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

Page 4 The Canadian Statesman, Bmvnianville. August 27, 1997 Che 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. YV., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 Internet - statesman@ocna.org Fax 905-623-6161 HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For 143 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Rick James Plant Manager - Rick Patterson Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Supervisor -- Ralph Rozema, Suzanne Bennett, Tim Bowers, Kevin Britton, Sharon Cole, Laurens Kaldeway, Barb Patterson, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Laverne Morrison, Wanda Partrick Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Supervisor - Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford This Fall, Why Not Discover Clarington? Where, exactly, did the summer go? That's the question most of us ask ourselves around this time of year as we sec hints of color in the maple leaves, the start of the fall fair season, the resumption of school and Labor Day. Once again it's time for Canadians to give themselves their annual pep talk about starting new projects and completing all the things we've been meaning to accomplish. For, in reality, the new year for Canadians begins in the fall when the weather weather cools, the kids go back to school, vacations arc over and it's time to get down to more serious matters. Good intentions arc welcome at any time of the year. But, autumn seems to bring with it a renewed sense of energy which suggests that there's a good chance of those intentions coming true if they're started now. If you've ever planned to sign up for a course, join a sports group, join a club, volunteer for community service, the time is now. But, if being a spectator is more to your liking, then your time has come. If you aren't up to becoming a volunteer or learning a new skill, why not just get to know your own community better through the many special events that bring the community together? Coming up shortly arc the Durham Central Agricultural Society's fair in Orono, the Durham Countryside Adventure, the BIA Apple Fcst, the Fall Festival in Newcastle, and the many concerts, barbecues, art exhibitions and other special events of the fall and winter. The municipality offers something for everyone, whether you're a toddler, senior citizen, baby-boomer or teenager. In fact, with the development of a Youth Centre and Seniors' Centre this Tall and winter, the municipality will have even more to offer two age groups which sometimes get overlooked. Added to The momentum of the fall is the prospect of a municipal election which gives citizens yet another opportunity opportunity to become involved in the life of their town as candidates, campaign workers or (at the very least) well-informed voters. One of the things that makes Clarington unique is the fact that it is a participatory community. Our traditions date back to the days of the pioneering farmsteads in which people rolled up their sleeves and got involved in what was happening around them. And, although the population of the municipality has doubled doubled over the past 10 years and there arc many new residents who have made Clarington their home, we'd like to think some of that tradition remains. In our experience, Clarington offers something for everyone everyone whether your interests lie in sports, fitness, educa tion, arts and culture, commerce, community service, religion or any of the other pursuits that make this such an interesting place in which to live; ; And, if there's nothing on the agenda that piques your interest, interest, maybe you çoüld start a group of your own. Chances are, in a community of close to 60,000, there will be others who share your interests. To conclude, we might steal the phrase which was the motto on Ontario licence plates and which might apply just as well to this municipality we call our own. Clarington is "Yours to discover". Time to Ease Up On Reforms? How much more can Premier Harris reform Ontario's government government while still standing a ghost of a chance of winning the next provincial election? You can bet Progressive Conservative strategists are asking that, kind of question right now as Ontario's MPPs return to Queen's Park for what is predicted to be another time of tumult in Ontario. The latest public opinion polls suggest the Tories have slipped in the popular vote, compared to the Liberals who have vaulted into first place. The New Democrats still lag behind the Tories. There's talk of province-wide job action if more restrictions are placed on the rights of government workers to strike. Many municipalities are up in arms over the pooling of tax dollars in the Greater Toronto area. In fact, municipal representatives laughed openly when Municipal Affairs Minister A1 Leach . promised that the Province's decision to take over education funding while turning over social service costs to the municipalities municipalities wouldn't result in higher taxes. We'd be surprised if Ontario's ruling politicians don't soon apply the brakes to reforms in this province. Such a move may not match the Tory philosophy of turning Ontario inside out in their first term of office. But, it would be politically expedient and might be more in keeping with the wishes ol the electorate. We'd be surprised if Mike Harris and his colleagues didn't spend the rest of their time in office ironing out the details of amalgamating Metro Toronto, amalgamating the school boards and consolidating hospital care. One of the facts that seems to be lost on the Ontario government government is that legislation to change government is not an end in itself, but only the beginning. Announcing reforms is easy to accomplish because it only takes a few votes in the Legislature, a news conference and a press release or two. You might also add a public hearing or a fact-finding committee to the process. But, nevertheless, introducing reforms is relatively easy. So far, we haven't seen the next logical step which consists ol implementing the reforms and working on the day-to-day activities activities necessary to govern a new mega-city or amalgamated school board. We would suggest that just the task of bringing together the municipalities of Metro Toronto into a single government or bringing together the neXvIy-amalgamated school boards would be enough to occupy the provincial government for the second half of its mandate. Throw in the job of closing certain hospitals and you've got more than enough for the government to handle. Add the clean-up of the difficulties at Ontario Hydro and you've got a government which is overloaded with work. Especially when you consider that the day-to-day administration ol the government government must also go on. In addition, it would make sense for Ontario's provincial legislators legislators to review the impact of the amalgamation process among school hoards and in Metro Toronto before proceeding with the amalgamation of other areas such as our own Durham Region and the regional governments which surround Metro Toronto. There seems to be a perception among MPs making up the provincial government tiiat reforms must proceed quickly, so that the government can boast that it did what it promised to do. But, there is ample evidence that the Mike Harris Tories have more than made good on that promise. Now is the lime to consolidate consolidate what has been done to dale. It wouldn't he a case of the government going hack on its promises, It would be, to use Mike Harris's phrase from the past election, "common sense". And, if folks like what they see, they can vote for more of the same when the provincial election rolls around. Edsel in AutoFest Spotlight II might not have been a popular sensation when it was made in 1958, but this pastel pink Edsel sure got its share of attention on Sunday at the 1997 AutoFest held at General Motors headquarters in Oshawa. The Edsel's owner makes a telling comment about the short-lived design with an appropriate appropriate licence plate. Letter to the Editor Ex MRP Says Queen's Park Building a "Mean" Society Dear Editor: Last week 1 picked up my local I.G.A. flyer from the post office, and was somewhat somewhat shocked to read the advertisement on the back page announcing "The All Ontario Back to School Food Drive"- don't let the kids go hungry we were told in the ad. What on earth is happening. happening. Arc we now living in a Third World country? Not just yet, but we are living in the world of Mike Harris and his wrecking'crew, with their cuts to the poor and the tax cuts for the rich. Fifty per cent of all welfare welfare benefits in Ontario go to feed and clothe poor children, and Mike Harris cut those assistance payments to the children by almost 25 per cent to help* fund his tax cuts to the rich of 35jper cent! Is it any wonder, then that the local IGA is telling us all not to let the kids go hungry?, The' 'Conservatives down at Queen's Park push forward forward relentlessly with their creation of a society of haves an have nots. They seem to think it's fashionable to create a mean society. But there is a price to pay for this. Not having having enough money for the basic necessities of life, is bad enough. But to make the matters matters worse, poverty stigmatizes stigmatizes its victims, which in turn undermines their hope and dignity. You may not think about it that way, but despair is a health' threat too. Mike Harris and his ilk contribute to this problem by blaming the poor for, their poverty, such is the stuff they politely .. call "work fare". It- doesn't seem to matter if that works or not, just as long as they work period, a form of restitution restitution for being poor. 1 Cancer is the scourge of our limes, but if you look at what causes all diseases, poverty is at the top. If we could eliminate the glaring ' disparities between the rich and poor we could increase life expectancy overall, more than the prevention of all cancer cancer deaths. Health agencies usually rank diseases as the cause' of death. But take a real look at what causes diseases, will you? Yes, tops is poverty. As we look at the social havoc being created by Mike Harris and his crew, down at Queen's Park consider their Bay Street approach to all of life, and the effects it is having having on precious health care dollars, and if this causes you any concern, let them know. Gord Mills Orono Hospitals Praised For Quality of Care Dear Editor: Just recently I broke my hip. I was taken by ambulance to the Oshawa hospital for surgery and then to the Bowmanville hospital for my recovery and therapy. I give many thanks to the doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers drivers and staff at both the Oshawa and Bowmanville hospitals Continued on page 5 Outlook Crime and Punishment by Laura J. Richards In Thunder Bay, Ontario, a judge sentenced two young offenders who had smashed 40 windows to sweeping the parking parking lot of an RV dealership. The two boys wore signs stating what crime they had committed to be doing this piece of community service work. When Cobourg radio station CHUC opened their telephone lines in a phone-in late last week and on Monday morning, a number of people stated they agree with the public shaming of the two teens. This is perhaps one way to go. Public humiliation tends to put red in the checks and could make one really think about what one has done. But, it should really go one step further. The teens (not their parents) should repay the owner of the windows by working off the costs It makes sense to me. Most of us remember that when we were kids and teens, if wc did something really horrible, we had to make restitution and say we were sorry. I had acquaintances who were constantly getting into trouble...Billy trouble...Billy and Pal. Their parents got sick and tired of paying for their sons' misdeeds. Finally, they had enough, and Billy and Pat had to come up with their own punishments. They chose restitution. While there were no signs involved, the pair had to re-paint two antique ears they had spray-painted spray-painted orange one Hallowe'en. The.owner drove his two cars to the front of his property and the boys worked under his watchful eye. If I remember correctly, Billy and Pat garnered a lot of attention during the process -- not all of it positive. It is unfortunate that in Clarington local youth are in need of something to keep their brains occupied...(perhaps the youth centre will take care of that). Instead of turning to games or volunteer work, some are knocking themselves out destroying destroying community property. Over the past year, thousands of dollars have been spent by the municipality to repair damage at Rotary Park and other local parks. It's as if those who tear up the flower beds, rip off bench parts and set fires in the w'shrooms have no idea what they are doing. Or do they? What drives individuals to damage flower gardens, pull up young trees and set fires? Are they siiiiply bored? Or they' looking for attention? • ■ ' When petSç do weird stuff when ,they're bored they can always be placée! into their crates of another room. However, Clarington's young people would be calling their lawyers il they were caught and placed under arrest. Individuals who do things that they know will cost people money need to be punished. I don't know if the public humiliation humiliation route is the exact way to go, but it could be a step in the right direction. Maybe there is a better way. But what is it? Become a Political Animal During the recent federal election, not a single politician spoke out on behalf of animals and nature. Campaigns against drunk driving only began to exert influence influence once they developed a strong unified political lobby. Although we know the majority of Canadians care deeply about animals and nature, unlike many other nations we do not have a strong well developed lobby of 'political animals'. One of long term goals of The Humane Society of Canada is to include these responsible concerns into modern day political political life for the benefit of people and animals. The Humane Society of Canada is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to the protection of animals and the earth. If you would like to learn more about our programs and how you can help please contact us by writing to: The Humane Society of Canada, 347 Bay Street # 806 Toronto, Ontario M5H 2R7 or call our toll free number I-800-641-KIND. Thoughts Unlimited by Rick James We're Back! After a series of teaser notices in the last lew editions of The Statesman saying I'll be back next week, I'm finally back at the keyboard keyboard and spewing prose for the space reserved for Thoughts Unlimited. The reason for the failed attempts at creating a column for the past three weeks? We moved to a new house. V Never Again When 1 moved 10 years ago, I remember pledging that 1 would never do it again. That's when I was single and kidless. After accumulating accumulating a decade's worth of this and that, the move 10 years ago was a piece of cake compared compared to the transfer of all the accessories needed for life with a wile, two kids and a dog. With age comes knowledge and the ability to judge your limits. For a fleeting moment, 1 thought about moving all the heavy stuff myself. But, after lifting the pull-out couch to vacuum the aging chips and peanuts, my back sent a screaming message to my brain that this was a job for Preston's. Smart move. Ernie and his two man crew were hustling and moved couches and pianos faster than 1 can type. It took them from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to move all the stuff. You could have timed my attempt at loading and unloading with a calendar. Considering the amount of stuff that needed needed to be packed, the move went as well as can be expected. But, from the outset, Kim and I were looking forward to solving a mystery that has puzzled us for years. Where did all the suckers go? By suckers, I mean those Nuk Nuk pacifier pacifier things that help babies gel to sleep. Miranda had absolutely no interest in them when she was an infant. But, Morgan was addicted. Despite buying dozens of those things when she was a baby, they vanished daily. We assumed that during the move we would solve the case of the missing suckers. Did we Find them? Not a one. We did find the safety deposit box I hid in a place where nobody would find it (including ourselves) and the missing "Grease" compact disc was reunited with the case when the television was moved. But, no suckers. They will now be shifted to the "lost forever" forever" file, joining the remote control that disappeared disappeared oh so many years ago. The New Place As wc uncover all the nuances of the new home, one item that certainly deserves more attention is the system used to keep the dog in the yard. At the old house, Maverick was able to wander the yard unleashed, l ie wouldn't go anywhere, other than the occasional visit to romp with the neighbor's dog. Now, however, we're back in urban Bowmanville and Maverick has to learn that what you can do in the country doesn't necessarily necessarily cut it in the city. At the old place, squir rels were fair game. At the new place, critters on the neighbor's lawn are off limits. As a possible solution, the, new place has a system called Invisible Fencing to remind our four-legged friend to stay at home. The property is wired at the boundaries and, in combination with a collar worn by your pel, gives the animal a gentle shock to remind it not to pass the boundary. But, before I strap the collar on my best friend, 1 thought it might be a good idea to see how gentle this shock really is. I picked up the collar and headed for the edge of the property. property. The previous homeowner had warned me the collar would beep and the shock would intensify as you approach the wire. I touched the two contacts and...nothing. I walked back and forth across the wire...nothing. I tried the other side of the lot...nothing. This thing doesn't work. Maybe I have to hold it closer to the grooooundcd.,.ZAAAPPPPP! Holy lightning! 1 was knocked back six feet and my hands and arms started tingling. If you ever want secret information out of me, just strap on this collar and push me across the wire. A quick call to an Invisibly Fenced friend confirmed my stupidity. Apparently, there's a video and complete training guide that's mandatory before attempting to use the system. system. He claims it works well when used properly properly on dumb animals. I'm not sure whether he was referring to me or the dog.