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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1983-01-12, Page 4ACE =s=' Marg ��a :� ire �f�t�j�� bbance- -�, � 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