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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1985-12-04, Page 3TO THE EDITOR Compensation is hard to get My wife recently had to have a back operation for a slipped disc that was caused while she was working part time for her brother helping to build a new pig barn., ' Now, granted, she shouldn't have been doing as heavy a work as she was but some people will not say no and try to do almost anything and not complain. The problem being, we find out that in order to be able to receive any compensation from the Work- men's Compensation board you must become what i would call a "Complainer", at least in the eyes of your employer, in order to protect yourself by reporting to your employer almost any minor accident, however insignificant at the time. The work performed which led t„ back problems was performed in the end of May, but my wife, although feeling numbness in her leg by June 6 did not go to the chiropractor until the middle of July. After several visits and no improvement she went to our physician and 'tient 17 times for therapy at•the hospital,. continually getting worse and living on pain killer pills. Finally on November 14 she managed to get in to see an orthopedic surgeon who advised her of her problem of a slipped disc and booked her into the hospital to get an injection to dissolve the slipped disc. Now on November 28 we get a letter from the compensation board (dated Nov. 201 saying the claim was denied. All we wanted was to have them pay for the hospital bills and drugs for a legitimate claim. I now advise any employer and employee to beware because as that old saying goes "If you don't look after yourself, no one else will," Robert Litt Seaforth, Ontario Photos wanted We are putting pictures of the principals of Ripley Huron Central School. We have got three, but now we are looking for a James Scott, who was principal for three years, roughly 1966 to 1969. I heard he was in the Barrie area, but that was in 1975. Everyone thinks he came from the Seaforth area. So if anyone hashis new address all we want is a recent picture to put in the hall. Please reply. (i am a volunteer mother). Thank you Mrs. Darlene Hanniman • Box 283, Ripley, Ont. NOG 2R0 Salary increases put off Yearly salary increases ranging from four to nine per cent for Huron County's nine department heads has been deferred to the new 1986 county council. The county's executive committee brought in a recommendation at council's November ; 8 meeting to set the department heads' -cdaries for the next three years. County councillors argued against both the high percentage increases and the fact they would. be imposing these salary increasers• on the incoming council. There was some question whether the council could approve these salaries because it involves money to be paid by another council. Usually these ''quire Ontario Municipal Board approval. However. Warden Paul Steckle, after stepping down from the warden's chair to enable him to participate in debate, said a legal opinion had been sought. He said the legal opinion stated it is okay for county council to provide these salary increases. "We don't have that lame duck period as rto local councils," said county administrator (till Hanle. The warden said the salary figures reached will cover the next three years. in negotia- tions, the executive committee tried to adjust salaries to the average salaries of the department heads' peers in surrounding counties The warden added that the department heads' salaries have fallen in companion over the years. Past warden Tom Cunningham said he recognized the problem, had been on the negotiating committee last year. These ei mmttees are made up by the warden. county administrator and the various commit- tee chairmen However he doesn't think this council should he imposing increases on the new council. "i don't want incoming reeves to say we nxade a stupid mistake," said Hullett Reeve Cunningham who will be returning to council. He did say, however, that some of the increases are merited. Not everyone agreed. "This is not fair to ratepayers - farmers," said Hay Deputy Reeve Tony Bedard asking from where the money for the increases would come. Turnberry Reeve Brian McBurney said he has nothing against noting they are "good people." "I don't think the time is right for these increases.... people in the county can't afford it," said Reeve McBurney. Hay Reeve Lionel Wilder took a different tact: He said he isn't opposed to the salary increases but the idea needs more, discussion. it will probably be January before the salaries are considered again as the Decem- ber meeting is used for the naming of the warden and forming committees. The present salaries of the department heads are listed below followed by what the proposal would bring their salaries to in three years: medical officer of health, $57,512 to $70,694: Huronview administrator, $37,544 to $47,892; social services administrator. $32,334 to $40,820; clerk -treasurer admini- strator, $51,974 to $61,542; county engineer, $48,074 to $57,642; deputy clerk -treasurer, $44,460 to $53,430: planning director, $45,188 to $55,224; county clerk, $34,866 to $40,950; and museum director, $34,060 to $38.298. Trustees seek a better deal Trustees for the Huron County board of education are going after a better insurance deal After some confusion following a presenta- t ion by an agent from the insurance company the hoard deals with. trustees agreed to turn the problem back to its management committee. David Reed of Frank Cowan insurance Company, Princeton told the trustees of the doom and gloom facing the insurance Continued on page A8 NEWS AND FEATURES —THE HURON EXPOSITOR, DECEMBER 4, 1985 — A3 t GHRIS7MAS GIANT — Town of Seaforth employees tackled a big lob Vast Wednesday. November 27, when they were charged with placing the town's Christmas tree outside the Seaforth Town Hall. The giant, over 30 feet tall evergreen tree was donated to the ,own by Don Muir, of Seaforth. Raft Is photo Students feel VIP a very interesting BY P1TRI('K R•1FTiS it is a rare thing for students at the elementary school level to express a great deal of enthusiasm when it comes to a particular subject or class That is one of the things which makes Values, influences and Peers ,ViPt, a pilot program sponsored jointly by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Solicitor -General, so unique. The children love it Students at Huron Centennial School, in Bnucefield, one of three Huron County schools where the program is being tested have nothing but rave reviews for the fledgling course " VIP is one of the keenest subjects there is. i have learned a lot of interesting things. like you don't always have to go along with your Inends if they are doing something wrong if they won't be your friend because of it, they in' not scry good friends Are they"" said Sandra Steckle W e are taarnm_ both ;;tries i,f everythm instead•nf just the good sides We learned about friends, and kind of how to get friends Not by using put downs. We mainly learned how we make decisions and how to make them right," said Kraig Gingerich. The comments of these two Huron Centennial Grade 6 students are typical of the reaction most of the students are giving to the program. Huron Centennial teacher David Kemp said the program was introduced at the Grade 6 level because the students are reaching the age when they will soon have to begin making value judgements. At the same time, he said, students in this age group have usually not yet been confronted with decisions about such things as drugs and alcohol abuse, and so, can be frank about them "These kids are open in their discussions. They're frank As pre -adolescents. they are able to discuss these things without guilt. or feeling they have to cover something up," said Mr Kmmn VIP PROGRAM — Consiaoie John Marshall. of the Ontario Provincial Ponce instructs a Grade 6 class at Huron Centennial School, Brucefield, In a new program called Very important People talking about Values, Influences and Peers. The program helps young children come to grips with the many value judgements they will be expected to make in society Rains photo The course is currently nt I e,ed in schools in Godench and Exeter areas and the Huron County Hoard of Education plans to have it in all their public schools by September, 1986 it was first introduced in test schools in Ontario three years ago and has proven highly successful in helping young children estab- lish their values and priorities, said John Marshall. an OP'P officer who acts as course instructor. in conjunction with regular school teachers "What we try to do is establish what values they have in life at present and relate that to the standards that are present in society today," said Officer Marshall At first glance, the topics covered might seem like weighty matters for 11 -year-old children to ponder Values and standards. creating impressions, belittling others, peer pressure, decision making authority and authnnty figures. being truthful. the dangers of drugs. vandalism and d"struc•Uve hehav inr, shoplifting and stealing. youth and the law and friends and friendships. are topics listed in the i -nurse outline inr VI ' The idea of VIPhnwrver, is not to frighten the children with overwhelming responsibilities, hut to instill a sense of awareness about these matters w'e want to get kids thinking about these things beton, they get to the age where they have to deal with them. ' said Officer Marshall "i)eveloping interpersonal skills for gond interpersonal relations. with a focus on decision making," is the hasu' aim of the program. said Mr Kemp • Until recently. there has been a gap an the education system or rather. a need has developed.' for education on these suhrcts. he added The program does not infringe nn moral education usually left up to parents because it is "presented in a non judgmental situa• tion." said Mr Kemp "Children are encouraged to make their cion decision on the rightness or wrongness of things and reason it out for themselves," he ,added The course matrnal is presented in a variety of ways, with the emphasis on discussion and student involvement • A Int of it is participation by students We give them little skits and plays to emphatic most of these topics.'' said i ifficer Marshall Films. poster making sessions and lots of open. honest dialogue are other elements of the program Anothernovel feature of ViP. is a complete ahsrnce of ,inr marking system and the instructors are careful not to discourage students by penah?ing them forgiving wrong ansa c'ts .'tt r try to gave them positive teedhack for their initiators said 11r Kemp "In the group discussions the students don't feel anyauthnnty pressure in this class \V r" leave discussions open-ended and we're willing to accept whit they offer 'Simulating real lite stressful situations is nnr method Vil' instructors empto. to get their message across In one exercise. students learn In handle peer pressure and teasing by hurling verbal barbs al the instructors The instructors try to formulate effective replies to these comments, to demonstrate methods of dealing with criti- cism In this way. "a person who's constantly being belittled by others can stand up for himself and know how to answer to this problem." said Officer Marshall VIP is a novel approach to teaching sensitive material and so far, it has been well -accepted by parents. students and teachers alike "We sent letters (explaining the programa at the first of the year and we've had good program parent support," said Mr. Kemp The program will be expanded after Christmas to the Hensel( Public School and may soon he broadened to include Grade 5 students as well, said Mr Kemp. Still, the best gauge of the program's effectiveness are the comments of the students in Mr. Kemp's Grade 6 classes. In ViP I have learned a lot about myself and realize how other people feel. We have learned many interesting things, such as the dangers of drugs and peer pressure I really enjoy VIP," said Leanne Charters "i believe this course should be taken to other schools in Ontario," said Erin Lobb "I think that this class has taught everyone something important," adds Nancy Lefaive COMMUNITY CALENDAR If you're organizing a non-profit event of interest to other Seaforth area residents. phone the recreation office at 527-0882 or the Expositor at 527-0240 or meal the information to Community Calendar, 'The Huron Expositor, Box 89, Seaforth, Ontario NOK 1 WO well In advance of the scheduled date. Space for the Community Calendar Is donated by The Huron Expositor. Wednesday, December 4 1.3 p.m. Parents and Tots Skating 1:30-4 p.m. Senior Shuffleboard 4:30.5:30 p m. Ringette Practice 5:30.6.30 p.m Midget Practice 6'30-7:30 p.m Minor Bmomball 7:30.8:30 p.m. C'entenaires Practice 8'45 p m. Ladies Broombalt Thursday, December 5 6 p m Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner at Legion 415.5:15 p.m Ringette Practice 5:15-6:15 Bantam Practice 6 30-7:30 p m Minor Broomhall 7•:10 p m Mens Broomhall Friday, December 6 4 5 Sr Houseleague Practice 5-6 .1r Houseleague Practice 6-7 Pee Wee Practice 7.8 Atom Practice 8.30 p m ('entenaires vs Clinton Saturday, December 7 7 30 a m Oilers vs Canadians R to a m North Stars N'S Bnnns 9 3n a m Whalers vs Penguins 10 sit a m Leafs vs .lets I t :tri a m Flyers vs Flames 12 30 1 30 Ringette Practice Saturday cont'd 1:30-3 Public Skating 1:30-2:30 Story Hour at Library' 3.4 Mites 4-5 Novice vs Huron Park 5-6:30 Atom vs Palmerston 6:30-8:00 Open ice Time Available Sunday, December 8 1.30-3 p.m. Public Skating 3-4:30 p m. St. Columban Church 5-6 p.m. Petites Ringette Game 6.7 p m Belles Ringette Game 7.00 p.m. Rangers vs Flyers 8:30 p m. Canadians vs Hawks Monday, December 9 4 :1(1.6 30 p m. Figure Skating Tuesday, December 10 5:30.6 30 p.m. Novice Practice 610-R .p.m Midgets vs Clinton 8:15 • 10 p.m. Bantams vs Palmerston 6.30 p.m Seaforth Women's Institute Family Potluck Supper and Christmas Meeting at the Orange Hail. 6:30 p.m. Hospital Auxiliary Potluck Supper and Christmas Meeting will be held in the board mom in the hospital. Please bring own cutlery and dishes. Also gift for Family and Children's Christmas Bureau. Do you have a meeting, game or special event planned for the near future? If so let us know so we can inform the public. It's difficult to find out what's happening unless you're willing to keep us informed. The community calendar is an eight-day timetable of non-profit cn.ents going on in the community. Let's keep each other on top of things.