The Times

the sun shines on ...

Confidence, youth, young ideas are his trademark

By ELIZABETH OWEN Staff Writer Bill Ferris, a confident but gentle 28-year-old with shaggy blond hair and a beard, became the new director of the Community Habilitation Center (CHC) in South Dade July 5. Ferris, who left his position as Social Services Director of Sunland Training Center, replaced Michael Faine. CHC is a non-profit, non-residential organization started in 1971 by parents looking for an alternative to institutional living for mentally retarded adults. The center, which is located at 11350 SW 80th St., trains exceptional adults in vocational fields and basic survival skills. The clients, who range in age from 18 on up, suffer from a variety of handicaps: diabetes, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and numerous other physical and mental disorders. Ferris said that at Sunland, where he worked for three years, he was in charge of 800 clients, most of whom were severely or profoundly retarded. He said the position prepared him well for his new job. "I can honestly say it was the best experience I could have possibly had," he said. "I've seen all sides. "At Sunland, we were faced with multiple problems, especially overpopulation and insufficient staff. Here, we have an excellent alternative to the institution. "The center provides a wide spectrum of habilitative services. Our goals are to identify barriers in the client's psycho-social functions, and permeate those barriers to raise him to his fullest potential." "Institutions are on anachronism. True habilitation can and should only take place in the community." Bill Ferris Ferris said he is ready for the challenge CHC presents, as he, too, is seeking alternatives to institutional living for the mentally retarded. "Having been involved in one, I feel that the institution is an anachronism," he said. "True habilitation can and should only take place in the community. "Where an institution keeps these people out of sight, out of mind, CHC works at putting them back into the mainstream of society." For the next two weeks, Ferris said he will concentrate on assessing all the existing programs and services, and developing prescriptive programs tailored to the individual client. "I would like to develop programs which will ensure each client growth and equip him with the skills and competency needed to cope effectively with the demands of a society," he explained. For the future, the new director said he hopes to increase the overall program; expand the already-thriving plant nursery; add a residential unit; and get contracts from local businesses for clients to do piece-work on the premises. "What excites me about the facility is its tremendous potential," he said. "The ingredients for growth are here, and we are starting on the ground floor. "I've never seen such an active parent group ... I believe that together, we can realize the goals we've set, and transform this program into one of the finest in Dade County."

And the winner is . . .

James Denovan of SW 128th Avenue expected to win The Times/Guide crossword puzzle contest, his wife Joan confided with a smile. "He has been doing puzzles since he was a child," she said. "He was sure he was going to win. The puzzle didn't give him any difficulty at all." Denovan, an Eastern Airlines mechanic, works crossword puzzles frequently, although his wife and her aunt, Mrs. Ruth Healy, who lives with the family, only get interested in the word games "occasionally." The Denovans, who have lived in South Dade since 1955, have several pets and travel for a hobby. Right now, they are heading for Connecticut and Mrs. Denovan is sure that the $25 prize for winning the crossword puzzle contest will come in handy. "We'll manage to spend it," she laughed.

Governmentese is a language she'll have to learn

By EDWIN KNIGHT Staff Writer Bespectacled, she describes herself as outgoing in her business duties, but a loner socially. She is unmarried, but two chichuahuas depend upon her for their existence. And she is a painter. She is Amie Glazer, the City of South Miami's new city clerk who took over her duties last Monday, as the city council's choice to be the keeper of the city's records. Choosing her words carefully, she described herself and her road to the South Miami city clerk's office, which leads from Brooklyn, N.Y. via Miami Beach to Southwest Miami and a mobile home adorned with works of art. With a background in medical rather than legal terminology (she was a medical executive secretary with the Florida Regional Medical Program) she is having to learn the difference between ordinances and resolutions instead of blood types and she is getting used to calling her boss mayor instead of doctor. "Let's see, a resolution is a policy, and an ordinance is a law," she recited as she closed her eyes thinking. But medical or legal, her credentials in the secretarial skills were enough to convince South Miami's council, her direct employers, that Ms. Glazer should be given the nod over scores of other applicants. "I have a great deal to learn. This is the first government job I have ever had. But I am prepared to be totally involved in my new work and I want the citizens of South Miami to know this," she said as she peered over her glasses at the pile of papers awaiting her attention. Executive secretarial work may be her livelihood, but she certainly doesn't consider it her first love. Painting, with its myriad of colors and textures, wins in this category, and she radiates pride in her use of the palette and the brush. She describes her work as primitive realism and her dedicated use of colors was enough for her works to be included in the recent Cedars of Lebanon Art Show at the Bacardi Gallery. "I paint with oil for the pride in my work and for the sale of the paintings," she explained. "But I could never make a living at it. "It takes a hobo nature to do this, and I'm afraid I love the finer things in life that can be obtained through a steady position." When the gavel is sounded next Tuesday night, opening the South Miami council meeting, Ms. Glazer will be in the city clerk's seat, ready to take the minutes in her newly acquired legal jaragon which is so essential to her new position. "If I'm apprehensive, it's because I dislike not being sure of what I'm doing," she conceded. "Let's see, just how many readings are there on an ordinance before it is passed," she asked her tutor, Deputy City Clerk Mrs. Sarah Cadenhead. "Let's see, a resolution is a policy, and an ordinance is a law . . . and just how many readings are there on an ordinance before it is passed?" Ms. Amie Glazer