The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

^^Jj^j™diaJ^taiesman3owmanvilIc^cdncsda£j3cccrnbc^^99^^Scctioi^wo •zi N A fr f.,t nAA /A PA h A \)\ ! ' U : ! Jk--iê Former Publishers Rev. W. R. Climie, 1854-1878 • M.A. James, 1878-1935 • George W. James, 1935-1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited z - ^ ! i j ! For 137 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A. James Plant Manager - Donald J. Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Julie Cashin-Ostcr, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenburg, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Sean Pickard, Ralph Rozema, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Laveme Morrison, Pat Patterson-Savage Editorial Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Angela Luscher, Junia Carnegie, Grace McGregor, Nancy Plcasance, Marilyn Rutherford, Barb Schoutcn P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 3K9 416-623-3303 Fax 416-623-6161 4 i Murky Area for Workplace Hazards Any good idea, when pushed to excess, becomes a bad idea. Or, to put it another way, sometimes it's possible to have too much of a good thing. Take, for example, the topic of workers' compensation. When a worker is injured because of his or her job, that worker should be given proper compensation, treatment, and rehabilitation. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, without workers' compensation, employees would be living in the kind of 19th-century nightmare in which an injury on the job would put them and their families in the poorhouse. . But, so far, we arc talking about the sort of injury which is generally pretty easy to demonstrate from a cause and effect standpoint. A worker loses a limb while operating a machine or injures a back after lifting heavy objects. But, more recently, it appears that the definition of workplace injury will be widened to include the general topic of "stress." This appears to us to be stretching the category of job-related injury too far. The problem is, of course, that stress is all in the mind. This doesn't mean we're trivializing the problem. For, it clearly is no trivial matter. But, it's one thing to provide compensation for objective injuries and quite another thing to link compensation to some subjective process which has occurred in the mind of the sufferer. Again, we repeat that we do not deny the existence of stress. We only point out that it's almost impossible to measure it ■ objectively, except in a few rare cases. The first question which comes to mind is the fact that although an individual may be suffering from stress, how can anyone know that the stress was caused by the workplace? In other words, a person may be experiencing stress at home or on his bowling team or in some other place which is not related to the job. The second problem is people respond differently to stress, depending on their own individual make-up. There really is no objective way to determine exactly . how much stress is too much. Someone in a job which is" traditionally seen as stressful - such as air traffic control -- may thrive on that challenge. Another person who is responsible for peeling potatoes may find even that task too stressful. Nor is stress universally understood to be a bad thing. For a hockey team facing elimination in a playoff, for example, stress can help motivate the players to do their best. Nevertheless, there will be a tendency for some firms to try and avoid stress in the workplace altogether". And that will probably result in less initiative and less productivity and less job satisfaction. And let's not forget that a segment of the workforce will use stress as an excuse to claim benefits which they don't deserve. It should be easy to dismiss false claims about a broken leg or a tom muscle. But, how can you prove or disprove the claim that someone is experiencing stress? - Another fact which should be considered is that, to some degree, it's tire responsibility of every individual to take charge of their own mental and physical well-being. Most of us have long ago accepted the fact that stress exists in the workplace and in everyday life. We normally cope with it by taking a long walk, playing a sport, going to a movie, starting a hobby or doing any number of things that will help us to put our problems into perspective. The answer is not to eliminate stress, but to leam how to handle it. There may be some cases where stress has obviously injured a worker and that worker is entitled to compensation. But the latest move to include stress as an occupational hazard for which compensation may be paid is a step into a very murky area. We could reach the point where it would be decided that, since we all have experienced job-related stress, we are all eligible for compensation. TRAINING FOR THE NEW COUNCIL INCLUDES: engaging in full and frank discussions discussions with fellow councillors.... . . gathering opinions from constituents...... New Councillor Ready to Take Office Pressing Matters In One Small Town by John E. James Will Return in January 1992 Dear Editor: Speaking as a citizen who at this time has really no experience experience or knowledge of how council operates, I am simply writing this letter as a citizen speaking to people in the Town of Newcastle. As the councillor councillor elect for Ward 2 Bowmanville, Bowmanville, I may find after I am sworn in to office on December December 2, 1991, that it will be against council policy to cx- by Rick James Anyone who has ever owned a pet and written a weekly diary has done "The Dog" story. It usually usually gets written the week when you sit down in front of the keyboard and nothing comes to mind except the weather. We can appreciate that for those who don't own a dog you may want to tune out now. But, for those who have formed that ever-lasting bond with man's best friend, just substitute your pet's name in the appropriate places. Lt. Maverick James, part German Shepherd, part Husky. Named after the lead character in our favorite movie, "Top Gun." The little bundle of black fur that laid a selling job on us that would be the envy of any used car salesman. It was the classic "dog in the pet store window" scenario. Wife, Kimberley, grabbed our arm as we walked by the store and dragged us over to the tiny cage. Several sets of eyes looked back, but only one set was looking right through us. After After protesting vehemently that there was no time in our life for a canine, we walked away...feeling that same set of dark eyes following us through the storeful of people. We ducked around the corner corner to avoid the eye to eye contact. We could hear the tiny puppy whimper. Surely, another peek wouldn't hurt, would it? That little black tail started wagging furiously. Again, a hasty retreat was made. One hour later and several failed attempts attempts at leaving, we were back at the cage, face to face, with our fingers poking through the wire. Rover, Max, Fido and a litter of canine labels were being bounced around, and all the time the bond was getting stronger. But still, we didn't want the house full of dog hair, the ruined furniture furniture and rugs, the smell of kibble. No way, we can't handle the responsibility of a pet, not even a goldfish. The nightly walks, the cost of food, dog train ing, holes in the yard, vet bills, and running over puppy droppings with the lawn mower. Definitely, Definitely, no way is that dog going home with us. An alert salesgirl saw what was happening and seized the opportunity. "Sir, would you mind holding this puppy while I clean the cage?" He never went back in the cage. Rule number, one! If that dog soils in the house just once, we're getting rid of him. After being in the house just 30 seconds, 10-week-old Maverick left his trade mark on the kitchen floor. That was January 10, 1989, when we vowed that the mutt would only be allowed in the basement. basement. Things have changed considerably since then. Now he has his own bed right beside ours. No, were not talking about a wicker basket here, we mean a replica of our bed complete with foam mattress, comforter, and feather pillows. His outdoor outdoor kennel could easily receive the Good Housekeeping Housekeeping Seal of Approval. A screened-in porch' was designed so that he could see out the windows. windows. And every night before bedtime, we brush his teeth with his own toothbrush and doggie toothpaste. We have slipped considerably from when we said that there would never be a dog in the house. But why for goodness sake? It's only a dog! Wrong! It's a friend who will never let you down. Never judge you or lie to you. A companion who just wants to please you in return for a little affection. The bond has been formed and it's indescribable. indescribable. The warm greeting you receive every time you come home is worth all the dog hair, obedience obedience training, smelly kibble, and vet bills. The only problem with that incredible bond is the loss you feel when it has to end. We hope it is a very long time before we have to write that column. column. press individual concerns. While I was knocking on doors during the election, I spoke with and listened to a number of citizens and their concerns. Generally, they just want more access to their elected representatives representatives and more openness and accountability. Like any concerned citizen, I enjoy reading the reports in The Statesman from our local MP, Ross Stevenson and MPP, Gord Mills. This is how we citizens citizens have the opportunity to see what our elected representatives representatives are dealing with weekly. weekly. I heard while going door to door that people want more openness and notice of what is on the agenda. Not all issues arc of interest to every person. Following arc a couple of possible possible suggestions. First, I would like to sec the agenda for each weekly meet ing either General Purpose and Administration or Council Meetings published in The Canadian Canadian Statesman. Second, I would like to see a portion of time set aside on the agenda for free public input. This limited limited time could be at the beginning beginning of each meeting to allow the public to have their say. The citizen would not have to apply in writing to be placed on the agenda and also this would not be a time for debate or arguments, simply an opportunity opportunity for citizens to express their concerns or input. Third, it might be possible to review the times of meetings. This openness and time accommodation, accommodation, may encourage more public attendance and may result result in more accessibility for the "public. Finally, the local press to report on the meetings and I would encourage more comments from our local and regional elected representatives. representatives. I fully intend to function as a positive part of the new council council team. I believe that a team can accomplish more than any individual. However, I do feel responsible to the people of Ward 2 who elected me and I will endeavour to listen and respond respond to their concerns. We all realize that we are living in tough economic times. All areas areas of our municipality have concerns and priorities. No one area will get all thé resources as we are each elected to serve the entire community. I am writing this article on my own responding as a citizen who met and talked with a number of concerned citizens whom I am now elected to represent effectively. effectively. Please feel free to contact me if I can assist in any way. My number is 623-4832. John O'Toole Guess what! Counting today, today, there arc only 21 days until Christmas. That means that there arc exactly 21 shopping days until until Christmas. Hmm-that means everyone everyone who hasn't given any thought to what their friends and family want/nccd will be out cruising the malls looking for bargains. Good luck, folks! During church on Sunday, the minister made a comment on Sunday shopping. To put it mildly, he and many members of the ministerial ministerial community are not in favor of Sunday shopping. While on vacation I found out that New Brunswick is testing out Sunday shopping. It seems the idea is popular there too. Most places in Canada have stores and pharmacies which arc open all year round seven days a week. I know that because I worked at a convenience store before and during the years I spent at university. I think it is appalling that a government anywhere tells people when they can and cannot shop. Working Sundays (or weekends) are not that bad. I and many other people work weekend shifts. For me, it is just part of the job and something I expected. There are lots of other people who work Sundays too. People who work in hospitals, hospitals, fire and police departments, departments, cab companies, radio stations, airports, security companies, hostels, (other) newspapers, convenience stores, pharmacies, churches, telephone companies, power producing plants. Also, factories factories usually do not shut down for Sundays either. I remember when my father father who was in upper management management at a radio station would rush off to work on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. With these thoughts in mind, I do not really understand understand why some people get in such an tizzy over Sunday shopping. Besides, not everyone believes believes that Sunday is the day for rest and the day for seeking seeking time with one's spiritual beliefs. Therefore, why should the government decree decree Sunday as a "common pause day?" I tend not to go to the malls, at any time, unless there is something I want at my favorite clothing store or I have to pay a bill. I really dislike mallcrawling. mallcrawling. Sunday shopping does not affect me. Stores in malls become zoos--people become up tight, and become stressed quickly. Last year I witnessed people pushing and shoving at stores during the few times I ventured into the malls last year on a Sunday. I became claustrophobic. Not only were the stores jammed with people, so were the escalators, elevators and stairways. It was a jungle. I do not disagree with Sunday shopping. However, I do not agree with the way it has been implemented here in Ontario. Why just in December? Why not year round? Last year, the trial started much earlier. However, many stores found that they were losing money due to the fact that companies had to pay employees employees their earned wages even when there weren't any customers. Were any of these stores consulted before the government government decided on the ruling? I have heard people say that if they don't work. on Sundays they will be fired. This is despicable. Were any of these people consulted before the ruling came about? Since coming to Ontario I have always been able to shop on Sundays. There arc lots of places between the Town of Newcastle Newcastle and Pickering to shop for gifts and groceries on Sunday. There arc plenty of gift shops, craft fairs, flea markets, markets, delis, vegetable stands, bulk food stores and convenience convenience stores to make any shopper feel like spending a buck or two. *** Friday, Dec. 6, has been designated by the federal government a day of remembrance remembrance for 14 female students who died at Ecole Polytechnique Polytechnique on this date in 1989. Please remember them and their families in your prayers. And perhaps wear a white ribbon and light a white candle. Did You Know. A Hong Kong based business purchases "good quality" cattle gallstones at prices of up to $100 per ounce. The gallstones are used in the Far East for medicinal purposes but they are difficult to find because of a lack of cattle in that part of the world. The stones vary in size from a pigeon's egg to a hen's egg. Farmers are, invited to send the gallstones to Alice Import/Export, P.O. Box 70947, Kowloon Central Post Office, Hong Kong. m o m A .S Should Federal Civil Servants be exempt from lay-offs? LJI no. u Said Pat Charlton Wilmot Creek I don't suppose they should be any more than anybody else. Cliff Trewin Bowmanville They should be subject to layoffs layoffs the same as everyone of us in any work force. Lorena Highfield Bowmanville No, I can't see why they should be any more than anyone else should be. Isobel Muldowney Wilmot Creek It is a lack of business and trade why people are laid off. The government should try to transfer their employees into different areas before having to lay them off. Next week's question: Should Canada have an elected Senate?