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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1970-03-26, Page 14Please Hear What I'm Not Saying Don't be fooled by me. Don't be fooled by the face I wear. For i wear a mask, a thousand masks, masks that I'm afraid to take off, and none of them are me. , Pretending is an art that's second nature to me, but don't be footed, for God's sake don't be fooled. I give the impression that I'm secure, that all is sunny and unruffled with me, within as well as without, that confidence is my name and coolness my game, that the water's calm and I'm in command, and that I need no one. But don't believe me, Please. My surface may seem smooth, but my surface is my mask, my ever-varying and ever-concealing mask. Beneath lies no smugness, no complacence. Beneath lies the real me in confusion, in fear, in aloneness. But I hide this. I don't want anyone to know it. panic at the thought of my weakness and fear of being exposed. That's why I frantically create a mask to hide behind, a nonchalant sophisticated facade, to help me pretend, to shield me from the glance that knows. But such a glance is my salvation. My only salvation. And I know it. That is, if it is followed by acceptance, if it's followed by love. It's the only thing that will assure me of what I can't assure myself, that I am really worth something. But I don't tell you this. I don't dare. I'm afraid to. I'm afraid your glance will not be followed by acceptance and love. I'm afraid that you'll think less of me, that you'll laugh at me, and your laugh would kill me. I'm afraid that deep down. I'm nothing, that I'm no good, and that you will see this and reject me. So I play my game, my desperate pretending game, with a facade of assurance without, and a trembling child within. And so begins the parade of masks. And my life becomes a front. I idly chatter to you in the suave tones of surface talk. I tell you everything that is really nothing. So when I go through my routine, do not be fooled by what I'm saying. Please listen carefully and try to hear what I'm NOT saying, what I'd like to be able to say, what for survival I need to say, but what I can't say. I dislike hiding. Honestly. I dislike the superficial game I'm playing, a phony game. I'd really like to be genuine and spontaneous, and me, but you've got to help me. You've got to hold out your hand, even when that's the last thing I seem to want, or need. Only you can wipe away from my eyes the blank stare of breathing death. Only you can call me into aliveness. Each time you're kind, and gentle, and encouraging, each time you try to understand because you really care, my heart begins to grow wings, very small wings, very feeble wings, but wings. With your sensitivity and sympathy, and your power of understanding, you can breathe lif into me. I want you to know that. I want you to know how important you are to me, how you can be a creator of the person that is me if you choose to do so. Please choose to. You alone can break down the wall behind which I tremble, you alone can remove my mask. You alone can release me from my shadow world of panic and uncertainty, from my lonely prison. So do not pass me by. Please do not pass me by. It will not be easy for you. A long conviction of worthlessness builds strong walls. The nearer you approach me, the harder I strike back. It's irrational, but despite what the books say about man, I am irrational. I fight against the very thing that I cry out for. But I am told that love is stronger than strong walls, and in this lies my hope. My only hope. Please try to beat down those walls with firm hands, but with gentle hands — for a child is very sensitive. Who am I, you may wonder? I am someone you know very well. For I am every man you meet, and I am every woman you meet. Author Unknown December, 1969 The plight of rural churches BY WILMA OKE What's happening to rural people in the Huron-Perth Presbytery? This was the question that faced the more than one hundred United Church men and women who gathered in Northside United Church, Seaforth, on Friday for an evening of discussion on this very relevant subject. Gordon Hill, Varna, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, led the discussion with - a talk on Rural Living, followed by three members of a panel. They were Don Pullen, Clinton, Agricultural Representative for Huron County; Ross McPhail, RR 1, Cromarty, Warden of Perth County; and Rev, Douglas Erydon of Watford United Church,. Mr. Hill divided farmers into 'two groups. First there is the small group of successful farmers who pay their bills and run a trim operation, Then there is a larger or main group who are finding the going difficult. They are affected by the cost price squeeze. It is Significant that people are caught up in the cost price squeeze, the small town business and a large group of farmers. They resent the high standards Of living obtained by the well-to-do, This group often referred to by the farmers as "they" — bankers, big business, professional men, etc. Continuing, Mr. Hill said that farmers do not want to risk change of occupation because he fears the unknown situation that requires considerable adjustment oh his part, The farmer Who decides rather than give Up his farm to stay on, he maintains his acceptable "statue in his own Community tather than move out into a strange relationship, If the farina had been able to move into a he* Situation he would have been gone long ago. lie resents the diteurnstaticel that force him to stay where he is, while modern education facilities, for which he pays a high tax, take his children out of the rural situation into the urban way of life. "Why doesn't the farmer take some drastic action?" Mr. Hill asked and then answered that in some cases he has, but with dubious success. Mr. Hill said that farmers are so frequently on the brunt end of government policies on trade, especially imports and selling prices (wheat). Even today we find farmers themselves, being divided and thereby growing farther apart. However, resentment continues to grow. Is there any organization or institution able to help rural people in a worsening situation? What about the Church? They are unable to because they belong to the Establishment too. Mr. Hill said other difficulties are posed by Church attitudes that have become "institutionalized" rather than Christian. Christian people have to become involved in the "dirty" work of doing the job that needs to be done, Mr. Hill said that we must find out what the farmer's problem is before anything can be done, Then we mast get involved in farm organizations more than at present. Don Pullen, lira panelist to speak, agreed in most part with Mr. Hill and said that everyone has a different set of goals for which he is striving. The farmer is no exception. Mr. Putien'said that in Huron and Perth counties the farmers are in the over 60 years of age group and they will not attempt any other way of life at this' tage., Mr. Pullen said that Agricultural leaders are always willing to help fartriers in stringent SitUations., Warden McPhail said that many changes have Cottle about and more are in the offing. Possibly the Huron-Perth Presbytery has been showing us the way in the last three or four years. Two Presbyteries united (The Huron and the Perth Presbyteries amalgamated) and there have been many amalgamations achieved in rural churches. Mr. Brydon said the church and also the church member must be prepared to tackle the "gut" issues of the day. He said we are confused by the total situation presented to us today for which we do not have a solution. The number one problem today is how to learn to live in harmony. Following the speakers, an enthusiastic question and answer period continued on until after eleven o'clock. When a member of the audience remarked that we have to make the county Board of Education system work or we shall miss local control, Mr. Hill replied that money would only come through the Government, with the Government acting rather as a collection system, but that there would still be the local School Board, and it would not have to spend time worrying about collecting taxes. He said universities receive grants and the Government does not control them. ' Some of the other subjects considered were planning —local planning, regional planning and long-range planning; communication — the lack of it and misinterpretation Of it; keeping yonng people on the farm and not keeping them there. It was suggested similar Meetings to the one being held should be held on the local level — perhaps a morning church Service in this form of meeting. Rev, R. H. Dayhard, Mt 1, Staffa, was chairman for the meeting which he had arranged. 110 is chairman of the Rural Life Division of Huron,Perth PreabyterY„. This picture was taken a couple of days later and on the other side of the bridge showing two boxes of garbage someone thoughtlessly tossed on the ice. With the spring thaw, it will sink into the water to become one more piece of pollution. 11111111111111111111110111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111010111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Permissive society one of main causes of law-breaking BY BILL COX The subject of law and order is one that has been discussed in detail by law officers, politicians and the general public for quite some time. It would be very difficult to over-emphasize as it seems there is always some person committing a crime. Common crimes such as destruction of private property, break and entry, alcohol and traffic violations seem to be inherent to out society. Because of press coverage and ordinary rumor, people are becoming more and more involved in the concern for property and personal proteetion. This concern has manifested itself in many different and oft times directly opposite ways. The theories concerning law and order have varied ftom the More strict punishment for committing a crime to a revision Or even complete recession of certain laws. One obvious reaction to the concern for law and order is the re-oceuring rumor that the Ontario Provincial. Police are going to move In to "clean up the town.' Police Chief Lloyd WeStlake says this is illogical and very doubtful but does emphasize the elmiscious involvement of citizens on the blect, Chief Westlake says also that there is a genuine cause for concern in Clinton and everywhere else in Ontario as it is no less lawful here than any other town in the area. He thinks that one of the main causes of law-breaking is the permissive society that is part of today's life. "We have gone too far in too little time," the Chief says. "Five or six years ago there was one extreme of permitting nothing and now the other extreme of practically anything goes." He feels however, that this permissiveness will change and Please turn to Page 3A Poke Chief Westlake Pretty isn't it? This picture was taken recently at the south end of Clinton where the Bayfield river flows under the bridge on highway four. If we have one really scenic spot in Clinton, this is it. 4%, X.4.:Mft4 P:*:::%.,:•. • 1 ' Clinton News-Record 105th — CLINTON., ON:TAR IQ, — THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1970 5FCON.P. SeCTON ammaamemalinaillanaiainainilllIIIIIIIIIIIIIII111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110111111liallillliilaliiiiiiamillaallialiailiaiiiiiiiiiiiiiimaiiiiiiiiiialanminualonai Thomas Lions, who is also formerly from the Seaforth area. The oldest delegate at the rally was Charlie Barber, from Seaforth, who is 90 years old and still active in his club. to the Editor Letter Brute force and violence on the ice are definitely replacing the traditional hockey skills Of yesterday. Although the fancy stick handlers and big goal scorers are still attracting a certain amount of attention (and money), their popularity, particularly among the coaches of the NHL is on the wane. Today, with more and more emphasis being placed on "The Team", super-stars like Bobby Hull are being considered little more" than -expensive limelighters' -gliding- unconcernedly to the Hockey Hall of Fame, while their comrades literally battle it out for a 1971 play-off spot. Punch Imlach said it on the "Punch and Johnny Show." When asked for an opinion concerning a most recent, bloody, stick-swinging, penalty-ridden brawl, he said it was just great; he wouldn't have it any other way. He was anxious to enlarge but a program interrupted him. Parents concerned about their sons' moral integrity — or the state of their physiognomies — might be well,advised to avoid the Buffalo farm system. Then again, there is no reason to believe that Mr. Imlach's views are the exception in pro hockey. In fact, hockey at all levels is getting, to put it mildly, very rough. The hard-noses appear to be in the ascendancy. So what does the future hold for our sons? I thought you'd never ask. Gaze into my crystal hockey puck over here. Let's see now, what have we got? There's a calendar. The year is 1980. A smoke-clogged office. Four men are huddled around a table cluttered with paper. A plaque on the wall reads: Silo City Smashers, Smash U. Gladly, Coach. (The team was named in the coach's honor). Smash, the one with the cigar and the beefy face, speaks first: "Awright, where'd we leave off?" he demands. "Thumper Thompson, coach," answers one of his scouts, sliding a sheaf of paper under Smash's nose. "He's the one that had five goals, ten assists last year. Might have had more, but he did 210 in the penalty box, 175 for...let's see...slashing, high-sticking, and fighting. Also two three-game suspensions." "Oh, yeah. Well, he sounds alright to me. We'll sign him. Probably put him at centre to soften up those big defensemen, Who's next?" A clean-cut young man with wavy blonde hair and a friendly smile says: "Ronnie Canuck from Rochester; Smash. Eighty-five goals last year, 92 assists." The young man clears his throat as he hands Smash the dossier. "Ahem...uh...only four minutes in penalties." And we can hardly hear him as he adds: "No fights for three years." But the coach heard it, "What?' he roars, "No fights? Four minutes? What is this guy, a regular cream puff?" "But he skates real good coach, and..." "I don't care if he's shot from guns! A guy like that is poison to a new team. Prima donnas are bad business." He sneers, punching the paper with a finger. "This guy'll score a few goals, win the Lady Byng a coupla times, and he'll want a raise, Meantime, we're gettin' the pants beat off us 'cause we got no muscle on the line. You're new in this racket, Hull, but you gotta learn right away that guys like Canuck are lousy hockey players. Look at this," the coach snarls disgustedly. "The poor little fella wears a helmet. Why, he's still got all his teeth, for cryin' out loud! Ech!" Smash crumples the dossier and throws it over his shoulder, "Who's next?" he deinands, shaking his head sadly at scout Hull. "Here's One leaks like he's coming along, coach," answers Jones from across the table. "Another yeas in the rniriorS and he'll be ripe for the NHL. Defensetrian. Played twenty games last year, and had over a hundred hi the penalty box. Got a real temper, this boy, right at the drop of a puck, He's got so Many Scats his face looks like it WaS Made of wide-wale corduroy. Last game he was in, he took a poke at a linesman who nailed him for slashing, and when he got to the box he punched the announcer in the nose for gettin' his name wrong, Then one of the usherettes said something to him and he threw his stick at her, He was out for the rest of the season." "Now you're talkin'! This guy's got real spirit. Be good for morale. We can't get him this year?" "Afraid not, coach." "Why not? He's ready for the big time." "Well, he's got this thing about pain. Can't stand it, and it's gettin' worse." "So?" "Well, his mother's okayed a lobotomy on the kid..." "A what?" "A lobotomy, Smash. They operate on the brain and...well, look at Kilian Maulem. He had one a few years ago, Even before the operation he was like an alligator with an impacted molar. Then he got this pain thing, and slowed down a bit. But after the operation..." "Yeah! Yeah! I remember!" The coach pauses and gazes ecstatically at the ceiling. "Now he's so mean..,Oh, my God! Can we really get this kid?" The scout smiles knowingly. "He's i.n our farm system, Smash. Be ready next year." "Next year, eh? Well, that's alright. Another season downstairs and he'll be a real head hunter, Go sit over there, Hull. Jonesy, you come sit over here, beside me." Two hours later, the meeting is almost over. Only three men remain at the table. Scout Hull is sitting alone in a dark corner of the room, sobbing. A heap of crumpled dossiers, representing in the neighborhood of 700 goals, sits on the floor behind the coach. He speaks to his other two scouts: "With the eleven players selected so far a sort of theoretical team record can be projected. Look here. If Silo City had had a franchise last year, and these guys were all Smashers, we woulda had a total of 56 goals and 103 assists." "Gee, that would have been second best in the league, coach. Only the Canadiens can beat that!" "Don't mention those milk-sops in my office! Last time I saw those guys play, I thought I was watchin' the all-girl troupe outa the Ice Capades. Hmph! Three hundred and forty goals. We'll cut those valley Dam down next season, you A sneak preview of the coach's nearly completed roster reveals that this last may well be no idle threat. Look at that column for injuries. A combined total of 4,917 stitches (face only), five skull plates, 351 missing teeth, and a record average of 6.5 fractures per man. The coach iS so pleased he motions for Hull to rejoin the group. "Well, that's it for tonight. We almost got a team. But we still have to do something about a goalie." "What's wrong with Fats Flanagan, coach?" sniffs Hull as he sits down at the table. "Nothin) really, kid. It's just that it don't look right somehow, a goalie sittin' in fourth place on a team's scoring record. We'll use him at back-up until he gets more experience. What'd you find out about Gene Kiniski, kid?" "Gee, coach, I durmo. He wants to play and all, but he can't skate worth a darn." "Dammit! There you go again! I don't care if he never saw a pair of skates before. With Kiniski in the nets those other guys'll think twice about getting in too close that's it they get past Lumps and The Grim Reaper. They'll have to do all their shooting Outside the blue line:" The coach chuckles to himself and smashes his fist into the shaded light hanging over their heads, arid sends it careening off on a wild, winging orbit around the table. "Yes.sit.," he smiles benignly, "Two years, three at the outside, and we got that Stanley Cup all wrapped up." A sign oh the wall reads:Extremism in the face of adversity is no sin. SMASH I. GLADLY COACH Yours truly, H. J. Exley. Bayfield Lions host Zone 3 spring rally Eight Clinton Lions attended the spring tally of Zone 3 South of District A-9 at Bayfield Community Centre Wednesday, March 11. The Bayfield Lions Club were hosts far the dinner and rally attended by over 60 Lions from Faye of the six clubs in the zone. Clinton Lions attending were; president, Ted Davies; c e-p resident, A, Laurie Colquhoun; and Rev. A. J: M o w att, Mitch McAdam, Stewart Taylor, Glen price, William Mutch and secretary-treasurer, Pat Noonan. Eric Earl of the Bayfield club was chairman of the banquet and Zone Chairman Orville Oke, Seaforth, chaired the rally. Clinton president Ted Davies gave an extensive report of his club's activities during the past year. Vice-president Joe Maynan reported for the Bayfield club in place of president Harold Weston. Other clubs reporting were Seaforth, Grand Bend and Zurich. District Governor Howard B. Henderson, Owen Sound and Deputy District Governor Lloyd Casemore, Wingham, each spoke. Two Bayfield Lions, Joe Maynan and Harvey Coleman, each won $12.00 tickets to attend the 45th anniversary of St. Thomas Lions Club on April 25. William Barber of the St. Thomas club and formerly of Seaforth, spoke of Lions work in St. Thomas and introduced John Lane, acting president of St,