MAILBOx HANDICAPPED Rec commission defends Dear Editor: Recently a letter from Ms. Helen Jean Clark appeared in your newspaper, suggesting that the North Vancouver Recreation Commission was exercising some form of discrimination against handicapped persons duc to a lack of accessibility of our facilities. In fact, the situation is contrary to that implied by Ms. Clark. The councils of the City and District of North Vancouver have been more than generous Over the past sever- al years in providing funds to en- sure that wherever possible, all of the recreation centres fave ade- quate ramps, lifts, elevators, ete. The recreation comunission is responsible for operating and maintaining I} public buildings. All of these buildings are accessible to the handicapped with the excep- tion of the Seylynn Recreation Centre, one room in the William Griffin Recreation Centre and the washrooms at Centennial Theatre. It is indeed unfortunate that in 1966, when Centennial Theatre was conceived, there was less than adequate planning to serve the disabled population properly. Ms. Clark suggested in her letter that ramps should be placed at the front of the house. Unfortunately, (the present building codes would require a ramp of 32 fcet, which would then place us in conflict with fire safety reguiations. Since the washrooms ‘Forthright’ columnists praisea Dear Editor: Congratulations for bringing Les Bewley back to writing a column. Now, with Doug Collins, you have the two most honest, forthright columnists in the newspaper field today. May your circulation increase as a result. Donald W. Currie North Vancouver CINERARIA >’ Pot TULIPS Fresh Cut PREIMULA policy are placed at a different level again, additional ramping of a similar length would be required, which is simply impossible with the Present construction, We are hopeful that in the not- too-distant future, an addition can be placed on to Centennial Theatre, which would provide sul- ficient ramping to allow the handi- capped to access both the washrooms and other locations in the house. We have spent consid- crable time training our staff to be awate of special needs individuals. While the situation is not ideal, the only option we have at present is to assist Wem in moving down an outside ramp to a Special section at the front of the house where the seats are removable, so that wheelchairs can be located proper- fy. [am sure that handicapped per- sons will find our staff cager and willing to assist them in every way passible so that they can enjoy the presentations in Centennial Theatre, or take part in recreation programs as they so desire. Fur ther, the recreation commission would be only too pleased to find volunteers to assist any person with ‘special needs in enjoying a complete, integrated recreation experience. Kiernan MacLeod, Chairman North Vancouver Recreation Commission 7 - Wednesdas, On (ne North Shore since 1955 PARTS & SER WiCEe PARTS & SERVICE | FOR MAJOR APPLIANCES Parts Dept. open 9:00 to 5:30 Mon. to Fri., Sat. 9to$ Major appliance in-home service is as near as your phone. 1629 Garden Ave., North Vancouver 987-2251 Vacuum Cleaner parts or bring your cleaner in for servicing. DRAPERIES BY S. LAURSEN A CUSTOM DRAPERIES AND BEDSPREADS SLIPCOVERS TRACKS “IN-HOME SERVICE” Labour $6.50 per panel untined, $7.50 IIned AN blinds 40% off list prices Phone for PREE estimates call 987-2966 Serving the North Shore for 16 years. “| SELL SAFETY DURABILITY, EQUITY AND FUTURES” “1 SELL VOLVOS”’ A car | believe in f ! sell Service DEREK HOLTON | sell After Service tae ~~, i Ww Vane, ‘ For all your Volvo information v} +) a v Plaase call anytime. voLvo ‘ iv tater “as Te ERC eee Re | SPECIALTY MOTOR CARS 1970 LTD. 1235 MARINE DRIVE, N. VANCOUVER 980-2464 & FITNESS AT A GREAT PRICE Bring in a friend and join Gold’s at our regular price and receive the second membership for only February 17, TORR - : z Narth Shore News OUTSTANDING STUDENTS : H RECOGNIZED Congratulations to the - 69 studenis representing all Capilano College divisions who received acknowledgement for academic excellence, outstanding achievement or significant contributions to the collage or community at a breakfast recently held at the W college. LUNCH BAG CONCERTS The Commercial Music instructors are hitting the ° fight note with a February 24 Lunch Bag Concert. Pianist Linda Falls and 2 cellist Audrey Nodwel! will play music by Beethoven, ‘Schumann and . Shostakovich between 12:30 and 1:30 in room. H113..The concert is free and the public is ° : welcome. NURSES AIDES | TAKE NOTE -.: The Food Service Worker Program (Level !1) offers a series of Jectures, films and discussions tor employees who ‘work in institutional food preparation and service. ~ This course, beginning. ge | February 23 at 7:30'p.m.,” runs faur weeks and will |. be of particular interest to’, nurses aides and Jong term care aides, For more; information call 984- 4947, . WOMEN’ S CENTRE ‘OPEN TO THE | COMMUNIT