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The Times Advocate, 2004-06-16, Page 35Wednesday, June 16, 2004 Exeter Times–Advocate 35 T -A donates to Computers for Kids program By Debra Toonk T -A CO-OP STUDENT PERTH COUNTY — Children in Perth County will have a home comput- er because of the efforts of the Computers for Kids program and a donation from the Exeter Times - Advocate. The T -A became involved with the program after it became the drop off depot for used comput- ers and equipment from the whole Metroland Southwest group. "The storeroom was fill- ing up with defunct, bro- ken and obsolete comput- ers and equipment," says Production Manager Deb Lord. "The equipment was stored in the basement, offices, storeroom and even in the lunch room. It was getting to be a real hazard and a real mess." David Janzen, an IT from the Toronto Star came to the T -A and went over the collection of com- puters and paraphernalia to see which ones were salvageable for the news- papers. Janzen also stressed he did not want to see the computers go to a landfill site due to possi- ble hazardous waste. Lord agreed and decided to do some research into where used equipment could be donated. "I knew there was a pos- sible depot in Grand Bend called Computers for Kids which may help us dispose of all the computer para- phernalia which seemed to be growing on a weekly basis," says Lord. Barry Linden, from the organization in Grand Bend came to the office and asked for specific equipment, books and units to be given to fami- lies in need of a computer in the Grand Bend area. However, Lord adds there was still a large surplus of computers in the store- room and Linden recom- mended Perth County's Computers for Kids pro- gram. "After contacting Ann Macdonald in Stratford, I knew we had found a home for all the comput- ers and equipment," says Lord. Lord, along with Al Hodgert, delivered a truck load of computers and equipment to Macdonald and was impressed with the Stratford -based pro- gram. "It was certainly great to get the mounds of hard- ware out of the office but the best part was that some families were going to benefit from our huge collection," adds Lord. Lord is pleased to know Macdonald and her team will use their expertise to ensure families will enjoy The Secret Garden' thrives at Huron Country Playhouse By Mary Simmons TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF GRAND BEND — In a captivating spectacle, 'The Secret Garden' reminds the audience of the power of imagination and love at Huron Country Playhouse. Based on the children's literary classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the story begins in India where Mary Lennox (Carolyn Murray) wakes up one morning to discover her parents have died of cholera. Having nowhere else to go, she is sent to live with her Uncle Archibald (Fred Love) in his mansion in England. Carolyn and Thomas Murray of Seaforth took on the demanding roles of Mary Lennox and Colin Craven. Carolyn fills the stage with her presence and charming singing voice. The character is both sweet and overbearing, going from the lost child trying to adjust after the deaths of everyone she knew in India, to the lonely existence at her uncle's estate. Thomas also successfully captures the haughty, domineering attitude of his character while also singing numbers such as `Round -Shouldered Man' and 'Come to My Garden' with a pure, clear voice. Love tackles the role of Archibald Craven with a haunting complexity. He successfully demonstrates the love and tenderness he still feels for his wife, as well as the grief and torment that haunt him as he struggles to live his life without her. In a haunting scene where he sings `Race You to the Top of the Morning' to his sleeping son, his genuine love for the boy is evident. June Crowley is the perfect match as Archibald's soul mate, Lily Craven, her mesmerizing voice captivates the audience in such numbers as 'Come to my Garden.' Scott Lancastle plays Archibald's brother, Dr. Neville Craven. Both men are in love with Lily, revealed in the spine -tingling number `Lily's Eyes.' Marlene Handrahan gives a terrific performance as the irrepressible maid, Martha, and shines on such numbers as 'Hold On' and 'A Fine White Horse.' Keith Savage is similarly effective as the head gar- dener, Ben Weatherstaff, adding a comedic touch to the production. A total of 21 performers work together to bring this story to life, with many of the characters float- ing through a dream world of song and dance. 'The Secret Garden' is plavinm until June 26. the use of computers and landfill sites will be spared from the truckload of T -A computers. Computers for Kids was developed a year and a half ago through the Stratford Works Program along with the Stratford Youth Centre and the Community Services Department of the City of Stratford. The original idea was based on an existing program out of Grand Bend started by Bob Sharen. Computers for Kids receives donations of used computers and computer equipment. The donations are repaired and then given out to families who cannot afford them. If a computer is beyond repair, certain pieces and useable parts are recy- cled, keeping them out of local landfills. It has been shown in both Canada and the United States that access to computers has a direct impact on a child's overall success and also provides and creates employment skills for adults. As of this date Computers for Kids has provided 65 families and individuals in Perth County with a computer and has kept 7,500 pounds of discarded equipment out of landfills. Computers are given out From left, volunteers Ken Schaifer, Ruth Caiter, program co-ordinator Ann Macdonald and Exeter Times -Advocate employee Al Hodgert unload a delivery truck with donated computers from the TA to be refurbished and given to chil- dren without computers in Perth County's Computers for Kids program. (photo/Deb Lord) after an application program co-ordinator Ann ble, and monitors made process, and depending on Macdonald. She adds after 1995. the applicants financial technology is not going Macdonald is grateful for situation. Families with away and the importance her volunteers and the children with learning dis- of everyone having that amount of time they have abilities are first on the access and the benefits put into the program, waiting list, then families that come with it must be which has recently applied and other individuals. addressed. to be a Not for Profit char - Though there is not yet a Most computers the pro- ity in order to ensure its program directly based in gram receives are from stay in the community. Huron County, several businesses that run on To make a donation or requests have been sent networks and therefore inquire about the pro - into the area. have smaller hard drives. gram, contact Ann "Every community They are looking for com- Macdonald at 519 -272 - Canada wide should have puters which have at least 2862. a similar program," says two GB, modems if possi- VON Middlesex -Elgin has new office LUCAN — The VON HOMME program is pleased to announce their new office located at 280 Main Street in Lucan. Also, the new service area of North Central Middlesex has been formed since the recent acquisition of North Middlesex to the existing service area of Eastern Middlesex County. The VON HOMME program, North Central Region invites past and present clients and volunteers to call or visit with suggestions on how to meet their needs. The mission of the VON HOMME program is to pro- vide services through volunteers to allow seniors and adults with a disability to remain living independently in their homes. Hot and frozen meals -on -wheels, accessi- ble transportation, friendly visitors, security checks and a host of other services are simply a phone call away. If you or someone you know could benefit from the services of the VON or have an extra couple of hours a month to assist with service delivery, please call Co- ordinator Kathy Jenken or Administrative Assistant Anita Windsor at the Lucan VON office. They can be reached at 227-4546 or 1-800-561-1555. Nursing Isonal Support Pailiative Care _ ,t016 Programs *' d Meal Se. vices Serving Co-ordinator Kathy Jenken Assistant Anita Windsor at the new office of the VON HOMME program in Lucan. (photo/submitted) and Administrative Superintendent hired from within By Stew Slater SPECIAL TO THE TIMES -ADVOCATE SEAFORTH — Pat Stanley, a long- time employee of both the former Perth County School Board and its amalgamated, two -county succes- sor, was named superintendent of education for the Avon Maitland District School Board, with particu- lar responsibilities over curriculum. Stanley replaces Marjatta Longston, who was recently hired to take over the top job in a school board in British Columbia's lower mainland. "We're very pleased to have Pat with us on the team, and look for- ward to working together with her for the years to come," said Avon Maitland vice -chairperson Randy Wagler at a regular meeting June 8. Stanley began her educational career as a primary teacher in the former Perth board. She also taught at the junior and intermediate levels before moving on to serve as princi- pal at Falstaff, Hamlet and Anne Hathaway elementary schools in Stratford, and Central Perth elemen- tary school in Wartburg. Shortly after the amalgamation of the Perth and Huron boards, Stanley moved to the new Avon Maitland board's Seaforth headquarters to serve as a system principal. In that capacity, much of her time has been taken by the administration of Team Read, a program aimed at attracting and maintaining interest in reading among younger students. "We're making headway," Stanley said, referring to Team Read as "a wonderful program of support for young readers." Other initiatives which benefited from Stanley's input over the past couple of years include a pilot pro- ject exploring different timetabling opportunities under the so-called "balanced school day," and an ori- entation program for Kindergarten students, operated through partner- ships with such community-based agencies as the Health Units, rural libraries, and the Ontario Early Years program. Commenting on Longston's deci- sion to leave the board, Avon Maitland chairperson Meg Westley said it had been no secret the outgo- ing superintendent aspired to serve in a school board's top administra- tive position, and wished her well in her BC job. She credited Longston for skillfully implementing govern- ment -mandated initiatives with which she didn't always agree, and with introducing innovative pro- grams with which some members of the Avon Maitland board didn't ini- tially agree.