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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-11-04, Page 4PAGE 4--GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1987 It's not every day that you are asked to write a column for the community newspaper but when you work at the newspaper, there's a better chance of this happening. And, it finally has. With a change in the editorial depart- ment here at the Goderich Signal -Star, a certain column space has opened on this page. For my part, I am going to try and fill the space each week which has been fill- ed in previous years by Dave Sykes, Shirley Keller and Elsa Haydon. Although I have been working as a reporter for two years now ( prior to ar- riving in Goderich in November 1986, 1 worked weekends for the London Free Press as well as working full-time at the Ingersoll Times), I have never been ask- ed or told to write a column. Perhaps I should.say, I was told I could write a column if I wanted but there was no rush for me to begin. In the past year, I have attempted to Lou --Ann DeBruyn write a column twice ... once shortly after I arrived in Goderich and the se- cond time when 1 returned from my holidays this summer during which time I was married. However, what seemed like great col- umn ideas at the time just didn't work. I could write three, even five, fairly in- teresting paragraphs with no problem but, after that, the words just weren't there. That is about to change. Or so I hope. With eagerness and, I will adrnit, a bit of apprehension, I am looking forward to writing a weekly column. I'm sure there will be times when I wish I had not ac- cepted the challenge of writing a weekly column but what would life be without challenges? It can't, as the saying goes, always be a bed of roses. This column will be slightly different from others in the newspaper since I do not consider myself to be a humorous writer. To date, I have written only two ar- ticles for the newspaper which have been considered even slightly comical. The first was unintentional I and I haven't been allowed to forget it either), although the second attempt at light humor was planned and did work from what I have heard. No, this column will not be humorous as are so often the columns written by fellow reporters Pat Raftis and Ted Spooner and that of contributing colum- nist William Thomas. This column will be different. (That is the second time 1 have said this so 1 must really mean it. ) How different you ask'.' Well, I intend to write a conunentary- type of column which will reflect upon the issues of the day. I can hear the sighs and groans now of "Oh no, not a serious column." I hate to disappoint you but, yes, that is what you can expect. This column will be a commentary on an issue of some importance ... whether it be local, provincial, national or inter- national. And, since I will be the author of the column, you will, no doubt, be reading my opinion, or a consensus of the editorial staff here at the Signal -Star, on the item under discussion. All I can say is "Wow!" 1 don't think I have, as the saying goes, 'bitten off more than 1 can chew' but I wouldn't be surprised if I end up feeling that way some day in future weeks, or months, when I'm sitting at my desk staring at "Lou's column" typed on an otherwise blank computer screen. I know. You're probably thinking, "It can't be that hard to fill that small space." What you don't realize is "that small space" is really 12 inches long and it isn't always easy to write an interesting and coherent column as the Tuesday deadline approaches. However, I am confident I can do the job and do it well. And, without con- fidence you can't do much of anything. Right? Opinion THE NEWS PORT FOR GODERICH & DISTRICT SINCE 1848 P.O. BOX 220 HUCKINS ST. INDUSTRIAL PARK GODERICH, ONT. N7A 4B6 the • {. � Ode cGivr 1ioum —35°"5°C C C N 4 Bectnr PJawa, e� CaWetmo^ 1964 SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED Founded In 1848 and published every Wednesday at Goderich, Ontario. Member of the CCNA and 0CNA, Subscrip- tions payable in advance 523.00, (Senior Citizens $20.00 privilege card number required) in Canada, 560.00 to U.S.A., 560.00 to all other countries, Single copies 60c. Display, National and Classified advertising rates available on re- quest. Please ask for Rate Card No. 18 effective October 1, 1987. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a•typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with the reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but that balance of the advertisement will be paid for at 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 an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. The Signal - Star is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduc- ing purposes. General Manager .. Editor Advertising Manager SHIRLEY J. KELLER DAVE SYKES DON HUBICK . FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICE...please, phone (519)524-2614 Second class •mall registration Member: +CNA number 0716 ccMA VI.UI. ClgCil MOON 41 Small price to pay The cost to immunize a single child against the crippling disease polio is 12 cents. The total cost to completely irradicate polio from the face of the earth has been pegged at $120 million. In times when the military budgets of even a non-aggressive country like Canada make the above-mentioned figure seem like a drop in the bucket, $120 million would seem like a small price indeed to eliminate something which causes so much suffering and death. Two years ago, Rotary International accepted the challenge of imrnunizing all children against polio. They feel this vision is attainable - possibly even by the year 1990. This year, all profits from the annual Goderich Rotary Ball, to be held Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Saltford Valley Hall, will go toward Polio Plus, the organization's campaign to eliminate the disease. "It (the ball) is a well -attended visual event and a good way to introduce the campaign locally, says Rotary Club Member Dr. Bruce Thompson, of Goderich. While other Rotary events will be held throughout the year to raise money for Polio Plus, it is next week's Rotary Ball which will be the first fundraising event. This year's ball also marks the 25th anniversary of the Rotary Club in Goderich. Tickets for the ball are available from any Goderich Rotarian. It's a chance to do some good, while having a good time. Education needed WELL , AT LEAST LUNCH AT THE CLUB Nou) IDOEO'T REQUIRE A REER\/ATION A recent report of a high school drug -use survey carried out by the Addiction Research Foundation shows a significant drop in drug use by high school students in Ontario. That's surely good news to parents and to educators. The down side of the survey, however, is that the researchers found only 29 per cent of the 4,154 students surveyed could recall having more than two classes dealing with drug education in the previous year. The study examined drug use trends in the province between 1981 and 1985 and concluded that use of eight of a total of 17 drugs had declined significantly. Barbiturates use by students, for example, dropped from 8 per cent in 1981 to 4 per cent in 1985, and cocaine and heroine use remained at low levels. A report on the study is carried in this month's edition of the Journal for Addiction Research. Alcohol, by far, remains the most popular drug in the 193 schools surveyed. In 1985, 70 per cent of students reported alcohol use in the previous year. A quarter of the students in the survey said they had smoked tobacco at least once in 1984 and 21 per cent said they had used canabis. The corresponding figures for tobacco and cannabis use in 1983 were 29 and 25 per cent. Apart from the overall reaucuon in drug use noticed by the researchers, it seems that students who may experiment with drugs in Grade 11 are coming to their senses by Grade 13, when there is a dropping off of drug use. That, too, is a hopeful sign. Media attention,given to drug use and drug education classes at schools are credited with causing the lower levels of drug use by high school students. Analysts of the report suggest, however, that schools could be doing more to impress students about the immediate effects of drugs on their lives. School boards, counsellors and principals might want to think about the report and the analysts' conclusions. Particularly, they might think about ways in which alcohol consump- tion by high school students might be reduced. — St. Marys Journal Argus. Police charge youthswho litter streets with garbage on Halloween night 25 YEARS AGO November 8, 1962 Tenders have been called for the con- struction of a three -bay extension to ex- isting garage facilities at Goderich Public Utilities Commission building on Waterloo Street, it is announced by Elmer Weaver, manager. The new structure will house the increased number of vehicles added in re- cent times to the PUC fleet. The new garage section, to front on Waterloo Street, and adjoin the existing garage will be of block construction faced with brick. The old garage will be faced with similar brick in order to match up the two buildings. The new construction will not only accomodate vehicles but will permit the present vehicles maintenance shop to be moved out of the rear of the main building and installed in the garage department proper. A soggy collection of rotten apples, car- rots and other Vegetables at the police sta- tion was the only reminder Thursday mor- ning that the night before had been Hallo- ween. Goderich Town Police reported no malicious damage and added their con- gratulations to local youth for keeping the occasion under control. A constant police check of all suspicious looking cars had its effect in preventing any outbreak of mischief. A dozen charges are pending against youths, ranging in age from 16 to 22 years, who vented their Halloween spirit by littering the streets with sundry garbage. Seven of the youths were ap- LO O K I N G BACK prehended in two pick-up trucks atter an egg -throwing exchange between the two vehicles. Several cartons of eggs were seized by police. 50 YEARS AGO November 10, 1937 Hundreds of people took advantage of the special offers made by "Goderich mer- chants last weekend. The merchants tak- ing part in the Dollar Days Event showed tlyeir confidence in the public by offering real bargains and by going to a lot of extra work in preparation for the days, and the people showed confidence in their mer- chants by recognizing the opportunity and taking advantage of the reduced prices. The draw of Dollar Days coupons was held at Town Hall at about 10:30 pm Saturday. Only a few persons were present when Town Clerk L.L. Knox drew the winning coupon after they had been stirred vigorously by Sergeant A.C. Ross. The ratepayers of Goderich are to have the opportunity of voting on municipal election day, on the issue of closing or con- tinuing the beverage rooms which have been doing business in this town the last three years. The vote will be on the ques- tion "Are you in favour of closing the beverage rooms?" The matter was brought to a head within the past week by the presentation of a petition to the Town- Council ownCouncil asking for a vote. Mr: J.P. Hume and Rev. S.R. McClung appeared before the committee at its regular meeting Fri- day night with a petition bearing 735 names, the result of a whirlwind canvass made that day under the direction of the local Temperance Federation. The council received the petition and took it under con- sideration in committee of the whole. No decision was reached that night. 70 YEARS AGO November 8, 1917 Mr. John Leckie of Brussels, the well- known ex -warden of the County of Huron, was in town this week on court business. In conversation with a representative of The Signal, he said he had taken this paper since September 1st, 1854, over 63 years. The Signal likes to hear from its old subscribers -especially when they have pleasant things to say. The Model Theatre offers a good pro- gram for next week. Those who like a good serial should see the first episode' in "Gloria's Romance" which commences Monday and Tuesday next. On Wednesday and Thursday Sessue Hayakawa, the famous Japanese actor, will be seen in , "The Bottle Imp" adapted from the story by Robert Louis Stevenson. The scenes for this fascinating date are set in picturesque Hawaii. I got to thinking the other night, while watching the Late Late Late Show about 3 a.m., about how terrible things must be for those unfortunate souls afflicted with insomnia. In fact, I became so distressed about the plight of these bleary-eyed in- dividuals that I only got a couple of hours sleep the rest of the night. Insomniacs, by our very nature, fall victim to all manner of misconceptions by our more sornnulent counterparts. The "early to bed, early to rise set," often perceive the people of the night to be sluggish types, because they fail to get out of bed at the crack of dawn and em- bark on a daily routine of calisthenics, breakfast and work. What they fail to realize, is that the nocturnal types are only crawling into bed at the clack of dawn and then must rise only a couple of hours later to arrive unfed and occa- sionally unshowered at the offiee within a few minutes of punch -in time. Night owls are also mistakenly assum- ed to be naturally irritable, simply because they choose not to respond to the perky "Good Mornings," issued by those who fell asleep during the six o'clock news. It's not that we're grouches, it's just that we're not ready to converse with anyone prior to a second cup of some strong caffeine beverage. Actually, if you ask me before 9:30 a.m., about the only good thing I Would have to say about early risers is that they usually have a pretty darn good pot of coffee brewed by the time the insomniacs arise from their quilted coffins. Another unpleasant rumor is that all in- somniacs are physically "ugly". This is not true either. You should see us freshly showered, with our hair combed, teeth brushed and eyes wide open. This usually occurs around noon. It's not that insomniacs don't want to sleen at normal times. We just can't. No matter how many times you try, you just can't get used to the concept of lying flat on your back under the covers before midnight. In fact, the earlier the sleepless set go to bed, the longer we he awake tossing and turning. Sooner or later, we give up and spend another Late Night with David Letterman who, in- cidently, is a man who has done more to improve the insomniacs' quality of life than any other television personality known to man. Speaking of television, most of you pro- bably have no idea what type of shows are foisted on viewers by unfeeling net- works during the pre -dawn hours. Movies featuring Elvis Presley, people who look like Elvis and worst of a11>, peo- ple with acting ability equal to the King's, abound after 2 a.m. Also, long - dead television series condemned to eter- nal syndication, re -runs of yesterday's newscasts and Love Boat — always Love from this angle Petrick Raftis Boat — oh, how I wish Gavin McLeod would hit an iceburg. Of course, insomniacs don't spend all their sleepless hours watching television, we have our industrious side as well. Much work can be -accomplished late at night, when all those perky early risers are tucked safely in bed and out of the way. Unfortunately, insomnia and pro- crastinaton go hand-in-hand because you know you can always pull an "all- nighter" to finish off that long-delayed project. „Another common misconception is that insomniacs can't sleep because of guilt of past misdeeds. If this were true, people would be constantly awakened at odd, hours by some night hawk offering a sincere apology in order to soothe his conscience and get some shut -eye. Insomniacs aren't looking for sym- pathy, just understanding. It's hard to be cheerful in the morning when every night is a Night of the Living Dead.