HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-12-11, Page 23THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2008. PAGE 23.Lodge donationbuys toys for Bus
Masked emotion
The Serious FUN! theatre group, led by Blyth-area’s Shannon Rose Scott, were part of a
workshop in commedia dell’arte, which was quickly renamed by the girls to commedia
dell’funky. Four actors based in Toronto who graduated from Fanshawe College with Scott who
had never worked with young actors before joined the workshop aimed at sharpening the
group’s improvisational and character development skills. The workshop wrapped up last
weekend, which was the second of two weekends. The group was taught to use and perform
in traditional commedia stock character masks. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
Look for some new toys andresources for lending as RuralResponse for Healthy Children’sTHE Bus pulls into your community
in 2009.
The Maple Leaf Chapter IODE
made a generous donation of $500 to
buy new educational toys and
resources for a variety of ages. The
IODE members’ commitment and
service to improve the quality of life
for children, youth and those in need
makes a difference in the lives and
learning of many families and
children.
Recently, Rural Response for
Healthy Children (RRHC) has
received requests from
parents/caregivers for age
appropriate learning resources for
children ages 7 to 12. “We have a
growing wish list of educational
games, toys and resources that will
help older children develop their
communication, language, math,
science and social skills. It’s
environmentally friendly to support
and use THE Bus lending service
that links up with Best Start hubs,
public libraries and church halls in
communities throughout Huron
County”, says Dorothy Beuermann,
program services manager.
“Donations to THE Bus Program
provide a year round ‘Christmas’feeling for children and families. Ioften feel like Mrs. Santa when Ipull into a community. Everyone
coming to our group time or to lend
toys and resources is smiling when
THE Bus arrives. It’s a very special
part of our program to see children’s
eyes light up when they know they
can borrow something to take home
for a few weeks. It’s a wonderful
way to support young families and
caregivers throughout the year,” says
Beverly Budd, the manager of THE
Bus Program. Steadfastly serving
the families and children in Huron
County for over 10 years as an
employee of Rural Response for
Healthy Children, Budd sees first
hand the importance THE Bus
program plays in the lives of
children.
Over the past two years with rising
fuel costs and increasing
maintenance bills to keep the aging
vehicle on the road fifty weeks of the
year, Rural Response for Healthy
Children has been challenged to
purchase new inventory for THE
Bus Program.
For more information about their
programs and services or to make a
donation call their office at 519-482-
8777 or 1-800-479-0716. Rural
Response for Healthy Children is
able to offer real help, right here,
right now, thanks to our funding
from the Public Health Agency of
Canada.
A year of planning and preparation
will be culminating this week with
area youth hoping to learn from
Huron County councillors and
perhaps, councillors will learn from
the area’s youth.
Huron County’s inaugural youth
council will be held Dec. 11 from
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Huron
County Health Unit Auditorium in
Clinton.
A rotating group of between 10
and 30 students between the ages of
14 and 24 representing the five area
high schools, will be sitting down
with members of county council to
learn about municipal politics and
what it takes to be a public servant.
On the other hand, organizers hope
this meeting will provide a platform
for Huron’s young people to speak
up about issues that are important to
them.
Huron County youth engagement
co-ordinator Rob Bundy says he
hopes to see those involved become
educated as to how political
decisions are made at a local
level.
“It’s going to be a long process,
but we hope that these young people
learn the skills they need to become
the decision-makers,” he said. “If
county councillors listen to these
young people, then they become the
decision-makers and they’ll know to
listen to young people.”
With the area’s youth having more
of a say in how their county is run,
Bundy said, it expands the
boundaries of what’s possible.
The idea began one year ago when
Bundy and community developer
Bonnie Baynham began to talk to
people from Huron’s high schools
about possible volunteers and
representatives.
Ever since, a rotating group of
young people has been meeting to
discuss issues and prepare for this
inaugural meeting.
Bundy hopes to see between six
and eight members of county council
at the meeting.
Leading up to the event, however,
Bundy says he has been receiving
positive feedback from county
councillors who are glad to see
youth participation in the political
system.
For more information, or to
confirm attendance, call Bundy at
519-482-1700 or e-mail at
rbundy@smallbusinesshuron.ca
Having their say
Community developer, Bonnie Baynham has been working
for a year with a rotating group of youth and Huron County
youth engagement co-ordinator Rob Bundy to prepare area
students for a meeting with Huron County council on Dec.
11. Bundy hopes the students will learn more about local
politics as well as raise issues to councillors that affect
them. (Courtesy photo)
Happy First
Birthday
Jordan
~ December 17 ~
son of
Ryan and Julie Newman
of Wroxeter,
grandson of
Carmie and Dale Newman
and
Leo and Corry Sanders.
Happy 65th
Birthday
Bill
December 15
Happy Birthday
Raelyn (4 on Nov. 4), Darian (7 on Dec. 10),
Dustin (6 on Dec. 15) and Daniel (9 on Dec. 1)
– Love your family –
Huron’s youth council up and running
By Shawn Loughlin
The Citizen
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