HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-12-17, Page 1A lengthened timeline was granted
for the community-based committee
looking into the possible
consolidation of elementary school
facilities in North Perth and
northeast Huron County.
But trustees of the Avon Maitland
District School Board, which created
the committee in keeping with its
accommodation review policy,
granted a lesser timeline than was
requested by either the committee,
or through a resolution approved by
the Municipality of Huron East.
The reason, say trustees and
administrators, is that the board
wants to be able to bring forward any
recommendations for a vote within
the 2009-10 school calendar.
When the board created the
Accommodation Review Committee
(ARC), it set Feb. 24 as the date for
its final public meeting before
submitting a report to trustees.
Trustees would then be expected to
consider the report, along with
information provided by board staff
and other public input, before
making a decision in June.
ARC members, however, are
concerned that the board has been
unable to provide up-to-date analysis
known as “ReCAPP” – a
provincially-mandated database of
all the board’s facilities, outlining
when it’s expected that maintenance
or repairs will be necessary.
Comprehensive ReCAPP data was
determined several years ago but,
according to education
superintendent Mike Ash – who’s
overseeing the accommodation
review on behalf of the board – this
year the Education Ministry is in the
process of re-assessing the data.
“Releasing it prior to (hearing
back from the Ministry) would not
be appropriate,” Ash cautioned
trustees at a regular meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 8. Asked when it
might be available, he responded, “I
wish I had a crystal ball . . . Our
target is to have that information for
the ARCs for their meetings in
January.”
At the Dec. 8 meeting, trustees
voted to delay the Huron East/North
Perth ARC’s final public meeting to
March 3. A release of ReCAPP data
in January – even if it does happen –
would probably not allow for the
ARC’s request for 60 days between
the release of the data and the final
meeting.
And it’s even more unlikely to
Glee-full
Last week’s three days of the worst of winter weather didn’t put a chill on the youngsters,
however, as they not only had some snow days off school, but Lions Park hill in Brussels was
in optimal condition for sledding. A group of youngsters hit the hill on the weekend. Fun is
always even more so when done with a friend. Selena MacPherson, right, and Dana Dolmage
enjoy the take off side by side, while Tim Waechter waits his turn. (Vicky Bremner photo)
It’s the most wonderful time of the
year. But not for everyone.
The reality is there are many in the
manufacturing and agricultural
sectors who have been hit by the
economic downturn. Job losses,
restructuring, closures and
uncertainty have made for
challenging times.
Alex Leith, an advisor with
Queen’s Bush Rural Ministry reminds
those who are feeling overwhelmed
by financial worries, stress or work
pressures that there is help out there.
“There are opportunities to find the
assistance you need. That’s what
we’re here for.”
Queen’s Bush is a 24-hour
counselling and referral service
specific to helping rural people in
crisis. However, while Leith said the
board has directed that he only deal
with farm-related callers, he does
direct others to places for help, such
as United Way.
From credit counselling agencies,
to spiritual help, to charitable
organizations, Leith said he has built
up a wealth of resources to direct
people to. “There are many there to
help.”
The Christmas season has seen an
increase in calls he said, many from
people needing some immediate
relief for such things as heating,
electricity, or food.
“Usually they won’t call until their
back’s to the wall, but usually if it’s
financial and they’re facing deadlines
I tell them to be up front with a
creditor. In many cases, it’s when the
creditor doesn’t hear anything, that
they assume the worst.”
Chris Meier of the Huron
Manufacturing Association said that
looking for help shouldn’t be seen as
a negative step. And if the need is for
professional assistance it must be
sooner rather than later. It can be as
simple as discussing issues openly
clergy, or researching resources
equipped to listen and offer
assistance.
“We have the optimism for things
to get better and we do not always
look for help or support until it’s too
late. This is why it’s important to
share your challenges with those who
can support you,” said Meier.
Depression and suicide are also
situations that Leith finds himself
dealing with. “When I think it’s
serious I would first encourage them
to be with somebody and to see a
physician. Things are never so bad
that someone should end their life.”
Calls to Queen’s Bush are
confidential. “I obviously ask their
name, but if they prefer not to, if they
only want to talk that’s okay.”
Pride can often stand in the way of
a call, which is unfortunate, Leith
admits.
“We want them to know that asking
for help doesn’t mean they have failed
in any way. For example, beef and
hog farmers are in deep trouble. An
operation may have had the best
management but it’s not in good
shape now. That just the nature of the
market.”
In a press release, Wayne Black of
the Huron County Federation of
Agriculture said “People have to
understand it’s not their fault. It’s
because of things that we cannot
always influence individually.”
He added that it’s important to
realize that not everyone sees a
situation in the same way. “What is
stressful to one may not be to another.
Individuals must be sensitive to this
reality and try to understand others’
reactions. It requires everyone to
work together as a community to help
each other.”
Contact Queen’s Bush by calling
collect at 519-369-6774 or toll free at
1-866-902-7828.
Leith also welcomes e-mails at
aleith99@hotmail.com
The Farm Line is another
confidential telephone support for
farmers and rural families in Ontario.
The trained volunteers offer access to
support on agricultural subjects,
addressing issues and situations on
everything from financial and legal to
family and mental health. They can be
reached at 1-888-451-2903 and have
an on-line resource directory
available at www.thefarmline.ca
Further help for all residents of
Huron and Perth Counties can be
found at the 24-hour confidential
crisis intervention line, 1-888-829-
7484.
ARC gets extended timeline
CitizenTh
e
$1.25 GST included Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009
Volume 25 No. 49SHOPPING- Pg. 12Christmas Gift Guidebegins THEATRE - Pg. 23Looking to summer atBlyth FestivalCOMMUNITY- Pg. 10Family seekingcommunity’s supportPublications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 PAP Registration No. 09244 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, ON N0G 1H0INSIDE THIS WEEK:
“Christmas time is here, time for fun and cheer...”
And the staff at The Citizen are going to be taking some
days off to enjoy this special season with their families.
The Blyth office will be closing Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m.
to re-open Monday, Jan. 4 at 9 a.m.
The Brussels office will be closed from 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21
until 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4.
The deadline for advertising and editorial copy for the Dec. 24 issue
must be into the office by 2 p.m. Dec. 21 in Brussels or 4 p.m. that same
day in Blyth.
There will be no Citizen on Dec. 31.
The staff wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Taking a holiday
Finding help in
challenging times
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
By Stew Slater
Special to The Citizen
Continued on page 6