WHITBY FREE PRESS, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1973, PAGE 7 KALNINS ON ...0 OSHAWA FIREF'IGHTERS 19 YEARS BEHIND M.D.A.C. and battle stili far from won PAUL RIMSTEAD The name sounds familiar. Right? Yes, you're absolut- ely right, if you follow the editorial pages of The Toronto Sun. About two years ago I was fortunate (or perhaps unfortunate) enough to meet Paul Rimstead when he was living. in Pickering Township and working for the now defunct Toronto Telegram. But, when Tely ceased public- ation, Paul was picked up by The Toronto Sun. In the last two years, give or take a few months, Rimstead has become the most talked about newspaper columnist in Toronto. As a matter of fact, he is so popular these days through his daily column that many people are starting to ask questions. Well, you know, questions like: what does he look like? Is it true that most of his time is spent in local bars and rest- aurants? .Can he play the drums well? Does he really like horse races? What happened to his wife? And, does he ever sleep? Probably, there are a lot more unanswered questions about Paul Rimstead, the Sun's mystery n- . To me, however, there is nothing mysterious about Paul Rimstead and his never-ending antiques. Knowing the man for some time, I'm willing~to spill a few beans -just to satisfy the curiosity which abounds, even here in Whitby. Right off the bat, I must say that Rimstead has been overrated by his fans and news editors alike. He's not always easy to read. The style (like Rimstead himself) is unpredictable. And, I'm happy to report that Mr. Rimstead makes as many grammatical errors in his column as 1, except that English is not my native tongue and besides English I speak several other languages. Often, P.R.'s columns are filled with trash. But, most of the time he is highly entertaining. Rimstead is at his best when he writes about subjects he knows littie about - like horse races, high finance, women's lib and the people he works for. The secret of Paul's succ- ess is quite simple: he sticks to life's "little" things which include some of the most fascinating characters: gamblers, prostitutes, men on skid-row, office crowd, people from all walks of life. The formula seems to be always the same: simple, crisp, slightly whimsical and off-base. Rimstead is a master manipulator of people and events. But, i'm sure, he does it with a slight twinkle in his eye. On numerous occasions I have talked to Paul about his work. He enjoys listening to my questions. But, seldom, is he able (or willing) to provide me with the answers. Most of his columns are written SOMEWHERE in Toronto. Usually, they arrive at the Sun's office close to a deadline. Sometimes it takes two trips (poor taxi drivers!) to get his column in on time and in one piece Many times, the column will never reach the paper. Instead, you'll find an announcement in the next morning's Sun: "Mr. Rim- stead's horoscope told him it wasn't a good day for writing". Rimstead, being a sensitive man, is aware that his employers often poke fun at him. He also knows that many of the things he does for the paperare frowned upon by his superiors. Further he realizes that many times his talents are not being fully recognized. However, there is nothing he can do about it. Like most of us, he has to face monthly bills for survival. Rebelling would mean the end of his writing career - at least for the Toronto Sun. Along with many other Fire Fighters, we have witnessed many healthy-looking young boys waste away before fin- ally being claimed by this killer, Muscular Dystrophy.. Each year, and each victim, have added more determin- ation and desire to find the necessary money for research and a cure. We've known and seen many doctors and other dédicat- ed people working patiently with these victims, always encourageing and always gracious with their continuing praise of our efforts. Our present Chairmen have taken a leading part since the beginning, when we were pleased and satisfied with a few hundred dollars for several weeks' effort by a committee and a few hundred hours of door-to-door canvassing by uniformed off-duty Fire Fighters. As we grew in experience from our first-hand acquain- tance with some of the early victims, our campaigns grew in size, until by 1960 we were knocking on every door in our Annual Blitz, and the average campaign goals reached $6,000.00. Year after year, we sent our men out into the snow armed with their receipt books and M.D. leaflets and their smiles. There were a good many days when the damp cold of November made it hard to smile' and articulate those awkward words: "Would you like to make a dona- tion in aid of Muscular Dystrophy". After each campaign, the committees would make their report, and always include suggestions for improving the campaign and making the organization a little stronger than before. Many of our members and the friends who helped us canvas in the later years became discourages as the weather, combined with the timing of our campaign immediately following, and mostly overlapping, the Red Feather Drive, kept the receipts well below what we felt was a reasonable return for the effort expended. Over the years, there have been a growing number of assists by small groups of child- ren with their backyard sales and Rec Room productions to draw a few more dollars for the cause. The newspapers and radio stations have been most gen- erous with their stories and coverage and these, together with an every household Mailing Campaign, finally, we believe, have carried the message to every citizen of this ar- ea. M.D. Committees have tried every way they could conceive to add a few more precious dollars: - They've run 50-50 draws - Raffled off boats and skidoos - Conducted toll gates at major Shopping Marts - Entered Floats in every parade - Manned Booths at Fairs - Provided Speakers at almost every conceivable type of Meeting. And each succeeding Campaign was just a little better than its predecessors. Last Campaign produced a record total of $13,000.00, to bring our grand total to date to $21,000.00. And now for the BIG ONE - The current Chairman, SID MERINGER, backed by the previous Chairman, DON THOM, have undertaken a really big chore. They've purchased a new $40,000.00 Armstrong home on a $15,000.00 lot, and have added a 1974 Chevelle and a concrete Swimming Pool for a Grand Prize. The Draw will be made at the Provincial Convention to be held in Oshawa in June of 1974 and it is our wish and, we believe, that ticket sales will produce in excess of $100,000.00 net proceeds for M.D.A.C. TB & RD Association The Management Comm- ittee of the Ontario County TB and RD Association, with several executive council me- mbers in the surrounding ar- ea, were guests at a dinner meeting November 12th at the home of Mrs. J.C.W. Irwin, Whitevale. Health Education Comm- ittee chairman, Mrs. R.V. Sheffield, reported that there are 5 baby-sitting courses in progress in Whitby, Port Per- ry and Oshawa, with approx- imately 130 children enrolled. Mrs. Sheffield also stated that numerous requests for health education literature are being received from nurses in train- ing, doctors and physical ed- ucation teachers. Mrs. W.J. Armstrong, Rehabilitation ch- airman said the committee would meet after Christmas to discuss a possible adult physical conditioning course for patients suffering from asthma and emphysema. Mrs. E.A. Collins, executive direct- or, told the members that two additional "filling bees" had been held after the an- nual "filling bee", October 17th. About 64,000 Christ- mas Seal envelopes have been mailed. Mrs. Collins was happy to report that returins are coming in much faster than last year. The committee passed a resolution recommending to the Ontario TB and RD Ass- ociation that Ontario County TB and RD Association's bo- undaries be amended to coin- cide with those of the new Durham Region which takes effect January 1, 1974. The change will mean the loss of Rouge Hill and West Rouge to the west and Brechin. Gamebridge, Atherley, Long- ford Mills and Rama to the north. The changewill give a population of approximately 220,000. A minimum wage of $2. an hour for employees in general industry will be ef- fective January 1, 1974. The new minimum rate will apply to all employees except stu- dents under the age of 18. The student rate will be $1.65 per hour. The minimum rate for construction employees will increase to $2.25. The following amendments will be made to The Employ- ment Standards Act: Ali employees will receive four statutory holidays wi- th pay: Good Friday, Dominion Day, Labour Day and Christmas Day in 1974. This provision will be extended to include New Year's Day, Thanks- giving Day and Victoria Day on January 1, 1975. Effective January 1, 1975 a premium rate of one and a half times regular rate will be required for all hours worked in excess of 44 hours per week. Employees will be entiti- ed to two weeks annual vac- ation with pay after 1 year of employment. If you con afford on economy car you con afford Midway Datsun's new luxury car 610 MIDWAY DATSUN'S NEW LUXURY NUMBER "superbly appointed int Witl1 room for five" "tinted glass, all around" erior f Test drive the 670hardtop, 4-doorsedan "foi or 5-door wagon, Taooy at: "u MIDWAY DATSUN LTD. 1300 DUNDAS E. WHITBY 668-6828 ail youremaly needbins'74L1su NEW MINIMUM WAGE