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The Huron Expositor, 1998-06-17, Page 44 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, JUNE 17, 1998 Your Community Newspaper Since 1860 Terri -Lynn Dale - General Manager/Ad Manager Scott Hilgendorff - Editor Gregor Campbell - Reporter Larry Dalrymple - Sales Pat Armes - Office Manager Dianne McGrath - Subscriptions/Classifieds A Bowes Publishers Community Newspaper SUBSCRIPTION RATES LOCAL - 32.50 o year, in advance, plus 2.28 G.S.T SENIORS. - 30.00 a year, in advance, plus 2 10 G S.T USA 8 Foreign 28 44 a year in advance, plus S78 CO postoge. G.5 T. exempt SUBSCRIPTION RATES Published .yeekly by Signal -Star fublisltmg at 100 Main St ,.SeoForth Publication moil registration No 0696 held at Seaforth, Ontario Advrtisrng is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising spoce occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid For of the applicable rate In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely on offer to sell and may be withdrawn of any time The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes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 undeliv- erable copies are to be sent to The Huron Expositor. Wednesday, June 17, 1998 Editorial and Business Offices - 100 Main Street.,Ssaforth Telephone (519) 527-0240 Fax (519) 527-2858 MaI11ng Address - P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ontaris, NOK IWO Member of the Canadian Community Newspopr Association, Ontario Community Newspapers Association and the Ontario Press Council Publication Mail Registration No. 07605 Manley makes too much if gas price is no wore Industry Minister John Manley doesn't seem to be taking a report regarding unfair competitive gas pricing, too seriously. It was prepared by an independent group of Liberal MPs with input from across Canada, including this area. He hasn't even read over the report that has seen the input of thousands of Canadians concerned about how and why the price of gas fluctuates. Without looking at any of that information, Manley has chalked up price changes to the laws of supply and demand; when, demand increases, so does the price. If he'd done his homework, he'd s ee that is not the focus 'of the report, nor is it a rational explanation for why some people pay 50 cents a litre and others pay 56 cents. Local MP Paul Steckle has said the main concern in the report is that unfair prices are forcing independent gas* stations out of business with lower than fair prices. Once the independents are gone, the fear is that the price of gas will go to points above what is fair because there is no competition to keep the price reasonable, It's nota simple situation as Manley would from not wearing bicycle heh'nets like to think and deserves being examined. In the last couple years, public outcry to rising prices of gas has lead to watchdog groups and government agencies keeping a closer eye on what is happening at the Roots of Ross grow near by Ever wonder what this part of Ontario was like 200 years ago? We do know indians travelled through here, moving back and forthspending the summers around Georgian Bay and coming south to winter on the shore of Lake Erie. In the early 1800's, a few hardy settlers cautiously ventured in. The few indians were peaceful, unless the strange white folk took game they believed was theirs. I'd rather think of these newcomers as pioneers rather than immigrants, for there was nothing here beyond what they carried or could create themselves. There were no roads, no street lights, no cars or buses or trains, even horses and mules were scarce. No sewers, no hospitals or school or corner store...and of course no welfare or support of aqy kind. The first brave souls came in by foot until trails became roads for a horse- drawn stage. Electricity, the telephone and radio were more than 100 years away. Television and computers and the internet were a half -century after that. But somehow, they made it, and because of them, we are here. Imagine the first day on your chosen piece of ground. Arriving with only Clare Westcott what could be carried; a few tools and a gun and the clothes on your back. And maybe a wife who refused to be left behind...and at once, you need shelter and food and water. All around is a gorgeous, almost primal valley, virgin forest, rolling hills and a clear bubbling river jumping with fish. An abundance of game is on'the ground and in the air, thriving under pristine conditions. And all around are great trees for lumber and good soil for growing food. But in the first days and weeks, there is little more than the sky above and the ground below. No cooling fans or sunglasses or beach umbrellas...and no insect_repellent. There was such a place, and it's beauty attracted others. And a tiny community began to grow. Before long, it had the makings of a village and for years, it was the only one for miles around. For some reason, it was called simply, "Ross," although no one really know why. It may have been a name dear to one of the hardy settlers, for the first place of worship built was for the church of Scotland. The county of "Ross" was established in Northern Scotland in 1661 and although quite likely a coincidence. there were feuding clans and an uprising in Ross County in the early 1700s, led oddly enough by the Earl of Seaforth. A wooden bridge was built over the river and a road cut through for a dozen miles. Early settlers could now haul their grain to "Ross" to the new gust and flour mill powered by the dammed - up river. Next came a saw mill and a modest distillery. As the years went by. the community grew and before long, there was a slaughter house, a butcher shop, and a woolen mill. Stores sprung up and soon there were blacksmith shops, a shoe shop, a brewery. a foundry and a hotel. Oddly enough, it was named "The American Hotel" and it welcomed tired and thirsty travellers, for by this time, a two -horse stage was operating southwest to the nearest CONTINUED on Page 5 Millennium deadlines looming Program can provide' initiatives that meet criteria our heritage through artistic and cultural expression. In addition to direct funding. certain events. groups and projects may wish to seek official millennium endorsement. This would permit them to utilize the official emblems. This program is a wonderful opportunity for us to demonstrate and celebrate Canadian accomplishments. past, present and future. I would encourage all interested individuals and groups to consult the Millenniurn website at www.millennium.gc.ca or to call toll free to 1-888-774- 9999. In addition. if you require further information or. clarifications, please feel' free to contact my office at 524-6938. As we move closer to the Year 2000. 1 look forward to working with all of the residents of Huron -Bruce to mark the millennium in ways that will make a meaningful difference to future generations of Canadians. Sincerely. Paul Steckle. MP To the Editor: I am writing to you at the request of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Herb Gray, to provide you and your readers with information on the Canadian Millennium Partnerships Program. As we all know, the Millennium is less ,than two years away. In an effort to celebrate and commemorate the passing'of'this important milestone, the Prime Minister and Gray recently launched the Government of Canada's . millennium initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to support and encourage community and ' ndtionally minded activities that endeavor to provide lasting benefits for future generations of Canadians under the theme, Sharing the Memory, Shaping the Dream. The Canadian Millennium Partnerships Program has been developed,to, among other things, encourage Canadians to create initiatives that explore our heritage, celebrate our achievements, build our future and endeavor to leave a lasting legacy. To assist with this,the federal government will provide funding for national and community -oriented events and activities. Funding will be allocated according to the regional diversity of the requests and based upon five "phase dates" or deadlines that have now been established. The deadlines are as follows: Phase 1, June 19, 1998; Phase 2, October 31, 1998; Phase 3, May 31, 1998; Phase 4, October 31, 1999; Phase 5, March 1, 2000. To be eligible for funding under the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program, projects should: encompass one or more of .the program themes; take place or be well under way before December 31, 2000; be non-commercial; provide lasting benefits to the community into the new millennium; involve participation by Canadians nationally or on a community level; show tangible community involvement and support; and produce measurable results. As I have indicated above, there are specific program themes that must be observed to attain funding under this program. The themes are intended to be reflective of Canada's history, natural beauty, ethnic and cultural diversity, technical and scientific excellence, and its pursuit of fairness and equal opportunity in all facets of society. Funding will potentially be available for projects that meet one or more of the following: celebrate achievement so that Canadians are inspired to remember our past and look forward to the future; encourage Canadians to explore Canada more fully; exchange ideas and approaches that improve our international scope; support a sustainable environment while promoting a strong economy; stimulate community involvement and evolution by bringing our youth together; advance Canadian innovation. hence contributing to our collective well-being; and demonstrate Many children suffer serious injury pumps. Since then, sudden price jumps of often five cents per litre prior to a holiday weekend seem to have disappeared. Were the laws of supply and demand truly being followed in the past, those prices would have dropped to their former levels following the weekend. But at most, prices would drop part way and remain higher than 'they were the week before. With the public attention, those practices seem to be fading but now focus needs to shift on the price wars that start up, particularly in area cities and their neighboring towns. . The report indicates these wars are a method of forcing the independents out because they can't afford to cell gas as cheaply. If any action is ever taken regarding the report, it's not likely to lead to lower gas prices but there should at least be some consistency. However, that's not going to be the end of the issue. Checks and balances need to be in place to ensure there is no collusion taking place, setting new prices higher at each brand name pump if reports come in that crude oil is being sold at prices lower than have been seen in years, which seems to have happened in the past year. Maybe Manley is paid too much if he doesn't have to worry about the price of gas. STH More than 300,000 people seek emergency room care for bicycle injuries each year. Most of them are between the ages of four and thirteen. In Ontario, there are between 250 and 300 children treated at the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario's emergency room for injuries related to bicycle accidents with about 85 per cent of those between the ages of five and fourteen. Children who have been riding less than a year and don't know the basic rules of the road are at the greatest risk for accidents. Most injuries occur on quiet side streets, less than five blocks from home. But even parents whose children are experienced bicycle riders should be watchful. Adolescent daredevils, particularly boys with a penchant for jumping ramps, riding fast down steep' hills or practicing the latest stunts they've seen on television, frequently end up in the hospital emergency room. Unsafe rising practices account for most problems. Head trauma is the most common injury and often the most fatal, followed by broken legs and arms, jaw fractures and abdominal injuries. Many children get hurt falling off their bikes,while trying to avoid obstacles like trees and potholes. Falling onto hard pavement, even at slow speeds, can cause serious brain injury. Parents can protect their children by insisting they wcar helmets. Studies repeatedly show that helmets can prevent as much as 85 per cent of all head and brain injuries and significantly reduce injuries to the eyes, ears, nose and cheeks. Helmets are mandatory in Ontario for cyclists under 16. Still, too many older children are embarrassed to wear helmets because they think they arc uncool. Parents should insist that wearing hclrnets is an integral part of biking, just as wearing them is a necessary and accepted part of playing hockey or football. It is a good idea to take your child to a bicycle shop and have hint or her fitted for a helmet by a sales person with experience. Also, hikes for very young children should have foot brakes, since kids may not be strong enough to grasp only the hand brakes when they need to stop. For many children. there is no greater sense of freedom or adventure than taking off on their hikes. But they need to understand the consequences of riding unsafcly and without a helmet. Bike helmets are safety tested for the type of falls cyclists have. Don't use football, hockey or other sports helmets. Thcy arc not designed to protect your head in a hike accident. Look for safety approval stickers inside the helmet. The Canadian Standards Association (CAS). American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation all have standards for hike helmets. Then try it on for fit and comfort. The helmet should fit snugly on your head. It shouldn't fit so tight that it hurts or he so loose that it slides backwards or over your eyes. There arc velcro foam pads hat help give a good fit. They also absorb perspiration and can he washed. A good bicycle helmet will have a hard. outer shell and an inner liner of shock absorbent material. Thc straps should he adjustable and easy to fasten and release. They should fit snugly without pinching. Helmets with four straps are best. Parents can promote helmet use by wearing a helmet themselves. You should then makc the rule, "No helmet. no hike." Cyclists, old and young, need to wear their helmets To the Editor: one person. Most helmets The June 8 front page of the appeared to be worn properly Toronto Star featured the to protect the forehead. 12,000 cyclists who took part It is good to sec adults in the "Ride for Heart" fund protecting themselves and raiser for the Heart and Stroke being good role models for Foundation. The photo children. A parent who insists showed hundreds of adult that his or her child wears a cyclists all appearing to be helmet properly is saying, wearing helmets except for "Your head is precious." A parent who then puts on his or her own helmet is saying, "My head is precious too." Congratulations to organizations who encourage summer. safe events; to photojournalists who take photos of safe practices and 10 the cyclists who practice safe recreation. Thc Huron -Perth Injury Prevention Committee encourages all cyclists to have a safe, healthy and happy Kathryn Bjorkquist, The Canadian Red Cross Society Margucritc Thomas, Huron County Health Unit