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Page 4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, November 11. 199S file Canabian talesman Of c nitS' ^ Former Publishers and Partners Rev. John M. Climie and W. R. Climie 1854 - 1878 M. A. James, 1878 - 1935 • Norman S. B. James, 1919 -1929 G. Elena James, 1929 - 1947 • Dr. George VV. James, 1919 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited Also Publishers of The ClaringtonlCourtice Independent P.O. Box 190, 62 King St. VV., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 Tel: 905-623-3303 HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Fax: 905-623-6161 Internet - statesman@ocna.org Publications Mail Registration No. 07637 For 144 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Rick James Plant Manager - Rick Patterson Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Supervisor - Ralph Rozema, Tim Bowers, Kevin Britton, Suzanne Christie, Sharon Cole, Laurens Kaldeway, Barb Patterson, Sean Pickard, Tyler Sellick, Jim Snoek, James Stephenson, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Laverne Morrison Office Supervisor ■ Brad Kelly, Jennifer Stone -Angela Luscher,Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford, Libby Smithson Editorials Remembering Their Sacrifice ", Today, on Wednesday, November 11 111, we honor those who paid the ultimate price in the major global conflicts that dominated the 20th Century. ",-We should remember the sacrifices of those who fought in the wars for many reasons. The main reason is the fact that those who gave their lives forged a better world for future generations. Remembrance Day ccrtain- ly honors that achievement. - But, we also believe that November 1 Ith is important because it emphasizes an important virtue that is less known in the final months of this second millennium. It is.'the concept of sacrifice. That's not something you hear about much these d:\ys. i Most people don't want to put themselves out for the benefit of others. We live in an era where even pausing an extra few minutes at a yellow traffic signal is an imposition imposition to some folks. There is a me-first altitude which leaves us little room to make the kind of sacrifice needed needed to raise a family, visit the elderly, volunteer in the community, be a friend and do so many other things wjiicli make for a better world. ' It seems to us that the kind of protracted global war that happened twice in this century will not likely be repeated. But, if such a conflict were imminent, we wonder wonder if today's citizens would rise to the occasion. Or would we simply conclude that there's nothing in it for us and look the other way. . It could be argued that this planet faces just as many challenges today as it did in the time of the First and Sbcond World Wars. There arc natural disasters such as fqmines and earthquakes. There are troubled countries in which peace and order should be re-established. There is the challenge of preserving the global environment in a time of rising populations and rising expectations. And, beyond planet Earth there is literally an entire universe to explore. But, meeting these modern-day challenges is impossible impossible without two qualities that our soldiers had in abundance: abundance: sacrifice and courage. With those qualities, there is little that we cannot accomplish. Without them, there is little that we can do. We have much to learn from the example of the brave soldiers we salute on this day. Queen's Park Casts A Long Shadow There was a time when elected officials in local municipalities, regional municipalities and school boards talked about what they were going to do. ; - Nowadays, they talk mainly about what the provincial government may do to them. ■ It's an interesting change in the outlook of Ontario's towns, townships, and school boards. And it shows exactly how deeply the government reforms at Queen's Park have been felt. Make no mistake about it. Bashing the provincial government and/or seeking more money from the Queen's Park coffers is a longstanding tradition in Ontario politics. But, under the current provincial government, there has been a shift in the balance of power and the scales «ire decidedly tipped towards the provincial legislature. Jn the past, there was the impression that local governments governments and the provincial law-makers were something resembling equal partners. One spoke for the cities, iowns and townships, while the other spoke for the province as a whole. 1 Not any more. Over the past few years, Ontario's grassroots governments governments have seen their power stripped away. School boards have been reduced to half their original numbers and their authority has been further curtailed by Queen's Park through Bill 160. Municipalities have faced amalgamations, amalgamations, a reform of their property assessment, and downloading of responsibilities. Hospitals have been have been closed and amalgamated. ; There are times that Ontario's local school boards and municipal councils look a little like deer caught in the Jieûms of two headlights. They're not sure which way to leap and seem to simply freeze in anticipation of an unknown fate. ; 1 The provincial government will defend its actions by simply stating that it did what had to be done. The provincial government will claim, for example, that schools, municipal councils or hospitals asked to reform their operations will merely justify the status quo. Only an outside, objective body can make the kind of tough decisions that arc needed. The Durham Region's decision to launch its own search for efficiencies will be interpreted by the provincial provincial government as proof that the reforms were necessary. necessary. Without the reform-minded provincial government, would they have even bothered? Perhaps not. ■ However, local municipalities have also taken into consideration the level of service that citizens want and deserve. Somewhere, in the equation of endless amalgamation, amalgamation, we have to ask ourselves whether the resulting government bodies will be small enough to respond to the citizens. Efficiency should not be the last word in this question. We must also ask whether or not citizens at the grassroots level arc recognized and accepted. And, there is no guarantee that a big, centralized government far- removed from the general public, will he all that efficient. efficient. Without watchdogs in local government or from among the citizens, there is every likelihood that bigger, amalgamated governments will eventually become as inefficient as the systems they replaced. •Wc would wager that the day might come when a future government opts to break down big government, in favor of smaller units that are more in tune with neighbourhoods and communities. Where should the reforms end? How much power should local governments have? Should local authorities have the right to veto plans for mega-governments such as the Greater Toronto Services Board? All of these are good questions. Only a provincial election will render some good answers. ON PARADE - Veterans and Legion members, along with other participants in Orono's services of remembrance remembrance parade to the Orono Cenotaph on Sunday after noon. Over 100 attended the ceremonies. Services were also being held «across the Municipality of Claringlon lod«iy, Wednesday, November 11. Letters to the Editor Reader Thanks "Samaritans" Dear Editor: On Friday, October 30th, at 5:00 p.m., a number number of people, five to be exact, were in a car crash at the intersection of Regional Road 57 and Highway 2 in Bowmanville. I was one of the five, last involved and least hurt, but none the less affected by the experience. Although this is the first collision I have been in, I am no stranger to the perils and consequences of such collisions. My mother mother died as the result of a car crash and as I relive the collision of October 30th, I realize that it was indeed a miracle that some or all of us were not killed or more seriously injured. For that we all have much to be thankful for. But, I can't help but think too that we have all been given another chance at life «and all that goes with it - family, relationships and the simple and complex choices we make on a daily basis. I know that I have been shook up more than physically physically through this event. I think we all, from time to time, need a moment to reflect in our busy lives on what is truly important and worth living for. I don't mctin to say that this collision collision was a blessing. It caused fear, suffering and pain not only for those directly involved but for families and witnesses as well. And there are and will be financial costs for repairs, clean-up, medical services and insurance fees, But, out of every situation situation in life, there can be a lesson and a change. I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for our safety and to thank some other special folks in the aftermath of this event. My appreciation goes out to the good Samaritans first on the scene who looked after those involved and who notified the 911 staff. A personal note of appreciation goes out to the man in the green van (I didn't get your name in all the chaos) who drove to my house to personally notify «and drive my husband husband b«ack to the site and to Muriel Moynes who stayed to support me and who drove my husband, my son and me to the hospital. hospital. Thank you to the Maxwells who looked after my daughter for the evening and to Darlene Kougias who looked after my son and, thoughtful as she is, even brought pizza to the hospital for my husband husband and son. And thank you also to my husband for his support and care and for tending to all the insurance insurance things that I could have done but just didn't want to «at the time. And, last but not least, thank you to the fire department, ambulance, police and hospital staff who do their jobs with both expertise and care. Marlene Wheatley Santa Was A Toymaker, Not An Electrician! Dear Editor: For more than thirty years now, Charlie Brown has been looking for the true meaning of Christmas and I have begun to realize that I am guilty of keeping that truth from my own children. It started out as an innocent transformation from choosing gifts for toddlers to asking my daughters and son what they would like to find under the tree as soon as they were old enough to understand the potential of the Christmas catalogue. Cute little dolls and cars slowly gave away to My Little Pony Dream Castles and Train sets, but these were within the confines confines of what I look back on as acceptable gifts for the "Big Day". What I have just begun to question is where wc went from fifty dollar toys to electronic electronic gadgetry which prices out in the hundreds! My son discusses the pros and cons of Sega versus Ninetendo like my neighbours neighbours discuss Ford and Chevy. Stereo systems, CD walkmans and computer computer accessories litter the kitchen table where I used to spend hours on Christmas morning putting those thousands of colourful colourful decals on Barbie's Dream Home. This year my wife and I are making a radical change to our attitude toward gift-giving this Christmas. Wc are not asking asking anyone what they "want" for Christmas. We arc going to give them what wc want from our hearts and do the best we can with what we can afford. After all, who knows them better than we do? They arc all old enough to realize that it's the thought that counts and that really is what Christmas giving is all about, Charlie Brown. Paul Higgins Some Thoughts on Remembrance Day Why Wear a Poppy? "Please wear a poppy", the lady said. And held one forth, but 1 shook my head. Then I stopped and watched «as she offered them there. And her face was old and lined with care. But beneath the scars the years had made, their remained a smile that refused to fade. A boy came whistling down the street. Bouncing along on carefree feet. His smile was full of joy and fun. "Lady" said he, "may I have one." When she pinned it on he turned to say. "Why do we wear a poppy to-day?" The lady smile in her wistful way, and answered. "This is remembrance day." And the poppy there is a symbol for. The gallant men who died in war. And because they did, you and I are free. That's why wc wear a poppy you see. I had a boy about your size with golden hair and big blue eyes. He loved to play and jump and shout. Free as a bird he would race about. As years went by he learned and grew. And became a man, as you will too. He was line and strong, with a boyish smile, but lie seemed with us such a little while. When war broke out he went away. 1 still remember his face that day. When he smiled at me and said goodbye. I'll be back soon, Mom, please don't cry. Remembrance Lest we forget Those who fought Freedom for us Dearly bought. We must cherish This freedom won For Canada Land of Sun. Forget not How tyrants rise And blow freedom To the skies. Mary Stewart Clarke But the war went on and he had to slay. And all I could do was wait and pray. His letter told of the awful fight. I can see it still in my dreams at night. With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, and the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire. Send us Your Letters Till at last, the war was won, and that's why we wear a poppy son." The small boy turned as if to go, then said, "thanks lady I'm glad to know. That sure did sound like an awful light. But your son, did he come back alright?" A tear ran down each faded cheek. She shook her head hut didn't speak. I slunk away in a sort of shame. And if you were me you'd have done the same. For our thanks in giving is often delayed, though our freedom was bought and thousands paid. And so when we see a poppy worn, let us reflect on the burden borne. By those who gave their very all. When asked to answer their country's call. That we at home in peace might live. Then wear a poppy. Remember and give. ■■■Unknown The Canadian Statesman Welcomes letters from our readers on topics of interest to this community. You may write us at 62 King St. W„ Bowmanville Address or e- inail your letter to us at staiesmanfe'ocna.org. Our fax number is 623-6161. We reserve the right to edit letters lor reasons such as clarity, taste, and space considerations and Seen And Heard BIG BUCKS FOR BIG BROTHERS -- Each time we receive another news release from the Big Brothers of Claringlon, the totals from their "UGLY" server contest get a little better. At last count, $14,384.70 had been raised for Big Brothers. The winner of the UGLY (Understanding, Generous, Lovable, You) Server Contest was Michelle, of the King St. Bar and Grill, who raised $5,006.21. The other restaurants competing competing in the event included: the Bow and Fiddle, Tim's Fifth Wheel, Hanc's Too; Massey House; Swiss Chalet; Eastside Mario's Silks Café and Port Darlington Marina. A wrap-up party is skated for the King Street Bar «and Grill Tuesday, November 17th, to conclude conclude the contest. SCHOOL JOINS FUND-RAISER -- Students at S.T. Worden Public School in Courticc have pledged $5,000 towards the Build Courtice fundraising fundraising campaign for the Courtice Community Centre. On Monday, November 9th, they handed over their first installment of $1,000 to Nancy Coffin, of the Schools' Division of Build Courticc. WATCH THE CREEKS -- Creek and stream levels are expected expected to remain high until Thursday, November 12th, as a result of steady rainfalls taking place in recent days. The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and the Ganaraska Conservation Authority say no Hooding is anticipated, anticipated, but creeks and streams should be considered considered dangerous. Children should be aware of these dangers and should be supervised. supervised. CELL PHONE FAUX PAS -- Further to our account of a person using the cell phone in a barber's chair, we have heard another story of a teacher using a cell phone while on duly in the classroom. No, it wasn't anybody in this neck of the woods, just in case you were concerned. concerned. WHERE THE BUF- FALO ROAM -- Police received a phone call on November 7th after a buffalo was reported roaming on County Rd. 1145, just north of Roscnealh. The officers herded Ihe beast hack into its pen without incident.