HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1983-01-12, Page 4ACE
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Published at Wingham, Ontario, he Weimer Bros. Limited
Ika.Barry Wenger. President
"'H.4ry Hess. Editor
Robert O. Wenger, Sec.-Treas.
Audrey Currie, Advertising Manager '
Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Member — Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Ontario Community Newspaper Assoc.
Subscriptions $20.00 per year
Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821
Six months 1;11.50
Return postage guaranteed
Facing the truth
The decision of the Wingham
Council to hold salaries and budgets for
1983 without increase is commendable
and in line with the thinking of many
other municipal bodies. More impor-
tantly, this move toward restraint is no
more burdensome than the conditions
which a great number of taxpayers
have been forced to accept. Many or-
ganized labor and professional groups
are still refusing to face the fact that
wages and salaries cannot continue to
increase in the. face of massive unem-
ployment.
A refreshing example of .civic
loyalty was provided_ in the nearby Vil-
lage of Clifford last week when mem-
bers of their village council, volunteer
firemen and appointed representatives
on the recreation, medical centre and
industrial committees all agreed to
serve their community without pay.
Total saving to the village will be about
$7,000.
In 'larger towns, where municipal
employees are full-time workers, no
one would expect such services without
salary, but in Clifford it appears that
the general welfare of the -community
--tomes first.
Some of the financial wizards are
not agreeing that our difficult times
have "bottomed out", but they also
predict that things may well stay at the
bottom for quite a while. If so we might
as well get used to the idea that we can
live with what we have.
Take it from the Japanese
A couple of weeks ago the federal
government named a ''task force" to
study the Canadian auto industry, dis-
cover, if possible, the root of its present
ills and recommend ways of improving
its health.
Such a study is certainly a step in
the right direction, particularly 'since
the force includes the presidents of the
three auto makers in this country, a
representative from the auto parts
industry and spokesmen for the labor
unions involved. If any solution can be
found it must be through the combined'
efforts of all who are engaged in auto
manufacture and sales.
Naturally, one of the most import-
ant aspects of the study will be to
ascertain how and why the Japanese
imports have stolen somuch of the
North American market. The obvious
way to understand the problem would
be to make a detailed study of the way
the auto industry operates ,in Japan.
We recall reading a few months ago an
article which described the spirit of
close cooperation which pervades the
car companies in Japan. The writer
claimed that all facets of the industry
are involved in all decisions. For ex-
ample, labor is represented at meet-
ings to discuss management problems;
management sits in with the labor
groups when matters of concern to the
workers must be discussed.
As a consequence, every person
whose livelihood depends on the sale of
cars is kept informed about all prob-
lems, from production right through to
shipment.
Perhaps that is the basis of a solu-
tion here. Instead of the antagonist
policy between management and labor
a mutual understanding of one an-
other's problems might go a long way,
to renewing the prosperity which once
characterized the North American auto
industry.
Question nursing homes
A few weeks ago there were dis-
tressing stories in the daily press about
the need for closer examination of
nursing homes in 'this province. The
stories claimed that the patients in
some homes are ill -fed, neglected and,
in some cases, abused. That is worri-
some information for the relatives of
older people who must spend the re-
mainder of their lives in such institu-
tions.
From our own personal experience
we find the claim of poor patient care
exaciiy the reverse of what we have
seen in such homes. Several of our own
relatives have been and are presently
confined to nursing homes. We have
never ceased to marvel at the patience
of nursing staffs, particularly the
younger women, in whom one migh
expect a certain Impatience with the
old folks. Withoutexception we have
found them to be kind, considerate and
understanding.
Of course, our own personal ex-
perience includes only five of six nurs-
ing homes. Out of the hundreds oper-
ating in Ontario it is possible that a
minority may not be providing top-
level care. If that is the case there is
every reason to track down the of-
fenders at once. We do know that many
nursing homes have up -graded the
quality of care to higher levels as they
applied for accreditation, an official
status which demands the best in both
care and accommodations.
Nursing homes are a vital part of
our health services program, partic-
ularly since the percentage of old
people in our population is steadily in-
creasing. Without nursing homes our
hospitals would be ' hopelessly over-
crowded and health costs would sky-
rocket. However, it must be admitted
that nursing home residents are par-
ticularly vulnerable, due to age and
physical helplessness, should 'the staff
of such an institution be careless or un-
feeling.
One aspect of nursing home pro-
grams we do feel is less than ideal. !f a
resident suddenly needs hospital*care,
as is frequently the case, if is often dif-
f ficult to make sure that the patient's
room can be held until he or she is well
enough to return. The waiting lists at
most nursing homes are long. Often
patients have waited for more than a
year to be admitted and under the
present system a sudden removal to
hospital, even through temporary, can
be a catastrophe.
Home care programs and the ser-
vices of visiting nurses such as the
VON have done much to. alleviate the
difficulties. of the aged, but there is a
considerable way to go before we have
completely solved the problems inher-
ent with old age.
What do you
newspaper?
Just what does a reader want to see
in a newspaper, askes The Picton
Gazette.
It is a question that has as many
answers as there are readers. But one
newspaperman, with tongue in cheek
— just how far in cheek is questionable
— wrote these answers to the perennial
question:
1. My name.
2. A front page article showing how
crooked the local government is most
of the time.
3. My wife's name.
4. A feature article showing 25
ways on how to cheat on income tax
forms.
5. My kids' narnes.
6. A local news item about the af-
fairs my neighbor is having.
7. A classified offering a new home
for sale for 54,000.
8. More news about lawbreakers.
9. Less news about lawbreakers.
was picked up last night and I should
not have to pay a fine.
10. An editorial condemning high
school teachers for being too liberal
with low marks.
4'^
want in a
11. A wedding picture of the groom
instead of the bride when he is more
handsome than she is pretty.
12. A sports picture of me when I
bowled 183.
13. More advertisements on things
that merchants are giving away.
14. A front page picture of my
neighbor being hauled out of the bar by
his wife.
15. A front page spread about the
deadbeat who lives across the street
from me who just had his car repossed.
16. Forget that last one. I just got
word from the finance company that
they're coming after my car.
17. More letters to the editor nam-
ing the crooks we have in town.
18. A full page of local news, a
page of national news, several pages of
sports and comics, one page on divorce
and three pages on all the domestic
troubles we are having In town.
19. Less stuff about how cute
everybody else's kids are. My kids are
better looking.
20. A complete biographical sketch
about "the most important' citizen in
town", and be sure to spell rni, name
right.
ES
A pa
e of editorial opinion
January 12,
(siew Books in the Library
WINGS OF THE MORN-
ING by David Beaty
'At the turn of the century,
air travel was considered a
pipe dream, and', few took it
seriously. One of those few is
a headstrong young gentle-
woman. Amelia Jer-
ningham, who 'helps. \James
March, son of her family.'s
blacksmith, build one of the
first airplanes in ' history.
Amelia and James discover
their great passion for each
other, but pride, class
rivalry and ambition
separate them. Each
marries another. As Europe
and the world change, the
aviation industry changes as
well and Amelia and James
watch their businesses
merge. Lovers born to be
together, they will be carried
apart into royal chambers,
boardrooms and the bloody
skies of war.
BLOOD OATH by David
Morrell
It began in war and, 37
years later, ended in horror.
Peter Houston has come to
France — to keep a promise
he made to himself as a 'boy
— to visit his father's grave.
In the massive military
cemetery, the authorities
cannot find the grave. The
Frenchman who wrote to
Houston's mother, promis-
ing to maintain the grave,
has disappeared and an
ancient dying priest refuses
to reveal the horrible secret
he heard in confession years
before. The quest becomes a
nightmare.
8POTLIGHT
0
VEIL, Look u/Ho RNALLY 81E111 iN.1 "
Thanks for generous support No, . e a
ofng
Huronf��M�MI\AA���Y����I��C.�1.�-c,i
Christmas Bureau
Dear Editor,
We would like to take this
opportunity to express our
appreciation to the people of
Huron County for their
support of another success-
ful Huron County Christmas
Bureau project.
This year the Bureau
provided assistance to 292
families, including 635 child`=
ren, in the county. This
represents an increase of
almost 30 per cent over 1981.
This would not have been
possible without the support
of the community.
The Huron County Christ-
mas Bureau is operated as
an annual project of Family
and Children's Services and
is designed to coordinate
Christmas giving and ensure
that no children are missed
at Chrtmas. This project is
operad totally with
volunt er help and is
financed by donations from
the community. Family and
Children's Services provides
coordination and supervision
and covers operating ex-
penses as our contribution.
Because of this, the sup-
port of the community is
essential. We continue to find
that the people in Huron
County help their neighbors
in a kind and thoughtful way,
and the 1982 Christmas
Bureau supports this point of
view.
The total project was
coordinated this year by
Mrs. Audrey Royal of
Goderich. Mrs. Royal began
work in September and
donated countless hours to
ensure successful operation
of the Christmas Bureau. We
are most grateful to Mrs.
Royal for her generous and
capable contribution.
This year, under the fine
supervision of Captain
Perrin of the Salvation
Army, coordinator of the
Wingham Bureau, 60
families (128 children) were
able to enjoy a happier
What's new at
Huronview?
All too soon the holly and
tinsel disappear and the
reminders of Christmas are
forgotten. We hope you had a
blessed holiday and wishes
are sent your way for a
glorious and prosperous New
Year.
Sunday service was held in
the chapel with Rev. Nor-
man Pick in charge. His
message was taken from the
reading of Luke which told
the story of the youth of
Jesus and events leading up
to the time he became a
young man.
In the afternoon, the
.auditorium ,was filled with
activity as "Open House"
was held for Elsie Hen-
derson. Her family attended
and brought warm greetings
and entertained friends on
the occasion of her 90th
birthday. Approximately 140
people attended and it was
truly a memorable event.
A belated Christmas
concert was held Monday
afternoon when Marie Flynn
and the Huron Strings
presented a delightful hour's
program. The orchestra got
things underway with a
medley of old time favorites
followed by a violin solo by
guest Arnold Craig. Robin
and Stacey Hicks danced a
routine and The Strings
played again and did their
version of "Jingle Bells'', as
well as other toe -tapping
tunes.
The "Circle City Cuties",
Sherry Good, .. Chrystal
Brennan and Chrystal
Mathers, danced and Wesley
Brennan and Robin Hicks
played a piano solo each.
Chrystal and Wesley
Brennan then sang a duet
entitled "A -Adorable"
unaccompanied, which was
much enjoyed.
It is always a'pleasure to
watch Debbie Flynn dance
her intricate routine and she
danced a solo of clog and reel
at the concert. Debbie Flynn
is the teacher of the "Circle
City Cuties" and they en-
tertained with another lively
dance trio.
The Huron Strings, ac-
companied by Marie Flynn,
played a few more fast-
moving selections and girls
danced a finale which
brought an exciting program
to a close. Refreshments
were served to all the guests.
Many residents shared the
holiday season outside the
home with family and
friends. The firemen . from
Huron Park are thanked for
distributing Christmas bags.
of candy at Huronview: it
was a real treat.
Some residents were out
van riding last Wednesday
morning and spent a bit of
time shopping in Goderich.
In the evening, residents
enjoyed an hour of music
when the choir from the
Huron Chapel in Auburn
presented a program of
sacred music with ac-
companist Eric Campbell. if'
was a pleasure to hear these
young people sing.
Thursday afternoon, the
people from Special -Care
had a get-together with
Frank Bissett supplying
piano music and coffee and
Christmas cookies served.
Residents celebrated New
Year's Eve with a party last
Friday afternoon. A warm
greeting is extended to Mrs.
Ellison Cox from Bayfield
and Mrs. Pauline Ravkeje
from Centralia. The two
ladies have come to make
their homes at Hurmaview.
Sympathy is exressed to
the family of the late Mrs.
Maud Leeming who passed
away recently. Mrs.
Leeming was a resident of
Huronview for some time.
Christmas. Capt. Perrin and
his staff. spent many hours
arranging space, coor-
dinating donations and
assisting families. Without
the capable assistance of
people like this, we would be
unable to conduct the
Christmas Bureau.
We also wish to express
our appreciation to the
various people who were
kind enough to donate space
from which we could
distribute goods. . In
Wingham, the Salvation
Army again allowed us use
of space which provided us
with a convenient, central
location. In addition, various
stores and individuals
continue to assist us by
distributing wool to volun-
teers to knit mitts, hats and
slippers.
We feel fortunate to have
seen again so many
examples of the kindness
and generosity of people in
the community. Thank you
for your continued support
and assistance.
James Cargin, Director
Peggy Rivers, Coordinator
of volunteer services
Family & Children's
Services
Goderich
Letter helped
to trace family
Dear Editor,
Last month you printed a
letter for me requesting
information on the Walter
Lott family.
I have received several
replies, so now have a good
start in tracing the family..
Thank you very much for
your help.
Shirley M. Solberg
Sparta, WI.
Jan. 23-29 has been
designated as National Non -
Smoking Week, a special
week designed to help create
a generation of non-smokers
by encouraging smokers to
quit and non-smokers not to
start smoking.
Feeling good and' hE�althy
lifestyle habits are becoming
important parts of people's
lives, and eventually it is
forecast that cigarettes will
follow the spitoon's . disap-
pearance from common use.
But we are not there yet: 40
per cent of adult Canadians
still smoke.
The Health Education
Services of the Huron County
Health Unit suggest focusing
your attention on this major
preventable health problem
during Non -Smoking Week.
The following activities
might be useful tools when
attempting to quit smoking:
-light up and smoke the
cigarette using the opposite
hand to the one you would
normally use;
--make a list of all the
reasons for quitting, and
read it every time you want a
cigarette;
—put all smoking ac-
cessories in a hard -to -get
place;
—use a jar for ashes rather
than an ashtray, to remind
you how dirty the habit is;
—start an exercise pro-
gram that requires lots of
breathing;
—avoid situations where
you would normally have a
cigarette;
—when you get the urge to
smoke, try to put off having a
cigarette for at least one
minute. The urge sometimes
goes away;
'Turnberry celebration
worth remembering
Dear Editor,
This is an open letter to all
residents of Turnberry
Township and the surround-
ing area.
In this issue of The Ad-
vance -Times, the financial
report of the 125th An-
niversary Committee is
published for your in-
formation. It draws to a
conclusion the year's ac-
tivities of celebrating the
settlement of our township.
Our slogan of "Turn Up in
Turnberry in '82" was taken
to heart by mai* past and
present residents of the
township over the summer
weekend of July 29 -Aug. 1.
This turned out to be an
overwhelming success and
was greatly enjoyed by all.
The members of the 125th
committee have worked long
and hard, often against
doubt and criticism, to make
sure that all planned events
and activities came to a
successful conclusion. A
special vote of thanks to all
those members on behalf of
myself and the residents of
Turnberry.
Long after the weekend is
only a memory, the spirit of
the year's celebrations will
continue in the Achievement
Award scholarship at F. E.
Madill Secondary School,
using the major portion of
the year's profits as its basic
source of funding. The
council of the Township of
Turnberry will administer
this award through the F. E.
Madill teaching staff.
In conclusion, i would like
to thank also the many
merchants of Wingham and
surrounding areas for their
generous contributions, and ,
support given to our com-
mittee. Without this. any
more problems surely
have occurred.
On behalf , of the com-
mittee, i would like to ex-
press our sincere thanks for
your support and en-
couragement
ncouragement in making our
125th celebration a
memorable event' for all
Turnberry residents.
A. M. Merritt
Committee Chairman
k
IRIS (MORREY) FIELDING and her new husband Ed are
living on Carling Terrace. Mrs. Fielding was responsible
for instituting many programs at the Wingham and
District Hospital in her over 30 years as superivsor
there. Today she is busy with the historical and horti-
cultural societies and enjoying life with her husband.
Iris (Morrey) Fielding:
local health care pioneer
Iris (Morrey) Fielding has charted the
development of the Wingham and District Hospital
from the time when "people went up the hill to die"
to the modern 100 -bed structure of today.
But somewhere along the way, the "tender loving
care" she advocated for over 30 years as the
hospital's supervisor, has dwindled until, in her
view, .it .is nearly non-existent. Today, running a
hospital is big business with yearly operating
budgets up in the millions of dollars.
This increased concentration on the business end
of running a ' hospital has caused general in-
difference toward nursing and toward the patients
by staff members, according to Mrs. Fielding, and
it bothers her.
Born in Toronto and educated in Cleveland, Ohio,
she entered nursing because she had a desire to help
people. After several years in city hospitals, she
arrived in Wingham from London in 1942.
When she first arrived in town, she found an ill-
equipped short-staffed, 18 -bed hospital located in an
old house. In fact, the situation was so bad, mem-
bers of the nursing staff had to perform their
regular duties as well as do laundry and prepare
meals for patients.
Having been a city girl all her life, living in a
small town was quite an adjustment for her. "When
I went downtown to do my banking, everybody
stared.' But her determination 'to build up the
hospital compelled her to stay.
One of the first items of business on her agenda
was to build up the nursing staff which had been
depleted badly by the war. This she did by starting a
registered nursing assistants training school in(„,,
1942, the first of its kind in the country. 1
That first course contained three young women
who, like Mrs. Fielding, had an enthusiasm for
nursing and a talent for making people comfortable.
The same course still runs today, usually with about
25 graduates a year, and RNAs from Wingham are
regarded as some of the finest in the country.
In her first few years at the hospital, it changed to
a place which offered good general care from a
"last resort". Partially due to her personal efforts,
a 33 -bed addition to the hbspital was built in 1946 and
five years later" another 50 beds were added to bring
its capacity up to over 106` beds, more than five
times the number of active treatment beds
available when Mrs.. Fielding took over 10 years
earlier.
Provincial government funding cutbacks over the
past several years have closed down 14 of those
beds, something whieh she finds sad and un-
necessary.
She said hospitals wouldn't need so many beds if
something between a hospital and a nursing home
could be established, a place where patients would
be largely responsible for their own care and could
come and 'go without too much supervision.
When Mrs. Fielding retired in 19'74, she said it
took some time to adjust to retirement after so
many years at the hospital. But she has found ,
several other causes such as the Wingham Museum
and the historical society as well as the hor-
ticultural society.'
And a happy event of last Oct. 2has kept her busy
as well: she married Ed Fielding and just sorting
out belongings from their respective homes has
kept them busy. Also, they share an interest in the
museum and in gardening. Their days are full, busy
and happy, they both agree.
"One day at a time is our motto," said Mrs.
Ilit_ tng .a