HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1988-08-17, Page 3THE HURON EXPOSITOR, AUGUST 17, 1988 -- 3A
Sisters united after 55 years , plan to keep in touch
•
June Martene was rewarded for her pa-
tience Friday. Finally, after 55 years and a
lot of enquiries, the Seaforth woman was
united with her sister.
The reunion was the culmination of a
long search for June, and months of
waiting for her sister Jackie Pearson, who
only learned of her sister's existence in
January when she was located by a
government agency.
"I knew I had an older brother and
sister, but I didn't know about June," said
Jackie.
"I was adopted out when I was about
three or four, and since I'm three years
older than June, I didn't remember her."
By some uncanny coincidence June did
remember. Despite the fact she was
adopted out when she was just an infant,
she knew she had a family, and in 1953 set
out to find them. She made some enquiries
but was told a reunion between siblings
was a chance happening, and usually only
occurred if the siblings asked to locate
each other simultaneously.
"At that time it seemed rather
hopeless," she said.
"I had some unidentifying information,
and a last name Steele, but nothing else."
None -the -less Mrs. Martene refused to
give up. In 1978 she added her name to a
general register in Toronto with the hope
that something might come of it.
Something did.
Two years ago the laws regarding
adopted children were liberalized, and
shortly afterwards Mrs. Martene's name
came up on the list. When asked who it was
she wanted to locate she told her contact
the name 'Jackie' struck a bell.
"I don't know how I came up with the
name -whether it was something Lhad re-
tained, or what, but it (the name) rang a
bell."
In January of this year Mrs. Martene
received a phone call at work, and was told
her sister had been located.
"That's as much as they would say. It
was like a teaser," she recalled.
Before any further information was
released to either sister, they were re-
quired to do some paperwork. Jackie was
required to state on paper that she wanted
to be traced, and both sisters were re-
quired to fill out a number of release
forms. Once that was done, the sisters, still
not knowing anything about each other ex-
cept that they existed, wrote letters about
their backgrounds to the Children's Aid.
The Children's Aid passed those letters on.
A week ago Friday they arranged to
have Jackie phone June after 4 p.m.
"They certainly have a lot of safeguards
to protect people's rights," commented
Ken Pearson, Jackie's husband.
"But the government agency does a
good job - a slow job, but a good one."
During their phone conversation the
sisters set a reunion for this past weekend.
Jackie and Ken Pearson were to spend the
weekend with June and Gerald Martene in
Seaforth.
Both sisters admit they were nervous
about the reunion, but said that ner-
vousness passed almost as soon as they
saw each other.
"I think there was a lot of curiosity on
both our parts," said June.
"We wondered what we'd have to talk
about. It was like meeting a stranger. But
we've had no problem talking. We haven't
shut up," added Jackie.
Jackie noted some of her nervousness
disappeared when she drove up be the
house.
II was really touched when II drove up
and saw the welcome sign on the front
lawn," she said.
"And frankly," added her husband, "I
feel as though we've known these people
for years."
June on the other hand, tried to "cool
down and calm down" in the swimming
pool prier to her sister's arrival.
<<
I was swimming in the pool, to cool off
and calm down, when I heard the dog bark.
I heard a voice and told her (Jackie) to
come to the back. Then she came around
the bush, and I don't know what I was ex-
pecting, but I think I was looking for so-
meone tall. But, I guess you always look
for someone tall, someone who stands out
in a crowd," said June, about that impor-
tant meeting.
With the long anticipated meeting over,
the two sisters, spent the remainder of the
weekend simply getting to know each
other. Both atttit they were surprised at
their similarities, despite the fact they
were raised in different homes.
• Anyone who sees them together can see
a resemblance - in their eyes and their
jaw, but their similarities are more than
cosmetic.
"We're not alike in height, but we're
both left handed, our writing is a bit alike,
and we both love to knit," said June.
"And we both talked about having a lack
of coordination when we were younger."
Another thing the sisters found hard to
believe was the fact that they had lived in
close proximity to one another for a good
portion of their lives. Although she now
lives in Tweed Jackie lived in Sarnia from
1952 to 1973. June was in Dashwood from
1965 to 1972.
"And we both used to go to Grand Bend,
so we may even have passed each other,"
they remarked.
But the sisters aren't the only ones see-
ing the similarities.
"We've been finding it an awful coin-
cidence especially since they grew up not
knowing each other. The fact that they're
left handed, wear their hair the same way,
and don't like their face under water when
they swim, .are only a few things we've
noticed," said Mr. Martene.
"Yes, they're very sympatico with each
Other," added Mr. Pearson.
"It certainly could've been worse. They
could have been absolute replicas of peo-
ple they hate."
"I think it's wonderful. It's special. It's
uncanny," offered June's daughter, Judy
Kuehl.
`Families are so precious in this day
and age, and the more the „
•
Ironically the reunion between these
sisters couldn't have happened at a better
time. With Jackie and her husband hoping
to move soon to British Columbia, the tim-
ing was perfect. Despite the fact they will
now be separated by miles, the two say
they plan to stay in touch.
"After this weekend we'll always be
together," said Jackie.
And now that they've found each other,
the two sisters hope to find the other miss-
ing members of their family - a brother
and sister.
"We're more postive now about what
could happen down the road." said June.
And the entire process has been an in-
trigued on for the spectators.
"As non participant this has been a
fascinating procedure for me. I'm ,in-
trigued by it," added Mr. Pearson.
"Not to say every such reunion could be
as positive, but it's really worth the effort
for anybody in the situation."
Coincidentally the reunion between June
and Jackie coincided with June ' and
Gerald's wedding anniversa
ARM WELCOME
TO A
NEW .FI»UND
SISTER
• r
CATCHING UP - June Martene and Jackie Pearson catch upon the years of childhood
they were unable to spend together. The two sisters, adopted out to separate homes
when they were young, were united Friday after 55 years. Mcllwraith photo.
THREE FOR THE PRICE OF ONE - Carolyn and Sheila Litt were more than a little sur-
prised to find three cobs of corn in one husk. The Lifts grow corn in a garden on their
Ann Street property. Mcllwraith photo.
A WARM WELCOME greeted Jackie Pearson, left, of Tweed. Mrs. Pearson Is the sister
of June Martene and the two were reunited on Friday after a separation of 55 years.
Mcllwraith photo.
Drapes not blinds chosen for chamber
After heated debate §) "own Coun-
cil finally decided last w tYafig lined
drapes, as opposed to vertical blinds, in the
council chambers. That decision went along
with a recommendation from council's
Finance and General Government commit-
tee, but was not reached easily. Councillors
debated for 45 minutes on the issue, and at
one point, when they suggested the matter
be referred back to committee, had to be
reminded by Mayor Alf Ross, of their duty
as councillors.
In argument for the drapes Councillor
Carolanne Doig noted Seaforth had spent
' "considerable"money to make the town hall
a heritage building".
"Then we want to put in vertical blinds? If
were going to do it, let's do It right. I'd
rather see us get something that suits the
room."
Other councillors argued the town had
already done it wrong, by installing carpet
and linoleum instead of refinishing the wood
floors.
If we were going to do it right, then we
"This issue has already been to commit- should have fixed the windows before we
tee, and that committee has made a recom- painted them," added Councillor Garry
mendation. Ultimately it is council that Osborn.
makes the final decision and it's council that "I thought the vertical blinds look nice,"
can't make up its mind. I'd like to see this said Reeve Bill Bennett.
matter dealt with. I don't want council runn- "I think they're clean and good looking
ing away from it," said Mayor Ross. and I calla see what's wrong with them."
Town
"Personally I prefer the verticals," added
Councillor Peg Campbell.
Councillor Doig disagreed.
"The entire purpose of the town adding a
horizontal border to the room, was to cut the
vertical nature of the room. By putting in
vertical blinds we're counteracting that.
From a purely artistic point of view, we
should go with the drapes ," she said.
"I get the impression someone is trying to
get these verticals up pretty quick. I don't
see why we've gone full circle from those
horrible things that were up a month ago, to
cafe curtains, to drapes and now to ver-
ticals. Someone is trying to railroad us into
verticals and I disagree with it."
The drapes eventually won out, and coun-
cil accepted a tender for them in the amount
of $1,292.75 (plus tax) from the Seaforth
Sewing Centre.
to execute termination of lease
The Town of Seaforth has decided to
negotiate and execute the termination of its
present Public Works Shed lease with Smith
Construction.
Harold Smith asked the town if it would
discuss the possiblity of terminating the pre-
sent lease agreement and vacate the public
works shed in approximately 90 days, as
there is another party interested in the
building. The Town had indicated it planned
to vacate the building in the spring anyway,
when construction on its own public works
shed was complete.
During the discussions that followed,
Seaforth's Transportation and Environment
committee advised that the town is eager to
Restrictions save Hensall water
Hensall's watering restrictions are saving
the village water, according to Reeve Jim
Robinson, but works superintendent John
Baker voiced his concerns the pumping
system should be upgraded should dry con-
ditions become a regular occurrence.
Reeve Robinson said there had been little
public backlash against the complete lawn
watering restriction, and noted water con-
sumption for Hensall was down to around
100,000 gallons a day from 180,000 gallons
before the restriction came into effect.
"I think people are supportive of it," he
said.
Councillor Cecil Pepper asked whether
the cause of the restriction was due to a lack
of water in the wells or insufficient pumping
capacity.
Are we really short of water, or what?,"
he asked.
Councillor Butch Hoffman said he knew
the village reservoir was very nearly drain-
ed before the restrictions came into effect,
and as far as he knew, the village simply did
not have enough pumping capacity to keep
up with demand. A new well and pump may
be required to expand the system's
capacity.
Reeve Robinson also pointed out the new
Image Dry Cleaners in Hensall would have
some impact on the water system. He said
they are expected to use 11,000 gallons a
day.
"We wanted them to come in, and they're
in. We wanted the 20 jobs," he said.
Mr. Baker pointed out the works depart-
ment has spent considerable time and
money on the grass areas beside the train
tracks, but this has done little good because
he has not been able to water it.
"I think it's nuts for us to spend money to
buy weed spray to get the grass to grow
down there. Maybe we should blacktop that
area," he said.
New faces expected at board tables
BY BILL HENRY
Goderich gains another trustee on the
Huron County School Board this fall, one
of at least four new faees expected at the
board table after implementing Bill 125.
Like other board's across the province,
Huron has had its trustee distribution
revised following the provincial
legislature passing Bill 125 on June 1. The
new system bases trustee distribution on
population; the former system was bas-
ed on property assessment.
With Huron County's population of 48,
625 largely focused in towns, the change
now gives Goderich two trustees instead
of one, and also means Clinton, Wingham
and Exeter will each have their own
trustees following municipal elections in
November.
At the same time, rural trustees will
represent larger areas.
If certainly creates a new challenge
for some of our trustees to develop rela-
tionships in new (geographic) areas,"
said board chairman John Jewitt.
The change forces several trustees to
campaign in different areas, since the
redistribution lumps different
assist in bringing new business to Seaforth,
but that the feasibility and costs of vacating
the building five months early must be look-
ed at.
Superintendent John Forrest indicated
grading of the lot for the new public works
shed is complete and construction began on
Monday. He informed the committee if the
rest of the inside work was contracted out,
as there is not enough time for the town to
complete the project itself, the new shed
could be ready for occupancy by November
15. However, this extra work would mean
additional costs of approximately $5,000, but
Mr. Forrest noted that would be offset by
savings in rental payments, due to the ter-
mination of the lease. The town currently
pays $1,040 per month for rent of the Smith
building.
Council noted .all parties might benefit
from the town's premature vacation of the
Smith building - Smith Construction would
have a new leasee, the town would have a
new business and another taxpayer, and
there could be possible employment oppor-
tunities for area residents.
"I think this is a good way to do things. I
think it'll work out well," commented Reeve
Bill Bennett.
"We're really helping out both parties and
for all we know we're helping someone
move in."
- supply questionned
"I think If we can't water our grass then
the PUC had better look at improving our
water supply."
Reeve Robinson pointed out half of sum-
mertime water usage is sprayed on lawns, a
figure with which Mr. Baker disagreed.
Mr. Baker also commented the 'village's
property standards by-law required main-
tained lawns, and called into question the
use of such a by-law when weeds ran ram-
pant because of a watering ban - a ban that
did not prevent farmers from buying Hen -
sail water from hydrants when it could be
pumped from area creeks. Mr. Baker
wondered why no ban existed to prevent
thousands of gallons being trucked out of
village limits.
"Not yet," answered Reeve Robinson.
municipalities together than those
previously combined. Despite the
change, Jewitt said he does not expect
trustees will be discouraged from seek-
ing re-election..
The chairman, a farmer near
Londesborough, said only two electors
Turn to page 17
Local firefighters respond to two alarms
Seaforth Firefighters were called to duty
on two separate occasions this past week.
Early Wednesday morning, at approx-
imately 2:30 a.m., the sounding of a fire
alarm in Maplewood Manor, forced the
evacuation of approximately 35 elderly
residents.
Firefighters ion's '€ire, but did
discover an overheated fan on the second
floor, which they suspect triggered the fire
alarm.
In a second incident yesterday (Tuesday )
afternoon, firefighters were called to ex-
tinguish a fire in Munn's Bush. The fire,
which was extinguished within minutes, ap-
pears to be,l kit-- c
ed campfire of "sot°ie.
Wed., Aug, 17
6:30 p.m. — Minor Soccer at Optimist
7:00 p.m. — Pee Wee Girls Game
7:30 p.m. — Ladles Soccer at Optimist
7:30 p.m. — Men's Recreational Ball
Thurs., Aug. 18
7:30 p.m. — Western Region Ringette Meeting
7:30 p.m. — Seehawks vs Brewers
8:30 p.m. — Beachwood vs Team Maui
Fri., Aug. 19
Sun., Aug. 21
12-8 p.m. — Sportstest In Wingham
Wheels, Wheels, Wheels at Arena
1:00 p.m. — Dinosaur Days at Library
Sportstest in Wingham
Sat., Aug, 20
10:00 a.m. — Squirt Girls Game at Lions
Sportstest In Wingham
9 11.tj,�e_nit at the
Mon., Aug, 22
7:30 p.m. — Men's Recreational Ball
Tues., Aug. 23
7:00 p.m. — Ladies Fastball at Lions
7:00 p.m. — Men's Slo-Pitch at Optimist
7:30 p.m. — Seaforth Ringette Meeting at Arena
Wed., Aug. 24
6:30 p.m. — Minor Soccer at Optimist
7:30 p.m. - Ladies Soccer at Optimist
'7:3B pan. ..* .&fen's Recreational Ball
A