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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2015-04-08, Page 5Wednesday, April 8, 2015 • News Record 5 Contributed photo A good of time in Holmseville The Clinton Wheel 'N Dealers Square Dance Club hosted the monthly Southwestern Ontario Square and Round Dance Association dance at the Goderich Township Hall in Holmesville on Saturday, March 28th. One -hundred enthusiastic dancers enjoyed the calling of three different callers and two curlers. Many reunited with old friends and square up to meet new ones for a wonderful afternoon and evening of dancing. The Clinton Wheel 'N Dealers club celebrated their 50th anniversary last year and meet every Wednesday at the Clinton Public School from October to May. Seaforth student headlines autism awareness celebration Marco Vigliotti Huron Expositor Seaforth Public School played host to a deeply per- sonal celebration for World Autism Awareness Day Thursday, featuring an address from one its own students who launched an educational campaign after being told he had been diag- nosed with the developmen- tal disorder. Students, faculty mem- bers, parents and an array of special guests crammed into the school's gymnasium to mark the occasion with an assembly that organizers hoped would help illumi- nate the peculiarities of the disorder, which impacts roughly 1 in 94 people, according to Autism Ontario. Morgan Mason, 11, who was diagnosed with a high - functioning form of Autism/ Asperger's as a child, explained to the sizeable crowd at the school and countless others watching the Avon Maitland District School Board's (AMDSB) live feed online how the disorder impacts his communication and comprehension skills. He also helped in hoisting a flag to mark the interna- tionally recognized day, which has been observed since 2008 after being declared by the United Nations General Assembly. Much like others with autism, Mason says he has a difficult time understanding sarcasm and well -know euphemisms, interpreting them instead in the literal sense. "I take things very literally and don't always understand jokes and sarcasm. For exam- ple, if you told me to walk a mile in your shoes, I would go look for your shoes," he joked. Mason also says he puts great importance into regu- larity and neatness, noting Marco Vigliotti Huron Expositor Local student Morgan Mason, who was diagnosed with a high - functioning form of Autism/Asperger's as a child, helps hoist the autism awareness flag at an assembly at Seaforth Public School on April 2. that he cannot stand when different segments of his meal touch on his plate. In another symptom of the disorder, he has a number of noticeable quirks, such as elbow cracking and twirling his fingers. These sorts of actions, Mason says, are common to those with autism and help calm them down when feeling nervous or anxious. He is also incredibly particu- lar about the placing of objects and his personal schedule, acknowledging that he gets frustrated by sudden change. "I have difficulty when things change, especially if it's unexpected. This can happen with daily activities like what I eat, when I eat, when I leave for school, what I wear, what time classes are and more," Mason said. Joining him at the assem- bly were Brad Knight, chief administrative officer for the Municipality of Huron East, and representatives for local politicians Brad Lobb and Lisa Thompson and the AMDSB, among others. As part of his educational campaign, Mason has sought to raise money for Autism Ontario, which him and his mother Elizabeth credit for pro- viding invaluable assistance to those living with the disorder. In an interview with the Expositor, Mason said he decided to raise money for the group because he "wanted to leam more about why I am the way I am and Autism Ontario has been helping me and my family understand that" He also applauded efforts by Autism Ontario to organ- ize special events for chil- dren dealing with the disor- der, including its 'Mad Science Day' held over the March Break holiday. He said these sorts of group events provide a level of acceptance that can be tough to come by around those unfa- miliar with the disorder. "It feels good to be part of a group and not being worried about fitting in or accepted," Mason said. "I want everyone to be aware and be accepting of people with any disability but especially autism." Originally eyeing a modest goal of $750, the young activ- ist has managed to raise over $1,000. It's a figure that got a sizea- ble boost from the Brussels Optimist Club, who unveiled a $10,000 donation at the assembly to Autism Ontario's Huron -Perth chapter as part of Mason's fundraising drive. Contributed photos A fun night of games and food at Clinton Public School Clinton Public School held a family fun night and spaghetti dinner on Tues., March 31. CPS vice-principal JoAnne Knetchel said about 130 people attended the event, which focused on spreading spirit and togetherness throughout the school community. Students, staff and families participated in 15 different board games and a CPS trivia game, hosted by Dave Burns. Five families went home with brand new board games to play.