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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2015-04-29, Page 1010 News Record • Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Perth -Huron United Way releases quality of life report Marco Vigliotti Postmedia Network Huron and Perth counties continue to see a strong exo- dus of young adults, but those who stay appear hap- pier and more satisfied than elsewhere in Ontario, says a new report complied by a regional chapter of the United Way. Representatives from the charity's Perth -Huron wing presented the findings of its 2014 Quality of Life report to Huron East council on April 21, painting a picture of a region facing economic and demographic challenges but still boasting a high quality life anchored by small-town friendliness and strong com- munity spirit. The expansive document, formulated by the United Way's Social -Research and Planning Council, also high- lights the declining regional crime rate and the stronger than average voter turnout levels for provincial and municipal elections. One of the region's most significant challenges remains its falling population, namely young adults who appear to be leav- ing both counties for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. About 2,000 people between the ages of 18-24 in Perth and Huron counties left the area from 2006 to 2011, according to statistics cited in the report. It's a trend that shows no signs of reversing, says Tracy Birtch, director of the council. "It might be possibly that they are leaving for education or for jobs opportunities. But Seaforth and District Community Centre Box 939, Seaforth, ON NOK 1 WO Phone 519-527-1272 • Fax 519-527-2770 Email c4tharena@huroneast.com To Future Advertiser's: The Seaforth and District Community Centre is looking for new sponsorship opportunities in our facility. We are currently looking for individuals to sponsor ice logos, the Olympia ice Resurficer, public skating, and arena sign boards. • To sponsor the Olympia the cost per side would be $500.00 plus HST and costs of the sign. Each season for three year contract. • Arena sign boards are $200.00 plus HST per year for three seasons • Ice Logos would be a 4ft x 8ft Logo for $300.00 plus HST per year for three seasons. • Public Skating is 50.00 per ice time For more information please Contact Dave Meriam at the Seaforth and District Community Centre Deadline to Submit is May 29th, 2015. Cele/Plating (9 25th Veal ire 13toitt A r Wwant to invite you... GREYHAVEN gardens • HANGING BASKETS • ANNUALS •PERENNIALS • TREES • SHRUBS IT'S TIME FOR CUSTOM PLANTING! Just drop off your hanging baskets, pots and planters and let us do the rest! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, MAY 2 9A.M.-5P.M. •a. 101.7The One live! (� '1 Plus, refreshments, Il popcorn, BBQ, face painting, inflatables & more! Seminar at 1 pm Candle centrepiece with succulents. Call to register. $5000 fee includes all supplies RR#1 39843 LONDESBORO RD., LONDESBOROUGH PHONE/FAX 519-523-9781 f Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm; Saturday 8 am - 5 pm LOCATED 500 YARDS WEST OF LONDESBOROUGH ON CTY. RD. 15 Cy.Rd.25 Carlow Blyth • Cly. Rd.15 • Londesborough 4 3 Greyhauen a - Gardens x Nyy� Clinton E 0 0 0 i C/) a O .a U not as many people leaving at the age range are coming back," she told council. 'And that's not expected to change in the near future." The counties, however, performed considerably well in the community vitality assessments, with three quarters of the population between 2011 and 2012 reporting a "strong sense of community belonging" in a survey included in the report, which ranks higher than the provincial average. There's also a strong net- work of volunteers in both counties, according to the report, which pegged the number of annual volunteer hours contributed in Perth and Huron counties as five million and four million respectively - the equivalent of 2,500 and 2,000 full-time jobs respectively. "There's that small-town, rural connection that people are experiencing," Birtch said of the results. "And research shows that people that have a strong sense of community belongingness report more happiness and (better) well-being." Despite meandering eco- nomic growth, the unem- ployment rate for the four county area, which includes Huron, Perth, Brue and Grey counties, averaged six per cent from 2009 to 2013, about two points lower than the province's average, according to statistics cited in the report. However, this might be attributable to the region's shrinking workforce, as it appears many without jobs leave for brighter prospects elsewhere. Those working here, how- ever, are taking on more part-time positions, while still making wages consider- ably lower on average than the rest of the province, the report shows. One quarter of the labour force works part- time - higher than the Ontario average - and the average household for full- time workers in Huron and Perth counties stands at $47,487 and $48,443 respectively, about $12,00 lower than the average for the province, statistics in the report show. Clinton to be the first host to newly branded Walk for Alzheimer's Why walk? We all have a reason, whether it's a fam- ily member, friend or neighbour. Walk for Alz- heimer's is a grassroots movement sweeping across Canada. You can demonstrate your support for people touched by dementia and raise funds for your local Alzheimer Society towards essential programs and services. If you live in, or nearby, Clinton you can help kick off the nation-wide move- ment by participating in the very first Walk for Alz- heimer's on Saturday, May 2 hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. In Huron County more than 1200 residents are living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Behind every individual, one or more family member(s), such as a spouse, daughter or son provides the majority of the care that eventually becomes a 24/7 job. Because there is still no known cause, effective treatments or cure for Alz- heimer's, it's important we rally behind people with this disease to show we're with them every step of the way. "We're thrilled to launch the Walk and join this exciting national movement of supportive and caring individuals who want to make a differ- ence for their families, friends, and neighbours affected by dementia. Every day I see firsthand the impact of the disease on individuals and fami- lies. It's a life -altering and often challenging experi- ence. Walk for Alzheimer's gives them comfort know- ing they are not alone in their journey," says Cathy Ritsema, Executive Direc- tor of the Alzheimer Soci- ety of Huron County. Anne Harrison, car- egiver living in Huron County, shares her per- spective. "The Alzheimer Society provides special- ized resources and assis- tance for Alzheimer's dis- ease. The education, counselling and the many other services the Society offers, ensure that sup- ports are put into place as needed for the person with Alzheimer's, and pro- vide guidance and support for care givers. We are so very grateful for all their help in our topsy-turvy world. It's why we walk and encourage you to do so, as there are more and more families touched by this disease today." The Alzheimer Society of Huron County expects 200 walkers and hopes to raise $25,000. The Walk takes place at the Betty Cardno Memorial Centre on Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Walk or Run 1K, 3K or 5K, then at the finish line enjoy live music by The Norm Bar- low Band, a BBQ lunch serving Hayter's turkey burgers and activities with Snippety the Clown for the kids. An opening cere- mony to 'light the torch' will kick off the walk so please join us to honour caregivers and people living with dementia. The Society sincerely hopes you will gather your friends and family and come for the Walk and stay for all the fun! Throughout May and June, Walks for Alzhei- mer's will roll out in over 120 communities across Canada uniting people with one common mis- sion: a world without Alz- heimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia present a massive chal- lenge with 1.4 million Canadians projected to have the disease in less than 20 years. Age contin- ues to be the biggest risk factor and dementia can lie dormant in the brain for up to 25 years before symptoms appear. Join the movement to make memories matter. Spread the word. Can't make the walk? You can make an online donation. To learn more, visit www. walkforalzheimers.ca or call the Alzheimer Society of Huron County (519) 482-1482.