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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1978-04-13, Page 2ROBERT WESTLAKE INSURANCE Specializing in GENERAL INSURANCE 236-4391 ZURICH J. E. LONGSTAFF OPTOMETRIST SEAFORTH — TEL: 527-1240 TUES., THURS., FRI. 9:00 —5:30 WED., SAT. 9:00 —12:00 I CLINTON — TEL: 482-7010 MONDAY 9:00 — 5:30 INSURANCE Page 2 Citizens News, April 13, 1978 BANQUET ATTRACTS LARGE CROWD — Over 400 people jammed the South Huron Rec Centre in Exeter for the 10th an- niversary banquet of the South Huron and District Association for the Mentally Retarded Wednesday evening. Prior to the start of the banquet (left -right) Don Campbell — Association executive director, Monie Hemmingway — chairperson of the Mid- Western Ontario Regional council, guest speaker Dr. Robert Elgie, Ron Heimrich — the Association's first president and Bob Southcott — the local associations current president gathered for a brief chat. Staff photo Banquet commemorates 10 years of Association, draws over 400 Over 400 people gathered at the South Huron Recrea- tion Centre in Exeter Wednesday evening to celebrate the 10th anniver- sary of the South Huron and District Association for the Mentally Retarded. Attending the banquet were several represen- tatives from other associations across south- western Ontario, Huron - Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell, wardens Gerry Ginn and Jack MacDonald of Huron and Lambton county and the guest speaker for the evening Dr. Robert Elgie, parliamentary assis- tant to the minister of com- munity and social services. Current Association presi- dent and master of ceremonies for the evening, Bob Southcott said that it was only through the generous support of the community that has made possible the work which the association has completed. He went on to add that 10 years may seem .insignifi- cant to the general public but that it has been a time which has seen much growth for the Association. Southcott said that the local association "has one of the most enviable records for volunteers in all the province" and that it has been the volunteer aspect' that has enabled the Association to make much progress. Directing his remarks towards Riddell and Elgie, Southcott emphasized the important role of volunteers and asked the two MPP's impress upon the people at Queen's Park that "this is the way things are done in Huron." In a brief address to the crowd Riddell thanked the Association for their efforts and endeavours on behalf of the mentally handicapped in this area. "It's amazing what can be done and what has been done," he said. Elgie commended the South Huron association on the work which they had done and said that if it were not for volunteer agencies such as the Association, the province would not be able to provide the high quality of services to the mentally handicapped. Elgie expressed his thanks to the Association "for all that you have done in the past and for all that you will continue to do in the future on behalf of the mentally retarded citizens of South Huron." Giving a brief history of the government's attitude towards the mentally han- dicapped, Elgie,said that the turning point was the Williston Report which serv- ed as a basis for a govern- ment green paper. The paper emphasized that men- tal retardation is, an issue of social concern and only secondarily a medical problem. Although much remains to be accomplished Elgie stated, real progress has been made in helping the retarded. He mentioned the James street and . John street residences as evidence of the progress which the Association and community has made in aiding the retarded. "I must say I have not seen a community that has moved this concept with greater ease and that is a credit to your community," he said. Elgie said that the accep- tance of the group home con- cept in this area contrasted If you have children between the ages of 5 years and 12 years would you like to see them go to a supervised playground in Zurich during the summer? If interested please write or call, Zurich Chamber of Commerce Committee Members President 1 Risi 236-4373 or 236-4244 Ron Heirnrick 236-4941 Paul Bedard 236-4930 to that of Mississauga's where the cabinet had to overturn an Ontario Municipal Board decision which would have prevented the establishment of such a home in that city. One of the new directions which the ministry has been putting considerable emphasis on is that of educating the public about the mentally handicapped, according to Elgie. Paying tribute to the local group, Elgie said "The prevention program which' the South Huron association has recently undertaken un- der the guidance of Pat Wright as a means of developing community awareness of mental retar- dation is yet another exam- ple of the type of local ini- tiativewhich I feel is essen- tial to the success of any community program." In his concluding remarks, Elgie said that regional co- operation will be a key to the future success of volunteer organizations and that the community can best be benefited when voluntary groups, and government work together. Following Elgie's ad- dress, Harry Knip represen- ting the Association. presented plaques to several members of the Association in recognition 'of services rendered over the past ten years. Receiving plaques 'were past presidents Case Van Raay, Alma Godbolt, Reverend. Andrew Blackwell, Ron Heimrich and Ivan Sharrow; a driving force in the formative years - Marg Purdy and Helen Kneale, the first chairman of the adult services com- mittee. The evening ended as Warden's Ginn and - MacDonald set fire to the $40,000 mortgage on the ARC Industries building. Huron and Lambton coun- ties have contributed the $40,000 over the past two years to pay the mortgage off. Following the ceremonial burning Ginn said "I feel that any association that can accomplish in 10 years what you have deserves to be con- gratulated." MacDonald echoed Ginn's sentiments and wished the Association a happy birth- day on behalf of Lambton county. 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