Vol. 3 #9 - October 21, 2009 Grand Bend Strip

AWARD WINNING JOURNALISM FROM GRAND BEND

Vol. 3, No. 9

Your new vehicle warranty stays in effect when maintaining your vehicle at...

Grand Bend W W W

.G

R A N D B E N D S T R I P

.C

Thursday, October 22, 2009

O M

$1.50 ($1.43 +GST)

(519)

238-2451

70793 Hwy. 21 N.

Grand Bend

PARKHILL’S DEERE SEASON Kelly Wiseman, 6, of Parkhill creates her own horsepower at the Parkhill Fall Fair. More photos on p. 4-7.

INSIDE: GRAND BEND CBC LISTENERS WANT THE VILLAGE TO BE IMMORTALIZED IN SONG, EXETER’S TRIVITT CHURCH LOOKS TO THE FUTURE, AND LOTS OF THINGS TO DO

COVER PHOTO BY CASEY LESSARD

MOM & DAD P.11 - FIDO... COME... SIT P.12 - LIVING IN BALANCE P.13 - JAMES EDDINGTON P. 16 - TO DO LIST P. 14

Go beyond the snapshot Learn how with Casey Lessard’s photography classes.

Now planning for fall session, including beginner photography and Photoshop classes.

To register, call 519-614-3614 or visit www.GrandBendPhoto.com/contact

2 • Thursday, October 22, 2009

Strip on the Radio

The quest to immortalize Grand Bend in song Inspired by Brian Dale’s Miss Grand Bend, a group of radio listeners is fighting to win CBC’s Great Canadian SongQuest Story and file photos by Casey Lessard Only days remain to vote for Grand Bend (or its competitors) in CBC Radio 2’s Great Canadian Songquest, a contest to choose one town from each province to be immortalized in song. Grand Bend made it into the top five for Ontario thanks to some aggressive voting by enthusiastic radio listeners, including Brantford resident and Klondyke Park trailer owner Frank Beattie, University of Western Ontario sociology student Heidi Klopp and others.

“It’s about getting Grand Bend noticed and recognized,” says Klopp, 20, a Zurich veteran who now considers Grand Bend home. “It’s an awesome small town with as much to offer as the big towns.”

Beattie and Klopp thought the contest would be a good way to promote their favourite iconic song about the village, Brian Dale’s “Miss Grand Bend”, which is now available on Dale’s peace/love/waves/song CD that came out this summer. Plans to promote Dale’s music changed somewhat after nominations began and the nominators realized the contest wasn’t to recognize songs that already existed (vis-a-vis “Miss Grand Bend”), but rather to find 13 places across Canada that would be written about by an artist from each province. For Ontario, the artists are Jully Black (R&B/soul), Hawksley Workman (alternative), Shad K (rap), Lynn Miles (folk/roots), and Justin Rutledge (alt-country).

“It’s too bad they’re not using local artists like Brian, Greg Gallello, Natalie Tobin,” Klopp says, “but it’s still a good thing for our town.”

It’s a misunderstanding shared by early Grand Bend bid supporter Frank Beattie, 56, who heard about the contest from a friend.

“All I could think about was Brian’s new album, released after all these years, and thought maybe this is a place to suggest ‘Miss Grand Bend’ as a candidate for the contest,” Beattie says. “They had a few blogging tools that allowed you to create a blog to promote your place. Every time you logged in, you could nominate your town, so on the first day while updating the blog, I voted enough to get us off to a pretty good start.”

A good start is an understatement. At times, Grand Bend was in the lead, and finished in the top five, good enough to be a finalist. After a week of voting, says CBC Radio director of music Mark Steinmetz, Grand Bend was fourth after Algonquin Park, Sleeping Giant (Thunder Bay) and Toronto; Picton was fifth. It’s a proud accomplishment for Beattie, who nine years ago had no idea where Grand Bend was.

“After finishing a big project at work, my boss said we needed to get away,” he says. “There were eight of us involved in that project, and our entire company was dependent on our group, so he decided to leave them on their own while we went away during the middle of the week. We rolled in on Wednesday night. I remember calling my wife and saying, ‘This is unbelievable. It’s an hour and a half away from home (Brantford) and it’s got everything we want.’”

Two weeks later, he brought his wife for a stay at the Oakwood.

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip on the Radio

“We sat in the dining room for a late dinner and the sunset coming down Oakwood Drive hooked us.” Later that summer, they bought a used trailer at the Klondyke Trailer Park.

“Best investment we’ve made,” he says.

His passion for the village is apparent, and his love for local music – among the reasons he and his wife decided to stay – makes him want to promote it across Canada.

“Brian has been adamant since this started that we promote the town, not him. To me, Grand Bend is a secret and a gem.

It’s priceless and not well-known. Do we want to lose our paradise? The answer is no, but I’ve been promoting Grand Bend for eight years and the only person to ever take me up on my offer, my neighbour at work, is now my neighbour at the park.

He and his partner just love it.”

“It’s a town for everybody and every age group,” Klopp says.

“No matter how old or young, there’s something for you.”

For Klopp, the people are the main attraction, then the location. And of course, there’s the music.

“We’re a very musical town, and everyone feels the music.

Even if you can’t get up and dance (at a Gables jam night, for example), you can bop to the music.”

For Beattie, the location is the inspiration.

“The beach, the lake, sunsets, the strip, the atmosphere. It’s like Gravenhurst, but it’s 40 minutes from London and an hour from Stratford.”

That’s why CBC Songquest is a good fit, Klopp says.

“I thought it was exactly what Grand Bend needs with the new downtown and beach renovations. What’s the point of spending those millions of dollars if no one comes? Tourism has definitely been down these past few years. It’s great that the locals get to enjoy it, but we want to share it with everyone else as well.”

Life’s a mess? I can help.

Life’s not always perfect. Sometimes you need a helping hand to fix what’s broken.

I’m a therapist, and there’s no need to be afraid.

We’ll sort this out together.

Molly Russell, MA, MFT Individual and Marital Counselling

519-238-2237

Thursday, October 22, 2009 • 3

community, and our people here to come up with 13 new songs commissioned by the CBC that represented towns across the country,” Mark Steinmetz says. “Rather than us dictating how it was going to go and who we would commission, we thought it would be great to open it up to Canadians.”

While expecting major urban centres to make the top five for each province, he notes that smaller centres are leading the pack. “It’s a tight race right now for what people are voting for,” he says. “It’s a way to discover new artists in this country.

We play a diverse range of music, and there are so many great artists out there that don’t get played on private stations.”

Plus it’s a good way to create new music about Canada.

“I don’t know if you know this, but Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Canadian Railroad Trilogy’ was actually a CBC commission (for the centennial year, 1967),” Steinmetz notes. “We’ve commissioned many types of music. That came from internally. Now Canadians get to help us decide who we’re going to commission. And who knows, one of these songs could become a song that gets embedded in the nation’s consciousness.”

Local listeners hope Grand Bend inspires that song. The final days of the contest will be tough, but Beattie remains as Among the reasons Grand Bend is so great, according to Frank Beattie, optimistic as he can.

“I think it’s going to take a miracle now to win. Toronto are the lake (top), beach, and Pinery Provincial Park (above). They’re has a few million people, while we have a few thousand. Brian among the reasons he thinks you should vote for Grand Bend in CBC’s Dale says it right: to be successful in the music business, you Great Canadian SongQuest contest, which ends this week. need luck and connections, and for us to win this contest, it’s going to take a lot of both.”

“Vote as much as you can,” says Heidi Klopp. “You can vote Just the type of message CBC hopes will come out of the contest, in addition to raising awareness of a recent format once a day. Tell everyone you can. Listen to CBC radio, and spread the word.” change at Radio 2.

To vote, visit: http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/songquest/ “We wanted something to engage Canadians, the artistic

Grand Bend

REMEMBRANCE DAY DINNER NOV. 7 - 6 pm (519) 238-2120

JOIN US SATURDAYS 3-6 PM Nov. 14 - Horse Races (Bonnita Springs Opener)

EVERYBODY WELCOME! Fun Darts Mondays @ 7 p.m.

Bingo Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.

Meat Draws Fridays @ 5 p.m.

Hall rentals - contact Sharon (519) 238-6865

Going away?

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.

4 • Thursday, October 22, 2009

Strip at the Fair

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Better-than-fair ambassadors Far left: Melissa Geudens, 18, of Parkhill won the title of ambassador at the 151st Parkhill Fall Fair. She’ll represent Parkhill at the CNE in August.

Above: Marysia Coutts interviews Alandra Coutts, who won the title of junior ambassador.

Left: Cassidy Barton was runnerup in the junior ambassador competition.

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip at the Fair

Thursday, October 22, 2009 • 5

Scenes from the 151st Parkhill Fair Left: Mac Nethercott, seven months, won best dressed for a day at the fair in the baby competition. He’s seen with dad Nick Nethercott.

Right: Scott Ferguson, winner of the junior prince competition, struggles to race with his crown as a helmet.

Below: Saveria, a young R&B singer from London, performs to open the fair during the ambassador competition.

Photos by Casey Lessard

START NOW Miss Pia Jane Luxury retirement living you can afford...

SERVING SENIORS WITH CARE

CountryManor 519-296-4919 66 Victoria St., Thedford www.countrymanorestates.com

Be prepared for April 30, 2010

BOB DIETRICH INCOME TAX SERVICE Zurich - 519-236-4989

in the Port

NEW - USED - OLD - VINTAGE

Gifts for the Home, Garden, Cottage & Camp!

Hot Jewelry & Handbags Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

7602 Ransford St. Port Franks • 519-243-3576 VISA/MasterCard/Debit

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip at the Fair

6 • Thursday, October 22, 2009

Miranda VanderWal was voted Little Miss Sparkly Eyes during the Junior Prince and Princess competition at the Parkhill Fair.

Madison Stubbs was named Little Miss Cute as a Button, an obvious choice.

Photos by Casey Lessard

THERE’S ONE Y IN EVER CROWD

Taylor Vernon was named Little Miss Adorable.

ONTARIO JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS If you know a young person, aged 6 to 17, who is involved in worthwhile community service; a special person who iss contributing while living with a limitation; a youth who has performed an act of heroism; or a ‘good kid’ who shows a commitment to making life better for others, doing more than is normally expected of someone their age – HELP US S RECOGNIZE THEIR CONTRIBUTION – NOMINATE THEM TODAY!

Contact this newspaper or the Ontario Community Newspapers Association at www.ocna.org or 905.639.8720

NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!

Nominations will be accepted until November 30, 2009 Sponsored by:

Coordinated d byyy:

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip at the Fair

What a beautiful mess

Thursday, October 22, 2009 • 7

Demolition derby Photos by Casey Lessard

NOW is the time to...

IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH! Sign up today and get started with

FOUR FREE Personal Training Sessions (offer ends November 30, 2009)

$0 ENROLLMENT, $44/$34 monthly (some conditions apply)

Your affordable advertising solution.

Visit www.grandbendstrip.com/advertising or call Casey at 519-614-3614.

Grand Bend Fitness Centre 37 Ontario St., Grand Bend (behind Tim Horton’s)

519-238-3488

Rt. Rev. Terrance Dance, the diocese’s suffragan bishop, gave the sermon for the 150th anniversary service.

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip at Church

8 • Thursday, October 22, 2009

Music director Janet Heerema led the Exeter Community Adult Choir in song for the celebration. The choir consists of singers from many church backgrounds in the area, and is part of Trivitt’s outreach programming, which includes an upcoming concert by the Three Cantors.

Trivitt reflects on past and looks to the future I’m involved in Fresh Expressions (www.freshexpressions.

Father Brad Dunbar has been rector of Trivitt Memorial Church in Exeter and St. John-by-the-Lake in Grand Bend for ca), and the idea is to find new ways to meet people half way. the past two years, and recently presided over Trivitt’s 150th The folks who are in their 20s and 30s don’t necessarily have a church memory, but they have a strong spirituality. If you go anniversary celebrations. to Chapters, the best sellers on the shelf will all be books on spirituality. So it’s important for people. What we’re trying As told to Casey Lessard to realize and live out is the traditional method isn’t going to Photos by Casey Lessard work in the reality we live in. We’re looking toward the church rivitt has begun to recognize that we live in a post- of 2050 as opposed to the church of 1950, and I think that’s Christian era. The days when everyone went to church going to look quite different.

The building will still exist – it’s architecturally significant.

Sunday mornings are gone. Families are way too busy.

So what’s been happening is a looking back to the early The church will look different. The interior will not look like church and trying to do the things that started Christianity: it does today. Just like banks and schools have changed in the feeding people, housing people, and trying to be a voice for last 100 years, so will the church change to meet the needs of the community using it. What the people in their teens and people who don’t have one. It’s active, not passive.

We have a three pronged approach: we look to our world, 20s are going to look for is different than what it looked like we look to our region, and we look to the town of Exeter. in 1950. You can’t avoid technology, and I think it will be a big With our global view, Trivitt has been active in the construc- part of how the church looks. Kids today are the generation tion of an AIDS clinic in South Africa, and that’s been a big of the screen. They work and learn and play using the screen. project. In our area, we’ve been sponsoring Huron University It will be a significant change for the Anglican church. New College to support their trans-cultural projects. And in a churches look more like gymnasia than churches, and it’s big way, we’ve worked aggressively in being part of the town intentional. People are more comfortable walking into a gymof Exeter. The money raised at our Thanksgiving celebra- nasium than they are walking into a church. Our building will tion went to the Habitat for Humanity in Exeter. We have show the history of the church, but will change to meet the a weekly Alpha program that includes a free meal. There’s a needs of the emerging generation of churchgoers. free monthly meal hosted the third week of the month for the needy, and we go to the different agencies that help people or a lot of people, walking into a church building – and we who are on social assistance, and the end of the month is a look like a traditional church – can be a very intimidating tough time for those people, so Trivitt tries to feed them. thing. It can be a barrier for people, so when we hold concerts and shows and other events, and people are able to come in pirituality’s important, and how it is expressed can be and enjoy, they get a little more comfortable with coming into varied. We’re trying to bring a message of hope and good our worship space. If they don’t go to church, it’s a gentle way news to Exeter, but being creative about it. We’d like to make to say, Hey, we’re here. If they have something in their lives our physical space available for the town when it’s needed. We that makes them need to speak to a pastor, we want to be an option they consider. We also see it as a benefit to the comwant to be a civic church and a centre for the community.

T

F

S

munity; we have the physical space to put on big productions and we would like to bring them to South Huron, and we don’t think you have to drive to London for that.

We’re looking at a couple of very contemporary services that we’re hoping to start in Exeter at a different time than Sunday morning. Often, that’s the only time of the week you can relax, sleep in and have bacon and eggs or whatever. We’re going to offer church in a worship sense at different times of the week. We’re also looking at programs that feed someone’s spirit but don’t seem like traditional worship.

T

he parish spent some time doing some soul searching, and we discovered that music was very important to us and to Exeter. In bringing music director Janet Heerema in, we’ve brought a music professional in full-time and she has made a dramatic impact right from the start. She does an adult choir, children’s choir and a hand-bell choir, which are community based, and the Trivitt choir. The community choirs have people from various churches in the area, and some who don’t go to church. As a church, it’s a gift to the community: we pay her salary and she spends a great deal of her time working on music for the community.

We have an aggressive arts agenda over the next 10 months.

We created an arts and culture community and started brainstorming what people might enjoy in the area. The Three Cantors came up on the list, and they work out well for us because they donate from the proceeds of the show to the Huron Hunger Fund, which is affiliated with the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. It becomes a charitable event, and they’re a big draw, so it will sell out.

Future concerts include a children’s choir concert Dec. 6, and a Christian rock concert in March. The Three Cantors (www.3cantors.com) perform Wed., Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 available online (www.trivitt.ca).

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip Feature

Thursday, October 22, 2009 • 9

Dreamin’ Grand Bend Story by Casey Lessard Painting by Helga Otton After a trip to Cuba, an inspired Helga Otton returned to Grand Bend with plans to document the town in the way Caribbean artists do. The result is Dreamin’ Grand Bend, a surreal collage of favourite Grand Bend landmarks painted in acrylic on canvas, as seen at left.

“I put in what I wanted, but I’m sure some business people will say, ‘How come I’m not in there?’ But I was looking for interesting architecture.”

The buildings that are included are iconic, Otton says.

“I knew I had to have a steeple in it for the skyline, and the rest are landmarks of Grand Bend.

The church is a landmark as are the lighthouse and the bathhouse.

I used a couple of cottages from the old village. Dairy Dip is pretty important; you can’t come to Grand Bend without having an ice cream.

FINE is a cute little building.”

Otton, who is inspired by Lake

Huron and often paints the lake, admits she left out some iconic parts of Grand Bend.

“I don’t have any sand. I couldn’t put sand in it. (Casey: “No bikinis either.”) I do have T-shirts in the Island Beach Company window!”

Several prints have already sold, including one on its way to Florida, and another to Toronto. It’s enough to inspire Otton to consider more using this technique.

“With the response I’ve gotten, I think I might do more.”

If you’re interested in getting a print, Otton will be part of the Sunset Arts Christmas show November 7 and 8 at the gallery in the River Road art complex.

Otherwise, you can contact the artist directly at 519-238-6671.

Prices are as follows: 8x10 matted prints are $55, 8x10 framed prints are $100, 16x20 prints on canvas are $275, and 20x25 prints on canvas are $385.

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip Thoughts

10 • Thursday, October 22, 2009

A tribute to the best The end of the almighty dollar View from the Strip

Alternative View

By Casey Lessard

By Lance Crossley

In the wake of Thanksgiving, it’s important to take a moment and consider what we’re thankful for. I’m thankful for the support I have for the work I do here and at home, support that comes from readers and my family.

I also want to send a message of thanks to my mentor Martha Perkins, who is leaving the Haliburton Echo (where I worked before returning to this area) after 24 years (more than half her life). As editor, she has won more than 60 provincial and national awards for her work, so you know I was trained by the best in the business. She’s moving to Vancouver to take an editor’s position

at the Bowen Island Undercurrent. Best of luck, Martha.

She’s a big supporter of small towns, and gave me a sense of community. If you believe in community, too, vote for Grand Bend in the CBC Radio 2 SongQuest contest featured on pages 2-3. It’s a long-shot, but let’s try to win!

My apologies to the cast and crew of Our Choir’s the Pitts; a change in publication deadline meant I didn’t have a chance to promote or attend the play, but I hope it was a great success.

White Caps damaged in fire A weekend fire at White Caps Bar and Grill on Main Street Grand Bend was caused by an unextinguished cigarette butt, police said Monday. The fire caused $100,000 in damage to the patio area, but no one was hurt. Employees were cleaning up outside before the fire started, and Lambton OPP say the fire is not considered suspicious.

Imagine this on a colour page Students at South Huron District High School (including Joe Pavkeje, Ashley Robertson and Kristy Pavkeje) wore pink (you’ll have to trust us) October 7 to support breast cancer research as part of the school’s Relay for Life programming. The event raised over $300. Photo by Stephen Holmes.

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

I have said this before, but future genera- rogue country. The ones staging a mutiny tions will write about our time as a turn- against the dollar are some of the most powing point in history. One major event that is erful countries in the world. (These countries attracting too little attention is the decline have since denied the secret meeting, but at of the American dollar. To understand the least one other reporter has confirmed with importance of this we must first understand senior sources that this meeting did in fact the dollar’s privileged status as the world happen. It is also worth noting that these countries have openly, and on the record, reserve currency.

Gold used to be the anchor that gave paper questioned the dollar’s reserve status numermoney value; paper currency was freely con- ous times over the last several months). vertible into a fixed quantit y of gold.

But since President The Independent: Gulf Arabs secretly Richard Nixon aban- met with China, Russia, Japan, and doned the gold standard in the ear ly France to end dollar dealings for 1970s, the interna- oil and replace it with a “basket of tional money system is entirely based on currencies” which would include the fiat currency. euro, gold, and the Chinese yuan.

To fill the void gold lef t behind, Another bad omen for the dollar is that the American dollar – due to its economic and military might – stepped into the role it is now becoming the currency choice for of world reserve currency. That meant other the carry trade. The currency carry trade is countries would stock up American dollars a strategy of very wealth investors who boras “proof of value” for their own currencies. row one currency and cash it in at a profit in It also meant international transactions for another currency.

When the Asian crisis hit in the 90s, Japan commodities such as oil were all settled in set interest rates at zero percent. Carry traders American dollars. borrowed Japanese Yen for free, converted it This is starting to change, and quite rapidly. to dollars, and then bought U.S. government The Independent, a British newspaper, bonds that had interest rates of 4-5 percent. reported on October 6 that Gulf Arabs were There’s your profit.

Now America is becoming the weak cursecretly meeting with China, Russia, Japan, and France to end dollar dealings for oil and rency by which carry traders prey upon to replace it with a “basket of currencies” which cash in at a profit elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the U.S. will continue to reckwould include the euro, gold, and the Chinese yuan. To give you an idea of the significance lessly print money in order to keep its econoof this, one of the reasons America invaded my on life support. The more money it prints, Iraq so swiftly was because Iraq started to sell the more it devalues its currency. When the oil in euros instead of dollars – something currency is devalued enough, countries like America saw as a clear threat to the dollar’s China will stop buying American debt. That will result in more money printing and, very status.

But this time, we aren’t talking about a possibly, hyperinflation.

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.

Grand Bend Strip is printed every other Wednesday in the summer and monthly in the winter. For this edition, 1000 were printed with more than 600 sent directly to subscribers in the Grand Bend area, and across North America.

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)

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip Thoughts

Thursday, October 22, 2009 • 11

Bingo! I’m thankful The bottom line on sewers Advice from Mom

Keeping the Peace

By Rita Lessard

By Tom Lessard, C.D.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. We were lucky to celebrate this holiday twice: once with our sons Bill and Casey, their ladies, our two grandsons, my sister Joan and my brothers Richard and Bill. Then on Monday, we went to London and celebrated with Tom, Connie, Christopher and Katie.

We have so much to be thankful for, and I’m sure everyone is grateful and gave thanks on Thanksgiving.

About two weeks before Thanksgiving I was lucky and won the jackpot at the Tuesday night Bingo. For this I gave thanks everyday. In fact, I’m thankful any day that I can get out of bed and take nourishment. I give thanks everyday, not just one day of the year.

Although I was overjoyed with my winnings at Bingo, in my excitement I dabbed my slacks with my Bingo dabber. But I didn’t despair because I’m always doing research for my column. I discovered that if you have ball point ink that you went to remove, aerosol hair spray will do the trick. I figured it would work that same way with the dabber ink.

Try this technique: hold a rag under the fabric to blot the ink that comes through on the other side. Aim and spray. Then, put the clothing in the wash. The alcohol in the hair spray is what does the trick. It will also work on your hands, leather or plastic. This really works.

Any alcohol-based products seem to be able to to double duty. For instance, alcohol-based mouthwash can be used for more than swishing in your mouth. It also keeps your plants healthy. Fill one part mouthwash to three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on your plants’ leaves and into the soil. Works like a charm. Have a small cut you need to disinfect? Dab the area with a mouthwash soaked cotton ball.

Looking forward Hallowe’en is our next holiday. On this occasion, I kinda go nuts with decorations and sprucing up the yard and house. I really need to be careful and not buy goodies too early because I usually get things I like and the temptation can be a bit much.

Here’s an idea: if you use real pumpkin for your jack-o-lantern, try sprinkling some cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg on the inside of the lid. The heat of the candle will make this combination smell like pumpkin pie.

Watch your diet Since Hallowe’en can play havoc with your diet, one needs to be careful. That brings me to my joke of the week. Jim grabbed his plate and walked up to the party buffet for the fourth time. “Aren’t you embarrassed to go back for so many helpings?” asked his wife.

“Not a bit,” he replied. “I keep telling them it’s for you.”

(Continued from last issue) The saga of the sewers continued throughout the town with no end in sight. Rumours abounded that the sewers would be finished

by December, and the road paved the following year. These optimists must have been talking about another town.

Once the sewers were laid and some paving done, we were told we could hook up. One resident, whose house is situated about 70’ back from the road, was having a bathroom installed in his basement. This required digging deep to make a hook up. The engineers must have misread his instructions because the hook up did not even come close to the sewer intake, which was much higher. The only solution was to dig up the road and put a new intake connection lower down on the main sewer. Unfortunately for the resident, his water was shut off so they could lay the pipes, and his septic tank had already been detached, so he and his wife had no bathroom facilities. The authorities told him to rent a “porta-potty”. Instead, he moved to his trailer for a few days.

For about a year, because of the sinkholes and settling of the roadway, we enjoyed a feeling of driving on a motocross track as we traveled to and from our home. Another year went by with no trucks or tourists going through town, which meant no business for our local gas bar and variety store.

To add to our woes, an inspector found cracks in our new bridge, and it had to be closed for repairs. Detours again.

When hook up time arrived, we were told we had nine months to complete the process, which involved getting estimates from differ-

ent plumbers and contractors.

The best estimate for our house was $1500, while others were quoted $3000. Our contractor was quick, neat and clean, and took just over three hours to complete the job for $1400. Other people had estimates of as high as $9500. After contacting our contractors, they ended up saving close to $7000. Perhaps there was some greed involved? Some residents are still not hooked up.

Last July, we received a notice saying we had to choose how to pay for the sewer service: either cash up front, or over 20 years at six per cent interest. We had two weeks to comply. The deadline was on a Monday. One of my neighbours was away on holidays and didn’t get the notice until the Sunday before the deadline. Not enough time to arrange for the cash. Another senior citizen arrived at the municipal office the day after the deadline with money in hand and was told she was too late.

To add to her misery, this woman has been trying to sell her beautiful home for quite some time, but prospective buyers are turning away because of a messy property across the street. The same thing is happening in the east end of town, where a neighbour’s yard is littered with cars, trucks, machinery and household articles.

We are pursuing a way to bring to the attention of all residents the bylaws referring to keeping their residences and yards in neat, tidy and good repair. Bylaws are accessible at www.town.southhuron.on.ca under By-Laws: Property Standards 41-2002. Have a look, and then look at your own properties. Pat yourself on the back if you’re up to date.

OKTOBERFEST

FRI. OCT. 23 PHONE TO RESERVE NOW

Our gift to you Stay with us five days (in a row) including Christmas and Christmas Day is FREE!

North Fork Kennel & Grooming

519-234-6879 69484 PARR LINE, CREDITON www.northforkkennel.com

Regal representative on site

F.I.N.E. A RESTAURANT AVAILABLE FOR CATERING (519) 238-6224 42 ONTARIO ST. S. (HWY 21)

NOVEMBER HOURS LUNCH: WED.-SAT. 12 - 2 PM DINNER: WED. TO SUN. 5 PM ALWAYS CLOSED MONDAYS

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Grand Bend Strip

12 • Thursday, October 22, 2009

We gotta get out of this place If you’re looking for a spooky evening out as Hallowe’en approaches, there’s nothing spookier than walking around alone in the dark in a corn field. If you’re looking to share in this tension-building thrill, take a friend to the Sunrise Corn Maze at the Sunrise Garden Centre on Highway 4 south of Centralia (just south of McGillivray Drive). The maze is open weekends until Hallowe’en. Friday nights it is open until 10 p.m., so bring a flashlight or two.

The maze was created by an American company, which used GPS mapping to make it precisely the way it looks in the drawing below. There are several mazes of varying difficulty in the field, as well as other activities for kids of all ages.

The maze is open Fridays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and through the week by group appointment. Admission is $8 for people 12 years and older, and $7 for children 3-11. One dollar from each ticket goes to the Children’s Hospital in London. To learn more, visit www. sunrisecornmaze.com or call 519-227-1879.

Scott Prangley of Strathroy and Evelina Dolgowska of London take their chances with lights out at the Sunrise Corn Maze.

Meet me at the beach Fido... Come... Sit

By Yvonne Passmore http://www.FidoComeSit.com With fall officially upon us, Mother Nature had decided to grant us with some wonderful summer like days. With vacation season over and the kids back to school, it was a perfect time for us to take advantage of the now quiet beaches. My dogs love the beach. They can run and play fetch endlessly because the water helps keep them cool to continue playing.

There are a few dog beaches in the area and this is where we go when time and weather allow. There are some other likeminded people that also bring their dogs to the beach and I certainly don’t have any issue with that.

I guess my issues come with what I assume.

When we see that we are approaching other dogs, for the peace of mind of myself and others, we leash our dogs to

pass by when there isn’t much room. It’s at this point when the other loose dogs will approach my dogs and come to say hello. Again I have no problem with this as long as we all say a quick hello and go back to minding our own business. For the stranger dog, I assume that he will go back to his owner to continue what they were doing. Failing that, I assume that the owner will come and take him back to continue doing whatever they were doing. At the very least I assume the owner will come to be with his dog while he’s interacting with my dogs. I assume when I see dogs off leash anywhere, that those dogs are well trained and controlled by their owners. I’m sure you all know the saying about ‘assuming’?

My two retrievers will ignore other dogs that approach them while they are playing. They are only interested in fetching their balls and returning for another throw. They’ve experienced other dogs that come to steal their balls, physically try to push them around, jump on them, chase them, or spoil their little game while the owners of those dogs sit on the beach and watch. While walking we’ve had unleashed dogs

come barreling up to my dogs acting aggressively. The only thing that probably prevented those instances from turning into fights was having my dogs remain focused on me to avoid eye contact with those types of dogs.

I have no problem with off-leash dogs, or with dog friendly beaches and parks. These places make my time with my dogs more enjoyable. I’ll still be enough of a sucker to be optimistic enough about humans to make the assumption that they have enough control over their dogs to give them off-leash privileges. At the very least I’ll still assume those dogs are amenable enough to both dogs and people that any contact will remain calm.

If your dog isn’t one of those, I’ll assume you will take the fall and winter to work on your dog being a good off-leash citizen. I will also assume I’ll see you at the beach next year where we can let our dogs enjoy the fruits of good training.

Suggestions, comments, questions, book info?

Go to www.fidocomesit.com.

Two sets of Legends hit Playhouse stage in summer 2010 Story by Casey Lessard Disney sensation High School Musical will kick off a musical summer at the Huron Countr y Playhouse as Drayton Entertainment prepares for the 2010 season. The playbill also includes Sweet Charity, Country Legends, Cagney! and the world premiere of Dance Legends.

The playbill “offers something for everyone,” artistic director Alex Mustakas said in a

release, “and appeals to avid theatergoers who want a taste of all genres.”

The season opener, High School Musical, runs May 18 to June 5 and follows Troy and Gabriella as they navigate the tricky world of high school. Based on the Disney film series, the musical was a big hit in 2009 at St. Jacobs and Penetanguishene. A full review is available at grandbendstrip.com.

Sweet Charity follows June 9 to 26, and follows the misadventures of Charity Hope

Valentine in 1960s New York. Country Legends, which features tributes to Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and more. comes to Grand Bend after a sold-out run in Drayton and Penetanguishene; it runs June 30 to July 24. The Canadian premiere of Cagney!, a celebration of silver screen legend James Cagney, runs July 28 to August 7. The season ends with Dance Legends, a Drayton Entertainment original production; it hits the stage August 11 to September 4.

On the second stage, watch as two couples from contrasting walks of life face the unpredictable waves of romance in Separate Beds. It runs at Playhouse II August 3 to September 4.

To learn more and to buy tickets, which are already available for members and go on sale to subscribers November 1 and the general public January 4, call 1-888-449-4463 or visit draytonentertainment.com.

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip Outside

Thursday, October 22, 2009 • 13

Doin’ it for the kids After learning that the annual Kause for Kids fundraiser was cancelled after seven successful years, Jen Gaukroger at Paddington’s decided last week to revive the event as Bikes for Tykes November 7.

“There’s not a lot going on in Grand Bend in November,” Gaukroger says, “and when you get 600-700 people coming in and supporting our town, I’d hate to lose that crowd.”

Like Kause for Kids, motorcycle riders will tour the town starting at 11 a.m. in support of the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society.

Gift donations will go as Christmas gifts to children who are wards of the state.

Tickets for the event, which includes a barbecue and party at Paddington’s, are $20; $135 gets you two tickets and a hotel room for the night. Tickets are available at the pub or by credit card at 519-238-5788 Thursday through Saturday.

Left: The annual Kause for Kids bike ride was cancelled in the summer due to overworked volunteers, but Jen Gaukroger is reviving the event.

How to ensure a Happy Hallowe’en Living in Balance

By Jenipher Appleton October 31 is upon us. The shops have had their Hallowe’en wares on display for weeks now, and the children are beginning to make their plans for costumes and trick-or-treat destinations. Heaven help us parents, grandparents, and teachers alike!

Hallowe’en is a wonderful time for people of all ages to indulge in the luxury of just plain fun. October 31, or All Hallows’ Eve, gives us a legitimate excuse to dress in costume and pretend to be something we are not. Even the Appleton boys, well into their 20s, celebrate the occasion with some highly creative costuming, and perhaps a little tipping of the elbow along Richmond Row in London.

And now to the children. Hallowe’en is perhaps even more exciting than Christmas to some! Turning out the lights and listening to a scary (but not too scary) ghost story, dressing up as their favourite character and wearing the costume at school, going out for trick-or-treat and bringing home all that candy! All that candy can often present problems for the most diligent and organized parents. Perhaps we worry too much about the amount of sugar that our children consume at this spooky time of year.

the Feingold Diet proclaimed that food additives were the main culprits in contributing to hyperactive behaviour in children. Certain food colourings and preservatives can certainly cause erratic behaviour, but is sugar also responsible for the same actions? According to some studies in the 1990s, sugar does not affect behaviour. Let us not forget that sugar is a natural product; its source is either sugar cane or sugar beets. The fact that it is refined simply makes it more readily absorbed into the blood. However, this may not mean that a child is going to behave in a hyperactive manner.

When children finish dessert and finally get to leave the table after a family gathering, all the running and expending of pent-up energy may be simply that they have been sitting too long. The sweet dessert takes the blame for the ensuing behaviour. One study explained that a group was given foods containing real refined sugars and the other group was given a placebo (no sugar ingredients). Both groups consistently reported hyper behaviour after the consumption of the foods. The conclusion was that the placebo group of parents had the expectation that their children would be hyper and that expectation influenced how they interpreted what they saw.

They give good face

Andrew Appleton (right) and his friend Natashia are kids at heart with their creative jack-o-lantern carvings.

bars, etc. not only contain high levels of refined sugar, but also high levels of caffeine.

The latter is the more likely culprit for any hyperactivity following consumption. Kids often associate soda beverages with a party atmosphere and will act accordingly. In support of this theory, I have seen many groups of very hyper children in a social situation who have not consumed any sugars at all.

Tips for Hallowe’en Survival

You can either suffer through your child eating their Hallowe’en candy within the first few days, or you can have them ration it into Zip-loc bags and stretch it out over a longer Sugar and hyperactivity period of time. Either way, they are not getSugar has had a bad rap for decades. It Caffeine, chocolate and cola Cola beverages, hot chocolate, chocolate ting enough of the right kind of foods if the seems to have begun back in the ‘70s when

focus is on the sweets.

Your dentist would likely rather that they eat it all at once. That way they will not be subjecting their teeth to multiple acid/sugar attacks which could result in many more cavities. Having it over and done with, then brushing well, is better for their teeth.

The Bottom Line When all is said and done, children should be eating a balanced diet and consuming only a small percentage of refined sugars. While the sugar may not be responsible for the hyperactivity, it is most certainly responsible for much of the obesity, diabetes and heart disease so prevalent in our society today.

Happy Hallowe’en!

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

To Do List

14 • Thursday, October 22, 2009

To Do List Community/Charity

Adult drawing classes. Painting, drawing, collage and lots more fun. Contact Lorraine or Tony at 519-243-3598.

FRIDAYS Grand Bend Nursery School is now offer1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Grand Bend Youth ing 5 sessions a week of the Early Learning Centre Program…a FREE high quality program Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita designed to help prepare young children for at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759. school. If you have children 2.5 to 4 years old and reside in Lambton County call T HURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Grand Bend Nursery School at 519-2387 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC 8514 S unset Cinema presents Cadillac Records, a musical biopic based on the true story of the creation of Chess Records in TUESDAYS 1947 and the blues artists of its time. Free 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Port Franks admission. Donations welcome.

Community Ctr. Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to Health & Fitness send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-2968 to 9 a.m.

5834 for details.

Last outdoor Workout for your Life Friday October 23. After a two week break, 7 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion WFYL moves indoors to the Southcott Bingo Pines Clubhouse starting Nov. 9. To learn more, call Beth Sweeney at 519-238-5555

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

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26

Think you’re missing something?

If you aren’t a subscriber, you will be.

STRIP

Grand Bend

W W W

.G

R A N D B E N D S T R I P

.

C O M

Quality journalism for your community. $24 gets you 16 issues of the Grand Bend Strip Yes, please continue to send me the Grand Bend Strip!

My cheque for $24 (16 issues) is enclosed. [Visa/MC/PayPal accepted online]

Name: Address: Town: Phone: E-mail:

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ____________________ Postal Code: _______________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

Send to Grand Bend Strip, P.O. Box 218 Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0. Rates listed are for Canadian addresses only, for 16 issues. Your information is safe with us. It will be used exclusively for subscription purposes.

For U.S. and international rates, call 519-614-3614 or visit http://www.grandbendstrip.com.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS 8:45 to 10 a.m. (Mon/Fri), (to 9 a.m.

Wed.) – Grand Bend Legion TGIF Exercise classes with Elinor Clarke. $3/week - all proceeds to charity.

7 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion Grand Bend Hor ticultural Society Meeting. Marie from Plant Paradise will MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS speak on her career working in the flower 6 to 7 p.m. industry along with her catering and crisis Last outdoor Workout for your Life counselling.

Wednesday October 21.After a two week break, WFYL moves indoors to the Precious Blood Catholic School gym Nov. 9th. To WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 Huron Country Playhouse Guild. Annual learn more, call Shelley Van Osch at 519luncheon meeting. A turkey dinner will be 234-6253. catered by the “Ladies of the Legion”. Call Mary 519-238-5640 for details. Everyone MONDAYS welcome!

10:30 to 11:45 a.m. - Pt. Franks studio Gentle Yoga to November 9th - 8 weeks.

Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyoSATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 gaworks.com 1 to 4 p.m. - Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr. Kids Hallowe’en Fun Fair. Ausable Port 6:45 to 8 p.m. - Pt. Franks studio Franks Optimists presents the Monster Gentle Yoga to November 9th - 8 weeks.

Bash of the Year. $15/family or $5/person.

Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyogaworks.com 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Pt. Franks Community Centre Hallowe ’en Dance (age of major- TUESDAYS AND T HURSDAYS ity). Presented by Ausable Port Franks 9 a.m. – Port Franks Community Optimists. $10 – for more information, call Centre Jason 243-0582 jttech@execulink.com.

Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program.

Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretchSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 ing. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living 7 to 9 p.m. - Morrison Dam, Exeter Owl Prowl. Presented by the Ausable Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome.

Bayfield Conservation Authority. After an Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter engaging multimedia show, participants go at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to on a guided night hike to call in owls. For register. more details, call Julie Stellingwerff at 519235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610.

WEDNESDAYS 7 to 8 p.m. - St. Francis Advocates Building, Arkona Arts & Entertainment Yoga to November 4 – 8 weeks. Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyogaTUESDAYS works.com 7 to 9 p.m. (to December 8) – Bliss Studios, Port Franks

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Grand Bend Strip

Network Classifieds:

Thursday, October 22, 2009 • 15

Advertise Across Ontario or Across the Country!

For more information contact Your local (519) newspaper Casey Lessard: 614-3614

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT OPPS.

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

NOMINATE an outstanding young person, aged 6 to 17, for the 2009 Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards before Nov. 30. Nomination forms at www.ocna.org, from this newspaper, or call 905-639-8720, ext 243. Recognize our leaders of tomorrow.

ARE YOU LAID OFF? Government Funding Available to obtain your AZ or Heavy Equipment Certification. Call Ontario Truck Driving School Today Toll-Free 1-800-799-JOBS (5627), www.otds.com.

REMOVE YOUR RECORD: A CRIMINAL Record can follow you for life.

Only PARDON SERVICES CANADA has 20 years experience.

Guaranteeing record removal. Call: 18-NOW-PARDON (1-866-972-7366). www.RemoveYourRecord.com.

CRIMINAL RECORD? We can help!

The National Pardon Centre TM is RCMP Accredited. For better price and better service visit: www.national pardon.org. Call 416-298-8023 or 1866-242-2411.

DEBT CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM. Helping Canadians repay debts, reduce or eliminate interest, regardless of your credit. Steady Income?

You may qualify for instant help.

Considering Bankruptcy? Call 1-877220-3328 FREE Consultation Government Approved, BBB Member.

AUTOMOTIVE SAVE UP TO $400 ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE. Clean driving record?

Call Grey Power today at 1-866-4739207 for a no-obligation quote. Open weekends.

MOTOR VEHICLE dealers in Ontario MUST be registered with OMVIC. To verify dealer registration or seek help with a complaint, visit www.omvic.on.ca or 1-800-943-6002.

If you're buying a vehicle privately, don't become a curbsider's victim.

Curbsiders are impostors who pose as private individuals, but are actually in the business of selling stolen or damaged vehicles.

BUSINESS OPPS. HEALTHIER COFFEE! HealthierCoffee Marketing Co. expanding in Canadian provinces seeking MLM speakers and trainers with a proven track record of success. 905-4698667. www,CoffeeMillion.com.

PERFECT POST - CANADA'S LARGEST FRANCHISE NETWORK of builders and installers of fences, decks and post settings, has Territories available throughout Canada. Enjoy the benefit of brand recognition, national marketing, volume discounts and customer referral program. LOW INVESTMENT. For information contact 1-877-750-5665, franchise@perfectpost.com.

ATTENTION! Do you have 10 hours weekly to turn into up to $3,255.00/month? Learn to operate a Mini-office outlet from home. Flexible hours. FREE ONLINE TRAINING www.havethetimeofyourlife.net or www.natureinbusiness.com.

ENERGIZE YOUR INCOME! Distribute hot selling energy drinks.

Earn up to 10K/month. $11 Billion Industry. No selling, minimum investment 19K. Areas going fast. Free sample/information Package 800-2672321. Peakdistributors.com.

LOOKING FOR A BETTER WAY? We teach you to build and franchise a mini-office outlet from home. Free training & ongoing support. www.succeedfromhomebiz.com.

CAREER TRAINING MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION RATED #2 for At-Home Jobs. Achieve your goal. Work from home! Start your Medical Transcription training today.

Contact CanScribe at 1-800-4661535, www.canscribe.com, info@can scribe.com.

AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC required

by Tirecraft in Grande Cache, Alberta.

Phone 780-827-3224 or fax resume to 780-827-4278.

A FREE phone connection! Cheap telephone reconnect with long distance and internet options. Great rates and service - start saving. Call today 1-877-336-2274, Phone Factory Reconnect www.phonefactory.ca.

LEARN TO REPAIR snowmobiles, ATV's, power boats. GPRC Fairview College Campus. Certificate program.

Challenge exams. Earn 300 hours towards Alberta Apprenticeship. Fall 2010. 1-888-999-7882; www.gprc. ab.ca/fairview.

100+ Nursing Positions Available.

RNs & LPNs can have it all, back in the Maritimes. Shannex has immediate openings for 100+ full-time nurses for 12 new facilities opening in the next two years. Portability of benefits per NSNU or affiliated Canadian Nurses union. New, state-of-the-art continuing care facilities throughout the Maritimes. For more information, contact Wayne White, Nurse Recruiter, wwhite@shannex.com, TollFree 1-877-564-6749.

Retail Careers in the North! Store Managers, Pharmacists & Meat Cutters NEEDED! THE NORTH WEST COMPANY, over 140 stores, leading provider of food, everyday products in Northern Canada. Almost cost free living, fully furnished subsidized housing, food, no 24-hour locations, relocation assistance, paid vacation travel.

Seeking individuals/couples for: Store Managers, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Meat, Grocery, Produce, Fast Food Service, Entry Level and Regular Full-Time. Must relocate to Northern Canada. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER www.north west.ca/careers/canada. FAX: 204934-1696. PHONE: 1-800-782-0391 x8862.

AUTOS FOR SALE 100% AUTO FINANCING APPROVAL - We can get you approved for an automobile no matter what your circumstances are. Drive a little and save a lot. Over 300 vehicles to choose from.

Apply online www.gabies.ca.

GABIES AUTO SALES, 250 Springbank Dr., London, ON, 519-472-8815.

BUILDING MATERIALS #1A STEEL BUILDING SALE! Save up to 60% on your new garage, shop, warehouse. 6 colors available! 40 year warranty! Free shipping, the first 20 callers! 1-800-457-2206. www.crown steelbuildings.com.

INSURANCE CLEAN DRIVING RECORD? Grey Power could save you up to $400 on your car insurance. Call 1-877-5050487 for no-obligation quote. Open weekends.

LEGAL SERVICES DISABILITY CLAIM DENIED? Toronto's Leading Disability Lawyers will fight for your rights! We offer a Free Consultation for Group & Private Disability Claims. No Fees until we Settle. www.ShareDisabilityLaw.com.

1-888-777-1109.

PERSONALS 5 REASONS TO JOIN MISTY RIVER INTRODUCTIONS - You're single and you'd rather be in love - Thousands of people matched successfully in the last 12 years - See current photos with complete profiles - Meet local people in your own area - We have been successfully matching for 12 years.. CALL today for your free consultation (519) 658-4204, www.mistyriverintros.com.

A CRIMINAL RECORD? Better Business Bureau Certified Pardons.

FREE no pressure Pardon and Waiver assessments. See if a Pardon is right for you! Toll-Free 1-800-507-8043, www.pardongranted.ca.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Seal it with a PARDON! Need to enter the U.S.?

Get a 5 year WAIVER! Call for a free brochure. Toll-free 1-888-9-PARDON or 905-459-9669. #1 PARDON SERVICE - We can remove your criminal record in 6 months! Receive FREE pardon or waiver evaluation. We guarantee it Ask for details! Call Toll-Free 1-888646-0747, www.pardons.ca DATING SERVICE. Long-Term/ShortTerm Relationships, FREE CALLS! 1877-297-9883. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes. 1-888-5346984. Live adult casual conversations - 1on1, 1-866-311-9640, Meet on chat-lines. Local Single Ladies 1-877804-5381. 18+ * PAST*PRESENT*FUTURE * #1 Psychics! *1-877-478-4410* Credit cards / deposit or phone 1-900-7833800 $3.19 min (18+) For a psychic NOW! Meet us at: www.mystical connections.ca.

PSYCHICS LOVE, MONEY & CAREER. or psychics are there to help you! By phone 1-900-643-1415, $2.85/min. or by cell Rogers, Fido & Bell Mobility dial the pound key and this number (633486) (#medium) at $2.99/min. 18+ www.mediumcanada.com.

STEEL BUILDINGS FUTURE STEEL BUILDINGS Durable, Dependable, Pre-engineered, All-Steel Structures. Custommade to suit your needs and requirements. Factory-Direct affordable prices. Call 1-800-668-8653 ext. 170 for free brochure.

A-Z Technical Bldg. Systems Inc.: PreEngineered Steel Buildings. Since 1978! Stamp drawings & leasing available. Ask for Wally: Toll-Free at 1-877743-5888, Fax (416) 626-5512. www.a-ztech.on.ca.

STEEL BUILDING SALE!".... PRICED TO SELL! ONTARIO manufacturer since 1980. Quick delivery. SPECIAL SIZES. 20X30, 25X40, 30x40, 35X50, 40X60, 48x90, 50X110, 60X150.

OTHERS! Pioneer Steel Manufacturers, 1-800-668-5422.

VACATION/TRAVEL Absolutely the most Fabulous Orlando Vacation homes, Canadian at par!

Early Bird Specials! Start planning your winter vacation now! Furnished weekly/monthly rentals available. www.globalresorthomes.com, 1-866966-6480.

DISCOUNT TIMESHARES - Save 6080% off Retail! Worldwide Locations!

Call for Free Info Pack! 1-800-4965964, www.holidaygroup.com/ocn.

MORTGAGES 0$ ARE YOU SINKING IN DEBT? 1st, 2nd & 3rd Mortgages - Bruised Credit Bank Turndowns Debt Consolidation - Refinancing - Power of Sale - Past Bankrupt - Home Renovations. We can lend a Hand (Brokerage License # 11384).

CANADALEND.com, Email: paul.pabla@canadalend.com, Tollfree 1-877-999-9133 CALL NOW! $$$ 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES - Tax Arrears, Renovations, Debt Consolidation, no CMHC fees. $50K you pay $208.33/month (OAC). No income, bad credit, power of sale stopped!! BETTER OPTION MORTGAGES, CALL 1-800-282-1169, www.mortgageontario.com (LIC# 10969).

AS SEEN ON TV - 1st, 2nd or Home Equity Loan's. We don't just say "APPROVED" we mean it! Bad Credit, Self-Employed, Bankrupt, Foreclosure, Power of Sale. Need to re-finance?

No problem APPROVED! CALL TOLL-FREE 1877-733-4424 or www.refitoday.ca.

The Refinancing Specialists!

LIC#10408.

$$$ FREE $$$ yourself from debt $$$ MONEY $$$ for any purpose.

Decrease payments up to 75%! 1st, 2nd & 3rd Mortgages & Credit lines.

Bad credit, tax or mortgage arrears OK. Ontario-Wide Financial Corp.

(LIC# 10171), Toll-Free 1-888-3077799, www.ontario-widefinancial.com. $500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, no credit refused, quick and easy, payable over 6 or 12 installments. Toll Free: 1-877-776-1660.

FOR SALE A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE - Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don't Sweat It. No Deposits. No Credit Checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll-Free 1-866-884-7464.

SAWMILLS from only $3,495.00 Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwood sawmills.ca/400t - FREE Information: 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT. #1 HIGH SPEED INTERNET $18.95 / Month. Absolutely no ports are blocked. Unlimited Downloading. Up to 5Mps Download and 800Kbps Upload.

ORDER TODAY AT www.acanac.ca or CALL TOLL-FREE: 1-866-281-3538.

200+ TRAILERS IN STOCK! Open & enclosed cargo models, landscapers, box, car & equipment. Repairs & hitch installation. London, Ontario. For more information www.intrudertrailers.com OR CALL Toll-Free 1-800668-6756.

WANT A COMPUTER? New Dell Laptops from $599. or easy payments of $39. Easy application. *Almost everyone approved! *Conditions apply; www.national computersdirect.com or call 1-877226-0660.

WITHOUT A HOME PHONE? Call **Home Phone Reconnect** 1-866287-1348, Referral Program! Connect NOW for a chance to win an entertainment package! CALL NOW! 1866-287-1348.

HEALTH FALL SAVINGS!!! 9 weeks for $99.

Look great. Feel great. Lose weight.

Results guaranteed. Call Herbal Magic 1-800-926-4363 for more information. Limited time offer.

• It’s Affordable • It’s Fast • It’s Easy • It’s Effective • One Bill Does It All • All Ontario $429 • National Packages Available! www.networkclassified.org

16 • Thursday, October 22, 2009

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Strip in the Kitchen

Refuge from autumn’s chill Recipes by James Eddington Eddington’s of Exeter 527 Main Street, Exeter, 519-235-3030 http://www.eddingtons.ca

Photo by Casey Lessard For more of James’ recipes, look for In The Kitchen under Lifestyle at: http://www.grandbendstrip.com Editor’s note: James looks back to fall 2007, when these recipes were first published in the Grand Bend Strip. We’ve revisited it, and this time, you can get a glimpse of how delicious this meal looks (you’ll have to make it to see how great it smells and tastes).

This month, the first real frost brings an unconscious desire for heartier meals. Enjoy the local harvest; we are truly blessed to live in an area full of the riches that our farmers and fields have to offer. Spend some time in the kitchen this season melding the deep rich flavors of the fall.

Butternut squash soup 1 1/2 tsp.

2 lbs.

1/2 cup 1 clove 3/4 tsp.

2 cans

olive oil butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1” chunks chopped yellow onion garlic ground allspice vegetable broth (14 oz. each)

In large sauté pan, heat olive oil, then add squash, onion and garlic. Sauté over medium high heat for 15 minutes or until squash is tender. Add allspice; cook two minutes longer. Stir in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Cover; reduce heat to medium low. Cook 15 minutes, or until squash is soft.

In batches, place mixture in bowl of food processor; blend until smooth. Place in saucepan and keep warm, or reheat as needed.

To serve, ladle warm soup into bowls. Top with one tablespoon spiced cream and a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds.

Serves four. Multiply recipe for larger quantities.

Spiced cream 1/2 cup light sour cream 1/2 tsp. ground allspice 1 1/2 tsp. real maple syrup 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom (A shot of Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum wouldn’t hurt) Combine light sour cream, allspice, maple syrup and cardamom in bowl; mix well.

Cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to use.

Pumpkin seeds 1/2 tsp.

1/4 cup 1/2 tsp.

olive oil pumpkin seeds garlic salt

Heat olive oil in small sauté pan for one minute. Add pumpkin seeds and garlic salt; sauté over medium heat for three minutes or until seeds are toasted and fragrant.