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2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, May 20, 1981 SMALL TALK By Donna Fairey pi Vi Although the evenings were unseasonably cold, in general, last weekend's weather was quite ileasant. Some capitalized on the ictoria Day holiday by opening their cottages. Others went camping. Golfers hauled their clubs out of storage. Like myself,,some used the extra day off work to clean up yards and turn over flower beds. But how I wish I hadn't procrastinated until Monday. Had I known the obstacles I was to encounter, encounter, I would have begun working working Friday night. I spent almost all Monday with a set of borrowed vice grips in my hand. Getting an early start on the day, the ranks at my house had been fed and watered by 9:00 a.m. Chores had been meted out. One child had been designated to cut grass. The other was in charge of edging and digging the flower beds. I would breeze through the dishes (I thought) before tackling washing and waxing the car. Then I planned to disengage the gas tank from the barbecue and take it to be filled. It was definitely a day planned to make hay. How is it that the best laid plans of mice and men rarely materialize in the manner they were intended? First, the hot water faucet in the kitchen decided to rebel and do its own thing. Namely, to run incessantly without stopping. A violent stream of steaming hot water spewed untapped. I had never been previously called upon to shut the water off in the basement. It was difficult not to give way to panic as I frantically roared about the basement in search of the main shut off. Even downstairs I could hear the constant blast of hot water gushing into the kitchen sink. Finally I uncovered the correct knob. I was a cute sight (so the kids told me) standing in the laundry tubs to reach it, while dressed in housecoat and jogging shoes. I was on the brink of losing my cool. As soon as that crisis was temporarily dealt with, the lawnmower refused to start. Trying to maintain a small degree of civility with the child in charge of that chore, I stood in the driveway pulling and reefing on the mower cord for almost a half hour. Each time I pulled, the dog next door went into a barking frenzy. Perspiring and frustrated, my civility ran out. I screamed at the dog, yelled at the kids and kicked the lawnmower. One of my offspring told me I was making a fool of myself. Now I ask you, what's wrong with standing in the driveway at high noon, in housecoat and jogging shoes, yelling like a banshee and kicking a defenseless lawnmower? I guess they were right. Nonetheless, a neighbor took pity and started the mower for me. Off and on throughout the day, I went at the taps with my trusty vice grips. My chest swelled with pride when I found and removed the faulty part. However, the taps proved to be of a vintage whereby replacement parts are hard to find. I was relieved and grateful a local plumber accepted an office call on a holiday but he was unable to fix or,replace the worn part. Before the day was out, however, I saw to it the taps received a patch job which allowed us to at least have not water. When Monday was over the vice grips and I had become fast friends. There's something about taking a repair tool in hand (especially if you're a woman) and putting it to good use that creates a surge of personal pride. This is not to imply that my novice plumbing work resulted in marvellous achievements. It didn't. But then it was my first try at the trade. If nothing else I managed to get the faucet apart and determine the problem. Next time perhaps I will be able to progress beyond the diagnosis to the cure. First and foremost, I think my patience needs a bit of refining before I dub myself house plumber and general handy woman. Tuesday morning I made a trip to the hardware store to purchase the part I required. On the shelf was a pamphlet which caught my eye. Shown on the cover in bold letters were the words, "Plumbing Easy as ABS." I quickly picked me off a copy. I wanted to see what the "A" stood for because I certainly agreed with the "BS" part. Regional Workers Return to Their Jobs After six days on the picket line, the region's outside workers went back to work late Thursday night following the ratification of a two- year agreement. By a vote of 187 to 39, the local members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees agreed to a package that includes a 10 per cent raise retroactive from January 1981, another 20 cents per hour this July, and an additional 10 per cent raise in January of 1982. Also included, and agreed to by regional council in an emergency meeting, was a cost of living allowance, a crucial element in the bargaining. If the inflation rate out paces the wage settlements, the workers will receive increases to match it. In their old contract, wages varied from a low of $7.50 per hour to a high of $9.80 per hour. Calculated yearly, the salaries were between $15,600 and $20,384. During the strike, management took over the necessary operation of sewage and water treatment plants. Commissioner of Personnel Terry Stevens said no interruptions to consumer service occurred. The sewer, road and water workers had been without a contract since January 1 of this year. 86- Year- Old Expert Teaches Defendo BY PETER PARROTT Although Mr. Underwood is . i Sr The 86-year-old man who stands a fiesty five feet, two inches, asked me to grasp his. hand and squeeze as hard as I could. I did. But he pressed on a single point in my wrist and by doing so, he blocked my grip. I might as well have been squeezing a brick. Biir Under wood. uses - this demonstration to illustrate the art of "defendo". It'saformof self defence which he { has developed over the past 73 years and which can be tabght to practically anyone in a matter of 20 hours. Of course, a test of strength last week against one mild- mannered reported wouldn't in itself prove the value of "defendo. After all, I've been out of shape ever since we switched to electric typewriters here at the office. So, Bill Underwood, all five feet, two inches of him, showed, his self-defence holds to some of our more musculart to some of our more muscular staff. What he did has to be seen to be believed. But once you see "defendo" demonstrated, you can believe Bill Underwood's claim that he can disarm a gun-wielding attacker 14 different ways, while blindfolded. He can also make short work of an assailant with a knife, blackjack, bare fists or almost any other lethal weapon imaginable. His skill has been shown on TV programs such as the Johnny Carson Show and That's Incredible. Although Mr. Underwood is in remarkably robust condition and his doctors expect him to live another 100 years, he points out that it isn't strength which is the. secret to "defendo". "Physically, there's nothing to it," he says. ! The technique depends on attacking a small part of an assailant's body. With enough ( pressure applied in the right; way to a wrist or a finger, Mr. Underwood can subdue the strongest person with literally one hand. The element of eurprise is also important. "It's all over before they know what to do," he said. He adds that "defendo" can be taught to anyone between the ages of nine and ninety and he adds that the technique is intended to be entirely defensive. Unlike some of the martial arts, the techniques of defendo call for a person to stand flat-footed and work within just a few square feet of çpace: s' Teaching this art has taken Bill Underwood around the world, with trips to Europe, Australia, and all over North America. During World War Two he even taught the skill to the army in theU.S. Now, Bill Underwood is offering the course from his Toronto-based Defendo International Inc. Courses will be offered in the Oshawa area shortly. More information can be obtained by calling Ron, at 683-9730 in Ajax. \ Bill Underwood .explained /hat he z (first \ became . Interested ip self 1 , defence when he worked for a theatre in Britain. At that time, he met a group of ju-jitsu performers and they showed him some of their secrets. Mr. Underwood adds, however, that "defendo" is not like the oriental martial arts. It is entirely occidental. Talk about Mr. Underwood's early life and you get stories good enough for a Hollywood movie. In fact, not surprisingly, a movie version of nis life is in the making. : ' : As a k%v, he worked] jbackstageV, in vaudeville/ theatres ancraiet such famous men as Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin. He still carries a coin which Chaplain gave him in 1907. During World War Two, he was unable'to enlist in the army because he was beneath the minimum height. But he did serve as a bugler in the army and has a bullet hole in a bugle to prove it. He was once taken prisoner, but escaped. He is a pilot, and has walked away from three crashes. He has authored five books. A resident yf Canada for most of :ljie life, Mr. Underwood 'has lived 'in Toronto for 47 years and in Montreal for 25. He adds that in promoting the 'art of "defendo" he intends to keep his organization entirely Canadian. Special Ceremony Marks Motocross Decision Museum's 20th Birthdav l^®l®y®d Again ^"AUOvlâl.11 D ■■ V/ m mX/S.▼ This summer's proposed McConnell prese ' . W mntnrrnss rapp is in an unhill frnm Snnuncr M Everyone is invited to attend the Bowmanville Museum's birthday party this Sunday, May 24, to celebrate its 20th year of existence. Starting the anniversary off at 1:45 p.m. on a musical note, the Bowmanville High School Intermediate Band under the direction of Mrs. Shewchuk will play a selection of favourite tunes. A special birthday invitation has been extended to the Jury family, the original owners of the museum property. Mrs. Jane Jury has donated a tree to be planted in a ceremony later in the day. As well, there will be formal introductions of some of the original members of the Bowmanville Museum Board. Throughout the afternoon, birthday displays will be set up for all to see. To complement the festivities, refreshments will be served. motocross race is in an uphill climb to be approved by town council. Councillors voted last night to refer the decision back to staff and the mayor to research research the issue regarding special events by-laws and the town's legal position. A representative from the Oshawa Competition Motorcycle Motorcycle Club appeared before the council to ask for permission permission to run a motocross race in August on the J. Keith property. property. Supporting his request, Jim NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TAKE NOTICE THAT a Public Meeting ol The Liquor Licence Board ot Ontario will be held at THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION. 217 MURRAY STREET, PETERBOROUGH, PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO on WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10th, 1981, at the hour ot 10:00 o'clock in the forenoon, at which time the Board will hear applications for new licences In accordance with The Liquor Licence Act, 1975 and Regulations thereunder. The following establishment has applied tor a licence of the class Indicated, and the application will be entertained at the aforementioned aforementioned location and time: Bowmanville Country Club Facility Town of Newcastle <MA: Middle Road, Box 40, Bowmanville) Dining Lounge & Lounge Licence, Patio (Dining Lounge) i< Patio (Lounge) Licence Applicant: Robert L, Stevens AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that any person who Is resident in the municipality and who wishes wishes to make representation relative relative to the application, shall make their submission to the Board In writing prior to the date of the hearing, or In person at the time and place of the hearing, (Copies of written submissions will bo forwarded to the applicant). Executive Director Liquor Licence Board ol Ontario 55 Lakcshoro Boulevard 1 East TORONTO, Ontario. M5E 1A4 MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONS THE LIQUOR LICENCE ACT, 1975 FUI 16127? presented a letter from Scugog Mayor Jerome Taylor expressing his satisfaction satisfaction with the way the motorcycle club ran a similar race in his area, Originally, a staff report had advised council to deny permission to hold the race, especially in light of a petition with 33 names opposing the race. Councillor Diane Hamre said this will be the third time the issue has been sent back to staff for a report. Mr. McConnell said he expected a crowd of around 500 to 1,000. Those opposed to the race fear that problems will arise from crowd control, parking, and cleaning-up. Councillor Bruce Taylor, Maurice Prout and Ted Wood- yard voted against holding the race. Province to Review Regional Representation The Town of Newcastle has not lost a regional councillor yet, but the results of a provincal study may result in such action. At Wednesday's meeting, regional councillors voted to ask the provincial government to review the distribution of seats on regional council. A review was called for by Ajax Mayor Bill McLean and Whitby Mayor Bob Attersley in light of the rapid growth of their towns in recent years. The province must evaluate the representation .because when the region was created in 1974 no amending formula was written to indicate guidelines for changing the number of seats. Newcastle's Mayor Garnet Rickard opposed the move to review the representation as the unamended motion originally limited the number of regional councillors to 30 and he feared that any shifting of members would leave Newcastle with fewer seats. The Mayor pointed out his town's large geographic area and the diversity of its residents. Fewer councillors, he said, "might take away the quality of representation." He continued to say that Newcastle represented many farmers, and the region "better start giving greater recognition to those who produce food. To take away councillors would have a "detrimental effect on the agriculture industry." The motion was amended to remove the 30 councillors limit and was supported by the majority of councillors. Shoppers Drug Mart Bike Winner Drug store manager, Bob Driscoll presents the winner of Bowmanville's Shoppers Drug Mart contest, Mrs. Susanne McBain, with a new CCM10 speed bicycle. Her winning ticket was drawn May 15 by Mary Vavaroutsos, co-owner of the Heritage Restaurant and Tavern. Plan Survey of Former Students In Central Area The Northumberland and Newcastle Board of Education will take steps to see if central area students who left high school are interested interested in returning to classes. A similar study was conducted in the western western area recently in order to decide if an alternative alternative school for secondary school students students could be developed. developed. Letters were sent to 428 students who had withdrawn from secondary secondary schools over two years in order to see if they were interested in returning. The students were asked if they were interested interested in evening classes, regular day school courses, corres pondence courses and other alternatives to secondary school education. education. "A review of the survey survey results would suggest suggest that an alternative school in the western area is not required at this time," said D.W. Patterson, superintendent superintendent of special services for the board of education. education. In a report presented to the board at its meeting meeting in Campbellford High School last Thursday, Thursday, Mr. Patterson recommended recommended that a similar similar survey be conducted in the central area. The board concurred with this request. At last week's meeting meeting it was noted that the contact with former secondary school students students as a result of the survey sparked some interest interest in returning to school. The study of alternative alternative secondary school education in this area is scheduled for the fall. Articles For Sale rooting, pairRed qThi USED steel ■ one side, 7-10' lengths. Phone 986-4215. 20-1 Van Belle Floral Shoppes ... muen more than a. flower store! «STORES tj\ . Highway No. 2 v . King St. E., Oahawi •iJfl-- ., SlmtotSl. N., HI Oahawi I VAN BELLE Sowmanvllla •Trademarks ol Van Bell#Gardens UdJ Fire Destroys Garage on Taunton Road A fire last night completely gutted the garage of a home west of Hampton and seriously threatened the house. Bowmanville fire department received an alarm at 6:57 p.m. to attend a fire on Taunton Road. Orono fire department was called to assist, As firefighters arrived a propane tank stored in the burning garage exploded, scaling the fate of the building, As a result of the explosion, shingles on the roof of the nearby home received about $1700 damage and several windows were shattered. Fire Chief Jim Hayman estimated damage to the garage and its contents at approximately $7500. He says the origin of the fire appeared to be electric.?.} The house and garage are owned by Lorne,Prenti<; and firemen are pictured above attempting douse the flames which were eating away at tl garage. Experts in General Landscape Design 1 and Maintenance • Lawn Programs (Fertilization and Re-seeding) • Weekly Yard Care For FREE Estimates Call Oshawa 433-1600 FREE SKYROCKET JUNIPER to every customer who calls us for our services before May 24th, 1981 LEPRECHAUN LANDSCAPING