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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-04-26, Page 14Wednesday, April 26, 2006 Exeter Times–Advocate 13 Responsible citizens making a difference As reported in the April 19 Times Advocate (School Board launches "Character" program) the Avon Maitland District School Board has identi- fied character education as an important goal for the upcoming school year. "Character Education aims to promote positive personality traits through existing curriculum and school activities." The many sports, clubs and activities within the school will be used in conjunction with the lessons in the classroom to promote such traits as honesty, empathy, respect, integrity, courage and compassion. As a high school teacher I recognize the debt I owe to the many parents who have already instilled these values in their chil- dren, and to my elemen- tary colleagues who have continued to foster them in their students. I believe we have many fine young men and women in our community, and that this program of character education will only help to make them even better. On April 7 - 8, the stu- dents of South Huron District High School partic- ipated in the 13th annual 30 Hour Famine for World Vision. This year's Famine was the most successful yet, raising approximately $13,400, and bringing our total since the first Famine in 1994 to $74,000. World Vision uses the funds for famine and disaster relief, development education and many other worthy projects. I am proud to know that our efforts over the years have helped make a difference in the lives of many people. I'd like to thank the 216 students who went without food from Friday noon until six o'clock Saturday for their dedication to this worthy cause. The students played sports, watched movies, sang Karaoke and were entertained by two rock bands made up by their talented fellow famine par- ticipants. The students were polite, responsible and well behaved, and their parents can be very proud of them. Eamon O'Rourke served as the security captain, assisted by a number of students who helped make the Famine run smoothly. We were also assisted by returning alumni Jerry Ziler and Jason Miles, and parents Jim Brintnell, Anne Rundle and Patti Case. I'd like to thank my fel- low teachers — Stacey Park, Russ Watson, Betty Janke, Kate Hollestelle, Paul Colborne, Amanda Magill, Mandy Micghels, April Tuininga, Jan Beitans, Judy and Chuck Mallette, Cathy Walper, Tracy McLennan, Brenda Hill, student teacher Dan Mosurinjohn and vice- principal Eleanor Salmon — who all volunteered their time to supervise the students and ensure every- one had a safe and enjoy- able event. A big thank you goes to the parents, relatives, friends and neighbours who sponsored the stu- dents. Arranging the drinks to help keep everyone hydrated and maintain their energy level is a big job, and it would not be possible without the incredible support and generosity of many local merchants. A very sincere thank you to all the mer- chants who helped make our famine a success. I have always enjoyed doing the 30 Hour Famine for a number of reasons. The kids who sign up are nice kids, and it's fun to see their energy and enthusiasm My colleagues who help supervise are wonderful, caring people who live the values they are promoting. The mer- chants are so happy to help, and the support from the parents and our com- munity is marvellous. Together we are making a difference as responsible global citizens and passing on the values and traits which make our communi- ty the wonderful place it is. Thank you for your sup- port! DAVE MACLEOD o� Dublin Mercantile's o 0 6th ANNIVERSARY EVENT • oa April 28th to May 7th no 11.6 oa up to 6 0 %off SELECTED ITEMS 0 O • 25 of All In Stock •PRINTS off •QUILTS •LAMPS All In Stock 2007 LANG CALENDARS $16.99 (77,,r) o3 70 Ti oSotos ALL REGULAR PRICED ITEMS t f0Y putteti' St • TAXES INCLUDED Ontario's rurniture Vif[age Dublin Mercantile (Across from G.G. Goettler Furniture) 59 Mill St., Dublin (519) 345-9922 • Bicyclists are reminded to follow safety rules By Kaitie Jinks EXIi'I'I:H TIMES -ADVOCATE The warm weather is here, which means a lot of things: the beach, shorts, sunscreen and bicycling! But a lot of children, teens and adults don't follow the simple bicy- cle rules, which can make this fun summer activity very dangerous. The most common rule that is broken by children and teens, is the helmet rule. By law, every bicycle rider under the age of 18 years should legally wear a helmet. Many older children and teens don't think it is cool to wear a helmet. Well, as yourself this question: would it be cooler to have a serious head injury, possibly causing death? Or would it be cooler to buy a helmet in your favourite colour, and be safe? Most would agree on the lat- ter. Other safety gear that should be worn when riding a bicycle include: • Proper footwear - running shoes with the laces tied tight, so they do not get caught in the chain. • Avoid pants with wide bottom legs so they also do not get caught in the chain. • Cycling gloves - reduce hand injury • Reflective clothing - must always be worn for dawn, dusk or night riding, and it is a good idea to wear reflective clothing even in the daytime, just to be safe. • Bright coloured clothing is more noticeable for vehicles, pedestrians and others to see you are coming through. • Your bicycle should include a horn, reflectors and a light if possi- ble. • Sunglasses can be worn to pro- tect your eyes from those sunny summer days. Many bicycle riders carry an emergency tool kit for longer rides, and having the following with you does not seem like a bad idea: • patch kit, spare change for a telephone call, chain tool with a few spare links, first aid kit with rub- bing alcohol, bandages and cotton, a whistle, a water bottle, sunscreen and an energy or granola bar, to fight away the hunger pains while on a long journey, of course. There are many bike safety rules to follow, but most of the injuries involving bicycles happen because children, teens and adults are for- getting a lot of very simple rules. • Never race riders or vehicles • Keep both hands and feet on the bars and peddles • Do not pop "wheelies" or other tricks without full safety equipment on, and unless you are supervised by an adult or professional. • Look both ways before crossing a road, or passing by lanes and dri- veways. • Never ever ride on an express- way or freeway. •By following these simple rules and safety precautions, bicyclists will feel and be a whole lot safer. Many of these rules are common sense, but they are easy to do, and could save your life. BE COOL. FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF, AND PUT MONEY IN YOUR POCKET! Introducing the COOL SAVINGS REBATE for Ontario residents with existing central air conditioning systems. $50 REBATE ON AN AC TUNE-UP* $75 (UP TO) REBATE TOWARDS A NEW INSTALLED PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT** $500 REBATE ON REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING SYSTEM WITH AN ENERGYSTAR® QUALIFIED SYSTEM** *must be performed between April 21 to June 30, 2006 **must be performed between April 21 and August 31, 2006 Go to www.conservationbureau.on.ca or call 1.866.670.COOL (2665) for a local participating contractor. er„Conservation Bureau rhe poser or conservation NRA©_,'