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Students Observe Earth Day 2013 at Bluewater Coast E.S.

23 Apr
Students at Bluewater Coast Elementary School observe Earth Day, April 22, 2013

Students at Bluewater Coast Elementary School observe Earth Day, April 22, 2013

by Diva Kerri Gingerich

It’s Earth Week and the hallways were dim as staff and students at Bluewater Coast Elementary began their week-long campaign to create awareness for the state of the environment and what we can do to help protect it.   Monday’s morning announcements began like this:

“Remember every day is Earth Day,

Whether it’s cold or wet or hot.

Pitch in to save the planet,

It’s the only one we’ve got.”

And that was just the beginning.  In addition to a one-hour ‘lights out’ campaign, students dressed in blue and green and Ms. MacDonald’s grade 2-3 class was even spotted picking up litter in lieu of their regularly scheduled gym class.

Our kids are watching us. If you care about the next generation and the future of our planet, make a commitment to form an earth-friendly habit today.  Everything we do, does have an impact on the future, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at the time.

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Return of the Tundra Swans signifies Spring’s on its way

28 Mar
Tundra Swans stop in Huron County during their spring migration back to the Canadian Arctic. PHOTO BY DAVE BISHOP

Tundra Swans stop in Huron County during their spring migration back to the Canadian Arctic. PHOTO BY DAVE BISHOP

If you live along the lakeshore, particularly in South Huron or Bluewater in Huron County, you’re familiar with the distinct whistling of the Tundra Swan as they migrate back north to their summer home in the Canadian arctic.  They winter along the Altantic Coast  from Maryland to South Carolina.

These magnificent birds are also called the “whistling swan,”  not because of its voice but due to the sound made by the slow, powerful beating of the bird’s wings in flight.  They grow quickly and may weigh 28 times their birth weight by the time it reaches 70 days old.   They usually form in  pairs and “go steady” for a year before breeding.

Source:  Hinterland’s Who’s Who

Photos by Dave Bishop, used with thanks.    Watch for more of Dave’s work coming out soon in a photographic history of Huron County.  (Keep tuned to Ontario Travel Divas for launch information)

DWB_3477

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In Search of Spring

4 Mar

Trista enjoying the colours and blooms in the Greenhouseby Diva Trista Russell

It’s finally March, and the countdown is on to spring and warmer weather. I had received an email newsletter from a local greenhouse, Huron Ridge Acres, and decided to visit and go in search of some signs that spring will soon be here!

Fun fact: 2013 marks 40 years in the greenhouse business for Huron Ridge. They are having some special promotions to celebrate their anniversary, so head to their website (www.huronridge.ca) to keep tabs on any deals.

Today (March 2nd) they had a special one-day sale on primulas (2 for the price of 1), so I decided to head out and pick up a couple of plants. They come in a variety of vibrant colours, and the best thing is that you can enjoy their colours inside your home until it’s warm enough to plant them outside. While you’re at the greenhouse, be sure to meet Huron Ridge’s resident cat, Princess. She’s very friendly!

While the majority of flowers and plants won’t be available until after Spring arrives, I noticed that right now they sell a variety of pots, seeds, fertilizers, indoor potted plants, gardening tools and accessories. They also had lots of bright coloured decorative containers, which are a perfect addition to an Easter centrepiece!

Another fun fact: on Tuesdays and Fridays during the winter months, Huron Ridge lets visitor use the sidewalks in their over 50,000 square feet of greenhouses to enjoy the sun and get some exercise.

During March Break, they offer workshops for “little gardeners” for only $5 a child which includes supplies and a snack. Check out this link for more details: http://www.huronridge.ca/pdfs/spring_break_workshops.pdf

Starting March 1st, they are open 6 days a week, Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 9 to 3pm. The greenhouse is located at 74101 Bronson Line, just outside Zurich.

Remember, less than 3 weeks until the first day of Spring!

Website: http://www.huronridge.ca

Email: info@huronridge.ca

Follow Huron Ridge on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HuronRidgeCarol

Like Huron Ridge on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Huron-Ridge-Acres

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Winter Fun Festival in Grand Bend

19 Feb
Jim & Eleanor enjoy the Pancake Breakfast hosted by at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival 2013

Jim & Eleanor Weigand enjoy their Pancake Breakfast prepared by the Grand Bend Fireman at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival, 2013.

GRAND BEND FIREMAN’S BREAKFAST 

ONE OF THE BEST IN THE AREA

Once we made it to the food, it was easy to see why the lineup for the Fireman’s Breakfast in Grand Bend this past Sunday was out the door.  I am not the most patient person when it comes to waiting in line but this one was definitely well worth the wait.

The food was excellent, and there was plenty of it including bacon, sausage, pancakes, scrambled eggs, home fries, toast, and orange juice and coffee to drink.  There were a large number of Fire Fighters and volunteers on hand to keep up with the crowd, including Sparky the Fire Dog who did his best to keep the children entertained.

The Grand Bend Fireman’s Breakfast is an annual event and is held in conjunction with the Grand Bend Winter Carnival.  For more information, e-mail gbwintercarnival@gmail.com

Ah, comfort food!

Ah, comfort food!

Winter Fun at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival 2013

Winter Fun at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival 2013

More Winter Fun -- Snow pitch at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival 2013

More Winter Fun — Snow pitch at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival 2013

Sparky visits the Grand Bend Winter Carnival.

Sparky the Fire Dog with Ryan Willert at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival.

Ice Sculptures at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival 2013.

Ice Sculptures at the Grand Bend Winter Carnival 2013.

Photos and Text by Diva Kerri Gingerich
February 2013

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Huron County’s Rich Aviation History

21 Oct

By Diva Trista Russell

Huron County may be known for its rich agricultural lands, but one thing you may not realize is that this area has rich military history too! I took a drive and discovered that the Huron County Museum celebrates this history with an exhibit at the Goderich Airport.

The Sky Harbour Gallery details the history of the airport and the role it played during WWII. The airport served as a training school for pilots, known as Elementary Flying School No. 12.  The Gallery may be small, but the room is filled with intereting history. Lots of artifacts from veterans are on display, including uniforms, equipment, class pictures, actual log notes, and more. There’s even a hide-away area for viewing videos.

The entrance to the Gallery is on the lower floor of the Goderich Airport building. The Goderich Airport is north of Goderich, off Provincial Hwy. 21. The Gallery is open year round, but it’s recommended that you call the Airport for operating hours (519-524-2915). Admission is by donation.

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Good Times in the Mud

27 May

By Diva Trista Russell

Yesterday I had the chance to check out the 2012 South Huron Mud Bogg’n event in Exeter. If you like ATVs and mud, then this is the event for you! There was riders of all ages racing in the mud pits, which goes to show that we never stop loving to play in the mud as we get older! It was especially fun to watch the young kids race.

After doing some research, I found out that mud bogging is popular off-road motorsport in Canada. Riders attempt to drive a four-wheeled vehicle through the entire length of a mud pit, in the fastest time possible. After seeing more than a few riders get stuck, I’m convinced that it’s harder than it looks to steer through the mud.

I was really impressed to see such a large number of volunteers helping out throughout the day. With the great sunny weather and the spectactors cheering on the local riders, the atmosphere at Mud Bogg’n was definitely very exciting and entertaining!

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Looking for a fascinator? Marita’s has them!

6 May

By: Divas Jenna Ujiye and Maegan Reinhart

You just never know what you might find when shopping at Marita’s Fashion Boutique in Clinton. While on a quick shopping trip we thought we would check out the new stock at this great women’s clothing store. The front window was lit up with bright spring colours of red, orange, blue and white and we knew there was going to be something for us.

While looking at all the great fashions we found some great dresses and, the best part, beautiful fascinators! We have been looking for great head pieces for when we head to the live races at the Clinton Race track. Jenna ended up buying the whole outfit, she just couldn’t resist. The prices were excellent, the dress was $60.00 and the fascinator was $24.95.

We even found a little friend who like the fascinators as well and she modeled the white one for us! Maegan tried on a great dress and is still contemplating on whether to go back and buy it.

Just as we were about to leave we found these great spring jackets in blue and red… our favourite colours! They weren’t even out on display yet, but they allowed us to try them on. We didn’t buy them, but will likely return next week to get them, as they won’t be there for long!

If you are looking for a new piece to add to your wardrobe, Marita’s probably has it. They are located at 15 Victoria St, Clinton, ON.

Mon: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue – Fri: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Tornado Relief Discount Cards

18 Jan

Hey All,

This is Miss Diva Kaylie herself,

I just wanted to let you all know that I have created a discount card for the Tornado Relief Fund.  The card is $10 with the proceeds going directly back to the Relief Fund. On the back of the card there are 12 different discounts offered from local businesses.

The idea of the card is not only to raise money for the community but to also help businesses get back on their feet.

Other businesses that were not directly affected by the tornado still wanted to lend a helping hand and were more than happy to offer a deal/discount in order to help Goderich out.

So far the cards are being sold at Cravings, The Bistro, Shanahan’s Meats, Goderich Chiropractic, and by ME!

I will have more businesses selling them in the next few days and I will keep you posted, but for now these 4 businesses have them for sale!

The card includes:

Thyme on 21: Free dessert with the purchase of any dinner entrée on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Unlimited Use

Shanahan’s Quality Meats: Spend $25 and receive FREE SOUP! Unlimited Use

Boston Pizza: 10% off entire purchase (excluding alcohol, Goderich location only) Unlimited use

Little Bowl: Unlimited bowling Monday-Thursday from 8-11 for $9.95. Unlimited Use

Goderich Sunset Golf Club:  2 for 1 golf! Free 18 holes with the purchase of 18. One time use

Cravings: One free small ice cream. One time use

The Old Mill: 10% off any regular priced items

Woodland Golf Course: Free 18 holes with the purchase of 18. One time use

The Bistro: Buy 1 entrée get the 2nd at half price.  2 time use

ADS Asphalt: 10% off and asphalt. Unlimited Use

Bluewater Pizza: 10% off entire purchase. Unlimited Use

Brianne Webber Photography: 20% off shoot with free album call 226-777-3811 to book

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Measuring Cups and Baby Dolls

7 Jan

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

A few weeks ago I went on a quick shopping spree with my friend Calleigh. She is 2.5 years old, so I knew I had to create an experience for her, that would make shopping fun for the both of us. Our first stop was to visit Sarah at Something Irresistible, where I typically don’t leave without a new dress or shirt! On this day, we left with chocolate kisses in our pockets!

Our next stop was to visit Kulpeppers. Right away Calleigh picked out some very colourful measuring cups, it was like she knew I needed new ones! All of the interesting items in the store made for a great trip. We picked out some awesome organic crackers (which I ended up leaving for Calleigh and her mom) and a pair of non-stick tongs.

Our next stop was Fincher’s and all of the wonderful toys and books! As soon as we walked to the basement Calleigh grabbed the mini grocery cart, a baby doll and baby carrier. She proceeded to walk around the store and rock the baby to sleep. I highly recommend visiting Fincher’s as the staff was great and I was able to pick up a few items without having a bored kid with me.

Our final stop was to get lunch. We stopped in to J’s Bistro for a nice chicken salad. Calleigh was only interested in the croustini that came with the dish, so I quickly ate knowing that Calleigh would still need to eat something when we got to her house. All in all this was a great morning of shopping and we made some great purchases.

For more information on any of the above businesses visit www.shopinhuron.ca

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A diva and her happy feet

15 Dec

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

While on my travels of Downtown Goderich I, of course, stopped in to Wuerth Shoes. This store has been around for as long as I can remember. Not only do they have great shoes, boots, slippers, purses and more, they have beautiful window displays.They put their pretty products on display and lure me in to the store every time I pass by.

On this trip I quickly visited with the ladies working and then spent some time exploring. Winter may not have arrived yet, but it will and if you are in need of warm and protective, yet fashionable boots Wuerth Shoes has them!

142 Court House Sq  Goderich, ON N7A 1M9, Canada – (519) 524-7432

Their current hours are:

Monday – Thursday 9am-6pm

Friday – 9am-8pm

Saturday – 9am – 5pm

Sunday – 11am – 3pm

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