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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-04-26, Page 18Wednesday, April 26, 2006 Exeter Times -Advocate 17 Norm Whiting (Left) and Don Newman auction off one of the items sold during last week's annual South Huron Hospital auxiliary rummage sale and auction which raised $8,100 for the hospital. (photo/Pat Bolen) Russian trip a great experience By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — "It was one of the most rewarding adven- tures in my life." So says entertainer and former Exeter resident John Heaman, describing his recent trip to Russia, where he visited orphanages in the St. Petersburg area. Heaman's trip was part of a humanitarian mission organized by Gordon Lewis, director of an adoption agency in Toronto, Mission of Tears. The group who went to Russia with Heaman consisted of nine Canadians and one American. Heaman left for Russia April 4 and returned eight days later. While there, he visited three orphanages in the area, entertaining the children and visiting with officials. Heaman's group also donated clothing to the orphan- ages they visited. The first orphanage Heaman visited housed children up to age seven in a setting Heaman describes as "home -like." Heaman came away impressed with the children — when his group offered toys to the children, a girl who was offered two only took one. Another girl who was given a candy, noticed it was actually two pieces of candy stuck together. She broke the pieces apart and gave one to another child. "That was pretty touching," Heaman said. Another orphanage Heaman visited held 350 disabled children up to 18 years old. He describes it as "a model orphanage" and "state of the art." Heaman said some of the residents are being prepared to live in their own apartments, where they will also receive some care. There, the residents put on a show of music, dancing and comedy before Heaman entertained them. Heaman said one concern he has about the disabled orphans is what will happen to them when they turn 18 and are forced to leave the orphanage. The third orphanage consisted entirely of babies, some of whom were severely disabled. Heaman said the babies' care is "very good," and his group left clothing, diapers and cream at the home. Heaman also visited a drop-in centre for teens, which provides activities to keep them off the streets. Heaman was also interviewed on a program on Radio TEOS, during which he spoke of his music career and the reasons for his trip to Russia. CBC also filmed Heaman in Toronto before he boarded his plane as part of a story the show "Moving On" is preparing about Heaman and his wife Geneva's attempts to adopt a girl from Russia. Heaman also had some time to tour the St. Petersburg area and describes the weather as unpre- dictable and gloomy. He said many of the buildings are very old and the traffic is "horrific at times" with narrow roads and numerous canals and bridges. Heaman enjoyed the Russian cuisine and the coffee. Heaman said he and Geneva are still pursuing their adoption and he said that will involve future trips to Russia. Manager leaving May 5 By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF LUCAN BIDDULPH — After 16 years of service for Lucan Biddulph, public works manager Barry Mills has chosen to leave his position, moving to Huron East assuming the role of public works manager. Mills says the main reason for leaving is wanting more of a challenge. He also says his new job will allow him to concentrate more on road work than in Lucan Biddulph where he was working from everything to "buildings to drainage to roads to water and sewage." "Lucan Biddulph is good but change is quite good too," says Mills. Mills, who says he's enjoyed his time working with council and the community, is leaving May 5. Huron East, almost 10,000 people, includes Seaforth, Brussels, Kippen, St. Columban and Brucefield. Other council notes: Spring cleanup Lucan and Granton is holding their spring cleanup May 8-10. The township cleanup is May 11-13. For more information visit www.lucan- biddulph.on. ca Fanshawe winners chosen Lucan Biddulph has chosen their winning third year graphic design student projects from Fanshawe 1.1 College. Deputy Mayor Perry Caskanette did not disclose who the winners are or what projects were picked to promote the munici- pality, but says he will be presenting awards and cheques to the winners as soon as possible. The first place winner receives a $750 cheque. The economic development committee is also looking through a busi- ness retention expansion survey, determining what more they can do to assist Lucan Biddulph in this area. Fire board update A 4x8 foot double faced, chargeable, illuminating sign is standing in front of the Lucan fire department. The sign which was supplied by Davie's Signs, costing just over $4,700 will be used to educate the community on firemen breakfasts, fire tips and more. The fire board is also looking into eliminating the fire truck ride which is given to every Lucan hockey team that wins a championship. Coun. Paul Hodgins says the Lucan Irish may be the last championship team to ride the fire truck. The Irish beat the Delhi Travellers April 14 in Lucan. Fresh gravel Mills is reminding the community to be extremely careful on some of the gravel roads in the municipality. He says they have just put fresh gravel on them. More garbage cans Council is hoping to get a few more garbage cans in the north end of Lucan. Humanitarian mission Entertainer and former Exeter res- ident John Heaman, above recently returned from a humanitarian mis- sion in Russia, where he visited orphanages and entertained the children. Heaman travelled to Russia with a group of 10 and says he hopes to return.With him above is his Russian interpreter, who helped Heaman's group dur- ing their week there. (photo/submitted) LOBO SAND & GRAVEL Muddy Driveway? PEASTONE (519) 666-1742 or (519) 828-3784 Check out our website: www.aggregates.on.ca E-mail: aggregates@xcelco.on.ca 5,1VICES 4 BARRY MILLS PARKER PARKER L 1 M 1 c �[tz! CCTV PIPELINE CAMERA INSPECTION WAYNE COOK -73595 GOSH EN LINE ZURICH 519-236-7401