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12 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011 Mural created at Centennial School The rugged beauty of the Rockwood Conservation Area landscape is being recreated in the foyer of Centennial Public School, where the brush strokes of each and every student is adding to the mural, orchestrated by Aboriginal artist Don Russell of Guelph. Russell was commissioned for the project, and a major part of his proposal was to involve all students in the work. Russell sketched a scene on the walls and the students are painting the landscape. "The school wanted a mural that brought the outside to the inside, and that was a main theme and intention," Russell said last Wednesday as he worked with Grade five students on the mural. "The other thing that we're concerned about is trying to convey the ideas of Aboriginal ecology. As well, this is inclusive. Every student has either signed their name on the wall (to be partially covered with paint) or is working on the mural," Russell said, adding the view depicted on the wall is from one of the lookout spots on the cliff at the Conservation Area. While Russell and his assistant showed the students how to mix the paint and apply it to the wall, it is very much the students' work. "I will tidy things or add things, but we're not trying to remove their marks ­ it very much is done by the students and my role here is a facilitator with the spirit of inclusion." Russell said the cliffs and water in the area had a spiritual draw for Aboriginal people, and nearby Eden Mills was a historical burial ground for the Huron and Iroquois people hundreds of years ago. He said the students jumped right into the project without any hesitation and have worked hard over the past weeks. Principal Kate Creary said the project began with a plan to make the school's foyer more welcoming, and to focus on the beauty of the nearby conservation area with its Aboriginal trails and cliffs, and how important a place they were for the first people who lived in this area. With a $2,000 grant from the Upper Grand School Board's Aboriginal Liaison Co-ordinator, and approximately $1,500 from the school's annual Arts Alive Event, they were able to commission Russell to create the mural. "Every time I look out my office door, the mural has changed a bit. It continues to develop and grow. As well, how often do kids get to see an artist at work for any length of time? It's a wonderful process for us to be involved in," Creary said. The mural should be complete tomorrow (Friday) after Russell adds in some ravens and hawks, which play a major role in Aboriginal mythology. STUDENT ARTISTS: Rockwood Centennial Grade five students Rose Tabassi (right) and Troy Cleghorn learn about mixing paint colours from Aboriginal artist Don Russell, who was commissioned by the school to paint a mural depicting the nearby Rockwood conservation Area in the school's foyer. The $3,500 project, which includes brush strokes from every student will be completed this week. ­ Frances Niblock photo Summer work on Hwy. 7 Summer construction schedule The tender for the reconstruction of Highway 7 through Rockwood closes June 22, and Ministry of Transportation officials hope construction will begin in July. Year one of the project includes highway reconstruction and construction of sidewalks, where needed, on the stretch of road from Falls Street to George Street. In year two of the project, work will be done from George Street to Halton Regional Road 32, the road to Eden Mills, including the reconstruction of the bridge over the Eramosa River. Robert Bakalarczyk, senior project engineer with the MTO, said the project includes reconstruction of the road, rehabilitation of the Eramosa River bridge, repairs to the existing storm sewer system, replacing sidewalks, curbs and gutters and paved shoulders, extending or replacing culverts and modifying commercial and private entrances as required. Since the project was first announced, residents have asked for continuous sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety, and many business owners and merchants are worried they will lose their customer NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Take Notice that, on Monday, June 20, 2011, at the Regular Meeting of Council, the Council of the Township of Guelph/Eramosa will hold a public meeting, regarding the proposed water and wastewater rates, as recommended by the Township consultant, Watson and Associates. The Council of the Township of Guelph/Eramosa is holding this public meeting to allow the public the opportunity to hear a presentation on the study, ask questions and provide input on the proposed water and wastewater rates. A decision on this matter will be made at a later date. All interested parties are invited to attend on: Monday, June 20, 2011 7:00 p.m. Township Office -Council Chambers 8348 Wellington Road 124, Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 Copies of the 2011 Water/Wastewater Rate Study are being made available as of June 16, 2011 at the address below and on the Township website at www. get.on.ca. Interested persons may express their comments at the Public Meeting or in writing, addressed to the Township Clerk, at the address below. Meaghen Reid Clerk Township of Guelph/Eramosa 8348 Wellington Road 124, P.O. Box 700 Rockwood, Ontario N0B 2K0 Fax (519) 856-2240 Dated at the Township of Guelph/Eramosa this 10th day of June, 2011. THE TOWNSHIP OF GUELPH/ERAMOSA parking during construction. Bakalarczyk said the MTO has reached a costsharing deal with Guelph/ Eramosa Township, which will pay for new sidewalks. The MTO is committed to ensuring that one lane of traffic is open during construction. "We're planning on having a pre-construction open house ­ probably some time in July ­ so people can come by and meet the people who will be on the job site and get an updated job schedule," Bakalarczyk said on Friday. The total cost of the 4.2-kilometre project will be approximately $8-million. CANCER CAR: Despite the wet weather, approximately $300 was raised for cancer by people who donated money to beat up a car with a sledge hammer at Wellington Fire Place and Leisure's open house/ barbecue on Saturday in Rockwood. Employee Kyle Ward (right) donated his car to help his mom, Denise Lachance Ward raise money to take part in this summer's Weekend to End Women's Cancers as Wellington owner Ian Clark watched. ­ Ted Tyler photo Largest Selection of Patio Furniture in Halton Hills Since 1998 E FRE RY! IVE DEL INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE Across the road from Christ the King School O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K How much is your Real Estate worth? 136 Guelph St. Georgetown 905-873-9791 www.furnitureindooroutdoor.ca