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The Huron Expositor, 1986-04-09, Page 3NEWS AND FEATURE THE HURON EXPOSITOR, APRIL 9; 1986 — A3 Local women breaking traditiof BY SUSAN HUNDERTMARK If women want to earn more than .the minimum wage in Huron County, they might want to consider entering non-traditional jobs. But, they should be warned that they'll probably have to be twice as good as any man doing the same jab to succeed. Non-traditional jobs, those which employ less than 33 per cent women, include anything from skilled labor such as welders and machinists to computer programmers to university professors. They are jobs which usually pay more than traditionally female jobs such as clerical work, waitressing, child care and sales clerking. "We don't see a lot of women going into non-traditional jobs but we see more and more women who are curious about them and that's the first step. And, we sure don't see many men going into traditionally women's jobs," says Susan Worsell, of the Goderich Employment Centre. Worsen says the employment centre encourages women to look at all their employment options. Non-traditional jobs often improve the employability and the wage capacity of women, she says. Though there are always plenty of job openings for cleaners, babysitters, straw- berry pickers and waitresses, the average wage of $4 to $5 an hour ($11,000 to $14,500 „,. annually) is prohibitive especially when the poverty level in small towns with populations SUPPORT THE.CANCER SOCIETY? — Six-year-old Llsa Reynolds gave up some of her time less than 30,000 was $15,333 fora family off to help canvass Seaforth in support of the Cancer Society. The Lioness Club held their annual four in 1965. Daffodil Day Saturday. They raised $1,096 for the cause. They had hoped to raise $1,500 but Out, entering non-traditional jobs has Saturday's, poor weather worked against them. Mcllwraith photo several obstacles especially in Huron County. Women looking into non-traditional em- ployment are often those who are tired of Subscribers reject extension A motion to extend indefinitely, the terms of office for commissioners of the Tucker - smith Municipal Telephone System was soundly defeated at the company's annual meeting, held in the Stanley Township Complex on March 25. Only 22, of approximately 200 subscribers present, voted sn favor of a proposed bylaw stating "there shall be no limit to the length of term of office," for commissioners. An amended by-law, proposing "there shall be no limit to the number of three-year terms of office for commissioners," received even less support from subscribers. Debate on the issue brought a record crowd out to the annual meeting. Many subscribers had interpreted the proposal to mean a commissioner could stay on the board for life. Bayfield ReeveDave J hn tocurrehtbylaw e for the meeting, xp limits commissioners to three three-year terms of office. The proposed bylaw would mean commissioners would still have to be elected every three years, but limits on the number of terms would be removed. The change would have allowed retiring board members Vern Alderdice and Elmer Hayter to stand for re-election for a fourth term. Explaining why the change was proposed, Board Chairman Alderdice said he could accept a retirement age, but felt a commis- sioner should be allowed to stand for re-election and serve as long as he had support. He said he would like to see through to completion a number of projects now trade rwaY and.pointed out important r egotia- tionswith-the-Canadian Radio and Telecom- rhunications (CRTC) were due soon. The motion was instigated by Commission- er Emerson Coleman because he felt junior commissioners valued the contributions of long-time board members. Former commissioner Loyd Ferguson said the company was strong and the way to keep 't that waywas to have a constant flow of new ideas and new res through living on mother's allowance or earning minimum wage. "They usually support non-productive people, but noted it also children and need more education and forces the most productive to step down. training which is generally available only After the bylaw and its amended version outside the county. had been voted down, a :suggestion to "Once women discover they must take consider an increase in the specific number of full-time training outside the county and need terms allowed was dismissed without reach- to make child care arrangements, that's ing the voting stage. usually the end of non-traditional employ - Mr. Alderdice ended the issue by stating ment, unfortunately," says Ms. Worsell. the audience had made their wishes dear and Tuition costs are covered by the employ- su ggested the board "stick to the old bylaw." ment centre if training is arranged through Ken Rogerson, Ross McBeath, Charles the centre and child care and training Reid and Bill Rowcliffe were nominated for allowances are also available. Women can the two vacant positions on the board. Mr. also collect unemployment insurance if Rowdiffe withdrew his name. Mr. McBeath they're eligible. won on the fust ballot and Mr. Rogerson and None of the programs cover all the costs Mr. Reid tied. Mr. Rogerson won on the but they help to offset them. Finances are still second ballot. a concern to anyone considering training, BECOMESUBSCRIBERS though," she says. Subscribers approved a motion allowin Courses offered at both Fanshawe College property owners who have had uninterrupted in London and Conestoga College in Kitchen - service from the system for 10 years at their er and Stratford train women for non-tradi- primary residence, and whose telephone tional jobs. account had always been in good standing, to INTO or Introduction to Non -Traditional apply to become subscribers. Occupations is an eight week course geared Another resolution stipulating those in- to women who want to know more about tending to run for commissioner must deposit non-traditional employment. It gives hands - a letter of intent with the secretary -treasurer on exposure to several jobs and offers at least five days before the annual meeting training in assertiveness, leadership and was also passed. financial management. is an Women Into Trades and Technology The auditor reported a 6.5 per cent 18 week course which provides classroom, increase from 1984 in the second year of a shop and work placement experiences in the profitable agreement in long distance sidlled trades and. technological fields. It is charges with Bell Canada, and a 48 per cent only available at l anshawe College. increase in investment income. Sheila Chick, of R11.2 Goderich, taught the Operating expenses increased 12.4 per INTO program at Fanshawe for three years. cent and depredation was uo 18 per cent, She &ryewifmtp'whi'a taken the course ate leavingearnings for the year at $207,482, usually in a financially difficult situation and down from $214,700 in 1984. have little choice but to pursue non -tradition - Mr. Alderdice reported 60,000 metres of al employment. cable have been installed, with 36,000 to go. "If the cushion (of a comfortable marriage) cablehasbeenlaid, private lines therew don't usually go into BUILDING ON A DREAM — If someone told Pat MacRae before she enrolled In a carpentry course In Seaforth'that she'd be able to build a saw horse, she wouldn't have believed him. Through the course, she's realized she can do anything any of the men In the clsss ark photno accomplish In carpentry. feeling for their own strength. "Some women had to prove they could take two 40 'pound cinder blocks down a ladder. Others found it took a lot of courage to go into all male classes during night shifts and put up with the cat calls and wolf whistles. A lot of the course is gared to. mentally thinking you're strong," says Though high school girls are being passed the message that they should think about their future careers since they'll probably be working at least 30 of their adult years, most women don't discover non-traditional em- ployment until they're adults. "Quite often you're a lot smarter as an adult than as a teenager. A lot of girls seem to be looking for an easier row to hoe but end up paying a greater price when their marriage fails," she says. . And, despite the option existing, they're still in the pioneering stages with non-tradi- tional work. Once they finish the training, there are no guarantees that jobs will be waiting for them. "Women have to be extremely successful in their jobs to open up the field for other women. They have to be twice as good as the men and that's a lot of pressure to put pia at worker," the says''. ' Pat MacRae, of Dublin, is the only woman taking a entry course through Conestoga College in Seaforth. Though she says she'd like nothing more When all ai , is omen than to be able to don hersteel•toed boots and will be available to anyone who wants them non-traditional employment," she says. tool belt in the morning to go to a carpentry and the maximum charge will be $13.85 per But, once they do, women discover they job, she's not sure the right opportunity c month. Private lines are now being offered to can be quite good at it; especially in machine exists for her in Huron County. d boil the system He customers on Highway 8, and east of shop and welding where they excel at the Even her instructor, Walter Armes, of lenecessary hand -eye coordination. Seaforth admits that while affirmative action observed inane capable, interested t wit ay 4 atf ct whene rates.heThe newo rates Overcoming math anxiety,a common is promoted by ntry unions, Mrs. werepavailable served few would get the will take effect the changeover iscan't opportunity a on Use board if the cornpptete. math i is a great boost fowho rhink thetr self -est em. sad would than the er have men taking the arder time proposed bylaw was passed. Mr. Coleman noted the company iso year g Arguing in favor of the bylaw, Bev Hill ahead of schedule in providing private Also, WenDo or self-defence classes for course. acknowledged the present bylaw eliminates service to all customers. women offered in the class give them a haven't been particularly succesmen who have taken sful getting ■ , w Q jobs but with only two or three women to business judge from, it doesn't mean much" he says. There's nothing in the carpentry course that Mrs. MacRae couldn't do just as well as the men. Knitting hobby becomes , It's only been a little over two years since husband. Daughter Cassie also helps out in elle began knitting, but now Anne James not the store. only has six or seven sweaters on the go at any "My husband built the bins we keep the given time, but she is also the pmpnetor of wool in during his Christmas holidays. He the town's first complete knitting store • The didn't complain but rmsure there were other Knitter's Loft. things he would have rather been doing "It's funny," she said, "hecause when during his time off," she said. room and I used to go into London shopping The James' spent three months preparing she'd always be calling me into yarn shops, for the opening of the store. During that time and rd always be saying I wasn't interest- they say they "literally tore the building ed,. apart, and restored it." "Now I've opened up my own place and "We took up four floors before we got to mom has been real good. She hasn't said the original hardwood floor, and the last floor anything like, see...." was 12 inch tile with black glue on the back of Mrs. James said she first got interested it. It took us four gallons of polystripper when she went into one particular yank shop before we were able to sand the wood,' she and saw some of the big items a person quid said. shake. Other work included the removal of a false "Mom was always knitting baby things. ceiling and the restoration of the moulding. Maybe if I'd seen her knit something big it What couldn't be restored was replaced by a might've excited me to knit earlier," she tongue and groove ceiling. said. The store opened February 1 and has been Another reason Mrs. James said she was according to Mrs. James, a huge success. hesitant to start knitting was not because she "It's been really good. There have been a didn't want to be able to knit, but because h lot come in from out of town, mainly from was such a hassle to go in, pick out the yarn, Brussels and Blyth. I didn't know how well then find someone to help with it (the the store would be received, but it has knitting). She did, however eventually face thcertainlybeenink for a good mood.Seaforthwas ripe 1 the hassle. "My first yarn cost me $97. That's a lot but Among other things, The Knitter's Loft I thought Td rather start knitting with carries a variety of yarns, patterns, knitting something I wanted. After that I knit a fair erodteting and smocking accessories, Gund isle sweater and I haven't quit since. bears and handmade quilts. The yarns vary in Now she said, it seems everyone is price from expensive to inexpensive, mating knitting, from college kids right down to 10 it possible for the store to eater to all knitters. and 12 -year-olds. Handmade sweatersseem In addition to the regular services The to be growing in popularity. Knitter's Loft also offers knitting, smocking Mrs. James said the idea to open a yam and crocheting classes. The fust session shop originated because she and friends were which ran shortly after the store opened constantly having to Navel to find the yarns attracted 64, a number which Mrs. James d patterns they needed for their knitting said surprised her. The majority of that Prof' mintier were in the knitting classes: "We could never find any yam shops I was expecting 10 or 15. I couldn't around here. There were so many of us believe you'd ever have that many people knitting and going to the city to look for yarn interested. There were some who had never that l decided to open a shop," she said. touched needles before, some who had, and Admitting she knew very little about what some who lice roe, Learnt when they were wind be required in o ing such a store, seven but hadn't touched the needles since. It Mrs. James said her owledge name by was interesting." writing slotteto pepheedaaeasssnfnIt will ight in the United letters- natee, EnroPeanC and the ut the al Mw. "When I think abduthow lifts I knew however, help anyonehavingdifficUlties with about the business when I derided to get into their knitting, if they approach her at the roe learns she said. store• it,it's care ed so much since then."•<`Pmahnazedbyhow tnanyCome 'inseeking Although the store is runessentially by advice on stitdies, and I don't mina helping Mrs. James her entire family has played out. I think public relations is rood thing. rt in titalditg: it what it is today. And even if they didn't buy their wool or sorne pattern who'syf said a shohopbut t remember °tf s die bin them out, they'll "My family's been great. My son Todd; remember that and ,may bark in .the d at first, "a yarn Y would you want to oiled yaks Although thing , g g ell now Mrs. was hilrt and a` friend of his that tore it apart Jam said the venture" was a scatty one at BUSINESS BEATI ,', ' when we were r'enovating," she said. fast . In addition to Todd'shelp in the renovating "rd tell anyone who was thinking about it stages Mrs. James hag also received help nowtothinktwiee:Ltwasalotinoreworkthan front among' others - her brother, dad and L ever thought." ea "One of the first things I had to do tested me. Another guy and I raised a 20 foot wall by ourselves. Carrying the lumber into the shop can be hard and some of the guys are smaller than I am but there's nothing any of them do that I couldn't" she says. Her instructor agrees adding that brains can often overcome brawn in carpentry. "You don't have to be strong to raise a wall, just smart," he says. And, Mr. Armes says that Mrs. MacRae is more comfortable around the saws and machinery than some of the men. "Once you've used the jointer, the planer and the radial arm saw a few times and you're careful, you're not afraid to use it anymore," she says. Taking the course wouldn't have been possible, says Mrs. MacRae, if she didn't have the support of her husband Mike and her four children, aged 7 to 15. Her day begins at 8 a.m. with the carpentry course which fmishes at 1:30 p.m. when she goes home to prepare for the 3 p.m. be 1 a.m. shift at Canadian Fabricated Products in 'Stratford where she works as an industrial sewer. Although that means she has had about five hours of sleep a night for the past flee/ months, Mrs. MacRae says taking the course has been worth it. "The kids are all at an age when they're helpful and Mike has the afternoons off at his job so they do most of the housework If I had to do all that and this too, I couldn't have done it," she says. Though she's not sure if she'll pursue a career in carpentry, Mrs. MacRae, the handy one in the family, will use her skills to renovate the family's old house. "I think a woman should go for whatever she wants. 1 have two daughters and two sons and I want them all to go after what they want with no holds barred," she says. Mr. Armes also encourages women to enter non-traditional fields if they're interest- ed in them. "There is virtually nothing in this trade beyond the ability of anyone. There are a whole pile of women out there who could be fixing cars and building houses," he says. Insurance rates take big jump BY WILMA OKE Dixon from the Day Care board at Vanastra. Tuckersmith Township council found it was The tender of John H. Mdiwain Construe - facing an increase of 43 percent overiest year tion Ltd. of Seaforth was accepted for with its insurance premium for 1986 when it . gravelling township roads at a cost of $3.29 met with its insurance agent Tuesday night. per cubic yard, the lowest of three tenders. Don Eaton of Seaforth Insurance and Bob Tenders were opened for installing a fence Cowan of Frank Cowan Insurance explained for the proposed new ball diamond at to council its rate was lower than many other Vanastra and the lowest was submitted by municipalities because it had a very good Lundy Fencing of Waterloo for a total of history With a low number of claims in the $8,253 the lowest of three tenders. The past. The total insurance package amounts to tender for the electric lights was awarded to $22,275 compared to$15,593 in 1985. Council MacKinnon Electric of Goderich for $3,248, increased its deducctible rate to $1,000 from the lowcstoffour tenders, Ontario Hydro will $250 on vehieles and buildings. install six light poles at $550 each. In otter business council approved a Passed for payment are the following six ton Toad limit on the MacLean bridge on accounts: Day Care Centre at Vanastra, Sideroad 20-21, Huron Road Survey, Subject $9,406.65; Special Day Care at Vanastra, to the approWal of'the ministry of iransporta- $5,571.55; reads, $17,264.11; Vanastra re - tion and communications. creation centre, $13,821.27; and general Council accepted the resignation of Carol accounts, $22,290.09 fora total of $68,353.67. Nixon to speak in area House Leader and operates a 250 -acre farm. The event gets underwayat7 p.m. with the annual meeting to follow. Varna is eight miles southwest of Clinton. Headline was wrong A headline on a story in the April 2 issue of The Expositor erroniously stated the Seaforth Novices were defeated by Mitchell in a tournament in Mitchell. The Novices were actually defeated by Drayton. The Expositor regrets this error. Ontario Treasurer Robert Nixon will be the guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Huron•MiddlesexProvindal Liberal Associa- tion on April 17 at the Stanley Township Community Complex in Varna. Mr: Nixon, who last June became Ontar- io's first Liberal Treasurerin 42 years under the new government of Premier David Peterson, will be speaking at the riding's annual meeting and election of officers. Mr. Nixon,whohas represented Brant-Ox- ford-Norfolk rant Ox- ford -Norfolk since 1962. is also government COMMIJNITY 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 mall the information to Community Calendar, The Huron Expositor, Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario WOK IWO well in advance of the scheduled date. Space for the Community Calendar is donated by, The Huron Expositor. Saturday, April 12 10:30 a.m. "Dinosaurs Alive" with the Toronto Nature Centre at Seaforth li- brary 1:30 - 2:30 Story Hour at library 2 p.m. Rummage Sale at First Presbyter ian.ChUrch. Anne at her James glances triroiigh a patterir' book Store, The Knitter's Loft hMcllWraith photo Wednesday, April J' 8 p.m. Horticultural Society nieetnrig at:: SeafaxthPublic School. Topic: How to Dry Flowers. Everyone welcome. Thursday,- April 10 Bay Scout Dinner at Arena Friday, April 11 8:30 p.m. Cenlenaires vs Delhi. Game 3 Q:H,A. Jr: D. Finals. ;Sunday, April 13 V4 p.m. Softball Umpire Dlin c. Mitdtell Tonal Ilan.