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The Citizen, 2000-07-05, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2000. Day Centre pulls up stakes after 23 years By David Emslie Clinton News-Record Since 1977, the Huron Adult Day Centre has been serving its clients from the old Huron view building. At the end of October, the centre will pull up its stakes, and move to the Betty Cardno Memorial Centre in Clinton. The Day Centre, explained Executive Director Rosemary Armstrong, has provided social, recreational and personal care to the frail elderly and those with dimentias including Alzheimer’s, at its present site for 23 years, but they are now looking forward to the move into town. The move comes about, explained Armstrong, following a few years of negotiations with the county regard­ ing a sizeable rent increase. In 1997, she said, the county did an investigation of all its buildings, and from that investigation arose a yearly rent increase of about $65,000. Armstrong said she is sure that the county thought it was doing the best it could for the. county, but this increase was "not the best for the Day Centre.” More recently, she said, the coun­ ty did come up with plans that would have seen the centre using a reduced space in the building which now houses their programs, but the rent would still have been in the neigh­ borhood of $40*000 to $60,000, which, she said, “is beyond our means.” She added, “We appreciate why they felt the need to do this, but it wasn't in our best interest to spend that amount of money on rent.” Thus, the decision was made to rent space in the Betty Cardno Memorial Centre, which currently houses the Town and Country Support Services and the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. “Now that the decision has been made, we are able to look forward. We are looking forward to the move,” Armstrong stated. Plans call for the day centre to ren­ ovate some of the motel area at the back of the building on Clinton’s west end, and also to put on a small addition. When all renovations are complet­ ed, the centre will have 3,500 square feet, _and they will also be able to access common areas in the building, such as the kitchen, meeting rooms and laundry area. With the ability to use the com­ mon areas, the centre will be able to function in the much smaller new space. “The need for a huge building like this no longer exists,” Armstrong said from her office last week. And they will be paying their old rent rates at the new building, which will help them meet costs. They will be receiving some government money for renovations, and using capital funds. They will also be seek­ ing some outside financial assis­ tance, as she noted, “We will be looking for help through fundraising programs.” She said she will be sorry to leave the old Huronview after being there Dressing up the community centre Thanks to the generosity of W.J. Ward of Londesboro, the village of Blyth was able to purchase a new gateway for the entrance to the community centre in preparation for the National Communities in Bloom judging later this month. Wayne Ward, left, gets some assistance with the installation from Greg Bechtel while Jim Ward works at ground level. 23 years, but at the same time, the move to town will offer advantages, such as making the day centre more visible to the public, and more acces­ sible. This fact has already been proven by the Alzheimer Society, who Armstrong said has seen an increase in traffic since moving to the high­ way location. The move to town will also be advantageous to the day centre, she said, as the Betty Cardno Memorial Centre will be a seniors building. “Clinton needs something like that. We don’t have a seniors centre,” Armstrong said. “We’re looking for­ ward to it.” People honoured for contribution to community Two area residents were recog­ nized recently for their contributions to their communities. Harry Nesbitt of Stratford, origi­ nally of Blyth, received an Ontario Senior Achievement Award from the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation. Board adopts job description for fire chief Retired from teaching since 1985, Nesbitt volunteers with the Children’s Aid Society of Perth. He also works with Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness as well as with the Friends of Stratford Normal School Heritage Committee. He is a member of the Stratford Festival Theatre and Gallery Stratford and previously volunteered with the Blyth Festival. Nesbitt is the co-chair of the sen­ iors’ games for Perth, Huron and Middlesex, director-at-large for the agricultural fair board for Stratford and area and was a member of the 1999 International Plowing Match committee. Nesbitt was one of 21 recipients. Nominated by Town and Country Support Services, Elaine Townshend of Clinton received recognition for her contribution to the needs of the physically challenged. Townshend was instrumental in raising awareness of the need for accessibility in Huron County, a task she undertook for almost 30 years. She promoted the need for curbs designed to allow easier movement for those in wheelchairs and with restricted leg movement. She was also a co-founder of the Awareness League for Physically Challenged Adults. Continued from page 1 administrator’s position is filled, the board will proceed with posting and filling other job positions. The board adopted job descrip­ tions for a part tmie fire chief and a •full time chief building official/by- law enforcement officer. The chief building official will be responsible for the issuance of septic tank system permits and nutrient management plan reviews. One animal control officer will be hired on a part-time contract basis. The animal control officer will be responsible for implementing a sys­ tem for the sale and collection of dog tags. Students’ manners please writer Continued from page 4 The children were very well behaved and co-operative throughout the visit. The teachers were fantastic in their participation, enthusiasm and support of the children, seniors, vol­ unteers and staff as well. At the Diners on June 22 I shared the children’s and teachers’ letters of thanks and art work with all those in attendance. A scrapbook will be made to allow them to further peruse these precious reports. In their note to Town and Country Support Services the above men­ tioned teachers said “the session was well-planned and organized” ... “the children enjoyed their afternoon and practiced some valuable social skills” ... skills of co-operation and The board reviewed the final grant application that had been submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Restructuring Fund. The grant appli­ cation projects restructuring costs of $1,094,649 and projects savings of approximately $185,000 per year. The board was advised that tender documents for the renovations to the Seaforth town Hall would be ready during the first week of July with ads being placed in local newspapers. The anticipated closing date for ten­ ders is July 19 with tender approval subject to the approval of the restruc­ turing grant application. Staff was directed to prepare a pro­ posal for the development of a new tolerance were displayed by the chil­ dren and the seniors”. After reading this letter to the din­ ers it was brought to my attention how much admiration and apprecia­ tion those two teachers; Lois Anonech and Cindy McKee deserved for their firm but fair organ­ ization and support of their two classrooms. Furthermore, we all agree that these kids were an excep­ tional group. I must also mention at this time how terrific it has been once again to- have the young men and women of the Brussels Public School Grade 8 class to assist us as volunteers at the Brussels Diners. Your assistance is a great asset as are your visits. We wish you all the best in your future municipal crest. The proposal will involve advertising to the residents of Huron East of a contest to design a new municipal crest. Representation on the Ausable- Bayfield and Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities was reviewed. Huron East will have one representative on the Ausable- Bayfield Authority and the Maitland Valley Authority is in the process of mailing a report outlining member­ ship options to its municipalities. The transition board directed the administrative committee to develop the organizational chart for the pub­ lic works and utilities functions (water/sewer) and to prepare job and extend a warm congratulations on your graduation from all of us. Sincerely, Susan Armstrong Community Support Co-ordinator. Board appoints principals The Avon-Maitland district School Board announced the appointment of Rob Larsen from the Greater Essex District School Board as vice-princi­ pal at South Huron Secondary SChool. Eleanor Salmon from the Thames Valley District School Board will become vice-principal at Central Huron Secondary School. descriptions for these departments. The property committee will review the benefit packages of the existing five municipalities. The next meeting of the Huron East Transition Board is scheduled for July 10 at 8 p.m. Graduation On June 15, 2000 Erica Catherine Clark, daughter of Joan and Lavern Clark, graduated from the University of Guelph. Erica received an Honours Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Microbiology. In September Erica will attend Queen’s University in the Masters Program, Community Health and Epidemiology. Congratulations with love from your family. Graduation DAVID ARMSTRONG David, son of Brian and Elaine Armstrong, graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University, with an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy degree on June 2. In his graduating year he was president of the Music Therapy Students’ Associa­ tion, and is presently employed as the music program coordinator for the Integra Foundation (a children’s mental health center), at Camp Towhee, Haliburton. This fall he will continue his studies in the Honours Psychology program at Wl.U. Congratulations, best wishes and love from all your family!