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Page 4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, February 26, 1997 Elie Canabtan Statesman 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 W. James, 1919 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 lnternet-statesman@ocna.org Fax 905-623-6161 HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For 142 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher-John M. James Plant Manager - Rick Patterson Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Production Assoc. Publisher - Rick James Editor - Peter Parrott Supervisor - Ralph Rozema, Suzanne Bennett, Sharon Cole, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenburg, Barb Patterson, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Laverne Morrison Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Supervisor - Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford, Sharilyn Carnegie Preserving the Past Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it. That famous line certainly should be remembered if we are to consider how to avoid the demolition of historic buildings in the future. The old Newcastle Public School is being torn down despite protests which, in retrospect, were mounted too late to save the building. The only thing we might add to the discussion is the need for some kind of procedure which will prevent this from happening again. Although it may have been clear to the school board that the completion of the new building would lead to the destruction of the old one, that wasn't generally clear to many members of the community. And so, by the time objections were raised to the destruction of the school, it was already too late. If we are to learn anything from this experience it is that any time an old building changes hands or changes use, one must assume the worst. One must assume that it could be demolished demolished and take action to prevent this from happening if, indeed, the building in question is worth saving. In the case of public buildings, their preservation should be possible because they are built by public funds. And, if'the public wishes to keep them, then that's what'should be done. You have to wonder if Bowmanville's Central Public School or the old high school (Now Bowmanville Senior Public) could face a similar fate at some future date. If such buildings are to be saved, it would appear that the rescue effort should start the hour that their owners announce plans for change. Perhaps it shouldn't have to be that way. But, given what has happened over the last three months, it's necessary. Street Proofing In view of some attempted abductions in the Metro Toronto area recently and also in the western part of Durham Region, it might be wise for all parents, grandparents, and adults to review a few of the precautions connected with child safety. We are printing below, some timely advice from Childfind Ontario because it never hurts to keep this kind of information in the public domain. True, it may be familiar information. It may be common sense. But, can it really be repeated too often? We think not. Children should be aware of the following points: •Never get into anyone's car without permission from parents. parents. Move away, mn for help and don't be afraid to say no or scream for assistance. Trust your feelings. •Never take candy money or gifts from strangers •Never play in deserted areas •Use the buddy system and let your parents or babysitter know where you are going, even if it is only for a minute. •Don't be afraid to tell another adult if someone or some-. thing gives you a scary feeling. Parents should keep in mind these safety tips: •Always have a secret code word and don't let your children go with anyone unless that person knows the code on the first guess. •Always accompany children to public washrooms. •Teach kids their phone number and address •Teach children how to Dial 911 or 0 for operator. Both calls are free from a pay phone. And teach children how to use a pay phone.. •Avoid having a child's name attached to clothes or property. property. •Never let your children tell anyone over the phone that they are alone. Extra Curricular Learning At Courtice Secondary School last week, students and staff got together for an evening which showcased some of the extra-curricular activities that students enjoy at their school. There were displays representing sports, drama and music, technical studies and the dozens of clubs and other activities which occupy students after school hours. The purpose of the evening was to show the wide range of activities available and to make the point that these are not casual or. frivolous events which have nothing to do with a student's student's learning experience. Every high school in Ontario has these activities. And, because of cutbacks, these programs may be on the chopping block. One comes away from an open house such as this one with the feeling that high schools are not mere education factories, but viable communities in which people can learn new skills and follow their interests and dreams. For a government to tell students that the extra curricular programs at schools are unimportant unimportant (when compared to classroom learning) is much like a government telling citizens that their churches, amateur athletics, athletics, service clubs, drama groups, choirs, and any other project which occupies their spare time is unimportant. It would be like a government telling its citizens that only the hours they spend at their job are meaningful and everything else is mere "frills." Education Minister John Snobelen is right when he says the classroom must be protected at all costs. But he's wrong to assume that the classroom consists only of four walls, desks and a blackboard. It is, in reality, the entire school experience. When a student is part of a sports team, he or she learns about discipline, commitment, hard work, getting along with others and many related skills that are as important as the reading, writing and arithmetic being taught in the classroom. In fact, a student may soon forget the facts and figures learned, in the classroom to pass an exam. But the positive work ethic from being a member of a school team or running a successful school dance or drama production will be with the student forever. forever. And, as for the contention that all high school programs can proceed as normal, but with volunteers taking over the responsibilities responsibilities currently performed by staff, that remains to be seen. We have yet to find a community organization which isn't hard-pressed for volunteers, If every high school needs, for example, 50 or 100 volunteers, we're not sure where they will come from. And, there will be the added necessity of making certain that the volunteers are properly qualified, screened and supervised. The point of our comments is not to say that the provincial government should leave everything as it is and make no attempt to improve efficiency and quality in the public sector. It's just that it takes more than political slogans to create change, To simplisticly say that any program in a classroom is good and any optional program offered after school hours is an unnecessary drain on the system just doesn't match reality. Education Minister Snobelen, MBs, parents, teachers and students should work very hard to ensure that efforts to fix Ontario's education system don't break it, Extra curricular programs in Ontario high schools is an area where reform-minded politicians should tread carefully. Clarington Should Encourage Developers to Preserve Town's Historic Architectural Landmarks "Toronto's long-neglected Lillian Massey building has had a face-lift and a retrofit, and has acquired a long- awaited and badly needed new tenant. Dear Editor, Lillian Massey, initiator, designer, and benefactor of the building and the department department described in the news- brief above, was bom in Newcastle. Her father was Hart Massey, her grandfather Daniel Massey, founder of the Massey Agricultural Company, both forefathers of the Massey family who have played a prominent role in Canada's young history. Lillian attended the original Newcastle and District Grammar School built in 1858 and burnt down in 1896. The school that replaced it and is now facing demolition opened in 1897, just one hundred hundred years ago. That this building is now in need of a facelift and a retrofit is beyond dispute. That it will require an infusion infusion of capital to restore it to its former splendor is obvious. obvious. But rather than rush to demolish it would it not, even now at this late date, be wiser to delay until the new legislation legislation governing school lands and school boards comes into effect? . Newcastle is an historic village. The Massey family, central to its economic and spiritual well-beipg at the time the original school was built, played a well-known and vital role in the history of agriculture in Canada and a less well-documented, but important role in the history of education. 1997 marks the one hundredth and fiftieth anniversary of Daniel's arrival in Newcastle and the formation of the Massey Company. Our old school is one of a cluster of historic buildings that, in more prosperous prosperous economic times, has the potential to become an important focal point in the history of this municipality; a cluster that looks back to the fonnative days of Canadian public education, of Canadian enterprise, and of a Methodist family whose fortunes and philanthropic endeavours reached far beyond' the confines confines of the village where they began. Mr. Willsher's eloquent letter to The Canadian Statesman (Feb. 19, 1997) explained the position of the board and the events leading up to its decision to demolish the old Newcastle Public School. In that letter, Mr. Willshcr confirmed that ii recommendation recommendation to demolish the school had not been made prior to the public meeting held at the Community Hall in Newcastle in December, 1994, as previously reported. Instead, tenders were not called until late fall of 1996. A bid appears to have been approved at the December, 1996 board meeting and the contract awarded on January 14, 1997, well after local opposition to the demolition had begun to gather momentum. momentum. For whatever reason, many of the inhabitants of the village, village, myself included, were unaware until recently of that decision. Now, belatedly to be sure, we find that we have a stiibbom need to conserve our heritage, particularly when we are told that the laws of economics makes its destruction destruction inevitable. With the advantage of hindsight, it is perhaps unfair to suggest that the School Board and Municipal Council might have worked together with the developers of the proposed proposed subdivision surrounding surrounding the school to come up with a solution that would have satisfied all parties. In Toronto, in recent years, developers have acquired bonuses in the form of increased density in exchange for the restoration of old buildings. Why not in Clarington? In exchange for providing the playground space required by the school board, and restoring the old school, the developers could have been granted the increased density they had requested while meeting community needs and desires. Toronto's Lillian Massey building has been thoughtfully thoughtfully restored. It stands as a monument to the changes that have occurred in the lives of women and men in Canada in the intervening years, and to the cooperative efforts of elected bodies, interested citizens, citizens, institutions of learning and of industry; a move that one can only imagine the original Masseys would have applauded. A check to the unbridled demolition of the nineteenth-century school in Newcastle might still allow interested parties to work together on a revised plan for the building, one that can be refined and expanded in the affluent times the provincial Conservative government assures us are not far away. Yours sincerely, Philippa Schmiegelow EDITOR'S NOTE: It's too late to save the Newcastle Public School. But the experience experience should be used to preserve historic buildings in the future. The concept of offering developers incentives incentives to restore historic buildings deserves further consideration. Bethesda House Wish List In speaking with the Executive Director of Bethesda House, Karen Mayson, I learned that there are a number of items sorely needed at the local shelter for abused women and their children. First off, a word to those who shop at A&P: It would be really wonderful if you could donate your cash register tapes to the shelter. For every $1,000 in tapes, the company will donate $1 to the shelter to be used in a number of ways. The tapes can be sent to Bethesda House, P.O. Box 82, Bowmanville L1C 3K8. Karen also stated a great number of items are need- • ed on a daily basis at the shelter. She hopes the generous generous residents of Clarington and surrounding surrounding areas will continue giving, giving, with these items in mind. The shelter is in need of an industrial-sized fridge, dishwasher, dishwasher, and a clothes washer. Also, a kitchen table that will sit eight to 10 people is needed because their current table is "on its last legs." A good vacuum cleaner is on the list too. Newer IBM compatible computers would be appreciated so that the older ones could be used by shelter residents to learn new skills, and their children could use them for homework. There would be a need to have computer tables, too. Spring is coming soon, and the lack of outdoor equipment is becoming apparent. Karen said she hopes someone could donate a swing-set, a couple of picnic tables with umbrellas, and a large awning for the deck. Speaking about the back yard, she is hoping that people with green thumbs could donate some plants and seeds for a garden at the shelter. In addition, the shelter would need some gardening implements. When women and children go to the shelter, they sometimes sometimes need some basic items that they don't think of before they flee a crisis situation. Items required for moms and children are: all sizes (boys' and girls' - teens' and women's small to XXLarge) new pyjamas/sleepers/nighties, pyjamas/sleepers/nighties, knitted slippers (easier to fit), toothbrushes, toothbrushes, dental floss, hairbrushes, combs, shampoo and conditioner, conditioner, bar soap, feminine hygiene products, hand lotion, disposable disposable razors, and housecoats. For children, there is a call for educational resource materials materials for children taught at the shelter by a tutor. Materials such as craft supplies, videos, books, and passes to the local zoos would be appreciated. Some staples needed are: non-perishable canned goods, including baby food, blankets, comforters, sheets and pillow cases (twin size), towels and face cloths, and six twin-sized bed frames and legs. Karen says when new items are donated "we're able to give the donors charitable receipts for gifts-in-kind." She said that would apply to expensive items like a new washing machine. People who have expensive items they would like to donate or sleepwear items to be given to women and children when they are admitted to the shelter may call 623-6045 for information. information. Other donations may be dropped off at Bobette Unisex Hair Design, located at 33 King St. E„ Bowmanville. Please note that the shelter has an ongoing arrangement with the Salvation Army for the women and children to receive clothing from that organization. If you have good used clothing clothing and wish to donate it to the shelter, please take it to the Salvation Army, as they have storage facilities. Split Vole Would Help Liberal Parly Dear Editor: As president of the Reform Party Durham Riding, I wish to congratulate the newly "chosen" Progressive Conservative candidate, Sam Cureatz, with his stunning victory. Mr. Cureatz's victory will give conservative voters a clear choice between a return to the policies and practices of the past, as symbolized by Bill Davis and Brian Mulroney, or the bringing of the Common Sense Revolution to Ottawa, by supporting supporting the mother of all Common Sense Parties - the Reform Party of Canada, It was the working together together of conservatives Progressive Conservatives and Reformers - which brought about the Mike Harris Common Sense Revolution. However, Ontario's Common Sense Revolution can never be totally totally successful as long as there is a philosophically opposed government in Ottawa, which is undoing the policies of the Mike Harris government here in Ontario. When Mike lowered lowered taxes to create jobs; Ottawa raised taxes and charges, killing the job opportunities opportunities Mike was trying to create. To create jobs, taxes will have to be reduced. It is in Canada's interest that Ottawa and Canada's largest province have like- minded governments which can work together as a team, just as Reformers and Progressive Conservatives did during the Common Sense election campaign. If reform-minded conservatives conservatives don't vote together for the same political party, then their split vote will help reelect reelect the Liberals. True conservatives conservatives owe it to them selves to read Reform's FRESH START election platform, platform, and then vote based on principles - not tradition. If they do that, we will all win! Sincerely, Evert Vroegh Hampton EDITOR'S NOTE - Is there any talk of a merger between the Reform and P.C. parties? Letters to the Editor The Canadian Statesman encourages our readers to make use of the letters to the editor column to express their opinions and viewpoints on just about any subject, as we feel a lively letters column column helps make a better community newspaper. We insist, however, that all letter writers sign their name. Sorry, no anonymous letter will be published. published. We Asked... Q: What do you think of movie crews filming in Clarington? (Asked on Temperance St.) .. .And You Said Pat Marjerrison A: "I think it's wonderful. One street closed is not much of an inconvenience and it brings in some money for the local economy." Ena Etcher A: "It's great. It adds a little to our town. It's a little difficult getting to the bank, but it doesn't happen too often." Norm Clark A: "If there's any financial benefit for the community, it's good to get the exposure."