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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25,1986 PAGE 11 These are some of the not-so-soft drinks which can be found at Whitby stores and which can be purchased by all ages. These low alcoholic beverages range from .4 percent to .95 percent alcohol by volume; Free Press Staff Photo Some soft drinks sold in stores not so soft By JAN DODGE Free Press Staff Some of the soft drinks sold in Whitby neighbourhood stores are not as soft as many consumers believe. On the shelves of some stores, next to the mineral water or the colas, consumers of any age may find low alcoholic beverages in cans and bottles which look more like those usually seen at Liquor Control Board stores. Chris Layton, a spokesman for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, said the act states that any beverage which is more than one percent by volume, or five percent by weight, is deemed to be beer or wine i.e. beverage alcohol. Con- sequently, beverages which contain below that level do not fall un- der the jurisdiction of L.C.B.0. and may be sold in any store. Low alcoholic beverages are not a new phenomenon. Near beers, such as Moussy, which contains .5 per- cent alcohol, have been around for a dozen years Layton said. However, Sarasoda, a carbonated citrus drink containing beer, which has .9 percent alcohol, is a more recent introduc- tion. It has been available for about eight months now, said Fabian Venier, a buyer for Oshawa Foods, sup- pliers to IGA, Food City and a number of small independent stores. Sarasoda, has recen- tly increased its adver- tising campaign. It is promoted as an adult drink, but CFTR, one of the radio stations which regularly airs its ads, is known to have a large youth following. A recent study in Lon- don, Ontario shows an average-sized seven- year-old could have im- paired balance, judgement, and agility after two bottles of such a beverage. For the seven-year-old two bot- ties would be equivalent to two average-sized drinks of Scotch for an average-sized adult, the study says. The Durham Board of Education, alerted by the O'Neil Collegiate Advisory Committee to a potential problem with low alcoholic beverages, has sent a letter of concern to the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations and is asking the Association of Large FIROM PG 10 School Boards to sup- port that position. To look at the availability of such drinks to Whitby con- sumers, the Free Press did a survey of five variety stores located near schools throughout the town, as well as a downtown grocery store. Sarasoda was not for sale at the M&S Mini Mart across from West Lynde Public School, but Goetz Beer, a de- alcoholized beer con- taining .4 percent alcohol, Henninger Ger- stel containing .5 per- cent alcohol, and Caesar's Shandy con- taining .95 percent alcohol was. Soo Jeung, owner of the store, said he was just trying out these beverages. The drinks sell mainly to adults, he said, not children. "For that much money (89 cents each) the can buy almost two Corridor Capers By MARY MCEAC(iERN Can 725-8967 with items for this column. VOLUNTEERS - WHITBY JAIL Volunteers are needed to assist the librarian weekly with the circulations, books and periodicals to the inmate corridors and also assist in general maintenance of the library. Two persons are urgen- tly needed for about two hours a week on Monday, Tuesday or Fridays. If you can spare one or two hours weekly, please call the librarian at the Whitby Jail and volunteer your services. WHITBY WOMEN'S INSTITUTE Whitby Women's Institute met May 29 at the home of the curator, Mrs. Eileen Polley, 221 Ritson Rd. S., Oshawa. The President, Mrs. Campbell, welcomed the members with the Institute Ode and the Mary Stewart Collect. The secretary, Mrs. Ac- ton, read the story of the year 1985-86. A resume of the years work. Treasurer, Mrs. Carr, reported a healthy balance in the treasury. The roll cal! - name the oldest ancestor you remember, showed that most of us recall our grandparents with fond memories. Mrs. Smith gave a report of the Ontario S. District Annual meeting held in Stouville May 20, where reports were given on the work of the bran- ches for the past year. Miss Ann Hankinson. rural organization specialist and Mrs. Luella Lewis. Federal Board representative gave an extensive report stressing the many changes which the Women's Institute face in the coming year There will be a picnic on July 8 for Ontario North and On- tario South at Uxbridge. Whitby Branch will have a program planning meeting at the home of the Secretary, Mrs. Acton,.215 Reedaire Crt. on July 9 at 1:30 p.m. Members of the executive and con venors are expected to attend. The curator. Mrs Polley, read an interesting paper comparing life in the early 1900 with the present day. Modern con- veniences have made housework for women and modern machinery and industrial equipment help the farmer and factory worker increase production. Radio, T.V., theatre, plays and concerts provide en- tertainment for persons of all ages. The next meeting of the Whitby Women's Institute will be a social time with lunch at the Magic Car on June 26 at 12:30 p.m. followed by a get-to-gether at Rotary Park in Whitby. Members please note change of date, NO DUMPING SIGNS The signs are back. For a while all signs had disappeared at the corner of Kendalwood and Burns Street. It was ripe for dumping garbage and that's exactly what happened. It is still an eyesore, but at least the garbage dumping has been lessened. Thanks to Joe Drumm for correcting the matter. Please call with items for the column. a man." Over the years she lias seen many changes in education, but she says students are still basically thesame. "They are bombarded by a lot of things which earlier students didn't have to contend with, but they still cry when they're hurt, and they're pleased when things go well. "Kids stay in school a lot longer now because schools are more specialized to look after kids with special needs." When she began teaching, Bain says, there were no provisions for the gifted, for students with behavioral problems, or with lear- ning difficulties. However, with Bill 82 these facilities are now in place. She also noted improvement in plant facilities and the increased availability of materials other than "just paper and books," such as science equipment. "Some students need visual materials because they dont ilearn just through their ears," shesavs. Bain, who earned her honors English degree at nights and during summer holidays while she was working as music consultant and vice principal, says teachers now need a bachelor of arts and of education before they can even hope for a teaching position. Although she admits that may have come about partly as a result of legislation and the glut of teachers, she says the real reason was "with the great advances in knowledge, teachers themselves had to be well educated." "Did you mention the award you got last week from the province?" asks the school' librarian. She hadn't. But after prompting says following a "delightful" retirement dinner given her recen- tly by her staff Peter Wiseman, a former superintendent of the Durham board now with the Ministry of Education, presented her with an award for outstanding contribution to education. Bain walks quickly through the corridors of Meadowcrest, greeting students by name, proudly pointing out a display of newspapers composed by the grade eight English class. She gives a word of praise or answers questions for staff members she meets on her way. She's a busy woman who ap- pears to have time for everybody. As principal of Meadowerest she has balanced the roles of educator, musician, wife, mother of one daughter. and grandmother to three grandchildren. Perhaps in retirement there will be more time for Joy Bain. Joy Bain retires