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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1996-03-06, Page 18Pge18 Par,nt discuss violence In society with child advocate Travelling motor home, "In- formation to You" stops at local parent and tot group Heather Mir T -A staff EXETER - The travelling motor home, "In- formation to You," was in Exeter on Friday and paiticipated in an informal discussion with a parent and tot group that meets regularly at the Exeter United Church. The group discussed women's issues, particularly violence prevention and education as well as dec- orated fabric squares for a wall mural. Tanya Ver - burg, community developer and advocate, talked about what can be done to help an abused woman and stressed the importance of building her confidence and let- ting her make her own de- cisions. Verburg also outlined barriers facing rural women such as transportation, fear, child care and Toss of home when dealing with abuse. Although provincial funding cutbacks have resulted in the cancellation of coun- selling programs for abusive men, she said education is a key the Women's Shelter in Goderich, was the guest speaker on Friday and gave mothers an opportunity to discuss concerns regarding their children's ex- posure to violence. Most parents agreed they are worried about vi- olent images in society and are struggling to raise non-violent children in a violent world. Richardson said parents not only have a responsibility but a right to limit exposure to violence. Schools have made some progress towards this goal by enforcing a zero tolerance policy but she encourages parents to become directly involved in school activities in order to make their voice heard in the system. Children in school can be the target of violence for many reasons including appearances such as be- ing over -weight, having red hair or disabilities. It is often the children at each end of the school continu- um that are victimized and Richard- son suggests they find a safe core in the middle by creating a natural net- work of friends. Teaching children creative games may help them make friends on the playground. Television can be a source of vi- olent images and Richardson sug- gests parents find alternatives in the home such as games and art sup- plies to replace TV as a dominant presence. Discussion also touched on sex ed - cation street -proofing children. 'Although parents ay not be ready to discuss sex with their children t a young age, it is better to start early to make ure they are receiving the correct information. ichardson said parents need only answer the ques- ons a child asks, adding they will keep asking un - 1 they are satisfied with the explanation. "Almost one half on all Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of violence since the age of 16." in the effort to stop violence against women. It is estimated one in four women have ex- m perienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse and almost one half on all Canadian women have ex- perienced at least one incident of violence since the ti age of 16. Gwen Richardson, a children's council advocate at to Many participate in World Day of Prayer The program was written by Haitians. Carmel Sweeney ZURICH - There was a very good turnout at the World Day of Prayer held last Friday at the Zu- rich Mennonite Church. Women from all the various churches took part in the service with the topic being "God Calls Us to Riieliggi',thq1eop1e of Haiti. oyttJpx 38 , • Pastor Julie Bender gave. a very. interesting and informative talk on the subject. Members of the Mennonite church choir sang accompanied by organ and piano music throughout the service. Baseball registration All children wanting to play base- ball this summer are reminded to register at the arena on Tuesday, March 12 from 6:30 to .8:30 p.m. They are to bring along their health card number. If you are unable to go that night, phone Shelley Geoffrey or Pat Bed- ard to register. P.T.A. meeting St. Boniface P.T.A. meeting was held last Thursday in the school gym. Vice president Teresa Van Raay chaired the business. . Reports were given on the milk program and recent parish skating party at the arena. A volunteer leader is needed for the babysitting course for 12 -year- old students. If you are interested in helping, phone president Clasina de Bont at 236-7424 as soon as possi- ble. The executive are looking into buying some new T-shirts and would like some donations from the parents instead of having a fund raiser. Denise Meidingef reminded the group that the next youth group meeting will be held on March 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The students in grade 5/6 will meet in the srhool, while those in grade 7/8 go to the parish hall. There will be a P.T.A. informa- tion night with other groups on April 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at St. Anne's School in Clin- ton. The cost is $20.00. If you are interested in going, phone Theresa Van Raay for more information. Principal Mr. Kraftcheck spoke briefly on the junior kindergarten program in the school and said they will offer it again next year. Diane Miller reported that things are well underway for a musical concert on April 17,18,19. A motion was made to donate 5250 towards the grade eight grad- y,jratibii'in Jane. Ideas from students are needed, along widi help from4 the grade 7 parents to put on a spe- cial night for them. The P.T.A. will also donate $100 towards the Musical. Nicole Soudant, Candace and Breanne Becker, and Jenna McKin- non presented their speeches. Skating carnival Tickets are now on sale for the Zurich and Area Figure Skating Club, "Holidaze On Ice" carnival to be held at the arena on March 17, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Adult admission is $4.00; chil- dren six to 12 years $1.00 and un- der five free. Members of the skating club have tickets or phone president Brenda Schilbe 236-4805, Susan Semple 236-7709 or Sheila Miller 237-3424. Cubs and Scouts The Zurich Scouts and their two leaders recently took part in the Huron District Winter Camp outing on February 22-24 at the Wawa- nogh Valley Conservation Area. Last Thursday, February 29, the Zurich Cubs went swimming at Vanastra with the Hensall group. On Saturday, March 2 was the district Kub Kar Rally in Exeter. All the boys made and painted their own kars for this annual event. Se A pork din Zurich Senio at the Comm nior Diners ser was served by 40 r Diners February 28 unity Centre. Mattie Smith was the 50/50 winner. Birth- days and anniversaries . for the month of February were recog- nized. Gertie Fleischauer wel- comed Janet Pettus Grade 3 and 4 teacher and students from St. Boni- face School, who treated the diners to public speaking. Candace Beck- er spoke on angels; Brianne Becker spoke on Jiilian Jiggs and Janet McKinnon spoke on Canada. Bingo and card games followed. Euchre games Ten tables were in play at the progressive euchre party Monday evening, February 26 at the Zurich Township Hall, sponsored by Zu- rich Golden Agers. Winners: High, Hugh McKay, Hensall; Second high, Geraldine Kane; Lone hands, Louis Farwell. Door prize draws were won by Annie Finkbeiner, Cecelia Farwell, Louis Farwell, Babe McGregor and Ruth Johnston. The public is invited to the next euchre party Monday evening, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Personals Sympathy of the community goes to the family of Maria Kenda, who passed away suddenly February 26. John and Bridget Groot and friends from Bayfield enjoyed a two-week sight-seeing vacation in Vancouver and Washington. Mozart and Marie Gelinas Sr. and Elroy. Desjardine of Exeter re- turned home last weekend after spending the month of February at Winter Haven, Florida. Harry and Wilma Pennings, RR 1 Zurich returned home after spend- ing February in Florida. Lou and Delores Schilbe spent three weeks recently on the Island of St. Lucia in the West Indies. Glenn and Marg Neeb enjoyed a restful four-week holiday in Fort Meyers, Florida. Jerome and Carmel Sweeney spent a weekend in Toronto March 1-3 visiting with daughter Beth. They went to see 'Phantom of the Opera.' Happy birthday wishes go to Re net Sweeney who will be 19 on March 7; Katie Mathonia who was six years old on February 28; and to Pat Bedard, who was 40 years old on March I. Several friends and relatives from the Zurich area went by bus to Ooderich on Saturday to the stag and doe party for Glenn McBeath, son of Doug and Joyce, Zurich. He is the fiance of Angie Alcock. The couple are planning to be married on April 6. Residents- celebrate Heritage Day EXETER - Armchair travels to Florida were the topic for study at the villa during February. A Val- entine party featured entertain- ment by line dancers which was enjoyed by all present. February 19, Heritage bay was celebrated with an afternoon tea served by volunteers in their cen- tennial dresses and has. Excerpts from the "Hay Highlights" were read. The residents enjoyed aw ar- ticle about beef tinge and ' is sparked lively comments about personal experiences. Musical en- tertainment is always special end those sharing their talents this month were Eric Kints, Marlette Mathes and Bill Rowe, Jim Young and Band. A special memorial service for former residents was held on Sun- day, Febrtwy 25. The villa has operated for 10 yews and the ser- vice remembered all those who have passed away during those years. It is prghwed to hold a me- morial service every year. The poptdarpet visits on Satur- day morning. and the usual bin- gos, games and sing song were well atsefded by residents. Exeter Public School students from Grade 4 -visited with their adopted grandparents.. This monthly is well received by the residents. Volunteers are backbone o}`;)rtusEurn "—it may be time to seriously look at operating the museum with volunteers." Dear Editor. '('ltrough your fine newspaper providing the "Let- ters to the editor" section, a means exists for the public to share opinions and concerns on various is- sues. My recent letter that appeared in this section of your paper, titled, "Can We Afford A County Museum?" has created open discussion concerning this issue. In your February 28 issue, Donna Nicholson, Chairman, Huron County Branch of the Ontario Ge- nealogical Society provided readers with informa- tion on the work that her group does in the county. In her letter she also presented information con- cerning myself that was incorrect. I contacted Ms. Nicholson and after correcting her on these items, we found that we had similar concerns with the present and future operation of the Huron County Museum. We both agreed that Huron County Council needs to find a better way of selected committee members. If committee members do not have an interest or background isiated to the intoe they are ap- pointed to. they become t dependent on county employees to advise and a decisions for them. This situation provides ark opportunity for senior county staff to possibly control and manipulate both elected council members and the citizens of the county that they are accountable to - the voters. Both of us also agreed that volunteers are a valu- able asset - in this case in.the operation of the Huron County Museum. In my opiniob, I fbel that volun- teers could be trained to properly operate the mu- seum with minimal use of county staff. With mu- seum employee wages and benefits in 1995 costing county residents $250,000.00, it May be time to seri- ously look at operating the museum with volunteers. As written in the Huron County Museum Policy Manual, Huron County Museum was established to house the collection of Mr. J.H. Neill. Prior to their approval of the 1996 museum budget, I hope county council will not forget that individual, such as Mr. Neill and the dedicated volunteers ovetr the years at the museum are it's backbone - not the,"qualified" senior staff who are paid and receive the bulk of the credit for the museum's existence. W.P.,Fydenchuk, Huron Park Snowy roads concern driver "I wonder how many more acci- dents cctdents will occur, with costs to hu- man lives, before the strike ends?" Dear Editor: In our location in the snowbelt, the OPSEU strike has begun, and winter weather continues. If these events did not occur at the same time, fewer rural residents may be affected by the strike. In the rural community, however, weather condi- tions are very important since they affect so many activities. Like many rural people, I commute to work each day, and transportation is extremely im- portant in my life. I also require the opportunity to drive to meetings, social events, stores and church. Without this opportunity, the activities in my life, as in many other people's daily lives, would be severe- ly curtailed. Last week, on the same day as the major accident occurred on Highway 401, I drove home from work on extremely slippery roads. Highway 4 was very icy in many locations, and at that time of day, many, people were on their way home Yrnr*' work. In addi tion, strong Winds'cflused problems with staying on one's own side of the road. Rather than remain on Highway 4, I decided to drive on gravel roads much of the way, and they were a vast improvement. Last Saturday, I arrived home in the afternoon af- ter another major snowsquall had just travelled through and left snow-covered and icy sections on the road. Under normal conditions, snowplows and sanders would have travelled the highway at various times during the day in order to ensure safe road conditions. As a result of the strike, however, there was no winter maintenance. Shortly after arriving home, I happened to took out the window and noticed several cars slowing and stopping on the highway. When I looked more closely, I would see a small station wagon which ' had gone off the road into a very deep ditch. Police and an ambulance were called, and soon arrived to assist with the accident. A short while later, a sander drove along the highway. By that time, however, it was too late to help the occupants of the car. When I first heard that winter roads would be at- tended to only when the snow reached a certain depth, I wondered about the safety of the road con- ditions during the OPSEU strike. Blowing and drift- ing snow often create problems of ice and snow buildup on sections of the road only, rather than a uniform depth of snow. Now that we have experi- enced the strike for a week, I wonder how many of the automobile accidents that have occurred could have been avoided with regular winter road mainte- napee7. I wonder about the safety ori ldre tp school. buses each'day?,I wonder hovKc Y hy,more: accidents will occur, with costs to human lives, be- fore the strike ends? I wonder if Helen Johns, MPP for Huron County, is taking note of the affects of the strike on the many rural constituents in Huron County? And I wonder if the OPSEU workers on strike need to drive on our local highways during their daily activities? Mary Peterson, Centralia Clean up the country side I beg you not to throw your garbage out while going for a Sunday drive.... Dear Editor: On Sunday, February 25 1 went for a walk from my apartment in. Hensall to St. Joseph and back. The day was beautiful, and I enjoyed walking in the country but I did have major problem with what I saw. Garbage was everywhere! Recently moving back from the United States this bothered me very much. All my American friends always asked me why had I moved to the States as Canada was such a pretty and clean country. ,This 'brings me back to my walk. Why is it that we are seen as the true blue (and green) north land and the U.S. highways and ditches are cleaner? Beer bottles, papers and pop cans litter our highways. The U.S. has a program where differ- ent schools, businesses, and organizations walk along the ditches and clean up their roads and high- ways. Not just the main road but back roads as wail, Maybe it's time for all Canadians to stand up and take control over our own destiny of our country. I; would appreciate and I'm sure you would appreciate a cleaner county. I ask, no I beg of one and all, businesses, schools and organizations to walk our country side and carry a bag for garbage and pick up this litter as we go. Also I beg again, not to throw your garbage out when going for our Sunday (for that matter, tidy) drives. Out children's future depends on it. I am a proud Canadian. Let's show the world that we cart. Thank you for reading this and let us all make a promise to ourselves to make our country a place to be proud of. Steven J. Dettmer Hensall Ontario, Canada Food famine raises over $1000 ...I'd like to recognize the students, who went without food for 30 hours, and gave up their own free time.... Dear Editor. On March 1st and 2nd approximately 41 students from South Huron District High School participated in the 30 hour famine to raise money for World Vi- sion's charitable works in developing countries. While the final tally is not in, it would appear that our gaup has raised in excess of $ 1000.00. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all the groups who made our famine possible. First, I'd like to recognize the students, who went with- out food for 30 hours, and gave up their own free time to help peop(<et ey have never met. Some peo- ple may complain. about the quality of today's youth, but there are maty good lies in out commu- nity, and I think we can be jtgtly proud of than. I'd also like to thank the people of Exeter and the surrounding communities for supporting the stu-' dents when they came canvassing donations. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the many merchants who donated drinks, ice, videos, and food for our event. They include JBM Variety in Crediton; Huron Park Foodtown; Holtzmann's IOA; Becker's Milk Store; Big V Drugstore; and McDonald's Restaurants. New Orleans Pizza sup- plied our "ireakfast" (gone, incidentally, in 'three minutest), and St rTime videos provided the enter- tainment. All the money we raised goes to World Vision, and without the generosity of these mer- chants we wouldnot have been able to hold our fa- mine. To everyone involved, my congratulations. Be proud of who you are - be proud of what you dot Sincerely Dave MacLeod