Page 8, Whitby Free Proe, Weclnesday, October 26, 1994 B ridging tlhe giap ýbetween psych hospî*tal -and community DON MacMa.ster 'P27 years utility experience "Seeking 2nd term as a commissioner ir1 Management consultant to municipal utilities WHITBYHYDRO If you would like a lawn sign or require assistance please caîl 434-8455. Authorized by the CFO for Don MacMaster. Vluntar denup prove ot By"lelena. Momrson As residential counsellor for the Iast three years with Debbie Peikonen of' Whitby, I have seen many positive changes in iher life. I arn only one of -the many counseliors who have accompan- ied Debbia in her daily routine of hygiene, home skills, grocery shopping and a variety of activ- ities. She has steacly added more activitias until now Debbia has a very busy and full schedule. . -- rnany people frorn Durham Centre (Whitby Psychiatric Hospital) have made their way into the community. There have been many unasked questions by the community. Perhaps one was whether this will ha a good thing for al concerned, Many adjustnients have bean made by these newcomers in their lifestyle; in trying to normalize living conditions and in setting higher goals in life. Although the community has empathized and hoped ail would go weli, there has been an underlying concern - fear of the unknown. As with ail new projects, there are pitfalls and highs. One pitfail thit the mentally challenged face is true acceptance by the community. They have had to prove thcmnselves capable, prove that they have worth, that they can ha an important, integral part of society. In the past summer season, Debbie has volunteered hier services by working in Central Park, keeping it tidy. This has bean done, with the aid of lier counsellor, Thomas Barber. Debbie makes tima for her community because she has prida ia it,,anjoys the parks and going on long walks. I hope that the community wil learn to accept its new residents for who they are and will help tham to set aven higher goals of achievement in the future. WHITBY PARKS AND REC department recently, presented a certif icate of menit to 'Debbie Pelkonen, seen -here. with residential counsellor Helena Morrison (right> collecting garbage in Central Park. The award recognizes Pelkonen's volunteer efforts in keeping the park tidy. Photo by Mark Reasor, Whltby Free Press Do You Wonder W atGoesOnln ;:/5<OS ThS Building? You can stop wondermng & VOTE for OPEN GOVERNVENT ON NOVEMBR lth Approved by the OFO for Pat Perkins 1 RE-E