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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-03-26, Page 5THS apVIIACE Published al Barry Wenger. President Henry Hess. Editor n am Ibbance-trimeo Wingham, Ontario, P.O. Box 390 - NOG MO O b. Wenger Bros. Limited Robert 4 Wenger. Sec.-Treas. Audrey .0 urrie, Advertising Manager Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member 7( anadian Community Newspaper Assoc. Ontario Community Newspaper Assoc. Subscriptions $20.00 per. year Second Class Mail Registration No. 0821 Six months SI I 50 Return postage guaranteed Behind closed doors Hospital board members will final- ly get an opportunity to thoroughly de- bate the pros and cons of the proposed new wing at the Wingham and District Hospital during a special meeting next week. But it appeara that although the public will be asked to contribute gen- erously toward the project if it goes ahead — and to live without it if it doesn't — they will not be privy to that discussion. We are familiar with the argu- ments about the presence of the public or the media intimidating trustees and inhibiting debate, and about brain- storming sessions being more free- wheeling behind doors. It would be nice if it were that easy. Experience sug- gests that members of boards or coun- cils are more often intimidated by each other or by the professionals in their employ than by a few onlookers or members of the media tucked away in some corner. People who do not speak out in open meetings seldom have much more to say behind closed doors. So far there has been no obvious attempt to involve either the board as a whole or the public in planning for the project. If there had been, it should not - be necessary to hold a specialmeeting at this late date to review "all aspects" A measure of The federal government has intro- duced legislation which is intended to make crown corporations more ac- countable. included in the new regula- tions will be the obligation on the part of the corporations to submit their fi- nanc al records tor examination by the audiir-general's office on demand. In, past years the officers of a crown cor- poration- were not required to undergo government audit, despite the fact that such corporations are financed and owned by the people of Canada. The need for such public disclosure has been made very clear in recent weeks by the government's decision to pay the debts of Canadair, a corpora- tionwhich managed to lose millions of dollars in one year. Senator Jack Austin, who is responsible for that cor- poration, has announced that a new company will be set up, debt free, to be known as (what else?) New Canadair. During the period when the plane Manufacturer was losing all those mil- lions, there was no legal way in which the owners of the corporation, .the tax- payers of the nation, could intervene of the expansion. The only aspect which should still be of significant interest is the price tag. Board members, as most must realize, will be presented with a virtual fait accompli when they meet to review the plans and, provided the cost is reasonable, the pressure to proceed will be enormous. No one questions the need for im- provements to the emergency, outpa- tient and radiology departments at the hospital. However if there are serious misgivings about some details of the project or its scale, as the request for a complete review would indicate, the public deserves to know. It is easy to understand why it might be more comfortable to keep such questions private, lest they dilute support for a planned fund-raising campaign, but it is in the best interest of the hospital in the long run to keep everything open and on the table. While the board is under no legal obligation to permit the press or public to attend its meetings, if it hopes to make a con- vincing argument that this is truly OUR hospital and deserves our fi- nancial support it would be wise to alet us know both sides of the story. It is not enough to tell us only what is consider- ed good for us to know. control TsmIs and demand more capable man- agement. What does the average Canadian know about the financial operations of Dome Petroleum which has gobbled up billions in public funding? Is the CBC a sound financial operation :or an ex- pensive luxury. Another three hundred publicly - owned corporations could be added to the list of federal companies before we get around to any of the provincial cor- porations. What about Ontario tax- payers' investment in Suncor? Was it a good deal or not? Have we ever been told anything about the reason for the purchase of shares in that company at inflated prices, ler whether, indeed, those shares have shown any earnings. Of course the mere fact that the auditor -general will now have the right to examine crown corporation books is no real guarantee of improvement. If the government pays as little heed to reports on corporations as it does to the annual reports on general government spending little, indeed, will have been "accomplished. The race for power It's a great year for spectator sports. Every day's news brings us fresh reports from the United Stafes. where three candidates are vying for leadership of the Democratic party and a chance to meet Ronald Reagan head- on for the presidency of the United States. In -Canada, of course, we have something very similar, although the two nations operate under differing political systems. As the Liberals must name a new leader within a couple of months, no less than six men have emerged as contenders for the Trudeau mantle. So far the odds appear to favor John Turner, the man who has waited in relative silence for eight years since he resigned from the finance minister's post. Jean Chretien, a staunch Trudeau man and holder of six or eight cabinet jobs during his more than 20 years in government, looks like a strong second choice, but his French accent will re- mind delegates that it is supposed to be the Anglos' turn for prime minister- ship. The four remaining contenders are still possibilities because strange things do happen at political conven- tions, as Joe Clark can attest. The great hoopla over the Liberal leadership is stealing a good deal of the -limelight_ from ---Brian Mulroney, the newly -elected leader of the Progres- sive Conservatives, who had a great thing going for his party as long as Mr. Trudeau was on the other end of the see -saw. The television camera has revolu- tionized politics. The rnan who looks more heroic and who is quickest with the smooth answer catches public at- tention. What we really need, as serious Canadians, is not more glam- our shots but some solid and thoughtful policy declarations — clarification of the ways by which each of these men would seek to restore the pride and unity of our nation. Moving into the future The political deader most deserving of our support will be the man who has the clearest view of Canada — and the world—which is reshaping to meet the changes of the electronic era. No poli- tician can alter the inevitable revolu- tion which has been under way for two decades. Thoughtful writers are telling us that we are living through a transi- tion more profound than was the in- dustrial revolution. The significant fact is That this economic and social unrest will not be spread over a couple of huri- dred years. It is here and now. One author says we have entered the information age, asppposed to the industrial age. Already more Humans are employed to provide information than are those who produce real goods. Their tool, of course, is the computer, in all its thousands of applications. It becomes obvious therefore, that our greatest need is education — train- ing of younger people to fit them for the new kinds of tasks which lie ahead. Our schools .are beginning to face these challenges, ' but very slowly. Post -sec- ondary schools are eons behind in their comprehension of the necessity to fill a vital role in the new society. Will our new political leaders be able to grasp the significance of what Is taking place around them? se ..- r/ R A pa'g'e o editorial" opinion a...a -a. AND ONEA..4TRCM4d7 VERY/ 91/C'sy JN— It ms from OI MARCH 1937 At the annual meeting of the Wingham Chamber cif Commerce, it was an- nounced that the organ- ization is free of debt for the first time in many years. H. Garlick was elected president, suc- ceeding Herbert Campbell. Vice presidents are W. VanWyck and R. Rae; secretary is W. W. Arm- strong and treasurer A. J. Walker. At a special meeting of town council, it was decided to installa steam heating system in the town hall at a cost of $3,367. Mayor John W. Hanna received word that the roads from Elmira to Amberley and also from Bluevale to Harriston are being taken over by the government as part of the Provincial High- way system. Starting next Monday the Lyceum Theatre will operate every night during the week and will, continue to do so -until .further notice. A good program of pictures has been, arranged, including "The Great Ziegfeld", "San tato Francisco", "Rose Marie" and "After the Thin Man". Shirley Temple in "Dim- ples" plays next week. Lou Gehrig, the Yankee's first base man, has signed a contract for $360,000 for this season. Not bad, say we. The trillium has at last been adopted as Ontario's special flower. MARCH 1949 The Wingham Town Hall was well filled when the North Huron Liberal Association held its annual meeting and nominating convention.' As standard 'bearer for the next federal - election ' Robert S. Hetheringtotitas chosen on the first'blt; ,. Supertest - Petroleum, Corporation Limited an- nounces the appointment of R. E. McKinney as distri- butor of the company's pro- ducts in its Wingham and Seaforth branches. The Cargill Flour Mill was recently purchased by Howson and Howson of Wingham and Ross Sandlos of Hanover. The new firm is operating under the name of Howson and Sandlos. Flood danger at Wingham is now believed past. With the rains of last week the Maitland River rose rapidly on Wednesday and by evening the water was about .a foot deep over Highway 4 south of town but after a few hours it receded almost as rapidly. A bill limiting the amount of yellow coloring in margarine was approved in the Ontario Legislature. TODAY'S CHILD ' a BY JUDITH ADAMS The family who. adopts Tony will have a very special son. He's a sweet, lovable six-year-old, and so affectionate he attracts friends wherever he. goes. Tony was born with cerebral palsy, which gave him physi- cal problems of muscle control, and he didn't walk for the first five years -of his life. He's a fighter, though, 'and he's now delighted with. the fact that at last, he can walk with the help of braces on his legs. Tony's CP affected him mentally too, and he is definitely behind in development. At the special school he attends for children with developmental delays, Tony is a popu- lar fellow, both with other children and with his teacher. He loves circle time when he can listen to stories, and joins in lustily to sing 0 Canada and other songs, even though it's hard for him to articulate the words. Tony's compre- hension is much better than his speech. He says "hi," "what's that?", "bye", and does a lot of hand signs to communicate with other .people. He's learning to dress and undress himself, pour juice, recognize colours and put shapes together. He loves swimming, painting, and music at school. Above all, Tony is good-natured. Although it seems as though he wants everything he sees -in a toy store, he's very cheerful about saying goodbye to it all, when it's time to leave. He's a delightful little person who has fought hard to over- come the worst of his handicaps, and never stops trying. Parents for Tony will need to have lots of time to give- him. . individual attention, as that's the way he learns best. If you think you are those parents, please write to Today's Child, Ministry of Community and Social Services, Box 888, Station K, Toronto. MARCH 1960 Motor mechanics and electricity -are twocourses e --- curriculum at the Wingham District High School. It was • also announced at - the meeting of the board that 'specialist teachers will be needed for math and English next year. Francis ' R. Mills, for the past two years vice president of Berry Door Co. Ltd., has been appointed executive vice president of the parent company. He will continue to supervise Canadian opera- tions but from head office in Birmingham, Michigan. March 2 1984 Files be awarded a Doctor of Laws degree. MARCH 1970 Linda Langendoen, daughter of Mr. , and Mrs. John Langendoen of RR 1, Fordwich, won the in- termediate and over-all championship at the•Howick Lions' public speaking contest. Junior speaking champion was Wayne Strong, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Strong of Gorrie. Miss Joan Bosman of Belgrave has completed her hairdressing course at Ivan R. Sales School of Hair- dressing radon She_ will now commence work at Ernie's Beauty Salon, Goderich. Two Whitechurch girls, Sandra Currie and Cathy Chandler, pupils of music teacher Miss Iva Mai Smith, tried their music exams at .Stratford and passed their Grade Five with honors. Constable Ed Daer found himself in the middle of a king-sized omelet when , he was called to investigate an egg truck with a broken cargo. The truck was travelling north on .No. 4 • Highway when' the driver felt a bump and stopped to in- vestigate. The truck had been about three-quarters full of eggs, and the jar had dumped them all over the back. The Right Reverend Dr. Alexander Nimmo will be one of five to ' receive honorary degrees 'at the University of Western On- tario, when the spring convocation is held. He will Appreciate support for. Midget tourney Dear Editor, On behalf of the Wingham Minor Hockey Association and the Wingham Midget Hockey Tournament Comm- `rittee, I would _like to ex- press our gratitude to the fol- lowing organizations: the Wingham Business Associa- tion, the Wingham Lions Club, the Wingham Kinsmen Club, the Wingham Optimist Club, Wingham and District Hospitl and the ambulance staff, the Mothers of Wing - ham Minor Hockey Associa- tion, the time keepers, rink rats, referees -and officials, Mr. Jim Currie, CKNX, The Advance -Times, as well as all the countless men and women who volunteered their time and energy to make the 1984 event one of our best ever. It is a tremendous pleasure,,to work with an organization that has the whole town behind it. With- out any one of you, the an- nual Midget hockey tour- nament would not be what it is today. This was the main reason we recognized our founders and past chair- persons over the past 20 years recently. Monies raised from this year's tournament will continue to make Wingham one of the most reasonable towns for young hockey players to grow and develop their talents. It is with regret if I have missed anyone 'in this letter. r—SPOTLIGHT You can rest assured, we appreciate your efforts. Thank you once again, everyone. We look forward to your continued support in 1985. -- Brian Ehnslie Tournament Chairman Searching for Vietnam vets Dear Editor, For the past two years I have been researching a book detailing the ex- periences of Canadians who served or worked in south- east Asia during the Vietnam era. To date I have confirmed several hundred Canadians who served with ' U.S., Australian and New Zealand armed forces in Vietnam, as well as Canadian troops who served with the series of International Controls Com- missions between 1954 and 1973, Canadian journalists, doctors, nurses and others whose duties ranged from covert operations to rescuing orphans. I am appealing to your readers who may have served or know someone who did to contact me at 7 Douglas Crescent, Fergus, Ontario, NIM 1CI or phone (519) 843-4019. Thank you for your assistance. Doug Clark Fergus BASIL AND TANYA SAKASOV recently formed the Wingham Track and Field Club and already it has brought honor to the town in the form of medals earned by several children at track meets earlier this year. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sakasov trained with Bulgarian national team in their homeland and Mrs. Sakasov would have competed in the 1964 Olympics, but was sidelined due to an injury. Basil and Tanya Sakasov love children and sports By Margaret Arbuckle Basil and Tanya Sakasov of Wingham love children and sports and have combined the two by forming the first Wingham Track and Fie4d ClUb. Although it is barely six months old, th club„is starting to bring results to the children and to the Sakasovs. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sakasov are natives of Bulgaria, a European country located north of Greece. It was in Bulgaria that they got their first taste of sports and competition. Being a Soviet -bloc country, a lot of emphasis is put on ' sports in _—Bu a rad ll "-and Mrs. Sakasov Dame involved in track and field at an early age. In fact, Mrs. Sakasov was a -champion hurdler in Bulgaria and a member of that country's national team for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. However, an injury sidelined her from competition. Mr. Sakasov was a javelin thrower of some re- nown and also trained with the Bulgarian national team, which is how they met and fell in love. At the time, the Sakasovs were attending university at the Bulgarian capital of Sofia. Mr. Sakasov was studying law and Mrs. Sakasov was enrolled in a physical education course. They knew they wanted to marry, but also knew they wanted to leave Bulgaria. So Mrs. Sakasov left the country first, without finishing her school year, and went to Austria. From there she immigrated , to this country and arrived in Toronto in March of 1967. Mr. Sakasov followed her lead the next year, 1968, and they married soon afterward. Once in Canada, his first priority was finding a job. Since he was not familiar with the Canadian legal system he could not practice law, so he got a job at a bank instead. Seven and a half years and three children later, Mr. Sakasov had grown dissatisfied with his job at the bank. He liked the people, but was tired of the same routine. His wife had been urging him to apply to teachers' college. He did not believe he would be accepted, but two. weeks before the fall term was to commence, he went for an interview and a written test. It never ceases to amaze him that he was ac- cepted at teachers° college, which is something his wife had never doubted. He spent a year there studying to become a teacher, although it was not always easy. He said sometimes he would start taking notes it -English and then have to switch to Bulgarian if the lecture ' starting going too quickly. After completing his year at college, he was called to Wingham for interview. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sakasov agree that they_lovi the town from that first day; its people are so friendly and it is so lovely. Mr. Sakasov was hired and the family has lived here ever since. Once they came to Wingham they made another decision: family megibers would speak only English, a promise they have kept. Their daughter Anna is a talented athlete and her parents enrolled her in a Port Elgin track and field club. But the long distances became a problem, so her parents decided the logical solution would be to form a club right here in Wingham, which they did last fall. Together with high school teachers Bob Campbell and Maureen Lisle, the Sakasovs got the club off the ground last October and the response has been tremendous. In fact so many children showed up that try -outs had to be held. Mr. and Mrs. Sakasov coach the public school children and most mornings will find them at the local school with 40 or 50 eager youngsters who are being led through the rigors of hurdling or sprinting. The club has brought honor to the school already as several students have brought home medals from competitions with children from city schools. The parents also report that children who are on the team seem to be better behaved at home now. That does not surprise Mr. Sakasov who always has attested to the "healthy mind, healthy body" maxim. What does he see in the future for the club? Naturally, he would like to see it continue and hopes for more and better facilities somewhere down the road. He said he feels it could be a real drawing card to the area and may even produce a few world- class athletes to boot.