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The Citizen, 2005-10-13, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2005. Private member’s bill concerns school boards By Stew Slater Special to The Citizen Blyth recipients School boards across Ontario are concerned a private member’s bill before the provincial legislature, proposed in an attempt to ensure transparency in public meetings, may jeopardize the confidentiality of students facing disciplinary measures. At a regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 27, Avon Maitland District School Board trustee Jenny Versteeg complained proposed Bill 123 “is not set up for a school board.-’ Versteeg, the North Perth trustee who’s also the board’s representative on the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA), mentioned the issue in her regular report to her Avon Maitland colleagues. “OPSBA is in favour of transparency but. the new Bill sets different parameters for ‘in camera’ meetings,” states the written version of Versteeg’s report. More precisely, the proposed Bill allows for discussions of personnel and some finances to take place “in camera” (behind closed doors), but fails to mention others of what are currently similarly-treated key aspects of board of education business. These omissions include the acquisition and disposition of property, and information regarding parents and pupils. Huron East/Central Huron trustee Shelley Kaastra was quick to ask if that means disciplinary issues — including the names of students involved — will have to take place in public. Wingham-area counterpart Colleen Schenk, who serves on the OPSBA executive, then confirmed the province-wide lobby group has “grave concerns” about student confidentiality. The OPSBA has registered those concerns with the provincial government. Three Blyth students were this year’s recipients of the Norman Parks Garrett award at Central Huron Secondary School commencement Friday night. Melissa Black, right, daughter of Murray Black and Merrilyn McBurney is attending Brock University, studying kinesiology. Katie Cook, daughter of Les and Jackie Cook is at the University of Western Ontario studying chemistry. Absent was Taylor Hesselwood, son of Ken Hesselwood and Luann Taylor. He is at Sir Sandford Fleming in the industrial mechanic P rO g ra m. (Hea ther Cra wford photo) North Huron council briefs Fire board plans spending of grant Freecyele Network a unique way to reduce, reuse and recycle North Huron council received information at its Oct. 3 meeting regarding how the Blyth Fire Department plans to spend its provincial grant money. The allocation has been divided as: training, $12,000; fire safety house. $4,000; fire training centre, $4,000: fire helmet purchase, $3,000; fire hose testing unit, $ 1,000 and bunker suit and equipment, $4,000 for a total of $28,000. The firefighters have purchased a cub cadet a’ a cost of $10,900 plus taxes with money raised through the convention and the breakfasts. *** A recommendation from the recreation and facilities committee that the auditorium chairs at the Blyth and District Community Centre be used in the auditorium only was approved by council. *** Bills and accounts totalling $280,561.44 were approved for payment. *** Council authorized deputy-clerk Kathy Adams to proceed with arrangements for the Perth-Huron VON to offer a flu immunization clinic for municipal staff, council and their families in November at a cost of $55 per hour. It was felt the costs of the clinic could be quickly recovered through the reduction in absenteeism.*** Gio sticks left over from the plowing match will be donated to Grades 1-4 students at township schools for use on Halloween.*** The purchase of a multi-media projector for an approximate cost of $2,400 was approved.*** It funds are available in the 2005 budget council approved the purchase of a laptop computer as iccommended by the health, social and cultural committee. *** Following an in-camera session, council returned to the public meeting and made a motion that the economic development officer position be a full-time one. A letter will be sent to the Wingham and Area Chamber of Commerce advising that council wishes to terminate the agreement with respect to the sharing of the EDO and chamber manager effective Dec. 31. Waste Reduction Week is just around the corner, running this year from Oct. 17 - 24. Once again, households, schools and businesses will look for ways to reduce the waste they generate with an eye to protecting the environment for future generations. One unique new initiative that can help address two out of three Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle - is Freecyele. The Freecyele Network truly reflects the notion that one person’s trash is another's treasure. Freecyele is a grass-roots movement that began in the United States in 2003 and has recently spread to communities throughout Canada. Using the internet, Freecyele members give away and get items for free in their own communities. The goal is to reduce waste and save items from needlessly going to landfills. “Re-use is often the most difficult of the 3Rs to achieve,” says Wes Muir of Waste Management Canada. “Freecyele is a practical way for people who have things to give away to connect with people who need specific items, reducing waste and encouraging reuse at the same time.” Waste Management is the first corporate sponsor of Freecyele by helping the organization build and expand its on-line capabilities. “Canadian communities have shown great enthusiasm for the Freecyele concept,” said Deron Beal, the founder and executive director of the Freecyele network. “Our partnership with Waste Management will help us plan for and manage our future growth, improving the Freecyele experience for Canadians who want to get involved.” There are over 250 Freecyele communities across Canada including Huron County. Items exchanged range from appliances to furniture to sports and leisure equipment, and can be offered to individual members or even local charitable groups. The only rule is that all items posted be free, legal and appropriate for any age group. Each Freestyle group is run by a local volunteer moderator. Membership in the Freecyele Network is free and if there’s not already a group in your area it’s easy to start one. To find a group near you or for step-by-step instructions about how to start a local Freecyele community, go to www.freecycle.org Do you know an outstanding principal? Nominations for Canada’s Outstanding Principals are now being accepted. Anyone from across the country, may nominate an outstanding principal in a publicly- funded school in their community, including parents, colleagues, community members, local business people or social agency partners. Deadline for nominations is Oct. 31. Winners will be announced in mid-February and will participate in the second annual Canada’s Outstanding Principals program, running from Feb. 13-16 in Toronto. To learn more about The Learning Partnerships (TLP) Canada’s Outstanding Principals program or to nominate a principal in a publicly- funded school please visit www.canadaoutstandingprincipals.ca ON $4.00 THURSDAYS Drop into either of our offices any Thursday with your word classified (maximum 20 words) and pay only $4.00 + GST (paid in advance). That’s $1.00 off regular rates. The Citizen f Oil Fired Furnace Repairs & Service • Annual Service • Comprehensive inspections • Full Installations • 24 hour emergency service Paratehek's Maintenance 527-0772 Cell 274-5491k "Servicing our community for 27 years." Hallahan - Crete Patrick Dennis and Alicha Lynn were united in marriage on October 16, 2004. The ceremony took place at St. Augustine Church with a reception at the Blyth Community Centre. The wedding party consisted of best man, Ryan Finch, friend of the groom; ushers, Pete Albers, friend of the groom; Jamie Hallahan, brother of the groom; Ryan Hallahan, brother of the groom and ring bearers Brennan and Cole Nicholson, nephews of the groom. Matron of honour was Cheryl Rowan, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Julie McClinchey, friend of the bride; Pam Crete, sister of the bride; Cindy Crete, sister of the bride and flower girl, Ashley Crete, niece of the bride. Scripture readers were Laura Nicholson, sister of the groom; Denise MacDonald, friend of the bride and Michael Crete, brother of the bride. Masters of ceremonies were Shannon Billings, sister of the groom and Melanie Crete, sister of the bride. The couple spent their honeymoon in Aruba and currently reside at RR 3, Blyth.