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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-11-11, Page 4PAGE 1 GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1987 "Keep smiling. Keep shining. Know- ing you can always count on me. For sure. That's what friends are for. The above few words receive a lot of air time on radio stations throughout Canada., the United States, perhaps even the world. Especially so in 1986 when the song was first released. They are the words of the 1986 American Song of the Year single "That's What Friends Are For" recorded by a multi -talented group of American singers ... namely Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Gladys Knight. The song, recorded by the group to raise money for AIDS (Acquired Im= munodeficiency Syndrome), says it all concerning how the general public should look at persons afflicted with this disease. AIDS victims should not be con- demned or ridiculed by society as they are so often. They should be treated as you would treat any ill person ... with friendship and love. However, this does not appear to be the standard since many persons fear not on - Lou -Ann DeBruyn ly the disease but those persons who have been diagnosed as having AIDS. Fear itself cannot kill or infect a per- son, so to fear the disease or persons af- flicted with AIDS is sad. Human nature tells us to be compassionate and caring. It tells us to be loving and understanding. Yet, this disease has wreaked havoc among all social classes and only because of a lack of understanding about the disease. AIDS is a communicable disease not a contagious disease. You cannot catch AIDS by hugging a person with the disease. You cannot get AIDS from a toilet seat. There are a limited number of way AIDS can be transmitted. AIDS occurs when a virus known as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency ,Virus) attacks and weakens the body's immune system, leading to its collapse and in- ability to protect itself from a number of infections. The HIV virus is found in the blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an infected person and is spread when any one of these fluids enters into another person's body. This can happen through sexual contact with an infected person, the shar- ing of contaminated needles or syringes, transfusions or injections of infected •blood or blood products, or even at birth when an infected mother transmits the virus to her baby before or at birth or even during breast-feeding. It is a disease for which there is no cure Since the first AIDS case was recorded in Canada in 1979, there have been another 1,308 cases. Of this number, 679 victims have died. Although AIDS is most closely associated with homosexual males, it is a disease which knows no boundaries, striking anyone, male or female, young or old, rich or poor, rural or urban. It should then come as no surprise that, data compiled until September 1987, shows that 482 cases of AIDS have been reported in Ontario alone — including two in Huron County. In the nearby urban centre of London, there are 30 AIDS cases now being treated, according to Dr, Iain Mackie, in- ternal medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital and president of the Condon AIDS com- mittee. Half of these cases .are Lon- doners with the disease while the re- mainder are persons from the surroun- ding area. According to Mackie, it is reasonable to assume that for every per- son with the AIDS disease, there are another 100 Persons with AIDS symptoms ... making a total of about 3,000 persons in Southwestern Ontario who may, or may not, develop AIDS. Although there may be a wide range of agencies, committees, or health profes- sionals who can help AIDS victims deal with their disease and its effects, we, as members of the community, need to learn more about the disease and what we can do for its victims. It is up to us to educate ourselves about the disease, its cause, symptoms and effects so we can help those who are afflicted with AIDS. AIDS victims should not be ridiculed for having a disease they have little con- trol over. They should be loved by the community as we love any person ... unconditionally. We have the responsibility to take care of each other whether the victim be fami- ly, friend, acquaintance, co-worker or stranger. As the song says, "That's what friends are for." THE NEWS PORT FOR GODERICH & DISTRICT SINCE 1848 P.O. BOX 220 HUCKINS ST. INDUSTRIAL PARK GODERICH, ONT. N7A 4h6 `he(UATm ALL ROUND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN CANADA Go d ® (CAudeuClew 3500.4500) C C N.A Better Newspaper Compenuor. 1960 e��c �SIGNAL-STAR PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED Founded in 1848 and published every Wednesday at Goderich, Ontario. Member of the CCNA and DMA, Subscrip- tions payable in advance $23.00, (Senior Citizens $20,00 privilege card number required) in Canada, $60.00 to U.S.A., $60.00 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 loads 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 _ . • Advertising Manager SHIRLEY' J. KELLER DON HUBICK News Editor Features Co-ordinator S arts PATRICK RAFTIS LOU -ANN DE BRUYN TED SPOONER FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICE...please phone (519)524-2614 Second class eNA mail registration ' Member: number 0716 ccNA VLOIn4O CIACULATION PA el Time to act On Oct. 5, Goderich Town Council "received," a report detailing and recommending the construction of a $3.1 million aquatic recreation complex. Council's decision to "receive" ( read "take, no action,") on the report is not a conclusive one — nor does it have to be a final one. At the time, council was hesitant to commit to a project which would require a $1.3 million contribution, from municipal governments (mainly Goderich's, with assistance from Goderich and Colborne Townships), with a further $1 million added through community fun- draising. The balance, $700,000, would be obtained through available government grants. Council appears to be- operating along the lines of reasoning offered by Deputy Reeve John Doherty, who said at the Oct. 5 meeting, "$1 million from service clubs is high and that money comes from taxpayers anyway. The $1.3 million from municipal governments is again using taxpayers money. I am not against a complex for the community but we have to be realistic." Other councillors, echoed Doherty's concern for the "burden," such a facility would place on taxpayers — a commendable position on the surface: However, while council seems to perceive its role 'as guardian of the tax dollar — it is overlooking its mandate to utilize those, same tax dollars according to the wishes of those who elected them. Both the recently -disbanded Aquatic Centre Committee and the consulting firm hired to prepare the original report and concept (which recommended a 25,000 square foot, $3.6 million complex) indicated a high degree of community support for the project. The' com- mittee 1 which recommended a scaled-down 17,000 square foot, $3.1 million complex) called the support at the service club level "overwhelming," and noted that one local industry has already budgeted "a large amount," toward the project for 1988. Based on this preliminary show of support (Goderich Kinsmen planned to donate $15,000 in the first year, Goderich Lions Club were considering $100,000 over five years), council ap- pears to have been over cautious. In taking no steps to keep the project moving forward, council has indicated a lack of faith in a community which has made known its plans to sup- port the construction of an aquatic centre. It has been suggested the issue be included on the ballot for the 1988 municipal election. While such a move might solidify the level of support for the project, it would also add a crippling delay. A municipal election would not be held until November 1988 and by the time a new council got on -track and revived the dormant project, we would be well into 1989. Inflation waits for no one; and the cost of construction will surely be higher two years hence. The time to proceed with the construction of an indoor swimming pool and recreational complex in Goderich is now, while the wheels — temporarily spinning in the bureaucratic mire — are at least still in motion. The volunteer Aquatic Centre Committee has been disbanded, but they have already taken the project as far as they could within their mandate. The studies have been done and it is now time for concrete action of the type only an elected municipal government is em- powered to take. Unfortunately, the issue is unlikely to receive further attention unless citizens of this com- munity make their opinions known through direct appeals to members of council. Speak now, or forever drive to Vanastra to swim! — P.R. Goderich Remembrance Day activities attract largest turnout within decade 25 YEARS AGO November 15, 1962 The new public school building will be set back 150 feet from both Blake and, Eldon streets, it was decided at the regular meeting of the Public School Board at Vic- toria School Monday evening. Riddle, Con- nor and Associates, architects in charge of the project, have been advised of the deci- sion. It had earlier been proposed that the new building be located 100 feet from the street lines, but the greater distance has been decided to be more suitable. The pre- sent plan is for an eight classroom struc- ture with combination gymnasium and auditorium at an estimated cost of $210,000. The project is still under study by the provincial authorities. With the largest turnout in more than a decade, Remembrance Day activities in Goderich Sunday morning attracted hun- dreds of citizens to local churches where Remembrance topics engaged the atten- tion of most of the clergy, and later to the War Memorial in Court House Park where wreath laying ceremonies were con- ducted. Focal point of Remembrance ac- tivities was the parade of Branch 109, Royal Canadian Legion, led by the Legion Pipe Band, to Knox Presbyterian Church, where the strong Legion representation was joined by members of the Legion Aux- iliary, members of both local chapters of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire, service clubs, lodges and other groups and institutions. Roman Catholic members of the Legion paraded separate - LOOKING BACK ly to the regular service at St. Peter's Catholic Church then rejoined the assembly at the War Memorial at 12:15 pm. 50 YEARS AGO November 17, 1937 As the culmination of a successful membership drive which has been in pro- gress during recent weeks, a banquet in celebration of the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian Order of Foresters will be held in Goderich on Mon- day, November 22nd. Joining with the Foresters of the town and district in this fraternity gathering will be several High Court officers including W.M. Couper, K.C. of Montreal, High Chief Ranger, J.P. Hoag of Toronto, High Vice -Chief Ranger, W.E. Long of Brantford, Superintendent of organization W. J. Beney of Brantford, High Auditor. A quartet of inquisitive youngsters soon found out how to start a car in a show room on Hamilton street but they didn't know how to stop it. They were saved that trou- ble, however when the car, started in gear, crashed into the door of the show room, narrowly missing a large plate glass win- dow. The proprietor, father of ohe of the lads, arrived on the run after hearing the crash, sized up the situation at a glance and seized his offspring to administer a sound strapping without hearing the defence plea. The lad "took the rap" for the foursome as the other three boys lost no time in making themselves scarce dur- ing the confusion. 70 YEARS AGO November 15, 1917 Mr. J.H. Lauder, of the Nyal's Quality Store, is offering a beautiful mahogany - finished Playola as a prize in a vote contest. which is to commence on Sturday next, 17th inst., and continues until Christnias Eve. Particulars of the contest are giver in The Signal's advertising columns. The Playola is a handsome cabinet phonography that will plan any make of record—Victor, Columbia, Edison, Pathe, with out any extra attachment. Noiseless motor of worm fibre geaf' type will last for a lifetime of wear. Springs of finest steel. There is also a file cabinet for records. It will be a fine Christmas gift for somebody. The art picture and 'picture frame department, lately added to Thomson's Music Store, is now complete with a fine assortment of the latest art pictures and picture frames; also the newest designs in American and Canadian mouldings suitable for picture framing. This depart- ment is in charge of Mr. Arthur Smith, an expert in art pictures and picture framing in all its branches. During a recent weighty discussion, my high -school-age brother mentioned to me he had enjoyed a segment of the play "The Merchant of Venice," in one of his English classes. I had enjoyed this par- ticular work of Shakespeare myself, and so, concurred with his analysis. I was, therefore, extremely upset when he told me this was probably the last year the play would be taught at my old high school. It was being dropped from the study list because of its negative depiction of Jewish people. While 1 realize a school board must have some latitude in choosing reading material for its students, I can't agree with the reasoning for dropping this par- ticular play. I can't argue that the slippery Shylock doesn't come off looking pretty sinister in "Merchant of Venice," but it should be noted that the play does present a very positive depiction of another often - stereotyped group, women. 1 realize this is simply trading one form of discrimina- tion for another, but it also points out a redeeming feature of the play. It's not all bad. Also, I think Shakespeare can be at least partially forgiven for not being in- formed about modern ethnic attitudes. He did live in the 16th century. Another great literary figure whose Work has come under fire from school boards is Mark Twain, for his supposedly negative portrayal of the American Black in such books as "Tom Sawyer," and "Huckleberry Finn". Neither Twain's books, nor Shakespeare's play, actually creates any bad attitudes toward the aforementioned groups. They are based on historically accurate attitudes of the periods in which they are set. In Shakespeare's time, Jewish people were regarded as greedy moneylenders. Likewise, Twain's Blacks reflected a common perception for people of that period. To deny the authenticity of these par- ticular.works is to deny history. The case differs little, except in degree, from the recent one involving a Western Canadian teacher who was reprimanded for feeding his classes misinformation about WW H era treatment of Jews by the Nazis. The "Good Guy vs Bad Guy," theme is one that forms the basis of almost all ex- isting literature and films. To take it away, for whatever reason, would leave us with precious little left to read or watch. For example, take last year's hit movie "Platoon," which received much critical acclaim and commerical success. I saw it — and I felt the North Vietnamese came off looking very badly. This does not, however mean it was not an in- teresting and worthwile film. If we stopped teaching school children from this angle Petrick Raffia every novel which shows some group or other in an unfavorable light, the only book we would be left with is the original primer "Fun with Dick and Jane". Come to think of it, even this book has been blasted for it's antiquated analysis of the family unit. In this case, I have to agree with the critics. The only sensible character in this series was the dog, Spot, of "See Spot Run" fame. Of course Spot was run- ning. Who wouldn't want to get away from Dick, Jane, Mom, Dad, Baby Sally and that infernal cat, Fluffy? The whole stereotypical bunch of them would bore any sophisticated canine to tears. Back to the point. If young people are not exposed to fine literature during their education, they are unlikely to ever develop an interest in it and society will become that much less rounded. Come on guys! You can't censor Shakespeare! If you do, what's next? This column? Surely, an informed public would not stand for that? Okay. Bad example!