Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1983-03-09, Page 4E c TI age of editorial opinion March 9, 83 tirbe to nn bbance-Minteg Published at Wingham, Ontario, h. Wenger Bros. Limited Barry Wenger, President Henry Hess, Editor Robert 0. Wenger, Sec.-Treas. Audrey Currie, Advertising Manager Member Audit Bureau of'Circulations Member - Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Subscriptions S20.00 per year Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 Ontario Community Newspaper Assoc. Six months SI 1.50 Return postage guaranteed Commendable The Ontario March of Dimes and Project A.I.M., a local organization for the physically disabled, are the co- sponsors of a Canada Community De- velopment project in the Grey -Bruce area. It will be known as the Disability Awareness Program and is running for a period of 52 weeks, starting from February 14. Based in Owen Sound, the project has an initial staff of four, two of whom are physically disabled. The project has two main objec- tives. The first section of the program, to be implemented during the school year, is to develop the awareness of students to the problems disabled people face in day-to-day life and to en- courage a more positive attitude to- ward people who have a disability. The second objective is to make employers more aware of the abilities of disabled persons and their capacity to be productive and responsible em- ployees. This part of the program will project be carried out during the summer months. Society has come a long way from the cold days, when a person with a physical disability was the butt of jokes and pranks, but we still have a long way to go. Younger children, in partic- ular, must learn early in their lives that cruelty, either physical or verbal, to the handicapped is just not acceptable. Teachers and parents share the re- sponsibility for this important aspect of young childhood education. Many employers have already learned that partially -disabled people make some of their most faithful and productive workers. In their effort to succeed in the world of business, handicapped persons usually prove exceptionally eager to learn and to perform satisfactorily. the great need in this area is to locate those businesses and industries in which the disabled can be fitted with maximum efficiency. Award-winning newspapers It was highly gratifying to Wenger Publications that two of its newspapers were award winners at the recent Ontario Community Newspapers As- sociation convention in Toronto. The awards area fitting tribute to the ex- cellent staff members who are chiefly responsible for the high quality of the publications which received this rec- ognition. The Mount Forest Confederate and The Wingham Advance -Times were placed second and third respectively for general excellence in their cate- gory. The Almonte Gazette was in first place and deserves our congratula- tions. In addition to the second place award for general excellence The Con- federate won top spot for its editorial page as well as for the excellence of its advertising content. The general calibre of community newspapers (as opposed to dailies) has improved tremendously over recent years. Although a portion of the credit must go to the sophisticated electronic typesetting machinery which has be- come available, the most important single reason for the improvement is in the quality of staff personnel we are able to employ. Much more emphasis is now placed on sound professional jour- nalism than was the case when the edi- tor was forced to be a typesetter, print- er and janitor as well as the business manager of a small newspaper. At times his responsibilities as a reporter and editor fell away behind his other more pressing duties. A successful community news- paper is a three-way partnership. In addition to a competent staff and a well-equipped plant, the modern news- paper must have a loyal following of subscribers and the support of local advtisers. If any of these ingredients are lacking the newspaper disappears, as has been the case with so many papers in the villages and smaller towns. Our job is to provide the high quality of newspapers which this year's awards indicate we have been doing. Home versus hospital There has been considerable inter- est of late in the idea that babies should be born at home. The midwives' organization puts forth many argu- ments in favor of a child entering this world in his mother's bed. However, a Kitchener doctor recently pointed out some of the obvious fallacies in this argument. That there should be more family participation in the birth of a baby is an acknowledged fact and most modern hospitals have accepted the presence of the father in the delivery room if that is what both parents want. Hospital visit- ing hours have been made a great deal more flexible so that family relation- ships will not be unnecessarily inter- rupted during a mother's stay in hos- pital. The Kitchener doctor, however, points out that any delivery can sud- denly become complicated, demanding skills and equipment which would not be available in the home. Since our hospitals are prepared to meet all such emergencies, it makes nothing but sense to provide this protection for both mother and new baby. One of the great'biessings of life in a small community is the fact that most of them gave their own hospitals, by now well equipped to provide excel- lent health care. It is difficult to under- stand what real advantage there would be in refusing to take full advantage of our good fortune. The functionally illiterate Despite the king's ransom which is poured into education in this country there is something seriously wrong with our training system. You may or may not have had personal experience with a young person who turned out to be sorely lacking in the basic mental skills which are the foundation of any person's education, but there are many such people. One of the most recent with whom we have had contact was a young graduate of a three-year course in journalism at one of our community colleges. Despite the fact that the Eng- lish language is the key to his chosen profession he could not spell words which should have been an easy test for a Grade 8 student. Several universities, recognizing that this phenomenon, have established pre -entrance examinations for those who seek post -secondary education — and as many as 30 or 40 per cent of ap- plicants fail. Now upper-level educators are be- ginning to pay more attention to this obvious gap in our educational system. It has been learned that well over one million (perhaps as many as three mil- lion) Canadians are functionally illit- erate. In other words they cannot write or read English at any more than a Grade 8 level. Many, indeed, cannot read and write at all. When they can, these people bluff their way through life, losing jobs and living a self-con- scious existence. Remedial courses, in which spe- cialized teachers concentrate on the in- dividual's problem, are highly effec- tive. In a matter of months a young person can be taught to understand and employ the written (and printed) lan- guage, thus opening the door to new and wider opportunities. Failure to learn reading and writ- ing is not just ordinary stupidity. 11 springs from a mental problem which prevents the student from relating vis- ual images on paper to the sounds he or she hears or speaks. The teacher who recognizes that the child has a learning disability seldom has the time or means to deal adequately with the problem. By 1985, however, the regulations will require that specialized teachers be available. • 2g�B�-v N,Y 4�- sit y-°�"'4'"`.t� *TER' F_LEVEN) 4 GWTI/E Jae, AT LEAST WA*S*F HAD ENOI/6y6EN5E ? PACK iriN ! Items from 01 MARCH 1936 The Wingham High School Board appointed trustee Capt. W. J. Adams as their delegate to the meeting of the Ontario Educational Association which will be held at Toronto during Easter week. C. R. Yeoman of the Dominion Bank staff, received word that he had successfully passed his examination to become a Fellow of the Canadian Bankers' Association. Bobbie Hickey, while working at Cook's factory on Monday, backed into a pile of lumber and a long sliver slid under his scalp. Dr. W. McKibbon removed the splinter. James Weir, a former student oN1e Wingham High School and a recent graduate in business administration from Westervelt School, London, has been appointed to the staff of the London office of Thayer's Limited. W. H. Rintoul and Sons of Wingham are building the cold storage plant at the Bluevale Creamery. This should prove to be a benefit for farmers in this district. Amos Smith of Morris Township has gone to Pinkerton to work on a farm. MARCH 1948 During the past week, Gavin Muir has been building an additional class room in the Wroxeter United Church schoolroom. This was made possible by a gift ROGUE JUSTICE by Geoffrey Household For over 40 years, devoted readers of Geoffrey Household have been wondering what happened to the hero Rogue Male after his 1938 attempt to assassinate Adolph Hitler. At long last, Mr. Household has written Rogue Justice, a hair-raising sequel. Our hero is back for another shot at the Fuhrer, but fails again and is pursued throughout Europe, Greece and Africa, where destiny, love and death combine in an ending that will have readers guessing once again about mour hero's fate. E.T., THE EXTRA -TER- RESTRIAL by . William Kotzwinkle Little does the divorced mother of three know that soon she will be forced to listen, for her 10 -year-old son does have someone living in his closet, and although it looks like a monster, it is really far more amazing — an angelic alien being, 10 million years wise, who has been stranded from his extra -galactic mother ship, amid the terrors, dangers and blandishments of a planetary culture too or- dinary to be understood, from Mrs. Allen Schott of Cleveland, in memory of her mother, Mrs. Bevington, the former Mrs. Sarah Allen, a native of this village. Officers were elected for 1948 at a well -attended meeting of the Wingham Horse Show. George Tervit is president, Dr. K. M. McLennan vice president, W. W. Gurney secretary and G. W. Tiffin treasurer. At a meeting of Winghaltn Town Council, building permits were approved for Gordon Robinson, a residence on Frances Street; William R., Harris, a residence on Angus and Charles Streets; John E. Bumstead, an addition to his implement shop on. Victoria Street; and J. A. Maclntyre, a residence at the corner of Victoria and Catherine Streets. Two of the members of Maitland IOOF Lodge 119, who have been members for over 25 years, W. H. Haney and Walter VanWyck, were presented with veterans' jewels. MARCH 1959 Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burke will move into their new home today, the Harry McGee residence on Frances Street, which they purchased recently. Six boys were invested as full members of the First Wingham Scout Troop. Wilfred Caskanette, Tommy Deyell, Bill Yeman, Bobby Crewson, Darryl Gibson and David Wenger had suc- cessfully passed their Tenderfoot tests. They were invested by Scoutmaster Alton Adams and Troop Leader Bob Maclntyre. At the regular meeting of the public school board, members decided to pur- chase 40 new desks for use in one of the Grade II rooms. Files Mrs. W. T. McLean was elected the new president of the Wroxeter Women's In- stitute at the March meeting held in the library room of the community centre.Vice presidents are Mrs. G. Howes and Mrs. C. Greig. Mrs. Thomas Burke is secretary -treasurer. MARCH 1969 Belgrave Arena was filled to capacity for the annual ice carnival. Receiving prizes for . best costumes were Cathy Galbraith, Stephen Nixon, Bruce Campbell, Dianne Freethy, Glen Campbell and Allan Taylor. A French speaking contest was held at the F. E. Madill Secondary School, open to Grades 10 to 13. Winners were Ron Sillick (Grade 10), Joe Kerr (Grade 11), Adele Tiffin (Grade 12) and Bob Worrall (Grade 13). Huron farmers argue merits of tax proposal The Huron County Federa- tion of Agriculture is op- posed to the proposed farm tax program, but not unani- mously. At a lengthy meeting in Blyth county federation members spoke for and against the provincial government's proposed tax rebate program. Effective in 1984, farmers will apply for 100 per cent re- bate on their farm land, while paying 100 per cent tax on their homes and farm buildings. The proposal also allows for a 50 per cent rebate for the land on which the build- ings are located. At present farmers apply for a 50 per cent rebate on their entire property. Wingham area farmer Jim Armstrong said he is op- posed to the principle of the tax rebate. He called farm- ers "stewards of the land" and said he has fears for the right to private land owner- ship if the program becomes fact. "i want to clear a point," said Mr. Armstrong, "at no point did I want to divide the federation (of agriculture), but I am very, very concern- ed that the federation has gone along with this pro- gram." OFA regional director Merle Gunby of RR 2, Dun- gannon said he resents charges the federation is putting something over on its members. He said the question of farm tax rebates has been discussed at least three times in the past few years. "The government is not paying our taxes. I don't con- sider it a privilege to pay taxes, but an obligation." said Mr. Gunby. "I agree it is a privilege to live in this country and pay a fair share which this policy allows." Mr. Gunby said voting against the farm tax propos- al will "discredit your or- ganization in the eyes of the government". Numerous farmers said they are willing to pay their' fair share to the government for services they receive, but don't want the government to have control over their land. Adrian Vos from the Blyth area said the discussion at the meeting was more emo- tional than rational. He sug- gested farmers who don't want the rebate shouldn't apply for it. Huron federation presi- dent Tony McQuail called for the farm community to work together and not spend a lot of time arguing. "I think our strength as farmers depends on our ability to work together," said Mr. McQuail. After considerable discus- sion a resolution was ap- proved calling for the Huron federation to establish a task force to set up an alternative to the present 50 per cent re- bate. Federation members were asked to indicate a will- ingness to sit on the task force. .064000.0000006** *4060006 400040 Trees in town are well worth saving Dear Editor, I would like to comment on some of the statements made by Mr. Bennett and Mr. Saxton re: tree cutting, but first I would like to mention a few of the benefits of saving our trees as long as possible. 1. The very obvious beauty of our tree -lined streets. They are always commented on by out-of-town visitors. 2. Trees create a very moderating effect on our extreme changes in weather conditions. 3. Trees create cover and nesting facilities for our birds. 4. Trees, along with other plants and grasses, produce the oxygen we. breathe. I was very surprised that Mr. Bennett thinks the trees should be cut down, but maybe we should keep in mind that he is also a member of the PUC. I am very pleased that we have a tree -planting pro- gram in .effect, but by Mr. Bennett's own statement the older trees are "75 to 100 years old" and it will be many years before the new ones are a reasonable size. All the more reason we should preserve them as long as possible. 0 Trees are living, breathing plants, made up of living cells, similar to the cells that make up a human body. As Mr. Bennett and Mr. Saxton are "reaching maturity" are they going to give up trying to prolong their lives, or will they seek expert help in trying to preserve their lives as long as possible? Finally, Mr. Bennett's remark about bringing in a tree service firm as being too costly: between the town and the PUC about $16,000 to $20,000 has been spent cut- ting down trees this year. That is costly. For many thousands of dollars less we could have a tree main- tenance program every year and still have our fine, older, mature trees for many years to come. If we can add 10, 20 or 30 years to the life of them, we should be doing everything possible to achieve that goal. Remember, only God can make a tree, but in a few minutes man can destroy them. Bill Crump Councillor Wingham Munro's books are unfair to Wingham Dear Editor, After reading two of Ms. Alice Munro's books, I felt I must make a comment. I was born and raised and educated in Wingham and certainly am very proud of my home town. The town of Wingham and "Lower Town" are beautiful places, the scenery and well -kept homes by hardworking and conscientious people. A reference that the area had not produced brilliant people — many lawyers, medical doctors, teachers, nurses, veterinarians were born and educated in Wingham. National Forestry Week coming soon Dear Editor, It's that time again! Though this winter has been like spring, we do expect a real spring in April, May and June. That should mean tree planting, forest fires, opening cottages, going camping, swatting flies and all the usual things. National Forest Week, May 1, comes each spring too, but we'd like to make it unusual this year in a lot of ways. One would be to give it a lot of attention. Our resources are limited, but we would like to help in any way we can. Let me know how I can help. Jim Coats Ontario Forestry Assoc. Willowdale, Ont Several have returned to work in Wingham. Granted, Ms. Munro has used fictitious names in her books, but I readily knew whom she was writing about while reading her books. Some people had passed on before the books were published. Others have been hurt, in fact devastated, as some are friends of mine and I know how hurt they were after reading the book brought back many sad and painful memories to them. Could Ms. Munro not write something good and kind about the area and the people? After all, she was born and educated there too. I, for- one person, will be most happy when I am able to return to Wingham, hopefully to live for the rest of my life. Jean D. McKinnon St. Clair Shores Michigan PRESS COUNCIL The Advance -Times is a member of' the Ontario Press Council which will consider written com- plaints about the publica- tion of news, opinions and advertising. If a com- plaint can't be resolved with the newspaper, it should be sent to the On- tario Press Council, 151 Slater St., Suite 708, Ot- tawa, Ont. K1P 5H3. TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS Cynthia is a pretty 11 -year-old who is of Cree origin and registered Indian status. She needs commitment from a family where she won't have to compete with youngsters near her age, perhaps one in which she is the only child. Cynthia has had a confused,unstable past and a lot of experience with rejection. She lacks self-con- fidence, is moody and aggressive which may in part be due to adjustments to medication taken to control epileptic seizures. This medication has been a success and the moodiness has been improving. Cynthia is of average intelligence and has good potential but her emotional problems have, in some ways, hindered her school work and social progress. She feels safe playing with much younger children, as she has felt the sting of being rejected in h,er own age group. She is in a modified grade 4 wh re she is gaining confidence and receiving a lot of individual help. Cynthia can be friendly and co-operative on a one-to-one basis, and can be a loving, affectionate little girl when feeling secure. She enjoys crafts and is involved in a number of activities including Brownies, which help her to relate better to other youngsters her own age. Cynthia is ready for a secure, loving family with parents who will be patient, resourceful and loving and who can ride with her emotional and beha- vioral difficulties. With the right direction and guidance she can develop into a responsive and rewarding daughter for her special fart -illy. To inquire about adopting Cynthia, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Services, Box 888, Station K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2H2. In your letter tell something of your present family and your way of life. _ -.,,,, r....`... Nell' Books in the Lihrury 74j „1 .JJV...,•• J1^. ROGUE JUSTICE by Geoffrey Household For over 40 years, devoted readers of Geoffrey Household have been wondering what happened to the hero Rogue Male after his 1938 attempt to assassinate Adolph Hitler. At long last, Mr. Household has written Rogue Justice, a hair-raising sequel. Our hero is back for another shot at the Fuhrer, but fails again and is pursued throughout Europe, Greece and Africa, where destiny, love and death combine in an ending that will have readers guessing once again about mour hero's fate. E.T., THE EXTRA -TER- RESTRIAL by . William Kotzwinkle Little does the divorced mother of three know that soon she will be forced to listen, for her 10 -year-old son does have someone living in his closet, and although it looks like a monster, it is really far more amazing — an angelic alien being, 10 million years wise, who has been stranded from his extra -galactic mother ship, amid the terrors, dangers and blandishments of a planetary culture too or- dinary to be understood, from Mrs. Allen Schott of Cleveland, in memory of her mother, Mrs. Bevington, the former Mrs. Sarah Allen, a native of this village. Officers were elected for 1948 at a well -attended meeting of the Wingham Horse Show. George Tervit is president, Dr. K. M. McLennan vice president, W. W. Gurney secretary and G. W. Tiffin treasurer. At a meeting of Winghaltn Town Council, building permits were approved for Gordon Robinson, a residence on Frances Street; William R., Harris, a residence on Angus and Charles Streets; John E. Bumstead, an addition to his implement shop on. Victoria Street; and J. A. Maclntyre, a residence at the corner of Victoria and Catherine Streets. Two of the members of Maitland IOOF Lodge 119, who have been members for over 25 years, W. H. Haney and Walter VanWyck, were presented with veterans' jewels. MARCH 1959 Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burke will move into their new home today, the Harry McGee residence on Frances Street, which they purchased recently. Six boys were invested as full members of the First Wingham Scout Troop. Wilfred Caskanette, Tommy Deyell, Bill Yeman, Bobby Crewson, Darryl Gibson and David Wenger had suc- cessfully passed their Tenderfoot tests. They were invested by Scoutmaster Alton Adams and Troop Leader Bob Maclntyre. At the regular meeting of the public school board, members decided to pur- chase 40 new desks for use in one of the Grade II rooms. Files Mrs. W. T. McLean was elected the new president of the Wroxeter Women's In- stitute at the March meeting held in the library room of the community centre.Vice presidents are Mrs. G. Howes and Mrs. C. Greig. Mrs. Thomas Burke is secretary -treasurer. MARCH 1969 Belgrave Arena was filled to capacity for the annual ice carnival. Receiving prizes for . best costumes were Cathy Galbraith, Stephen Nixon, Bruce Campbell, Dianne Freethy, Glen Campbell and Allan Taylor. A French speaking contest was held at the F. E. Madill Secondary School, open to Grades 10 to 13. Winners were Ron Sillick (Grade 10), Joe Kerr (Grade 11), Adele Tiffin (Grade 12) and Bob Worrall (Grade 13). Huron farmers argue merits of tax proposal The Huron County Federa- tion of Agriculture is op- posed to the proposed farm tax program, but not unani- mously. At a lengthy meeting in Blyth county federation members spoke for and against the provincial government's proposed tax rebate program. Effective in 1984, farmers will apply for 100 per cent re- bate on their farm land, while paying 100 per cent tax on their homes and farm buildings. The proposal also allows for a 50 per cent rebate for the land on which the build- ings are located. At present farmers apply for a 50 per cent rebate on their entire property. Wingham area farmer Jim Armstrong said he is op- posed to the principle of the tax rebate. He called farm- ers "stewards of the land" and said he has fears for the right to private land owner- ship if the program becomes fact. "i want to clear a point," said Mr. Armstrong, "at no point did I want to divide the federation (of agriculture), but I am very, very concern- ed that the federation has gone along with this pro- gram." OFA regional director Merle Gunby of RR 2, Dun- gannon said he resents charges the federation is putting something over on its members. He said the question of farm tax rebates has been discussed at least three times in the past few years. "The government is not paying our taxes. I don't con- sider it a privilege to pay taxes, but an obligation." said Mr. Gunby. "I agree it is a privilege to live in this country and pay a fair share which this policy allows." Mr. Gunby said voting against the farm tax propos- al will "discredit your or- ganization in the eyes of the government". Numerous farmers said they are willing to pay their' fair share to the government for services they receive, but don't want the government to have control over their land. Adrian Vos from the Blyth area said the discussion at the meeting was more emo- tional than rational. He sug- gested farmers who don't want the rebate shouldn't apply for it. Huron federation presi- dent Tony McQuail called for the farm community to work together and not spend a lot of time arguing. "I think our strength as farmers depends on our ability to work together," said Mr. McQuail. After considerable discus- sion a resolution was ap- proved calling for the Huron federation to establish a task force to set up an alternative to the present 50 per cent re- bate. Federation members were asked to indicate a will- ingness to sit on the task force. .064000.0000006** *4060006 400040 Trees in town are well worth saving Dear Editor, I would like to comment on some of the statements made by Mr. Bennett and Mr. Saxton re: tree cutting, but first I would like to mention a few of the benefits of saving our trees as long as possible. 1. The very obvious beauty of our tree -lined streets. They are always commented on by out-of-town visitors. 2. Trees create a very moderating effect on our extreme changes in weather conditions. 3. Trees create cover and nesting facilities for our birds. 4. Trees, along with other plants and grasses, produce the oxygen we. breathe. I was very surprised that Mr. Bennett thinks the trees should be cut down, but maybe we should keep in mind that he is also a member of the PUC. I am very pleased that we have a tree -planting pro- gram in .effect, but by Mr. Bennett's own statement the older trees are "75 to 100 years old" and it will be many years before the new ones are a reasonable size. All the more reason we should preserve them as long as possible. 0 Trees are living, breathing plants, made up of living cells, similar to the cells that make up a human body. As Mr. Bennett and Mr. Saxton are "reaching maturity" are they going to give up trying to prolong their lives, or will they seek expert help in trying to preserve their lives as long as possible? Finally, Mr. Bennett's remark about bringing in a tree service firm as being too costly: between the town and the PUC about $16,000 to $20,000 has been spent cut- ting down trees this year. That is costly. For many thousands of dollars less we could have a tree main- tenance program every year and still have our fine, older, mature trees for many years to come. If we can add 10, 20 or 30 years to the life of them, we should be doing everything possible to achieve that goal. Remember, only God can make a tree, but in a few minutes man can destroy them. Bill Crump Councillor Wingham Munro's books are unfair to Wingham Dear Editor, After reading two of Ms. Alice Munro's books, I felt I must make a comment. I was born and raised and educated in Wingham and certainly am very proud of my home town. The town of Wingham and "Lower Town" are beautiful places, the scenery and well -kept homes by hardworking and conscientious people. A reference that the area had not produced brilliant people — many lawyers, medical doctors, teachers, nurses, veterinarians were born and educated in Wingham. National Forestry Week coming soon Dear Editor, It's that time again! Though this winter has been like spring, we do expect a real spring in April, May and June. That should mean tree planting, forest fires, opening cottages, going camping, swatting flies and all the usual things. National Forest Week, May 1, comes each spring too, but we'd like to make it unusual this year in a lot of ways. One would be to give it a lot of attention. Our resources are limited, but we would like to help in any way we can. Let me know how I can help. Jim Coats Ontario Forestry Assoc. Willowdale, Ont Several have returned to work in Wingham. Granted, Ms. Munro has used fictitious names in her books, but I readily knew whom she was writing about while reading her books. Some people had passed on before the books were published. Others have been hurt, in fact devastated, as some are friends of mine and I know how hurt they were after reading the book brought back many sad and painful memories to them. Could Ms. Munro not write something good and kind about the area and the people? After all, she was born and educated there too. I, for- one person, will be most happy when I am able to return to Wingham, hopefully to live for the rest of my life. Jean D. McKinnon St. Clair Shores Michigan PRESS COUNCIL The Advance -Times is a member of' the Ontario Press Council which will consider written com- plaints about the publica- tion of news, opinions and advertising. If a com- plaint can't be resolved with the newspaper, it should be sent to the On- tario Press Council, 151 Slater St., Suite 708, Ot- tawa, Ont. K1P 5H3. TODAY'S CHILD BY JUDITH ADAMS Cynthia is a pretty 11 -year-old who is of Cree origin and registered Indian status. She needs commitment from a family where she won't have to compete with youngsters near her age, perhaps one in which she is the only child. Cynthia has had a confused,unstable past and a lot of experience with rejection. She lacks self-con- fidence, is moody and aggressive which may in part be due to adjustments to medication taken to control epileptic seizures. This medication has been a success and the moodiness has been improving. Cynthia is of average intelligence and has good potential but her emotional problems have, in some ways, hindered her school work and social progress. She feels safe playing with much younger children, as she has felt the sting of being rejected in h,er own age group. She is in a modified grade 4 wh re she is gaining confidence and receiving a lot of individual help. Cynthia can be friendly and co-operative on a one-to-one basis, and can be a loving, affectionate little girl when feeling secure. She enjoys crafts and is involved in a number of activities including Brownies, which help her to relate better to other youngsters her own age. Cynthia is ready for a secure, loving family with parents who will be patient, resourceful and loving and who can ride with her emotional and beha- vioral difficulties. With the right direction and guidance she can develop into a responsive and rewarding daughter for her special fart -illy. To inquire about adopting Cynthia, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Services, Box 888, Station K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2H2. In your letter tell something of your present family and your way of life.