Wednesday, September 27, 1995 Page A7

Letters Policy

September 27, 1995

OPINION

wy
The Ga stl gar Sun

AS

Setinw the 16,000 people of the Castlegar area, The Castlegar Sun
every by Sterling Now Lid. at 465
Columbia ‘Ave. Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1G8. The Castlegar Sun is po
sely Midlperdionk ond a mache of We Balog Neve Service, C:
dian C , 8.C. C
Newspapers Assocation, and he B.C, Press Council, Established
28, 1990. Mail Reg 10420.

PUBLISHER MARILYN STRONG
DEREK ZEISMAN CHRISTINE MOYER
EDITOR PRODUCTION MANAGER
GARY SCHNEIDER
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
CATHERINE woes
REP.

KAREN KERKHOFF
REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

JEFF GABERT
SPORTS

OGRAPHER
MARGE LALONDE
OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER
CARI DOLGOPOL
CLASSIFIED ADS

NICOLE BEETSTRA
ADVERTISING REP.
FRED JACK
ADVERTISING REP.

Direct Department Phones
General Office 365-5266
Circutation 365-5266
Classified Ads ...365-7848
Display Advertising 365-2278
Newsroom 365-5579
Facsimile 365-7762

CCNA

editorial comment

Our call

To Castlegar city council for finally
getting tough on those who owe for
tickets. Now if they would only get
tough on those who insist on parking
in the handicapped parking...

To Mickey Pazurik of Trail Ecocen-
tre for pulling out of office paper recy-
cling without notice and leaving
Castlegar businesses buried under a
mountain of paper, We deserved better.

To the numerous volunteers who
have helped with building the Kin-
naird Park, ball diamond. Congratula-
tions to other unsung volunteers for
all that they do too.

To the Castlegar RCMP and staff for
showing brass how a police depart-
ment should be run. Well done!

To the Pass Creek residents who
pulled together during a time of

grief by forming a work party and
Eeiping finish the home of a neigh-
bor who had recently died. Thumbs
up to the local businesses which
donated materials and food for the venture.

To the vandals who insist on tearing
up the Pass Creek would-be soccer
field after volunteers have donated
time trying to make a first-class field
tor the 1996 B.C. Summer Games.

To the band which has papered
most telephone poles in and around
Castlegar with advertisements for
an upcoming gig. The least you

COUNCIL. DEBATES “THE “PROS AND COS” OF THE

ays Ne-d

L
lime med

We all have the power to make

I thought long and hard before
writing this column — one
minute I was determined to write

it, the next moment brought~

extreme uncertainty.

This is not an easy column to
write. It's of an extremely personal
and painful nature, and vet I feel
compelled to share it because it
deals with a public issue that still
needs to be addressed. And there's
no denying — it's a purging of a
burden carried for far too long.

This is a story about a young
woman, the American Food and
Drug Administration, and attor-
neys. It's a story about dashed
dreams and how one seemingly
harmless action can change the
course of many peoples’ lives.

Although Canadian-born, I
spent a fair portion of my child-
hood and young adulthood living
in the United States. When I was
in my early 20s I was living in
Columbus, Ohio.

I was married and had a three-
year-old son — the light of my
life. Even though I wanted a pas-
sel of children, I knew that cir-
cumstances dictated that the next
child be planned for — unlike the
previous one. And so I visited a
doctor who provided me with a
Dalkon Shield; a birth control
device that was to prevent any
unexpected pregnancies.

All was well — for a while
Then came the day that I was
tushed to the emergency room

ing and suffering incred-
ible abdominal pain. Ultimately
physicians decided that the Dalkon
Shield needed to be removed.

Pumped full of antibiotics and
pain medication, I was sent home
only to return the following day
in excruciating pain, with a rag-

ing fever and in critical life-
threatening condition, My heart
fell when the doctors told me that
I needed an immediate and com-
plete hysterectomy. All of my
reproductive organs
were removed—lI
was only 21

Wallowing in self-
pity for the children
I.would never have,
I was shaken from
depression by my
mother who pointed
out that I was lucky
— I had one child.

I held onto that thought as 1
made my slow physical and emo-
tional recovery. But the anger
remained — it still does to this
day. At that time there was no
documentation relating the Dalkon
Shield to sterility, miscarriages,
stillbirths and sometimes death

Life carried on, but I often
wondered about and longed for
the other children I might have
had; especially when all around
me my friends were blossoming
in pregnancy. I also ached for my
son, who would have no siblings
to lean on when I was gone.

Then one day, almost 10 years
later while living in Castlegar, |
read an obscure article in a news-
paper about class-action suits
against the company which man-
ufactured the device.

Calling directory information
for Virginia I soon had the num-
ber of the attorney mentioned in
the article who was representing
the women. The attorney, Bob

h agreed to rep
me on a contingency, basis and
told me he would be forwarding
information to me.

When the information finally

AN
INSIDE

KERKHOFF

CAMP GRoOOND.

‘EVENING MAYOR '

arrived I was appalled to find out
the the Food and Drug Adminis-
tration had known for a long time
before the device was recalled that
it was not only dangerous, but
sometimes fatal to
women.

I was stricken to
leam that A. H. Rob-
bins, the manufactur
er; had been
confronted by the
FDA and requested
to pull the device
from the shelves
They didn't. Reams
and reams of correspondence
between the manufacturer and the
FDA underscored the disregard for
women’s health. I was sickened

As the horror of the Dalkon
Shield became mass media
knowledge, more and more
women came forth to tell their
tales, many worse than mine. It
soon becatne clear that a
claimants’ trust company would
have to be formed to handle the
endless paperwork of administer-
ing the money to successful
claimants.

My attorney gave up his regular
practice and focused strictly on
representing claimants. The whole
thing became like a voracious ani-
mal out of control, gobbling
money that had been set aside
through judgment for the many
claimants and those yet to come

Ten years later that trust com-
pany still exists. Millions and
millions of trust dollars have
gone toward administration of the
fund and attorney fees.

I can tell you that some
claimants have ended up with
awards which are an insult. Peo-
ple who have lost a finger have,

change

in some cases, received more for
their injuries than some of the
claimants. Some women are still
waiting for settlement — the trust
predicts that the last claimant will
be paid by the end of this year.

While I admit that my attor-
ney did a good job and
deserved every penny he
earned, and that the trust com-
pany was necessary to ensure
that all claimants were paid, it
irks me to this day to know that
in the end it was the system
which benefitted the most. The
lion’s share of the funds went
toward, those two groups

Attorneys have become mil-
lionaires by representing those
unfortunate women. Thousands
of individuals have had full-time
employment at the trust for more
than 10 years and will continue to
do so for many years to come. I
don't begrudge any of those peo-
ple that money.

The point that I wish to make
is that something -like this can
NEVER happen again. Too many
people have suffered. Lives have
been irrevocably changed.

We must all be vigilant, men
and women alike, to ensure that
such a holocaust of female organs
never happens again. We, espe-
cially women, can do that by
questioning our medical treat-
ments and seeking second and
even third opinions when we are
uncertain of what is being recom-
mended to us.

We must realize that we ALL
have the power to make positive
change. I have taken control of the
situation, in my own small way,
by refusing to purchase any goods
manufactured by A. H. Robbins.

I wish you all good health.

Arthritis is more than “simple aches and pains”

Dear Editor:

September is Arthritis Month
and volunteers across B.C. and
the Yukon are raising funds for
research into Canada's most com
mon chronic disease

Osteoarthritis the most
prevalent of more than 100 types
of arthritis — is by far the num-
ber one cause of disability in
Canada, affecting half of all peo-
ple over 65, The number of Cana-
dians aged 65 or more is expected

to shift from 12 per cent of the
population to 22 per cent in the
next 30 years, and four million
people will be living with long
term health problems due to
arthritis.

To get an idea of the cost to the
taxpayer, consider that arthritis
and related disorders are the most
frequent reasons for consulting a
health professional in Canada. In
1992, doctors generated 28.7 mil-
lion prescriptions for arthritis

medications—13.7 per cent of all
prescriptions written in Canada.
That represented a cost of just
under $340 million.

Clearly, our health care system
cannot continue to bear this
financial burden, The answer is to
be found in research, better treat-
ment and education for people
who have arthritis.

The Arthritis Society , B.C
and Yukon Division, is working
to coordinate provincial care for

Nygren should consider resignation

Dear Editor:

Once again, Eric Nygren has
misinformed constituents in his
Area H constituency.

New Settlement residents were
finally granted their long-awaited
fire protection on Sept. 12, 1995
(no thanks to Mr. Nygren).

The residents lobbying for fire
protection were informed by Vic-
toria that Nygren’s appeal against
fire protection was denied by the
Minister of Municipal Affairs,
Darlene Marzari.

Due to a major miscommuni-
cation between the Regional Dis-

trict of Central Kootenay and the
Provincial Municipal Affairs
office, the issue of fire protection
was not included on the agenda of
the last RDCK monthly meeting,

However, Mr. Nygren hit the
local air waves on Sept. 18,
Stating that fire protection was
not. granted because of the
ongoing land negotiations at
New Settlement

Where is he obtaining his
information from? Why is he
constantly misinforming his
constituents?

Since this application was sub-

mitted last October, Mr. Nygren
has repeatedly misrepresented
the New Settlement residents in
the same despicable, irresponsi-
ble manner.

To save his own dignity and
restore the trust of his con-
stituents, it might be wise of Mr.
Nygren to consider handing in his

People with all types of arthritis

Our treatment and education
programs reach people in 288

C. communities. Volunteers in
68 community groups raise
funds for research and provide
education and support to people
with arthritis.

For too long, people with
arthritis—of all ages—have been
led to believe that they are simply
suffering from minor aches and
pains. Please help us put. to rest

the myth that arthritis is just part
of growing old. Arthritis is seri
ous—and help is available

For more information on The
Arthritis Society's programs and
services, call the Arthritis Tele-
phone Information Service at |
800-667-2847.

Marge Rush
Volunteer

Letters to the Editor are wel-
come on any topic of local or
gencral interest. Letters should
be double-spaced, typewritten,
or legibly handwritten, and no
more than two pages if possible.
Letters will be edited in the
interests of brevity or taste if
necessary, All letters must be
signed, with address and tele-
phone number, although names
may be witheld from publication
for valid reason by the approval

of the editor.

The Arthritis Society, B.C.

It’s a simple
matter of putting
the foot down

Dear Editor:

Re: "City employee finds
unpleasant surprise” (Castle-
gar Sun, Sept. 20):

Tt was indeed gratifying to
Jearn that a City of Castlegar

to the Reg Dis-
trict of Central Kootenay, to
avoid any further embarrassments’
on his part

Allan Popoff
Crescent Valley

Validity of referendum questionable

Dear Editor:

Re: Victory for Area I Library Referendum
September 13, 1995 - The Castlegar Sun

The validity of the referendum of September 9,
1995 is questionable. Only one leaflet, 14cmx22cm,
appeared in my armful of flyers, brochures and junk
mail. Most busy, working people have no time to

read every item.

I didn't hear it once announced over radio. An
article in the September 6, 1995 issue of The Castle-
gar Sun was published on page A3 but there was no

polling station and voting is taking place, A sign on

the door informed residents of a coming meeting to
reopen the school.

The poor turnout is an indication that people were
not informed. Eighty-seven per cent of the voters
were either against, weren't informed or didn’t care.
A few years ago a pro library committee went

door to door and questioned who was for and

other information. On Saturday, voting day, there
were no obvious signs that Pass Creek School was a

was against. The yes committee did their job well,
an example on how in a democratic society one can
ram through legislation.

Nick Verigin
Pass Creek

Abuse received not surprising

Dear Editor:

Re: “Kinnaird propaganda
leaves foul taste” (The Castlegar
Sun, Sept. 20)

I wish to express a couple of
points. First, | am not surprised at
the abuse you and your staff have
received

What is a surprise is the fact
they were up-front with you
Their usual course of action is
to slander one behind one’s
back. There are an ample num-
ber of families in the communi-
ty who will vouch for this. What
I find really sad are the com-

HELP WANTED

Persons with pleasant voices
for telephone work for
approximately five weeks.
No experience necessary.
Short hours. Apply Office #2
upstairs City Centre Square
(280 Columbia Avenue)

ments addressed at some of the
children.

Second, the anger, division
and constant bickering in the
community must solely rest on
our city Council's shoulders
Councillors have totally disre-
garded the wishes of the commu-
nity. They have somehow

forgotten that they represent the
whole community, not just spe-
cial inter@@ groups solely!

Now “f@hnaird Park is ‘nothing
short of a ball park, to be used
only five months of the year. That
is a disgrace

Ken Schwab
Castlegar

mph was able to escape
the black widow onslaught
and call the fumigator (and
the newspaper, apparently).
The ladies at West’s
Department Store faced a
similar problem a while ago.
However, they seem to be
made of sterner stuff: without
further ado they flushed the
little suckers out and stomped
them flat. No famigators or
publicity for that crowd —
just careful cleaning and
some fancy footwork.
Black widows at West's?
jot for long, and notin the
five years! Rough bunch,
m West's ladies.
¥ do not wish to belittle the
potential danger of a black
widow bite. It is, however, | a

re

Introduction to Flower Arranging: This program is designed for homemakers,
gardeners, and other individuals interested in quality amateur design. Wed., Oct 4 & 11,
7-9 pm, $69 phus GST, (materials are all included) Course is held at Tulips Ploral Co,

Creative Photo Album Workshop: Are your photos and memorabilia in shoe
boxes and drawers? Are you overwhelmed by the task of organizing years of photos
and momentos. In this course you will learn creative tips such as cropping,
decorating, photo journalizing and album page layout ideas. Sat., Sept. 30, 10 am - 3
pm. $25 plus GST, Rm. M12.

Introduction To Microcomputers: Become familiar with » personal computer by
trying your hand at a variety of programs and games. Sat,, Sept. 30,9 am - 2 pm.
$30. Room B21

Gathering Strength - An Exploration of Women's Health: A day for women to
discuss their health concerns, gather information and skills, and plan how they can
influence the health care system to meet their needs. Speakers will address topics of
how to make changes, stress reduction techniques, taking responsibility for our
health, fitness, and coping with the multiple roles that cause fatigue. Sat., Sept. 30,
8:30 am ~ 4:30 pm. $10 includes lunch and snacks.

Volunteering Your Way To Employment: Volunteering can help you develop
valuable employable skills, explore career options, gain experience that can lead to
paid work, and create networks of people who share your common interests and
goals. This workshop will address your questions and concerns, prepare you for
finding valuable volunteer work, and show you how to get the most out of the
experience. Sat., Sept. 30, 9 am - 12 pm. $12 plus GST Room B15.

Occupational First Aid Level 3: (Industrial) This is a WCB course designed to
qualify candidates to work as first aid attendants in industry. All medical
interventions that are within the WCB guidelines plus alll the information found in the
Transportation Endorsement are covered in this course. Certification is valid for 2
years. (5 week course) Mon. & Wed.,6- 10 pm, Sun., 9 am - 5 pm. Oct. 2 - Nov. 5.

Holistic Health Care: Spend an exciting evening learning about advanced new

that can app
be handled simply by putting
one’s foot down firmly.

George Westinghouse
Most respectful
West’s lady’s husband
Castlegar

Ed. Note: The Castlegar
Sun contacted the public
works department after hear-
ing of the incident.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE
for only $35.95 a month.

Freedom to choose. Your choice of two brand new cellular phones -
the Nokia l0l pocket phone or the Motorola flip phone
Each only $99 while.supplies last

app to health care, Dr. Jeffrey Hunt, naturopathic physician, and Lisa
Kramer-Hunt, acupuncturist, will sen soci ts tein of naturopathic medicine
and traditional Chinese medicine of
holistic health care. Wed., Oct. 4, 7 - 9 pm succor

Classical Homeopathy Course: Homeopathy is an effective system of medicine
which can be used to treat first-aid, acute and constitutional conditions. Learn the
right way from a classically-trained Homeopath with more that 12 years experience.
Wed., Oct. 4 - 25, 7 - 9 pm, $60 plus GST.

CASTLEGAR CAMPUS
: 8

One Way Or Return?

Freedom tonight. From 6pm every evening until 7am the next day,

could do is remove the litter now Freedom offers free unlimited local calling

Question:
that your gig is over.

Who should be paying £5 Tam bonenyineal rue ee
property tax at the
Doukhobor Village?

Banking is sometimes a one way trip:

Speaker’s Corner

Castlegar student Tamara Terry is pounding the pavement in search of
answers to questions that correspond with news stories that have appeared
in The Castlegar Sun. If you see Tamara, it could be your opportunity to
appear in Speaker's Corner, which is published each week,_

kend from 6pm Friday

You pay interest
To whoever made the decision to

paint the court house with a lime green

exterior. The attempt was probably

made in an effort to create a kinder,

gentler provincial building — but obviously the
mark has been missed. This retro-sixties look
went out with platform shoes and granny glasses.
The only thing uglier than this ill- placed new

look is the clear-cut next to it. Let’s pray it’s only
the primer!

Freedom to start. BC TEL Mobility will waive both the activation fee They make money

and your first year's system access fee, a combined saving of $108 re
Freedom for the first 30 days. Sign up before August 3lst, 1995
and you also get all of your local calling free for the first 30 days

This year we returned to our members
We paid a 13%

on inter

Morarols At Kootenay Savings, we offer.a fare return

as shown or
Nokia

pocket phone

$2.77 million, and they reaped the benefits patronage dividend on

st carmed on RRSP's, term and other
Match that with

reat features you

interest paid on loans and mortgages, 13%
And a 5%

our service, convenient hours, multiple locations and: many other

deposits dividend on membership and patronage shares

might not notice

PETE'S TV wn.

279 Columbia St. Castlegar, B.C.

Ph: 365-6455

Unless, of course, you don’t have them

There's never been a better time to switch. Tf your money only went one way last year

Kootenay Savings

pe New Den

ERRORS:
that the publisher shall not be lable tor
it of errors in any advertisement beyond the
Ye space actually occupied by that portion of the
advertise in which the error occurred, whether such error is due
to the neghgence of its servants or otherwise and there shall be no
lability tor non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount
advertisement. All advertising subject to publisher's
's must be completed within one year trom contract

ntingent orders accepted

«
take a trip to Kootfhay Savings

ertiser agrees

This breakthrough plan is based on a 36 month transferable contract. Regular rates of 65¢ a minute apply
during non-free periods. Long distance charges and taxes are extra. Offer expires August 31, 1995

BCTEL
44 Mobility

In my opinion, every
party involved should
split the costs and pay
their fair share

— Paul Makortoff

The ones makirig the
profits should pay
their taxes. I pay all

The dispute should be
resolved by the RDCK paying a lease from the
and the occupants regional district, then
— Alisha Gray “~~*:the district should pick

*» up the tab.
— Michelle Nordin

If the occupants are It’s up to the owner of
the property to pay the
tax. With this pnnciple
mine. equally they the regional district
should pay theirs should pick up the tab
— lan MacDonald — Alice LeCouffe

Je © Castlegar © Salnie ® South Slocan © Nak