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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-08-18, Page 13A new look North Huron’s economic development officer Kerri Herrfort visits the new website for the township. User friendly and easily maintained, Herrfort said the site will be updated regularly and encourages residents to use it to find out things about their municipality. (Bonnie Gropp photo) New North Huron website complete THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2005. PAGE 13 North Huron Museum in need o f volunteers By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor The Twp. of North Huron’s website has a new look and staff are ready to show it off. Economic development officer Kerri Herrfort and clerk­ administrator John Stewart are working out the details for a launch party to celebrate the new site in the near future. The excitement is well expected as the site has been a long time coming. While North Huron has had a website council has been hoping improvements for quite some time. “It was being maintained by someone in the treasury department. They were doing as much as they could,” said Herrfort, “but it outgrew its purpose. When I went on the site. I couldn’t find anything.” The economic development committee decided it was time for an overhaul. “They wanted a site that was more user friendly, and that made a good first impression.” Herrfort began working on it as soon as she was hired in January. “It was a top priority of the committee.” She started discussions with department heads to make sure the website would meet everyone’s needs, and began to consider layouts. Herrfort said the final piece came in place when she heard about designer Peter Marval from Windsor. He had done the sites for the Sallows Gallery and the Huron County Library CAP, and came well recommended, she said. Marval began at the beginning of May and they went live on June 1. Over 300 pictures had been taken throughout the municipality and every time someone enters a site, a different picture comes up at random. Under each individual department there is a picture that relates in some way or form. But most importantly, said Herrfort, is that the design has done what they set out to do. With listings on community events, municipal affairs, and programs, the website is an informative guide to what is happening in the township. Herrfort who will reguarly update the site, encourages everyone with any information to contact her. From accomodations to service clubs’ events, she is hoping to have as complete a listing as possible and can only do so if people let her know. “It’s impossible for me to reach everybody so I am encouraging people to contact me. This is a great service for people.” “I encourage residents to use the site. Anything they want to know about North Huron is there. Many of the pages are in PDF form so they can be printed off and kept as a handy resource.” Herrfort said she hopes to send out a survey in six months to see what people think of the site, whether they use it and if it meets their needs. “I welcome feedback” The Norlh Huron Museum has a labour shortage. Curator Jodi Jerome needs help to run the three-storey museum. This fall, she would like to offer educational programs for public and high school students as well as increase the number of special events. She can't do it by herself. - What the museum seeks are volunteers who will commit two hours every week (or every other week) on a certain day. People are needed to greet visitors, answer phones and help get materials ready for upcoming exhibits and programs. A group of five to l() volunteers willing to do one or two shifts per week would help the museum become more active in the areas ol programs.exhibits and special events.All volunteers wi II receive training as well as a volunteer manual. This fall the museum will be hosting its annual meeting, an exhibit on CKNX’s 50 years of television, a special military exhibit, a month of Remembrance Day school programs, an art exhibition by the local high school art students and three newly developed school programs - History’s Mysteries (solving a museum mystery using science). Deadly Cures (history of medicine & quacks) and Printers Inc. (history of newspapers, writing and advertising). Those with prior teaching DON'T MISS OUT! 404 Queen St. 541 Turnberry St. Blyth Brussels Advertisers...don't miss out on a great advertising opportunity! Showcase your business in the 44th Annual Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association special edition in the September 8 edition of The Citizen An additional 3,000 copies will be distributed to visitors and exhibitors attending the reunion. DEADLINE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 Call Heather or Dianne at 523-4792 The Citizen experience and/or a love ol working with students are needed to get the new educational programs up and running Students looking for community service hours or an interesting co-op job arc also welcome at the museum. Those looking to expand their computer skills, artistic talents, teaching experience, public relations work or museum exposure will find the museum to be a great place to co­ op. The curator enjoys working with young people and incorporating Three key steps to keep kids safe on wheels - advice for parents of kids of all ages • Make sure your child wears a propcrly-litting helmet and other protective gear. Helmets and helmet straps should fit snugly. A helmet should sit level on the head and cover the top of the forehead. But many children push their helmets too far up off the forehead, or wear the straps too loose. This can cut their protection by more than 50 per cent. • Have children ride in a safe environment - away from cars and other vehicles. While injuries can happen anywhere, the most devastating and fatal injuries frequently involve cars. • Supervise children on wheels until they are at least eight years old. Know your child's abilities. Make sure children are the right age for their equipment. Children can start to use scooters and two-wheeled hikes al age five or six; in-line skates and skateboards al age seven or eight. Children need adults to check their skills and give feedback as they learn tp ride or in-line skate. Parents can also use this time to emphasize safety and enforce helmet use. Early habits, backed up by family rules, may help maintain helmet use when the child is older and no longer supervised. their ideas into the project al hand. It is an opportunity to add to one's job portfolio and make a difference. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to call the museum ai 357-1096 and ask for Jodi. The museum fall hours are Monday to Friday l() a.m, to 4 p.m., but with volunteer interest the hours could be extended. The museum has an answering machine, so feel free to leave a message. Communication by computer is also available - email the museum al nhdmuseum@ wightman.ca