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

The Ontario Provincial Police and the Elmvale Fire Department had to be called in Wednesday after a gas Evacuation break were evacuated, however, workmen repaired the damaged main. main began leaking. Several homes in the area of the Each spring town employees can be seen bustling about getting Midland's parks in shape for another summer of use. They cut grass, burn leaves, paint picnic tables and perform any number of tasks to maintain Midland's high reputation for clean, inviting parklands. There is, however, one spring activity town employees have to per- form they and their superiors wish didn't have to be done. That activity is repairing damage to park lands and fixtures caused during the winter months by vandals. Every spring, as town employees make the rounds of Midland's parks, they come across incidents of senseless destruction--destruction which accomplishes nothing, but increasing the municipal tax burden. According to parks superintendent Harold '""Mac" McAllen, the problem of vandals in Midland's_ parks is becoming __ increasingly aggravating. "Tt really gets to me. e e BO a ew dividuals who try to take away what we've done to beautify the parks for the entire community and our summer guests," he said in an interview. "What we do is for the benefit of the entire community, but some individuals find it amusing to destroy. If they'd just take time to think what they're doing costs them money, they'd probably think twice about doing it." The main object of vandals' thoughtlessness is Little Lake Park, says Mr. McAllen. Although damage to the park this winter was less than last year, when valdals systematically destroyed every light in the park's camping area, there was still enough damage inflicted to have parks employees shaking their heads in disbelief and frustration. A partial inventory of the damage done by vandals over the winter justifies the parks em- ployees' consternation. Vandals knocked off cement balls from the top of stone pillars at the head of a stairway--the same. stairway, _ in- Elizabeth was _ once photographed on. They smashed the benches on 14 picnic tables, and twisted their metal frames. They tore shutters off of both ticket booths in the park, and kicked in the doors. They broke padlocks off the door of a storage area, and strew Midland Minor Baseball League equipment over the floors.~ They broke into washrooms and punched cubicle panels out. They lifted stone caps from stairwells, and left stone flower beds near the park concession booth in a state of disarray. They drove motor- cycles and possibly even cars up a steep em- bankment, gouging large ruts in 'the hillside lawn. The list goes on, and with each addition, the cost of repairing the damage increases. Parks' crews have repaired most of the damage incurred over the winter. Mr. McAllen has no estimate on how much the repairs have cost. He says, however, it will probably amount to less than last year, when taxpayers shelled out between three and four thousand dollars to bring the park back to the condition they had been in before the winter. The solution to the problem? Mr. McAllen admits, frankly, that it has him perplexed. "J don't know what the solution is. I guess if they just realized the cost in tax dollars to themselves and to their parents they probably wouldn't do these things, or at least think twice about doing it,' Mr. McAllen said. Midland Police Chief Ernie Bates agrees that the only way to curb park vandalism is to press home the fact that such pointless activity hurts everyone, including the vandals. : He says the police have a difficult time patrolling the park during the winter, because it is so large and heavy snowfalls make parts of it inac- cessible. "It's an open public park and it's used all wihter long by skiers, snowmobilers and skaters," the police chief said. "You get some rowdy individuals down there and they start breaking stuff and we can't get to them. W don't have an snowmobiles so. ou patrols are limited." The public must be made aware of the costs of park vandalism, Chief Bates said. "If half these people realized that it's their tax dollars that are paying for the damage, they -might think a little bit about what doing."' they're We care about your fur..... and we will follow your identally, that Queen wishes exactly. Mr. Voorzanger will personally Police evacuate Elmvale homes after gas leak by Judy French Ten homes on Queen Street East, in Elmvale, were evacuated on Wednesday morning by Elmvale OPP after a natural gas main was broken by construction workers. Merv Robertson, an employee of Guild Electric Company from Toronto, was operating a backhoe, digging a trench to lay the lines needed to supply electrical services to the new subdivision of Ambercrest, when the machine struck and broke the main gas line into the construction zone The OPP were called Wandering youth returns A 13-year-old youth missing from Browndale #Homes on the Old Fort 'Road._since. . Wednesday, has been found. According to a spokesman from Browndale on Midland Avenue, no information can be released on the child or the cir- cumstances of his disappearance and the area was blocked off. The Elmvale fire department was called in and brought their fire truck to the scene as a precautionary measure. Both OPP officers and firemen began quickly clearing residents out of the houses in the im- mediate area. Those with natural gas heating were asked to switch off their furnaces as an added safety measure. A repair crew from Consumers' Gas arrived on the scene within the hour and the pipe was quickly capped, allowing residents to return to their homes safely. If you have been thinking about CARPETING we have the SAVINGS - you have been looking for. See our Special Supplement in this week's Friday Times, and Citizen. THOMPSON'S FURNITURE Burlington Look RED TAG SALE Factory Endorsed SAVINGS for a limited time only e REPAIRS call today FINE attend to your fur, and offers his years of experience for e ALTERATIONS 'e INSURED STORAGE 526-2012 FURS and Ladies' War 244 King St. Midland Town Centre OLYMPIA SPORTS. 526-6003 559 Bay St., Midland When you're looking for speed, climb into flying machines by Bauer. From the makers of the famous Bauer skates comes a great line of athletic footwear. Tomorrow's shapes, tomorrow's shades with all the lightweight, durable features to make you really fly. Tomorrow's shoes here today. BALW/ESe | Performance that runs ahead of time. Yamaha YZ125 This mid-size dirt bike will handle anything you dream up. New chrome-moly steel frame and more MIDLAND CYCLE 620 Bay St. 526-7751 When you know how they're built. PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES REASONABLE is RATES 2 @ Rudolf LE QOMANN REALTY LIMITED REALTOR te 3O3 MIDLAND AVENUE ee MIDLAND 526-6461 \ ATHENIAN BANQUET HALL 237 Second Street (aa) eat MIDLAND AS eas 526-5231 01 526-2721 a whi, > : ~ Complete Catering 1, + --.\ ri See oa: @ WEDDINGS @ BANQUETS @ MEETINGS @ CLUB SERVICE @ BIRTHDAY PARTIES e@ ANNIVERSARIES DISC JOCKEYS ARE OUR BUSINESS! tee aed merv buchanan sound 30x 471, Midland, Ontario (705) 526-5013 Barrie, Collingwood, Midland and Orillia. Midland and District Community Calendar Saturday, April 29 --Tulip Tea and Bake Sale will be held at the Vasey United Church, sponsored by the Women's Institute from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29 --The Nurses Alumnae will hold their Spring Rum- mage Sale in St. Margaret's Hall, doors open at 9:30 a.m. All welcome. Saturday, April 29 --I.0.D.E. Annual Spring Sale in St. Mark's Parish Hall, corner of Third and Easy Streets. Attic treasures and nearly new departments. Doors open at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29 --The C.B.O. Parks and Recreation is having a Card Party at the Surf, Balm Beach at 8:30 p.m. Come and bring your friends and play whatever card game you choose. Refreshments will be served. May 2 --Penetanguishene Co-operative Nursery School will be holding Open House and Registration for three and 'four-year-olds who wish to be registered for September 1978. Registration on May 2 and 4th from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Notice --Commencing May 2, 1978, the St. John Ambulance Brigade is offering a Home Nursing Course to anyone interested in learning the basic home nursing techniques. For further information please contact 526- 2673 (evenings) or 534-3519. Monday, May 8 --The HDH Auxiliary "Spring Fashion Show" and dessert bridge will be held at St. Paul's United Church, 1:30 p.m. For tickets, please call Mrs. Barbara Thompson (526-7175), conve ner Mrs. Tom Mc- Cullough or president Mrs. Tom Luke. Bridge players are reminded to bring their own cards. Wednesday, May 10 --PSS presents the Annual Spring Concert featuring Junior and Senior bands, dance orchestra at 8 p.m. in the School Gym. Tickets available at the door. Friday, May 12 --Ladies Auxiliary for the Mentally Retarded will hold a Rummage Sale 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the IOOF Hall, Midland. For pick-up of good saleable items phone 549- 8452 or 526-7239. Everyone welcome. Saturday, May 13 --Monster Garage Sale--10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Midland Civic Centre, sponsored by the Midland Jaycees. Call Contact centre at 526-9333 regarding pick-up of donations. Saturday, May 13 --U.C.W. of St. Paul's United Church, King Street, Midland, will be having a Rummage Sale. Doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13 : --The Civinettes will be holding a Flea Market at the Parkside Inn. Anyone wishing to donate call 526-6019, 526-9814 or 534-7816. Saturday, May 13 -- Huronia Barbershop Chorus Spring Show - "Forty Years of Harmony"' will be held at Penetanguishene Secondary School at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 14 --The Third annual Flea Market, sponsored by Historical Automobile Society of Canada, Huronia region. Held at the Penetanguishene Curling Club, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For information contact Gord Maybee, 325-3011 or John Magill 526-4921. Monday, May 15 --The Midland District Shrine Club is holding their Annual Shrine Circus at the Midland Centennial Arena, King Street, with two performances, one at 4:30 p.m. and the second one at 8:15 p.m. May 17 --All Saints Anglican Church, Penetanguishene, ACW Annual Spring Dinner, May 17. Two servings, 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets: call 549-7295 or 549-8856. Thursday-Saturday, May 18-20 and May 25-27 --Huronia Players present "Once Upon a Mattress", a musical, directed by Lynn Gorell, at Sacred Heart School, William and Elizabeth Streets, at 8 p.m. Lynn Gorell directed last season's play, "Paint Your Wagon'"'. May 27 --ACW Rummage Sale May 27, 12:30 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church, Peel Street, Penetanguishene. Saturday, June3 --Third Annual Vasey United Church auction sale will be held at Vasey Community Park, County Road 23. This outstanding auction sale includes homemade quilts, dishes, antiques, and numerous articles donated by the residents of the area. Time--12:30 p.m. June 9, 10, 11 --Yoga Retreat--enjoy a relaxing weekend on beautiful Beausoleil Island. Workshops offered include Beginners and Advanced Hatha Yoga, Massage Therapy and Meditation. For information call Janet Phillips 361-2196. Saturday, June 10 --Miscellaneous auction sale will be held at Waverley Park, sponsored by Waverley United Church. Saturday, June 17 --Centennial Dance at the Midland Civic Centre. Two dance bands, Modern and Dixieland. For tickets phone 526-9636. Door prize. " Saturday, June 24 The Fourth Midland Scouting Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Book Sale at Zellers. Anyone wishing to contribute books can drop them off at Curry's Gas Statjon, Zellers, A and P, or call 526-6833 or 526-7909 for pick-up. Notice ; -- We are looking for persons to help in the organization of Midland's Centennial Parade on J uly 1. Please phone Ted at 526-7172. --Organizers are invited to publicize their upcoming events free of charge in the Times Community Calendar. Please call the Community Calendar editor at 526-2283 or drop your message into the Midland Times office, 525 Bay Street. in-the-Spring Sale |. Wild Oats 75 THE PLACE Midwinter What better way to celebrate Spring than 25% off 20 piece and 45 piece sets of the Midwinter Oven-to-Tableware Collection? Moon Sun Earth 20 pce. Reg. 85.00 | NOW 6377 Reg. 65.00 NOW 48° Creation Day Night SETTING 711 YONGE STREET (at 6TH ANO YONGE) MIOLAND, ONTARIO TELEPHONE (705) 526-8523 1% blocks east of the %t4-26042 Morel 526-2219 321 You'll soon need Perrin's Flower Shop es King St., Midland 526-7844 &, ' «+ TO BEAUTIFY YOURHOME | Call the experts at P MI THE GRAND OLE OPRY SHOW IN (OSHAWA) CANADA Star Studded Castincludes Archie Campbell J Stonewall Jackson @ Minnie Pearl Roy Drusky e Ronnie Robbins Sat. April 29 / 78 - Two performances Departs: Simcoe Cty. - approx. 11:00 a.m For Tickets and informationcall: 526-5438 835-3011 428-3136 @ use this ad for a 10 per cent discount 2 p.m. and8 p.m. and 5 p.m. .M.C.L. TOURS ° DLAND BARRIE COLLINGWOOD