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«NE beg VN a TE 20 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, April 2, 1985 John Howard Society: fighting crime They don't wear blue uniforms but two of Durham's finest law abiders do their darndest to fight crime beéfore it happens. Myrna Bayliss and Bev Fowler work for the John Howard Society of Durham Region and their latest, most press- ing task 1s making sure everybody knows about Criminal Justice Week, April 14th to 20th. Part of that task en- tails them making pit stops at newspapers throughout the Region, spreading the latest crime prevention ideas as they go. As a result, they walked through the doors of the Port Perry Star office on Wednes- day, armed with pam- phlets and an oversized blue folder they call the Awareness Kit "It's filled with all sorts of literature that we distribute in law classes, principal's offices, guidance offices or anywhere it might get read by young people," Bev Fowler explained, reaching into the folder and pulling out two booklets One is titled Involve- ment In Crime and lists five case histories of teenagers who found themselves on the wrong side of the law. "Carl received a $20 cheque for cutting his neighbour's yard," it reads. "On his Way to the bank, Carl met his friend Frank. Frank suggested that Carl should careful- ly change the cheque to $120, it would be easy enough to do. Carl took Criminal Justice the cheque home and told his parents about DEEGAN Denture Therapy Clinic 305 QUEEN STREET - PORT PERRY -- OPEN -- BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! 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And other topics are dealt with in separate pam- phlets, including vandalism. The booklets, however, are just a tool used by Myrna, Bev and their co- workers. The main thrust of their crime prevention work is done "through seminars given \ to public and high schools (as well as other community groups) throughout the region. 'We tell people how to prevent crime," Myrna said. "Most people assume the John Howard Society has to do with ex- offenders and it does, but there's more to it than that." Through slides, film presentations and ques- tion periods, "We're making people more aware of their respon- sibilities and accoun- tabilities in society," Bev added. "It hurts all of us when crime does happen. Let's make sure it doesn't happen." But crime amongst young people continues, despite the John Howard Society's best efforts. Still, its members say the crime prevention pro- gram does work, and does have a profound af- fect on many young peo- ple who are on the verge of committing a crime. SHOCKING Many of the films shown to students are of a shocking nature, graphicaly depicting the inside of jails. cour- trooms and other deten- tion centres. They clear- ly point out the penalties for breaking the law and more than that. they show the victims of crime "Offenders don't think of the victims of their crimes," Bev said "They have no thoughts of their victims having any feelings. They have their eyes opened up and will say things like, 'I had no idea About vandalism. she said, 'Vandalism will probably lead to a more serious crime. Statistics prove it. But we can tell potential vandals what before it ever happens it's like to be driven to Whitby jail and left there on hold without bail. We show them prison films and that really rocks their little socks off." "Some don't realize it's a crime. Others don't believe they'll get caught." The John Howard Society firmly believes that crime is less likely to happen if everyone has a job, regular money coming in, and a healthy dose of self-respect. Pat- terns show the vast ma- jority of criminals left school early, were beaten or battered as youngsters, and possess little or no self-respect. SELF-RESPECT One of the Society's many programs takes unemployed, frustrated men and women by the hand and shows them step by step how to secure a job. Job- hunting, resume writing, and appearance are all looked at and for those who don't have vehicles, Society volunteers will even drive them to interviews. '"Many of those people have come to me and said, Thanks, if it wasn't for you guys, 1 would have been forced to do a B and E. Or whatever," Bev said. "Self-respect has an awful lot to do with the criminal. And it's been proven that if you go in for a B and E (break and enter), your next offence will be armed." According.to Bev and Myrna's statistics, 80 per cent of those stuck in prison are there for non- violent crimes, and many of thnse 80 per cent are imprisoned for non- payment of fines. 'And they're not lear- ning anything in prison. It's not teaching them how to be more responsi- ble citizens or how to contribute more to socie- ty. It's a school for crime, that's what it is, and that's all prison teaches,' Bev said angri- ly. "It's an awful pro- cess. There's got be an alternative to that." For the John Howard Society, that alternative is crime prevention, cat- ching the frustrated, unemployed person before he or she breaks into a house NO CHARGE During Criminal Justice Week, the John Howard Society will ar- range speakers (anyone connected to the law in- dustry, including lawyers, jailers or Socie- ty members) to come to any community groups. No charge All they have to do 1s call Bev or Myr- na at 579-8482 "We'd hike to promote it because it does good work. Bev fimished "Something's got to be done to fight the high cost of crime - Bev Fowler (left) and Myrna Bayliss of John Howard Society _have been doing everything they can to plug the free programs of- fered by the Society during Criminal Justice Week, April 14th to 20th. For more information on what you or your community group can take advantage of, see story. Michelle was an inspiration (From page 17) Fibrosis victims and decreased the number of pills they must swallow to 20 a day as opposed to 100 only a few years ago. Michelle never gave up hope that someday, so- meone would find a cure. She watched her friends die, 20 in two years, suf- fered with them and found time to comfort them, before succumb- ing to the brutal disease herself. te You-couldn't help but love the skinny little kid with the indomitable spirit. Michelle's courage, especially dur- ing those last few agoniz- ing months when she fought with such guts and determination, in- spired hundreds to join in her battle. Many of the celebrities she met during that time will appear on the Kinsmen CF Radiothon on CKAR 1350, April 6. They include: Wayne Gretzky and Rocket Richard. Michelle was a HOSKINS STABLES SUMMER SCHOOL HORSMANSHIP COURSE July 2 to Aug. 23 Each course lasts for two weeks. Riding - Grooming Practical Horse Care & Management 416-986-5558 Car Pooling hockey fan- of Wayne Gretzky in particular! The - CF Radiothon, "The Fight of a Lifetime,' will be heard from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.- April 6th. It's made ALCAN SIDING KAYCAN SOFFIT VINYL SIDING J 5 per bon SOLD BY BOX ONLY 5 Seamless Eavestrough THERMAL WINDOWS Tits Bays Bows Casement may be available J - ALUVINU We Pay the Sales Tax! i. 105.00 er so 88.00 ser sq = 99.00 per sq SU 85.00 per sq. ALCAN SOFFIT... KAYCAN SIDING 176.00 NO RETURNS Storm Doors (stock only) RAINBOW ROOMS - ADDITIONS AWNINGS - SHUTTERS - CUSTOM FLASHINGS 15% DISCOUNT 985-3747 FOR FREE ESTIMATES Most Items in Stock COD Prices apply matenals picked up at our warehouse possible by the sponsor- ship of Labatt's and - Speedy Muffler King and the support of the Port Perry Kin Club, CKAR 1350 and The Port Perry Star. Chris & Mike Allen 88.00 (es 1.05 pert 99.00 25% Off uc 1s