The Huron Expositor, 1984-05-23, Page 3..t
NEWS AND FEATURES
SKATEBOARDING—Jessica Mennell, an after school last week and practised her
11 -year-old student of St. James Separate skateboard skills behind the town hall.
School, took advantage of a sunny afternoon (Hundertmark photo)
Gay ordination rejected
BY WILMA OKE
Local members of the United Church
resoundingly rejected ordaining active ho-
mosexuals as ministers at a special meeting
in Mitchell on Tuesday May 15.
In a show of hands, 59 delegates
representing the Huron -Perth Presbytery of
the United Church of Canada voted no to
allowing gay ministers in the pulpit. Fifteen
delegates voted in favor of ordaining
homosexuals.
More than 150 people turned out at Main
Street United Church to voice their opinion
in one of the church's hottest issues today.
And while emotions were in check, the
feelings voiced were insistent.
"We do have to take a stand," said Grace
Pym, of Exeter. "1 cannot see declared
homosexuals in the pulpit. They would say.
'You said 1 can be ordained so 1 can practise
what the homeosexuals practise "
Another delegate said, "In the church
yes, don't shut the door on anyone. In the
pulpit, no. I do not feel that is where they
should be, working with our youth
Other delegates • such as Rev. Cheryl Ann
Stadelbauer-Sampa. minister of Egmond•
ville United Church --remained undecided.
"I'm sitting on the fence," she said.
"That is where 1 find myself. They (gays)
have a lot to share."
The presbytery, which represents 18,000
members in 46 pastoral charges in Hurons
and Perth, called the meeting to gauge
response to a recently released church
report.
That special report --entitled Sexual Orien-
tation and Eligibility For the Order of
Ministry• -called for the ordination of self -de-
clared homosexuals. and was endorsed by
the church's national division of ministry
personnel and education.
The United Church is now asking for the
opinions of its members across Canada
before ruling on the issue,
Another motion yesterday calling for the
church's general council to appoint another.
more representative committee to make a
second study of the issue was nearly
unanimously defeated by delegates at the
meeting.
As one delegate said. "The United Church
has more important places to spend its
money/'
FRENCH/FROMPAGEONE
English and French should be the result of
this program. A graduate should be able to
take further education with French as the
language of instruction and consider em•
ployment where French is used.
The French, First Language program
costs 5211 per pupil from Kindergarten to
grade eight which is paid 100 per cent by the
provincial government. In the year the
program begins. the government pays S5400
for the first class, S3240 for the second class
and S2160 for the third class. these grants
are only offered once for the initial year of
the French; First Language program
STUDENTS AS PROFICIENT
When one parent asked if students
weren't having enough t'-ouble just learning
English. Mr. Blanchette said studies have
shown that graduates of a French immersion
program are as proficient in English going
Into' high school as graduates of a Core
French program.
Students of a French immersion program
must have the emotional support of their
parents since they may have trouble at first
when the only language spoken to them in
class is French.
"initially, it is difficult on the children but
that only lasts for a short time and is
minimized by the sensitivity of the teacher.
if the child is under distress, the teacher will
switch to English." said Mr Blanchette.
"Parents alssehelp with the emotional end of
it. Children must get the idea that parents
are supportive of the program. You can't
say, 'O.K. people. we're going to change to
French Immersion' because it won't work."
MORE BENEFITS
Benefits of learning a second language
include greater chances for employment,
further development of the 10, greater
understanding between people. greater ease
in travelling in foreign countries and greater
access to knowledge, said Mr. Blanchette,
Studies have also shown that learning
another language helps in the learning of the
student's first language. said Mr. McCaul-
ey.
Although he agrees with the benefits of
learning more than one language, school
trustee Gerald Groothuis said parents in the
Seaforth area seem to think the Core French
program is sufficient.
Trustee Louis Maloney agrees. "From the
people who have come and talked to me
about French immersion, a lot of them would
like to see the Core French backed up to
Kindergarten in classes like we have now.
Our Core French is getting better every
year." he says.
A survey has been distributed to
Huron - Perth Roman Catholic Separate
School Board ratepayers about the delivery
of French programs. The deadline for the
return of the survey was May 18 Results of
the survey were not available at press time.
D GS/ROM PAGE ONE
dog is easier to deal with than the dog's
owner.
"When a dog owner gives us a cheque for
S65, it looks like we're getting the money. But
we only get S25. We don't want to change the
charging, but the collecting," he said.
His main reason for wanting the change is
"because we're getting a lot of flak. We get
flak about why some dogs are picked up and
others aren't. We don't have anything to do
with a dog until the police bring it to us. We
only provide a holding area."
The method used for billing stray dog
owners has affected business at the vet clinic.
"It got to the point where it was poor public
relations, it wasn't good for my business and
we're only providing a service where we have
to maintain special facilities such as isola-
tions. "
The clinic is also the holding area for stray
dogs from Tuckersmith Township and the
Town of Clinton. "1 want the agreement
changed with all three Municipalities."
In one month, approximately 10 stray dogs
are brought to the dog pound. Of that total,
about three or four are Seaforth dogs, most of
which are claimed by their owners, said Mr.
Nuhn.
"We can usually tell if a dog is a pet when
it's brought to us. Most of the dogs are
terrified when they come here. Legally we're
only supposed to keep a dog for three days,
but sometimes we hold onto them longer and
try to find a home for theta," said Mr. Nuhn.
Wood carving
BY LIZ SCOTT
The cuts are delicate,' the design is
intricate, yet John Wammes of Kinburn
maintains his wood carving techniques are
easy enough for a youngster to master.
John, who is in his sixties, started
carving when he was 17. He so admired his
cousins carvings that he decided to try it
himself, Finding that he enjoyed carving,
John became quite good at it. For him, it
was a pleasant hobby and an interesting
way to spend an evening.
Growing up in Holland in the pre-war
era, carving was a popular hobby and tools
and wood were relatively easy to obtain.
Surprisingly enough, none of John's nine
brothers joined him in his hobby.
After practising for many years, John
was soon able to produce fine, beautiful
pieces. Such an example is a crucifix which
he carved in 1932. The crucifix still has its
original smooth finish and delicate design.
John kept carving as a hobby until the
early 1940s when the second world war
interrupted his work. He was forced to
leave his home but before he left, managed
to hide a few of his carvings.
One coat rack, left hidden in the hay
mow of the barn was found back in the
house when he returned. It was riddled
with bullet holes. That same coat rack,
hangs intact in John's home here in'
Canada. But because of the war John lost
all his tools and as a result he never went
back to his carving, that is, until last
summer.
A trip back to Holland renewed interest
in his long lost craft. Stocking up on
patterns, stain and • a small supply of
special wood, John started carving again.
TRANSFERS PATTERNS
Using a method tested by time and
generations, he transfers printed patterns
onto a piece'of smooth, sanded wood, cut to
the shape of the object. The patterns are
transferred using carbon paper. This is a
different method than than shown in Jane
Fonda's movie, "The Dollmaker" where
she employed a free form whittling
technique.
After the pattern is transferred onto the
wood, John then cuts out the pieces with a
knife and shapes those cuts with a finer
knife. Seven different knives are used for
different effects from large blunt cuts to
the finer detailed ones. When the cutting
and carving is complete, the wood is
sanded, stained and varnished.
The work is long and tedious but is
performed slowly and surely since the
slightest mistake could ruin a whole piece.
Wood carving is a subtractive art since you
shape the design by removing pieces of
wood. Once a piece is removed, it cannot
be replaced. This calls for thinking ahead
and steady, sure hands. John makes sure
he holds 'his knife with two hands because
both hands are needed for complete
control.
Working mainly at the kitchen table, he
carves decorative items for the house such
as light switch covers, spoon racks, clocks,
coat racks, and crucifixes. The wood is cut
into shape with a band saw which is quite
an improvement over the old way which
was to cut everything with a small, delicate
saw.
It takes many hours to finish a carving
with the size and difficulty dictating exactly
how long. A simple spoon rack may be
finished in twp days but an elaborate coat
rack could take two weeks or more.
Although the work is time-consuming,
John says it isn't hard work because he
enjoys it so much.
WOOD NOT AVAILABLE HERE
John has found many differences from
Holland to here in his art. The wood he
used in Holland is not available in Canada
and he misses it. The European wood was
easy to work with and looked and felt good.
The closest he has found here is basswood,
and he now has a good supply of it drying
properly.
The stains too are different and he has
not been able to find any that compare to
those of his home country. The Dutch stain
is applied once and left on with no varnish
or varethene to add later, In Canada coat
after coat of stain is used, wiping it off the
wood after each one dries. And then
a protective coating is added. Dutch stains
have a much more "even" appearance on
the -wood. The wood has a more uniform
color and texture to it when finished.
The tools John uses are of equal quality
as those found in Holland and John is
satisfied with the set he purchased at a
local sawmill. They are relatively Inexpen-
sive, a good set costing about 525 and with
good care will last a long time, The set of
knives are the only tools required.
0
a
abor of
ove
JOHN WAMMES holdTacrucifix he carved.
(Scott photo)
The patterns are not available in Canada
so John is getting his carving patterns from
Holland. He hopes the same sawmill where'
he bought the knives will soon be stockirig
the patterns.
John does not sell his items since his five
children and their families keep him busy
with their requests. But some day he would
like to have a booth at a fair or market,
when he has some inventory built up.
This winter John carved 23 pieces and
hopes to do more next winter. He thought
he would have forgotten how to carve after
a 40 year absence, but it all
back to him, he says.
Wood carving, or "fries houtsnijwerk"
as John calls it, is very dear to him and a
little part of him goes into each
"Iepelrekje" and "kapstok" (spoon rack
and coat rack) he makes. He says these
make for better gifts because of the love
and care that goes into their making.
As long as he is able, John will continue
to carve. He enjoys his work and has plans
for many more carvings. The work is long
and time consuming but it is indeed a
labour of love<
came
right
Perth County updates their emergency plan
Perth County Council is concerned about
the distribution of pornography and intends
to let some people know about it.
A letter expressing council's concern will
be sent to Perth MPP Hugh Edighoffer,
Provincial Attorney General Roy McMurtry
and Premier William Davis, it was decided at
their May 10 meeting.
North Easthope Township Reeve John
Lindner raised the pornography question
when he reported an a presentation by the.St.
Marys and Area Coalition Against Porno- t
graph
He talked of the slides which showed
pictures from magazines available in St.
Marys and the rest of Perth County. Reeve
Lindner said a film shown by an OPP officer
denicted material "not fit to describe in
public. It's a degrading thing."
He said Mr. Edighoffer, who was also at
the St. Marys meeting, had said many letters
to government would give more strength to
the anti -pornography movement. Reeve
Lindner said young people are being exposed
to magazines and videos available on the
market.
"They need to be told the facts of life, but
not through the way shown in some
magazines and films. "
Listowel Reeve Elsie Karges said she had
been "naive" on the pornography question.
After her town council had received a
resolution on pornography from the United
Church of Canada, she did some research in
Listowel.
"i must have lived a sheltered life."
Blanshard Reeve Ron Denham suggested
including in the resolution a calljto get people
to write letters against pornography to the
provincial government.
But Reeve Karges said county councillors,
on their own, should encourage people to
write.
Ellice Township Reeve Fred Knechtel said
the pornographic material should be cut
through censorship.
"From what 1 bear, it's coming through
even though it's being censored," said Mrs.
Karges.
Warder' Glynn Coghlin identified a prob-
lem In the anti -pornography movement
noting it is difficult to put a definition to
censorship that suits everyone.Downie
Township -Reeve Calvin Innes said the same
difficulty can be attached to the word
pornography.
On a related topic, a resolution from
Thunder Bay regarding "the growing prob-
lem with solicited obscene phone calls via
American "toll-free numbers,Perth County
will inform communication auhorities of its
"strong displeasure".
The county agreed with Thunder Bay to
find out if the cost of these calls can be
reversed to the United States number being
called.
However, the county took no action on a
third Thunder Bay resolution calling for the
Ministry of Education to set up educational
units on the topic of pornography.
ounty starts campaign against porn
Perth County has updated its emergency
plan to include the county's chain of
command in the event of an emergency such
as a flood or an aircraft crash.
County clerk -treasurer Jim Bell told the
May 10 meeting of county council that the
plan originally set up in the early 1970's
outlines the county's role of providing extra
men and equipment.
The updated plan now includes the order in
which county employees should be contacted,
starting with the county engineer as head of
the road department.
Other emergency numbers, including the
co-ordinator of Emergency Planning of
Ontario, are also on the list.
The county's plan states that "all or most
emergencies that might occur in a local
municipality, could be looked after by the
staff of existing organizations In the local
municipality such as the local police force.
Ontario Provincial Police, local fire brigade.
Ontario Hydro, local public utility commis•
stuns, Bell Telephone, local telephone
systems, public works departments, local
road departments ani' local contractors."
However, when and if extra men and
equipment are needed. the county sees them
ander the direction of either the local council
or an appointed emergency co-ordinator.
DOG POUNDS area sad place for a dog to be
as "Dick" owned by a Seaforth veterinarian
demonstrates. There are usually about 10
dogs every month taken to the pound
because they strayed froni home. In
Seaforth, dogs are usually claimed by their
owners, "Dick" Is so sad at the thought of
being locked up that he won't even accept
food from animal health technician Betty
Kroonen. - (Wesslnk photo)
The county road department would also
make available its two-way mobile radio
system in case of an emergency.
The plan does provide that if county roads
are involved in the emergency, "our
responsibility to our own property must be
taken into consideration before releasing
staff and equipment to a local municipality' .
The clerk -treasurer said cards with the
pertinent Information will be sent to the
clerks of the 14 municipalities in Perth as well
as the reeves.
CURSING/FROMPAGE TWO
Children with their primitive little minds are
very good at picking out weaipsses." he says.
Mr. Aman is correct about the kids and
their "weaipsesses" whatever that means.
Tried to find it in my Gage Canadian with no
luck. i've run into many a kid (and I've
probably done it myself), where they just
speak their mind.
I can remember telling a friend years ago,
(who is just a super guy) that he was going
bald. "You know why 1 know." I said.
"because my old man starting loosing his
hair the same way." Well the poor friend
didn't know what to say. He was speechless
And to this day, it still embarrasses me to
think of what I said
Then there's the girl who invited her hos;
and family to dinner in her new apartment.
That's right, the kid said she didn t like the
foo and it was the poor girl's first time to
invite family,
For those embarrassing situations. a curse
would come in handy. How do you tell a guy,
especially if you're a girl, that his fly is down.
Some that come to mind are. "You're flying
low" or "The stable door is open". I heard
one gentleman remark "then I d better close
it before my horse gets away."
When we gave up his teaching job, Mr
Aman savors his last meeting with his college
boss, when he told the curse -naive man in
traditional Thai fashion "Talking with you is
like playing a violin to a water buffalo "
Now that's priceless.
iCOMMUNITY CALENDAR,
f you re oraanir,ng a non profit event of interest to other Seatorth area
residents phone the recreation office at 527-0882 or the Expositor at
Sr 0240 or mail the information to Community Calendar The Huron
F xpositor Box 69 Seaforth Ontario NOK 1WO well in advance of the
scheduled date
Wednesday, May 23
Soccer Practice.
6 p.m. - Atoms practice at High
School
6:45 p.m Squirt practice at
Optimist Park
6:30p.m. - St. Marys vs Pee Wee Boys at
Optimist Park
7 p.m. Creamery vs Mainstreet at Lions
Park
8:30 p.m. - Firemen vs Bears at Lions Park
7:30 p.m. • Brewers vs Nationals at Arena
8:30 p.m. - Queens Cavaliers vs Beech-
wood Devils at Arena
9:30 p.m. - Beruit Boars vs Boiler Makers
at Arena
Thursday, May 24
6:30 p.m. - Boys House League practice at
Lions Park
7 p.m. - Sluggers Game at Optimist Park
9 p.m. - Eagles Game at Optimist Park
Saturday, May 26
AS 1:30-2:30 p.m. - Story Hour
,at Library
,.
Freda May 6:30 p.m. -Clinton
yr vs Tyke Bovs at
Lions Park
6:30 p.m.. Dashwood25 vs Bantam Boys at
Optimist Park
9 p.m. - River Rats game at Optimist Park
Sunday, May 27
7:30.10 p m. Roller skating at arena.
2 p.m. -Brussels vs Pee Wee girls at
Optimist Park.
2 p.m. -Blyth vs Bantam girls at Lions Park.
7 p.m. - Queens vs Topnotch at Lions Park
8:30 p.m. - Firemen vs Villagers at Lions
Park
7:30.10 p.m. - Roller Skating at Arena
Monday, May 28 0
6:30 p.m. Girls House League at Lions Park -
7 p.m. - Bears vs Mainstreet at Optimist
Park
8:30 p.m. - Turf vs Creamery at Optimist
Park
tillaratscaos
Tuesday, May 29
6:30 p.m. - Dashwood vs Midget Boys at
Optimist Park
6:45 & 8:30 p.m. Ladies games at Lions
Park.
7.9 p.m. - Roller Skating at Arena
Space for the Community Calendar is donated by The Huron Expositor.
J