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Canada, Wat shake your hand. rChatterBox --- NOT by J. Peter Hvidsten It's been almost two years since I last tortured myself to the extent I did one afternoon a few weeks ago. Not only was it a brutal punishment of my mind and body, but also that of the three others who accompanied me through nine-holes-of-hell. An ordeal I have vowed will not be repeated until a considerable amount of practice has been experienced at the hand of a "pro". : I am sure part-time players of the game of golf will sympathize with me as I take you on a trip down the fairways, or more accurately, through the bush along the edge of the fairways at the Bowmanville Golf course. It all started when the James boys of Bowman- ville, invited my father and I to spend a few hours of leisure on the turf. I knew Dad spent quite a few hours on the course, and that his game had not really become a threat to the likes of Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, etc., so I figured I could probably hold my own with him, i And having been informed that this would be the first game of the year for John Jr., and that the senior version of the son didn't really play that much anymore, I felt that I would be in good company. The thing I didn't realize was how bad you become when you haven't picked up a golf club for two years. They weren't any better than I had expected...I was just a heck of alot worse. At the course, the first nine holes being already crowded with a company tournament, we decided to take up the challenge of the back nine. A-decision we would live to regret, for this part of the course was not fully groomed and the fairways were not much wider than He Nonquon River, and just about that straight as well, Being courteous I let the others tee-off first. John Sr. went to the mound, teed-up his ball and wha-a-a-a- ck. Straight down the fairway. 'Beautiful shot," everyone exclaimed. i The second of the old-timers then took his position, spaced his legs...took dead aim...and swa-a-a-ck. Another good shot. Not quite as far, but piraight down the fairway and heading for the first e. : Then John Jr. made his way to the tee-off area. He's a tall, physical looking type of lad, the kind you would expect could really clobber ball. And he can. When that ball left the tee, I was beginning to think we would never dee it again, but we did...very close to the green. A SRR EN i 3 recalling the lesson I took to correct it, I approached the mound. Grabbed a tee out of my pocket and placed it along with the ball into the ground. Standing back a step, a few practice swings gave me the confidence to address the ball. Then my mind become boggled with the technical- ities of the game...keep your eyes on the ball...elbow straight...ball between your legs...tight grip on the club, and many, many more. Feeling a surge of drenolin I drew the club back in a smooth flowing motion and hit the ball. TWACK! It felt good. It even looked good for about half a second, and-then it started on its arcing curve which took it past a clump of trees, over the road and onto the front lawn of a home neigh the course. This was just the start. The first shot and already my confidence drained from my disillusioned body. By the time we reached the first green, I had lost one ball and had 12 strokes to count. Even using winter rules didn't help, a) The second and third holes were much the same. sharp curve to the right and into the rough. And my chipping and putting were not much better. By the time we reached the ninth tee-off, we were just that, "teed-off"'. It was hot, we were scratched and bitten from walking half the distance in the bush, and were quite happy to be heading up\ the last fairway. Xi N It was here that I decided to give an all-out effort and really clobber the ball. Forgetting all the rules that hadn't worked for me the Jast eight Ye x quickly walked up to the ball, took d and swung that $3.00driver of mine at the ball, And hit it, I did. The best hit I had all day...but like the other it had a homing instinct for the bush. So far into the bush it went, I just teed-up again and repeated the performance, And even the third ball headed in the same direction. t Now down to my last ball, I decided to be a little more careful and picked it up and threw it about 75 yards, counting the roll, down the course. It was back at the fifth hole that the score card had been thrown away, but even so, a mental score indicated that it had been a very bad day. The only thing that made it all seem worthwhile was sitting at a clubhouse table later si Aa If there are any g out there reading about this account of my golf trip...I would like to inform you that I lost 15 balls that day, and they are all somewhere between thq ninth and 19th hole. If you want .them...you can have them.' I won't be needing them for a long, long time. u a SS Gl Need Warning Ignorance can be a costly experience, as: was demonstrated last Wednesday when work crews shut-off water service on Queen Street for a brief period. We are referring to the neglect by township officials to notify the local businesses of the proposed interruption of service. And this is not the first time it has happened. Occasionally in the past, the same procedure has been followed...turn it off (water), and worry about the complaints later. At least one local establishment has found this procedure can be a costly one in breakage of equipment and rescheduling of patients. "Some equipment relies entirely on a constant supply of water to keep it cool. The Interruption In the service causes the machine 'to over-heat, result- ing In costly damage. Last week, this damage was averted when it was quickly noticed that the water had been shut-off. They were not quite so lucky on another occasion when the machine overheated, tubes were ruined and water flooded the floor. This could easily have been avoided by notification that a stoppage of water service would take place. The businesses and -residents that receive their water from the Port Perry well are paying for the service and deserve to know when there will be an interruption. ; Not only that...it's good public relations. Canada Week _ Taking Canada for granted Is one of our national pastimes, that, and discussing the weather or the latest sports scores. It Is no secret that Canadians are apathetic, at least on the surface, when it comes to expressing themselves about Canada. CANADA WEEK 1977 is the eighth consecutive year that Canadians from coast to coast and In the northern territories will be celebrating all things Canadian. Through the "happy 'celebrations of CANADA WEEK we are forging a new, healthy kind, of nationalism. A unity out of diversity. Last year Canadians in about one thousand communities participated in hundreds of activities in. celebration of Canada. This phenomenon must surely represent one of the greatest grass roots efforts by thousands of volunteers from one end of the country to the other. The spirit that motivates these people is as diverse as the activities of CANADA WEEK itself. Or it is time to meet others, from neighbours to people across town or across the country. A time to realize that there are things which bind us together as Canadians. ' To others, it is a celebration. A party. A time to set aside the day-to-day problems and concentrate on the positives. : To some, it is a simple and quiet manifestation of faith. Faith in the country and a renewal of a deep determination to keep Canada united come what may. To recognize that there Is a bedrock of unity which can never be shaken. That problems of graphic differen- ces, regional disparities, language and cultural differ ences are present but will never shake the foundation of one Canada. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world would like to live in Canada, because Canada Is a country with a dazzling potential. Canada Is a blend of the old and the new. It combines North American initiative' with the qualities of other civilizations to make a unique Canadian way of life. We must make certain it stays that way. And that is why the Council for Canadian Unity organizes 'CANADA WEEK and encourages Canadians at this birthday period to show pride in Canada, promote national unity and encourage dialogue and under- standing among Canadians. CANADA WEEK Is a remarkably positive force. It is a time of tolerance, goodwill and understand- ing. It is also a time for thanksgiving - Canadians have much for which to be thankful. : To some, It Is fostering pride. Pride: in the accomplishments of their community and the country. To others, It is a time fo rémember. To reflect on our cultural heritage and diversity. A time - to show off the skills and the culture their ancestors brought to this country. As a Canadian, what can you do? You can fly a flag, or dance, sing, twirl a baton, or march in a parade. Say hello to your neighbour from across town or across the country. Take a trip or sponsor a student exchange. But, whatever you do, put your heart into it! «