www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 15, 2006 - 37 Perkins' valuable volunteer work touched the lives of many people By Melanie Cummings "She simply felt that everyone was obligated to SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER help in some way," said her daughter Ruth Perkins. It's a quality that was foisted upon her children and Stella Perkins didn't waste a minute of her one in which they've happily emulated. time on earth. From their mom these four tenets of life The socially conscious dynamo racked up an were sacrosanct: impressive list of achievements in her 30 years · A little bit of kindness goes a long way; of volunteer life. · Save one-quarter of all your But few would know of her collecearnings; tive success because the humble · Prayer is powerful; humanitarian tucked away in a draw· Life isn't a dress rehearsal. er each award, newspaper clipping or Even immobility couldn't remove letter of congratulation she'd earned. Perkins from connecting with peoPerkins died Oct. 31 due to compliple. She had a constant flow of visications from diabetes. She was 86 years tors to her home. old and left with wonderful memories "She believed most problems could three children, Ruth, Lenore and be resolved by just listening," said her Stephen, as well as seven grandchilother daughter Lenore Kilmartin. dren. Perkins' longtime friend Sandy Between 1974 and 1991 Perkins Beveridge said she misses her pal terblazed a trail of advocacy for the forribly but not in a sad way. Stella Perkins lorn. She provided a way for depressed "Stella never got old, she conpeople to unload their worries and a safe place for stantly lived in the moment," said Beveridge. women in abusive relationships. She also bol- She especially admired Perkins talent for drawstered the self-esteem of countless teens and ing people in through her exceptional listening helped business minds communicate better. skills and excellent public speaking abilities. Specifically, Perkins was one of the founders "She made such an impact in a quiet, wise, who worked tirelessly to get the Oakville Crisis warm and compassionate way," added Beveridge. Centre (renamed the Distress Centre since) up That's not to say that Perkins was a saint and running. She also headed into local high though. She had a wicked sense of humour, schools to speak to teens about dealing with loved a bit of sherry, incited rousing controverstress in an effort to curb a previously high rate sial conversation and was the occasional flirt. of suicide, raised funds to establish the Halton In a poem Perkins wrote called Senior's Song Women's Place, a shelter for abused women and she summed up a life she knew she'd lived well: their children and helped released prisoners Life has been full; laughter and tears acclimatize themselves to their new world. A passage of time throughout the years. As a result of her dogged and unfailing perSo many changes new beginnings severance to make life better in this region, A few failures, but many winnings Perkins was chosen as Oakville's senior citizen And as I journey to that final door of the year in 1990. I murmur `thank you' I've known full score. Ranges Dishwashers Refrigerators Freezers 5855 Terry Fox Way Mississauga Snow Throwers Lawnmowers Chainsaws Trimmers WINTER WARM UP SALE INSIDE WAREHOUSE SUNDAY Dec 17 th, 2006 9:00am 2:00pm Discontinued Product As Is Product All Sales Are Final Only Debit, Visa & Master Card Accepted Includes One Year Functional Repair Only WANTED: COMMUNITY MEMBERS The Halton District School Board requires a maximum of three "members-at-large" to serve on its Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). The Committee, an advisory group to the Board, will bring forward information and recommendations regarding programs and services for exceptional pupils. Two trustees and 12 members representing local associations also serve on SEAC. The "members at large" must have the following qualifications: · a Canadian citizen of the age of 18 years or older · a resident within the jurisdiction of the Halton District School Board, and · a public school supporter A Board employee is not eligible for appointment. Interested community members should submit their application (resumé) with a letter indicating what strengths they would bring to this position, to: Wayne Joudrie, Director of Education Halton District School Board 2050 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario L7R 3Z2 Deadline for applications is Tuesday, January 9, 2007. Interviews will be scheduled following the application deadline. Gillian Tuck Kutarna Chair of the Board Wayne Joudrie Director of Education Reading | Writing | Math | Spelling | Grammar | French | Study Skills This Holiday Own The Brand" LITTLE READER Genuine" & Licensed Harley-Davidson products Men's, Ladies, and Children's Clothing · Gift Items - Wallets, Clocks, Jewelry... and more! · Open this Sunday 10am - 5pm Pick up your 2006 Gift Guide in store. Limited Quantities. INSIDE EVERY CHILD IS A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT. For every age, for every need, Oxford Learning has a program to help your child succeed! 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