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Page 4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, June 10,1998 ®fie 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 Also Publishers of The ClaringtonICourtice Independent P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 Tel: 905-623-3303 HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Fax: 905-623-6161 Internet - statesman@ocna.org Publications Mail Registration No. 07637 For 144 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, Tyler Sellick, Jim Snock, James Stephenson, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Lavemc Morrison Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Supervisor - Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford, Libby Smithson Take Time For Seniors Ontario is the best place in Canada to be an older adult, enthused a member of the provincial cabinet last week. Cameron Jackson cited a number of pluses for seniors during a visit to Bowmanville last week to mark Seniors' Month in Ontario. He pointed to the increased budget for home care and the decision not to require a means test for older persons who require such care. There are also measures such as additional money to fund hip and knee replacement operations and cardiac care. More money has been set aside for new nursing home beds -- the first in about a decade or so. And, Jackson points out that some of the money saved by closing hospitals is being re-directed into funding that will help seniors. Like any member of the Mike Harris government, he's quick to point out that overall health care spending hasn't declined. In fact, it's up from $17.3 billion annually annually to $18.5 billion. ; There's even hope that new seniors' centres may benefit benefit from gambling casino proceeds. Funds from the casinos may help support the operation of Clarington's new centre on Beech Ave„ in Bowmanville. ; We're sure all this assistance is welcome and necessary necessary in a society whose elder citizens are a growing segment segment of the population. •; However, above the dollars and cents assistance, "there is one thing that many older adults require and that is the gift of time. This statement does not apply to all people who mistakenly wear the label of seniors. Some are more active than folks half their age. I But, for those who are of advanced years or for those Who are battling ill health, facilities and funding are not the only answer. They are just the beginning. • Very early in life, children require an immense investment investment of time from their parents, family, coaches, teach- 'ers and all who contribute to their well-being. And it seems to us that persons of advanced years also require a similar commitment. Unfortunately, it is not always available. Most people will agree there's a necessity for parents to spend time with their kids. Among frail seniors, there's not always such a general belief that help must be provided. Seniors -- and we are referring to those of advanced age or illness -- need people to visit, read, sing, play games, work on crafts, and generally provide those qual- dty-of-life "extras" that might not otherwise be available. Tîamily and. friends along with volunteers are already providing help in these areas. But, as any volunteer organizer organizer will tell you, it's just about impossible to have too much good volunteer help. This kind of one-on-one and small-group interaction is also something that cannot be made more efficient by technology or any other strategy. It takes time, pure and simple, to listen, to care and to act. So, in seniors month, we salute the accomplishments of an older generation which is still contributing to the community. We applaud those commitments of financial resources towards facilities which will contribute to the quality of life among seniors. But, we also.urge the community to spend the greatest greatest of all resources which is time. In other words, take time for those seniors who require it. Is GTSB the End Of Clarington? It wasn't too long ago -- 24 years to be exact -- that many Bowmanville residents were peeved to discover their independent municipality would be swallowed up by a new political entity then called The Town of Newcastle. And all of the former municipalities which formed Newcastle (later called Clarington) experienced a certain loss of identity. (That included the townships of Clarke and Darlington plus the village of Newcastle, Bowmanville and the Police Village of Orono.) With the latest announcements out of Queen's Park, we're seeing history repeat itself. Municipalities are getting bigger, with fewer elected representatives to serve the citizens. That means power will be concentrated in the hands of a few politicians and a small army of public servants. About a year ago, we saw the individual municipalities of Toronto merged into a single mega-city, despite the objections from a majority of citizens who voted in plebiscites on that question. Under the proposed new Greater Toronto Services Board, the same scenario will be played out, Only this time, municipalities will be merged into a mega-region. The GTSB is being formed to supposedly co-ordinate government in the Greater Toronto area. That GTA consists consists of Toronto and the many communities who share the 905 area code. Therefore, it might be argued that we will have three different levels of government. Namely, the GTSB, the regional municipalities and the municipalities within the regions. But don't bet on it. ' What's most likely is the disappearance of one level of government. If the aim of the GTSB is merely to make certain a highway through Toronto lines up with a highway through Durham or to generally attract industry to the Toronto area, there's no need for a formal government. The municipalities municipalities could do what they've done for years, ■ The GTSB looks like step one of a new level of government government to us, ; If that's the case, then we could see the entire Municipality of Clarington becoming nothing more than a ward in the next mega-government. One other unanswered question is whether Clarington would be obliged to become part of this system or sidestep it by cither joining nearby Northumberland County or becoming an independent municipality in its own right. If Clarington is merged into the GTA melting pot, then it will signal the final victory of urban sprawl over the tradition tradition of historic, self-directed communities, And, by the way, if Clarington were to escape the GTA merger, it might find itself cut off from opportunities such as jobs and industrial or commercial growth. Which makes the issue a difficult one to face. Taxpayers Should Prepare for a Second Tax Hit |.4X Regional Tax increase Letters to the Editor Objections to Development Of Cemetery Property The following letter from the local genealogical genealogical society has been sent to Whitby town council! On returning from the Annual Seminar of the Ontario Genealogical Society, we were absolutely absolutely appalled and angered to learn of actions taken regarding cemetery land in Brooklin, Ontario. We refer of course to the fact that two front lots have NORTHERN EXPOSURE EXPOSURE -- Our photographers photographers would appreciate directions to the nudist colony some folks in Northern Clarington seem to be aware of. We thought that trend faded out way back in the 70's. But seriously, folks. If anyone out there knows more about this aspect of life in Clarington, we'd appreciate a call. Of course, we'll understand if the colony is a little shy about publicity. THAT'S THE SPIRIT! -- How about those Canadian Tire employees employees who, despite strong winds and a tornado warning on Sunday morning, May 30, decided decided to board their 30- seater bike for the Heart & Stroke Foundation anyway? The Canadian Tire Flyers set off from the Bowmanville Mall just before their shift, refusing to disappoint supporters who lined the route along Church and King Streets. DID SOMEONE TRADE IN THEIR RABBIT? -- We hear that a black and white bunny has kept staff at Cowan Pontiac-Buick in Bowmanville hopping these last couple of days. Everyone is trying their luck at luring the furry little stray safely inside, Maybe he just wants a test drive in a Firebird. APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS -- Shovels could be in the ground as early as October to start construction on a 60-unit assisted living facility for seniors planned for the Wilinot Creek Community overlooking Lake Ontario. Insiders say, occupancy may be available by spring of 1999. been cleared for development development with the remainder of the cemetery to belong to the Town of Whitby. How can such a deal (and I do believe this is the correct word), have been planned, arranged and carried carried out without public knowledge by any Heritage groups, Genealogical societies, Cemetery organizations, libraries, museums, or local people? It is clear now that all facts must be laid open to the public and this travesty corrected. It is especially disappointing disappointing to sec that each party to the action decided to overlook the fact that any burial site, however small, is a hallowed spot and should not be disturbed disturbed in any unnecessary way. Challenge to Create "Lands You can be assured that we will do our utmost to stop any development on the cemetery land in question. question. Catherine Pickard, Oshawa Whitby' Branch Ontario Genealogical Society for Life" ! } Ttàmpssumgip challenge to aill of the interest groups and'individuals who care about the use of Ontario's public lands. I am challenging challenging them to demonstrate demonstrate leadership. Ontario is blessed with an abundance of natural wealth - open spaces, lakes, rivers, forests and wilderness. Much of these resources are found on the Crown land that covers 46 million hectares . of Ontario. This land provides provides habitat for plants and animals, parks for recreation recreation and protection and an economic base for Ontario residents who rely , on natural natural resources for their livelihood. Lands for Life is a broad public conversation about the future of our public lands. Lands for Life is led by people committed committed to Ontario's future and committed to having this process work. It is time now to resolve the old conflicts about public land use. Lands for Life is the right process to find the solution. } The Lands for Life Round Tables, the initial stage of public consultation, consultation, have exposed many conflicting and often predictable predictable positions. Broad public discussion often begins this way but arguments arguments and inflexibility will not build a consensus. To plan the future of our public lands we must set aside narrow self-interest self-interest and listen to the needs of others. I understand that it is not easy to set aside, even for a moment, a long held opinion. However, I believe it is essential that we make the extraordinary effort to be truly generous in our concern, not just for the future of the land, but also for the people who may not share our opinion. That is leadership. Leadership that will provide provide wisdom and generate consensus. Leadership that can provide for the sound stewardship of our land. Leadership that will map our future. My challenge to the interest groups and individuals individuals engaged in the Lands for Life process is to demonstrate this magnitude magnitude of leadership. We all need to help the Round Tables draft sound recommendations. recommendations. We all need to be part of the solution. Sincerely, John C. Snobelen Minister of Natural Resources Thank you For Caring To the Editor: Fifteen years ago my husband and I decided to build our home across from Enniskillen Public School. The first few years we lived in Enniskillen, 1 paid little attention to the school as our children were not of school age, Finally our daughter started J.K. and we became part of the school community. For the past ten years 1 have watched our children walk across the road and go to school at E.P.S. I have waved to them many times as they were going to or coming in from recess. I have enjoyed having my attention taken away from my gardening gardening or the hanging of Christmas lights to respond to a cheery hello from either a teacher or student. . This year, our son moves on to senior public school and our ten year association with E.P.S. will come to an end. To Mrs. Howell, Mrs. Little, Mrs. Bennett, thank you for all the wonderful stories you have read to our children over the years. Your love for books, which you shared with our children is a gift that will last a lifetime. * Mr. Bedford, our children enjoyed being in your class so much I don't think they realized how much they truly learned from you. Ms. McPhee, your love for children is so obvious through the patience and kindness you show to each and every child. Mr. Crawford, your talent at the piano goes unmatched. Madame Van Camp, turning the school gym into a French Cafe one school day/night per year is a fabulous event for the children to be involved in. Continued on page 5 He's Back! John Veldhuis rolled into Bowmanville about 3:30 on Saturday afternoon, following a year-long tour that took him 16,000 kilometres. John has proven time and time again that he is persistent persistent in all that lie tackles, tackles, including environmental environmental issues. Veldhuis staged a hunger strike in front of the gates leading to the low-level radioactive waste management facility facility outside of Port Granby during the summer summer of 1991. He wanted the government to begin moving on talks to take the waste away. There were, and still arc, fears it will erode and fall into Lake Ontario. And Veldhuis was active in the campaign campaign against the radioactive waste since the late 1970s. His cycling from Bowmanville, through the United States, and back again, is just one of the many actions people will remember him for. And, of course, students students from Haiti will benefit from the funds lie raised to help them study at a Canadian university. John is one character who makes Clarington unique. You never know what lie is going to tackle next. Psst. We think it may be a book this time. And it should prove to he interesting. Tfrrkcys Spent an interesting late morning/early afternoon on Sunday up at the Gannraska Forest Education Centre listening to men and women talk turkey.. .wild turkeys that is. This reporter must admit to never being a hunter, although I have enjoyed fishing for Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi River. I had a friend in college, Arn Conklin, who is a sur- vivalist. He could survive in the woods without what we call the basics because lie knew lie could rely solely on himself to provide whatever whatever he needed. He was (and is) an interesting person to talk to, with a different perception on life. Imperial Oil Review I don't know if the regular reading public is able to get their hands on the Imperial Oil Review. But, if you can, give it a read. The writing is good and the photos and graphics arc excellent. They bring to life to all six of the articles articles I perused. The story I found the most interesting so far (the magazine only came across my desk on Monday afternoon) is Rebirth of the Community Theatre, by Douglas Fcthcrling. The article takes us from, the wonderful Imperial Theatre in Saint John, New Brunswick, to the Orphcum Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Ontario's own atmospheric theatre built in this century. century. The pictures take you back to the old glories ol gold leaf, and sumptuous coloured paint of deep reds, blues and colours in between, There is something to be said about preserving the past to be used in the present and relained for the future.