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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-08-04, Page 44 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday,August 4, 2004 =CNA TIMES ADVOCATE PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing casts. Jim Beckett Publisher and Editor Deb Lord Production Manager Published by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing Ltd. IMetroland i 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • (519) 235-1331 EDITORIALS Safety standards should not interfere with community events New water and food safety regulations which are being discussed and reviewed by the provincial government are threatening to shut down com- munity fundraising events. While safety has to be considered during food prepara- tion at any time, it doesn't mean the standards should be so strict that these events cease to exist. They are an integral part of communities throughout the province, raising funds for local groups and charities which make our communities what they are. They also provide a social time and give neighbours a chance to interact and get to know each other better. Often annual events bring people back to the community from a wide geographic reach, which has a beneficial effect on the local economy. When it comes to implementing the recommendations made in reports such as the one prepared by Justice Dennis O'Connor after the Walkerton inquiry and the recent report on meat safety by Justice Roland Haines, the government needs to take rural communities into consideration, keeping in mind the ability of small halls to comply with regulations. Having said this, it does not mean rural communities and the hosts of these events should not be subject to safety standards. It is probably accurate to say no one wants to be responsible for people getting sick and com- mon safety practices must be put in place. Small halls and churches should regularly test their water, post notices if contaminants have been found and provide bottled water if necessary. A recent news report on the New PL stated the Rosy Rhubarb Days held every year in Shedden were in peril because it was considered unsafe to sell home-made rhubarb products such as pies and sauces. This is ridiculous. People rarely get sick from buying home- made products at bake sales and market venues. Just because the products have been made in someone's per- sonal kitchen does not mean the conditions are any less sanitary than if they were made by a professional. When it comes to meat, the Haines report found that while it was not ideal, on-farm slaughter for personal use should not have to be regulated, but should be undertaken in a humane manner and the meat should be processed in sanitary conditions. The same conditions should be in place for public bar- becues. As long as people use common sense and keep food safety in mind, thoroughly cooking any meat they serve to the public, community barbecues should not go by the wayside. Having to obtain a licence to serve food and water is just another hurdle we may have to jump as we move ahead with safety standards, but this should not be a step which will put these community events at risk. Editorial Opinion Don Cherry re-signs with the CBC... But what if there's no hockey? ,*& Police reports can be an eye opener As part of my job here at the Times -Advocate, I receive the police reports and sift through them every week, editing and deciding which are of local interest. Before I got this job, I have to admit I was somewhat naive about the amount of crime going on in Huron and Middlesex counties. I rarely locked my car doors and I didn't have a key for the farmhouse where I grew up. I didn't need it. We never locked the doors or windows. And then I started reading the reports and real- ized how many unlocked vehicles are targeted by thieves. It also amazed me how many sheds and out- buildings are targeted and the valuable tools, lawnmowers, bicycles, ATVs, etc that are stolen on a fairly regular basis. Unfortunately, although there are a lot of reports I submit to be printed in our paper, along with the tag line asking people with information to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers — I now know the number so well I could probably type 1-800- 222-8477(TIPS) in my sleep — there have not been nearly as many reports of the police catch- ing the perpetrators of the crimes. And then there are the drinking and driving offences. I usually get a whole list of offenders e-mailed to me on a Monday morning, the police having been busy on the roads throughout the weekend. Twelve-hour licence suspensions seem to be commonly handed out, but they don't seem to stop people from getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks When are people going to learn? Unfortunately, it often takes a serious accident before the message hits home: drinking and driving kills. These are not the only crimes I encounter in the reports on a daily basis. Vandalism also seems to be a common occurrence in the area. In response to an increase of mischief reports in Huron Park recently, Huron OPP held an information session in the parking lot of the Stephen arena. Const. Dave Gillan said the police wanted their presence to be felt in the community and to be available to answer any questions citi- zens may have about policing. The session, which was held July 22, attract- ed approximately 75 people before being interrupted by a thunder storm. Perhaps those 75 people now have a better idea of the role of the police in their community and events like these should be held more often. I know the motor vehicle roll over simulator was an eye opener for me. As I watched the dummies being flung out of the vehicle at a mere 40km/h I got a glimpse of what could happen to me at 80 or 90 km/h. Not a pretty picture. As I read through the reports, I often feel grateful that crime hasn't touched my own life, and as I go through my daily routines I'm a little more vigilant about locking doors and windows. MARY SIMMONS PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS About the Times -Advocate Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Holidays. 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For example, Jim Beckett's e-mail address is <jbeck- ett@southhuron.com> Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team Publisher/Editor Jim Beckett ext. 109 Advertising Barb Consitt ext. 110 REPORTERS Scott Nixon ext. 105 Pat Bolen ext. 113 Mary Simmons ext. 107 CUSTOMER SERVICE Sue Rollings ext. 101 Carol Powe ext. 102 COMPOSITION DEPARTMENT Manager Deb Lord ext. 114/103 Sharlene Young ext. 103 Diana Hardy ext. 103 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Patty Case .ext. 111 Christina Scott ext. 108 Marg Pertschy ext 208