The Goderich Signal-Star, 1982-10-06, Page 4PAGE 4—GODERICHSIGNAL STAR, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6,1982
N
DAVE
SYKES
O
J
fi
U
A few times each summer, Mrs. Sykes
packs up much of her worldly belongings in
three or four suitcases, throws in an ample
supply of Papmpers and Mr. T. Bear for
Bradley and spends a week in Cambridge.
This is one of those weeks.
As we hastily filled the family vehicle in
preparation for the meagre trip, she
mumbled something to the effect that I
would be working three nights during the
week anyway and it was only fair that she
indulge in a week of frivolity with friends.
I was defenceless against that argument
and she added with a sense of resignation
that she had better seize the opportunity
before the snows of winter isolate Huron
County from the rest of the world. Again, no
disagreement on my part.
While the prospect of a week to myself
was somewhat appealing, I mildly protested
that, in the absence of the family, I would be
driven to lonliness and despair. In response,
my wife merely rolled her eyes and offered
•a look that said, "Spare me the details."
Despite the fact that I enjoy time alone for
short durations, my behaviour is enigmatic
but at least serves to support the theory that
I need looking after. In two short days I have
discovered that dishes are mysteriously
espaping from the cupboard and lay soiled
by the sink in a precarious pile with
silverware protruding at odd angles.
I haven't even been home to eat.
The bedroom, which to my recollection
was in a tidy state at the time of my wife's
departure, now resembles a war-torn
battlefield and articles of clothing appear to
have been carelessly abandoned on the
floor. It certainly offers credence to the
theory that my wardrobe is flinging itself
from the closet as I sleep.
I haven't even worn some of the clothes
that lay in lumpy piles at distinct intervals.
The bathroom, always a source•of family
discussions, is...well, a source for sub-
stantive discussions once again.
Other than that the homestead is in
relatively good shape and a whirlwind
surface cleaning tour at the end of the week
should rejuvinate the surroundings. While I
have given it fleeting consideration, I doubt
the cleanup will require the services of a
front-end loader, bulldozer, or backhoe.
However, anytime that I have been
abandoned by my family, my sleep habits
change drastically.
The ability to fall asleep at any time of the
day or night, and in any situation regardless
of the surroundings, is an inherent trait in
the Sykes family. Mother honed the skill to
the point where she would nod off during the
supper hour news and much to herdismay,
the late news was even more elusive.
I suffer from the same affliction.
Perhaps it can be attributed to the quality
of programming but television tends to
numb my senses. With the family away this
week, I am left defenseless against the
snooze provoking powers of the idiot box.
For three straight nights,the last familiar
words I remember are "Stay tuned for the
Journal on most of these CBC stations."
After that it's lights out,
For some strange reason I am roused
from sleep at exactly 1:14 a.m. at which
point I shut off the television and hug the
walls on the way to the bedroom to resume
sleep. But after three nights of that ritual,
sleep doesn't come easy and I wander back
to the living room for a late show.
I can't wait until the family is back and
someone is there to put me to bed.
€NA
BLUE
RIBBON
AWARD
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mail registration
number -0716
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More facts needed
Huron. County council will proceed with an operational
.cost study on the former radar school at=Vanastra before
making a decision to purchase the building.
Originally, council passed a motion to complete an
engineering study on the building • as well as . an
operational cost study.; The, engineering study suggests
the building is structurally sound which only serves to
support the fact the walls will hold up the roof.
Despite arguments to the contrary by citizens of
Goderich and town council, members of county council
stuck to the mandate of the"' original motion and will
proceed with the operation study. Any decision made by
county council .will only come after the completion of the
Addy.
The museum issue consuined much of .the council's
agenda Thursday'as a group of local citizens gathered in
front of the court house to quietly protest the prospect of
moving the Huron County Pioneer Museum: Council also
entertained the delegation inside and allowed Mrs. Eileen
Palmer an.opportunity to speak on behalf of the group.
While council considers the purchase of a building for
$75,000 and the prospect of . spending an additional $1
million for restoration, there has been no logical reason
uttered for the move. '
Certainly,beforeany move could of' even should be.
considered, council must have . facts and figures on
alternatives.: The present museum building is .in poor
shape and council has been aware of that for many years.
They, chose a bandaid approach to repairs rather than
looking at long term solutions.
If the present location is inadequate; council must
examine the alternatives carefully. The site is as im-
portant as the building and it would be difficult for
councillor to argue that moving the museum from
Goderich would have a marked effect. on traffic. .
The cost of a new Wilding in town should be weighed
' against the cost of renovating the building in Va,nast>ra.
There will also be hefty costs to transport and store ex-
hibits. The move would likely also result . in decreased
revenues. ..
Council claims the building is a' firetrap and for that
reason should be moved to a new.location. But at no time
have they given consideration to investigating the costs of
building on the present and comparingthe costs ;
against the errpenditure required for relocation. .
It appears 'that council is simply jumping at an op-
portunity to buy a large building cheap. And the rationale
behind such a purchase, would be to relocate the museum
from what they term a fire trap.
' 'Members of the property committee of Goderich town
council have suggested, and' rightly so, that the county
only contemplate a move after all alternatives are closely
looked at. To date, the county has looked at only one
aspect of the problem that may provide a quick and cheap
:solution as far as housing the artifacts is concerned.
But quick solutions don't always come cheap and a
responsible decision can only be made when county
council examines all the alternatives. Perhaps the people
of Goderich could accept a decision to relocate the pioneer
museum, • one of the finest in the province, if county
Council completes the proper studies and can justifiably
claim that the move would be financially attractive.
Until then, all the facts aren't in. D.S. •
Voters decide
On November 8, electors across the province will be
casting votes in, numerous municipalities, regions and
townships as Ontarians do their part to govern the
municipal structure.
This year your democratic right to vote is more im-
portant than ever. Across the province, municipal
councils and school boards will spend over $12 billion per
year so it is imperative that voters make' judicious
decisions in casting ballots.
Also; elected representatives on all councils, boards and
commissions will serve three-year terms ending in
November 1985. Therefore, elected officials will be
managing a budget in excess of $12 billion for the next
three years.
The voters have a responsibility to register a vote
considering that candidates are prepared to manage that
large budget for three-year terms. Half of the money
i spent' by municipalities and school boards is raised
through local taxes.
In Goderich, more than 50 per cent of your tax dollar is
spent -on -edticatiotn -while-the--remainder--is-used-for--police-
and fire protection, social services, maintenance of hard
stilvviies,let ilg; en atioti; environn'aeyit atedrgeneral.
administration.
Total local spending to Pak- t 'or a"l these services was
$10.6 billion in 1980, an increase of 10.3 per cent over 1979.
Of this, school board spending increased by 9.7 per cent to
, $4.5 billion in 1980.
Overall, in Ontario, 50 per cent of tax dollars goes
towards education and 12 per cent to the cost of tran-
sportation. Ninetper cent of the tax dollars went for, fire
and police protection services, nine per cent to social
services, 7.5 per cent to the upkeep of roads, bridges,
fences, sewers and water supplies, 5.5 per cent to the
administration of local government, 5.5 per cent to culture
and recreation including parks, playgrounds, libraries
-and arenas and 1.5 per cent to planning and development
activities. .
Revenue to provide community services comes from
three general areas; user fees, property taxes and
provincial grants provided by more than a dozen
ministries. Provincial grants account for as much as 30
per cent of municipal revenue.
The budgets of the school boards across the province
may vary, but on the average 62 per cent goes for
teacher's salaries, 16 per cent for supplies, 15 per cent for
administration salaries and the remaining nine per cent
for debt charges and capital fund transfers.
The municipal system in Ontario is complex and dif-
ferent types of municipalities deliver and prpyide a wide
range of services for the community. Your vote is im-
portant to that process.
By voting, you help to select a management team of
elected councillors, school trustees and PUC com-
missioners: Your -vote is an act of commitment and
communication that enables the system to work in your
_ best ..inter-ests.-By_voting,-3iou-choose-to-help-maintairrend
'improve essential -and convenient services and the quality
.o%li£er •yourComrnunity. �-
The government of Ontario has initiated an advertising
campaign aimed at the eTec orate of Onterio.The theme of
the 1982 election is You Decide with the reminder that
your vote works for you every day. Everyone has
something to say and people should` thinly aboi die
election, talk about it and ask about it.
An informed electorate is a responsible one.
Traditionally, the turnout for municipal elections is low.
In past years, the average turnout has been about 43 per
cent and in some years it has dipped to 30 per cent.
Your vote is important and certainly the voter turnout
in the town of Goderich will exceed the provincial average
of 43 per cent. The municipal election is Monday,
November 8 and advance polls will be held one week
earlier, on Monday, October 30.
Goderic) Harbour circa 1:910
DEAR READERS
SHIRLEY KE'LLER
The world is a hectic place, for some of us. In •
fact, for most of us. I've been racing at
breakneck speed for the last few months ... and
getting further behind every day. It gets
frustrating after awhile doesn't it? '
I've been trying to figure out what is causing
the rush in my own world. I thought things were
supposed to slow down as old age creeps onward.
But alas, in my case, it appears the: golden years
may well arrive in a flurry of activity and go by
in a blur as things speed up to a frenzied finish.
I've always enjoyed being fully occupied, but
this is getting a'little ridiculous. There aren't
enough hours in the day to do any of the things II
had expected I would have time for at this stage
in life. Seems like everybody wants a small piece
of•my day - and those small pieces are adding up
to more minutes than I can comfortably supply.
I shouldn't complain. I have been blessed with
good health to motivate me, a loving family to
understand me and a considerate company to
support me.
I'm not alone in my trials, I know. Hundreds of
people • are as harassed as. I am, and that's
precisely what is making me wonder about the
North American lifestyle. What has put us on this
tension treadmill?.
Is it the push for material possessions? Is it our
passion for climate controlled homes and cars,
video games and stereo equipment, gadgets and
gizmos to make life more enjoyable? Is it piere-
ed ears and the feel of real gold jewellery? Is it
furs and fancey doodads'? Is it holidays abroad
and nights out on the town?
Is it the need for power and prestige? Is it our
insatiable appetite for recognition and praise? Is
it our pride that keeps us running from one ac
tivity to another like people possessed of
demons?
Is it the;faltering economy and our fear of per-
sonal failure? Is it the \demands of government
and the endless round of new legislation, and in-
creased taxation? Is it lack of faith in the coun-
try's future.
Is it the knowledge that if cancer, doesn't get
us, heart disease probably will? Is it concern
that time is running out and there's so much still
undone? •
It is that our priorities are out -of -whack? Do
we spend so much energy chasing unimportant
goals that we have no enthusiasm left for what is
essential? Or does everyone have his own list of
essentials which he is trying to impose on
everyone in his own acquaintance? In that sense
then, is it a vicious circle of picking proper
priorities tor folks like me who are trying to
please too many people too much of the time?
I don't know the answers. And what's more,
I'm not sure I ever will. Looking ahead for me is
like peering into a hurricane. There's not telling
1
where I'll end up .,:ror in what condition.
On my wall at work.I have pinned up a modern
version of the 23rd Psalm, written by a Japanese
writer Tokio Megashie. I wouldn't be surprised if
Tokio felt much like I do most of the time when
he penned these thoughts. They go like this:
The Lord is my Pacesetter - I shall not rush.
He makes me stop for quiet intervals, •
He provides me with images of stillness which •
restore my serenity,
He leads me in the ways of efficiency through
calmness of mind,
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to ac-
complish each day, I will not fret,
For His Presence is here,
His timelessness, His all importance, will keep
me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in' the
midst of my activity, •
•
13y yanointing my mind with His oils of tran-
quilit
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Truly harmony and effectiveness shall be the
fruits of my hours,
And I shall walk in the Pace of my Lord
And dwell in His House for ever.
+++
Hope these lines have taken some of the
pressure off you, if even for a moment or two.
Museum is town's biggest tourist attraction
Dear Editor,
Having just read the two
articles in the paper, I amin
total agreement with Mrs.
Wallace and Sue Gardiner
that to move the museum
from Goderich ,to Vanastra
would be a total disaster.
I know -for a fact that the
museum is one of the biggest
tourist attractions that we
have: I have heard so many
times from people who
visited the museum that _it
LETTERS
was one of the finest they
have seen.
I know that it is one of t e
very few buildings aro eL
with the Elizabethan sem,
design.. I, cannot ,rememb..r
gouig. down North Street this
sul er, that there wasn't'
somebody coming or going. I
und$rstand that the main
concern is for fire and of
course the financial situation
is one we have to take into
consideration. I just hope
that there is some way this
problem can be overcome.
The building goes back a
long way for some of the
residents who went.to school,
there as children. Goderich
residents have some unique
thingsto brag about and the
museum is one of them.
I would imagine that some
of the residents of Goderich
".who have donated articles"
will be very upset if the'
move takes place.
I have been in the building
at Vanastra and it will take
an enormous amount of work
before it can be put into use.
Being in the auctioneering
business, I hate to see old
things get destroyed. I am
sure that is what will happen
to the., building if it is re-
located.
Goderich is one of the pret-
tiest towns in Canada. Let's
try to keep it this_way_
Sincerely,
Harold Iamb..
Block Pait �grthiTi''1iiperttht t67tovvn-._
Dear Editor:
It is not -very -often- that -a
program as important es the
Block Parents' Program
comes down the pike.
Goderich seems to have a
great many service and
community groups, that are
very well supported, of
which we can be proud.
However, I believe that these
other clubs and groups pale
by comparison to the Block
Parent program, in terms of
•
community importance.
I -do.
-not pretend to- be an.
expert -on_ the Black Parent
program. Until last Monday
night I was relatively
ignorant of the scope of
Block Parents. However, the
concept of Block Parents has
always -seemed worthwhile
to me. As I understand the
program, individuals are
asked to participate by
placing a sign in their
window indicating their
home is available as a refuge
for children, or _older_ per-
-SDK s' w1reni in distress. This
seems a relativelysimple,
but nonetheless effective,
means of assisting our
children.
A deeper view into this
concept reveals that Block
Parents perhaps typifies, to
a greater degree, the con-
cept of community in-
volvement.' An individual
participating • in this
5,
program will most likely not afterall, is our children's
-attain—locale -notoriety by—future: --That's- the.. bottom.
joining. ffe'win not Tkely be line.
given any awards or
trophies. And instead of a M. McIntosh
plaque at his door, or other
artful decoration, he will
display the red and white
symbol of Block Parents. ' More letters
To me, the person who
displays this symbol, shows
that he is sincerely con- appear on Page 5
cerned about the future of
our community. Our future,