Wednesday, November 26. i»8#

The Herald and The Lantern

Pages

Birth Defects—^ (From Page 1) and three instances of congenital heart disease which resulted in one stillbirth. MORE THAN 2t CASES of minor defects are also under scrutiny to determine if there is any correlation with the major and predominantly central nervous system defects. Many of the cases were discovered by surveying hospital files at Burdette Tomlin in Court House and Shore Memorial in Somers Point. Last summer. Freeholder Gerald Thornton, the county's director of Health and Welfare, requested a complete study of water sources in the southern part of the county. He noted that tests in Lower Township had indicated the presence of nitrates above acceptable levels. High concentrations as such could indicate over fertilized fields or high manure concentrations. Thornton noted, pointing out further that among other things, excessive nitrate levels may signal the presence of viruses which have been linked to birth defects. STATE HEALTH OFFICIAL now feel the need for further research and have requested that the state Department of Environmental Protection implement the research requested by the county. Testing of active and abandoned landfills as well as local water sources will be conducted. Officials have also applied for a $43,000 federal Environmental Protection Agency grant to finance extensive testing in the suspected areas. The state investigation began earlier this year when it was discovered that five problem births had occurred within a fivemile radius and a six-week time. UNSATISFIED AT THE TIME with the data provided by local and state authorities, parents Lynne Blaker and Michelle Dooley began their own survey of problem pregnancies. Independently, they operated a "hotline" to collect information regarding difficult pregnancies and births in the county. Within weeks their project

came up with 107 cases of problems that were birth-related including miscarriages. As much of this information as possible was relayed to state health officials who have publicly recognized the important role played by what has become the Concerned Parents Association in initiating further research. Dooley, one of the founders of the association, described the early resistance to their f then) unproven contentions. "MANY LOCAL DOCTORS AND others called us (Blaker & herself] irresponsible, hysterical women. They said that they thought we were crazy." She continued, "All we really wanted was that this whole problem (birth defects) be brought out and discussed in the open. I would rather we had been crazy and there were no problem." The Concerned Parents Association now accepts that thestale has initiated its own investigation and recognizes the problem Dooley says she is quite satisfied and thankful for efforts now in progress. The association is, however, dedicated to keeping the public informed by direct access to test results and findings. "We would like to see the state deliver their findings at an open county meeting,” Dooley said. TO AID THE STATE’S investigations, the group intends to resume the telephone hotline beginning in January. Dr. Halpin has indicated he will provide any help or advice he can o/fer. He will advise personnel of the most important information to be collected and how it is to be gathered. Dooley suggested that anyone needing more information or wishing to volunteer their time should call her at 729-4581. Especially needed are people free during the daytime as she is the only one available to staff the telephone. There will also be a meeting for anyone concerned on Wednesday night.

Field Visits Slated by WIT COURT HOUSE - Field visits by a representative of the Cape Human Resources Women in Touch (WIT) in December have been announced by Elsa A. Vernon, counselorcoordinator of the program. The purpose is to accept inquiries about the program from persons unable to visit the main office, (465-2263( at 15 South Main St. The visits are planned for the Woodbine Community Center 9 a m. to noon, Dec. 1. 8, 15. 22. and 2«); the Millman Center. Villas, Wednesday. Dec. 3, North Wildwood City Hall, Thursday. Dec. 4. Ocean City Youth Center, Friday. Dec. 5. Cape May City Hall Tuesday, Dec. 9. Martin Luther King Center, Whitesboro, Thursday. Dec. 18 and Wildwood Community Center from 9 a m. to noon. Dec. 2. 9. 16. 23. and 30.

FAVORITE PERCH for these pigeons is the lee sideof a country store roof on Delsea Dr. In Green Creek. i(CVS/pharmacyk| parcraiDTinM ccoume ®

I NO. WILDWOOD 1 26th & Delaware

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PRESCRIPTION SERVICE

7 DAYS A WEEK

CAPE MAY

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PAYING Tll'E WAY for bus trip to Boston by Sea Isle City Boy Scouts, check is presented by Donald Larricks to Scout official Rocky Constantino and Scoutmaster James English as Police Sgt. Phil -Mueller. Mrs. Blanche Mazaurie and William Friel look on. The weekend trip for 32 members of Troop 76 and eight chaperones was made possible by donations from area merchants and the Sea Isle City Realtors. Top thrill of trip was a night spent aboard a U.S. Navy battleship.

IN YOUR NOW ACCOUNTS STARTING JANUARY 1

PLAN TO JW JOIN US FOR DEC. 7-9 . h?-<r SENIORTOURS COLONIAL CHRISTMAS TOUR TO WILLIAMSBURG

ONI LOW Mtia INCLUDES: • S dvys. I nlfMa — FlrM c<mr todflwg mi «Ko 4tr Fort Mf rvdT QuolHy Mo ■Round trip motor wch — CM County doportun •All RrooliCom A Otnnor* wMlo In WIHIonwRif •All Rofcofo hondtlnf A OvotoltloR to Colonlol Wtfllonwbore IwMMti

•A »Mt to Cortf's OrOE»o Hontotlon — A Moeol SI 5ft PRRPNBON * 1 DOURU OCCUPANCY Your Hosts Will B« Soniortours' Bob A Chris FOR INFORMATION CALL: 522-7825 or 729-0880

\ON CONVENIENT CHECKING ACCOUNTS (NOW ACCOUNTS)

Open your account today. Be ready for the new higher rate. STOP IN AT ANY OFFICE <

CAPE MAY COUNTY SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION Serving All Cape May County

MAIN OFFICE 7 North Main St.

DRIVE-IN-WINDOWS

219 N. Main St. 3301 Atlantic Ave.

1899 Bayshore Rd. 517 Washington St

40 South Shore Rd 396-4500 Marmora

465-5106 * Cape May Court House Cape May Court House 522-2447 Wildwood

866-2773 Villas

684-8435 Cape May

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