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PLEASE CALL US Story or picture idea: 549-2012 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Information is the hallmark of democracy" The message of Christmas... NO BIRTH in the history of mankind has been recounted more often down through the ages, especially at this time of the year, than the birth of the Christ Child. : His crude manger still stands in the minds of men as a stark testimony that Christianity was indeed cradled in adversity for there was not even room for Him to be born in an inn but in a lonely, cold stable almost 2,000 years ago. On that first Christmas Eve little did anyone know in Bethlehem or beyond that soon their Messiah would be born: "For behold a virgin shall be with child and bring forth a son and they shall call him Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us." Again at this busy Christ- mas season do we revel and rejoice as the spirit of goodwill again pervades our world. Homes are radiant. Hearts are glad and for the moment, dull winter days are filled with happiness, peace and joy. That's the message and spirit of Christmas. It's a simple message but we believe, and there's very good reason to believe, that _ this message will live in the hearts and minds of men and women as long as time itself shall last. ESPSS program | augurs well THE RECENT PROGRAM of guest speakers on the proposed Canadian con- stitution presented to students at Ecole Secondaire Penetanguishene Secondary School, has generated much interest among students and for that reason alone could be highly commended, but there are other positive aspects to the program. For example, the high level of interest shown by students, as indicated: by the numbers taking part and by their probing questions contradicts the often espoused argument that people in general, and young people particularly, are apathetic. Furthermore, the thought- provoking questions raised by the students, their articulate expression of feelings and their unwillingness to accept generalizations as a response, indicates much more than a mere surface knowledge of the issue and suggests a real sense of responsibility to themselves to understand the significance of a new con- stitution. Perhaps they already realize what all guest speakers have taken pains to point out; it's the students' generation and their descendants' which will most be affected by any constitution and charter of rights decided upon in Ottawa. If such is the case, it augurs well for them and their community. A politically knowledgeable and politically involved citizen is the most valuable resource any community may possess and if some of the ESPSS students can carry their en- thusiasm into their adult lives, their communities will be hetter for it. The Midland Times Second Class Mail Registration Number 3194 The Penetanguishene Citizen Second Class Mail Registration Number 2327 The Elmvale Lance Second Class Mail Registration Number 0991 -- Published every Wednesday by Douglas Parker Publishing Ltd i -- 309 King Street, Midland, Ontario. 526-2283. Publisher - Douglas Parker J. Douglas Reed, managing editor Christine Mackey, Elmvale editor One Year Subscriptions (carrier delivered) $13.00 One Year Subscriptions (by mail) $14:00 U.S.A. and Foreign $30.00 per year Member, Ontario Weekly Newspaper Association and Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Member of Audit Bureau of Circulations Page4 Monday, December 22, 1980 N SSN nny Our readers say... ae : ' : is are Joel we © See ANE: Unhappy with ticket-spitter , etc Dear Sir: For many many years our summer vacation were spent in the Georgian Bay area. Naturally, we did most of our shopping in Midland, and we're always impressed with the friendly service from the local merchants. So much so that we decided to retire in this area. Unfortunately, last year we had an unpleasant experience with a meter maid, (a ticket for parking three minutes overtime). The latest incident occurred last week. After parking my car and sloshing several feet to the ticket spitter, then retracing my steps through the slush, then forgetting to get the ticket validated, and vowed no more downtown shop- ping. The downtown businessmen and city fathers should get together immediately and remove all parking restrictions before the majority of shoppers become accustomed to shopping in the Mall on 27th Highway. Once they are driven away it will be difficult to get them back. Very truly yours, C. Biugley. Wants OHIP to cover these items Dear Editor: I have just introduced into the Ontario Legislature a Private Member's Bill which, if passed would provide for the coverage, under OHIP, of breast prosthesis and _ brassieres prescribed by a physician. Many women who have undergone mastectomies cannot afford the cost of prosthesis or brassieres which can run as high as $200.00. Other provinces provide coverage for this under their medical insurance programs and there is no reason why Ontario should not do likewise. It is difficult for a woman to face the psychological trauma of having a breast removed. She should not have her problem increased by the A Contact wish to you 526-9333 Tam the peace of Christmas time that makes all hearts seem lighter, I am the feeling of Christmas time that makes the whole world brighter, I am the warmth of Christmas time that brings such joy to giving. ~ I am the glow of Christmas time that adds so much to living, Iam the light of Christmas time that shines from the Star above, I am the hope of Christmas time for I am the spirit of love. Katherine Davis. Merry Christmas from the staff of Contact, Mary, Marion and Barb. fact that she cannot afford to purchase the necessary prosthesis and or brassiere. Prosthesis are made from different materials. The heavier forms, filled with silicone gel or thick liquid are more expensive than lighter foam rubber and polyester filled varieties, but they give better balance, assume body temperatures, and fee] more natural. Each woman is different, and so are her in- dividual needs; therefore, it is important that she be fitted with a prosthesis by a trained mastec- tomy fitter and that she be given a choice of styles and sizes to make certain that she obtained a fitting that is comfortable and looks good. This accounts for the high costs. I have received a number of favourable com- ments from members of all three political parties since introducing the Bill yesterday. I have written a letter to the Hon. Dennis Timbrell, Minister of Health, asking him to im- mediately implement my Bill rather than waiting for it to come up for debate in the Legislature months from now. Ed Philip, MPP (NDP) Etobicoke What's Your Opinion? The Midland Times, The Penetanguishene Citizen and Elmvale Lance welcome.Letters to the Editor. They must be legible, signed, (by hand) and carry the writer's address and telephone number for verification purposes. Pen names are not allowed and anonymous letters will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity, good taste and libel. It should be noted letters that are typewritten and brief have the best chance of being published. gett eR RR Ewe