Vol. 3 #2 - June 17, 2009 Grand Bend Strip

AWARD WINNING JOURNALISM FROM GRAND BEND

Vol. 3, No. 2

THE LAST FREE

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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MODEL BEHAVIOUR Jenna Regier and other South Huron promgoers prove not all high school students are “rowdies” when they hit the beach.

More prom photos on pages 10-11.

PLUS: 50 YEARS OF THE PINERY, PARKHILL’S TROPICAL JEWELRY, AND PLENTY OF THINGS TO DO...

COVER PHOTO BY CASEY LESSARD

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Grand Bend Strip

2 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

CCNA judge Debra Downey: A detailed and interesting report, with some great photos to illustrate the triumphs and trails of the day.

CCNA judge Michelle Stewart: Wow, talk about a reporter taking a story idea and sinking his teeth in to the point where every possible angle has a bite mark.

OCNA judge Kelly Clemmer: Striking. It was worth the additional effort.

OCNA judge Ted Murphy: A masterful job. It was a clear-cut winner.

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CCNA judge Tracy McCall: Hilarious, very creative, eye-catching, racy and entertaining.

The photos were excellent.

CCNA judge Glenn Mitchell: The Strip knows a little bit of fun is the way to bring out the story when it comes to the arts.

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Sports S po ports po orts & Recreatio Recreation ion ion

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Strip Events

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 3

The Pinery Provincial Park looked a lot different 50 years ago. Above: cars stop at the entrance to the park in this winter scene from 1963; right: the toboggan hill was much less developed than the one that exists today.

Pinery hits the big 5-0 Story by Casey Lessard Photos courtesy Pinery Provincial Park It has been a big part of family life for area residents and visitors for 50 years, and this weekend the Pinery Park is celebrating that milestone with cake and more at the visitors’ centre.

Friends of Pinery Park is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year; the non-profit is dedicated to education, promotion, preservation and support of the park and its activities. Brenda Kulon, 55, of Bright’s Grove has been coming to the park most of her life, and chairs the committee.

“My first time in Pinery park was as a kid,” Kulon recalls. “I was amazed at the tall pines. In my high school years, we did a lot of camping here. And then as a young adult, I volunteered here counting butterflies and was a photographer for the park during my 30s.”

Over the years, Kulon has noticed major changes in the features and operation of the park, including the move from planting pines to restoring the native habitat, the oak savannah. Some changes were for the better and others not.

“Environmentally, we’re losing a lot of the insect population and species, and we don’t understand why,” she says. “A lot of it is habitat loss, but there has to be another reason. We don’t have the knowledge. As far as staffing, there used to be

numerous people working as educators, and now the Pinery is threatened with fewer and fewer of them. The role of volunteers in the park is still very important because your experts are often outside of the park system. You need both. There’s a happy medium.”

Marty Page also remembers early days at the park, enjoying time swimming and having barbecues. His father installed the hydro lines as an employee of Ontario Hydro that first year.

“My dad said that they rather enjoyed working in the Park in the winter, as the trees blocked the cold winds,” Page says.

“There were two trucks working everyday. Each truck had a foreman, a driver and four linesmen. There were First Nations people hired from the reservation at Kettle Point, I believe, and their job was to dig the holes for the poles to be set in and they had to be paid cash each day when they were finished.”

Park lovers like Page are critical to the Pinery’s ongoing success, Kulon says.

“Friends was formed by caring people who were dedicated to the preservation of what’s inside Pinery park and to the education and promotion of the park. Friends was designed to be the voices of the Pinery and show people what a beautiful place it is.”

More stories, more photos, and a PDF archive of winter issues. Online at http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Getting involved by volunteering could mean anything from fundraising, to educating visitors, to helping with promotions.

“We do a lot for the park, and a lot of those things they (the ministry) can’t do on their own,” says Friends manager of operations Jessica Brownlee. “We do a lot of fundraising for park projects. We do the trail guides, educational exhibits, interpretive signs. We built the Savannah bike trail, maintain the website, and run the nature store, which is a fundraiser for the Friends.”

Noting the variety of family experiences possible, Brownlee notes the Pinery’s value in giving people a chance to commune with nature while helping in the preservation of the wildlife, culture and history of the park.

“It is a big place with lots to offer,” she says, mentioning the variety of activities from hiking, biking, swimming, to toboganning, snowshoeing and skating that take place. “It’s really a special place.”

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4 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Strip Events

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Popular Home and Garden Tour returns June 27 It’s been a long time Hessenland celebrated 25 years in business Sunday with an open house and food sampling.

Left, owner Ernst Ihrig welcomes an old friend, Dr. Charles Wallace of Bayfield, to the event.

“My parents put a lot of sweat equity in this business to get to where we are today,” Ernst’s son Frank says. “We have big shoes to fill in a family business, so we have to be mindful of the history.

The Grand Bend Horticultural Society hopes this year’s Festival of Homes, Gardens and Arts sells out like last year’s event did. On board for the June 27 event are nine homes and gardens, 23 artists and 2 nurseries. Passports for the tour are $15, with locations disclosed that day. The passport includes treats such as homemade cookies and lemonade, and samples from local restaurants, Parmalat Cheese in London, and Brantford’s The Cider Keg. M&M Meat Shops is a major sponsor, and is donating proceeds from a lunch barbecue to the event.

Entertainment will be provided by UWO’s New Horizon Band, with Paul Seagrave performing at the Putherbough home in St. Joseph during the afternoon.

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Strip in Your Community

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 5

Crediton’s Got Talent Crediton hosted its first Fun Fest June 6 to raise money for the Crediton Community Centre Improvement Committee. Among the activities was a talent contest featuring singers, dancers and fiddlers.

Above: Josh Rhynard of Clinton step dances on stage. His sister, also a step dancer, took third place in the contest.

Above right: Spencer Yearley, 9, of Crediton shows his chops as taught by teacher Devon Martene, who placed second in the talent show.

Right: country singer Genevieve Fisher, 16, of London took top honours with her version of Stay by Sugarland. Fisher has quite the voice and is one to watch.

Photos by Casey Lessard

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6 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Casey Lessard’s photography project, www.Casey365.com July 4-26 at Bliss Studio in Port Franks

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Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 7

Fireworks & Brian & Lance, oh my!

Canada Day festivities Wednesday, July 1 – Main Beach 4:30 p.m. – Ken Dinel’s The Band In You students present rock music 5 p.m. – Ruth’s Hat, Lance Bedard, Brian Dale, Vintage Moments 10 p.m.

- fireworks

Sherri Dale photo

Long-time Grand Bend performer Brian Dale has finally gotten around to putting together a CD for his fans, and he can’t wait to get it in their hands. There’s a catch, though; a manufacturing delay means it will be two weeks after the July 1 launch party (as part of Grand Bend’s Canada Day celebrations) before he can deliver the product. “I could have done it a long time ago and pushed it and rushed it,� Dale says. “I didn’t want to force it.�

After all, after 15 years performing, you can wait two extra weeks for your first CD, right? “I’ve been putting it off for close to 10 years,� Dale says. “It always seemed like whenever I got the time and money to do it, I would go on vacation and spend all of my time and money. “I came home for Christmas from Costa Rica and was planning on going back. I went up to this little studio in Goderich that Lance Bedard was recording at, and he introduced me to the engineer. I finally decided I needed to get this done. �

Although he won’t have the CD, tentatively titled peace/love/waves/song as a tribute to his email signoff, ready by the Canada Day event, he will be distributing free preview copies of a single from the album at the event. The CD will have 11 tracks, all originals written over the last 15 years. Some are old favourites for fans, while others are new songs to most. “The songs were always written and performed acoustically. I always had a picture in my head of what the songs would sound like and I had never put it together with a group.

Once I started recording, the songs matured, even more than we were expecting.� “It’s been a long time coming, but we’re really, really happy with the way it’s turned out.�

Just what fans want to hear.

Brian Dale’s CD peace/love/waves/song will be available for $15 at Archies and local bars where he performs, and through online retailers.

To learn more, visit his facebook fan page.

Zurich native Lance Bedard is on a roll after launching his debut solo CD, Restless, this spring; he’s already working on the second. “I just went back in the studio last week,�

Bedard says, “and I’m waiting on a reply for another (recording) grant so I can release a CD in the next year and a half.�

Bedard’s debut was recorded in Goderich at Dig Productions, where Rob McKercher blended Bedard’s sound with guests Nick Haberer, Marcel Gelinas and Mike Klaassen. “You write a song, but you hear everything else,� he says, describing the value of collaborating with other artists. “You hear it in your head, but you can’t do it all at once. So when you finally get a chance to build a song from a small four chord progression to a full band production, that gets you fired up to make more music.�

Success at local gigs gave him the push he needed to record the songs he started writing more than five years ago. Early experiences with the Pillowheads and Point of Impact gave him his first exposure to putting together a studio album, but this time, he took the process much more seriously. “To put this out on my own was something I always wanted to do and to get it out to everyone was the greatest feeling in the world. It’s probably my biggest accomplishment since I entered the music industry. To get everyone’s positive feedback made it all the better.�

Now the push is on to sell, sell, sell. He recently hired a manager to promote his work. “This guy could take me to the next level.

If I hadn’t made the CD, I wouldn’t have this opportunity.�

So it’s back in the studio for round two. “Hearing the way the music is played and changing is an addicting process. You go there every day and you’re excited about making music. Just hearing yourself and some of the things you can do, it’s like raising a child.�

To hear samples from Lance Bedard’s Restless, visit http://www.myspace.com/lanceromance01

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Strip Events

8 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The fight continues South Huron District High School hosted its sixth annual Relay for Life June 12 to raise money for cancer charities. The event raised more than $30,000, led by Kristyn Darling’s team, which raised $3281.42. Kristyn was also the top female fundraiser, with Terry O’Rourke the top male fundraiser.

Left: Cancer survivor Marjorie Johns of Exeter performs the survivors’ lap (slightly behind the rest of the crowd) to kick off the event.

Above: Kristy Pavkeje is a little concerned about the amount of hair she lost, but it’s for a good cause.

Above right: Music teacher Isaac Moore is a bit more prepared, but were the pigtails necessary? Moore raised $250 from friends hoping to see him lose his famous locks.

Photos by Casey Lessard

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Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 9

Tropical charms Caroline Bruce creates exotic accessories at home in Parkhill

FLEA MARKET & FARMER’S MARKET

BUY LOCAL BUY FRESH After spending a couple of years working in Jamaica, Caroline Bruce decided home is where her heart was. The 28-year old recently launched Tweak jewelry (http://www.tweakboutiqueonline.com/), her line of unique hand-crafted accessories made from semi-precious stones, metals and woods.

As told to Casey Lessard Photo by Casey Lessard for Casey365.com The biggest compliment is when someone sees what I make, falls in love with it, and can’t resist wearing it three days in a row.

I make necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets. I want to be sure I’m making things people couldn’t just go out and buy at the mall. If it doesn’t make sense to be hand making it, I don’t.

The collection is pretty narrow, but it’s stronger because more time has been put into the composition and base design of the pieces.

I’ve been making jewelry for about seven years as a hobby.

Then I started selling things so I could buy more beads.

People liked it and I liked it even more, so it grew from there.

I grew up in Parkhill and went to school in Toronto for human biology. I decided that wasn’t for me, and did a degree in interior design. I spent a couple of years in Jamaica doing interior design and decided I wanted to be back at home with my parents. I couldn’t think of anything that I wanted to do more than turn something that had been a hobby into a business. My bills are reduced, and I don’t have any other commitments, so I thought, go for it.

I had seen before that it was possible to preserve orchids in resin, and I was enamored by it. I bought a few brooches and things, but they were gilded with metals like gold or silver. I thought it would be better to see the entire flower. One day, I found exactly what I was looking for on the internet. I eventually found someone who would do the colours and sizes I wanted. The process is complicated and because orchids aren’t native to Canada, I get them from overseas and they do exactly what I want.

is your money when you’re trying to make a business out of something you’re doing personally. Since I’ve narrowed down my collection, I can be more productive in purchasing my materials, in the design time, in the time to put things together. I don’t create things I don’t like.

It’s not profitable for creative people to make what everyone else is making. You need to set yourself apart. Quality raw materials are a big thing. I’ve learned to find out exactly what the stone is and whether or not it’s been colour enhanced so you can tell the truth about your raw materials. Know as much as you can about it. You also have to learn what your niche is and how to portray your company. You want people to know something about you when they look at your advertising materials.

Advice to other creatives

Take to heart what people are saying about what you’re making. You’re making it and you love it, but other people have to love it, too. It can’t be all in your head. If you’ve given people things, listen to how it’s working for them. Don’t get caught in trends or fashions, and don’t compromise your dream for what you see out there.

Home is the best place to be when you’re starting out. You know everyone, you have family and friends to help you, you can ask advice from people who you know are experts.

Businesses are smaller, so the wait time is less. Even running errands takes less time because it’s close. Living with my parents has made this all possible. They’ve helped me in so many ways.

I’ve done private shows, which are put on by myself for friends and family. I find them productive because everyone who comes wants to see your work. I’ve done craft shows and clothing shows, but the sales are proportionally less because people didn’t come specifically to see you.

I’ve realized I have to broaden my base by creating a website (http://www.tweakboutiqueonline.com/) that can showcase the work and where people can buy it. E-commerce is the way to go right now, and is probably the best bet for me.

My dream customer is anyone who loves unique accessories; anyone who’s going to love their piece is a customer I want.

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10 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Strip at the Prom

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The Last Hurrah Photos by Casey Lessard South Huron District High School senior students celebrated the year’s end in style as they attended the school’s prom June 5.

Above: Morgan Bland gets checked over by Student of the Year nominee Carrie Powe. The group gathered at the Warwick farm headed out in style, too; their rides were two Hummer limousines.

Shane Mudge captures a memory.

Marlee Baehnisch, Natasha Cox, Brittany Vandergunst, Meghan McCann, Brooke Wushke, Stacey Mathonia, Rebecca Skinner and Keri Reschke in Grand Bend.

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Strip at the Prom

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 11

Jenna Easton, another Student of the Year nominee, joins a conga line around the dance floor in the school’s old gym.

The theme was One Night in the City of Lights, with Eiffel Towers galore and art work from IceCulture.

Melissa Rundle of Shipka and Justin Wellman dance the night away.

Emmett O’Reilly and Julia Roberts were named Students of the Year.

12 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Strip Events

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Make a splash at Grand Bend’s eco-bash Plans for Grand Bend’s environmental celebration Aquafest are coming together; the August 8 event will feature the United Nations’ senior advisor on water issues, Maude Barlow, as well as events for children and adults to celebrate and appreciate this precious resource.

“The lake makes Grand Bend, Grand Bend,” says event co-chair Jennifer Mossop. “It’s a crown jewel of a lake. We need to preserve and protect it.”

To learn more about this event, visit http://www.grandbendaquafest.ca/ Above: artists David Bannister, Shirley Owen, Catherine Weber and Teresa Marie join South Huron District High School art teacher Carleen Hone at the judging of the Aquafest fine art contest, which SHDHS student Brittany Holmes won with her painting, seen at left.

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For directions, visit: http://www.casey365.com or call Casey at (519) 614-3614

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Strip Thoughts

Model good behaviour View from the Strip

By Casey Lessard I was reading a story online about how Lambton Shores is trying to crack down on high school “rowdies” who come to the beach and leave it a mess. While I don’t dispute that it may happen, I wonder why high school students – not all of whom are rowdy and not all of whom are disrespectful – were singled out.

Young people are Grand Bend’s main base, and the whole point of a vacation spot is to make people feel like they are welcome guests, no matter how old. If a town wants to attract families, usually those kids grow up to be high school students and then adults. It’s part of the life cycle.

And just as high school students can be irresponsible, so can college students and senior citizens. Believe it. None of us is a saint. Except my mom, of course.

So while it’s fine to point out that kids should be in school instead of trashing the beach, let’s be conscious of the fact that press is press, and Grand Bend’s new beach got a lot of attention thanks to those kids, who apparently come one day to trash the town.

Casey, Your kind words for Susan Boyle (April 23 View from the Strip) warmed my heart. How can people on talk shows, papers, etc., be so shallow with their hurtful comments about a woman who showed such talent and true Scottish sweetness? You are truly a very kind and classy person. Keep up the good work. All of your articles are informative, to the point,

Who trashes it the rest of the year? Shouldn’t we be as worried about them?

Besides, most of the high school kids I know are actually quite respectful, even though some may be a little careless. But when they are careless or irresponsible, let’s take a look at who’s taking really responsible for their behaviour. Where are their parents, peers, and passersby? We’re all responsible for stopping bad behaviour when we see it. I’m sure you know what 911 does. Don’t feel like getting in a fight? Use that number.

Or even better, model to kids the respect you want to see. Police and surveillance cameras do the job, but what do they teach the next generation of beach goers? To feel safe, or to feel nervous? There’s a good balance of security somewhere. Let’s find it without all the bravado.

Reminders: Subscribe today if you want to keep getting the Strip. It will be available for a price in some stores, but do you really want to chance it?

And come to my art show! You’re invited to my opening reception July 4 from 2-6 p.m. at Bliss Studio in Port Franks. The work looks really good and it’s going to look even better once Glen Baillie is done with them. Worth every penny to have one on your wall. Hint, hint. See you then! and definitely not boring.

I also enjoy mom’s articles, too; a lady who can tell it like it is.

Barbara J. Westman RR#2 Dashwood From the editor: Susan Boyle lost the 2009 Britain’s Got Talent competition to an amazing dance group called Diversity. Check them out on YouTube.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 13

Follow the money Alternative View

By Lance Crossley (Part one of a four-part series examining the monetary system.)

“Until the control of the issue of currency and credit is restored to government and recognized as its most conspicuous and sacred responsibility, all talk of the sovereignty of Parliament and of democracy is idle and futile.”

- William Lyon Mackenzie King, 1935 Running for his fourth term as Prime Minister, Mackenzie King said this amid the rubble of the depression because he saw that money creation was the bitter root of a fundamentally unjust economic system. Today, you cannot find one politician in Canada connecting the economic crisis to our money system.

Most people don’t realize that private banks create virtually all of today’s money supply.

For example, when you take out a mortgage of $250,000, the bank is not lending you cash sitting in its vault – it creates it on the spot by typing digits into a computer. (Editor’s note: while the United States requires reserves of 10 per cent for any loan, Canada has no such rule.) The money didn’t exist before you were approved for the loan. When you pay back the principal it becomes what they call “dead money”. It cancels out the loan and it no longer exists in the system. The bank makes its money by charging you interest.

Only you have to toil in the real world by producing goods or services in order to pay the

interest. Earning tangible wealth takes time.

Meanwhile, the accumulating interest can easily double the cost of your initial purchase.

It is a sweet deal if you’re a banker: produce nothing of tangible value but get real wealth in return.

But banks only create the principal, not the interest. This creates a chronic shortage in the money supply because businesses and workers are competing to extract interest payments from a money supply that never created it in the first place – the proverbial “rat race”. The money supply is continually being diverted into the coffers of the bankers. Bankruptcies are actually inevitable in such a system; it’s something bankers know full well. That’s why they arrange to seize your property should you default on your payments.

Usury – charging interest on money for profit – is nothing new. Throughout the ages it has been condemned by many of the world’s major religions. The only record of Jesus acting violently was when he threw the moneychangers out of the temple. Jesus was enraged and accused them of turning a house of prayer into a “den of thieves”. The backstory is that people who came to worship had to pay a temple tax, and although there were many different kinds of currency used in everyday commerce, temples would only accept a certain kind of coin called the shekel.

The moneychangers soon vacuumed up most of the shekels in circulation and proceeded to lend it at interest to the faithful. Jesus saw that the moneychangers were fixing the fight, and that the system was manufacturing losers.

The moneychangers were the bankers of their time. The question today is: Who is going to challenge the moneychangers of our time?

Putting our best (and worst) face forward To the Editor, This past Saturday I took my mother and daughter up to see the new beachfront improvements. They are beautiful; a sparkling new image for our community to be proud of.

Unfortunately as we were heading down the main street we came across this scene: high noon, beautiful blue sky, lots of visitors...

Publisher/Editor: Casey Lessard Advertising Sales: Casey Lessard 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

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

walking by THIS. Not on a side street but predominately displayed on our main strip, across from the church and next to the Tender Spot (no reflection on them of course).

Dozens and dozens of beer bottles and other trash strewn about every bit as visible as the sparkling storefronts and the cleaned and swept main street.

Advertising is accepted on condition that, in the event of an error, the portion of the ad occupied by the error will not be charged for, but the balance will be paid at the usual rate.

It is the responsibility of the advertiser to check their ads on first publication, and the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors in multiple insertions.

The Grand Bend Strip reserves the right to reject or edit any advertisement likely to offend community standards and/or the law.

All material herein, including advertising design, is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form.

Surely there is (or should be) some way of preventing the actions of a mindless few from diminishing the efforts and dollars of so many. I’m betting that image is as clear in the minds of our visitors as any, and no amount of window dressing will erase it.

Craig Coltman Grand Bend

Grand Bend Strip is printed every other Wednesday in the summer and monthly in the winter. For this edition, 5661 free copies were delivered by Canada Post to homes in Grand Bend, Dashwood, Crediton and Exeter.

To subscribe, use PayPal online or send a cheque: $24/year, $12 July-Oct/Nov-June Alert the Grand Bend Strip of any address changes, and to let us know if you should be but are not receiving your copy of the paper.

Locally owned and operated © Copyright 2009

2nd place Feature Series 3rd place Rural Reporting Business Writing Arts Coverage In House Ad Campaign

1st place Outstanding Reporter Initiative (Circulation up to 9,999)

Strip in the Air

14 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

We have liftoff After weather delays last year, pilots at Exeter’s Sexsmith airport were able to take off with area kids May 23 as part of their Young Eagles program. About 100 kids took part.

Above: Noah Chapman, 10, of Exeter went up with Mike Ash. “It was cool,” Chapman said.

Right: Paul Timmermans and son Allan, 2, of Exeter watch as son Adrian takes a flight.

Below: Brooke Lewis, 6, of Exeter waits for planes to take off and land.

Photos by Casey Lessard

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Strip Thoughts

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 15

She’s just a “friend” Holy tourism, Batman!

Keeping the Peace

Advice from Mom

By Tom Lessard, C.D.

By Rita Lessard For the first week in June, I had the pleasure of babysitting my granddaughter Katie, age seven, and my grandson Christopher, who will be 17 on June 26. My main charge was the seven year old, but I was responsible to keep an eye on Christopher also.

Before my daughter-in-law left, she told me to keep a look out for activities that could arise with the appearance of Christopher’s girlfriend; it was a big job, but I figured I was up to the challenge.

The first night I met the girlfriend was quite uneventful as they watched TV under the seven-year-old’s supervision. I wasn’t really concerned as my grandson assured me that the girl wasn’t his girlfriend, but rather a friend who happened to be a girl. I think the sweet little girl thought differently, considering the way she clung to him like a coat two sizes too small. Girls are probably more romantic and slightly clingier. Christopher’s a sweet and handsome guy so he will probably have quite a few “friends” before he settles down. He’s only 17 so he’s got a while to go.

I hope he doesn’t break too many hearts along the way.

Maybe times have changed. I remember when I was young and available that if a guy held your hand, he was yours. I recall going out with this very handsome guy a couple of times and then I ditched him. My mother almost broke out in a rash when she found out, she said, “For heaven’s sake, Rita, why did you ditch that lovely guy, Bob? He seemed so respectable.”

My reply was, “Of course he is mom, he’s thrifty, doesn’t drink or smoke, has a very steady job, a very lovely wife and three wellbehaved children.” Call me crazy. Such a catch.

With another fellow I met, I told him I

to fly over Israeli territory. Instead, we had to fly south across the Sinai desert, up along the Persian Gulf across part of Jordan and into Jerusalem. We were put up in a hotel between the old and new parts of the city. Yes, it had a bar.

The next day, our tour guide took us to see the mosque called the “Dome of the Rock”, the Holy Sepulchur, the street best known as the Way of the Cross where Jesus carried his cross to Calvary. We also toured Bethlehem and the Wailing Wall.

The next day, we hopped on a bus to see the River Jordan, where John the Baptist baptized Christ. From there, we headed to Jericho and the Dead Sea. After picking up some souvenirs and tasting the local wine, we donned our swimsuits and dove in. It’s true that you can’t sink in the Dead Sea! It’s 1300 feet below sea level and there is no outlet for the water, so it evaporates and leaves the salt. I found out by experiment that I could lie down in the water with a tray beside me holding a newspaper and none of us sinking.

I would heartily recommend that trip. I’m sure a lot of changes have been made over the last 52 years, but most have to be for the better.

“Hey, Tom! Have you ever been to Tillsonburg?” No. But I’ve been to Jerusalem.

It happened while I was stationed with the UNEF in the Gaza Strip. Somehow my name came up on a list of possibilities of taking a tour of the Holy Land. (I think someone organized a push to get rid of me for a while, and when push comes to shove, you shove.) I accepted the opportunity.

We boarded an Eg yptian aircraft at El Arish, which is an airport in the Mediterranean Sea not far from Rafah (in the Gaza Strip), where we were stationed. Except for black robed Bedouin women, we had seen no other females. Because we were foreign military and the war had recently ended, women were not allowed to show themselves in public while we were around.

Boarding the airplane, it was a pleasant surprise to see attractive, well endowed, smartly dressed young ladies offering us pillows and refreshments. What a shock to the system Humour fix You know it’s going to be a bad day when your after months away from life’s delights.

Here’s a joke my friend Frank told me: Due to the turmoil between Egypt and twin forgets your birthday. Happy birthday to A doctor and his wife were having a big argument at breakfast. “You aren’t so good in Israel, the fact that we were aboard an Will, Christopher, Connie and Olivia.

Hurry back to health Diane! bed either,” he shouted, and stormed off to Egyptian aircraft meant we were not allowed work. By mid-morning, he decided he had better make amends and phoned home. After many rings, his wife picked up the phone.

“What took you so long to answer the G R A N D B E N D phone?”

“I was in bed,” she said.

“What were you doing in bed this late?”

To which she answered, “Getting a second opinion.” wasn’t looking to get involved with any one particular guy at the time.

“Lucky for you, Rita,” he said, “I’m not exactly known for being particular.” Another rash for mom. Lucky Tom came along and solved the problem for both of us.

I was talking to a young person the other day who told me she had two boyfriends. I thought that was irregular, but she explained to me that her first boyfriend complained that she wasn’t affectionate enough so she picked up a second one. I guess that’s alright because, as my grandson says, they’re just friends who happen to be girls or boys.

A while ago, I asked a friend why she married her husband despite the fact that they didn’t seem to have too much in common.

She agreed, but noted that opposites attract.

“I was pregnant,” she said, “and he wasn’t.”

Huron Country Playhouse

Some people say marriage is nature’s way of keeping people from fighting with strangers.

Quite true. Good luck to all the people who are getting married this year. Happy birthday to Christopher (17 on June 26), Will (4 on June 26), Connie ( June 30), Olivia (16 on July 1).

Blue Champagne A Musical Flashback to the 1940’s Conceived & Written by KEN JOHN GRANT Musical Arrangements by BOB ASHLEY & TED SHADBOLT Additional Arrangements by DAN PARR Directed Choreographed by DAVID CONNOLLY

Jump and jive through the heyday of the hepcat in a bubbly production that swings, scats, stomps, and soars its way through more than 65 timeless songs of the ’40s. May the good times flow on and on!

June 24 to July 4 Box Office: 519-238-6000 huroncountryplayhouse.com

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

To Do List

16 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Burgerfest 2009 FRIDAY, JUNE 19 - MAIN BEACH

11 a.m. - Bed races on the beach road 3 p.m. - Mr. & Mrs. Burgerfest contest on stage in the main tent All afternoon - DJ music All day - Games and face painting for kids of all ages 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Live entertainment

2 to 9 p.m. - Burgers and beer 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Live entertainment

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 - MAIN BEACH 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Burgers and beer

To Do List Community/Charity

Legion starting at 5:00 P.M.

FRIDAY, JULY 10-11 TUESDAYS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Port Franks Community Ctr. Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-2965834 for details.

7 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Bingo

FRIDAYS 5 to 7 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Meat Draw

7 p.m. to 7 a.m. - Klondyke Sports Park (9989 Klondyke Rd. Grand Bend) Relay for Life. Teams of 10 people walk, run,or stroll in this overnight event to raise money for cancer research, education and prevention and aiding those living with cancer. Participants pay $10 registration fee and raise a minimum of $100. Register at www.cancer.ca/relay . Registration forms available at Grand Bend Chamber of Commerce and Bank of Montreal.

Registration forms and money to be dropped off to Marlene Regier at Bank of Montreal. For further info call (519) 2382297 or (519) 238-6361.

Arts & Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 1 to 5 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC THURSDAYS 10 year Anniversar y Celebration of 1 to 3 p.m. - Grand Bend Art Centre Midwestern Adult Day Centre. Speakers, Open Painting. Cost is $10 - bring a projmusic from the Grand Bend Beach Boys, ect and materials and paint with various open house and refreshments artists.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

FRIDAYS

9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Thedford Legion 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Grand Bend Youth T hedford Ladies Auxiliar y Sunday Centre Brunch. Adults $7, children $5, everyone Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita welcome! at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

Widder Station Golf Course 3 to 6 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Huron County Playhouse Guild monthly Live Music with Kurtis Kaine luncheon. Speaker Angie Richter from the Currant Organic General Store, Parkhill SATURDAY, JUNE 27 will talk about Teas of the World. Call Mary 3 to 6 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion at 519-238-5640 for more information.

Live Music with Joan Spalding Duo Members and guests welcome!

SATURDAY, JULY 4 SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Grand Bend Horticultural Society.

Festival of homes, gardens and arts – visit beautiful homes and gardens in the area -- $15.00 – refreshments at northern and southern venues.

MONDAY, JUNE 29 3 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Grand Bend Horticultural Society.

Trillium Walk. Gardens to be viewed will be announced. Reception after Trillium Walk will be paired with the Volunteer Appreciation and will take place at the

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 - MAIN BEACH 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Burgers and beer 2 to 3 p.m. - Kids and father figure sand castle contest 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - DJ music 2 to 6 p.m. - Live entertainment

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. - Anne’s Yoga Works Clubhouse studio, Port Franks Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for Starting July 7 until July 30. Yoga Classes. spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, Starting July 7 until July 30. Info and reg(519) 238-5555. istration call Anne 519-243-3552 or visit annesyogaworks.com . Beginners welcome.

TUESDAYS 9 a.m. – Port Franks Community 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. - Anne’s Yoga Works Centre studio, Port Franks Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program.

Kid’s Yoga Classes. Starting July 7 until Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretch- July 30. Info and registration call Anne 519ing. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living 243-3552 or visit annesyogaworks.com .

Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Beginners welcome.

Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter 6 to 7 p.m. - South Huron Golf & at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to Fitness Centre, Exeter register.

Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for gym members, spouses and students. Call 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. - Anne’s Yoga Works Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555. studio, Port Franks Starting July 7 until July 30. Yoga Classes.

Starting July 7 until July 30. Info and reg- FRIDAYS istration call Anne 519-243-3552 or visit 8 to 9 a.m. - Southcott Pines annesyogaworks.com . Beginners welcome.

Clubhouse Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. - Anne’s Yoga Works spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, studio, Port Franks (519) 238-5555.

Kid’s Yoga Classes. Starting July 7 until July 30. Info and registration call Anne 519- T HURSDAY, JUNE 18 243-3552 or visit annesyogaworks.com .

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Blessings Community Beginners welcome.

Store, Zurich Cooking Outside of the Box. Taste test 7 to 8 p.m. - South Huron Golf & and get ideas for yummy, low-cost, healthy Fitness Centre, Exeter recipes. Call Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for 222. gym members, spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Grand Bend Public School WEDNESDAYS Alphabites Program. Drop In open to par8 to 9 a.m. - Southcott Pines ents and children ages 0-6 years. Get great Clubhouse Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for nutrition tips from Registered Dietitian spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, Miranda Burgess. Call 519-238-1556 ext 222 for details.

(519) 238-5555.

2 to 6 p.m. - Bliss Studio, Port Franks Casey365.com art show and sale opening reception. Photographic art by Grand Bend T HURSDAYS Strip publisher Casey Lessard. For more 9 a.m. – Port Franks Community details and directions, visit casey365.com or Centre call Casey at 519-614-3614.

Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program.

Program includes warm up, low impact aer3 to 6 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion obic workout, strength work and stretchLive Music with Mike Fagan ing. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome.

Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter Health & Fitness at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

MONDAYS 8 to 9 a.m. - Southcott Pines

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC Men Can Cook. Advance your cooking skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch for $5.

Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

1:30 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC Mental Health Support Group. Contact Social Worker Lise Callahan at 519-2381556 ext 230 for more info.

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Grand Bend Strip

Maintain your spine angle Golf Tips

By Cameron Rankin Head Professional, Sand Hills Golf Resort (sandhillsgolf.ca)

Your spine angle should remain consistent during your backswing and at the impact position. Any loss of body height on the backswing or standing up at impact or the

Network Classifieds:

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 17

opposite changes in height will cause inconsistent striking of the ball.

To improve consistency, work on improving your posture position. Think of your spine being as straight as possible, but on an angle over the ball, with your arms hanging directly down from your shoulders. Weight pressure

Advertise Across Ontario or Across the Country!

should be felt in the middle of your feet.

During your swing the hips and shoulders should turn perpendicular to the spine angle.

Review this with a video camera. Check out your angles!

For more swing tips see your local CPGA Professional.

For more information contact

Casey Lessard: 614-3614 Your local (519) newspaper

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18 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The precocial killdeer Living in Balance

By Jenipher Appleton The killdeer Charadrius vociferous, a member of the plover family, is named for its piercing call. On a leisurely walk at the back of our property, I heard the familiar “kill-dee!” and noted a female killdeer sprinting away from her nest. In an effort to divert my attention, she went into the usual broken wing act, crying in a pitiful voice. Treading carefully, I finally located the nest; a shallow scrape in the gravel, beautifully camouflaged and endowed with four brown speckled eggs. When I glanced away toward the frantic mother, it was very hard to relocate the nest when I looked back, although I had not moved an inch. I took a quick photo and promptly left the mother in peace.

Born at last For several weeks Fergus (the Lab) and I would wander past the little nest. I would marvel at the fact that they were still intact.

Finally, on one sunny afternoon, I managed to distract Fergus away from the area by saying the word ‘bunny’. After he had bolted into the bush, I checked the nest to find four beau-

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Strip Outside

tiful, fuzzy, killdeer infants, soaking up the sun’s rays. I left quickly, accompanied by the screams of the concerned parents.

The next day they were gone; all evidence that they had ever been there had disappeared. I wondered if something had found and eaten them. However, a little research revealed that once the babies leave the nest, the parents clean up every scrap of eggshell.

If these babies had succumbed to the ravages of a predator, certainly there would been some remains of the nest’s contents. Minutes later I heard the killdeer parents calling their young.

I can only assume that all was well with the baby birds.

Be all you can be Who’s the lazy dog in your house?

Fido... Come... Sit

By Yvonne Passmore http://www.FidoComeSit.com

As much as we love our dogs, and as much as we love having them in our lives, just like others that we love, they make mistakes. Now, it could be argued that we have made the mistakes and our dogs are just reacting to our actions. Your dog only knows what you Precocial indeed The killdeer offspring are among the cutest want by you showing him what you want. of baby birds. Fluffy replicas of their parents, Too often we just expect our dog to do as we they come out of the egg running and with say, or we expect that after all these years s/he eyes open. These ‘precocial’ babies are much should know what we want from him.

None of my dogs are the Amazing Kreskin. closer to independence than most newborn birds. They are incubated longer and so are For some reason I think we all expect dogs further developed at birth. Camouflage aids in were bred with mind-reading skills because their survival rate after hatching. One of the we all fall into the trap of telling our dogs first lessons is to teach the chicks to ‘freeze’ to do things that they have no clue about. on signal from the parents. The fact that the I don’t expect my dog to stay just because offspring are so cute is often an attraction for I’ve said the word ‘stay’. I expect my dog to curious onlookers, especially children. Parents stay after I’ve gone through all the methodineed to make their own offspring aware of cal and sometimes tedious steps of teachthe importance of leaving things in nature as ing my dog to stay. My Great Dane doesn’t they found them. A curious human intruder understand what the word ‘move’ is when can seriously disturb a family of killdeers or he’s standing in front of the TV, but he does other birds, sometimes causing the death of understand the commands ‘come’ or ‘go lay down’ which accomplish exactly what I need the baby birds.

The killdeer is very helpful to farmers him to do when he interrupts my viewing of because of the large numbers of insect pests “Desperate Housewives”. Despite this, my which they consume. Unfortunately, they are husband insists on telling him to move and quite vulnerable to pesticide poisoning. The both he and the dog get frustrated. If I wasn’t use of these chemicals has a very negative so frustrated by listening to him constantly impact on the entire food chain. I don’t need telling my Great Dane to moooooooove, I to see a “pesticide use” sign to know when the would be amused by the dazed and confused stuff has been sprayed. The odour lingers for look they both have on their faces.

Then you have the situation when we tell a couple of days. Any birds which eat insects or worms are affected, along with countless a dog to do something but we never follow other species. Thank goodness recent legisla- through. It’s in these cases that you create a tion has dispensed with the residential use of dog that will give you a blind eye and selecsuch poisons. It is the least we can do to help tive hearing. Many times I hear from dog repair some of the damage toward nature we owners that their dog knows what is expected but only responds correctly some of the time. have caused.

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Some find that amusing and even admirable.

A dog with a mind of its own. Some blame old age, stubbornness or independence. These aren’t traits or qualities; these are excuses.

That is a dog that needs more training and an owner who needs to understand how to follow through. Dogs like this are born only out of laziness. Before you think you’re off the hook, the lazy one is the dog owner.

Correcting this problem is simple. Mean what you say and say what you mean. All that means is that if you’ve instructed your dog to sit and s/he lays down and s/he gets a pat or treat for that, you’ve shown him that you don’t mean what you say. If you’ve called your dog to ‘come’ and s/he’s moved a few steps and then sat down, or s/he’s walked past you, then you haven’t completed or followed through with that ‘come’ command. Does this mean you punish your dog? Probably not. It means that you may need to go back to the drawing board and do a little retraining to sharpen up the skills of both you and your dog.

As much as people hate to hear it, training and motivating a dog is all based on reward. The better the end result is for the dog, the better his/her response will be. A dog responding to you for the sake of love and respect may come to you eventually, as long as you teach your dog what you expect in a positive manner.

Take the time to actually show, explain, teach and train your dog to be all that s/he can be without enlisting in a boot camp.

You can contact Yvonne through her website, www.fidocomesit.com for comments, column suggestions, questions and for Fido...Come...Sit book information.

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Strip on the Farm

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 • 19

Farmers don’t mind the rain

Sincerely, Patrick & LeeAnn Powers

ar

Karaoke Friday Nights with Fat Kat (Bobbie)

in a

ill

The support and concern you have shown LeeAnn and me in recent months has been a great source of strength and pride.

We feel truly blessed to be in such a wonderful and giving community. Thank you so much for changing the focus from a negative one to one of appreciation and gratitude.

M

To our families, friends, staff, customers and peers in the business community:

stin hri e’

s

C

At least farm kids don’t, ignoring the weather to enjoy Tractor Day at North Middlesex District High School June 11.

Right: Rod Culham gets line dancing instructions from fellow teacher Erin Murphy.

Below: Geoff Masschelein hula hoops in a downpour.

Below right: Sarah McAlpine, Vanessa DeVries, Halee McCann, and Bailey Lisiecki take shelter under the BX93 cruiser’s trunk door.

, Bar & G

r

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Strip in the Kitchen

20 • Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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Strawberry white chocolate mousse cake Recipe by Janet Erb

For those who have been to the restaurant, you may recognize the familiar face of Janet Erb. Well this time she is really putting a smile on our faces. After proofreading my recipes for the Strip newspaper, she said she really didn’t like my strawberry dessert.

Eddington’s of Exeter 527 Main Street, Exeter 519-235-3030 - www.eddingtons.ca

Short bread crust 1/3 cup 1 ¼ cups

melted butter shortbread cookies

Combine butter and cookie crumbs well and press evenly in bottom of ungreased 9” spring form pan. Chill for one hour.

Photos by Casey Lessard If you have missed some of James’ recipes, visit our website at http://www.grandbendstrip.com Look for In The Kitchen under the Lifestyle category.

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For strawberries, the editor recommends The Strawberry Place near Thedford (a plug for the family).

White Chocolate Filling 1 envelope 1/3 cup 8 oz ½ cup 6oz 2

unflavoured gelatin water cream cheese, softened sugar white chocolate, melted egg whites (at room temp.)

Sprinkle gelatin over water in small saucepan. Let stand for one minute. Heat and stir on low heat until completely dissolved. Cool slightly.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Add chocolate. Beat well. Add gelatin mixture. Beat well.

Beat egg whites with clean beaters in medium sized bowl until soft peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixtures in two batches.

Beat whipping cream in separate medium sized bowl until soft peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly over crust. Cover. Chill at least six hours.

Overnight is best!

Once I got my head bent back into shape, I tried her strawberry white chocolate mousse cake and had to agree that Janet’s tasted better. So we must be thankful I have someone to proof my spelling, and thank Janet for this delicious recipe.

Enjoy, James Eddington

Strawberry Topping 1 lb medium-sized strawberries, hulled and halved lengthwise 1 tsp unflavoured gelatin ½ cup cranberry cocktail 2 tbsp grenadine Leaving cheesecake in pan, arrange strawberry halves, cut side down, in single layer on top.

Sprinkle gelatin over cranberry cocktail and grenadine in small sauce pan. Let stand for one minute. Heat and stir on low heat until completely dissolved. Cool. Stir. Carefully pour over strawberries to cover completely.

Chill for three hours or until firm.

Remove from pan onto serving plate. Cut into 12 wedges, and enjoy.