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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-06-25, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 1997 Moving on to other endeavors Joan Perrie and Rudy Hooftman say goodbye to Brussels Public School this week as one takes early retirement and the other goes on to a new career. BPS teachers retire By Janice Becker Citizen staff "She is a mover and a shaker, respected, very efficient and can single-handedly pull together a play." That is the resounding endorse­ ment given by co-worker and Rudy Hooftman, of fellow teacher Joan Perrie as they both prepare for their final days at Brussels Public School. Though both are leaving the edu­ cation system, they are going in very different directions once they are no longer called by the ringing bell. Perrie, an intermediate class, teacher, is taking early retirement after 33 1/2 years in education. After spending 10 years leaching in North York, Perrie came to Huron County, working 18 years in Exeter before coming to Brussels. "I have been very involved in music, sometimes teaching only that," she says. "Working with the band at Brussels has been a very enjoyable experience and I will miss it. It has been a challenge, but the children worked hard, spending the first recess every morning prac­ tising." Attesting to her influence on the children, Hooftman adds that the band had become the thing to be involved in since Perrie has been a part of it. "Many of the girls have gone on to play with the Seaforth Girls Marching Band as well," says Hooftman. "This has been a very good end to a career," she says. A small school is a great place to work, but it is harder because you have to do everything. There is not the number of people with expertise." "It is nice to see the young teach­ ers (coming in). They are eager and keen." Of all her experiences in schools, Hurry over to Grey haven Gardens while we still have a good selection available. We've got roses, vines, hanging baskets, mixed containers filled with flowers, annuals, perennials, shrubs and much more... 523-9781 1/8 mile west of Hillcrest Restaurant, Londesboro Perrie says she will miss the chil­ dren the most. "The intermediates can be so grown up one minute, then they open up, are so sincere, innocent and child-like the next." Perrie has several p:ans for her retirement including a .rip to Eng­ land in the fall, attending the Hal- iburton School of Fine Arts, kayaking and gardening with her husband. She says she would also like to volunteer at the school, possibly in a math enrichment program. For Hooftman, leaving Brussels Public School is not retirement, but moving on to to another career, though he is not quite sure what that will be yet. Since arriving in Canada from Holland at 18, and supporting him­ self by doing dishes, Hooftman has taught for 34 years in schools from Kapiskasing to Samia and finally, in Huron County since 1973. As a French teacher, he has moved through many of the schools in the area, mostly in the elemen­ tary sector, but also Central Huron Secondary School. "The Huron County (Board of Education) has become very peo­ ple-oriented. We are not a number as it was when I first began teach­ ing. They have humanized the sys­ tem. The administration at the county board is very humanistic towards the public, the children and the teachers. I am pleased to have been a part of it," he says. With his wife retiring and having reached the 90 factor, Hooftman says it was time to do something different. "But I will gladly teach again." At present he is considering work in the construction field as he has always enjoyed working with his hands. "I am looking forward to my second career." And what will Hooftman miss when he leaves the teaching rank? "It will be the humour." Working towards the goal Kim McArter of the East Wawanosh PS School Advisory Council (SAC) gratefully accepted a $2,000 donation for new playground equipment from Ken Swanson of the Belgrave and District Optimist Club, June 20. SAC has been fundraising to raise the $17,000 needed to replace the aging equipment at the school. A CKNX video dance party is planned for June 28 to continue the effort. Ryan Swanson, left, Matthew Shiell and Alicia Appleby, three junior kindergarten students, were on hand for the presentation. Grey to auction last lots Soon the old CN railbed through Grey Twp. will no longer be con­ sidered abandoned. Two of the final lots will go on the auction block, Wednesday evening, helping the township close the books on the deal which saw it purchase the railbed. "The township has been consis­ tent with the planning policies (in the selling of the lots)," says Clerk- Treasurer Brad Knight. Lions hope to top last year Continued from page 1 draws will be held after the ride. The club is hoping to top last year's participation of 65 riders, however, Frontier Days in Durham is taking place the same weekend, which will affect attendance. After the ride, the Lions will offer barbecued burgers for sale at the park, but also encourage visi­ tors to take advantage of the many establishments in town. "The barbecue is held because it is a tradition of bike rides," says Garnet. "It is convenient and helps generate more income. It also gives the riders a time to socialize." COMING SOON PICK YOUR OWN STRAWBERRIES or we will pick them for you ***NEW PATCH *** NORTH HURON GARDENS CALL 887-6870 leave message Most of the lots were sold to the adjacent landowners, but because these lots, on the west side of County Road 19, south of Grey Central Public School, were not wanted by the school board, they became available for auction. The township sees this as a good way to dispose of the land as the selling of the rural residential lots will not affect agricultural land and may allow the township to make a Held in conjunction with the bike ride is the Lions Club summer dance, held at Blyth and District Community Centre,with funds going to community projects. Opening for Guitars and Cadil­ lacs, a tribute to Dwight Yoakum, will be local performer Kim Souch and Blue Bouyou. Tickets to the dance are $15 per couple or $8 a person. Age of majority is required. Free overnight camping is avail­ able for the riders. More information may be obtained by calling Brian Garnet al 519-523-9650. Hwy. 86 small profit on the entire CN railbed deal, says Knight. The two lots have 100 foot frontages and areas of approximate­ ly 1.4 acres. The old railbed runs through one of the properties. "They should make nice lots," says Knight. 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