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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-06-02, Page 7THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1999. PAGE 7. Brussels family prepares for special guest His second family For the third year in a row, Dyzmitry Baranouski (Dima) will be enjoying the fresh air, healthy food and freedom of a summer in Canada. Neil, Donna and Joel Hemingway of RR3, Brussels have hosted Dima in an effort to minimal- ize the damaging effects of the Chernobyl disaster, which occurred 13 years ago this spring. Its aftermath is st The horrific disaster occurred more than 13 years ago, in a country halfway around the world, but for the third year, a local family will open their hearts and home to one of the young victims. It was the long-lasting effects of the Chernobyl nuclear explosion in April 1986, far reaching. which first brought Dyzmitry (Dima) Baranouski of Belarus to the home of Neil, Donna and Joel Hemingway of RR3, Brussels. On June 27, Dima will return to the Hemingways for his summer visit to taken in the healing affects of fresh air, clean water and wholesome food. An exhausting 36-hour expedition will bring Dima to the area from his small rural vil­ lage which may be seen as backwards com­ pared to Canadian standards. Though he speaks only a few words of English and the Hemingways just a few words of Russian, they say language is never a barri­ er. Sign language and pictures have become the language for both. With the Belarussian economy in shambles, health care and services are not available for the children. Dima wrote to the Hemingways telling them that the basics of food is becoming more and more difficult to procure. Fresh fruit is some­ thing he is looking forward to when he arrives. On previous visits to Brussels, Dima received dental care from Dr. Spink. The daily brushing of teeth was a foreign concept to Dima. He also returned home with new glasses to aid his problem vision. Though the personal care is much appreciat­ ed, the Hemingways said Dima finds the great­ est pleasure in the simplest activities. He likes to ride a bike, swim and play soc­ cer. Some exciting first time experiences include riding an escalator at a mail, getting take-out food at a drive-thru and riding a lawn­ mower. Unaccustomed to the many toys and trap­ pings of Our materialistic society, the Hemingways said he probably felt like he was “plunked in the middle of a Star Trek movie when he was taken to the zoo a Blue Jays’ game and Wonderland.” During his stay in Canada, the Hemingways said the better nutrition, sunshine and fresh air began to show on his face in just a week. The dark circle were disappearing and he was get­ ting colour and fullness in his checks. He gained 12 pounds throughout the sum­ mer. Dima’s six-week stay went by too quickly as he began to relay in pictures and moods that he wasn’t keen to leave. The Hemingways sadly packed his rollerblades, fishing gear, toothbrushes, tooth­ paste, vitamins, aspirins, cold medication, winter clothes and a few “unobtainables”. Clean air The healthy air, clean water and fresh food Canadians take for granted are something the chil­ dren of Chernobyl, like Dima, who visits with the Hemingway family in Brussels thrive on. It was hoped his brief time in Canada would bring an “awareness for a different way of life, that being democracy and freedom. Hopefully he can strive for in his future,” said the Hemingways. Though this program is extremely helpful for the participating children as it allows their immune systems to recover and fight the radi­ ation disease they face daily at home, the effort needs support form the community. For those wishing to contribute to Dima’s cost or the Canadian Relief Fund of Chernobyl victims in Belarus, the Hemingways can be contacted. Writer says judicial system changing Ontario way of life THE EDITOR, Radical judicial decisions are changing the way we live and think in Ontario and all across Canada. On May 20 the Supreme Court of Canada re-defined the word ‘spouse’ to include a member of the same sex. If allowed to stand, this decision will dictate drastic changes to Ontario’s family laws, to allow such things as same sex marriages, and adoption of children by same sex ‘couples’. When governments allow a handful of unelected judges to change the law, justice and democracy are not well served. The voters of Ontario do not want the legal definition of spouse changed, as evidenced by their overwhelming rejection of Bill 167 Milestone W. Bro. Max Oldfield, centre, was presented with hs 50-year membership pin by R.W. Bro. Alfred Sutton, right at the May meeting of St. John’s Lodge No. 284. Also pictured is W. Bro. Murray Edwards, Acting Master. Ontario's Future depends on you. VOTE LINDA FREIBURGER ON JUNE 3"° FAMILY COALITION PARTY Phone 519-881-0549 Authorized by Linda Freiburger Campaign '99 under the former NDP government, several years ago. Other judicial decisions responsible for radical changes in our society, are the 1988 striking down of the abortion law, and the 1991 declaration that an unborn baby is not a person, and therefore has no legal rights under the law, until he/she has been born completely from the mother’s body. The union of man and woman is the only natural arrangement that has the ability to procreate, and sustain society. The founders of our country realized long ago that traditional families are the cornerstone of a strong and vibrant society, and as such, deserve special recognition and support under the law. Families are responsible for the creation, nurturing and building up of the next generation. That is why our forefathers established such things as the ‘baby bonus’ or child tax credit, pension benefits, etc. for families. Homosexual persons are worthy LINDA FREIBURGER With your vote for the F.C.P. you are - a voice for the unborn - a voice for traditional family values - a voice for strong, moral leadership of the same rights as any other single person under the law, but they should not be entitled to the unique benefits granted to traditional families, because by their very nature, homosexual ‘couples’ were never meant to raise up children for society. If this court decision is an issue that you feel strongly about, please phone, fax, or write your MPP and the Premier of Ontario. Ask them to represent you by using the Notwithstanding Clause to protect the traditional definitions of spouse, marriage and family in Ontario. Jean Hedley.