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

PAGE 10, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1982, WHITBY PREE PRESS 0111 Report frm Queen' s Paùrk LII- By The Hon. George Ashe, MPP (PC - Durham West) Ontario Minister of Revenue Ministry am to strengthen famly As I indicated a few weeks ago, I have been high- lighting some of the activities of the various provin- cial government ministries. This week I would like to touch upon a few of the more positive programs of the Ministry of Community and Social Services. The strengthening of the family and the encour- agement of individual self reliance - these are some of the positive goals of the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services. Through its various programs for both adults and children, for those in financial need, for the disabled and mentally retarded; this ministry is attempting to help Ontarians take better advantage of their own strengths to become responsible, contributing members of the community. By providing support to those who show need, commumty and social services helps people who cannot adequately support themselves to maintain a fair income and meet family commitments. Through this support,;those in need have the oppor- tunity to better their condition. In recent years, the ministry has made a priority of providing services for children so that our young people have the chance to grow up in a healthy, sti- mulating environment. But as well as concerning itself with the needs of the young, community and social services adminis- ters programs for senior citizens. One way in which senior citizens are encouraged to get active in the community is the Skills Link program which brings together the elderly in the cominunity who have a trade or skill which they still wish to practice. Through Skills Link these motivat- ed individuals are introduced to seniors who need their help, whether it be in household repairs or guidance with official forms. For single parents, the Ministry of Community and Social Services provides a positive program of counselling and support which involves local social service agencies and day care facilities. The ministry helds divorced mothers receive adequate separation allowances from their ex-husbands so they can raise their families without resorting to payments from the ministry. In other fields, community and social services provides counselling for those looking for job retraining and on-the-job instruction. To assist handicapped and mentally retarded peo- ple who show both the ability and the determination to work in the community, the ministry has set up vocational traimng programs and group homes to help with the adjustment to life in the working world. Group homes have come under a bit of controver- sy recently; however, studies indicate - these facilities are not only of great benefit to their resi- dents, they also have little, if any, impact on the neighbourhood in which they are located. Residents of group homes are carefully screened to ensure they are ready for a responsible life in the community. In addition, group homes demand a high standard of conduct from their residents and this standard is rigorously enforced. I think former Premier John Robarts hit the nail on the head when he said "equality of opportunity and freedom to take advantage of opportunity" should be one of the guiding principles of govern- ment. Ontario's Ministry of Community and Social Ser- vices is in the business of providing opportunity to those who have shown need and a responsible atti- tude toward themselves, their commitments and the community at large. If you would like any additional information about the multitude of programs administered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, please contact my constituency office at 37 Station Plaza, Ajax, telephone 683-6707. Drum will ask for issue to be on ballot CONT'D FROM PG. 5 asked whether or not he would. "This has an effect on what ple think," he continued, "People should have the opportu- nity to say yes or no." Drumm also said that when council recon- venes, he will be bring- ing the matter for consi- deration. 1I certainly will be asking council to have it on the ballot." However, Attersley has a supporter on this issue in North Ward Councillor Ross Batten who said that he would not support having nuclear disarmament on the ballot. "As far as I'm con- cerned the people of Whitby elect me to dis- cuss municipal issues,". he said adding "I do not feel it's a local issue - it's a federal issue." When asked whether he -would support the proposition, Regional Councillor Gerry Emm said that he would, although he has many of the reservations ex- pressed by both Atter- sleyand Batten. The Free Press was unable to contact the remaining three mem- bers of the Whitby Town Council for comment. Toastnstress Club is preparing for new year By JEAN MARTIN Whitby Toastmistress Whitby Toastmistress Club begins another ac- tive year, September 7, 1982. Meetings will be held the first and third Tues- day of every month, at the Earl of Durham Restaurant, 227 Brock Street South, Whitby. Dinner for the first meeting is $7. This price is subject to change. Greetings .and fellow- ship begin at 6 p.m., the dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. Whitby Toastmistress Club members belong to one of the largest non- profit education organi- zations in the world. Membership is open to adults 18 years and over without restriction to sex, race, creed or nationality. The club's purpose is educational, based upon skill in communication, leadership training, organizational tech- niques, and self develop- ment. Members encour- age and assist one another in acquiring the self confidence needed to practice and speak publicly. Addressing a large audience is only one form of public speaking. Interviews, meetings, grievances and inquir- ies are examples of situations requiring self confidence and the ability for self expres- sion. Membership of a club is limited to 30 members in order to provide maximum opportunity for individual participa- tion. • Minimum club mem- bership is 12. The fee for new members is $38, and the renewed annual membership fee is now $33. Persons interested in attending a meeting, or wanting more informa- tion please call Jean Ma•tin at 668-4916 or Betty Dubowski at 668- 864. FLEAMARKET The Fourth Whitby Scouting Group will hold its bi-annual flea mar- ket and garage sale on Saturday, September 18 (rain date September 25) at Henry Street High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors may rent a double space for $15. For more information call 6687576, 668-4369 or 668-6949. I &*I I * I INFORMATION CENTRE Proposed Noise Barrier - North Side of Hlghway 401 Lynde Creek easterly 0.95 km wlthln the Town of Whitby The Ministry of Transportation and Communica- tion invites you to attend an Information Centre on the proposed NoiseBarriers. 'Public Information Centres are inforimaI meetings where plans that have been developed will be available for review by area residents: The Information Centre will be heid at: Municipal Building 575 Rossland Road East (corner Rossland Road & Brock Street) Whitby, Ontario Wednesday, September 8,1982 f rom 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For further information, please contact: Mr. G. J. Smolskis, Project Manager Ministry of Transportation and Communications Planning and Design Section Central Region 5000 Yonge Street Willowdale, Ontario M2N 6E9 Télephone (416) 224-7555 1 -