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Ee, PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 7, 1992 - 35 "A Family Tradition for 126 Years" . MARNIE LUKE / PORT PERRY STAR Local farmer Ralph Honey, pictured with Keith Robinson (left) and son Allan Honey (right), examines the dry soil and corn stalks, which should be knee height by this time of year. Scugog Chamber of Commerce 20th Annual J THE SCUGOG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE FESTIVAL DAYS COMMITTEE THANK THE ONTARIO LOTTERY CORPORATION FOR THEIR COMMUNITY PARTNER MOBILE STAGE. "Together we're making good things happen!" Ontario Lottery Corporation Ractisd don inftorton do M'Onincts Cool, dry weather takes its toll on farmers' crops By Marnie Luke Port Perry Star Ralph Honey will not soon forget 1992. In his 20 years as a farmer, he's never seen a grow- ing season as dry as this one. His corn stalks are less than half the height they were last year, the soil is bone dry, and the days don't seem to be get- ting any warmer. "It's a real problem. If there's another frost, the crops may not even mature. That'll mean a big cut back in the cash flow," Mr. Honey said. He is just one of the many lo- cal farmers who is experiencing the devastating effects of poor weather conditions. Agriculture Representative John Finlay of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, said a cold, dry season is hindering crop growth. Herbicides used to kill weeds are also causing growth delays, as they do not serve their pur- pose in cold temperatures. Many crops, such as corn, berries, cabbage and cauliflow- er, are two to three weeks be- Many celebrate birthdays hind in growing this year. "The corn should be knee high by July 1, but because of the lack of heat and rainfall, it's only a couple of inches tall," Mr. Finlay said. He said the unfavorable weather will result in lower crop yields and poorer quality produce. Hail storms are yet another problem which often force farm- ers to sell damaged apples at a third of the regular price, to be used for apple juice. The farmers' first crop of the season normally sells for a high price, because consumers are anxious to buy fresh produce. But now, the first crop will not be local, meaning farmers will lose out on early sales. Mr. Finlay said farmers may be forced to sell some produce at an estimated 20 per cent less than that which is already on the market. "Most farmers rely on fruit and vegetable sales for their in- comes. Many are just hanging on now, and they can't afford a yield or price decline," he said. But there are some crops Go A ol Seagrave News dA Special happy birthday greet- ings to Jeffrey Blair and Aman- da Hill {cutie like her mother) who are six years old. Happy birthday to Bailey Evans who turned five on July 3. Happy birthday Gretal Cameron and many many more! (From an old friend). Belated happy birthday to Alicia McDonald, hope you had a good one. Welcome home to Katherine Cooke who recently went to Ea- gle Lake Hockey Opportunity Camp where they held their first ever ringette camp. She met lots of new friends and had a great time. Festival Days is starting this week in Port Perry, plan to at- tend, take the whole family and have a great weekend! We will be having warm and sunny weather! Best wishes to the Salkeld family who are moving away af- ter many years in Robinglade Estates to the Ottawa area. Higgins and Clark mites ball team won their first game last Monday 12-8. Congratulations! The "Continental" singers are at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church tonight at 7 p.m., don't Strawberries & entertainment in Sunderland on Fri., July 10 The Sunderland and District Historical Society presents Strawberry Time on Friday, July 10 from 6-8 p.m. The event, which features a strawberry dessert and enter- tainment, will be held at the Sunderland Fairgrounds (rain location Sunderland Town Hall). Admission is $4. For informa- tion and/or tickets, please call 357-2476 or 357-2556. miss this choir of 38 young peo- ple who travel internationally. You will be inspired and blessed! Freewill offering only. You will see the closest thing to Cullen Gardens by visiting Ron and Norma Douglas' yard - thanks for all your hard work, you have brightened the neigh- borhood with your beautiful gardens! Just a reminder about what Dianne Cooke said last week about Block Parents - if you go away on holidays remember to take your sign down until you get back. This is an important service in our community and we appreciate all of you. Seagrave Church News The Seagrave Church Ses- sion conducted the service on Sunday which was led by the which can withstand these un- seasonably cool temperatures. Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and potatoes are all cold weath- er crops, and although they too are late growing this year, they should be able to survive an- other unexpected frost. Another plus for farmers is the fact that the fresh produce industry is ane of the few which has not suffered during these recessionary times. Recent health trends are leaning towards diets consist- ing of more fruits and vegeta- bles, and less fatty foods. "Foodland Ontario surveys indicate that there has been a tremendous change over the past 10 years. Fresh produce is in great demand now," Mr. Fin- lay said. } . The Cancer Society has onl re-asserted that trend with its recent announcement advising North Americans to eat five servings of fruit and vegetables per day. This is welcome news to farmers like Ralph Honey, but a forecast for rain would be even better. Clerk of Session, Eleanor Stur- man, assisted by Neil Wana- maker and Lawrence Nicholls. Ivan Barrett played some num- bers on his keyboard which was enjoyed by everyone. Lawrence Nicholls gave the message "Journeys, Dreams and Vi- sions." Communion service will be observed next Sunday, July 12. Happy birthday to Marjory Chambers, Craig Beacock, Paul Wanamaker, Lawrence Ni- cholls and Clarke Ross. Brandon Puckrin enjoyed his first plane ride and went to Florida for a week's visit with his cousins in Naples. Hope you had a great time. Congratulations to Jason Sandison on making the dean's list at Acadia University in Nova Scotia. Jason is a grand- son of Alma and Pete Metheral of Seagrave. Call Dianne Cooke next week with your exciting summertime news at 985-3722! Weather co-operated for i a 7 i on / Greenbank News by Helen McKea TTT " ' i i i The Greenbank Sunday ser- vice at church was held out- doors and the picnic lunch was well attended. Even the weath- er co-operated. This is our first announce- ment of the "Greenbank Annual Beef Barbecue." This year the price is the same as last year - $9 for adults. However the price per ticket will be $11 if pur- chased at the gate. The big event is July 31 at 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is one event of the year when all Greenbank natives get to work. Come and join the congregation for good food and fine fellowship. The regular monthly euchre will be held on July 10 in Green- bank Hall. Everyone is wel- outdoor service come. : More vandalism is reported right here in Greenbank. For the second time the "Canadian Flag" has been stolen from the Liz and Ray Perry's home. What do they want with an- other flag? There is to be an old fash- ioned picnic, sponsored by S.C.O.P.E. on Sunday, July 12 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 640 Blue Mountain Road (Conc. 13), east of Marsh Hill. Adults - $5 each 16 and over and children free. Every one of Velma Foster's neighbors are wishing good health to her and hoping she will be home soon. Dana Hooker and Amanda Robinson went on a canoe trip with their Pathfinder Unit for four days to the Lake Kenisis area. Please phone me with your news at 985-2944. We really are nosy and like to hear all about your visitors and happenings in the Greenbank area.