Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1984-11-14, Page 28o f e 16A Times -Advocate, November 14, 1984 RECEIVE AWARDS — Foster parents awards were presented at the annual meeting of the Family and Children's Services of Huron County. The couples receiving the awards, are from left to right; James and Shirley Wilkinson. of RR 3 Exeter, Richard and Bert Kloss of RR 1 Brucefield and Charles and Lynda Bruinsma of RR 2 Goderich. 11111111111111111111111111111M111111111111111EIRAMOMISSIN ac{r J Jollinji By Jack Riddell MPP After a three week strike by the Community College teachers the Minister of Education introduced back to work legislation. The legisla- tion sends matters in dispute to arbitration with the excep- tion of the one issue that brought about the strike in the first place and that was the teachers' workload,. With the passage of the back -to -work legislation the teachers' workload will be mediated by local commit- tees which will be established at each community college. If a teacher has a grievance about workload such grievance will be heard by the local committee and if the committee fails to resolve the problem then the teacher must go through the current grievance procedure as spell- ed out in the College and Universities Act. The Official Opposition sup- ports the back -to -work legislation as it would be ir- responsible to delay further the education of the students. The NDP, however, did not take the students into con- sideration as they voted against the back -to -work legislation. Other than this legislation which the Minister was com- pelled to introduce as it was apparent that both the Teachers Union and Council of Regents had reached an - impasse, Queen's Park has essentially been in limbo and ' will likely remain that way until the Tories choose a new Leader. An article which appeared in the Toronto Star by Rosemary Spiers outlines the situation as it is and bears repeating. As William Davis slips in- to retirement, so do some of the issues and the people iden- tified with his 13 year tenure of power as Ontario's Premier. There will be no more Tuesday morning breakfasts at the Park Plaza Hotel where Davis' inner cir- cle of backroom friends and favourite Ministers - often called the Province's real cabinet - met to discuss policy and strategy. The Premier has been in the Legislature only three times, and both times briefly. since his Thanksgiving retire- ment announcement. A few pieces of legislation that already were on the books, notably changes in Worker's Compensation and the overhaul of law affecting children's rights will he finalized before the Legislature breaks up early in December. But most of the big deci- sions are on hold awaiting the will of the new Premier. Perhaps the most obvious victim of transition is Provin- cial Secretary Norman Sterl- ing's Freedom of Information bill. The bill was in gestation for seven years, after Davis' original promise of more open government. By the time Sterling final- ly announced his proposal last spring, Freedom of informa- tion had been watered down by protection of privacy con- cerns so it may be just as well this bill is being allowed to drop quietly from the Order Paper. Unfortunately Freedom of information, becomes a dead issue in Ontario. There are signs of desultory activity from the All Party Committee that heard Big decisions on lengthy testimony about the testing in highschools or his inadequacies about the pre- much touted plans for a series sent daycare system and the of "Partnership" meetings shamefully low wages of with business and labour to create a consensus on economic goals. And the long awaited Niagara Escarpment plan, also introduced by Sterling this fall, is unlikely to get Cabinet approval whileDavis is still there to act as its Shepherd. All these are matters that will go into the briefing books being prepared by Davis' Deputy Edward Stewart and Principal Secretary John Tory, to assist the new leader in sorting out the issues and personalities that need quick attention. The Premier has taken two huge transition problems off the shoulders of his successor by calling five by-elections this fall and by steering through Cabinet next year's transfer payments to schools, hospitals and municipalities. But a host of other practical questions await the Premier elect, hours after he is chosen by the Convention on January 26. In the briefing books will be the names •of all Cabinet Ministers and a summation of their record. A new Cabinet must be chosen and sworn in with the new Premier. • lite recoras of the Deputy Ministers will also be in the book because a deputy shuf- fle is likely to follow once the new Cabinet is chosen. The new Premier will also face the question of how he wishes to make appointments to government boards and agencies. The Davis style has been to take advice from a daycare workers but its report will be so delayed and weak that this important issue, too, is about to slip into abyss. Rent controls are in a similar limbo. Mr. Justice Stewart Thom, last month finally brought down his preliminary report, a year late, on interim measures to improve the present rent con- trol system. A little patchwork will be done. But the future of the rent conrol system itself is far from decided. Thom is just entering this larger phase of his study and will be reporting a couple of years from now to a new Premier. We do not know what the four candidates to succeed Davis are likely to do with rent controls or other crucial policy matters because they have agreed that such major issues will not be discussed." To digress from the article I believe that this decision is tantamount to a denial of the democratic process. Accor- ding to the Editor of the Toronto Sun, this agreement to avoid dissent on touchy issues is not only cowardly but it's an insult to the democratic process. . "On rent control. as on the issues of Official Bilingualism and funding for Roman Catholic Schools, there will be no public discussion or disagreements from the four candidates. Unless they change their attitudes the people of Ontario will not know what their stand is on small group of Tory insiders. these major issues. popularly known as the Other issues are up in the patronage committee, who air. No one seems to know served as his talent scout for just what is happening to the appointments. Premier's announced plans to A new Premier may want reintroduce Province wide to adopt a more regularized hitt, tAf #1 •'RNA flftf fffIr hold system of choosing people for top public jobs. He'll have to make the decision quickly because the briefing books will also contain a list of ap- pointments to be made early on. Also in the biefing books will be the names Of the 100 people who have worked for Davis in the Premier's office and in the Cabinet office. Davis has already taken care of his long time advisor and friend, Clare Westcott, who will become, by all reports, Metro Toronto Police Com- missioner when Davis retires. But the futures of others such as John Tory, Ed Stewart, and Press Secretary, Walters are less clear. Stewart says he will stay for a while if the new Premier wants him to help ease the transition. He then intends to retire on his pension and look for a job in the private sector. Tory says simply "I'll of- fer my resignation on the day the new Premier assumes of- fice and if he accepts it, I will have to find something else to do." John Tory has been a youthful presence in the Premier's office and a voice in favour of. daycare and equality in the workplace, issues current to the new generation of two working parents, rather than to the small time lifestyle from which most of the Davis' crowd spring. For all his youth the Premier was part of a 'red Tory Old Guard - the Eddie Goodmans and Hugh Segals - who although unelected, had a huge influence in keeping the Davis' administration in the moderate middle. That leftist influence is waning now. Davis' successor is likely to have trouble main- taining a centre balance." ti ri INVESTITURE -- Seven Beavers were moved up to Cubs in a ceremony last week in the Scout Hall. Shown (back left) are Beaver leaders Barbara Beckett and Cheryl Fehr. (centre) Beavers Bryon McAllister, Darryl Hartman, Kevin Coolman, Shawn McCurdy and (front) Joseph Maskell, Michael McConnell and Jason Maskell. NEW SCOUTS Rob Welsh (left front), Mark Weigand, Mark D'Anno and Peter McAllister were inducted into the First Exeter Scout troop by Scout Leader Ed Nether- cott (hock left), Jr. Scout leader Tim McAllister and Scout Leader Ken Farwell. Historic bells to ring again A one-time familiar sound in the Lucan area for many years may be heard again when midnight of December 24 this year rolls around. Ringing of the 121 year old bells at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Christmas Eve is expected to bring to a conclusion an extensive renovation program. The bells have been silent for about seven years, but church pastor Father Joseph Patrick Finn says, "It's my fond hope they will be ready to ring for our Christmas mid- night mass. We stopped ring- ing the bells because the wooden base had rotted." The renovation venture which includes removing of floors, pews and balconies is expected to cost in the neighbourhood of $450,000. St. Patrick's Church will be declared an historic site which makes the project eligi- ble for a grant of $40,000 from the Ontario Heritage Foundation. The balance of the monies needed will come from the Ontario Board of Industrial Leadership and Development and pledges and donations from the 200 families in the parish. Father Finn said although there will likely be some shortfall in funds, he is confi- dent the total will be raised. He added, "It's going very, very well." The priest continued, "I think the parishioners feel something really worthwhile Warden says local government best for money Municipal and county government give the best return on tax dollars of any level of government claims out -going Huron County Warden Tom Cunningham. The reeve of Hullett, Cunn- ingham was honored at the annual warden's banquet which marks the climax of the year's tenure. He ran through a few of the accomplishments achieved by Huron County Council in the past few years, such as the establishment of Huron - view, the construction of the Auburn patrol yard garage and this year, the completion of the Forester's Bridge. "We have been fortunate we have been able to achieve so much in so few years," said the retiring warden. However, in his term as warden, there have been numerous issues arise, which he acknowledged. Warden Cunningham said the historical atlas project has been demanding and ad- mitted that at times it was a case of "the blind leading the blind". That is changed now, with editor A.Y. MacLean and co-ordinator Bev Brown at the helm. The right decision was made in purchasing a com- puter system, said the warden. He said the Huron County Pioneer Museum is an "ongo- ing problem". But the highlight of his year, was when he and his wife Ila, met and talked to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip: Warden Cunningham received his share of com- pliments at the banquet. Bayfield Reeve Dave Johnston described Cunn- ingham as a man with "a con- stant, easy manner." "He believes, he cares, and he's a friend", said Reeve Johnston. Goderich Mayor Eileen Palmer said the Cunn- inghams had done an "ex- cellent" job of reprsenting the county. Ashfield Reeve John Austin and McKillop Township Reeve Marie Hicknell, on behalf of county council, presented the Cunningham's with a curio cabinet. The warden's eldest daughter Linda, representing her brother and sisters, presented a silver tray to her father. "We want you (the au- dience) to know how proud we are of our father," said the daughter. Employees honoured Honoured mm Four Huron County road employees were honored at the November session of county council. The four men completed courses, some sponsored by the ministry of transportation and communications. County engineer Bob Dempsey said the men went above and beyond their job requirements. The men were Jack Vin- cent, George Suplat,Joe Ken - da and Bob Cluff. The men received framed certificates. has been going on and they want.ta help." Workmen for the contrac- tor, Cobrell Co. Ltd. of London have found the old church was built with a high degree of craftmanship and was in far better shape than anyone could have imagined. A year ago when it was feared the 125 year old building had deteriorated beyond repairs, the parish ad- visory board voted 9-8 in favour of demolition and replacement with a new building. Depiste the local decision, the London Catholic Diocese which owns the building decided to renovate. Now with renovations well underway everyone in the 200 family congregation is behind the project and assisting in many ways including dona- tions of volunteer labour and materials. Renovations include the erection of a small chapel ex- tension, installation of a new heating system, balconies, brickwork on the tower which is now underway and a new base for the bell. Father Finn keeps a close eye renovations as they pro- gress and says he is quite pleased with the workman- ship of the contractor. ST. PAT'S RESTORATION - Major renovations and restoration projects at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church at Lucan are nearing completion. • OFA approves speech The lack of specific pro- posals regarding agriculture in the Throne Speech is -of great concern to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, but the OFA is generally pleased with the direction taken by the government, OFA presidcppt Harry Pelissero said May. "We're particularly pleas- ed that the government was prepared to act quickly on one issue, which the OFA, along with many others, raised dur- ing the election campaign," he said, referring to the government's announcement that the rights of taxpayers will be protected and that no one :will be required to pay taxes in dispute. He said that although no direct reference was made- to agriculture in the Throne Speech, he „ajz, proves of the consultativFt' consensus -building ap- proach" outlined in the speech. Pelissero also com- plimented agriculture minister John Wise on his move to suspend Farm Credit Corporation foreclosures un- til the government has had an opportunity to examine policy options. "This quick action is a welcome signal to Ontario farmers," Pelissero said. "We recognize this as follow- through on the government's election promises." He also complimented the govern- ment on its decision to finance the Eastern Ontario Sub- sidiary Agreement. Pelissero added, "This is a critical time for farmers.fac- ing economic hardship. We appreciate the government's need to plan effectively, but we expect announcements on how the government will deal with its election com- mitments soon." He indicated he was anx- ious to see what finance minister Michael Wilson's economic statement and the federal -provincial agriculture financing conference will mean for farmers. Both events are scheduled for the end of this week. ` "c::3 BUSY AT BAZAAR -- Audrey McRoberts and Jean Noels are busily engaged looking after one of the counters at Saturday's Exeter UCW bazaar. Dave Barr co-owner of Cobrell says he has found the old building was in much bet- ter condition structurally then he and others had expected. He has discovered a high degree pf craftmanship. There was considerable concern about the bell tower swaying during strong winds, but, Barr said, "I've been up there in some pretty good winds and I didn't find that". Used yellow bricks were ob- tained from two locations to replace broken and cracked originals. Finding exact mat- ching bricks was difficult. One source was the former chapel near Adelaide on Highway 22 and others came from a farm house in the Ker - wood area. Volunteers from the church hand -cleaned some 30,000 bricks for the project. During the renovation work, a number of historic coins were found on the grounds. Some are dated back to the 1950's. The coins will be preserved in a showcase to be built by con- tractor Barr. Self-esteem topic at Christian PTA The Parent-Teacher Association of the Clinton and District Christian School held its annual Meeting, Nov. 7, in the gymnasium of the school located in Clinton. Everyone present was welcomed by the chairman Mrs. Buffinga after which a delicious banquet was served. The following short business meeting saw voting for a new executive. The Ex- eter area representative is Mrs. Audrey Boersma; outgo- ing member is Mrs. Hilda Poortinga who finished a three-year term. The speaker for the even- ing, Jan Yeaman was in- troduced. Miss Yeaman is a clinical therapist with Salem Christian Counselling Ser- vice, Guelph, and she spoke on the subject, Self -Esteem in Children. Self-esteem produces a sens.e of security and accep- tance in children. Because it is not a luxury, self-esteem is a necessity in every child. For all areas of a child's life, self- esteem is important - for motivation social, spiritual, emotional and physical well- being are all affected by a child's sense of self-esteem. Miss Yeaman mentioned that the rising incidence of teen- age suicide can be directly connected to a child's sense of self-esteem, acceptance in an adult world In our spiritual life, positive self-esteem is important. The Bible would remind us that God does not make junk. In order to follow the command- ment to love our neighbour, we must be able to have- a healthy sense of self-love. This is possible because we sense that we are created in the image of God. When God created the world He saw that it was good and when He created man He declared that it was very good. Even though the Christian faith would re- mind us that we are lowly as a worm, we mustn't stop there, we are elevated to places of dignity through the forgiveness and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Miss Yeaman went on to explain that self-esteem is not .the same as pride. Everyone has a poor self- image or is working hard to correct one. We need to learn to accept ourselves and then we will be able to forget self- love and learn to love others. Parents have a profound in- fluence on the development of a child's self-esteem and in a large way parents pass on to. their children, their own self- esteem developments. Self- esteem can begin to develop already while the child is in the womb, the child begins to sense acceptance or rejection even before it is born. Through upbringing. parents can instill negative self esteem by being overly authoritarian or overly per- missive or being overly perfectionistic. The use of nicknames can be devestating too. Some time was also devoted to explaining the destructive impact that television has on self-esteem. The television encourages isolation socially and iden- tification with television heroes, who through verbal abuse of others and violent behaviour dominate otheres - the bad guys. Television com- mercials are based in large part on the premise that "unless you use our product you really aren't worthwhile". Some positive suggestions for the development - of self- esteem in children Miss Yeaman gave were: 1. Parents shouldn't always correct their child's ideas or always solve their mistakes/problems. 2. Giving encouraging praise immediately when deserved is important. Saying nothing when a task is well done is equivalent to negative comment. 3. Parents should be affec- tionate in hugs, physcial can - tact. 80 percent of com- munication is non-verbal body language. Eye contact, smiles etc, let a child know that they are important and worthwhile. To correct some abusive behaviour in your children, put them on a diet of three positive affirmations a day. Negative behaviour is often the result of poor self awarness and self-esteem. With positive affirmations from- parents, a child can become more socially affirming. Miss Yeaman gave many more helpful thoughts on this subject and her talk was very much apopreciated by ail those present. For more infor- mation please contact the local Christian School P.T.A. c/o Mr. L. Weverink, Exeter. Public asked for briefs . The Commission on the Financing of Elementary and Secondary Education in On- tario today issued a call for briefs. . Commission Chairman, H. Ian Macdonald said that school boards, organizations, associations, agencies and the general public have been ask- ed to submit briefs to the com- mission before January 31. Macdonald said that the Commission will hold a series of public hearings across the province during the spring of next year. The Commission, appointed in July is enquiring into all aspects of financing of elementary and secondary . education. Specifically, com- missioners intend to study: 1. the apportionment and allocation of provincial funds to school boards; 2. alternative methods of financing elementary and secondary education; 3. the degree of local par- ticipation inmeetingeducation costs through property taxa- tion, including the conse- quences of that participation for local decision-making and accountability; 4. other financial issues in respect of elementary and/or secondary education. It is expected that the Com- mission will report to the Minister of Education by Oc- tober 31, 1985. ODDFELLOWS EXECUTIVE — The new officers of the Ex Back, left, Bill Rowe, Floyd Cooper, Dennis Meikle, Tom Dennis McKnight. Front, Bill Wilds, Gord Smyth, Delmar Norm Wilson, Vice Grand Donald Dearig and Wilmer eter Oddfellows Lodge have been named and installed. Kooy, John Linton, Bruce Delbridge, Lloyd Hodgins and Skinner, Cliff Grasdahl, Charles Atthill, Noble Grand Adkins. Photo by Norm Hyde