Out with the old, in with the new
January 21, 2008
Advice from mom
By Rita Lessard
I hope your Christmas went well. Tom and I were fortunate to celebrate on two occasions: once at our son’s place, whose wife is a great cook; and at my brother’s home, where we had another good meal and lots of fun. Of course, that’s what Christmas is about: family and merriment.
I received many lovely gifts. Casey thought I gave him some very useful presents, one being a new iPod. This surprised him because he hadn’t asked for one; I made a mistake when writing down his list. I didn’t know he already had one, and I bought him one that was better. I suggested he could take it back, but he decided to keep it, which was good for me because he gave me the one his brother gave his last year; I’m happy because I use it everyday when I go for my 3km walk.
I wonder sometimes if all the noise and sounds we hear have any bad effects on our hearing, but for centuries we’ve all had occasion to have what we call selective hearing. For example, how is it that the kids can always hear the ice cream truck coming up the road, yet they can’t hear you when you need the garbage taken out or the dishes done? Deaf again! If you were to pass gas a hundred yards away, you can bet your pay cheque they’d hear that.
As we welcome in the year 2008, let’s hope that by now most of you are not struggling with New Year’s resolutions. May I suggest that, instead of aggravating yourself with resolutions, you just resolve to do things one day at a time? Just for today, live the next 12 hours and tackle one problem for that day and not a whole year of problems. Just for today, learn something useful and make a change just for that day.
Although I’m giving this advice, I must confess I told my coworkers that this year I was going to be less critical. Hopefully I can stick with this resolution. Aim for the short-term instead of the long-term.
Regardless of the promises you’ve made to yourself, let’s hope 2008 will bring health and success to you all.
P.S. Thank you to the Crediton firemen for putting up the Christmas lights in the park.
Take a flight this Valentine’s Day
January 21, 2008
By James Eddington, Eddington’s of Exeter
While trying to think of the perfect dessert for Valentines Day, I remember a wine tasting I had attended, where each wine was paired with a taste or flavour on a spoon. While each spoon had its own flavour, an array of taste can be combined into a “flight.” So for all you hopeless romantics this Valentines Day, reserve your table at Eddington’s of Exeter (519) 235-3030 or try a “flight.”
Blindfold your date and spoon-feed them one bite at a time in the order listed above. If you choose your own ingredients, select flavors that pair well together, but vary in temperature, texture, and taste. Enjoy and most of all have fun!
(Each ingredient to be served in a standard tablespoon)
Flight 1
1 x 3/4 inch cube of pear, sprinkled with pepper and seared in a hot pan for 1 minute per side
1 x 3/4 inch cube of Stilton cheese
1 roasted pecan
1 tbsp port
Flight 2
1 chocolate truffle
1 mini scoop vanilla ice cream
1 dried apricot
1 tbsp framboise (raspberry liqueur)
Flight 3
“For a good time, STRIP” (Editor’s note: I think James is referring to the newspaper).
A fresh approach to beat the winter blues!
January 21, 2008
By James Eddington, Eddington’s of Exeter
As January rolls into February, we look to break from the whirlwind of activities of the past months. We yearn for less indulgent foods that are lower in fat - a change from the heavy sauces and extravagant desserts of December: foods with clean crisp tastes.
As few believe, Ontario still has a substantial supply of locally grown produce, including beets, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, potatoes, squash, sprouts, etc.
Beautiful beet soup
This delicious dish brightens any table. Serves 4.
1 tbsp (15 mL) cold-pressed olive oil
1/2 medium onion
1/2 tsp (3 mL) curry powder
4 medium beets, peeled and chopped
1 medium potato, peeled and chopped
3 cups (750 mL) vegetable stock, chicken stock or water
1 1/2 tsp (8 mL) honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon juice to taste
2 tbsp (30 mL) yogurt or kefir
2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped green onions
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft. Add curry powder and cook for a minute longer, then the beets, potatoes and stock or water. Bring to a boil, then simmer, partially covered, until the vegetables are tender, 30-45 minutes. Purée or mash with a potato masher. Reheat the soup and add the honey. Season to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the sour cream and green onions.
Braised red cabbage and apples
A little sweet, a little sour, this sensational side dish of braised red cabbage and apples is an easy accompaniment to roast turkey that can be made ahead of time and reheated right before dinner.
2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
1 small head red cabbage, quartered and thinly sliced
2 apples, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) red wine (any kind)
1/4 cup (50 mL) apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp (15 mL) sugar
2 tsp (10 mL) salt
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring for five minutes, until softened. Add cabbage and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes or until cabbage is thoroughly wilted and softened. Now add apples, wine, vinegar, sugar and salt, lower the heat to low and simmer, covered, for one-and-a-half to two hours, stirring once in a while.
Stir in apple jelly, replace the cover on the pot and continue to simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes.
Crispy mushroom strudel with fresh herb cream sauce and cranberries
Ingredients for filling:
2 oz unsalted butter
1 lb sliced mixed fresh mushrooms (oyster, portobello, shiitake, button, cremini)
4 fresh garlic cloves - minced
1 small yellow onion - diced
Salt & pepper to taste
2 oz plain breadcrumbs
2 tbsp fresh chives - chopped
2 oz chardonnay white wine
Ingredients for dough:
2 oz unsalted butter - melted
5 sheets phyllo dough
1 egg
Ingredients for sauce:
8 oz low sodium chicken stock
6 oz Chardonnay white wine
1 shallot onion - sliced
8 oz heavy cream
2 tbsp mixed chopped herbs (parsley, chives, rosemary, basil, thyme)
Garnish:
4 tbsp sliced cranberries
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Preparation:
Heat medium-sized sauté pan, add butter and onions and cook for one minute. Add garlic and mushrooms and sauté for about three minutes. Deglaze pan with white wine and season with salt and pepper. Transfer mushrooms into a mixing bowl and let the mushrooms cool off. Add chives, breadcrumbs and chives and mix everything very well. Lay out a kitchen towel and place first sheet of phyllo dough on it. Brush the sheet with melted butter then place the next layer of phyllo dough and repeat the first step until the last sheet of dough is placed. Spread mushroom mixture along the longer side of the sheet - about two inches wide. Take the towel and start rolling the strudel. Transfer strudel to a greased baking sheet pan, brush with beaten egg and bake in 350 degree preheated oven for 20 minutes. Put chicken stock, Chardonnay wine and shallot into a saucepot and bring mixture to a boil on high heat. Turn the heat to medium and let the liquid reduce (cool down) to about 5 oz. Add the heavy cream and let the sauce reduce to half. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Add the fresh chopped herbs. Heat cranberries with butter in a small sauté pan. To assemble strudel, pour sauce on the center of the plate, sprinkle cranberries across the sauce and place a two-inch slice of Strudel in the middle of the plate. Garnish with fresh thyme. Sautéed baby spinach or root vegetable julienne accompany this appetizer very well.
It’s so easy to be kind
January 21, 2008
Living in Balance
By Jenipher Appleton
A kind gesture, word or deed can truly make a difference in someone’s day. It takes very little effort to be kind, and in turn, you may be rewarded by how it makes you feel. Positive thoughts and actions are part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Gesture of goodwill
It is so rare to observe an overt gesture of goodwill that, when it does occur, it really stands out. This is how it was for a pair of my colleagues as they traveled the Nairn Road on their way to work each morning last month. Each day as the women (Julie and Jaclyn) passed a section of road, they would see an older gentleman out for his morning walk. Every vehicle, passing in either direction, received a big, friendly wave along with the peace sign from him. Most drivers, like themselves, would return the wave. It got to the point that they would anticipate the encounter each morning with enthusiasm. Other members of my staff who travel the same route commented several times about the gentleman as well, all with a positive view.
Returning the favour
One morning, running a bit late, the women missed the wave, but were just in time to see the waver entering his house. Now they knew where he lived! Julie decided that something must be done to return the kindness of this gentleman. She bought a small gift (a snowman mug filled with chocolates and biscuits). The package included a note saying “Thanks for brightening our day each morning – Julie and Jaclyn, East Williams School.” On the way home that evening they stopped and left the parcel on his doorstep.
Their reward followed swiftly the next morning when they saw their waver coming down the road wearing a sandwich-board-style sign proclaiming:
“Thank you! Merry Christmas!”
Julie and Jaclyn smiled, waved, and had a tear or two. They were ecstatic when they arrived at the school that morning; however, the story is not over yet.
Shortly after 9 a.m., an older couple arrived in the school and asked for Julie or Jaclyn. It was the waver, whose name turned out to be Richard, and his charming wife, Catherine. They wanted to meet the people who had returned a simple, kind gesture, and to say thank you in person for the Christmas gift. Everyone felt very good and a true sense of Christmas peace was hanging about the halls.
It doesn’t take much to change someone’s day for the better. Smile at someone; hold a door for someone; make a joke with people when there’s trouble at the cashier; but most of all, offer a friendly wave! The peace sign doesn’t hurt either. It might even improve your well-being.
Richard’s Story
As told to Casey Lessard
I usually walk 30 minutes steady every morning. I exercise to try to keep all of my parts functioning. It gives me a break, too. I get a big kick out of it.
I had a triple-bypass, so I’m one of those types. Usually we (Richard and his wife Catherine) go down south, but two years ago I came down with Bell’s palsy, and that hung us up. We were going to go this year and we decided, who needs all that hassle of trying to stay out of the way of the transport trucks?
I usually have a sign (encouraging people to honk). At least half of them will honk. I don’t stop and talk with any of them, and neither do they.
The next day (after the teachers dropped off their gift), another woman comes with a gift. In her note, she calls me her buddy, and says “I can’t wait for spring to see my buddy again.” She signed it with her name, “in the blue Taurus that goes by every morning.”
There’s enough downtrends in the world today, so if someone can get a laugh out of the joker walking down the highway every morning, the more power to them.
Police find teen’s body
January 14, 2008
Police have recovered Ryan VanValkengoed’s body from the Ausable River in Crediton. The 17-year old, whose family lives near the river, disappeared after leaving a friend’s home Friday; his route took him over the river. OPP divers found Ryan’s body early Monday afternoon.
Have you seen Ryan VanValkengoed?
January 13, 2008
Huron OPP are looking for help to find 17-year old Ryan VanValkengoed of Crediton. The teen was last seen at about 11:30 Friday night walking home from another Crediton residence. He did not arrive home.
Foul play is not suspected, but Huron OPP are concerned about Ryan’s wellbeing. The Emergency Response Team and the canine unit are assisting in the search.
Ryan VanValkengoed is described as 5′10″ with a slim build. He has short blond hair and was last seen wearing baggy “skater” type pants and a light grey jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to contact CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-T.I.P.S. (8477) or the Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Back to Broadway for Huron Country Playhouse in 2008
January 10, 2008
By Casey Lessard
Drayton Entertainment is sticking to a formula that works for its 2008 season at Huron Country Playhouse, presenting Broadway hits and home-grown originals on its two stages.
The season includes: My Fair Lady, Sorry… I’m Canadian, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum on the main stage, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Playhouse II.
“After receiving so many accolades this year, people keep asking us how we can possibly top ourselves,” says artistic director Alex Mustakas. “It’s a very difficult challenge, but one that allows us to reach new heights of creativity. The result is a very diverse mix of productions, but each one will carry our signature stamp of top-quality professional entertainment at an amazingly affordable price. Now, more than ever, people can experience epic Broadway productions and esteemed talent right in their own backyard.”
Between its six venues in Grand Bend, Drayton, Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs, Drayton sold 225,000 tickets in 2007. Already, the box office has sold 50,000 for 2008.
Here’s a summary of the season from Drayton Entertainment:
The 2008 Season kicks off with the lover-ly musical masterpiece, My Fair Lady. Egotistical professor of phonetics, Henry Higgins, makes a wager that he can transform unrefined Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a lady – and fool everyone into thinking she really is one, too! But when Higgins’ scheme is too successful, he faces the prospect of losing Eliza forever. Will he admit he’s grown accustomed to her face before it’s too late? My Fair Lady runs June 3rd to June 21st.
Sorry … I’m Canadian is a pageant of political patriotism, starring gifted comedian Neil Aitchison. Join us for an entertaining trek across our vast country, and relive the magic of the Great Canadian Song Book: gems like “O’Siem”, “Alberta Bound”, “Fox On The Run,” “Black Fly,” “Song of the Mira,” “I’se the B’ye,” “Sonny’s Dream,” “Farewell to Nova Scotia” and many, many more. Sorry…I’m Canadian celebrates our distinct heritage and offers a fresh take on what it means to be a proud Canadian through a charming blend of music, humour, and political satire. The production runs June 24th to July 12th.
Drayton Entertainment has scored a major coup with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, as the Broadway sensation will be making its Canadian premiere this summer, July 16th through August 9th. Based on the popular film, the production follows the dastardly deeds of two con men engaged in a mirthful battle of wits. Prepare to have your heart stolen in this hilariously clever take on the ultimate con!
The season ends with A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, August 13th through August 30th. This fun-filled vaudevillian romp traces a day in the life of Pseudolus, the craftiest slave in Rome, as he tries to win the heart of a dim-witted courtesan for his master’s son in exchange for his freedom. Armed with the witty lyrics and toe-tapping tunes of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, this irreverent production is one of the funniest musicals ever written.
The 2008 Season is proudly sponsored by Lavis Contracting and A Channel.
Playhouse II, Grand Bend
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a frothy, fun look at the absurdity of love. Explore the entire spectrum of romance and its many forms – from dating to marriage, the agonies and triumphs of dealing with in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car, and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. The production runs July 16th to August 30th.
Ticket Information
Drayton Entertainment offers flexible subscription packages that enable theatregoers to book tickets to any performance, at any theatre, for any date. When theatregoers buy tickets to four, five, six, or even seven different productions, they could save more than 33% off the regular ticket price. Individual theatre tickets are $37.00 for adults; $20.00 for youth 18 and under, and $30.00 for preview performances.
To receive a complimentary 2008 Theatre Guide, call the Box Office at (519) 238-6000 or 1-888-449-4463 or visit www.huroncountryplayhouse.com.
Exam time approaching
January 7, 2008
Principal’s Page
By Jeff Reaburn, SHDHS
The arrival of the New Year on the calendar means that we are closing in on the end of the first semester, and that means that final exams are not far off. In fact, exams begin in less than three weeks, running from Friday, January 25, to Wednesday, January 30, followed by a PA Day on January 31 and the start of the new semester on February 1. The exam schedule has been created and can be found by scrolling to the bottom of our school web page: www.shdhs.ca. Copies of the exam schedule will be posted in the school this week.
Students and parents are asked to check the exam schedule and to re-schedule any medical or dental appointments that may conflict with students’ exams. Students are reminded that they will receive a zero for any exams that they miss without a legitimate cause. In the event of illness during exams, students may be required to provide a doctor’s note to confirm the illness, and in such situations parents are asked to contact the school as soon as possible.
Students are reminded also that during the exam period they are required to attend only when they have an exam to write. If they have an afternoon exam, but no exam in the morning for example, they are not required to be at school in the morning. If they choose to be at school at a time when they have no exam, then they must stay out of the areas where exams are being written - the large gym and some classrooms on the second floor. The library will be open during exams for quiet study purposes only.
Should there be a snow day during the exam period, the exam schedule will be pushed back: for example, if there is a snow day on the first day of exams, those exams would be written the next day and the schedule would be pushed back by a day. We encourage students to plan ahead and make sure that they have at home any study materials they may need to prepare for exams, just in case we have bad weather at any time in the next three weeks. Students should by now be preparing for exams in order to avoid having to cram at the last minute.
A small number of students will find that they have exam conflicts - two exams scheduled for the same time slot. These students should speak to our Vice-Principal, Mrs. Goetz, to find out how the conflicts will be managed. Similarly, students who are entitled to exam accommodations should speak to their classroom teachers to ensure that they know where and when they will be writing their exams.
In addition to final exams, students in most classes will also be working on other kinds of final assessments over the next three weeks. These will include final projects, tests, essays, and presentations, and in a few cases, some in-class exams. It is important that students manage their time wisely to ensure that they get all of their work done to the best of their ability and still leave themselves time to study for final exams. This is particularly important for students who also have part-time jobs or are involved in activities outside of school, like hockey for example.
As an added bonus, students taking Grade 9 Academic Math this semester also have the EQAO test to do in the next couple of weeks. This is a province-wide test, part of which is used as a portion of the final assessment mark for the course.
In short, this is a very busy time of year for students and teachers as we work hard to finish off the first semester and get ready for the second. Hopefully, Mother Nature will cooperate by not throwing any snow days into the mix.
January 2008
January 1, 2008
Tuesday, January 1
1 to 5 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion
New Year’s levee with Ben Shane & Bobby K
Wednesday, January 2
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Thedford Arena
Let’s Get Active Together. Skating Day. Program for ages 8-13 years. Call Valerie Cook at the NLCHC for more information, 519-786-4545 ext. 270.
12:30 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Golden Agers Luncheon Meeting
Don’t forget Shuffleboard every Monday and Tuesday at 1 p.m. Euchre every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. New members welcome!
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - The Shores recreation centre, Forest
Everybody Move. Cooking Day. Program for ages 6-8 years. Cal Valerie Cook at the NLCHC for more information, 519-786-4545 ext. 270.
Thursday, January 3
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Thedford Arena
Let’s Get Active Together. Skating Day. Program for ages 8-13 years. Call Valerie Cook at the NLCHC for more information, 519-786-4545 ext. 270.
2 to 4 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC
Coping with Grief through the Holidays
The time after the holidays can be very hard on people who have lost a loved one. Join Social Worker Mickey Gurbin as she takes you through the steps to help you move forward into the New Year. Contact Cindy to register 519-238-1556 ext 6
Saturday, January 5
2 to 4 p.m. - Grog’s restaurant
Hillbillies Meat Raffle
Monday, January 7
9 a.m. - Grand Bend CHC
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise classes start again! Mondays and Thursdays at the Grand Bend Area CHC and Tuesdays and Thursdays in Port Franks. Both programs start at 9:00 a.m. and are free to participants. Call Cindy Maxfield at 519-238-1556 ext 6 for more details
Tuesday, January 8
9 a.m. - Port Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise classes start again! Mondays and Thursdays at the Grand Bend Area CHC and Tuesdays and Thursdays in Port Franks. Both programs start at 9:00 a.m. and are free to participants. Call Cindy Maxfield at 519-238-1556 ext 6 for more details
9:30 a.m. - Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Women’s Probus Meeting. Topic: Craft Fair. Stained Glass with Anne Thornton, Making Greeting Cards with Mary McFadden and Heritage Scrapbooking with Joan Love.
Thursday, January 10
1 to 3:30 p.m. - Thedford Arena
Good Tyme Country Jamboree. Please bring cookies to share. Tea and coffee is provided. Free will donation for School Snack Program and Contact House. For further information please call Bev at 519-243-2297 or Jim at 519-243-4036.
Friday, January 11
The Shores Recreation Centre and Thedford Arena.
International Silver Stick Tournament (until January 13). Atom and Bantam.
Saturday, January 12
3 to 6 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion
Live music with Reverend Freddie and the Distillers
Monday, January 14
1 to 4 p.m. - Parkhill Leisure Club
VON Foot Care Clinic. Appointments needed: 1-519-659-2273.
Tuesday, January 15
2:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC
Stop Smoking Program. Thought about quitting? Now’s the right time. Program will run Tuesday afternoon from 2:30-4:00 p.m. or evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. depending on interest. Contact Cindy Maxfield at 519-238-1556 ext 6 to pre register.
Wednesday, January 16
2 to 4 p.m. - Southcott Pines Clubhouse
Partners in Learning Open House. Program starts at 2:15. Come meet the moderators and hear them outline the three exciting 10-week winter courses which include “Mysteries of Life, Reality and Fiction,” “From Distant Shores,” and “Socrates Café.” Courses commence Wednesday, January 23, 2008.
Saturday, January 19
2 p.m. - Grog’s Restaurant
Port Franks Optimist Meat Raffle.
3 to 6 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion
Horse Races
Sunday, January 20
2 to 4 p.m. - Grand Bend Legion
World Religion Day. Music and Prayers for Unification of Mankind. Everyone welcome.
Wednesday, January 23
12:30 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC
Huron Country Playhouse Guild luncheon meeting. Guest speaker Officer Reurick from the OPP will talk about perils of winter driving. Guests and new members welcome. For further info please call Mary at 519-238-5640.
Wednesday, January 30
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC
Men Can Cook. Monthly cooking class with Dietitian Miranda Burgess. To register call 519-238-1556 ext. 222
Thursday, January 31
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Grand Bend CHC
Diabetes Support Program. Bring a diabetes friendly potluck dish to share. Contact Aileen Knip Diabetes Educator for details 519-238-1556 ext 226
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