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The Times Advocate, 2008-08-27, Page 66 Times–Advocate Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Opinion Forum News Exercise programs for seniors Are you aged 55 or older, living hi Huron County and wanting to add some more physi- cal activity to your lifestyle? Town and Country Support Services announces the launch of our new Wellness for Seniors initiative, a part of the Aging at Home strategy from the SW LHIN and Ministry of Health. Recognizing the impor- tance of exercise and well- ness for seniors and older adults, Town and Country has taken a lead in developing pro- grams and is calling on Huron County seniors to make a difference. We are looking for you to be a voice and mobilize small groups to tell us what you want and need to enhance physi- cal activity and social opportunities in your community. Perhaps you would like to play badminton, organize a hiking group or an indoor walking club. Perhaps you would like to be involved as an Active Living Leader or Exercise Instructor. Town and Country provides train- ing, certification and honorariums for our vol- unteer leaders. On Wed., Sept. 10, everyone is invited to attend the annual Seniors' Fitness Fair at the Betty Canino Centre in Clinton from 1-4 p.m. There will be a variety of activities such as blood pressure checks, mini -fitness assess- ments and information on our programs starting in September in Wingham, Clinton, Bayfield, Seaforth, Zurich and Exeter. There will be demonstrations in the Fitness Centre with a chance to view the new Bio -Step machine, a recumbent ellipti- cal exerciser on loan from Advantage Fitness. There will be samples and recipes for healthy snacks offered by the Community Food Advisors and a chance to meet with staff and talk about exercise programs you would like in your communi- ,`_7/1 Letters o the Editor ty Over the next year the goal at Town and Country is to hear from as many as you as possible about exercise for seniors. Remember that keeping well is easier than getting well. Being active is a key factor in maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle. For more information please call Town and Country at 519-482-9264 or 1-800-563-8246 or e-mail cphillips@tcss.on.ca CHERYL PHILLIPS Exercise co-ordinator Town and Country Support Services Ilderton Fair ambassador crowned Playground wraps up EXETER — The Playground program has wrapped up for the summer. Our last week, "The Best of the Best," was a great opportunity for the children to play all their favorite games of the summer On Tuesday, each child had the chance to pick the game or activity of their choice. The top picks were the playground equipment, musical carpets and Dr. Dodge ball. On Wednesday the leaders chose their favourites and we spent the afternoon at the pool. Thursday's activities included blowing bubbles, playing in the sand and cooling off at the pool. The children also went on a scavenger hunt on the trail where they had to search for items such as a crab apple, maple leaves and a weed as tall as a child. Our last day of the summer was a blast! In the morning the youngsters participated in "Revenge on the Leaders." Each child got their chance to throw pudding at their favorite leader, aiming right for their face. We were also spoiled with a donated hotdog, chip and ice cream sandwich lunch. We would like to thank Marie for her generous donation — the kids loved it! Overall this has been a fun -filled, memorable summer and the staff at playground have many people to thank. Firstly, we would like to thank the parents and children. Our program would not run without you. Secondly, thanks to our many vol- unteers who were a great help throughout the summer. The Exeter Pool staff also deserve a huge thank you as our program spent many sunny afternoons under their supervision. Lastly, to all the local businesses for the in -town trips and donations — thank you. The Playground staff wishes everyone the best through the school year! JESS BICKELL EXETER PLAYGROUND Ambassador competition — The annual Ilderton Fair Ambassador Competition was held last Thursday at the Ilderton Community Centre with Angela Curtis, above second from left, named the 2008 fair ambassador. Pictured above left are competitorTianna Kennedy, Curtis, 2007 ambassador Sarah deGroot, this year's run- ner-up Aleece Johnson and competitor Elyse Trevithick.At right are Curtis and Johnson.This year's annual Ilderton Fair takes place Sept. 26-28. (photoslScott Nixon) Principal's message EXETER — Once again the summer has flown by and it is time to get ready to return to school. The custodial staff at South Huron has been working diligently throughout the summer and the school is shiny and clean, in great shape for the arrival of the students Sept. 2. The only major change to the building has been an upgrade of the boiler system, which is ongoing, but should be complet- ed well before the arrival of cold weather. The first day of school will begin with an assem- bly in the large gym, after which students will report to their first period classes. Class lists for first period classes will be posted in various loca- tions on the main floor, and students are asked to check these lists before the assembly so they know where to go when they are dismissed from the assembly. Grade Nine students will be held back at the end of the assembly and escorted to their first period classes by their teachers. In first period students will receive several items: a planner, a student information sheet, a copy of their timetable and an insurance form. They are asked to take the information sheet home to be verified and signed by a parent, and they are asked to take the insur- ance form home as well. They will also be given their locker assignments in first period, and Grade Nine students will be able to buy a lock from their first period teachers for $6. Students in Grades 10-12 who need a new lock may buy one in the main office. The locks we sell cost a little more than those available in stores but we guar- antee them and will replace them at no charge if they are defective. In addition, our locks have serial numbers that allow us to determine the combination if a student should happen to for- get it, avoiding the necessity of having to cut the lock off. First period teachers will also be collecting student council fees and yearbook money. The student fee will remain at $25 this year, but we have had to raise the price for a yearbook to $30 due to increased production costs. Students who wish to buy a yearbook are asked to order one as soon as possible to JEFF REAB PRINCIP MESSAG URN AL'S E avoid disappointment. New staff members will be introduced at the opening day assembly, but there is one staff change I would like to mention now. This will be my last column as principal of South Huron as I will be moving into the position of System Principal of Information Services for the board, effective Sept. 1. Kevin Mills, who has been principal of St. Marys DCVI for the last seven years, will take over as principal at SHDHS. Kevin and I have been colleagues and good friends for the last eight years, and I know he will do a great job. I have greatly enjoyed the last seven years and would like to thank the students, staff and community for the wonderful support they have shown me. The decision to leave South Huron was a difficult one for me, and I will miss the school tremendously. I have told Mr. Mills he is moving into a great school and I am sure he will enjoy the same level of support that I have received for the last seven years. Though I will no longer be at the school, the Panther spirit will remain with me.