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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-07-04, Page 11THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013. PAGE 11. Blyth’s Les Cook is preparing for his fifth year with Dancing with the Stars, Huron Victim Services’ primary fundraiser, which features recognizable locals being paired up with professional dancers to learn how to dance and eventually show off what they’ve learned. Cook is being paired with Emergency Services Training Centre (ESTC) Program Co-Ordinator Stephanie Currie, who says the opportunity is a great one that came to her through attending last year’s event, as well as seeing Victim Services in action. “As the program co-ordinator for the ESTC, I attended last year’s Dancing with the Stars and was very impressed with the evening,” she said. “As a new recruit with the Fire Department of North Huron, I have also been on site of emergencies where Victim Services were called in.” Being on the front line and seeing what Victim Services does led Currie to wanting to help the organization out through the dance event. “I witnessed, first hand, the work of Victim Services and the valuable role they play,” she said. However, getting involved wasn’t something Currie was ready to leap into, saying she had mixed emotions when Cook asked her to join. She also felt that it might be a tough road ahead for the duo. “When Les approached me to be his partner, I was flattered and frightened all at the same time,” she said. “I have no dance background, two left feet and no sense of rhythm. Les definitely has his work cut out for him.” The duo will be tackling the Waltz and the ChaCha for the event and Currie says one has been a bit easier to learn and pictures herself doing than the other. “The Waltz seems to be a verynatural fit for me while the ChaCha is a bit more challenging,” she said. “But it is exciting.” Cook, who runs the Blyth East Side Dance Studio with his wife Jackie, has previously danced in the competition with community members Anne Elliott and Lynda McGregor. In previous interviews, he has said that dancing is an easy and exciting activity to get into and that anyone, regardless of skill, rhythm or co- ordination can get involved. Cook first entered the event as one of the “stars” as the minister at Blyth Community Church of God, but then returned the following year as one of the dance experts. “Posture and form is paramount,” he said in a previous interview with The Citizen. “After that, everything kind of just falls into place.” Tickets for the fifth annual event, which will be held on Oct. 5 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Goderich, are available July 18. The tickets will be sold at Zehrs in Goderich from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis and only cash or cheque will be accepted. Dancing alongside Cook and Currie will be Goderich Bank of Montreal Assistant Manager Matt Hoy and his professional partner Katrina Bos, Goderich firefighter Jamie Chisolm with professional Reanna Ramaker and artist Bethany Davidson who will dance with professional Wayne Bos. The event will be emceed by Julie B. and Steve Sabourin from Wingham-based radio station 101.7 The One. Aside from dinner and the show, there will also be a silent auction at the event. Some items are already viewable on the events Facebook page. For more information, contact Victim Services Huron County at 519-524-4108. Cutting a rug Emergency Services Training Centre Program Co-ordinator Stephanie Currie, left, will be joining professional dancer as well as pastor and barista Les Cook for Huron Victim Service’s primary fundraiser for the year, Dancing With The Stars. The duo is practicing two dances, including the Cha Cha for the event. Currie and Cook are one of five pairs of dancers that will take to the floor on Oct. 5 at the Goderich Knights of Columbus Centre and show off their practiced moves. (Denny Scott photo) Donation The Economical Insurance Group, in association with McDonagh Insurance, made its annual Music in the Fields donation to a group that typically benefits from proceeds from the annual concert event in Lucknow: The Wingham and District Hospital Foundation. Late last month the donation of $1,000 was made official as members of the foundation met at McDonagh Insurance in Wingham to make the donation. Back row, from left: Conor McDonagh, Russ Taylor and Wingham and District Hospital Foundation chairperson Wayne McDonagh. Front row, from left: Amanda Raper, Staci McKay and Linda Edgar, all of McDonagh Insurance. (Photo submitted) Health Unit warns of summer diseases With the arrival of summer, people are enjoying more time outdoors. The Huron County Health Unit reminds you that at this time of year you can come in contact with bugs that carry diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. “Although the risk for disease is low in Huron County,” says Public Health Inspector Colleen Ryan, “we encourage you to take these simple steps to protect yourself and children against mosquito and tick bites.” Before you go outdoors: • Use bug repellant that contains DEET. Apply it after sunscreen. • Wear long-sleeved tops and pants. Light colours are best. • Try to limit being outdoors at dawn and dusk. • Check your body and your pets for ticks. West Nile virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms or they may have flu-like symptoms that won’t go away such as fever, Cook returns to Dancing with the Stars REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. ALL ARE IN COLOUR 4x6 - $4.00 5x7 - $5.00 8x10 - $8.00 Phone to order ~ 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 402 Queen St., Blyth • 519-523-4535 BAND INSTRUMENTS Pianovations Music Centre By Denny ScottThe Citizen Continued on page 12 Got Married... Call for pricing & details 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 Share your news by placing your announcement in The Citizen