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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1985-1-23, Page 7As part of their Drug Awareness program the Londesboro Lions hosted a public meeting last week and also donated money to help in the battle against alcohol and drug abuse. Lion Al Bosman (left) donated $100 to Rev. Rudy Jantzen of Alcohol and Drug Concerns Inc and Theresa Overboe (right) gave a cheque of $50 to Grant Ellison, representing the Huron County Council for Action on Alcohol an tOther Drugs (CAAD). (Shelley McPhee photo) Drugs, alcohol - aware o by Shelley McPhee LONDESBORO - The small hamlet of Londesboro may seem an unlikely place for • discussion on drug and alcohol abuse, but in small communities, like Londesboro and Vanastra, grassroot discussions and educa- tion programs are taking place. As part of their mandate with Lions Inter- national, local Lions clubs in Vanastra and Londesboro have sponsored Dryig Awaredess programs. Children and adults in Londesboro heard discussion on that topic on January 17. Lion member Dave Overboe explained the pro- gram and the problem as "encompassing everything from nicotine to hard drugs: We hope to spread the word and keep spreading • the word." Students at Hallett Central Sch ol, from Grades 6 to 8 heard the Drug Program in .an afternoon assembly, presented by Rev. Rudy Jantzen of London; of Drug and Alcohol Concerns Inc. In a similar presentation at a public meeting held that same evening, Mr, Jant- zen noted that alcohol is an integral part of this culture, and still many don't know the effects on the body and personality.. Alcohol, is used as a "social lubricant," but it not only makes people feel more confi- dent and uninhibited, it also depresses the central nervous system, impairs judgement and : ^ Y. dn'nages the liver, the heart and the brain. Mr. Jantzen noted that over 60 per cent of traffic accidents in .Canada are .alcohol related and more than 50 per cent ,involve fatalities. He urged people to set standards for themselves and to realize their, alcohol limitations. For many, he said, drinking is a way of life and the problem with many of those peo- ple is that they lack purpose. "Purpose can electrify, but goals must be practical and simple," Mr. Jantzen urged. d t a.co • the dangers pay. They ruin lives and lose friends:" He urged adults to "set a model for • youth." Alcohol and Drugs Concerns Inc. have developed a popular preventative education program for young people. Their drug and alcohol information hockey kit -is studied by pee wee teams across the pro- vince. The NHL has supported the project, Quebec has developed it and the Maritimes are also interested in the'program. - Through cartoons, quizzes, games and stories, pee wee hockey players are learning about the problems and dangers associated with drug and alcohol abuse. The program. is involved in their weekly hockey practices. Alcohol and. Drug Concerns have taken this information concept one step further. This Week in Toronto they announced a new program, a drinking -driving information kit for teenagers. Mr. Jantzen hopes that this program will become part of the secondary school curriculum. Toc Alpha is another highly successful youth program sponsored by Alcohol and Drug Concerns. Through conferences, workshops and seminars, this program br- ings young .people together to talk about world issues, current trends and personal ambitions. 1 • "• It helps youth develop new lifestyles and • helps them not to get hooked on a negative lifestyle," Mr. Jantzen explained. He urged people to `start talking locally" and refer- red to the efforts of the Huron County Coun- cil for Action on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAAD) . Formed five years ago by 20 coi}cerned in- dividuals, including housewives and doc- tors, ministers and business people, CAAD provides information and individual help relating to alcohol and drug abuse. The most important aspect of the council is the assess- ment and referral program, where in- dividual • counselling, treatment and • recovery plans are offered: CARD provides information and assistance throughout Huron County, through the service of •-•13 He warned that 1 hal and drugs on assessment workers. Auburn, WIplan. events Education .and Cultural Activities were the topics discussed at the January meeting of the Auburn Women's Institute. President, Mrs. Eleanor Bradnock opened the meeting with the Ode, the Mary••Stewart Collect and 0 Canada with Mrs. Marjorie McDougall•as pianist. • Marjorie McDougall and Oliver Anderson were convenors of the program and in- troduced the film -Sir; Sir made by the Duke, of York School Toronto. Ross Robinson was the projectionist. McDougall gave a paper on proper ediquette and manners. Mrs. Leonard Archambault won the prize for having the most letters in her last name. • The minutes were approved as read by the secretary Mrs. Robert Peck and she gave the financial statement. A letter was read from the provincial president Mrs. Charlotte Johnston and there was an invita- tion to attend the 80 anniversary of Clinton. Women's Institute on March '27. The Huron County Dairy Princess will be the guest speaker at the May meeting. Card con- venor, Lillian Letherland, reported on cards sent and read thank -you notes received. The committee for purchasing kitchen supplies - Tina Empey and Mrs. Lawrence Plaetzer, discussed the equipment that is going to be purchased. Mrs. Viola Raithby reported on labels and asked all to save them to buy more supplies for the hall kitchen: Mrs. Raithby gave two readings, Recipe for a Happy Home and The Housewife's prayer: CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23,19185 --Page 7 Alcohol abuse a major concern Alcohol abuse and family violence are two areas of concern being monitored in the county by the health department. In his monthly report to Huron County Council Medical Officer of Health Dr. ]Harry Cieslar explained that his department will become involved in these two increasing social problems in the coming months. Cieslar has been active in the field of alcohol abuse with other county agencies -I and he hopes that the Health Unit, hospitals and the Centre for Children and Youth will recommend a comprehensive program of identification, referral and counseling services. He suggested fun- ding would be available through the Ministry of Health. Alc$hol abuse is prevalent in Huron County and Dr.. Cieslar told council that a comprehensive education program is needed to make people aware of the dangers. "Alcohol abuse is a major problem in Huron County and most deaths by acci- dent, about 50 per cent, are associated with alcohol," he said. "Ten per cent of the peo- ple in the county abuse alcohol and it is a major health hazard. Our role would be one of identification and referral with CAAD has estimated that there are more than 3,000 neonle in Huron County who are suffering from alcohol and drug related pro- blems. Grant Ellison of CAAD says that the Organization has dealt with some 18 refer- rals in the past two years. "We haven't made a big dent, many people still don't know the service is there," he explained. A non-profit organization, with little finan- cial backing, CAAD needs contributions just to advertise the services 'offered. Mr. Ellison believes that CAAD is a valuable worthwhile cause, "when you' see people . making use of their lives instead of abusing their lives." Mr. Ellison has personally seen both sides. He is a recovering alcoholic and hasn't hada drink in 16 years: • "I knew alcoholism was a killer. I knew it caused problems . in families," be said. "Quitting is. always the thing. Hundreds of times I quit. Hundreds of times I started." He gave some practical, hard nosed ad- vice to the Londesboro group, "I learned very early the psychological benefits of alcohol and marijuana, but if you need to relax with -alcohol or marijuana, then it's detrimental." He warned parents to be available to help their children•and to steer them away froin alcohol and drugs. "It's the hardest thing you'll have to do," he told parents, "but they won't go through hell. Alcohol will always be available, drugs will always be available, "we can make it, we can grow it," Mr. Ellison said,,but "if you never use drugs or never drink you'll never have that problem I addiction) ." He warned both adults and -young people. to be aware of the risks of alcohol and drugs. "Abuse stops your growth emotionally. Your aspirations dont happen. Addiction is a battle. Alcohol and drugs are killers, they can control you. Once it has hold of you, you're at its mercy." Mr: Ellison noted that there is also hope, that many people,particularly the youth are. taking a long, hard look at the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. '':Many•young peo- ple have seen and experienced drugs, but it's more acceptable now to ue straight than it was 10 years ago." He emphasized that the key to dealing with addiction, its recovery and its preven- tion, is "talking to someone. Honest, open communication with love works." For more information on drug and alcohol abuse or for confidential help, call 524-7111. The CAAD telephone service operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. counselling services provided by other agencies." Dr. Cieslar indicated that a more detail- ed proposal on the alcohol abuse program will follow. He hopes that it will be a com- prehensive program that will educate adults and school children. Another problem addressed by Dr. Cieslar was that of family violence, a pro- blem he says is "extensive." He told coun- cillors that one incident study suggests that there is violence in more than 10 per cent of families. "We're trying to get statistics on the pro- blem but right now we don't really know the extent," he explained. "Children get a role model from their parents and in most cases a child will see 35 violent episodes before the mother will leave that situa- tion." • Public awareness and education pro- grams will help combat the problem Dr. Cielsar suggested adding that early iden- tification was a good start. "To stop the violence may require use of the court system and the laying of assault charges,"•he said. Dr. Cieslar said there . was no data available linking the incidence of alcholol abuse with family violence. Heportahle darnage TORONTO - Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications of- ficials have announced the amount of pro- perty damage. in reportable motor vehicle .accidents was raised to $700 from $400, ef- fective Jan. 1,1985. The new minimum better reflects the con- tinually increasing costs for parts and labour to repair motor vehicles which have been involved in accidents. The $700 reportable accident/property A piano solo was played by Mrs. Gordon Chamney. A request for craft gifts for the Erland I,ee Home from each member for June was given and all members are asked to assist in this project. Mrs. Elliott Lapp was the holder of the, lucky ticket. The roll call was 'answered . by picking a topic from a hat. After the closinglunch was served by Mrs. Viola Raithby, Mrs. LillianrLetherland and Mrs. Gordon Chamney. The annual meeting of the Auburn Com- munity Hall Board will be held on Thursday evening January 24th at 8 p.m. in the hall, Mrs. Stanley McNall of Welland returned home last Friday after Visiting for a few days with Mrs. Tom Johnston and Miss Laura Phillips. Mrs: Gerrit Beirriers was able to come l,nnie last week after several • ays a patient in Clinton Public Hospital following surgery. Mrs. Mary Rollinson returned home last Friday 'after being a• patient in Clinton Hospital for several days. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Vin- cent on the birth of their daughter in Wingham hospital on Monday January 21st. Winners at last week's euchre party wen' novelty, Mrs. John Lockhart; high lady, Mrs. Bernice McClinchey; low lady, Mrs. Terry Wall; high man, John Lockhart and low man, Warner Andrews. REST RATES j RRSP O 1/44RRSP 1 1 1/2 , year 5 years RAN KEYS VARNA 262-6273 Agent for ARC ANNUITIES 41 Ir t00 damage level applies to all motor vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds as well as off-road vehicles. An MTC spokesman noted motorists should be aware that if they are involved in an accident which results in personal injury or property damage exceeding $700, they must report it to the police. The last increase in the reportable acci- dent/property damage level was in January of '78. CORN® SOYBEANS ALFALFA L • For all your seed needs. tall ESAU TI€SMA 482-3540 Your area Jacques seed dealer Standard Trust R SP It's easy to -open a new RRSP or transfer your existing one to .Standard Trust.. In fact, dust call our RRSP Hot line and we'll tdke your application or transfer ave' the phone. It's fast and convenient. Standard Trust RRSPs feature: • NO FEES Absolutely no fees no matter which plan you choose • INSTANT TAX RECEIPT For annual cont: hutions, your - rocuip'f s4ed immediately no need to watt to file your return SAVINGS OR G.I.C. PLAN Choose the ono That s right for you, .* up w rotes subject to change ;5 year G 1C r.rnpcunded onnually) STA !DARI) 7llr$ "FRUST 138 The $(yua•e P 0 Bo, 293 axle:0'+'c,•^... N7A 372 Te'eorone 524 7395 Open Mon ra TFo,s Fr. Sat 9 5. 9 6 9 12 237 Josephine Suet P O Bo. 850 Wmghar-, Ontar.o NOG 2W0 Th.ephane 357 2022 Open Mo' 10 TI.1?rs . Fr 5 96 EXHIBITION / JANUARY 29 FEBRUARY 1', 11 1000AM.-6:00 P.M`DAIC"` Belgian Horse Show . Heavy Horse Sale , , Holstein Cattle Sate , , ..'. .... Jan. 31 Hereford Whiter Classic Sale . , . ,. Feb '1 Nightly Sntertainmel,t .... Jan. 30, 31, Feb 1 ':,Far r Family Program..: