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

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

Vol. 2, No. 16 Feb. 12 to March 11, 2009AWARD WINNING JOURNALISM FROM GRAND BEND

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

Our Weekend One coverage continues on pages 2-5.Our Weekend One coverage continues on pages 2-5.

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

COVER PHOTO BY CASEY LESSARDCOVER PHOTO BY CASEY LESSARD

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2 • Thursday, February 12, 2009 http://www.GrandBendStrip.comStrip at the Carnival

Grand Bend Winter Carnival launches with fun kids eventsWhat’s up this weekend

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 a.m.Chamber of Commerce-Rotary Parade

SUNDAY FEB 15 to p.m. - Oakwood ClubhouseKids’ Talent Show. Register at Guest Services before

February 3. Sing, dance, play – bring your original ideas to win prizes! Prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd. Register at 519-238-2324. (17 years and under.)

to p.m. - Oakwood ClubhouseBring the family for a free swim. Special Kids menu

begins at 4 p.m.

MONDAY FEB. 16 to p.m. - Oakwood ClubhouseBring the family for a free swim. Special Kids menu

begins at 4 p.m.

A night at the drive-in

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

Left: Christina Norris, 4, of Grand Bend waits for the show to begin.Below: Francesca Bury enjoys the f ilm from the comfort of her hot rod.

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http://www.GrandBendStrip.com Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 3

Colder than ice

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

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

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

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


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4 • Thursday, February 12, 2009 http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

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Aunt Gussies’ Tim Hornick pitches to James Mason. Snow Ballas pitcher Matt Lovie of Shipka tries to catch a runner at f irst. LeeAnn Powers swings for a hit.

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

Left: Team S&M’s Rob Laporte tries to get the ball to Kate Sinibaldi or Bev Kobe to get Sadie McCann out at f irst.Below: Janelle Erb, Michelle McCann and Nick Jeffrey celebrate a great catch.


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Second weekend - for the adultsFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

GablesBring Your Own Meat BBQ. Reserve early - 519-238-

2371. Age of majority.Colonial Rod and Gun LoungeLive music with Murray Andrews. to p.m. - Grand Bend LegionSpecial Meat Draw p.m. to a.m. - GablesLive music with Rumblefish. Age of majority.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 a.m. to p.m. - Pine Dale Motor InnHealth and Wellness Craft Sale. Everyone welcome.

Vendors please book a table. Call 519-238-2231. a.m.Chamber of Commerce parade: a.m. - United ChurchU.C.W. Lunch. $6 for 13+, $3 for children. Hot dogs

available for children. p.m. - Bernie Greens parking lot (beside No Frills)Winter Carnival and 104.9 the Beach presents ‘The

Wedding’. Everyone is welcome to watch the ceremony. to p.m. - GablesSearch for Talent Contest. Age of Majority event. to p.m. - Grand Bend LegionSteak BBQ. Tickets $10. 519-238-2120.

Oakwood Terrace RoomValentine’s dinner and dance. Bring your honey and dance

the night away. Call for details. 519-238-2324. p.m. or p.m. seatings - Paddington’sCandlelit Valentines Dinner. 519-238-5788Colonial Rod and Gun LoungeLive music with Murray Andrews p.m. - Oakwood clubhouseLive music with Brian Dale. p.m. to close - RiverbendKaraoke Contest. Age of majority. p.m. to a.m. - GablesLive music with Rumblefish - Age of majority.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 to a.m. - behind Bank of MontrealGrand Bend Firemen’s Breakfast a.m. - Grand Bend LegionVeteran’s Memorial Mixed Dart Tournament. Registration

at 11 a.m. Doubles and Teams. to p.m. - Colonial parking lotWaiters’ Race. Live music with Lance Bedard p.m. - Oakwood Terrace RoomGrand Bend Winter Carnival presents the Academy

Awards. Formal Dress. The paparazzi will be present. Dress as your favorite movie star or just come out in glitz and glit-ter. Nomination forms throughout the village. Tickets on sale Jan. 20. Cocktails 6 p.m. Awards 7 p.m.

The editor’s aunt Joan McCullough serves Kim Heathcote and her son Chandler at the Legion’s spaghetti dinner (above).Right: Sandy Stanlake gets into the spirit. “It’s good,” she said.

6 • Thursday, February 12, 2009 http://www.GrandBendStrip.comStrip Thoughts

We love [email protected]

View from

the StripBy Casey Lessard

Grand Bend StripP.O. Box 218

Grand Bend, OntarioN0M 1T0CANADA

Phone: (519) 614-3614Fax: 1 (866) 753-2781

[email protected]://www.grandbendstrip.com

Publisher/Editor: Casey LessardAdvertising Sales: Casey LessardChief Photographer: Casey Lessard

Distribution: Joan McCullough, Rita Lessard and Casey Lessard

Contributors:

Tom Lessard - my dadRita Lessard - my momAnjhela Michielsen - social justiceJenipher Appleton - nature/birdingLance Crossley - national affairsLorette Mawson - interior designJames Eddington - fine dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

On guard for thee

Alternative

ViewBy Lance Crossley

The latest job figures are not good. According to Statistics Canada, the country lost 129,000 jobs in January, which is worse than any monthly decline in the previous two recessions. Almost all the positions were full-time. Ontario was hit especially hard due to losses in the manufacturing sector, where 36,000 manufacturing positions evaporated into thin air. Unemployment rates are shoot-ing up, with blue collar towns like Windsor already showing double digit unemployment figures.

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

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

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

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

But that economic high point was short lived. Since then our production exports have gone way down, and our reliance on resource exports – like Alberta oil – has risen dra-matically. The problem with resource exports is that they are finite. A diversified, “value-added” economy with a strong manufacturing sector is more sustainable and better for our long-term economic security. For those who coldly suggest that laid-off manufacturing workers in Ontario can simply pack up and go work in the Alberta oils sand, think again. Forget about the complications of uproot-ing ones entire family to move out west, or the fact that oil sands projects are also being hit by the global recession. According to Stanford, there has only been one new job created in the mining and energy sector for every 4.5 jobs lost in the manufacturing sector between 2002-2008. And that was when the oil sands were booming.

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

Brace yourselfLoss of manufacturing sector more than just numbers

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


A creativity development project by Strip photographer Casey Lessard

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Now seeking collaborators (models, hair, makeup, props, locations, etc.)Send info to [email protected]

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8 • Thursday, February 12, 2009 http://www.GrandBendStrip.comStrip Feature

Fighting to end child warfareRed Hand Day demands United Nations action

Story and photos by Casey Lessard

Our Lady of Mount Carmel students were caught red-handed February 5. They were painting their hands red and sending a hand-print to the United Nations to put pressure on the international body to stop the use of child soldiers globally. The project is an initiative of Human Rights Watch, and Mount Carmel’s social justice club supports the move.

“We’re children and we can connect to the children who are fighting,” says Lauren Stewart, who formed the club with fellow student Jessica Lavery after seeing Free the Children founder Marc Kielburger speak. He told them that if they wanted to make a dif-ference, they should start a social justice club. With 29 members, the club makes up almost 20 per cent of the school population.

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

“We want to see the decrease of child sol-diers around the world.”

Principal Todd Chisholm is impressed with the students’ initiative.

“They make the decisions about their proj-ects. It ’s purely student-driven,” Chisholm

says, noting such concern is nurtured in the classroom. “We talk about outreach and doing

social justice for others. That’s already embed-ded in our classroom teaching, and at the

school level, we have a philosophy about being a Community of Caring.”

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

Left: Mount Carmel social justice club leader Lauren Stewart paints Sarah Butler’s hand.Above: Volunteers Austin Ryan and Sydney Kaumanns watch as Braedi Dwyer makes her handprint.

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 9Strip Feature

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

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

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

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

making a difference.”Lauren Stewart agrees, noting the students

want to volunteer, but opportunities are lim-ited for elementary students.

“They want high school students,” Stewart says. “It’s hard to find volunteer work off-site. We’re hoping they’ll see how hard we try and let us come on-site. It’s better for us.”

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

Left: Max VanDongen-Miles asks Kristie Dietrich what to do after he’s made his handprint.Below: Julia Hunt-Smith checks to see that the print looks good.Bottom left: Kaitlyn Jones, Anna Bartlam, Eve Kobe and Grace McCann get cleaned up.Bottom right: Audrey Kester checks out the f inished product.

Strip Thoughts10 • Thursday, February 12, 2009 http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

The Ausable-Bayf ield Conservation Authority hosts its 20th Conservation Dinner April 16 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. This year’s feature artist is Bill Nieuwland of Huron Woods. The 64-year old self-taught artist frequently paints scenes that capture the ABCA’s mandate area. Nieuwland is donating three piec-es: two giclée prints of previous work (Blue Point Sunset and Diamond Lake in Temagami), and a new, original work that he painted from the vantage point of his home on the Old Ausable River Channel called My Backyard.

As told to Casey Lessard

We moved here because we loved the trees, the beach, the river, the wildlife, the solitude, the quiet.

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

My favourite spot is either the beach or the

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

I try to paint as much detail and dimension as I can. You want to outdo yourself every time. To do that, I look at other artists who do excellent work and wonder how they do it. I try to catch the methods they use, but I’m not trying to outdo them; I’m trying to outdo myself.

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

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

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

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

ABCA names Bill Nieuwland2009 Conservation Dinner artist

My Backyard

Bill Nieuwland

Blue Point Sunset

Bill Nieuwland

Strip Thoughts

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Advice

from MomBy Rita LessardIt all started on my birthday this October.

My boys bought three tickets to see Montreal (my favourite) play Buffalo in Buffalo. Hearing this, another son and my grandson wanted to go, too, so they bought two more tickets. Then a friend of Billy’s thought it would be a good plan if he could go with us.

I left Crediton in the morning and left my car at my eldest son Tom’s house in London. His seven-year-old daughter, plays hockey on a Devilettes novice house league team that had a tournament game at 10:15 that morn-ing at the Western Fair sports complex. We had plenty of time, so we stayed and watched them play. It was her turn to play goal; they won 3-1. Great game!

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

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

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

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

Boys’ day out

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

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

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

After dinner, because it was a long walk to the arena, the boys pushed me in a wheel-chair. Arriving at the arena, we were fronted by red, white and blue shirts, coats and hats. I thought we were at the Montreal Forum. The mass of Montreal fans reflects the fact that the Hamilton Bulldogs are a farm team, and use the same Habs uniform. The HSBC staff and volunteers were excellent; we were treated with respect and assistance that would be hard to beat.

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

Happy anniversary Rita and Happy Birthday Glenn.

Keeping

the PeaceBy Tom Lessard, C.D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes,” the fellow replied.“Did she like it?”“Oh, yes,” he said. “She jumped up, kissed

me on the forehead and ran out the door, yell-ing, ‘See you in 30 minutes!’”

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

You make lovin’ funRomance can be humourous, but itcan also be addictive, so watch out!

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

Always a romanticYou’re never too old to fall in love. Take my

mother, for instance. It seemed like she was always in love. My dad passed away when she was 47 years old, which was quite young to be a widow. After a decent grieving time of three years, my mother started dating and got married for the second time when she was 58 years old. Alas, she became a widow again when she was 70.

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

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

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

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

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

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

12 • Thursday, February 12, 2009 http://www.GrandBendStrip.comStrip Events

Kids on board.It’s a smoke-free zone.

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

As of January 21, 2009, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking or having lighted

tobacco in a motor vehicle while a person under 16 years old is present. Second-hand

smoke levels in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times greater than in a smoker’s home. It’s

even a risk on short trips and when the windows are rolled down.

Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer health problems such as

sudden infant death syndrome, asthma and, later in life, cancer and cardiac disease.

For more information, contact your Public Health Unit or call the INFOline toll-free at

1-866-396-1760. TTY: 1-800-387-5559. Or visit: www.ontario.ca/smokefree

For help quitting, visit www.smokershelpline.ca or call 1-877-513-5333.

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Courtesy ParticipACTION

February is the time to celebrate the ones we love. Having a partner on Valentine’s Day might be good for your date book, but it could also be good for your health.

Research shows that married individuals participate in exercise more often than their single counterparts. In a study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise that looked at 3,075 people, married couples were more likely to be active than non-married individuals. And if one spouse was active, the other spouse was also more likely to be active. In fact, spouses of highly active men were three times more likely to be

active than partners of inactive husbands.If you’re not planning to tie the knot any-

time soon, make plans with a friend or love interest and take on the task of getting active together.

Getting more physical activity into your day does not require a huge investment of time or money. According to Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living, you need 60 minutes of activity a day-and that doesn’t have to be done all at once. There are plenty of fun things you can do, 10 minutes at a time, to get to that daily total. And there are plenty of opportunities to move more together.

In addition to trying new things, there are many ways to get more movement into the activities you already enjoy. With some cre-ativity and commitment, you can ease your-selves into a healthier lifestyle and make more of your time together.

Here are some suggestions for getting your heart beating a little faster on Valentine’s Day:

A Romantic StrollWalk to and from your favourite restaurant

together-or to the theatre after dinner. Enjoy some fresh air and the time to unwind and share a conversation.

An Active GetawayIf you’re thinking of whisking him or her

away for the weekend, try planning a ski vaca-tion or adding a hike in the woods to your romantic itinerary.

Valentine’s Day HuntIf chocolates are your traditional Valentine’s

treat, take a cue from the Easter Bunny and hide them around your house or apartment.

Feeling the MusicDancing in your living room, stretching or

doing yoga together will help you unwind and set the mood for a romantic evening.

Make your heart beat faster this Valentine’s Day

http://www.GrandBendStrip.com Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 13Strip Thoughts

Eye for DesignBy Lorette Mawson

http://www.DecorateWithLorette.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knowing how colour can affect us should help you in choosing colours for your home. Other colour inspiration can come from a piece of fabric you love or your favourite clothes. We seem to gravitate to colours we love when we are buying clothes.

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

Colour your world sensibly

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

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

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

able space where plenty of felines were gath-ered, well fed and watered. The horses pro-vided plenty of warmth. What a relief! Now I could proceed to work with a clear conscience. Thankfully, I have not seen Kitty since. It is amazing how tough animals can be; however, I doubt this cat would have survived much more of the biting cold.

Animal adaptationsThere are two main ways wild critters adapt

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

The true hibernators appear to be dead because the heart rate is so slow and body temperature drops dramatically. They must eat a lot of food in the fall before going to sleep. True hibernators include: bats, groundhogs, ground squirrel, frogs, snakes, etc.

White-tailed deerThe white-tailed deer have had it rough

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

Winter is a survival test for our wild friendsLiving

in BalanceBy Jenipher Appleton

the bark of many other types of trees. In spite of the deep snow, any of the deer Fergus and I have spotted in the back field have appeared to be relatively healthy.

So… was Wiarton Willie correct in his prediction of six more weeks of winter when he was awakened from his winter sleep on February 2? The deer certainly hope not!

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Visit us at:

John Goodwin Broker of Record27 Queens AveGrand Bend

Offi ce: 519-433-2323 Toll-free: 888-433-2325

Cell: 519-859-4646Fax: 519-433-2328

www.grandbendproperty.com

301 Horton Street EastLondon, ON N6B 1L2

www.prudentialfamilyrealty.com

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

Grand Bend’sBest Kept Secret

(519) 238-2120

EVERYBODY WELCOME!Fun Darts

BingoMeat Draws

Mondays @ 7 p.m.Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.Fridays @ 5 p.m.

Hall rentals - contact Sharon (519) 238-6865

JOIN US SATURDAYS 3-6 PMFeb. 14 - The Persuaders Feb. 21 - Horse Races

GrandBend

14 • Thursday, February 12, 2009 http://www.GrandBendStrip.comTo Do List

To Do ListCommunity/Charity

EVERY TUESDAY p.m. - Grand Bend LegionBingo

EVERY OTHER THURSDAYThe Schoolhouse Restaurant, Grand BendSocrates Café. An informal discussion

group. For more information contact Dinah Taylor, 519-238-1114 or Ian Young, 519-238-5335.

EVERY FRIDAY to p.m. - Grand Bend LegionMeat Draw

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12: p.m. - St. John’s Anglican ChurchGrand Bend Diners Program. Second

and four th T hursday of the month. Transportation is available along with take out. Cost $9/person. Entertainment and social time. Contact Town & Countr y Support Services at 519-235-0258.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 p.m. - Grand Bend LegionSteak Barbecue. Limited number of tick-

ets $10 each.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 a.m. - Grand Bend LegionGrand Bend Men’s Probus meeting. Guest

speaker Jim Southcott, Topic: Grand Bend Beach Enhancement. Everyone welcome.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19Blessings Community Store, ZurichCooking Outside of the Box. Drop in and

taste test great recipe ideas for yummy low cost meals. Call Miranda Burgess Grand Bend CHC dietitian 519-238-1556 ext.222

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20: a.m. to noon - Grand Bend Public SchoolAlphabites Program. Explore various

activity centres, make a tasty snack all based on a special book. Parents and children ages 0-6 years. Call Miranda at GBACHC 519-238-1556 ext 222.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 p.m. - Grand Bend LegionGrand Bend Area Horticultural Society.

Speaker Regine Switzer, Topic: Photography inspired by nature. Membership due call Kitty Illman 519-238-5634.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 a.m. to p.m. - Grand Bend CHCMen Can Cook. Advance your cook-

ing skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch. Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAYS to p.m. - Grand Bend Art CentreOpen Painting. Cost is $10 - bring a proj-

ect and materials and paint with various artists.

FRIDAYS: to : p.m. - Grand Bend Youth CentreGrand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita

at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 to p.m. - Grand Bend LegionValentine’s Day with The Persuaders

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 to p.m. - Grand Bend LegionHorse Races

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26Shoot like a Pro with Mary Lynn Fluter.

Join us for a day of digital shooting and critique with Mary Lynn. Always fun and informative. Get tips on exposure, composi-tion; experiment and share in the company of others. Contact Teresa Marie for time, cost and information at: 238-8978 or 238-6874 or [email protected]. Workshops must be paid in advance; minimum four registrants.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 to p.m. - Grand Bend LegionLive music with The Undecided

Health & Fitness

MONDAYS to a.m. - Southcott Pines ClubhouseWorkout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for

spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

: to a.m. - Grand Bend LegionT.G.I.F. (Thank God I’m Fit) exercise

class with Elinor Clarke 519-294-6499. $3 per week; all fees go to charity

: to p.m.Anne’s Yoga Works studio, Port Franks.Yoga. For info and registration call Anne

Chute 519-243-3552.

: to p.m.Anne’s Yoga Works studio, Port Franks.Yoga. For info and registration call Anne

Chute 519-243-3552.

TUESDAYS a.m. – Port Franks Community CentreHealthy Lifestyle Exercise Program.

Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

to p.m. - South Huron Golf & Fitness Centre, ExeterWorkout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for

gym members, spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

WEDNESDAYS to a.m. - Southcott Pines ClubhouseWorkout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for




to : a.m. - Grand Bend LegionLine Dancing

to p.m. - Parkhill Leisure ClubAnne’s Yoga Works. For info and registra-

tion call Anne Chute 519-243-3552.

THURSDAYS a.m. – Port Franks Community CentreHealthy Lifestyle Exercise Program.

Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

to p.m. - South Huron Golf & Fitness Centre, ExeterWorkout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for

gym members, spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

FRIDAYS to a.m. - Southcott Pines ClubhouseWorkout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for




TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 a.m. to p.m. - Grand Bend CHCHeart Health Cooking. This fun, free pro-

gram teaches you how to cook healthier by adding more fibre and less sodium. Enjoy eating what you make!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25: to : p.m. or to : p.m. - Grand Bend CHCMental Health Education and Support

Group. Monthly support group for fam-ily and friends. Contact Social Worker Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext. 230 for details.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 to p.m. - Grand Bend CHCCommunity Blood Pressure Clinic in the

Adult Centre Wing. Everyone welcome. Have your blood pressure checked Free by a Nurse. No appointment necessary.

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BRIDAL SHOWCASETuesday, March , at p.m.South Huron Recreation Centre

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FREE ADMISSIONFEATURES:

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http://www.GrandBendStrip.com Thursday, February 12, 2009 • 15Strip on the Dance Floor

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

Photos by Casey Lessard

16 • Thursday, February 12, 2009 http://www.GrandBendStrip.com

Raw Beet Salad

BeetsCarrots

Red wineApple juiceFresh lemon

HoneySun~dried fruit (optional)

White Bean Puree

White beansOnionCeleryGarlic

Butter/oilChicken/vegetable stock

Heavy creamSalt & pepper

White Been Puree(CAN BE MADE A DAY AHEAD)This is a great substitute for potatoes. High in protein, f iber, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

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

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

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

Boil for at least two hours or until beans soften.

Add pinch of sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Drain remaining water/stock. Mash (just like potatoes) or purée in blend-

er once cooled.This can be refrigerated for up to two days.

It actually has better consistency once refrig-erated.

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

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

Roasted rack of lamb accented with a white bean puree and raw beet salad

Recipes by James Eddington Eddington’s of Exeter Main Street, Exeter-- - www.eddingtons.ca

Photos by Casey Lessard

Rack of Lamb

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

Bake in 375ºF oven for 25-30 minutes.Remove from oven and cover in foil (let

lamb rest for about 10 minutes). Take pan drippings and sear with 1 oz of

red wine, splash of balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, 1 tsp of honey, and about 1/4 cup of diced peppers and/or tomato.

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

Raw Beet Salad(CAN BE MADE DAY AHEAD) High in B vitamins, beets are a natural blood cleanser and very colorful for presentation.

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

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

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

Rack of Lamb

Rack of lambGarlic

Fresh rosemarySea salt and pepper

Red wine

Balsamic vinegarDijon mustard

HoneyRed pepper

Tomato

What you’ll need (bolded items are used in multiple recipes)

Strip in the Kitchen

Documents

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