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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1988-04-13, Page 3THE HURON EXPOSITOR, APRIL 13, 1988 — 3 Volunteers keep Canadian Cancer Society on its feet April is recognized everywhere as Cancer month, so it makes now a good time to draw attention to the Canadian Cancer Society for the work and research it has done to combat a deadly disease, and its local members for the part they've played. This year the Seaforth branch of the Cana- dian Cancer society is hoping to raise $8,600 during its April fundraising campaign. That money will be used, not only for Cancer research, but for local cancer care service as well. To make life easier for cancer patients, there is a lot of work to be done on a grass roots level which doesn't involve a lot of complex tests or technical research. Harvey Dolmage and Alice Reid are two of the local people who have donated their time, their vehicles, and a willingness to help local cancer patients. There is more to patient services than driving them to and from hospital treatments,although that make up a great part of it. Locally Patient Services provides cancer patients access to a loan cupboard, where they can get such specialty items as beds, night tables etc... without having to purchase them. It also provides patients in financial need with their drugs and supplies, and assists in the pruchase of certain cancer -related prostheses, wigs, breast pro- stheses and electronic larynxes. Patient Services will help with the cost of certain dietary supplements prescribed by a health professional, will provide for a patient's companion to remain with the patient dur- ing treatment, and operates such programs as Reach To Recovery which is a visiting program designed to meet the emotional and practical needs of the breast cancer pa- tient, both pre -operatively and post- operatively. Miss Reid has been with the Seaforth branch of the Canadian Cancer Society since 1961, when she joined the organization as a volunteer driver. She was a driver for CANCER SOCIETY MONTH has special meaning for two long time volunteers in the organization. Harvey Dolmage and Alice Reid have put in many years with the Cana- dian Cancer Society. Miss Reid has been a member since 1961 when she started as a driver, and is now on the Patient Services Commitee. Mr. Dolmage is a more recent member, having been with the society for over six years, and is a volunteer driver. Cor- bett photo. 20 years, and in 1982 became involved with organization in patient services. She is now the convener of a committee made up of herself, Dorothy Scott and Grace Scott. She is in charge of finding volunteer drivers for patients and organizing the three drivers in Seaforth. Mr. Dolmage has been driving for a little over six years. He retired in 1981 from his position as foreman of the town's maintenance workers at the age of 60, and in March of 1982 he was approached by the society to become a volunteer driver. "I guess because I wasn't doing anything and they thought I might as well be doing something," he jokes, adding on a more serious note,"besides, it's a service to so- meone who needs help." Basically what Mr. Dolmage has been do- ing for the past six years; and what Miss Reid did for 20 years, is pick up at their home patients who are going for cancer treatment at either Westminster or Victoria hospitals in London. They drive them to the hospital, wait an undetermined number of hours while the treatment takes place, and take them home when the treatment is through. They receive no payment for this, but are compensated for their gas and paid a flat rate for mileage. Mr. Dolmage says he wasn't nervous and didn'tfind it difficult to pick up his first cancer patient. "It was just something that had to be done, so I wasn't really nervous," he says. "It's something you are dedicated to and it doesn't bother you," explains Miss Reid. The patients themselves make it easy for the drivers. Most of them don't need a lot of physical help getting into the car or getting around, and few of them are outwardly depressed by their condition. Miss Reid thinks many cancer patients don't get as depressed because they are more knowledgeable. Doctors give them a lot of information and keep them well informed of their situation. One ground rule Mr. Dolmage sets for himself is he doesn't discuss the patient's condition or treatment unless the patient br- ings it up first. Surprisingly, Mr. Dolmage says about 95 per cent of the patients want to talk about their treatment, what they go through, and how it affects them. For the most part driving cancer patients Local government week Municipal councillors dedicated to EDITOR'S NOTE - This profile on Seaforth Town Council was done with the aid of an essay written by Nellie Blake, a student in journalism at Conestoga College in Kitchener, and an employee of The Ex- positor during the summer of 1987. Because this week is Local Government week, The Expositor thought such a profile would be appropriate for the April 13 issue. • Se.aforth Town Council members may look like ordinary people, but with a closer look, one soon discovers quite the opposite. This council is special because of its wholehearted enthusiasm about the im- provement of the Town of Seaforth and com- mitment towards maintenance of a strong economic base for its residents. The leader of these dedicated people is Mayor Alf Ross. A graduate of the Seaforth District High School (SDHS), Mayor Ross has had a wide variety of experiences in the Seaforth area. His first job was on what he called the "chain gang", making chain links for Lundy Fence Chain Co. Following that he tried con- struction work, before becoming a cash crop/livestock farmer for 10 years. In 1957 Mayor Ross and a friend, Les Habkirk, founded a bus company they call- ed Good Times Travel - and with it travelled to Florida, New York State and Washington and made 48 tours to Nashville. Their part- nership continued for 22 years. In 1978 Mayor Ross entered the political arena for the first time, and became a two - Year member of the town's planning board. In 1980 he took a two-year term with the committee of adjustment In 1982 he was elected mayor of Seaforth. Mayor Ross' first term ended in 1985, but he was acclaimed to the office of mayor for a second term. That term ends this year. Mayor Ross said the main reason he opted for a local government job was because of his desire to help others and because of his grandfather's philosophy about politics. Fondly remembering his political ancestor, Mayor Ross quoted his grand- father as saying, "If you're not willing to take a part, you don't have a right to find fault" He said he carries this philosphy with him in everything he does and has adopted his own version regarding the town's politics. "The biggest factor is common sense," he said, adding the greatest skill of a mayor is to listen to people and most important, understand what is being said. He said council makes no decisions before it fully understands what is needed and then, depending on the media, conveys those decisions to the public. Learning to adjust also spells success in politics. Mayor Ross said the main factor that prepared him for his job as mayor was his farming background. On a farm, the farmer must know everything from genetics to veterinary tasks to fixing machiney. A mayor's duties are similar, he explained, because he must know a little about everything that goes on in the town. And the mayor's seat is not always filled with roses. Mayor Ross said there is negative feedback from the community, which is sometimes not receptive to in- novative ideas. To keep councillors and the public happy, Mayor Ross maintains an "open door" policy that gives them a chance to voice opi- nions and/or ask questions. A few of the goals Mayor Ross is working town on include the landfill problems, the addi- tion to the Seaforth Community Hospital and attracting industry to town. While the town council cannot accomplish everything in one year, because of time and money constraints, Mayor Ross said it is proud of a service and cost-sharing program with other municipalities on, the fire board, street repair, municipal affairs and management. Mayor Ross is married and he and his wife Joy have three children, Joanne, Jane and Grant. Another active member of town council is Reeve Bill Bennett, who like the mayor grew up in Seaforth. He graduated from SDHS in 1952 and became a worker at the local shoe factory in June 1953. Following that Reeve Bennett took a two year stint as teller at the Bank of Com- merce, before going on to a sales represen- Turn to page 18 • Tuckersmith denies connection The Tuckersmith municipal council's April meeting was attended by Richard Kootstra, who discussed with council the possibility of obtaining a water connection to the Vanastra water and sewage system. The connection would service his feed mill and poultry barn in the township of Stanley. Mr. Kootstra informed council the proper- ty in question had previously been serviced by the municipal system during the time of the operation of the Air Force base. He advised council the quality of the water from his drilled well was unsatisfac- tory and had to `be treated, and it was necessary for him to do something in the very near future. After the discussion with Mr. Kootstra a motion was passed "the Township of Tucker smith reconfirm their decision and deny the request of Richard Kootstra to con- ned his poultry barn and feed mill to the VanasL a water and sewage system at this time." Council has yet to offer connection for pro- perties outside the township. Council approved a motion to extend the Egmondville water system on the second concession to service Rob Nigh's property on the third concession. The water system will only be extended on the provision it is constructed to the municipal standards and CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY VOLUNTEER Harvey Dolmage uses his own vehicle to take cancer patients to London for treatment. Mr. Dolmage has been a driver for over six years and looks upon it as simply doing a job to help out someone else. "Maybe someday I'll need help too," he suggests. The symbol on his windshield designates him as a volunteer driver and gives him special parking priviledges. Corbett photo. is not upsetting emotionally, but Mr. Dolmage says seeing young children who are afflicted with cancer isn't easy. One thing Mr. Dolmage has learned is cancer has no respect for age, and people of all generations suffer from it. Mr. Dolmage recalled a particular time when he was waiting for a patient having therapy in the waiting room at one of the London hospitals, and they carried in a baby for treatment. "Myself included there wasn't a dry eye in that waiting room." But the job has its rewards as well and Mr. Dolmage has also s� en patients who have bounced back after getting treatment, and have been to lead successful lives again. As organizer Miss Reid tires to divide the driving equally among the Seaforth volunteers. Mr. Dolmage generally drives about twice per month now, but for a while he was on the go almost steadily, driving four times per week for four weeks and five times per week for the next two weeks. This only happens when a patient who needs treatment on a daily basis decides to go home after every treatment rather than stay at the hospital's lodge. For the 20 years she drove for the Cancer Society Miss Reid was the only driver, but in the past few years there has been a rise in patients needing drivers. Both of the volunteers are glad to have been involved with the Cancer Society, and plan to continue their involvement. Miss Reid commented she'll stay as long as she's able and as long as they're satisfied with her work. "It's been a learning experience," says Mr. Dolmage. "I'll keep at it as long as I can help someone. Maybe someday I'll need help." Miss Reid sums it all up with "There's no glory in it, but it's rewarding and it's help- ing someone." all construction costs plus the connection fee are paid fully by the applicant. A motion was also passed allowing the Vanastra Water and Sewage Depai tuient to continue with the present policy of roding sewer connections that cause minor pro- blems on an annual basis until such time it is justified to replace the connection. 'The council reclassified the stenographer's position at the municipal of- fice to an annual salary of $18,000 per year for 1988. The previous salary for the stenographer was $16,500. Another motion was passed that the Township of Tuckersmith council accept the 1988 proposed budget of the Hensall Tuckersmith Area Fire Department" Council accepted a proposal of W. E. Kelley and Associates to conduct the roads management study for the Township of Tuckersmith at an estimated cost of $3,500 subject to the approval of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. A postion for a summer student at the municipal office was offered to Malaisy Visouvath at a rate of $6 per hour. Accounts approved for payment included: day care, $9,305.19; Lady Diana Nursery, $8,369.20; recreation, $12,225.62; general ex- penses $40,711.98; and roads, $33,766.11. This combines for a total of $104,378.10. THE FIRST DAFFODIL of the Seaforth District High School fundraising campaign was sold to Seaforth Mayor Alf Ross by Trevor Price. Price and the rest of the Grade 12 marketting class at the school sold daffodils on Thursday to raise money for the Cancer Society, and in total they came up with approximately $970. Corbett photo. HURON COUNTY UNIT CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY WHERE YOUR DOLLAR GOES 1987 Campaign Objective 1987 Campaign Receipts 1987 In -Memoriam and Bequest Receipts 1987 Expenditures $110,000 $105,031 $ 83,674 $ 47,252 MP gives county museum BY BILL HENRY The newly -expanded and renovated Huron County Pioneer Museum will create jobs, accelerate tourism and boost the area's economy, Huron -Bruce MP Murray Cardiff told county council Thursday. It was an attentive audience. Cardiff had just handed over $1.15 million in joint fun- ding under the Canada -Ontario Cultural Development Subsidiary Agreement. "This shows how governments at all levels, local, provincial and federal, can work together to achieve what we endeaver to do together," said Cardiff dur- ing a brief speech after reading from a Caned Ontario Culture press release. "I think this is a great day for the museum," he added. The money was awarded under the sub- sidiary agreement's infrastructure development program. Once the new facility, at 110 North street in Goderich, opens in May, it is expected to operate year-round, attracting as many as 30,000 people within two years. That's an increase over the 9,000 visitors in 1987, ac- cording to the press release. The $3.5 million renovation project replaces several previous additions with a .15 million BIG MONEY - Tom Cunningham, reeve of Hullett Township and chairman of thacounty council Museum Committee, accepts a $1.15 million cheque from Huron -Bruce MP Murray Cardiff as Warden Bob Bell looks on during a brief ceremony at last week's county council session. The provincial and federal funding comes from the Canada - Ontario Cultural Development Subsidiary Agreement. new, brick structure, a service wing and upgraded workshop facilities. Plans also call for a restoration of the Old Central School, as well as an elevator and a variety of new exhibits which are expected to br- ing the museum to the top of its class among similar, county or community facilities. The Huron County Historical Society also presented a cheque at the meeting, for $15,000 toward the new museum building. EXPENDITURES Research 55 per cent Public Education $ 1,997 Patient Services $22,545 - 139 patients PATIENT SERVICE EXPENSE Ostomy Supplies $ 6,218 - 17 patients Dressings and External $ 769 - 4 patients Medications Drugs Home Support $ 349 - 4 patients $ 2,895 - 5 patients - 380 hours Boarding Out Allowance $ 941 - 2 patients Transportation $11,146 - 51 patients - 302 trips - 35,329 miles Breast Prosthesis $ 150 - 1 patient Reach to Recovery $ — - 50 patients Loan Cupboard $ — - 8 patients 1988 Campaign Objective 1988 Expenditure Budget Seaforth Campaign Objective CANADIAN' CANCER SOCIETY $108,000 $ 44,461 $ 8,600 Gerold Morden succeeds Bill Scott The Board of Directors of the Ontario Egg Producers' Marketing Board have elected Gerald Morden of Muirkirk, Ontario as their new chairman. Mr. Morden succeeds the previous Chairman Bill Scott of Seaforth. As the Baord's chairman, Mr. Morden is responsible for conducting Baord meetings and for acting as spokesman on behalf of the Ontario Egg Producers' Marketing Board. Mr. Morden has served as a Director to the Ontario Egg Board since 1979 and as its Vice -Chairman for two years. He has work- ed actively on fedgrain stabilization with the Ontario Joint Committee over the past year, and also serves on the Canadian Egg Pro- ducers' Council. Policies and operations of the Ontario Egg Producers' Marketing Board are the responsibility of 15 -producer -elected Direc- tors. Thirteen of these are elected by egg producers in 13 zones or areas of the pro- vince, two are elected by pullet producers, or farmers who raise chicks to egg -laying age. The Chairman and Vice -Chairman are elected for a one-year term.