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Section Two Wednesday, December 17,1986 je Canadian Statesman 623-3303 Durham County's Great Family Journal Established 132 years ago In 1654. Also Incorporating The Bowman ville News The Newcastle Independent The Orono News Second class mall registration number 1561 Produced every Wednesday by THE JAMES PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED 62-66 King St. W., Bowmanvllle, Ontario L1C 3K9 JOHN M. JAMES Editor--Publisher RICHARD A. JAMES Assistant Publisher PETER PARROTT Associate Editor GEO. P. MORRIS BRIAN PURDY DONALD BISHOP Business Mgr. Advertising Mgr. Plant Mgr. All layouts and composition ot advertisements produced by the employees of The Canadian Statesman, The Newcastle Independent and The James Publishing Company Limited are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced without permission of the publishers. $17.00 a year--6 months $9.00 foreign--$55.00 a year strictly In advance Although every precaution will be taken to avoid error, The Canadian Statesman accepts advertising in ils columns on the understanding lhal il will not be liable lor any error in the advertisement published hereunder unless a proof ol such adverlisemenl I; requested in writing by the advertiser and returned to The Canadian Statesman business office duly signed by the advertiser and with such error or corrections plainly noted in writing thereon, and in lhal case if any error so noted is not corrected by The Canadian Statesman ils liability shall not exceed such a portion of the entire cosl ol such advertisement as the space occupied by the noted error bears to the whole space occupied by such adverlisemenl. Santa and Rudolph Are for Real Don't knock Santa Claus. And, for that matter, you'd better treat Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with kid gloves too. A cute, Yuletide tale appeared in a recent news article originating in an American church. It seems as though the preacher, in an effort to emphasize the spiritual dimension of Christmas, declared that St. Nicholas is dead and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer doesn't exist. Well, the effect of that announcement announcement was far-reaching. A storm of protest ensued. And the controversy became so heated that the church superiors were forced to provide a "clarification" to the remarks. remarks. What they said was, in effect, that the desire to emphasize the spiritual aspect of the season was commendable. commendable. But it was also noted that the traditional and secular aspects of the festive season should not be downplayed, downplayed, especially in view of the fact that little ones attach particular importance importance to Santa, reindeer, and ail the rest. So the implication is clear. You have it, on good authority, that Santa and Rudolph are real. Did anybody hear a "Ho! Ho! Ho!"? Who Needs Sunday Shopping? Who needs Sunday shopping, anyway? anyway? For one thing, the economics don't add up. There's only so much money to spend, plus a limited number bf days in the week. The extra day in a shopping week will add another day's overhead and expenses without producing producing another day's income. It seems to us that additional shopping shopping hours will possibly benefit the big stores, allowing them to grab a larger share of the market by offering an added convenience. But, therein lies yet another disadvantage disadvantage to Sunday shopping. We are referring, of course, to the fact that it stacks the.deck against the small business business person. It may be very well for the big store to approve of Sunday shopping since it can delegate the hours of work among a large pool of staff. But that's not so easy for a small enterprise with only one or two employees. employees. The philosophical questions behind behind the Sunday shopping debate are also of interest. The fact that a large part of the population would probably agree to Sunday hours (although they might not want to work them) indicates that our society is becoming overly attached attached to the idea of variety. Self-centred might be another way •to describe the trend. There was a time when Canadians shared values which were more or less universal. Our hours of work were similar. Our holidays were similar, similar, and so were other habits and customs customs such as our meals or our clothes or the vehicles we drove. Remember the days when cars could be ordered in any color you wished as long as it was black? ■ But somehow, over about the last two decades, there has been the growth in the cult of variety. In large cities, there are stores which exist only for the purpose of selling such items as candles or coffee beans. And, in our endless search for variety we not only demand a thousand and one kinds of bread or cheese. We also demand the right to shop at irregular hours. This kind of rampant consumerism suggests that if someone wants to buy a fully decorated Christmas tree at three a.m., there should be a store available available to indulge that request. And in most large cities, that wish could be granted. To carry this philosophy further, we might note that if a particular clientele wishes to shop Sundays, then (according to some merchandisers) merchandisers) they should have that right. And that's in spite of the fact that nobody has ever died of starvation or exposure exposure for lack of Sunday shopping opportunities. opportunities. As a result, another institution which gave our society some cohesiveness cohesiveness may very well disappear. Traditions like a Sunday for worship (or at very least for a day at home with the family) do not last long these days. And so, in a society which demands multiple choice, we will likely be granted the option of Sunday shopping. shopping. And this will soon .be followed by shopping Sunday nights or early Sunday mornings. i Since shopping will be the order of the day, it may be possible that some churches will close down entirely on Sundays. They'll possibly opt for another day to hold religious services. services. Perhaps a Thursday afternoon would be more convenient. It's shaping up for a rather odd future future ahead of us. In the future, there will be shopping shopping 24 hours per day. There will be big, drive-thru department stores devoted devoted exclusively to a gigantic selection selection of paperweights or fountain pens or coffee cups. That's the sort of thing you might expect to see in this environment environment where convenience and choice are the two main concerns. Yes, the consumer must be given a choice, after all. But somewhere, in the midst of all those choices, we may be losing a precious precious sense of identity and common aspirations. And we're certainly in danger of losing the Sabbath. You Can Bet Lotteries Are Staying We could complain that lotteries are a hidden tax on Canadians. We could argue that lotteries foster false hopes and create the impression impression that wealth is the result only of blind luck and not work or ambition. We might observe that lotteries disrupt disrupt the spirit of charitable giving since donors buy their tickets not out of a desire to contribute to a worthy cause in the community but out of the dream of hitting the jackpot. Wc might suggest that lotteries result result in a greater acceptance ofgambl- ing in society -- a trend which, in itself, itself, is hardly commendable. And wc might even suggest that they arc an unnecessary expense for some members of society who can ill- afford them. All of the above accusations have been levelled at lotteries in the past. And, undoubtedly, they will continue to be used whenever one argues against them in the future. And yet, the popularity of the major games of chance operated by the Ontario Lottery Lottery Corporation is at an all-time high. In other words, Ontario residents vote witli their wallets on the subject of lotteries, And all of the returns indicate indicate that the pastime enjoys a solid and growing popularity. Statistics from the Ontario Lottery Corporation for the 1985/80 fiscal year indicate that ticket sales went over the $1 billion mark for the first time in history. That resulted in a record record profit of $320.7 million for the government treasury. In fact, if you tallied up ail lottery profits reported by the Ontario Lottery Lottery Corporation over the past 11 years, your grand total would be $1.6 billion. Currently, 55 per cent of Ontario adults play lotteries regularly, up by 10 per cent from one year ago. Lotto 6/49 is the Corporation's top performer, with recorded sales of $385.2 million. Moreover, in the last 11 years, the Ontario Lottery Corporation offered prize money amounting to $2.6 billion. billion. Incidentally, you don't have to worry about the added pressures of life changes which may come about as the result of being a new millionaire millionaire or multi-millionaire. A survey survey done by the Ontario Lottery Corporation Corporation discloses that 90 per cent of major winners return to work following following their win. Only 2.6 per cent reported reported problems with solicitations for money, Lottery skeptics will, of course remain remain unconvinced that these games of greed have many redeeming qualities, qualities, But one good tiling to he said of lotteries is the fact that participation is voluntary and those who don't like them just don't have to play. So lotteries are here to slay. You can hut on it. Interesting View of Hampton Mill B L. -L -LUG • • • by Peter Parrott I don't think we're particularly particularly indulgent parents. parents. In fact, as parents go, I'd rate us "average" in the toy-giving category. category. .. So why is it that our four-year-old has accumulated accumulated enough playthings playthings in her brief ■lifetime, to fill her room. That is to say, they'd fill the room if she ever kept them there. Projecting this trend forward-over the next 10 years', I calculate that we will eventually need an aircraft hangar or a gymnasium gymnasium to contain all the toys she has received. And i'that doesn't take into, account those that her sister will collect over the next decade. Something has to be done. It wouldn't be so bad if the kids actually played with toys. But I've discovered discovered that one of the oddest oddest things about toys is the fact that adults are almost more impressed by them than kids. Kids would rather play with other people. Where toys are concerned, T really don't think you can .beat the old standbys like blocks, balls, crayons, and paper. And kids, being kids, really don't need particularly particularly imaginative playthings becuase they possess a built-in imagi- Around The Board With Bob Willshèr Trustee Ward III Northumberland-Newcastle Board of Education On December 4, 1986, I was elected Chairperson of the board. I am pleased and honoured to have an opportunity opportunity to assume the responsibilities responsibilities of this office. It will mean a busy year and at times I am sure, trying. I intend to continue my newspaper newspaper column but my opinions opinions will be somewhat more tempered than in the past. The Chairperson of the board has many duties to perform other than the obvious obvious one of chairing the board meetings. As spokesperson spokesperson for the board I will have to set my own feelings and opinions aside for the year I will be in the chair. For those of you who know me you will appreciate the obvious difficulty I face. In any event I am looking forward forward to the challenges of the coming year. The board faces a number of important issues in 1987. The past year lias been a successful one in many ways. Hopefully: wc can build on those achievements achievements to make Northumberland Northumberland and Newcastle an even belter place for children children and adults to learn. With the improvement in budget funds this past year, many important, and in some cases long standing, projects were completed. The now library at Newcastle Newcastle is one ol'thc more significant significant improvements in this area. Across the board many equally important projects werr started and Hie results benefit the children. children. In 1987 I hope wc can see an expansion of the Centre for Individual Studies which was set in place in Cobourg this year. With the many changes occuring in industry the demand for better education increases, Many who loti before completing completing high school now find it important to complete complete their diploma inorder to fill move challenging positions positions at work. With more leisure time many adults are turning to schools to make that time more meaningful. meaningful. The board has already approved approved a plan which will see the centre expand into both the eastern and western western areas of the board. I know that when this happens happens they will be well received. received. The centres have a unique flexibility that permits permits the working person, single parent or others to study in a time frame that meets their schedule. The range of subject matter and level of difficulty will meet almost any demand from the public. It represents a good investment of education education tax dollars. As I said earlier, the board made some difficult decisions with respect to expenditures this year. The students have gained as a result of these decisions. Years of underfunding left many needs. 1986 helped to address many of those needs. The board however, will have to take a serious look at the demands on the budget in 1987. The money will not be there to meet all the needs and wants of the board. Wc have asked the taxpayers to be patient this year and I believe wc will have to acknowledge their understanding by ensuring the additional 1987 revenues revenues arc moderate and reflective of their ability to support our system. Over the past number of years the board lias addressed addressed the needs of the various student groups. Wc have one of the best Special Education Education programs anywhere in the Province, Special needs students have a real opportunity to learn and grow. The general level students students wlto represent the majority of our population, need to be the focal point of our efforts in 1987. The needs of this student group must be identified and program changes implemented implemented to equip them for the future. Our board is fortunate to have so many dedicated professionals. By this I mean all employee groups, from the teacher in the classroom to the custodian and secretaries in the schools to the many competent competent people at the board office. office. We have many programs programs in place to assist them in developing their skills so they are better able to serve the students of this board. We must continue our efforts efforts in this area in 1987. The gains made in our affirmative affirmative action for women program must be added to during the coming year. Wc have made strong representations representations to the Province Province to make them aware of the difficulties wc experience experience because of the current funding model. This will continue in 1987 because the local properly owner needs to be given some relief. There will be demands for expansion of service in the Courlice area. The growth there will challenge the board but I believe we can provide an education second to none. The expansion of Courlice Public School West will provide some relief. Being a school trustee is an exciting, a frustrating and many many times rewarding rewarding position. Being in the chair for a year will intensify intensify all of these things and add more. I look forward forward to the year. May I extend extend to each of you a warm wish for a happy holiday season with your family and friends. His Name Was Rick Not Nick In an article last week on the proposed $8 million condominium at Wellington and Scugog streets, the architect architect was named as Nick Bviiyason, In fact, his name Is Hick Bruynson. nation. They can make a game out of just about any simple material. The other day, our four-year-old spent a very long time rolling plastic rings on the floor. They were two bangles from a kids' jewellery set. Stephanie chased them across the floor, calling them George and Griselda. That's what imagination imagination can do. Naturally, there is a fair percentage of good toys on the market today. They're the sort of things that have many functions, functions, foster good social values and can be played with for long periods of time. I wish could say, that this Christmas we're only getting our four- year-old sensible playthings. playthings. But, no, like most parents we find it hard to resist a request from a pair of bright, dark eyes asking for the latest fantasy portrayed on a TV toy commercial. Once again, there will be plenty of plastic, plenty of small pieces to get lost. And that Mount Everest of toys in the bedroom will grow a few feet taller. In the toy department, Christmas of 1986 will be merry. But it will be ho wiser than Christmases past. V Crime Stoppers and the Durham Regional Police arc asking for the public's assistance in solving a sexual sexual assault which occurred in Whitby on September 15, 1985. At about 1:30 a.m. a 15- year-old girl was walking south on Brock Street just south of the 401 bridge. Suddenly Suddenly she was attacked from behind and dragged down the steep bank. As she cried lor help the assailant punched her in the face telling telling her to be quiet or else he would hit her again. At the bottom of the bank lie forcibly took off her pants and pulled her top up, eventually eventually raping her. Later she managed to dress herself ami walked home, at which t CRIME STOPPERS time Police were called. The suspect is described as: a white, male, 5'7'79", 21- 25 yrs., 150 lbs., medium build, blonde or brown hair, moustache and possible possible a pock marked face. He was wearing blue jeans and a red lumber jacket. A re-enactment of this Crime will be shown on CITY TV on Thursday, December December 18, 1986 at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. It will also be shown on CIIEX and CKVR TV stations on Friday, December December 19,1986. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for this offence. Similar amounts will be paid for TIPS lead- ■ ing to an arrest in any serious serious crime. Callers do not have to give their names or testify in court. The Crime Stoppers Numbers Numbers are: 1-800-387-8477 or 222-8477. Toll Free for all calls local to Toronto. - , Sgt. Sandy Ryrie of the Durham Regional Police Force writes this article to help combat crime. A Citizen Citizen Board administers the program, one of more than 600 Crime Stoppers Programs Programs across North America. The award money is raised through tax deductible donations donations which may be sent to Toronto and Regional Crime Stoppers, P.O. Box 54, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 7K8. O.P.P Launch Festive Holiday RIDE Program The Ontario Provincial Police have recently joined forces with other municipalities across Ontario tti promote the R.I.D.E. program which is an acronym of Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere - a program aimed specifically at the apprehension of impaired drivers, Incorporating the R.I.D.E. principals which includes a combinations of strict enforcement (including roadside spot checks) with maintaining public awareness through the media, the O.P.P. in No. 8 District have again set up two five-member check- stop teams which will rotate between the ten Detachments In the District. Each Detachment will, in addition to those teams, organize and operate Detachment check- slop teams in their respective areas, The check-stop teams will be very visible from November 27th to January 12, 1987. The officers have at their use a total of 39 road side Alcohol Testing Units (A.L.E.R.T.) which gives the officers an immediate alcohol level analysis. With the blood/ alcohol level registering a "Warn", the driver's licence is suspended for 12 hours. With a olood/alcohol level registering a "Fail", the driver is arrested and taken to a Detachment for a breathalyzer test. Drivers who fail the breathalyzer test fact a fine up to $2,000 and a mandatory one year licence suspension. This is the fourth year that District check-slop teams have been used by the O.P.P. In No. B District. In 1983-84, the teams stopped over 25,000 vehicles charging 93 impaired drivers and issued 179 twelve hour suspensions. In the 1984-85 program there were 32,510 vehicles stopped, lending to 115 Impaired driving charges, and 241 twelve hour suspensions, In the 1985-80 program the O.P.P, check-stop teams charged lit persons with impaired driving and issued 154 twelve hour suspensions. Stlffcr penalties mid a change from « 3 month licence suspension to a 1 year suspension did assist police officers in the 1985-86 reduction. As part of the R.I.D.E: : program the O.P.P. invite all news media to contact any Detachment to receive their , weekly R.I.D.E. statistics « which will be available by Tuesday following the weekend. The O.P.P. arc soliciting media support and input into the development of good releases, feature stories, short advertisements and taped radio spots that will help promote safety on our highways over this Holiday Season. You arc encouraged to work with the local Detachments and discuss with them any new innovations that you believe would be effective. The Community Officers of the Newcastle Detachment is Sergeant Terry McDermott, (410) 987-4060; the Cobourg Detachment is Const. Dick. Mnddignn, (416) 872-5421; the Millbrook Detachment Const, (lord Magee or Sgt. Doug Martin, (705) 324-6741. • !