Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2002-09-25, Page 22Organ donation: Did you know? (NC)—Nearly 4,000 Canadians are waiting for organ transplants that could improVe or save their lives. Last year, more than a hundred people on transplant waiting lists died because no organs became available. For more information on organ and tissue donation and how you.can donate. visit w w.healthcanada.cai tirganandtissue on the Internet. - News Canada HEALTH NEWS: ORGAN DONATION Q & As Retiring Winona Thompson, long-time employee of East Wawanosh Twp., then North Huron will be putting in her last days as a municipal employee at the office this week as she retires after 35 years of service. (Janice Becker photo) NEW THIS WINTER gs from N, Ontario to ARADERO, Cuba Tracy Spain 1,1 PUNTA CANA, D.R. th CANCUN, Mexico &ails see Sunquest Winter Sun & AC Vacations brochures Reg 2392471 Carlson Wagonlit Ellison Travel Goderich 524-8692 or 1-877-847-1272 Exeter 235-2000 or 1-800-265-7022 www.ettravel.com Goderich open Sat. 9am-lpm PAGE 22.THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2002. Belgrave hosts rally FROM BELGRAVE By Janice Becker Citizen staff After more than 33 year.. of assisting residents of East Wawanosh and another 21 months working for the Municipality of North Huron. Winona Thompson has decided it is time to go. Thompson began as a clerk for East • Wawanosh ,Twp. in 1967, working out of her house on Conc. 11. (She later became the treasurer as well.) It wasn't until 1979 that her office moved to the public works garage and then the municipal office in Belgrave in 1992. Many projects were accomplished in the township during her tenure. Ensuring to note that the road superintendent, other township employees and community organizations were vital in all improvements, Thompson says there have been a lot of changes in 35 years. During her years, most of the bridges in the township were replaced. the public works building was constructed, a field in Belgrave was turned into a residential community and the Kinsmen created the ball diamond and playground. She also began in an auspicious year, the township's 100th anniversary and was there to see the community mark its 125th. "1 hat was a very busy year. We celebrated the opening of the new front (community hall) on the arena, the committee that had worked for many years to compile a township history introduced the book, June was the official opening of the new municipal office and in July we celebrated l 25‘years." Thompson remembers several tales from the early days with the township, some which she prefers not to repeat, but others which tell of a very different time in community politics. "I remember the first nomination meeting I went to. It was held in a packed Belgrave Hall and the nominations came from the floor. The name was written on a blackboard and if (the person) stood, they were in the election." "Then, we had elections every year," she adds. She was also the only office employee in the early days, not acquiring assistance until 1987, when Barb 'Black began part-time. "I could not have done it without her." says Thompson. "There was a lot more'paperwork." There are now six office staff working in the amalgamated North Huron office. Many of the tasks Thompson once had to deal with have been redistributed to other positions. Mary Coultes was pianist for the opening of the September meeting of the Belgrave WI. President. Isabel Campbell welcomed all and read. Friends. The minutes of the previous meeting. financial statement and correspondence were given by Dorothy Coultes. The Huron County rally will be held in Belgrave on Monday. Oct. 7 beginning at 9 a.m. featuring a penny sale and a speaker from a local drug store. Members are asked to bring food for a potluck lunch arid their own dishes. One of the biggest changes Thompson has seen is the use of computers. "When I started; I 4tad to figure and write out each tax bill by hand. It took about two months. Now it is done by the touch of a finger." Fortunately for her, there was only one annual tax bill in those days. In the final years of her work for East Wawanosh, then North Huron, Thompson has had to deal with the changing face of municipal politics, as amalgamation swept through the province. "We had to accept it once the decision was made," she says. "We came together very well and if is working well." Thompson believes it was time for a larger municipality, with advancements in so many areas.. The area convention will be held in Shedden on Tdesday, Oct. 29. It was decided to raise the rent of the hall to $40 and for a bridal shower to $20. The prices of catered meals will remain unchanged. • Norma Moore thanked everyone for serving their anniversary din- ner. The next meeting will be on Oct. 15 with a speaker from the Quilters Guild and a make-and-take craft. The roll call was answered by eight members and one guest. Lunch was served by Wilma Higgins and Isabel Campbell. . "There is progress in every aspect of life. It was time." As for her retirement, Thompson says leaving comes with mixed emotions, thinking of the ratepayers to the end. "I enjoyed meeting them and working for them, doing the best 1 could do," she says. She also recalls the wonderful working relationships she developed with the reeves. councillors, staff, other clerk-treasurers and county employees,-during her years with the township. Thompson has no specific plans other then to spend more time with her three daughters and son and their families. "I want to enjoy the next phase of my life and see what it has to offer. I will have the freedom to do what want." Ross and Barbara Anderson of Belgrave and Nancy ' Ball of Hanover were weekend guests at the home of Doreen and Rob Roy and girls in Peterborough. Murray and Audrey Lougheed of Guelph and Freda Johnston were recent dinner guests at the home of Ross and Barbara Anderson. Krista Pletch of Dryden spent several days last week visiting with her grandmother Thelma Pletch and other family relatives. Mary Vair congratulates the following music students, who successfully completed examinations with the Royal Conservatory of Music in the January, June, and Augiist testing this year: Grade t vocal, Veronica Knight of Wingham; Grade 2 vocal, Janine Stamper of Wingham, Sarah Gedcke of Wingham and Mark Wassink of Gowanstown; Grade 4 vocal, Krista Hewitt of Belgrave and Justine Lazaro of Lucknow; Grade 5 vocal Natalie Snyder of Wingham; Grade 7 vocal, Jackie Falconer of Blyth; Grade 2 piano,-Daniel Moran of Wingham; Grade 3 piano, Leanne Elston and Adel Dodds, both . of Belgrave; Grade 5 piano, Elizabeth Askes of Bluevale; Grade 7 piano, Jennifer Van Niekerk of. Belgrave. Three students completed examinations with Royal Conservatory of Music and all received First Class Honours with Distinction. They are Elizabeth Askes and Krista Hewitt, both completing preliminary Help protect the environment Reduce, reuse and recycle examinations; and Jennifer Van -Nickerk completing Grade 2. • Best wishes to Jennifer as she enters Brock University. Congratulations to Justin Ruttan v-ho was the lead performer and singer in Chorus Linc in Toronto this summer and now is beginning training at Sheridan College. Congratulations also to Matthew Greer of Lucknow for coming first in the country singing competition in Wingham this summer.. 11 1 1 4 4 4 1 1 & Brian & Les 25" Wedclin attniuectatv John & Pat Gillis September 16 Friends and neighbours come out to the farm and say hello this Saturday evening (Sept. 28) B.Y.O.B. L A_ The Boys! Long-time clerk retires sfiria4OVAWWW(*Cit Mapptv 25" I Wedding. I attnittePtaaw Dad cf. Atom, Sandra & Murray Pepper on September 30 Congratulations! Luv Brent & Rebecca, Kara