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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-03-12, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2009. “It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.” Tuesday, March 3, Brussels Public School student Jacob McGavin along with 11 other young people was a guest of honour at Queen’s Park as one of this year’s Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s Junior Citizens. The 13-year-old and his family, parents, Jeff and Shannon, and sisters Mackenzie and Teegan, travelled to Toronto on the Monday. “We could have taken three guests too, but we didn’t know which grandparents to ask, so it was just us.” They stayed at the Marriott Hotel where they were greeted in the lobby the next morning by representatives from OCNA. After lunch in the ballroom, Jacob said they were presented with Ontario Junior Citizen pins and with gifts from TD, the sponsors. Following lunch they were taken by bus to Queen’s Park to meet Lieutenant-Governor David Onley. “An assistant came out first and told us how to greet him and to call him Your Honour,” said Jacob. All of the Junior Citizens and their guests were brought into the Lieutenant- Governor’s suite where he presented their plaques and said a few words about each of them. Meeting the Lieutenant- Governor, who Jacob says is “so down to earth,” was a “great opportunity”. “It was all an amazing experience. Really awesome. The website had given a little of each person’s story but to hear them, it was so neat to see so many making such a huge difference.” Explore the importance offather involvement in familyand the lives of children. Rural Response for Healthy Children is hosting an interactive one-day workshop, March 23, that will appeal to anyone who is dedicated to nurturing a positive father and child relationship. Dads, step dads, moms, grandfathers/mothers, caregivers, foster parents, coaches, teachers, doctors/nurses, dentists, human resource managers, business owners, service organizations and community members are invited to investigate how to integrate a male perspective into their work environments, hear current research and learn about innovative programs for families. Round-table discussions will provide an opportunity to hear what has and hasn’t worked in organizations, businesses and family situations. “Fathers play an incredibly important role in the healthy development of their children. As organizations that work with families become increasingly open to including a dad’s perspective in their services, we will all realize the benefits to children, moms, dads and society as a whole,” says Brian Russell, a father of three daughters, chair of FII- ON, a parent educator with an Ontario Early Year Centre in Toronto, and one of the workshop facilitators. Russell will offer the latest research on father involvement and examine issues that are relevant for fathers in today’s society. Keynote speaker, Karen Foster, R.N., BScN, M.Ed – director of The Parenting Partnership – Invest in Kids (www.theparentingpartnershi p.ca) will give an overview of father involvement beginning with prenatal involvement and continuing to post natal development. There is no cost to register, lunch and refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is required by March 16. Register by calling 519-482- 8777. Rural Response for Healthy Children is hosting thisregional event at theOMAFRA Office in Clinton. It is made possible through funds from the Public Health Agency of Canada. For more information and a copy of the workshop agenda visit the website at www.rrhc.on.caRHHC’s vision is aresponsive community that protects the rights of the child, reduces child abuse and neglect and strengthens families to nurture their children. Honoured Thirteen-year-old Jacob McGavin, son of Jeff and Shannon and a student at Brussels Public School accepts his Ontario Junior Citizen plaque from Lieutenant-Governor David C. Onley at a ceremony last week in Queen’s Park. (OCNA photo) The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services seeks applicants to fill a vacancy on the North Huron Police Services Board The North Huron Police Services Board governs the police service for the Township of North Huron, including overseeing its budget, setting its policy and performing other administrative tasks. Applicants must be able to commit 15 to 20 hours per month to board duties. An honorarium will be paid by the municipality. Experience in policy-making, budgeting and contract negotiation, volunteer work in community organizations, good written and verbal communications skills and previous experience on boards or committees would be considered assets. Residents of the Township of North Huron who are interested in serving on the Board may apply, quoting File Number PAS-0907 to: Public Appointments Secretariat Room 2440, Whitney Block 99 Wellesley Street West Toronto ON M7A 1A1 Downloadable application form is available at www.pas.gov.on.ca or you may apply online. Applications must be received by March 26, 2009,to be considered. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. ontario.ca/eatright Paid for by the Government of Ontario Diabetes isn’t just about sugar. We can help you avoid simple things that put your family at high risk. Call a Registered Dietitian for free. EatRight Ontario 1-877-510-510-2 Jr. Citizen says honour an amazing experience By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen Rural Response holdsworkshop for dads