Terrace pediatrician, Dr. K. Asante, was recently nominated for a prestigious award in view of his extensive research efforts into the causes of chronic handicaps in children. Asante nominated for award Terrace pediatrician Dr. K.O. Asante has been nominated for a prestigious national award, the $100,000 an- nual prize given by the Royal Bank of Canada to Canadians who make outstanding contribu- tions to their com- munities. Asante spent two years traveling throughout northern B.C. and the Yukon to compile the most thorough and com- prehensive study ever done on fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The syndrome is a set of characteristic physical, mental and developmen- tal abnormalities in children which result from alcohol consump- tion by mothers during pregnancy. Asante examined 586 chronically handicapped children during the course of the survey and did in-depth investiga- tions of family back- grounds, obstetrical records, medical files and other factors in the children’s history. The study concluded, after exhaustive research and analysis, that fully 30 - percent of the children were disabled as a direct result of maternal alco- hol consumption during pregnancy. “We've only scratched the surface,., this is the tip of an_ iceberg,’’ Asante said in reference io the study. He is now engaged in writing a summary of the voluminous work for wider distribution to public health organiza- tions, education systems and advocacy groups. Asante said that the completion of the study is only the beginning of a larger process which will involve educating the general public and pro- fessional groups. He stated that FAS, although wholly prevent- able, exacts an in- calculable toll in social costs and human suffer- ing. Previous studies into FAS were done in 1968 in France and 1970 at the University of Washing- ton. Asante, who began his pediatrics practice in Terrace sixteen years ago, said that in 1973 he began to perceive a need for a comprehensive study of the subject in the northwest. Funding for the project eventually came through the sup- . port of the Council of Yukon Indians and Health and Welfare Canada. The findings of the study were initially presented in September of 1985 at the 54th an- nual meeting of the Royal College of Physi- cians and Surgeons in Vancouver. Since then the study has been cir- culated to other profes- sional bodies such as the B.C. Medical Associa- tion, Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and the B.C. Ministry of Health. Philip Grocott, ad- ministrative assistant personnel director at Mills Memorial Hospit- al, announced last week that the hospital board will endorse and support the nomination of Dr. Asante for the Royal Bank award. School trustee lan Anderson’s motion to ask the new B.C. minister of education how much the ‘‘Let’s Talk About Schools’’ process cost was carried at the board’s last meeting. The question had been asked before, but the response was the figures were not yet available, " at the DONUT FACTORY) FACTORY THIS WEEK... BLACK FOREST OR LEMON CAKE OPEN 24 hours a day 7 days a week | 4717 LAKELSE AVE., TERRACE 638-1180 Next to Skeena Mall The Women’s Centre will be encouraged by Terrace council to find alternate accommoda- tion for the ‘Pro Choice Committee’? before the $l per year lease on its municipaily owned house runs out, The new Social Plan- ning and Cultural Ser- vices Committee, created by Mayor Jack Talstra and headed by Alderman Fred MacDonald, dis- cussed the issue at its in- itial session, The committee noted the Women's Centre provided needed services to women and is funded and recognized by the Secretary of State. It also noted the Centre has a four-year lease with Ter- race for use of its house that does not expire until December 31, 1987. The committee also noted that although the lease is only for $1 per year, the Centre has already spent $26,000 on the building making structural im- provements. Council, most of whom attended the com- mittee meeting, agreed with the recommenda- tions that carne out of it by a formal vote. Alder- man Bob Cooper con- © gratulated the committee on its ability to negotiate _ on the issue. Terrace Review — Wednesday, Feb. 19,1986 13 Special meeting called Alderman Fred Mac- Donald said it was not an easy meeting, but he felt all parties were satisfied. He added he had ex- pected ‘‘a blood bath,’’ but had to commend all those who attended for a very civil and respectful meeting. Women’s Centre di- rector Pat Cathers said Friday, they had not as yet received an official letter from city hall describing the decision. . She added the collective would need to discuss it as a group. The board of the cen- tre met Monday, Feb- raury 17 and a special meeting has also been called for Monday, February 24. Proclamation signed by Sherry Halfyard TERRACE — On Wednesday, Feb. 12 Mayor Jack Talstra sign- ed a proclamation de- claring April 2, 1986 as McHappy Day in the community. One dollar from every Big Mac purchased on McHappy Day will be used to help. sick children. This year half of the proceeds will go to Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver. The other half will be donated to local chil- dren’s charities, said community relations rep- resentative Barbara Ziraldo. ‘“‘Last year we raised over $4,000 — we beat every McDonalds restaurant in B.C.!”’ Ziraldo said. Mayor Talsira, along with local celebrities, will be volunteering their time at McDonalds in Terrace during McHap- py Day. With the sup- port of the Terrace Com- munity participants are hoping to beat last year’s . record. Ain't Misbehavin’ 8:00 PM, Thursday, March 6th REM Lee Theaire Tickets: Carter’s Jewellers In the Skeena Mall va Agreat reason to send your next package by Greyhound! Door-to-door ~pickup & delivery GREYHOUND PACKAGE EXPRESS JJ sas) — LE. Greyhound Package Express — fast, low-cost and now even better than ever! Door-to-door serviceis now avail- able in this community and many other centres. Even with this added convenience, you'll find our rates beat inflation better than most. Ship your next package by Greyhound. and relax! Compare our low rates. Call Ted Garner: 635-3680