HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-03-29, Page 4Editorial
4—THE HURON EXPOSITOR, March 29, 1995
uron
Huron
sitor
Your Community Newspaper Since 1860
TERRI-LYNN DALE - General Manager
& Advertising Manager
MARY MELLOR - Soles
PAT ARMES - Office Manager
DIANNE McGRATH - Subscriptions
TIM CUMMING - Editor
GREGOR CAMPBELL - Reporter
LINDA PULLMAN Typesetter
BARB STOREY - Distribution
A Burgoyne Community Newspaper
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Published weekly by Signal -Ston Publishing of 100 Main 5t., Seaforth Publication moil registra-
tion No. 0696 held at Seoforth, Ontario Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of
a typographical error, the odvertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a res•
sonoble allowance for signature, will not be chorged, but the balance of the odvertisement will be
paid for at the opplicoble rale. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services
at o wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and
may be withdrawn at any time The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of
unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes Changes of
address, orders for subscriptions and undeliverable copies are to be sent to The Huron Expositor
Wednesday, March 29, 1995
Editorial and Business Offices - 100 Main Street, Seaforth
Telephone (519) 527-0240 Fax (519) 527-2858
Mailing Address - P.O. Box 69, Seeforth, Ontario, NOK IWO
Member of the Canadian Community Newspoper Association,
Ontario Community Newspapers Association and the
Ontario Press Council
Common sense needed
Never let it be said that government legislation allows common
sense to get in between it and its mandate. In a recent court
case, a 19 -year-old Goderich student pleaded guilty to defrauding
the local Social Services office of $3,500 and change. He claimed
to be living in Dungannon.
In fact, he was living at home, and didn't need the money.
But in a sublime example of tuming the other cheek, the Ontario
General Welfare Assistance Act is prepared to let bygones be
bygones...and he is still on the welfare rolls.
That's because there's no provision in the Act for striking people
off the rolls just because they made some silly little error in
judgement, like lying so they could get money they're not entitled
to.
Under the provisions of the Act, while the person may not have
needed the money at the time the fraud was committed, if he or
she can fit the definition of a 'person in need' sometime down the
road, all is forgiven.
:Oh„the government.might cut back in future welfare cheques to
recoup the money - giving will) the one hand while taking back
with the other.
But that's all.
If there is any restitution to be made the courts must order it.
It is inexplicable and inexcusable.
Parasites like this young man take money earmarked for people
who really need it, and then are allowed, without having to make
restitution, to continue to receive welfare money by crying about
how they really do need it now.
That's too bad.
The Act is obviously long overdue for an overhaul. People who
lie about their eligibility should be stricken from the welfare rolls
until such time as they've paid back the money. How they do it
should be made their problem, not the system's. Unless there is
some overwhelming pressing reason why they can't work, there
is no excuse for them not to find some job, somewhere, so they
can return the money they stole - for that is what it amounts to.
As Provincial Court Judge Garry Hunter so aptly put it, "And you
wonder why the country is going bankrupt?".
-courtesy of The Goderich Signal -Star.
Names needed for Homecoming invites
Dear Editor,
If your family and friends from
out-of-town have not received an
official invitation to Homecoming
'95, August 3rd - 6th, it's because
you have never sent their names
and addresses to us. This is the
only method we are using to secure
names for a mailing list.
In June '94, we went to all the
schools in the Seaforth Arca (10)
and handed out sheets for names
and addresses to be sent home with
one child in each family. We
returned to the schools to pick them
up and received only 30 names.
We then went to the churches in
Seaforth with sheets to be given to
the congregation. These sheets were
to be mailed back to us. We had a
fair response, but we know there
are many, many people out there
who have neglected to give us
names and addresses.
We also had 'Letters to the
Editor' requesting names and
addresses. These letters went out in
9 different newspapers.
We would like to send invitations
and schedule of events to your out-
of-town family and friends. Please
print their names and addresses and
postal codes and mail to us.
Thank you to everyone who has
already responded, we really
appreciate it.
Ken and Lois Moore
RR 2 Scaforth, ON NOK IWO
on behalf of the
Invitations & Registration Comm.
Seaforth and District
Homecoming '95
Opinion
Others would
Ciderfest is one of the most
exiting events in the Seaforth
region...and what a draw for
tourists!
Every year the event brings
hundreds of people to
Egmondville for a celebration
with an old-fashioned feel.
It was a shock to me when 1
was infornred last week that
Ciderfest may not take place in
1995. If we let this wonderful
event slip through our fingers we
deserve fifty lashes with a wet
noodle.
The Van Egmond Foundation
is only a small group but think
about what it has accomplished
in preserving Egmondville's
historic and architectural heri-
tage. The beautiful and historic
building might have been demol-
ished if not for this concerned
group of local residents.
This important community
group needs no more than fifteen
people to step forward and help
it get Ciderfest off the ground.
Perhaps this is your chance to
really make a contribution to
your community.
Many communities would do
back -flips to find a successful
event like Ciderfest yet we're
willing to give up on this fantas-
tic event? It doesn't make sense.
We might as well close our
towns and tell the last person to
leave to turn off the lights.
do flips for Ciderfest
`LIMING
Do you remember the old
Winter Carnival? There was an
excellent event which is only a
nostalgic memory today.
Let's not let Ciderfest become
the nostalgic memory of tomor-
row.
* * *
One of the most thankless
tasks in journalism is recording
incidents of tragedy or near -
tragedy.
Unfortunately, accidents are part
of the fabric of existence and are
a vivid reminder of the harsh
realities of life. Hopefully they
are also a reminder that we, as
automobile drivers, must do
anything we can to prevent them
from happening.
My heart sank on Thursday
when I came upon the awful
sight of two badly -damaged
vehicles on the Brucefield Road,
with firefighters and ambulance
attendants on the scene.
1 am reassured to read that,
while the people in the accident
suffered major injuries, the)
lived through this frightening
event.
The reason I refer to this acci-
dent is because of something
"We might as well
close the towns and
tell the last person to
leave to turn out the
lights..."
which happened shortly after-
wards.
Let me begin by saying that at
this accident, like any other in
the central Huron area, there
were onlookers and gawkers who
had travelled to the scene by car.
I accept there is a natural
human curiosity as people drive
by an accident...but it shocks me
that people drive to the scene of
an accident for pleasure. I don't
see the entertainment value of
other people's misery.
At any rate, atter the ambu-
lance had removed the victims
of this crash the accident fans
left the scene. Just moments
after witnessing the horrendous
display on the Brucefield Road
one car sped off towards
Seaforth.
The driver of the vehicle soon
grew impatient with the slow-
moving vehicle in front of him
and then proceeded to pass it.
The only thing is he passed by
crossing a solid centre
line...while travelling uphill.
The message of the accident
did not sink in, obviously. Per-
haps it will sink in with other
people. I can only hope.
* * *
If you see me looking unusual-
ly scruffy in the next few
months blame it on Homecoming
'95. In anticipation of the
August 3-6 weekend I will be
growing a beard (or my sorry
imitation of one) as part of the
beard -growing competition.
The only problem is I have no
facial hair above the jaw line. I
have already asked the Home-
coming committee to include a
'best neck beard' category. I'm
sure to win that one.
Maybe I'll just have to get a
facelift. At any rate, for the men
out there...get your beard -grow-
ing registrations in! Join in the
celebration.
J
Letters
Reader
wonders
about
reunion
Dear Editor,
In March a descendant of the
McMichael Clan of this area tele-
phoned from Oregon to ascertain if
there are any plans underway for a
McMichael Reunion during
Seaforth's Old Home Week in
August 1995. .
If any of your readers know of
such a reunion they should contact
Dennis L. Cowan at 710 La Cresta
Dr., S.D., Salem Oregon, 97306 as
soon as possible.
Mr. Cowan is seeking a picture of
the McMichael family which
includes his great-grandmother,
Margaret. He has been told that
members of the Dorrance family
may have such a photograph.
Yours truly
Edith Baker
F�sl�6ae�
As Seaforth prepares for a 1995 beard growing contest, as part of Homecoming '95 celebrations on
August 3-6, we take a moment to look back at these beard growers of 1975. The bearded men were
(front row) Ken Moore, Ron Broome, Der Sills, (back row) Jim Sills, Larry Dale, Don Coleman, Tom
Phillips, Gord McKenzie and Dr. John Underwood. Minus a beard is driver Don Pletsch.
Prowler with plunder drops goose and gander
FROM THE PAGES OF
THE HURON EXPOSITOR,
APRIL 5, 1895
The other day while A. McBeath
of Stanley, was getting out some
timber in the bush, a chain caught
him, throwing him forcibly against
a stump and severely spraining his
legs.
* * *
John Hart, who has worked for
several years in the blacksmith
establishment left for Brucefield,
where he has purchased the busi-
ness of Mr. Pollock.
* * *
Shortly after dark, Mrs. James
Davidson of Leadbury had occasion
to go to the barn yard, where she
saw a light in the building occupied
by the geese. She immediately
aroused the household and they
found a fellow in the act of carry-
ing away a goose and a gander. He
dropped his plunder and took to his
heels.
APRIL 2, 1920
Mrs. W. Sinclair of Egmondvillc,
met with what might have been a
serious accident when she fell into
the cellar and fractured several ribs
and is otherwise badly shaken up.
In the Years Agone
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Gordon of
Egmondville have purchased Mr.
McWilliams' property in Roxboro
and expect to move next week.
***
Montgomery Davis has purchased
the residence of W. R. Smillie on
Market Street. Since disposing of
his farm Mr. Davis has been living
in Egmondville.
* * *
Clarence Munn of Hensall has
taken a position with Bonthron and
Drysdale hardware merchants.
APRIL 6, 1945
Peter McKenzie of Tuckersmith
has purchased the 150 -acre farm of
the late D. Fotheringham and taken
possession.
* **
In the spring of 1944 Pilot Officer
John Drover, son of Mr. and Mrs.
William Drover of McKillop,
adjoining Seaforth, was shot down
while on an operational flight over
France. After parachuting from the
blazing plane, he was immediately
Various area services and facilities available for any •H
by MICHELE HANSEN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
WOMEN'S SHELTER AND
COUNSELLING SERVICES
OF HURON
Huron County is a rural commun-
ity. We are fortunate to have facil-
ities that provide services specifi-
cally for women who have experi-
enced abuse in their lives. These
facilities include Women's Shelter
and Counselling Services of Huron
and Phoenix Sccond Stage Housing.
However these services could never
provide all of the assistance that a
woman and her children may need.
Many other service providers assist
abused women in a variety of ways.
Many of these service providers
work with S.W.A.N. (Stop Woman
Abuse Now), Coordinating Commit-
tee Against Woman Abuse, Huron
County. Because of this matrix of
services community people could be
lulled into believing that "the prob-
lem” is solved. This could not be
further from the truth. You may be
asked to help.
Many women will never use a
shelter or the second stage housing
facility, instead they will turn to
friends and family. Therefore, it is
critical that the whole community
has ownership and understanding of
woman abuse. Any community
member may be called upon to
assist a woman either as a family
member, a friend, or a colleague.
Having even a basic understanding
will assist you to be more effective
helper. The following are "Corner-
stone Principles" as presented by
Deborah Sinclair in "Understanding
Wife Assault".
Cornerstone Principles:
1. Violence has no place in the
family.
2. The community has a right and a
responsibility to get involved.
3. Wife assault is not the result of
an argument that gets out of hand.
4. A comprehensive community
approach is essential. Shelter and
counselling is not enough.
5. Once violence has started, it will
not stop spontaneously. Active
intervention is needed from the
community, especially from the
justice system.
6. Prevention means addressing the
social roots of wife assault, not just
the symptoms. Education is a pre-
requisite to prevention.
Assisting abused and assaulted
women is a difficult task for all
communities. A community such as
Huron County has the added burden
of its rural setting. The geographic
realities of isolation mean that
transportation and communication
are often difficult, or at the very
feast costly. Many people believe
that woman abuse or violence is a
problem in the city, not in "our nice
town". Many rural people hold to
the myths about privacy and the
sanctity of the family, and are
therefore very reluctant to get
involved.
Another feature of our rural popu-
lation is the fact that EVERY-
BODY KNOWS WHAT EVERY-
BODY DOES! In some ways this
gives us a sense of security. We
believe that our neighbours will
notice unusual activity and report it
to the proper authorities. The other
reality is that we experience a lack
of privacy. This lack of privacy
inhibits women from seeking sup-
port services because they do not
want others in the community to
find out about violence in their
homes. Abused women attempt to
week ago when Ruth arrived in
Seafonh. A student in England, she
is spending a year in Connecticut
on a scholarship and took advantage
of the Easter recess to visit her
Seaforth correspondent and learn
something of Canada. During her
visit here she has shown a keen
interest in the area and it's history.
* * *
Clare H. Westcott, Executive
Assistant to the minister of Educa-
tion in Ontario recently was hon-
oured when he received the 1970
O.E.A. Greer *Award for his out-
standing contribution to education
in the Province.
**
Mayor F. C. J. Sills and Clerk E.
M. Williams were in Owen Sound
on Tuesday representing the town at
a hearing called by the Canadian
Transport Commission to consider
an application by the C.N.R. to
discontinue passenger train service
through Seaforth on the Stratford-
Goderich line. A further hearing is
scheduled for Guelph on April 8.
* * *
Charles Campbell was recently
elected chairman of the Seaforth
Recreational Council.
picked up by a Frenchman and his
wife, who resided in the district
Fortunately for him, these people
were strong Allied supporters, who
not only clothed and fed him bu
kept him hidden for six weeks, unti
the town, which was near Paris
•t
was liberated by the American
army, shortly after D -Day.
* * *
Rev. H. Douglas Stewart, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stewart of
Seaforth, who has been minister of
St. Andrew's Church, Edmonton,
has accepted a call to Queen Street
East Presbyterian Church, Toronto.
This is the oldest church east of the
Don River.
APRIL 1, 1970
Pen pals since they were children,
Jeanette Watterworth of Seaforth
and Ruth Worrall of Shropshire,
England, had never met until a
uron woman in distress
protect their family's reputation and
respectability. Many abused women
experience feelings of guilt, shame,
embarrassment, failure and self -
blame. She may also fear that
friends, family and neighbours will
blame her. As a caring community
we must ensure that it is safe for
victims to speak out. One way to
create that safety is to eradicate
victim blaming from all interactions
with abused and assaulted women.
If a friend, colleague, or neighbour
ass you for help what would you
Providing Help
Woman speak of their hope and
need to be given greater support
and assistance by friends, extended
family members, co-workers, mem-
bers of their churches and informal
community groups. If you are asked
to help a woman who is experienc-
ing abuse the following list basic
first steps will guide you in provid-
ing her with assistance.
1. Listen, believe, and maintain
confidentiality.
2. Access her immediate safety
needs and those of her children.
3. Assure her that no one deserves
to be abused/assaulted.
4. Provide her with resource num-
bers and encourage her to call for:
Information, counselling, emergency,
shelter, accommodation.
Women's Shelter & Counselling
Services of Huron
(24 Hour Toll Free)
1-800-265-5506
Goderich 524-6245
Phoenix Stage Two Housing
Goderich 524-1620
Exeter 235-3183
Clinton 482-5288
9