The Citizen, 2007-04-19, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007. PAGE 7.
They can lessen the chaos
in an autistic child’s world.
They are a calm companion,
making no demands, passing
no judgement. Their presence
soothes and provides a focus
for a youngster overwhelmed
by the noise and stress of
existence.
Raising an autistic child can
impact the whole family. And
an RR4, Wingham woman
wants to make sure that area
people in this position know
that there’s an organization to
help.
National Service Dogs is a
non-profit, registered charity
dedicated to enriching the
quality of life and enhancing
the independence of children
living with autism. Based in
Cambridge, it is the only
organization in North
America that focuses on
providing dogs to families
who have children with
autism.
Bev Elston is bringing the
dogs to the Knight of
Columbus Hall in Wingham
on April 25 at 7 p.m. to
promote awareness and raise
funds. There are also going to
be two presentations earlier
that day. One of these will be
the presentation to NDS of a
quilt by the Five Star Quiltersof which Elston is a member.Elston first heard aboutNDS when her daughter inLondon, where a branch is
located, became a ‘puppy
raiser’. “She socializes the
dog, taking him on buses, to
schools, any place where
there’s activity and people.”
The dogs, Labradors or
golden retrievers, live with
their raisers for 12-18
months. The dogs are
returned to the training centre
for six months assessment
and to match them with the
needs of a particular child.
Then for five days the
parents and autistic child
attend the centre to see how
the dog was trained. The child
is then introduced to their dog
at home. The trainer remains
for five days of instruction to
ensure a successful transition.
To become a raiser Elston’s
daughter attended an
information course, then
submitted two letters of
reference.
Her dog, Diamond, is one
of two that were donated from
Windsor.
It was Diamond who
inspired Elston’s interest in
helping the organization. “He
is just such a wonderful dog.”
And to see how people
react to Diamond has
underlined the effectiveness
of the program. “Most people
love dogs. Just to see how
people smile when ourdaughter is out with the dog.They really do have a positiveeffect.”Coming up with a quilt, to
be donated at 1 p.m. in
Teeswater April 25, to NDS
as a fundraiser was a logical
step. The Five Star Quilters
have created dozens for
various charities and people
in need. “We make blocks for
quilts for fire victims. This
year we sent seven bunches,
which is 14 or 15 quilts.”
At 2:30 that day the dogs
will be at Sacred Heart
School in Wingham for a
demonstration. “This will
bring awareness and show
people what the dogs do.”
Concluding the day will be
the evening auction. Elston
said she has received support
from area businesses and
organizations towards the
event. “And Ken Scott will be
our pro bono auctioneer.”
“We have a lot of items that
have been generously
donated. I’m hoping the
evening will be a success, but
my big goal is to get the
information out about the
organization to family who
need it.”
Proceeds of fundraiser to go to the dogs
A man who is no stranger to
provincial politics is seeking
the Huron-Bruce NDP
nomination.
Paul Klopp, a Zurich-area
farmer, and former MPP, has
stated his commitment to
“working on the vision of
economically and
environmentally healthy rural
communities” is not just
election talk.
“For too many elections we
have been promised by the
other candidates that they will
stand up for Rural Ontario.
They have not. Huron-Bruce
deserves better.”
Klopp believes an
economically-viable farm
community will mean success
for the rest of the rural
community.
Also, he said, in order for
future generations to live
here, “we need to take care of
the water, soil and air
today.”
He has, he said,
demonstrated his concern for
this in the past through
recycling, water quality
initiatives and by completing
an environmental farm plan
on his own property.
Klopp and his son, Timothy
Joseph operate Cedar Villa
Angus Farms, a sixth-
generation family operation.
He and his wife Heather
Sweeney also have a
daughter, Heidi.
Besides serving as MPP,
Klopp’s political experience
is extensive with
representation on local
organizations and the
municipal level. He is a past
president and current board
member of the Zurich
Agricultural Society, a board
member of the Huron County
Pork Producers and a
committee member of the
Ontario Soybean Growers’
Marketing Board.
He is a past president of the
Huron County Federation of
Agriculture and served as a
regional director. He is
currently director at large and
chair of the finance
committee.
From 1990-1995 Klopp was
parliamentary assistant to the
Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture Food and Rural
Affairs.
After losing out in the
provincial election, Klopp
turned to municipal politics,
serving two terms as deputy-
mayor of the Municipality of
Bluewater. He represented his
constituents at county
council.
Getting it together
Bev Elston holds part of the quilt being made by
the Five Star Quilters as a donation to National
Service Dogs. In addition to the quilt to help the
organization raise funds, Elston is organizing an
auction and information night to be held April 25
in Wingham. (Bonnie Gropp photo)
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Best friends
Children with autism find a calm, non-
judgemental friend in a National Service Dog
(Courtesy photo)
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
Klopp wants to return
to provincial politics
The Huron-Bruce (Federal)
Liberal Association’s
nomination meeting will be
held on Friday, April 20 at 7
p.m. in Belmore at the
Belmore Community Centre
(91122 Belmore Line,
Country Road 12). Voting will
commence no later than 7:45
p.m. and close at 10 p.m.
Nick Whyte, Association
president stated, “This is a
particularly exciting time for
our local Liberals. Since the
announcement of Paul
Steckle’s retirement, we are
looking to continue our
tradition of electing an
outstanding candidate to
prepare us for a future federal
election.”
Whyte adds, “I would
encourage everyone to attend
this meeting, and call upon all
local Liberals to take part in
this important process, and
exercise their democratic
right to choose who will best
represent Huron-Bruce
Liberals in the next federal
election.”
Local Liberals set date
PAUL KLOPP
Seeks NDP nomination for
provincial election
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