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Times-Advocate, 1987-06-03, Page 28ra Page 16A Times -Advocate, June 3 1987 oc I' I I NURSERY SCHOOL GRADUATES — Graduation exercises for Monday -Wednesday classes at Sunshine Kids nursery school were held recently. Back, left, Laura Skinner, Kathy Van Bergen, Ann -Marie Parsons, Brenda Miner and Chris Oestricher. Front, Scott Harrison, Shane Czypyha, Fallon Giles, Sara McLaren and Brandon Martin. GRADS AT SUNSHINE NURSERY — Graduates of the Tuesday - Thursday class at the Sunshine Kids nursery school are shown here. Back, left, Michael Seip, Kathy Van Bergen, Kathleen Amerongen and Adam Regier. Second row, K.J. Snedden, Jennifer Illman, Denise Wallis, Melissa O'Brien and Adam Whiting. Front, John Gregus, An- drew Davis, Jackie Dougall, Ben Forrest and Melissa Prout. People First group hold session The Steering committee of the peo- ple First Group of Huron County met recently in Clinton to discuss officially joining People First of Ontario. The meeting site was the head office of Women Today, Huron County, who are sponsoring the group, and pro- viding an advisor, Debbie Wilbee, president of the local Women Today chapter. - There are three baanches of the People First Group in Huron, represented on this steering commit- tee by Colleen Carter and Cam Deline for South Huron District Assocation for the Mentally Handicapped; Violet Keller, Dave Tebow and Sandra Rot- teau represented the Goderich branch; and Teresa Lammeren, Charles Buck and Lloyd Carter are committee members from Wingham, with their advisor Joan Chartrand. These people and their advisors, are organizing to provide mentally handicapped adults with goals to achieve more independence in their lives, fuller integration into the com- munity and better employment op- portunities. Special guests at the meeting were Anne West, vice- president of People First of Ontario. and Beth French, advisor for People First of Ontario. Ann West, of Mississauga, lives with a physically handicapped room- mate in her own apartment. She is a student teacher aide in a school for handicapped teens, and starts 1 a Peo- ple First chapter in Mississauga after attending a conference in Toronto in 1981. She was president of her chapter for four years. Ann gave a brief, poignant personal history of her life as a mentally retarded person - a "retarded kid" go- ing through school, working at dea- dend jobs for minimum wage, and en- during the social censure that went with all of it. With great determina- tion, and facilitator training, Ann has become an inspiring spokesperson for the rights of all mentally handicapped adults. 444144. 4040, 1 WAIT FOR ME — Joanne Fields has trouble catching up to the trike in Wednesday's obstacle race as part of Fitness Day. • NEIL OSTRANDER PHOTOGRAPHY • Weddings . • Portraits • Commercial • Groups • Framing • Custom Black & White R.R. 3 Parkhill, NOM 2K0 238-5056 Hwy. 81 halfway between Grand Bend and Parkhill Spring Suit Sale 20% off Mr. Leonard Tan Jay Paris Star Pantman Hobnobber Garey Petite Louben Starts Wednesday June 3rd merry rads Open 7 days a week 11/4 miles South of Grand Bend on Hwy. 21 238-2818 Some of the goals she is pursuint for her group are to educate and in form them through speakers on suet vital topics as Onario Housing ane Family Benefits, and the poor wages of people -in sheltered workshops. They are encouraged to speak out, to think for themselves, and to join in the social life of their community. One of the most important needs in forming a People First group is to ob- tain a good advisor, usually through social services. Some groups have more than one advisor, for social af- fairs, for legislative advice, and other areas of concern. Maggie Crane, program co- ordinator for "Women Being Well" of the Women Today has supported the People First Group here in Huron County with facilitator training of several members of the steering com- mittee. This enables them to organize and perform much more efficiently and effectively. Sixteen members of "People First' were in Ottawa at the Ontario Association of the Mentally Handicap- ped to lobby against tags. They want to see the organization re -named as "Ontario Association of Community Living." Advisor Beth French reminded them that each adult needs to become a member of their local association in order to get a voice in their affairs, to vote on issues and have input. Another concern brought by delegates to the Ottawa Conference was also supported by NDP leader Bob Rae, to discourage funding of more institutions. People First would advocate the establishment of more group homes and apartments in the community, and have sent letters to Premier David Peterson protesting this matter. They ask instead for bet- ter jobs to support themselves and achieve independence. A suggestion was made to invite NDP leader Bob Rae. or his represen- tative; to speak at a local meeting about these concerns. There will be a weekend conference held in Sudbury over October 31, on the discussion of "Real Jobs". On- tario People First will be hosting this annual conference and holding elec- tions. Sqme local fund raising may be needed to send representatives there for new ideas and advice. People First is involved in a film project funded by the government through Women Today on "Women Being Well". Ann West will be shown chairing a meeting,, and members Violet Keller and Dave Tebow, of Goderich, will be discussing the rights of handicapped adults to control their own fertility - the right to have children and raise their own family. This film will be an important vehi- cle for public education, and serve as encouragement for other areas to form their own groups. There are now almost 40 groups across Ontario to exchange support and information, with ten poeple elected on the Provincial Board. Peo- ple from institutions, group homes, segregated schools and sheltered work shops are given an outlet to voice their disatisfaction, concerns, and hopes for the future. One example of prejudiced social attitudes brought up by several at the meeting \is their experience with public transportation. How would you like it if a cab driver or bus driver looked you over, slammed his doors and drove away? Sheltered workshops provide boring jobs below minimum wage, yet they aren't eligi- ble for unemployment. How can they support themselves under such circumstances? Mentally handicapped adults can make a positive contribution to the community, they do have something to offer; just give them the chance. Together they can break down the • barriers - let's start chipping away on our side too, and join together in one community. The next meeting of Peo- ple First will be June 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Clinton. i Best Interest 1 * Guaranteed O 1/4 Investment Certificates subject to change Gaiser•Kneale GEInsurance Brokers Inc. Exeter Grand Bend 235-2420 238-8484 Clinton Hensel) Goderich 482-9747 262-2119 524-2118 i lc SHOES of ENOt4NP Curiae/art Itttg iii a M Ea M a !1- GIVE YOUR FEET A SUMMER TREAT! '�►:•"pababjNAemostooftlateklrhothetrsandalsiinthew+ ddr arAMONIT111140 TO w M out(M Most summer sandals are about as comfortable as blocks of wood...but not these unique sandals from England. When you pick up a pair of K Springers, the first thing you'll notice is how light they are. Then you'll observe that the soles are slightly thicker than usual and feel softer. That's because K Springers are constructed in two layers. On top (1), there's a soft springy layer of deep foam. Under that (2) is a layer of tough durable polyurethane designed to take a pounding whether you're walking on a stony beach or concrete sidewalks. Try them...you'Il find That K Springers provide the most comfortable walking sensation you've ever experienced. Sunbeat Beige or Grey '5943 kothereppas llfrstoh� afesttoop footwaith Simples Beige or White From the t Lod 4( family of fine footwear. Smyth's:?_ ■� . ,-i� MAINST. EXETER PHONE 235-1933 -• Preservation workshop With the summer season fast ap- proaching many of you are propbably thinking about gardens and the fresh produce being grown in the area. Along with this process come various concerns regarding the -preservation Store opens Continued from page 4 A ing, like the Swiss Chocolate layer cake, but everything is made from natural ingredients, with no artificial colors, chemicals or preservatives. Only the taste and the calories are left, to please the palate with a "natural high". Prefer something to cool off with in the heat? Try some of Barbara's frozen yogurt or homemade ice cream, all naturally delicious. Bar- bara Gower, owner,' has launched an ambitious enterprize to fill a real need in the community. If you need a caterer, a deli picnic, rye flour, or a special birthday cake, just call "Bar- bara's Naturally". of this produce tor the winter months. On June 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Huronview auditorium, Clinton, there will be a preservation workshop covering such topics as canning, jams and jellies, drying and freezing. Various resource materials will also be available. - Please call the Ministry of Agriculture and Food office by June 10682-3428 or 1-800-265-5170. Cheryl Brine Acting Rural Organization Specialist Are Your Windows Dirty? Holiday Helpers offers Residential Window Cleaning at t easonable prices Murt ay Jeff 235-1406 235-1352 We're Fully Equipped for any Job 1 Dragline Farm ponds Gravel Bailing ' • Trucking • Gravel, Sand & Stone • Bulldozing • Excavating • Top Soil • Septic Systems "No job is too big or too small" Res. 482-9212 erner CONTRACTING . Trucking • Excavating Clinton Shop 482-9926 NATIONAL • • 0. 5 year term. Rates sulnect to change, • Sccury and petf&tbalance. yield in NATIONAL TRUBT A National Victoria and Grey Thistco Company EXETER - 425 Main St., 235-0530 Automatic teller machine located at Darlings IGA, Exeter VGN-11e7MP,