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4 SECTION TWO WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988 Œjje Canadian Statesman 623-3303 Durham County's Greet Family Journal Established 134 years *go in 1854 Also Incorporating I ne Dowmemnee news The Newcastle Independent The Orono News Second class maM registration number 1561 Produced every Wednesday by THE JAMES PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED 62-66 King SL W., BowmanviHe, Ontario L1C 3K9 JOHN M. JAMES RICHARD A. JAMES PETER PARROTT Editor--Publisher Assistant Publisher Associate Editor GEO. P. MORRIS BRIAN PURDY DONALD BISHOP Business Mgr. Advertising Mgr. Plant Mgr. All layouts and composition of 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 its columns on the understanding that it will not be liable for any error in the advertisement published hereunder unless a proof of such advertisement is 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 that case if any error so noted is not corrected by The Canadian Statesman its liability shall not exceed such a portion of the entire cost of such advertisement as the space occupied by the noted error bears to the whole space occupied by such advertisement. We Need a Good Idea What this town needs is a community community get-together of some kind. A harvest harvest festival is one proposal being considered by a steering committee of about a dozen citizens who are working on the concept of a major community event. It's the sort of event which, we presume, presume, would attract not only folks within the town but also those from beyond our boundaries. The concept certainly has merit. But its success depends on the important important planning effort which must take place between now and the date when the project gets under way. If, in describing the proposed community community festival, we sound somewhat vague, it's because the project is only in the very early, formative stages. But the idea is that the festival could turn into a tradition something like Oshawa's Fiesta Week or Port Hope's "Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny" river race. Both of the above activities have become highly successful community events. But they depend on a large measure of imagination, ingenuity, community support, and hard work by volunteers. Moreover, we would be remiss if we did not mention that Bowmanville already already has one very successful, high- profile event which is shared by the entire community. We are referring, of course, to the Santa Claus Parade which has completed 26 successful seasons. No new community event would be intended to displace the parade. But the new festival could certainly be an additional benefit to the town. It would serve the purpose of helping helping to build a cohesive community while attracting some tourist dollars, stimulating local business, and putting putting the town's name on the map. Although we're not yet sure of the form that a community celebration would take, we expect that there are certain guidelines that the committee committee investigating the subject will follow. follow. For one thing, the event should be something that encompasses the entire entire Town of Newcastle. It should include include not just the urban areas but also the rural areas. It should be based in not just Bowmanville but also Orono and Newcastle and perhaps some of the other outlying hamlets. The event should serve as a kind of "umbrella" under which various community groups can participate in their own way. There should be opportunity opportunity for service clubs, sports groups, Scouts and Guides, church organizations, organizations, businesses, and various other sections of the town to join the effort. Oshawa's Fiesta Week is a good example of this kind of co-operation co-operation and so is the Port Hope Ganny River Race. In both cases, various events take place within the guidelines of a particular theme. Selecting a theme for this celebration celebration will probably be about as easy as inventing the wheel. The theme should be something that is particularly particularly unique and meaningful to this municipality. "Apple Blossom Days" was one suggestion that has been mentioned in the past because of the fact that the town has a rich agricultural agricultural heritage that includes the growing growing of world-famous apples. One might also look to a historical theme and take a "Pioneer Days" approach. approach. Alternatively, it might be possible to have a sporting theme which would attract the attention of the area's many athletes. The tentative "Festival Harvest" concept is also a possibility, although this would tie the event to the autumn and it may be more desirable to have the event in the early summer or spring. Although we would never wish to place a "wet blanket" on the emerging emerging scheme, we might add that any event should be one that is relatively free of physical risk to its participants. participants. In the case of injury to members of the public, there can be very high liability liability claims -- something that the town should keep in mind, especially if it is considering a community festival festival with any sort of sporting theme. The holding of a demolition derby would be unwise from a risk management management point of view. A chess tournament tournament or Read-A-Thon would be relatively relatively safe, although they wouldn't attract attract many spectators. The crowds which appeared at the recent Olympic Torch reception in downtown Bowmanville proved that an audience will be available whenever an event is arranged which captures the interest of the public. The same observation can be made of the Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade. A successful community event along the lines of the project which has been tentatively referred to as a "Harvest Festival" is possible. But it will take a truly inspired idea and a lot of work by volunteers if such a project is to be successful. Most of all, it will require the solid support of the community at large. What Price Canada? The president of the Canadian Cattlemen's Cattlemen's Association made an interesting interesting comment on the subject of free trade in a recent speech to a group of local beef producers. He observed that without a strong economic climate, you can't afford culture or independence. His comments are interesting because because they clearly illustrate one important important facet of the free trade agreement. agreement. He is hinting that there is some point where the economic conditions would preclude the continued existence existence of Canada. His comment could lead us to pose the following hypothetical question: If we had a choice between a five per cent increase in our disposable annual income as a part of the United States or continuing to earn our present present incomes as part of Canada, which would we choose? What if the differential were 10 per cent? What if it were 50? And let us suppose, for a moment, that the economic gains took into account account the fact that Americans pay more in other areas of their lives such as health care.expenses. If it were a straightforward question question of having a Canada or a five per cent improvement in our take-home incomes. Which would it be? We're not proposing to answer that question because it's a question which will be answered uniquely by each individual. And the answer would also depend on the area of the country in which the question was asked. But let's point out the fact that there arc many countries whose nationalistic pride is such that they would lake a reduced standard of living living in order to have a country of their own. That's why many countries opted for independence rather than continued existence as a part of the jigsaw puzzle that was once the British Empire. In another instance, The United Empire Loyalists, who were a major influence in the founding of Canada, didn't come north during the American American Revolution in order to experience experience economic gain. At the time, they probably lost a large amount of then- wealth by moving to what would later become Canada. But their choice was one of ideology more than economics. It made more sense, to them, to live under the British flag. And along with nationalism goes the belief that by working hard and making our own wise choices in our own country, those less-than-perfect economic conditions of today might be vastly improved in the future. Naturally, there are certain extreme extreme conditions under which the choices would be easy. It would be better to live in splendor as part of a larger country than in squalor within a country of one's own. Moreover, the free trade debate is not a debate over whether Canada will continue to exist. But by asking ourselves the clear-cut question of how much is Canada worth, we may shed some light on the free trade issue. In real life, of course, the questions are not that straightforward. In a sense, one is looking at a chicken-and-egg dilemma in which it's difficult to say whether a strong economy is necessary in order to have culture and independence or whether the local culture and independence independence produce a strong economy. The difficulty in all oftlic free trade debates is the fact that there are no easy answers. And the questions arc many, Spectacular Sight at Cobourg Christmas Tree Burning Silhouetted against the burning ball of flame, was a firefighter from the Cobourg Fire Department. The volunteer helped the Boy Scouts to run their annual Christmas Tree burning ceremony at Cobourg's west beach last week. Hundreds of people turned out to watch the flames and sing campfire songs, as firefighters firefighters struggled to contain the blaze. Important Role for Salvation Army Depot aMIWK in-- » ■ '/jV- ' iM- «Mi Isabelle Jones sees a lot of food come and go at the Salvation Army depot. The Family Services co-ordinator is in charge of the depot, which provides essential food items to residents of the Town of Newcastle. Several area churches and schools help to keep.the shelves well-stocked. However, items such as peanut butter, skim milk and spaghetti can be in short supply. The depot is only part of the many services that are provided from the 35 Division Street Salvation Army Family Services headquarters. by Carolyn Hepburn For many people, the Salvation Salvation Army food depot at 35 Division St. in Bowmanville Bowmanville makes the difference between eating and staring at an empty plate. While most people can't imagine not sitting down to a plate of good food, for some residents of the Town of Newcastle the depot is a lifesaver. Family Services Co-or- dinator Isabelle Jones and Lieutenant Rick Shir ran are two of the Salvation Army staff who administer the foodstuffs from the well- stocked room. "In some cases it is the last week before a welfare cheque is coming through," said Lieutenant Shirran. "We give them enough to help them make it through," he added. Stacks of spaghetti, cans of soup, and jars of jam crowd the shelves. For someone who has little, the food depot is a Godsend.' Mrs. Jones explains that everyone must be interviewed interviewed before they receive the assistance offered by the Salvation Army. While every effort is made to ensure ensure that only those who truly need the help receive it, occasionally some fall through the cracks and abuse the system. Nonetheless, the majority of people helped by the food depot are grateful and many try to repay the Salvation Salvation Army. In some eases, a person or family may only require a one-time supply of food. The depot also services regular regular clients. According to Lieutenant Shirran, a large number of the depot's users are single mothers. Resting by the door are several "starter kits" in cases where the family has absolutely nothing. While the shelves are generally generally well-stocked, items such as peanut butter, skim milk and spaghetti sauce are often in short supply. Most of the food depot's contents are donated. Mrs. Jones explains that several area churches collect food for the depot on a monthly basis. As well, many schools become involved in collecting collecting goods at Christmas and Thanksgiving. By Pat Best The January meeting of Eldad U.C.W. was well attended. attended. Doreen Westlake welcomed everyone with a special welcome to guests. She thanked us all for our co-operation an cl "help in completing a very successful successful year, and gave us her blessings for '88. There will be a workshop on January 11th at Kings- view church from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the life and work of the church. On February 29 at St. Stephens church meet our moderator Dr. Ann Squire. Reminder that January 24 at 8 p.m. is the annual meeting meeting of Eldad Church. Ladies bring lunch. A date to remember remember is March 7 at Centennial Centennial United Church for the annual Prcsbytcrial Meeting. The president gave her report on our very busy and rewarding year and many special events for the 25th Anniversary. Mary Millson gave the If there is something that is needed and not readily available at the depot, it can be purchased. Some people may also receive food vouchers allowing them to go to an area grocery grocery store and buy items not immediately available. Part of the depot's success success is due to the town's generosity, according to Lieutenant Shirran. "People give to us, so we can give to others," lie said. Giving is what the Salvation Salvation Army food depot is all about. steward's report. They are holding a church auction sale on May 14th. Also one of our delightful salad suppers suppers on May 1st. Worship service, given by Eileen Knox, was taken from Psalm 37 Verse 5. Reminding Reminding us to "take lime" - - to be quiet - to play - - aware to help others - to dream - to love - and to pray. There ' is time for everything. everything. Jean Taylor gave us a very interesting study on Eldad Women and the roles they have played in our church over the past sixty years. We arc very fortunate to have a member like Jean who is able to bring us the work of the church in pictures. Roll Call was enthusiastically enthusiastically responded to in answer answer to the question "Who are you named for?" The meeting was then handed over to our new president, Jean Taylor. The meeting closed with the hymn "Bind us together." together." A lovely lunch was served. Eldad U.C.W. Meeting Letters to The Editor Dear Sir: On behalf of the Durham Region Lung Association, may I extend our warmest thanks for the co-operation and media support we have received during our 1987/ 1988 Christmas Seal Campaign. Campaign. With a month left before the final tally is completed, I am pleased to report that 88% of our $140,000.00 goal has been realized. This year's Christmas Seal Campaign success, is due in no small part, to your newspaper's interest interest and assistance in publicizing publicizing our message "BEFORE YOU SEND IT, SEAL IT...WITH A CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SEAL", Our thanks again for your year round participation participation in the fight against asthma, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer cancer and occupational respiratory hazards. Lorna Braid, Chairman 1987/1988 Christmas Seal Campaign. To the Editor, Dear Sir. I would like to voice my objection to the proposed expansion expansion of the landfill site owned and operated by Laidlaw Waste Systems. My wife and two children ages 4 and 18 months, live on Newtonville Road, 1 1/2 miles directly east of the site. Previously we lived in downtown Oshawa. We have been in our present house approximately 18 months. Some of the reasons we moved were truck and car traffic, city noise and to bring up my children in a better and healthier environment. environment. In the short time we have been here in this community, we have had to put up with the threat of a nuclear waste facility (which we opposed), and now we have a proposal proposal to expand the already busy dump. I do not want an increase of garbage trucks passing in front of my door nor do I want to have my well threatened. threatened. I must also pay for garbage garbage pick-up even with our high taxes, so why should I have to have other people's garbage dumped literally in mÿ backyard. I realize that garbage must be put somewhere but we had our share of the trucks, bulldozers, seagulls, the garbage flying around Clarke 4th line and possible health hazards in our wells. Newtonville, Crooked Creek, Starkville and other small communities in the area, think we should have a say as to what happens to our health and welfare. T. Kindratiuk 786-2352. The proposed antipornography antipornography legislation, Bill C-54, really scares me. If it is passed, favourites favourites such as Margaret Laurence, Judy Blume and Mark Twain could be considered "erotic" and "pornographic". Those are words that belong on the videos and magazines written and filmed for a specific audience. audience. They are not words that belong on some of the best pieces of literature and film ever produced. As Canadians, we often take for granted our freedoms when it comes to education and learning. Bill C-54 could change all that. How will children be taught health classes if certain parts of the body are banned from the books? At what age will health education start if it a person must be 18 years of age to read the books and look at specific specific pictures. I can't begin to imagine imagine Judy Blume's books as pornographic. I'm sure her wonderful books were a staple for many growing females, and I pray that they continue continue to be so. Ms. Blume takes the very realistic topics of growing up, including including divorce, bodily changes, and friendships and treats them in a warm and sensitive sensitive manner. I don't know of one female friend of mine who can't name at least one of Ms. Blume's titles. - In attempts to crack down on child pornography, pornography, federal legis lators have lumped many different types of literature together. It all depends on the interpretation. interpretation. No two people read one book, or see the same film or leaf through the same magazine and agree 100 per cent on its contents. Instead of being specific about what constitutes pornographic pornographic material, the authors authors of Bill C-54 have chosen to leave it open to those who must enforce enforce the law. Speaking of the law, just who should be charged when these materials materials surface in the wrong places?. Under pornographic offenses, a person deals in pornography pornography if they "make" it. Could that mean the authors, authors, or filmmakers could be charged? What, then, is the point of artistic artistic freedom? In Canada, we pride ourselves on freedoms, whether they relate to religion, speech, the press and even haircuts. We have gotten used to being able to read what we want, and view what we want, when we want to. Bill C-54 will open all sorts ofdoors for any and all radicals, looking for a moment in the spotlight, spotlight, to bring actions against schools and libraries libraries (and any other institution institution they can finger). And that is the essence of the whole problem. Wo may not need libraries libraries if Bill'C-54 passes. For if the bill becomes law, then libraires won't be able to offer the present present day services that they do. It won't be necessary to pass through the doors of a library, library, for chances are they won't have what you're looking for. Bill C-54 is saying that Canadians can't censor themselves. Federal legislators, many of whom should be forced to read a variety of the books that might come under scrutiny should the bill pass, obviously think that we aren't smart enough to decide what is fit to read and what should be used for the bird cage. I disagree. For years, battles over school curriculums curriculums have pitted neighbour against neighbour, neighbour, school trustee against school trustee, and parent against parent. parent. Bill C-54 won't improve improve that situation. The time to deal with the sickening child pornography pornography situation, and the humans that profit from it, is long overdue. But rushing through Bill C-54 won't make it any better. It will take time and, I believe, input from authors, film makers makers and various other creative personalities before child pornography pornography (and all other types of pornography) disappear. In fact, it may be a battle we will never entirely win. Bill C-54 is an attempt to combat a social problem problem at the expense of intellectual intellectual freedom. lean only hope that somebody, somebody, somewhere, with the power to make a difference, difference, uses their intellect intellect to have a second look at the bill before it becomes law.