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"A Family Tradition for 130 Years" Greenbank country singer getting back in the swing By Heather McCrae Special to the Star Shania ' Twain. Terri Clarke. Tanya Tucker. These hot names in coun- try singing have all been an inspiration to Heidi Howsam; more now than ever before. On Oct. 30 the Green- bank woman won a coun- try singing competition in Oshawa. Mrs. Howsam now goes on to compete in bigger and better things at the finals on Dec. 11. And there are some great priz- es to be won. First prize is a two- demo recording package donated by Oshawa re- cording stodic Cradle To Rave. : Second prize is similar, but limited to one demo while third prize is a mi- crophone donated by Long and McQuade of Oshawa. Singing has always been a part of Mrs. How- sam's life. The only one in her family who's musically inclined, she began sing- ing at 10, entering her first contest six years later at the Simcoe County Ca- nadian Open. Chuckling now, Mrs. Howsam says she came away from that competi- 'tion "almost last." Un- daunted, she strove for better things and the pay off came-two years later when the country singer came second in the Cana- dian Open. Mrs. Howsam's talents also paved the road for a honeymoon trip in 1991. The week before her marriage to Brad Howsam that July, Mrs. Howsam won the country singing contest at Port Perry's Festival Days, netting a honeymoon trip to Nash- ville. Now 26 and the mother of two young sons, Robert and Keith, Mrs. Howsam helps her husband run their Greenbank farm and works at a hair salon in Brooklin one day a week. That's a busy schedule, but she finds time to prac- tice her singing a couple of hours daily. "The kids love to dance and sing when I've got my musicon," she says. Mrs. Howsam's also a singer with the popular country band, Chaser. Two other local musi- cians are in the five- member band: They're guitar player Rob Powell of Columbus, and Scugeg The Second Hand for Kids and oth er freasures -- Gently Worn Children's Clothing Sold on Consignment 159 Casimir St., Unit 2 (just off Water St.) Port Perry 985-7795 HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm Swim Instruction for all ages JULIE GOODWIN, ECE. Cert. Over 15 years experience & research in aquatics be AS 16625 Old Simcoe Rd., Port Perry Island's Mark Doughty, lead singer and guitarist. "It's a thrill to sing," Mrs. Howsam says, add- ing, "I can't knit or sew, so Imay as well sing." And her husband has al- ways given his 100 per cent approval. "For an old fashioned guy, he's really supportive of my singing," she said. "If it makes me happy, then he's happy, too." The ph "at 'the Cor- ral was the first one Mrs. Howsam's been in since Keith was born two years ago. Supported by many of their friends and family that night, "it felt s-0-0-0 good to get out and per- form again." Although she hasn't 'quite decided what she'll sing at the finals on Dec. 11, earlier she wowed the judges with her renditions of Don't Throw Us Away, an original by Patty Love- less, and Linda Ronstadt's When Will I Be Loved. Like all country singers, Mrs. Howsam 'has her idols. Among these are Terri Clarke, Shania Twain and Tanya Tucker, "but the late Patsy Cline is my favorite" she says. Christmas Season. After inside and see the new Che Kids make a craft. sponsored by For more information call 985-3589 HEE EE EEE EEE WE EERE EEE EEE | Port Perry SNOB ii. __ Country Collectibles & Decorative Art Supplies GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE xi. # Folk Art Supplies ¥ Stencils ® Old Tyme Teddies & Santas #¥ Wood Products ® Scented Candles We will willingly order any craft supplies that you mayneed Come and visit us this weekend! Enjoy a "break" with the family and see us when your car needs: » Custom Exhaust Repair Custom Bending Brake Service e Shocks Springs Port Perry MUFFLER & 43 BRAKE SHOP : Gh? | 141 Perry St., CUSTOM BENDING 985-0074 N19 Perry St., Port Perry