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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1986-09-10, Page 31 IN THE YEARS AGONE 1 ew. NEWS AND FEATURESHURONEXPOSITOR, SEPTEMBER 10, 1986— A3 .THE e_.,:..,.•. »......�.._.... :. ,, '�""'�'�tiltiYC: Librerien prepared In the letter, dated August 22 and addressed to Beard Chairman Tom Cunning- ham, Mr. Partridge says he is prepared to give his resignation to the Library Board conditional upon the board granting him as much time as needed to find a similar position with another pgblic library board, which he expects will take an estimated six months. He also expects the board to give him a "fair recommendation" for his 14 years of service as head of the county library system. However, he said if the Library Board will not accept theproposal, it will be "in for a fight like they've never seen before" in order to clear his name and resolve the situation. Mr. Partridge said he has yet to receive a reply from the board regarding his proposal. PERSONNELMATTER Tom Cunningham, chairman of the library board, said it is a personnel matter that the board intends to deal with within the board, and not have it become public until all the parties have been heard. "The board felt it should be dealt with in -camera, and it should stay that way. We ask for council's indulgenceas we feel it's a personnel matter and we intend to hear all sides of the matter...We have not taken a position and we will not until all sides have been heard. "W a do not want to wash our dirty laundry in public and we don't want to make anyone feel bad in public," said Mr, Cunningham. Bayfield Reeve Dave Johnston questioned the board's refusal to make the situation BY ALAN RIVE Bill Partridge, the chief librarian for Huron County, says he is prepared to resign Ws position over allegations of mismanage- ment by staff at the county library headquar ters in Goderieh. At the.county.council meeting on Septem- ber 4,14r, Partridge told Council that at the endtof his holidays in July, he was told to attend an emergency meeting of the Library Board..on:,tu'y 15. In the closed meeting, he and the board discussed two letters address- ed to.. hoard chairman Tom Cunningham signed by six library headquarter's staff members, dated June 11 and July 10, which outlined a variety of concerns over the running of the headquarters by the head librarian. After the meeting, Mr. Partridge said he consulted with a law firm froin London to represent him during any discussion by the board on any matters regarding the allega- tions. I'm not ashamed of the service I've given in Huron County. i think I've given full worth . in my 14 years here. I will consider leaving because of the situation at headquarters. I hope this clears up some of the questions," said Mr. Partridge at the council meeting. In an interview on September 5, Mr. Partridge said he has given both a verbal response to the allegations and has furnished the library Board with a letter from his solinitors, Siskind and Cromarty of London, reg rding his position on the matter. to quit public, so council can deal with, and possibly rectify, the ordeal. "The people on the streets seem to 'mow more than the people on county council, The board can only recommend measures while it's the job of county council to act on these recommendations. The matter should be before the body and not on the streets of Huron County where it is presently," said Mr. Johnston. MORALE HAS SUFFERED Lionel Wilder, Reeve of Hay Township, says the morale of the staff and the chief librarian has suffered severely because of the situation which has been in the hands of the Library Board for the past two months. "Patience is going to run thin very soon. It's the people of Huron County who will suffer," said Mr. Wilder. Mr. Cunningham says he realizes the morale at the library headquarters is not high, but he says he wasn't aware that any problems existed until he first received a verbal report and later two written reports by headquarters staff about the various prob- lems. "It was a complete surprise when these concerns were brought to me. I never solicited any concerns to be brought for- ward," he said. Mr. Cunningham says he hopes to have a full report to council on the matter "by September or October" but we can't guarantee anything." Cost cutting is key in board report BYSHELLEYMCPHEE-HALST board must deliver to the teachers, on or Efficiency, time and cost cutting measures ' before this date, a final offer for consideration are the key elements of a report that calls for by the teachers. 5. The teachers must vote on revisions to Bill 100, the School Boards and the school board's final offer no later than the Teachers Collective Negotiations Act. day' prior to the first day of school. 6. If no At its September meeting, the Huron settlement is reached or the teachers do not County Board of Education supported the accept the school board's offer, the schools new model of negotiations as prepared by the will not open and a full withdrawal of services Ontario School Trustees Council (OSTC )' will commence as of the first day of school. 7. review committee. The full withdrawal of services will continue John Elliott of the Huron board worked on until either a settlement is reached or this committee. He said that the new model of jeopardy is publicly declared by the Educe - recommendations has been supported by tion Relations Commission and the govern- scilool boards, teachers federations and other ment acts to terminate the withdrawal of groups across the province. He said, "all services. groups appear to be 100 per cent receptive to Mr. Elliott told Huron board members, this idearat the committee level." "There's a tremendous amount of pressure d f•e Specifically, the new model sets out seven main points: 1. Notice to bargain must be deliyered by January 15. 2. Negotiations coDtanence and teachers must deliver their initial brief .on or before February 15. 3. A mediator will be appointed by April 30 if there is no settlement. 4. By August 15 the school New principal W hen he chose in 1962 to pursue a teaching profession his primary objective was to get a ob. Now after nearly 25 years In the education field Gary Birmingham admits things are somewhat different. "When iapplied to teacher's college after Grade13 all I was interested in was getting a job: 1 didn't look forward to the prospect of three years in university so I spent one year at the Stratford Teacher's College,' ie,;tsid..< • "But I enjoyed It very much Awl was doing it and stuck with It, evetf t$ii5fgh thesalaries were quite poor when I started. I have since got my B.A. through extension courses and have spent 15 years getting all my university courses and credits by taldng summer and winter courses." he added. Mr. Birmingham is now principal of St. James Separate School in Seaforth, and brings with him a wealth of experience. Prior to coming to Seaforth he was principal of Ecole Ste. Marie in Zurich for one year ...id ptincipal of St. Aloysius to Stratford for eight years. Other teaching jobs saw him at immaculate Conception School in Stratford for two years, in Kitchener for four years at Sacred Heart and St. Aloysius Schools and in Landon at St. Michael's School, where he served as vice-principal.'For Mr. Birmingham, who grew up in the country in the Wellesley -Linwood area, coming to Seaforth is like coming home. "I really tike small communities," he said. "In most cases there are good solid family units and quite a friendly atmosphere. on both sides to bargain in good faith an in a settlement so the school year can get underway by the first of September•" The report presented to the board members further stated, "It was felt that the cows both partiprocess of es to drift through the proceotiations ss tieswith little pressure being exerted. The recommended process will put extreme pressure on both parties to reach an agreement. Put simply, the new model can be described as 'no contract, no work". It further read, "The model makes the first day of school a very important timeline. This should encourage boards and teachers to reach a negotiated settlement prior to the final offer vote. In addition, it will put a great deal of pressure on the board to ensure that the final offer is reasonable." While the revisions to Bill 100 have been explored and approved at the local school board levels, Mr. Elliott noted that the Ontario government has not yet begun to review the legislation that has been currently in force for about 10 years. While the government has accepted the need for some revision, Mr. Elliott said, "At the government level a committee hasn't even been struck Yet to deal with it, but when it does, the position has been prepared." has varied interests GARY BIRMINGHAM parent families and social problems. My primary purpose is teaching not being a social worker.' While in Seaforth Mr. Birmingham said he hopes to be able to give the school some of his strengths. "It's a fact of life, when you work 'for a county board, that principal are transferred for various reasons. Everyone .has their strengths and weaken e9 1 hope to give ,,Seaforth some of m tfgths." z .••r,zi addillon` v keeping :`the bi'tslcfs"i1P t�'u par" Mr. Birlfdtlghent Said he Orme to'keelr the parent -volunteer program going at the school and to gesinvolved in the community as much as pos ible. Some of themajor things on his list include getting the computer program going and doing something in the area of the enrich- ment program. "The small schools have limitations, but there are also a lot of benefits too," he said. "For instance, you're able to get to know the kids and work with them". Mr. Birmingbam and his wife Connie, a special education coordinator with the Huron -Perth Roman Catholic Separate School Board, live on what Mr. Birmingham fourhey have dau• "fun ghters rang g in age froStratford.m 14 to 20. Mr. Birmingham's Interests include fox hunting, coon hunting and running his small hobby farm • which is mainly horses. "rve got all the vices. Number one are the Everyone knows everyone because everyone racehorses," he said. grew up together. i wouldn't teach in a city "I have some standard breds • a lot of poor like Toronto and look at a full lass of single ones and a few good ones." Riddell, Elston quiet on Huron riding intentions BYPAULIIARTMAN Neither Jack Riddell nor Murray Elston would reveal whether they intend to seek the Liberal nomination for the new Huron riding when the twa spoke to 70 party faithful in Clinton Mast Tuesday. The two Ontario Liberal cabinet ministers were addreftsing the rounding meeting of the Huron Liberal Association which will oversee . The newrid ngberal waas gs cn the new ureated when bomn under - les e nd les were altered to reflect changes in population density. Both Mr. Elston and Mr. Riddell reside within the boundaries of the new riding, Mr. Elston in W Ingham and Mr. Riddell in Exeter. Mr. Elston, the Minister of Health, reflected on the past 15 months as "exdt- ing." "We've had some new and interesting polides to imptement and we've had to respond to calls for change from the people of COMMUNITY CALENDAR tfyou're organizing a non-profit event of Interest to other Seaforth area residents, pllohe the recreation office at 527-0882 or the Expositor at 627-0240, or mail the information to Community Calendar, The Huron Expositor, Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK Well in advance of the scheduled date. Space for the Community Calendar is donated by The Huron Expositor. Wed., Sept 10 Sun., Sept. 14 4:30-4310 Senior Shuffleboard at the Arena 7 p.m. Men's Industrial Playoffs 7:15 p.m. Seaforth Horticultural Society Meeting at Seaforth Public School. ilettert meeting With area societies invited, Members please bring item for preserve auction. Everyone welcome. 8 p.111. Fltness is Fun at Arena )1.30 p.m. Men's Industrial Playoffs Sat, i* Sept. 13 gam, 6 P.M.:Book Sale at Seaforth Library Agrieiiltu'al Society Fall Fair Dance & BBQ et the Arena The Huron County Health Unit will offer a "planning. Your Retirement" work shop on Friday, September 19 in the HuronvieW AuditerIuiii. Dave Echlin, Education Consultant, Linden Life Insin'ance Company Will facilitate the workshop. Cost $25 - includes coffee breaks, fundi, handout materials. Pre- registration required by Wednesday, ;September 10. C 4-8301, ciations. 8 a.m. - 12 noon - The 6th Annual Terry Fox Rim at the Van Egmond Hottse 1:30 p.m. Lawn Bbwlin'g Tournament 7 p.m. Men's Industrial Playoffs 8:30 p.m. Men's Industrial Playoffs Tues., Sept 16 9:30 a.m. Fitness is Elm (fall classes start at arena) Ladies htdustri'al Playoffs 8:30 P.M. Ladies hldustrial Playoffs Wed., Sept. 17 1 30 4 p.m. Senior Shuffleboard at Arena 7 p.m. Men's Industrial Playoffs 8 p.m. Fitness is Fieri 8:30 p.m. Men's Industrial Playoffs The Second Annual Quilt Show at the Huron County Pioneer Museum is now Open'. . Over 100 samples, handcrafted, Wilt, be on display at 110 North_ St. in Goderith until September ,14. Regular admission includes the show. Don't miss 't. tlfs"# l ruhzuf. z STEPPING INTO HIGH SCHOOL — Veronica Glanville and a partner took their first official step Into high school Friday when they were part of the Grade 9 Initiation day at Seaforth District High School. As part of the Initiation/orientation day senior students at the high school treated the "nlners" to a number of activities such as this three-legged race. Three workshops featuring guest speakers were also held during the day. Mcllwralth photo Teachers reach new agreement BYWBMAOKE The Huron -Perth County Roman Catholic Separate School Board and its teachers jointly announced Monday night that a settlement was reached on a contract for 1986-87 on June 30. The teachers gave their approval on September 4 while the trustees ratified the agreement at the board meeting on Septem- ber 8. The new contract gives teachers a 3.5 per cent increase effective September 1 and a further2 per cent plus $100 in each category starting January 1,1 987 for an annualized rate of 4.9 per cent. Salary rates range from a minimum of $18,250 in level D with no experience to a maximum of $47,610 in the top category with 12 years experience. Under the new contract the average annual salary increases from $34,190 to $36,180. The Huron -Perth Catholic school system has 148.5 full time equivalent teachers and 2.792 pupils, up 100Continued on or a Page centl 11 ew tailo �rrg' ehop open s SEPTEMBER 10, 1888 Miss Dora Wilson left here on Monday to attend the Brantford Young Ladies' College. Mr. J. W . Miller, of Toronto has opened out a new tailoring and gent's furnishing establishment in the store lately occupied by Mr. C.L Papal Mr. C. Dale, of Hullett, who is one of the leading and largest farmers in Huron ship ed 38 head of cattle to London, England on Saturday. The cattle were all fed by Mr. Dale and his sons. Mr. Andrew Govnlock. of W inthrnp, has declined to accept the appointment of Police Magistrate for East Huron. SEPTEMBER 8,1911 Miss Ubble Hart, and Messrs. Milton �Hays ansi� sson areattending theCentral Busin College. Stratford. Mr. and Mrs. G.T. Turnbull are attending the Taranto fair and intend spending same time at Olcott Beach, New York, before they return. The following were booked to England this week by W. Somerville, Allan line agent: Mr. Freestone, of the Bell engine works; Mr, David Thomas in the employ of W. S. ba Ontario," ov he said referring to the recent $ttd o o ;nMc1illopaand Wm 1Co d land witth battle over extra -billing. p Pe He said that he has been extremely pleased William Chapman of Tuckersnlith. by the "grass roots support" that he's Miss Florence Laidlaw has been engaged received since being elected, and he to teed' in the sthool at Eglinton, near promised to work hard to ensure the best Toronto. means of representation for the people of Not to be outdoneby rubber -tired autos, WUM I , 1938 Huron County. Mr. Riddell, the Ministerof Agriculture in which for many years have passed him, the Ontario Legislature, spoke briefly of his recent visit to an agrieulture ministers conference in B.C. before turning his thoughts to the provincial arena. Ile anticipates a year to 18 menthe before the next provincial election. When the election does occur, Mr. Riddell says "time will tell" whether he will be the Uberai representative for the Huron riding. Both M.P.P.s waxed nostalgi cover the loss of the Huron -Bruce and the Huron -Middle- sex ridings but expressed an eagerness to work with the new executive in the new riding. The executive was elected Tuesday night shortly before Mr. Riddell and Mr. Elston addressed the meeting. John Hogan, an Exeter native, was elected President of the Huron Liberal 'pAssociation. fill the post of Firhn st Vice PresidentHullett while Greene Craig, of Grey. Township will take rare of Second Vice-president duties. Nancy Parker, of Hensall, was selected as Secretary for the association and Zoie Raithby, of Grand Bend, as Treasurer. The Huron liberal Kathyssociation Youth Representative will be KLove, of Hay Township. Ten area vice-presidents were also select- ed by the association. They are Jack Horne of McKillop Township; Peggy Menzies of Clinton; Fired McGee of Winghain Eileen Palmer of Goderich; Norm Pickell of Goderich; roe Semple of Grey Township, Bob Swartman, of Dieter; Jim Love of. Hay Township, Janet Wry of Blyth and' Tome Helni of AShfield'Powt'ship. Theassociation: also passed a new constitution` hieh Chairman of the Founding Committee of the Huron Liberal Assoc iation, Bruce' MacDonald, noted is similar in character': to the constitutions, which guided the lur` n BruceandHuron-Middlesex assn= Prince the horse that pulls the delivery wagon of Crich's Bakery, this week had spedal new. nrbbershoes fitted to his feet. Prince himself was not particularly interested in the change, but his driver Harry Pretty Bairns it is much quieter travelling on pavement now. Approximately 100 men, of all ranks, members of the Canadian Fusiliers, City of London, camped for three days at Highview Farm, a 200 -acre property owned by J.D. Gemmell, a few miles south of this toan. Mr. John J. Jacobs, Manager of the huron County Home, shipped another load of howls from the home farm to Stratford last wee Out of the 14. 11 were graded as selects. SEPTEMBER 14, 1961 Three former SDHS students received their Blue Bands this week at Stratford General Hospital School of Nursing. The three were Gloria Carter, Bernie Glanville and Marie Sindair. The bands represent the completion of second -year studies. They have now entered their third and final year. Hon. Louis P. Cecile, QC, Ontario Minister of Welfare, Fliday afternoon cut the ribbon to officially open the new $1,000,000 wing at Huronvviiew, the Huron County Home for the Aged at Clinton. The Soole trophy was won last Thursday by a rink skipped by Urine Dale, with Dorothy Parke and Peter Malcolnt. Winners of the men's double tournament played on Monday night were: Lorne Dale and Bill Melee% Seaforth- first; Fred Jackson and Jack McDonald, Lucknow, second; Rev. J.C. Britton and G. Hildebrand, Seaforth, third. DAIRY PRINCESS— Angola Nethery, of R'R 4, Brus'sats, Was crown e'd 1986487 Huron County Dairy prince8s, by former princess Liz Stewart, Of RR 1, Dubiln, left, at the annual • etitlon held Septet -Wier 5, in the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. 'Miss comp,..- placed . -a;- ,. i o other contestant's lnCludliig. runner up Anita;Bos , of RR, 3, Nethery, ahead of Six th , Blyth, fon cfalrti the Cr0Wfl Raffle Pante J