping, signage, staffing, and equipment, extended lifeguard hours were considered a secondary – or low-priority – recom-

mendation. To the extended lifeguard hours concern, staff suggested such an extension in working hours to 6:30 (plus a half-hour to tear down) would be “overkill” for weekday patrols. It should be noted that Ryan Albrecht drowned minutes after lifeguards went offduty at 5 p.m. on a Wednesday. Such an extension would not have helped Jule Kovar, who drowned in 2007, and went under the waves at 7:30 p.m.

One of the recommendations that is sure to spark debate is the one to close off the pier to pedestrian traffic. This may be a good idea, but a suggestion to ban swimming within 50 metres of the pier is more critical. Jule Kovar may be alive today if this ban were in place.

I am not in a position to make conclusions about the report or the municipality’s response to it today. I will be spending more time analyzing it as the summer approaches, and will find out which of the recommendations will come to fruition this year. I hope to keep the municipality to its word so that your safety and the safety of our visitors remains top priority. To me, that’s the most important part of this year’s beach enhancement.

The Strip welcomes two members to its extended family. Shay-Z (left), our dog Toffee’s mom, has come to live with us. We also want to send our greatest congratulations to our national affairs columnist Lance Crossley and Carolina Luengo, who welcomed Stella Valentina into thier lives January 21. At 9.5 lbs., she weighs more than two Shay-Zs! Publisher/Editor: Casey Lessard Advertising Sales: Casey Lessard Chief Photographer: Casey Lessard

Phone: (519) 614-3614 Fax: 1 (866) 753-2781 mail@grandbendstrip.com http://www.grandbendstrip.com

Brace yourself Loss of manufacturing sector more than just numbers

View from the Strip

Grand Bend Strip P.O. Box 218 Grand Bend, Ontario N0M 1T0 CANADA

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Distribution: Joan McCullough, Rita Lessard and Casey Lessard Contributors: Tom Lessard - my dad Rita Lessard - my mom Anjhela Michielsen - social justice Jenipher Appleton - nature/birding Lance Crossley - national affairs Lorette Mawson - interior design James Eddington - fine dining

Alternative View

By Lance Crossley The latest job figures are not good.

According to Statistics Canada, the country lost 129,000 jobs in January, which is worse than any monthly decline in the previous two recessions. Almost all the positions were full-time. Ontario was hit especially hard due to losses in the manufacturing sector, where 36,000 manufacturing positions evaporated into thin air. Unemployment rates are shooting up, with blue collar towns like Windsor already showing double digit unemployment figures.

Behind the numbers are a lot of devastated families. Some will be further distressed when they find out they don’t qualify for the Employment Insurance they have paid into all these years. But there is a broader and even more worrying trend, and that is the decline of our economic might.

Historically, Canada had to work hard to become more than just a natural resource based economy. It took sound public policy planning to create a diversified economy that wasn’t solely dependent on unprocessed resources. That is why by the mid-1990s Canada had become a heavyweight in the global manufacturing market. This helped make the country self-sufficient.

In the words of Jim Stanford, economist for the Canadian Auto Workers union, “For the first time in our history, we exported as much as we imported, and then some. For a country

which traditionally relied on the export of natural resources to pay for imports of valueadded merchandise, this was a tremendous achievement.”

But that economic high point was short lived. Since then our production exports have gone way down, and our reliance on resource exports – like Alberta oil – has risen dramatically. The problem with resource exports is that they are finite. A diversified, “valueadded” economy with a strong manufacturing sector is more sustainable and better for our long-term economic security. For those who coldly suggest that laid-off manufacturing workers in Ontario can simply pack up and go work in the Alberta oils sand, think again.

Forget about the complications of uprooting ones entire family to move out west, or the fact that oil sands projects are also being hit by the global recession. According to Stanford, there has only been one new job created in the mining and energy sector for every 4.5 jobs lost in the manufacturing sector between 2002-2008. And that was when the oil sands were booming.

I hate to say it, but the manufacturing sector in this province is done. It’s been dying for years. We need to build a new economy to replace the one we are losing. Even if we succeed in reinventing ourselves, it is going to take a long, long time to reap the benefits. In the meantime, better hold on tight.

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Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 7

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8 • Thursday, February 12, 2009

Strip Feature

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Fighting to end child warfare Red Hand Day demands United Nations action Story and photos by Casey Lessard Our Lady of Mount Carmel students were caught red-handed February 5. They were painting their hands red and sending a handprint to the United Nations to put pressure on the international body to stop the use of child soldiers globally. The project is an initiative of Human Rights Watch, and Mount Carmel’s social justice club supports the move.

“We’re children and we can connect to the children who are fighting,” says Lauren Stewart, who formed the club with fellow student Jessica Lavery after seeing Free the Children founder Marc Kielburger speak. He told them that if they wanted to make a difference, they should start a social justice club.

With 29 members, the club makes up almost 20 per cent of the school population.

“For these kids, putting a red hand means more than just finger painting. We are going to send these to the United Nations and hopefully it will make a difference.

“We want to see the decrease of child soldiers around the world.”

Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Coombs writes her students’ names on the pieces of paper where they will place their handprint. More than 160 students made prints.

Principal Todd Chisholm is impressed with the students’ initiative.

“They make the decisions about their proj- says, noting such concern is nurtured in the social justice for others. That’s already embed- school level, we have a philosophy about being ects. It’s purely student-driven,” Chisholm classroom. “We talk about outreach and doing ded in our classroom teaching, and at the a Community of Caring.”

Left: Mount Carmel social justice club leader Lauren Stewart paints Sarah Butler’s hand.

Above: Volunteers Austin Ryan and Sydney Kaumanns watch as Braedi Dwyer makes her handprint.

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Strip Feature

Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 9

Left: Max VanDongen-Miles asks Kristie Dietrich what to do after he’s made his handprint.

Below: Julia Hunt-Smith checks to see that the print looks good.

Bottom left: Kaitlyn Jones, Anna Bartlam, Eve Kobe and Grace McCann get cleaned up.

Bottom right: Audrey Kester checks out the finished product.

Teacher Carrie Ducharme-Ivatts is the school’s Community in Caring leader. The project’s goal is to promote social justice and environmental awareness.

“You educate the whole person, and not just one aspect,” Ducharme-Ivatts says. “We focus on the spiritual, academic and intellectual components.”

Lenten activities will support Mission Services in London, with projects that include a raffle to support shelters, donation drives for clothing, lunch bags, and juice boxes.

“When the kids actually do it,” she says, “they get the value out of it. They feel they are

making a difference.”

Lauren Stewart agrees, noting the students want to volunteer, but opportunities are limited for elementary students.

“They want high school students,” Stewart says. “It’s hard to find volunteer work off-site.

We’re hoping they’ll see how hard we try and let us come on-site. It’s better for us.”

The group aims to accomplish one project per month, focusing on wide-ranging social justice concerns at home (such as bullying), in the community (Blessings and Mission Services) and around the world. Guest speakers and field trips are also planned.

10 • Thursday, February 12, 2009

Strip Thoughts

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My Backyard

Bill Nieuwland

ABCA names Bill Nieuwland 2009 Conservation Dinner artist The Ausable-Bayf ield Conservation Authority hosts its 20th Conservation Dinner April 16 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter.

This year’s feature artist is Bill Nieuwland of Huron Woods. The 64-year old self-taught artist frequently paints scenes that capture the ABCA’s mandate area. Nieuwland is donating three pieces: two giclée prints of previous work (Blue Point Sunset and Diamond Lake in Temagami), and a new, original work that he painted from the vantage point of his home on the Old Ausable River Channel called My Backyard.

As told to Casey Lessard We moved here because we loved the trees, the beach, the river, the wildlife, the solitude, the quiet.

I always painted nature as a kid, and that’s what I love doing. I paint a lot of local scenes and a lot of water scenes. I did one of Arkona, and they sold a print of that at their silent auction last year.

My favourite spot is either the beach or the

river. Most of my paintings are made in those areas. I’ve done four of my backyard, but you can only do so many of your backyard. I’ve done several of the Pinery. Then there’s the beach; I’ve done logs on the beach, geese on the beach, a lot of scenes on the beach.

I try to paint as much detail and dimension as I can. You want to outdo yourself every time. To do that, I look at other artists who do excellent work and wonder how they do it.

I try to catch the methods they use, but I’m not trying to outdo them; I’m trying to outdo myself.

Four years ago, Doug Ellison suggested we join him at the dinner, and we were impressed. The dinner and atmosphere were great. They’ve picked some real good artists in the past. It’s quite a recognition and I’ve been donating prints to the silent auction ever since. I’m able to show my art to 450 people and be recognized in another area other than just Grand Bend. It’s a way for them to raise money. Plus it gives me exposure to people interested in my art.

Blue Point Sunset

Bill Nieuwland

I live on the river. I want it maintained in good standing. The ABCA does a good job and they have a lot of support, with a lot of people coming to the dinner. I believe in what they stand for: conservation areas are very

important. I love nature, so I want to keep it as good as we can keep it.

For more information, visit www.abca.on.ca or www.conservationdinner.com

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Strip Thoughts

Boys’ day out Keeping the Peace

You make lovin’ fun Romance can be humourous, but it can also be addictive, so watch out!

Advice from Mom

By Tom Lessard, C.D. It all started on my birthday this October.

My boys bought three tickets to see Montreal (my favourite) play Buffalo in Buffalo.

Hearing this, another son and my grandson wanted to go, too, so they bought two more tickets. Then a friend of Billy’s thought it would be a good plan if he could go with us.

I left Crediton in the morning and left my car at my eldest son Tom’s house in London.

His seven-year-old daughter, plays hockey on a Devilettes novice house league team that had a tournament game at 10:15 that morning at the Western Fair sports complex. We had plenty of time, so we stayed and watched them play. It was her turn to play goal; they won 3-1. Great game!

As soon as it was over, Tom and I left for Burlington, where we were to meet the rest of the gang. Clipping down Highway 403 at 120 km/h, we didn’t see two cruisers sitting on the median. As we passed them, I noticed the lights start flashing. I said to Tommy, “Uh oh! Here goes a couple hundred and a some points.” But, as it turned out, they weren’t after us.

About half an hour later, Tommy’s phone rang. It was Billy calling to see where we were and to tell us of a change in meeting places. Tommy wasn’t looking in his mirrors and wouldn’t you know it, a cruiser passed us.

Thankfully, considering the new cell phone driving law, he wasn’t looking our way.

On we went to our new rendezvous point, Mississauga. We picked up four in our group and headed off to Niagara Falls and the Wolfs Head Lodge, where Bill’s friend, our last rider, was staying. GPS is a wonderful invention; it directed us right to the door.

After loading up, we headed to Fort Erie and the bridge. The crossing is a very busy place. We had to show a passport or two pieces of identification (including one with a

Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 11

photo). The guard checked everybody out and when he came to me, he said that I wouldn’t be able to cross.

We asked why and he said it was because of my attire. I was wearing a Habs shirt, Habs helmet/hat, Habs coat, and Habs scarf. One of my sons piped up and said, “At least he’s not wearing a Leafs uniform.” After that, he let us go and told us to have a good time.

We arrived in Buffalo early and decided to go for supper at the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, a restored warehouse in the city’s historic district. When we got to the entrance, we were told that there was at least an hour wait on the main floor, but if we wished to go up to the third floor, there would be lots of room. The first floor was for dining with entertainment; the second floor was an arcade with pool tables, dart boards, shuffle board, and gaming machines. The third floor had a bar, all you can eat buffet with salads, wings, roast beef, pasta, gravies, sauces and rolls. The tables were round and candlelit. As more people arrived, walls were opened to show more tables and chairs.

After dinner, because it was a long walk to the arena, the boys pushed me in a wheelchair. Arriving at the arena, we were fronted by red, white and blue shirts, coats and hats.

I thought we were at the Montreal Forum.

The mass of Montreal fans reflects the fact that the Hamilton Bulldogs are a farm team, and use the same Habs uniform. The HSBC staff and volunteers were excellent; we were treated with respect and assistance that would be hard to beat.

There was plenty of hollering, singing, booing and cold beer, and even though the Habs outshot and outplayed the Sabres, we went down to defeat. Wait until next time!

Happy anniversar y Rita and Happy Birthday Glenn.

START NOW Be prepared for April 30, 2009

By Rita Lessard Happy Valentine’s Day! Another occasion to be nice to our loved ones and friends.

Around six years ago, when I was working days at Tim Horton’s, I had an elderly customer who came in for coffee nearly every day. Quite a nice old guy, a bit of a romantic, and a joker to boot. A week before Valentine’s Day, the old fellow asked me if I would be offended if he brought a little Valentine’s gift for me and the girls that worked on our shift.

I was a little surprised, but when he said that he had been working on his project for some time, I agreed that it would be fine.

The next week, he came in with his gifts, which were little knitted red hearts that we could pin to our uniforms. We were so happy to wear the little hearts, and I think we made the elderly gentleman feel quite happy.

As I said, he was quite a joker, which explains why I was reluctant when he offered the gift. I’ll give you an example. One day he told me that when he was younger, he complained to a friend that he didn’t know what to buy his wife for Valentine’s Day. “She already has everything you could think of, and anyway, she works so she can buy herself whatever she likes.”

“Here’s an idea,” said his friend. “Make up your own gift certificate that says, ‘Thirty minutes of great loving any way you want it.’ I guarantee she’ll be enchanted.”

The next day, the friend asked, “Well, did you take my suggestion?”

“Yes,” the fellow replied.

“Did she like it?”

“Oh, yes,” he said. “She jumped up, kissed me on the forehead and ran out the door, yelling, ‘See you in 30 minutes!’”

Because he was a romantic and a joker, I don’t really know if he was telling the truth. If

you can imagine, I still have my little red heart and I’ll be wearing it again this Valentine’s.

Always a romantic You’re never too old to fall in love. Take my mother, for instance. It seemed like she was always in love. My dad passed away when she was 47 years old, which was quite young to be a widow. After a decent grieving time of three years, my mother started dating and got married for the second time when she was 58 years old. Alas, she became a widow again when she was 70.

It took her nine years before her pursuit of love and happiness were fulfilled. At 79 years old – with rumours swirling that she was pregnant – she decided to go up the aisle again. I wasn’t too sure if this marriage was going to last, though. One day I was visiting mom and she was a little bit depressed, so I asked her what was wrong. “Oh, I don’t know,” she said. “Normally I’m happy, as you know, but last night I had to slap Gord in the face three times.”

“You’re kidding,” I replied. “At his age, the old fool? Was he trying to get fresh with you or beat you?”

“Oh no,” she said,” I slapped him because I thought he was dead.”

Sure enough, six months later, mother was alone again. This time, however, she divorced the man. I guess she wasn’t pregnant after all.

Such a waste.

My mother passed away in her 89th year and an hour before she died she was flirting with her doctor. Now that’s a romantic!

Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Birthday to Glen (Feb. 19) and my brother Robert Peter (Feb 24).

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12 • Thursday, February 12, 2009

Strip Events

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Make your heart beat faster this Valentine’s Day Courtesy ParticipACTION

active than partners of inactive husbands.

If you’re not planning to tie the knot anyFebruary is the time to celebrate the ones time soon, make plans with a friend or love we love. Having a partner on Valentine’s Day interest and take on the task of getting active might be good for your date book, but it could together. also be good for your health.

Getting more physical activity into your day Research shows that married individuals participate in exercise more often than their does not require a huge investment of time single counterparts. In a study published in or money. According to Canada’s Physical the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living, you Exercise that looked at 3,075 people, married need 60 minutes of activity a day-and that couples were more likely to be active than doesn’t have to be done all at once. There are non-married individuals. And if one spouse plenty of fun things you can do, 10 minutes was active, the other spouse was also more at a time, to get to that daily total. And there likely to be active. In fact, spouses of highly are plenty of opportunities to move more active men were three times more likely to be together.

In addition to trying new things, there are An Active Getaway many ways to get more movement into the If you’re thinking of whisking him or her activities you already enjoy. With some cre- away for the weekend, try planning a ski vacaativity and commitment, you can ease your- tion or adding a hike in the woods to your selves into a healthier lifestyle and make more romantic itinerary. of your time together.

Valentine’s Day Hunt

Here are some suggestions for getting your If chocolates are your traditional Valentine’s heart beating a little faster on Valentine’s Day: treat, take a cue from the Easter Bunny and hide them around your house or apartment.

A Romantic Stroll

Walk to and from your favourite restaurant Feeling the Music together-or to the theatre after dinner. Enjoy Dancing in your living room, stretching or some fresh air and the time to unwind and doing yoga together will help you unwind and share a conversation. set the mood for a romantic evening.

Kids on board.

It’s a smoke-free zone.

Smoking in motor vehicles with anyone under 16 is illegal and the fine is up to $250.

As of January 21, 2009, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking or having lighted tobacco in a motor vehicle while a person under 16 years old is present. Second-hand smoke levels in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times greater than in a smoker’s home. It’s even a risk on short trips and when the windows are rolled down.

Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer health problems such as sudden infant death syndrome, asthma and, later in life, cancer and cardiac disease.

For more information, contact your Public Health Unit or call the INFOline toll-free at 1-866-396-1760. TTY: 1-800-387-5559. Or visit: www.ontario.ca/smokefree For help quitting, visit www.smokershelpline.ca or call 1-877-513-5333.

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Strip Thoughts

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Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 13

Winter is a survival test for our wild friends Living in Balance

By Jenipher Appleton Snow, snow, and… more snow! Long stretches of intense cold! Sounds like a good old-fashioned Canadian winter, just as the Farmer’s Almanac predicted. However, it can be hard on people and animals alike.

In mid January, during one of the cold snaps, I was outside shoveling snow – no surprise there. I kept hearing a pathetic “meowing” sound and finally located a small cat crouched beneath the front porch. In the twilight I must have looked like a shadowy figure because when I reached out to pet it, ‘Kitty’ took off and disappeared into the dusk.

I surmised that it was likely a barn cat and hoped it would go back to where it belonged.

That night the thermometer plunged to a bone-chilling -20 degrees Celsius. The next morning, as I walked past the porch with Fergus the Lab, I was disappointed to hear the soft meowing once again. I finished up the short jaunt with the dog and deposited him into the house (he doesn’t get along with cats very well). I went to the fridge and found a piece of turkey. Back outside, I carefully approached the cat, who I could now see had tiger-like markings and was a little on the small side, yet fully grown. I extended my meat offering carefully, and the cold kitty gingerly bit into it. That was when I grabbed him (her?) by the scruff of the neck and clutched him to my chest. He snuggled in and kept munching the turkey as I walked him two doors north to the neighbour’s horse barn.

I lifted the latch and entered the comfort-

able space where plenty of felines were gathered, well fed and watered. The horses provided plenty of warmth. What a relief! Now I could proceed to work with a clear conscience.

Thankfully, I have not seen Kitty since. It is amazing how tough animals can be; however, I doubt this cat would have survived much more of the biting cold.

Animal adaptations There are two main ways wild critters adapt in winter. One category is the ‘nappers and snackers’. These are animals that are not true hibernators: squirrels, chipmunks, bears, skunks, beavers and badgers. They will sleep much of the time, but get up and forage for food when the weather is good. Raccoons, skunks, bears, and badgers will actually enter a state of torpor during intense cold and live off their own fat for a while.

The true hibernators appear to be dead because the heart rate is so slow and body temperature drops dramatically. They must eat a lot of food in the fall before going to sleep.

True hibernators include: bats, groundhogs, ground squirrel, frogs, snakes, etc.

White-tailed deer The white-tailed deer have had it rough this winter. Deep snow makes it difficult to negotiate movement and the long cold periods mean more energy is required. The deer continue to forage on any plants, twigs, and buds they can get at, including cedar trees and

Stephen Hanafin photographed this sleeping bear at a New York zoo.

So… was Wiarton Willie correct in his the bark of many other types of trees. In spite of the deep snow, any of the deer Fergus and prediction of six more weeks of winter when I have spotted in the back field have appeared he was awakened from his winter sleep on February 2? The deer certainly hope not! to be relatively healthy.

Colour your world sensibly Eye for Design

By Lorette Mawson http://www.DecorateWithLorette.com Since we are having, shall we say, an old fashioned winter, I thought why not talk about colour? This seems to be the time of year when we all could use a little colour in our living spaces. I am going to start with a quick definition of what each colour represents, which may give you the colour inspiration you need for your home.

One of my favourite colours is red, which is a colour of expression and energy. When used on walls, it has a wrapping effect.

Orange is a colour that represents warmth and nature. An upbeat colour, it also makes some feel hurried, so it may not be the best choice for a room where you want to relax.

Yellow, the happy, hopeful colour, is also considered an intellectual colour. This would make a good choice for an office or a classroom.

Right now, I wish I were seeing this colour out my window: green. Green is associated with nature, nurturing and harmony, so this would be a good colour for a bedroom, bathroom, reading area, office, or library. Many possibilities.

Purple, or violet, is associated with luxury, sophistication, and wealth. It can be overwhelming in large quantities, but very striking in accessories.

We’re seeing a lot of white these days; some see white as crisp and clean, others as sterile, and some find it stark and impersonal, while others find it calming.

The final colour I want to address is black. Black is the mystery colour, the colour of the unknown. It’s also a solid and grounding colour, and it’s a formal colour.

Knowing how colour can affect us should help you in choosing colours for your home. Other colour inspiration can come from a piece of fabric you love or your favourite clothes.

We seem to gravitate to colours we love when we are buying clothes.

Soon, summer will come and we will be back to the great outdoors, but for now, I hope this little bit of colour knowledge will give you some inspiration, unless white is your colour of choice.

John Goodwin

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To Do List

14 • Thursday, February 12, 2009

To Do List

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26

 a.m. - Grand Bend Legion Shoot like a Pro with Mary Lynn Fluter.

Grand Bend Men’s Probus meeting. Guest Join us for a day of digital shooting and speaker Jim Southcott, Topic: Grand Bend critique with Mary Lynn. Always fun and Beach Enhancement. Everyone welcome. informative. Get tips on exposure, composition; experiment and share in the company of others. Contact Teresa Marie for time, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 cost and information at: 238-8978 or 238Blessings Community Store, Zurich Cooking Outside of the Box. Drop in and 6874 or grbartcentre@hay.net. Workshops taste test great recipe ideas for yummy low must be paid in advance; minimum four cost meals. Call Miranda Burgess Grand registrants.

Bend CHC dietitian 519-238-1556 ext.222

Community/Charity EVERY TUESDAY  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Bingo

EVERY OTHER T HURSDAY

The Schoolhouse Restaurant, Grand Bend Socrates Café. An informal discussion SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 group. For more information contact Dinah FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Taylor, 519-238-1114 or Ian Young, 519Live music with The Undecided : a.m. to noon - Grand Bend Public 238-5335.

School Alphabites Program. Explore various Health & Fitness activity centres, make a tasty snack all based EVERY FRIDAY on a special book. Parents and children ages MONDAYS  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion 0-6 years. Call Miranda at GBACHC 519Meat Draw  to  a.m. - Southcott Pines 238-1556 ext 222.

Clubhouse Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, : p.m. - St. John’s Anglican Church MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 (519) 238-5555.

Grand Bend Diners Program. Second  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion and four th T hursday of the month.

Grand Bend Area Horticultural Society.

Transportation is available along with take Speaker Regine Switzer, Topic: Photography : to  a.m. - Grand Bend Legion out. Cost $9/person. Entertainment and inspired by nature. Membership due call T.G.I.F. (Thank God I’m Fit) exercise social time. Contact Town & Countr y Kitty Illman 519-238-5634. class with Elinor Clarke 519-294-6499. $3 Support Services at 519-235-0258. per week; all fees go to charity

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

: to  p.m.  a.m. to  p.m. - Grand Bend CHC Anne’s Yoga Works studio, Port Franks.

Men Can Cook. Advance your cook p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Yoga. For info and registration call Anne Steak Barbecue. Limited number of tick- ing skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch.

Chute 519-243-3552.

Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222. ets $10 each.

Arts & Entertainment

BRIDAL SHOWCASE Tuesday, March ,  at  p.m.

South Huron Recreation Centre 94 Victoria St. E., Exeter

FREE ADMISSION FEATURES:

Door Prizes • Fashion Show • Special Displays • Gift Bags for Every Bride •

For your free invitation, call: Faye 519-228-7053 or 1-877-675-8452 WALKINS WELCOME THAT EVENING

GRAND DOOR PRIZE Matching Wedding Bands supplied by:

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WEDNESDAYS  to  a.m. - Southcott Pines Clubhouse Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555. : to  a.m. - Grand Bend Legion T.G.I.F. (Thank God I’m Fit) exercise class with Elinor Clarke 519-294-6499. $3 per week; all fees go to charity  to : a.m. - Grand Bend Legion Line Dancing  to  p.m. - Parkhill Leisure Club Anne’s Yoga Works. For info and registration call Anne Chute 519-243-3552.

THURSDAYS  a.m. – Port Franks Community Centre Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program.

Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.  to  p.m. - South Huron Golf & Fitness Centre, Exeter Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for gym members, spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

: to  p.m.

Anne’s Yoga Works studio, Port Franks.

Yoga. For info and registration call Anne FRIDAYS THURSDAYS Chute 519-243-3552.  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Art Centre  to  a.m. - Southcott Pines Open Painting. Cost is $10 - bring a projClubhouse ect and materials and paint with various TUESDAYS Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for artists. spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney,  a.m. – Port Franks Community (519) 238-5555.

Centre Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program.

FRIDAYS Program includes warm up, low impact : to  a.m. - Grand Bend Legion : to : p.m. - Grand Bend Youth aerobic workout, strength work and T.G.I.F. (Thank God I’m Fit) exercise Centre Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy class with Elinor Clarke 519-294-6499. $3 Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone per week; all fees go to charity at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759. welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 ext 6 to register.  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion  a.m. to  p.m. - Grand Bend CHC Valentine’s Day with The Persuaders Heart Health Cooking. This fun, free pro to  p.m. - South Huron Golf & gram teaches you how to cook healthier by Fitness Centre, Exeter adding more fibre and less sodium. Enjoy SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for eating what you make!  to  p.m. - Grand Bend Legion gym members, spouses and students. Call Horse Races Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 : to : p.m. or  to : p.m. Grand Bend CHC Mental Health Education and Support Group.

Monthly support group for famGrand Grand Bend’s To Serve You Better ily and friends. Contact Social Worker Bend Best Kept Secret WE ARE NOW Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext. 230 for (519) 238-2120 details.

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Feb. 14 - The Persuaders Feb. 21 - Horse Races

Fun Darts Mondays @ 7 p.m.

Bingo Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.

Meat Draws Fridays @ 5 p.m.

Hall rentals - contact Sharon (519) 238-6865

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26  to  p.m. - Grand Bend CHC Community Blood Pressure Clinic in the Adult Centre Wing. Everyone welcome.

Have your blood pressure checked Free by a Nurse. No appointment necessary.

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Strip on the Dance Floor

Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 15

Bad weather resulted in lower than expected attendance at January’s World Religion Day, which featured Lakota hoop dancer Kevin Locke (above). Locke crafted hoop sculptures to accompany his stories, and performed the Northern Plains flute. The international event was presented by the Baha’i faith to foster unity and peace. The London Unity Choir also performed (below) Photos by Casey Lessard

Strip in the Kitchen

16 • Thursday, February 12, 2009

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A special Valentine’s treat from James Eddington This is a healthy, heartwarming and mouth-watering dinner to “beet” the winter blues.

Roasted rack of lamb accented with a white bean puree and raw beet salad Recipes by James Eddington Eddington’s of Exeter  Main Street, Exeter -- - www.eddingtons.ca Photos by Casey Lessard

Rack of Lamb Marinate rack of lamb with fresh garlic, rosemary and sea salt.

Bake in 375ºF oven for 25-30 minutes.

Remove from oven and cover in foil (let lamb rest for about 10 minutes).

Take pan drippings and sear with 1 oz of red wine, splash of balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, 1 tsp of honey, and about 1/4 cup of diced peppers and/or tomato.

Carve rack of lamb along bone lines about 3/4 of the way through. Pour sauce (pan drippings) over cut lamb once plated.

White Been Puree

Raw Beet Salad

This is a great substitute for potatoes. High in protein, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

High in B vitamins, beets are a natural blood cleanser and very colorful for presentation.

Soak one cup of white beans in four cups of water overnight.

Sautée one white onion, 1/2 stock of celery, and three cloves of garlic in butter or oil.

Add about 2L of water (chicken stock or vegetable stock adds extra flavor), bring to boil then add pre-soaked beans.

Boil for at least two hours or until beans soften.

Add pinch of sugar, salt and pepper to taste.

Drain remaining water/stock.

Mash (just like potatoes) or purée in blender once cooled.

This can be refrigerated for up to two days.

It actually has better consistency once refrigerated.

Re heat in sauté pan with 1 oz heavy cream, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. (Will look and feel like whipped potatoes)

Julienne (Cut into long thin strips) four large beets and two large carrots. You can also put through food processor or grate.

In large bowl combine 2 oz rice wine vinegar, 1 oz balsamic vinegar, 3 oz apple juice, juice squeezed from one lemon, and honey to thicken (add small amount of honey at first, and add more if too bitter, until desired sweetness is met), whisk together and mix beets and carrots to mixture. Let sit for at least an hour in fridge; overnight is best.

Adding sun-dried cranberries, dried apricots etc., gives extra flavor and depth to salad.

(CAN BE MADE A DAY AHEAD)

What you’ll need

White Bean Puree (bolded items are used in multiple recipes)

Rack of Lamb Rack of lamb Garlic Fresh rosemary Sea salt and pepper Red wine

(CAN BE MADE DAY AHEAD)

Balsamic vinegar Dijon mustard Honey Red pepper Tomato

White beans Onion Celery Garlic Butter/oil Chicken/vegetable stock Heavy cream Salt & pepper

Raw Beet Salad Beets Carrots Red wine Apple juice Fresh lemon Honey Sun~dried fruit (optional)