The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Winter in the Country More on Wye Marsh saga Dear Editor: Enclosed, please find a copy of a letter sent today by the Huronia Tourist Association to the Prime Minister of Canada concerning the closing of the Wye Marsh Wildlife Interpretation Centre. We would appreciate your reporting this letter to assist us in our efforts to achieve the reversal or modification of this decision. In an effort to assure the future of the Wye Marsh Wildlife Interpretation Centre as part of the County of Simcoe's tourism attractions and assets, the Huronia Tourist Association is working closely with the Friends of the Wye Marsh, the local municipalities, and other interested groups in an Ad Hoe Committee. Should you have any questions concerning the importance of this facility to the Midland Area and the entire Huronia tourist industry, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Yours in Huronia Hospitality, HURONIA TOURIST ASSOCIATION Doug Little, Manager Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister of Canada, Parliament Building, House of Commons, OTTAWA, Ontario KIA 0A6 Dear Mr. Prime Minister, On behalf of the Executive, Board of Directors, and the four hundred members of the Huronia Tourist Association, I wish to express our concern and regret over the recent decision of Environ- ment Canada to close the Wye Marsh Wildlife Interpretation Centre in Midland, Ontario, as part of cutbacks in the Canadian Wildlife Service, effective April 1, 1985. While the Association appreciates the general spirit and intent behind the federal restraint programmes, it is our contention that the closing of the Wye Marsh Centre would be counter- productive to the best interests of tourism in Huronia. For your information, tourism contributes approximately five hundred million dollars each year to the County of Simcoe economy as a result of this region's appealing mix of bountiful natural resources and diverse attractions. As a wildlife sanctuary that attracts 40,000 visitors annually (of all ages), the Wye Marsh Wildlife Interpretation Centre is recognized in this region as a viable part of Huronia's tourism matrix. Yearly operating expenditures of one-quarter of a million dollars is not that significant given the centre's economic and social benefits to the Midland community and beyond. The Huronia Tourist Association would strongly urge the federal government to reconsider its position on the Wye Marsh Interpretation Centre. Failing a reversal in Environment Canada's position, we would request that consideration be given to a more conciliatory approach such as a gradual phase out over a two-to-three year period. This would facilitate more joint dialogue between How often have you marvelled at winter's beauty? Fifteen Canadian artists have consuming technique of pointillism for his works ""Snowbound"' and "In Search of Sanctuary". Is captured on canvas Pie Menger and oil painters Colebrook and Mitch Keirstead and Samir Ghanem. the different levels of government and the private sector in the long-term interests of the centre. We would be most grateful for your personal consideration of this matter and look forward to an acceptable resolution in the interest of tourism in captured it on canvas for "Winter in the Country", an exhibition and sale at the Kortright Nancy Gray Ogle and W. David Ward, on the other hand, wildlife; Nancy used Winter scenes take on a more abstract look in Terrence Petryshyn's "Winter Landscapes No. 1 - No. 4", Mary focus on Yistoas Christmas joy to one and all. Thank you for your loyal support. 45 years of old-fashioned Customer ~ Service CUMMING- NICHOLSON 239 King St., Midland 526-5861 Page 8, Monday, December 24, 1984 Huronia. Yourstruly, Centre for --_ Con- Robert D. Kennedy, servation, running daily President, until Jan. 13. Huronia Tourist Association CG: Mr. Doug Lewis, 'Environment Here come the judge(s) Just like Santa, four Elmvale villagers have taken on some special duties for the Christmas season. The tradition of choosing the property with the best Christmas display has been organized again this year by the Chamber of Commerce and the Village Council. Following their own paths within the village limits, the four judges are out taking notes while they compare the decorations at night and during the day. "Ive never seen as high a per- centage of lights in other places I've lived,' says Judge Carrie Nesbitt, a seven year resident of Elmvale, Nesbitt is impressed by the colour co- ordination of lights while she is scoring each house from one to 10. Judge Edna Langman, the Chamber of Commerce Treasurer, prefers traditional nativity scenes that portray the real meaning of Christmas. : Councillor Don Hocken also likes the Christmas scenes, but with three years judging experience he is also likely to notice when an owner has taken some original effort to enhance M.P. Simcoe North Madame Suzanne Blais-Grenier, Minister of the Each artist has reflected "winter"' in a unique manner. Lorne McDermott chose the exacting and _ time- what is unique about his property. Another experienced judge and a Chamber member from past year, Ella McKnight, looks for the artistry in each display. But like her three friends, McKnight is judging each property in the categories of design, eye appeal, and originality. While it will likely take the judges until our next paper to decide upon the winners, they already agree on the difficulty of their task. McKinght remembers how much easier it was to be a judge four or five years ago when people just displayed a tree or a few lights. She believes the annual competition has inspired Elmvale to become more creative and dramatic with its decorating. Each judge has found it necessary to make three trips down every street all around town. They want to be sure| everyone's display is considered, and Hocken claims he has to see each home from several angles to make a fair decision. The winners from past years know that the house with the most lights does not necessarily get the prize. 12 Yuletide days eCont. from P6 Today, of course, this ritual, like so many others, is a thing of the past. But it is unfortunate that we do not, for the most part, even remember the existence of customs which were, for our ancestors, of great significance: central to their observance and understanding of their religion. each custom or tradition remembered enriches Fer, iy _,easurably our understanding, and deepens our appreciation ut the heritage which has made us what we are. ) GOOD TIDINGS -- Let 'happiness and goodwill abound during this most joyous of holidays. Charlie & Gene Colling, Yorkton Securities Inc., 536 Dominion Avenue, Midland, Ontario 526-8449 pastels for her por- trayals of percherons Dawn Roberts' 'First and a red fox, while Snow on the David's bobeat and Madawaska" and mule deer were done in' Lorraine Surcouf's acrylic. '"'Watercress in Win- Among the realistic ter". landscape artists figure Liz Lesperance, Brent All forty pieces Townsend, Marcello original artwork, which Febbo and Vic Gibbons, can be _ purchased all of whom work in through the Gift Shop, acrylic, watercolourists express a feeling of Walter Campbell and ' rural tranquilty. COC CO OC CCC OT OC COCO CT OCC CC C8 Se ew owe Da a a Sa Sid is. Ys Ys, Yd i, YO, x Yh ¢ Wishing you all the joys of the Season -- Good health, good friends, good cheer! From the management & staff at ws MiOL AND 723 King St., Midland 7 ™% 7 PO. Oa a On Me Oo, Mn 2% a Ga%. . W. Mn Wa Ge We He BB. Wa Ga BaD. B.D. Ba B. Bn Bo SEASON'S CBEST We wish you an old- fashioned Christmas full of good cheer. Sincere thanks for your patronage. ,»-->» 7 ' Shrine, off Hwy 12 Open Daily 11 a.m. to 10p.m. Located 2 miles past os