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Times-Advocate, 1996-01-24, Page 10Page 10 Times -Advocate, January 24, 1996 The new municipal office building for the Township of Hay was officially opened Saturday. 'From left, Councilor Don Desch, Concilor Blaise Ducharme, Paul Steckle, MP for Huron -Bruce, Reeve of Hay TownshipsMurray Keys, Kriss Snell Constituency Assistant to Huron MPP Helen Johns, Deputy Reeve Jim Love and Gerald Shang had the honor of cutting the ' ribbon. The new office building includes council chambers and a Committee room, as well as general office space and storage area for municipal records. Th,e $270, 450 protect was completed under the, Canada/Ontario Infrastruc- ture Works program, with federal, provincial and municipal govemments contributing one-third gf the total cost. Your Views" Letters to the editor , Teachers and teaching "A sensitive teacher's understanding concern and support are vital to any child's effective academic progress." Dear Editor: ' October 5, 1995, was selected to be set aside on the tribute calendar as one on which the contribu- tions of teachers to the nurture and development of children should be recognized. After all, we cele- brate Mother's Day, Father's Day, 'Secretaries' Day, Labour Day etc., why not Teachers' day? Perhaps it should be on the calendar. The writer was particu- larly pleased with the recognition given to a serving section of society in which he had spent half a life- time, a long lifetime. The plaudits that came in on the morning phone-in talk shows were flattering and at times almost embarrassing, although no one men- tioned my name or had reason to,'I suppose. One friend consoled me by suggesting that perhaps the right people were not listening. Since the span of years which the writer has spent as pupil in elementary school, as student in secon- dary, college, and university and later as teacher, principal, county inspector, master at a Normal ' School which became Teachers' College and finally a faculty of education of a university, my recollec- tions are likely to be chronological, but sketchy, I promise. The public and high schools I attended were primitive by today's standards in matters of design, equipment, safety and sanitation. Courses and their curricular content were rigidly prescribed and passing standards high and attained only through uniform departmental examinations. In the early 30's it was estimated that only 40 per cent of students entering high school would graduate and only five pe cent or less would reach university. • The teachers of those earlier years, as this writer recalls, were capable, devoted and grossly under- paid. Unacceptable standards of performance were not tolerated but those who applied themselves to the best of their abilities within the limits of their circumstances needed not to fear retribution. It was interesting to note the qualities that were recalled by the people who called in to the radio programs which asked for reports of memorable tributes. At- tempts to recognize and deal with the problems and needs of individual students were mentioned by a number of callers. Out -of -class help and remedial home assignments which were evaluated and re- turned were still appreciated years later. Fairness and consistency in reacting to circumstances ranked next as laudable teacher qualities. I have no reason to think that today's teachers are less likely to hold and practice such excellent qualities. Complicating circumstances make full realization more difficult. At this point an old schoolman might be forgiven for attempting to answer the question, "What makes for good teaching?" To develop facility in students in the mastery and application of useful skills and absorption of useful knowledge were aims long thought to be basic and almost all inclusive. Those have not been replaced, I should hope, but achieve- ment in the case of any student should be measured and credited in relation to his individual potential and effort expended in their pursuit. Skills and knowledge are now not so much taught and impart- ed as developed in each case on the way to helping each child to move towards his own best potential. Good teachers are also ever aware that the whole child comes to school bringing the problems of his home or that morning with him. A sensitive teach- er's understanding concern and support are vital to any child's effective academic progress. A teacher is many things to many children from role model to mentor, coach to leader, listener to confidante. Just as the whole child comes to school, the whole teacher goes home with assignments to check, plans to think about, meetings and interviews to attend and phone calls to make and answer. In many cases there are books to be read, professional courses to be worked on as well as family and com- munity duties. Teachers do not look for our pity - just understanding and some appreciation. Gerry Dobrindt Beard -growing contest Everett Homer, left, and Gallagher Taylor are Queensway Re- tirement Home residents who have entered Hay Township's beard growing contest, bringing the total number of partici- pants to 26. .Stickers promote smoke-free restaurants POINT EDWARD = The Lamb - 'n County Health Unit and Cour,, tr ei 1 for Tobacco -Free Lambton are oviding a way for individuals to )Dice their preference for smoke- free restaurants. The Health Unit is distributing a "Smoke -Free Restaurants" sticker card. The yellow and blue card in - 'eludes six labels with comments • Such as; "I would like a tobacco - free environment and; Consider more smoke-free seating!" "We're hoping restaurants in- rtrease their smoke-free sections lend raise awareness for not smok- Information sought "We wish to mark and celebrate the centennial of these 'Jubilee Trees'..." Dear Editor: Re: Jubilee Trees The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Can- ada, Grand River Branch, seeks information about the Norway spruce trees which were planted in the late 1890'a to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. brand Rivet Branch,in the Province of Oddrio alt a heritage dt$M� on end affiliated with the Onaolgio Historical Society, psbaetaps, teem& and celebrates Canadian and Loyalist histo - Ty. We wish to mark and celebrate the centennial of these `Jubilee Trees' which are an outstanding char- acteristic of Ontario's landscape. We seek help from your subscribers, who may still be on Century farms or know about these trees, and respectfully request them to submit information how this extensive planting of Norway Spruce was advertised and accomplished. Thank you for your kind atentibn. Yours truly, Doris A. Lemon BdacationlOutteach Co-ordinator (hand River Branch U.E.L.A. 349 Craigleith Drive, Waterloo, Ontario. N2L 585 ing," said Health Prptoijo,Officer for Lambton County, Kathy Braet. Recent research finds levels of environmental tobacco smoke (EST) in restaurants are about twice as high as in office work- places or businesses, and one half time higher than living in a home with one smoker. According to a press release from the Health Unit, many people find eating their meal in a smoke-free environment allows them to enjoy the aroma and taste of their food to a greater degree. Most importantly, a smoke-free environment protects people from,lhc hearthecttsof EST, a known ctainoga stmffat tb asbestos and arsenic. • Participating in the "Smoke -Free Restaurants" campaign is an op- portunity to influence local res- taurants to become smoke-free or increase smoke-free seating. When dining out, simply attach one of these labels to the restaurant bill in order to send a message to restaurant owners. Currently Sarnia is the only mu- nicipality that has a smoking by- law pertaining'to restaurants. Early Bird Draw Prize Matt Clarke of Exeter Chrysler and committee chairperson George Godbolt of the Exeter Li- ons Club display the 'Away From It All' print. Conservation Dinner ticket -holders eligible for Early Bird Draw prize EXETER - Ticket -holders to the gala Conserva- tion Dinner, slated for April 25, 1996 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter, are eligible to wits this work of art in an Early Bird Draw on Feb-' rusty 14. Sponsored by Exeter Chrysler and cur- rently on display at the dealership, this Iir1ltted edi- tion print was produced in a series of 450 by artist Jake i nandenbrink, who has been named Artist -of - the -Year by Docks Unlimited. Tided 'Away Prom It All', the image holds great appeal iar tilde* with a yearning for the great out- ddori sod exhibits the skillful rendering and clarity atdetdl far Which the atilt is known. The print is one of many fine artworks, collect- ibles and special prizes gathered for auction and raffle at the Seventh Annual Conservation Dinner. A collaboration between the Ausable-Bayfield Con- servation Authority and the Exeter Lions Club, this prestigious event raises funds for conservation - related projects for the benefit of all residents of this watershed. Tickets are available at a cost of $37.50 each and may be ordered by calling the ARCA at 519-235-2610. Town council and the Exeter business association. have agreed to :. f . .. !► C=- N , �;..,. t �� ?'- , purchas- the Municipal - building with p lens to build a parkingc lot and a parketfe. Do you agree? Ed McLean, Bea forth We have a similar thing in Seaforth. I think it is going to be a burden on the tax payers." Heavier McLean, Seaforth alt is a really nice building. It would be a shame to see it go." nary Baeahler, Eftteter 'Well I think they should spend as little money as possible. I think it's a shame to tear the building down." Laiw*nce Russell, Exeter 1 agree, .1 think it should be tom down. But they shouldn't put any lights !n it so you young guys can neck with your girl- friends." Ron Hartman, Exeter -I think it is a terrific idea, this is the worst area of town to find a parking spot." Al Keys, Exeter 'Yeah, 1 agree we do need parking down here.' Judy Otterbenn, BByfle/d "A lot of peo- pie dont real- ize that there Is parking in the back of the stores. I think the town needs some- thing like that.' Mart Inion, Exeter "No, I love old historical buildings, there is enough park- ing on the side streets." • Jo -Dee DnaJardiOn. Exeter : "My initial thought is that i don't think it's necessary, there is enough parkingon Main et already." The new municipal office building for the Township of Hay was officially opened Saturday. 'From left, Councilor Don Desch, Concilor Blaise Ducharme, Paul Steckle, MP for Huron -Bruce, Reeve of Hay TownshipsMurray Keys, Kriss Snell Constituency Assistant to Huron MPP Helen Johns, Deputy Reeve Jim Love and Gerald Shang had the honor of cutting the ' ribbon. The new office building includes council chambers and a Committee room, as well as general office space and storage area for municipal records. Th,e $270, 450 protect was completed under the, Canada/Ontario Infrastruc- ture Works program, with federal, provincial and municipal govemments contributing one-third gf the total cost. Your Views" Letters to the editor , Teachers and teaching "A sensitive teacher's understanding concern and support are vital to any child's effective academic progress." Dear Editor: ' October 5, 1995, was selected to be set aside on the tribute calendar as one on which the contribu- tions of teachers to the nurture and development of children should be recognized. After all, we cele- brate Mother's Day, Father's Day, 'Secretaries' Day, Labour Day etc., why not Teachers' day? Perhaps it should be on the calendar. The writer was particu- larly pleased with the recognition given to a serving section of society in which he had spent half a life- time, a long lifetime. The plaudits that came in on the morning phone-in talk shows were flattering and at times almost embarrassing, although no one men- tioned my name or had reason to,'I suppose. One friend consoled me by suggesting that perhaps the right people were not listening. Since the span of years which the writer has spent as pupil in elementary school, as student in secon- dary, college, and university and later as teacher, principal, county inspector, master at a Normal ' School which became Teachers' College and finally a faculty of education of a university, my recollec- tions are likely to be chronological, but sketchy, I promise. The public and high schools I attended were primitive by today's standards in matters of design, equipment, safety and sanitation. Courses and their curricular content were rigidly prescribed and passing standards high and attained only through uniform departmental examinations. In the early 30's it was estimated that only 40 per cent of students entering high school would graduate and only five pe cent or less would reach university. • The teachers of those earlier years, as this writer recalls, were capable, devoted and grossly under- paid. Unacceptable standards of performance were not tolerated but those who applied themselves to the best of their abilities within the limits of their circumstances needed not to fear retribution. It was interesting to note the qualities that were recalled by the people who called in to the radio programs which asked for reports of memorable tributes. At- tempts to recognize and deal with the problems and needs of individual students were mentioned by a number of callers. Out -of -class help and remedial home assignments which were evaluated and re- turned were still appreciated years later. Fairness and consistency in reacting to circumstances ranked next as laudable teacher qualities. I have no reason to think that today's teachers are less likely to hold and practice such excellent qualities. Complicating circumstances make full realization more difficult. At this point an old schoolman might be forgiven for attempting to answer the question, "What makes for good teaching?" To develop facility in students in the mastery and application of useful skills and absorption of useful knowledge were aims long thought to be basic and almost all inclusive. Those have not been replaced, I should hope, but achieve- ment in the case of any student should be measured and credited in relation to his individual potential and effort expended in their pursuit. Skills and knowledge are now not so much taught and impart- ed as developed in each case on the way to helping each child to move towards his own best potential. Good teachers are also ever aware that the whole child comes to school bringing the problems of his home or that morning with him. A sensitive teach- er's understanding concern and support are vital to any child's effective academic progress. A teacher is many things to many children from role model to mentor, coach to leader, listener to confidante. Just as the whole child comes to school, the whole teacher goes home with assignments to check, plans to think about, meetings and interviews to attend and phone calls to make and answer. In many cases there are books to be read, professional courses to be worked on as well as family and com- munity duties. Teachers do not look for our pity - just understanding and some appreciation. Gerry Dobrindt Beard -growing contest Everett Homer, left, and Gallagher Taylor are Queensway Re- tirement Home residents who have entered Hay Township's beard growing contest, bringing the total number of partici- pants to 26. .Stickers promote smoke-free restaurants POINT EDWARD = The Lamb - 'n County Health Unit and Cour,, tr ei 1 for Tobacco -Free Lambton are oviding a way for individuals to )Dice their preference for smoke- free restaurants. The Health Unit is distributing a "Smoke -Free Restaurants" sticker card. The yellow and blue card in - 'eludes six labels with comments • Such as; "I would like a tobacco - free environment and; Consider more smoke-free seating!" "We're hoping restaurants in- rtrease their smoke-free sections lend raise awareness for not smok- Information sought "We wish to mark and celebrate the centennial of these 'Jubilee Trees'..." Dear Editor: Re: Jubilee Trees The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Can- ada, Grand River Branch, seeks information about the Norway spruce trees which were planted in the late 1890'a to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. brand Rivet Branch,in the Province of Oddrio alt a heritage dt$M� on end affiliated with the Onaolgio Historical Society, psbaetaps, teem& and celebrates Canadian and Loyalist histo - Ty. We wish to mark and celebrate the centennial of these `Jubilee Trees' which are an outstanding char- acteristic of Ontario's landscape. We seek help from your subscribers, who may still be on Century farms or know about these trees, and respectfully request them to submit information how this extensive planting of Norway Spruce was advertised and accomplished. Thank you for your kind atentibn. Yours truly, Doris A. Lemon BdacationlOutteach Co-ordinator (hand River Branch U.E.L.A. 349 Craigleith Drive, Waterloo, Ontario. N2L 585 ing," said Health Prptoijo,Officer for Lambton County, Kathy Braet. Recent research finds levels of environmental tobacco smoke (EST) in restaurants are about twice as high as in office work- places or businesses, and one half time higher than living in a home with one smoker. According to a press release from the Health Unit, many people find eating their meal in a smoke-free environment allows them to enjoy the aroma and taste of their food to a greater degree. Most importantly, a smoke-free environment protects people from,lhc hearthecttsof EST, a known ctainoga stmffat tb asbestos and arsenic. • Participating in the "Smoke -Free Restaurants" campaign is an op- portunity to influence local res- taurants to become smoke-free or increase smoke-free seating. When dining out, simply attach one of these labels to the restaurant bill in order to send a message to restaurant owners. Currently Sarnia is the only mu- nicipality that has a smoking by- law pertaining'to restaurants. Early Bird Draw Prize Matt Clarke of Exeter Chrysler and committee chairperson George Godbolt of the Exeter Li- ons Club display the 'Away From It All' print. Conservation Dinner ticket -holders eligible for Early Bird Draw prize EXETER - Ticket -holders to the gala Conserva- tion Dinner, slated for April 25, 1996 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter, are eligible to wits this work of art in an Early Bird Draw on Feb-' rusty 14. Sponsored by Exeter Chrysler and cur- rently on display at the dealership, this Iir1ltted edi- tion print was produced in a series of 450 by artist Jake i nandenbrink, who has been named Artist -of - the -Year by Docks Unlimited. Tided 'Away Prom It All', the image holds great appeal iar tilde* with a yearning for the great out- ddori sod exhibits the skillful rendering and clarity atdetdl far Which the atilt is known. The print is one of many fine artworks, collect- ibles and special prizes gathered for auction and raffle at the Seventh Annual Conservation Dinner. A collaboration between the Ausable-Bayfield Con- servation Authority and the Exeter Lions Club, this prestigious event raises funds for conservation - related projects for the benefit of all residents of this watershed. Tickets are available at a cost of $37.50 each and may be ordered by calling the ARCA at 519-235-2610.