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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-03-09, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017. Philippines the focus of World Day of Prayer event World Day of Prayer The Belgrave community celebrated World Day of Prayer on March 3 with special presentations and speakers. Shown delivering items to be used in the presentation are, from left, Muriel Coultes, Sheila Nixon and Nancy Folkard. The event focuses on the struggles of people from a different country every year, this year focusing on the Philippines. (Denny Scott photo) Smith hopes staff, students visit school Continued from page 1 professional studies] at trying to include the existing building in the new building," he said. "The cost to include it would have been prohibitive, however, as it was a purpose-built structure." Smith said 14/19 Inc. listened to many different people throughout the community and tried to incorporate the old building in the plans for the new centre; it just couldn't work, however, and he understands anyone who is saddened by that reality, pointing to the fact that his own children attended the school when he lived and worked in Blyth. "We're going to keep the site a place for education though, and I think that's the best way we can honour what the grounds have been used for for more than a century," he said. Smith hopes that former staff, teachers and students will not only attend the open house, but reconnect with each other through the event. He said the connections that people made at the school are plain to him when he walks down the street and runs into his sons' former teachers who continue to ask about their former students. As for the new structure, the deadline for the project to be shovel - ready is the end of the month, meaning the site needs to be prepared for construction and the plan for the structure needs to be completed. Those involved with 14/19 Inc. are currently working on that project, as well as producing a business plan to meet requirements set out by Huron County Council to receive $500,000 in funding towards the project, specifically earmarked for the construction of the CCRC. Smith said the congress of deadlines has made for a busy month, but the organization plans on having the business plan in place and the project shovel -ready in time to take advantage of all the funding offered to the program. The World Day of Prayer was held at Knox United Church on Friday, March 3. The theme was "Am I Being Unfair to You?" The service was prepared by ladies of the Philippines. The islands of the Philippines are prone to earthquakes and typhoons. Climate change is resulting in an increase of droughts and devastating storms, notably Typhoon Yolanda, the most severe storm to make landfall ever recorded, which claimed thousands of lives. It is believed the first humans arrived in the Philippines using rafts or primitive boats at least 67,000 years ago. Women in the Philippines occupied a relatively high status in the community until colonial cultures introduced feudalism which led to the subordination of women to men in the whole archipelago. Christianity is the major religion, with more than 80 per cent of the population being Roman Catholic. Islam and Hinduism predate Christianity in the Philippines. Traditional religions are still practised by an estimated two per cent of the population. Women take on the role of breadwinner as they go abroad to work at a staggering social cost to the country. The Philippines population is one of the fastest growing in Asia, reaching more than 100 million in 2014 and is very young. There are between 120 and 170 languages spoken in the country. English is considered an official language for the purposes of communication and instruction. Filipino women are discriminated against and treated as subordinates in the home, in church and in society. The majority of women remain poor, and are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The World Day of Prayer in the Philippines is coordinated through Church Women United of the Philippines, an interdenominational organization. The organization also supports younger women for ecumenical leadership and provides avenues for nurturing interest and ecumenical cooperation wherever of the Creator is the name proclaimed. At Knox United Church, there will be a lunch following the service on Sunday, March 12. Please bring sandwiches or sweets. Larry and Barb Harper will talk on their experiences in El Salvador. Everyone is welcome. The Lay Support Team will meet at Trinity United Church on Wednesday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. The UCW thank everyone who helped make meat pies. A special thanks to Roger and Debbie Hopper for donating the large turkey and the Folkards for cooking it. Over 200 turkey pies and over 100 beef pies were made. Please continue to save your milk bags. 220 milk bags are needed to make a 40" x 60" sleeping mat. The Camp Menesetung wish list sheet is on the bulletin board inside the entrance doors. A box has been placed on the table by the west coat rack for any donations. FROM BELGRAVE �,=aue 71eut ild e Let everyone know about your new bundle of joy! Call for prices and details The Citizen 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 Looking for local heroes There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. Now you have a chance to say thanks. Nominate that special person for the 32nd Annual Citizen Citizenship Awards. Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the ballot and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and he or she didn't win, please feel free to try again. I nominate as Citizen of the year for Blyth Brussels & area & area I feel she/he deserves this award because L. Jib o' Nomination Deadline July 31, 2017. Name and phone number of nominator