40 - Sunday. November 30, 1997 — North Shore News north shore news MAIL BOX Consumerism Qur Kinder, geniier system vs community Dear Editor: Re: Big Boxes good for West Van consumers. So. We now know a litde more about these big-boxers who are supposed to be oh- so-good for us! These are the main pieces of the puzzle so far: First, we have Larco saying they can do whatever they want on the Park Royal site. A good corporate citizen would respect the wishes of a com- munity as to what type of development takes place there; after all the taxpayers have to fork over a lot of hard-earned money to build and maintain that community. This one, obviously, places its own interests above those of the community. - Next, we hear that a Home Depot used its muscle to pre- vent a veteran from quietly selling Remembrance poppies in the parking lot. A good corporate citizen would, instead, have offered that Veteran a smile and a bow! of soup on a cold day. And now we learn that 36 States — or 40 depending upon which newscast one hears — have joined together in court action against Toys ‘r Us, alleging the company has conspired with its suppliers to prevent fair competition from other discount stores. A good corporate citizen has no fear of fair and ethical. competi- tion. This one, obviously, is being atcused of building its Listen Up! Listening is an essential skill for maintaining friendships, functioning well in a job and succeeding at school. Successful students are active listeners. So what can students do to become good listeners? Plenty, actually, *STOP TALKING. You can't talk and listen at the same time. *BE INVOLVED. Have a sitive attitude and decide to isten. *LOOK AT THE SPEAKER. Be aware of changes in voice, facial expression and bodily gestures. “BE FAIR. Judge the ideas, rather than the speaker, the subject or the situation. “NOTE QUESTIONS. An f instructor often calls attention to a subject by posing a § question about it. As part of a Study Skills g Program at Sylvan Learning Centres, students develop active listening skills. For more information call: Sylvan Learning Centre North Van 985-6811 West Van 926-3365 market share by “taking out” the competition. Is anyone surprised? If readers do not like this picture they should ask them- selves, “If big-box-bullies are like this before they come into our North Shore community, what would they be like after they became established?” Oh well, let’s think posi- tively. Maybe Toys *R” Us will have to spend so much moncy defending itself against the U.S. attorneys, the company won’t be able to afford to force itself into a community that has plainly said, “You’re not welcoine here.” One down and two to go? It’s an ill wind ... : Liz James North Vancouver Dear Editor: So Noel Wright (Nov. 12 column) has taken the age-old position that whenever there’s a moral debate around here, we should look to the American cxample for our guidance and solution. He believes the First Amendment guar- antees that you will not live in fear. 1 have studied and worked in the United States and choose to live here now. Their consti- ority over the well-being of the larger group makes for a society with quite a few less morals than we have here. There are many fears besides that of some rules in a hugely organized and con- centrated press. In the United States, these fears are replaced with guns and violence, professional criminals, and the prospect of going bankrupt any time if you are unfor- tunate enough to need serious medical care. The minority have their way at the expense of the majority who sacrifice more peacetul and predictable tives to pay for this philosopiy. There is always a compromise to a certain set of ideals. Perhaps columnists like Noel Wright and Doug Collins have chosen the package they pursue because they do not suffer the consequences of their exclusive club of self- appointed overseers. Others do. Stephen Dick North Vancouver tutional mantra of the individual taking pri- I PERSONAL INJURY Free Initial Consultation Douglas W. Lahay CLARK, WILSON BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS 800-885 West Georgia Street, Van. 687-5700 24 HOUR MESSAGE 643-3161 B ICBC's policies are not law. I will get you a fair setclement or trial award. JAPANESE ANTIQUES & FOLK ART fuse tried: Families Matter . Watch for information about Family Services of the North Shore every Sunday. We'll keep you informed about events and Family Life Education courses. As well, we'll offer advice from professionals on all aspects FAMILY SERVICES of the NORTH SHORE Winter Ball the best Family Services of the North Store is once again hosing its Annual Winter Faniity Ball. This year marks the twelfth year to gather families together for a wonderful evening of fabulous food, wonderful compa- ny and great live enter- — tainment. Donna Zwickel and Ingrid Taylor are co-chairs this year and they promise this bali will be the best yet. Seven hun- dred and fifty guests are expected from toddlers to grandparents many of them returning year after year. Mrs. Mansfield of West Vancouver says its "Just the most fun ever and for the whole fami- Family Servicés of 't To register for courses or for fu 01-255 West Ist Street, North-Vancouver. ful ways. rth Shore is anon? profit orga of family life. We welcome your comments. COE eee O ee eee HOODS EDEL S EE OH EEE OEE UEEEEEEOEEEEDEEOEO ETO SEOESEOSODESEC DOD EFEEEEE OER PO EEE OEE DEESES DES EEE OTE EHO HED It helps a single mother struggling to raise her children in today’s increasingly violent and difficult world. We offer services to immigrant families coping with a new homeland and families right here caught in the cycle of domestic violence. ly... our kids just love it." There's no question about it, if you've ever attended this event you've come away with some really fun memo- ries of the evening. But this annual event is about more than just an evening of family fun... its also a community fund raiser that benefits families of the North Shore all year long. The funds raised from this event touch all sectors and age groups in our community in a variety of caring and meaning- « Tickets are still available so if you have never experienced the fun and excitement of a Winter Family Ball why not give ~ it a try with your family this year. Aside from the fun you'll have during the evening you'll have the added enjoyment of knowing you've helped provide needy families in our com- munity with education and support. af = Your personal F donation can help the true spirit of Christmas live all year long. Se cay The winter fantily ball is.fun for, the whol ‘amil ; C Christmas present; ® Sponsor a family; * Donate new toys for the Toy Shop ¢ Donate food for food ham- pers; * Donate . money. in the event of a mail strike, drop off your donation at #101-255 West Ist Street. Call 984-XMAS (9627) if you can : “Dressing up for _ the evening ts fun yg “even forthe kids” ig North Vancouver Christmas Bureau gains momentum A special thank you for the many generous donations we have already received for the Christmas Bureau. Please don't be discour- aged by the postal strike - we can accept donations at our North Vancouver office Monday to Friday during business hours. The North Vancouver - Christmas Bureau needs your help. You can: ® Make a dona- tion in a friend or relative's name for their _ reservations call Fic ch 1 988-5281 ‘United Wey Mesrines Agency Zz ation dedicated ive) ‘enriching and strengthening’ family life op: the -North Shore. ther information © Call 988-5281 Fax 9882396 * . 4410-Clyde Avenue, West-Vancouver: