The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Dedication trademark of winners by David Krayden "T never thought I'd ever win an award like this," Kirkby said. The 46-year-old Midland resi- dent had just been inform- ed that he was the recipient of a Heart of Gold cer- tificate and pin in a contest sponsored jointly by Air Ross But he cannot say definitely that the playing of chess has actually im- proved anyone's academic standing. That's extremely hard to determine," he says. "But I have noticed a correlation between chess and their ability to associate with other people; between chess and their sense of fair play." After all, as Kirkby points out, 'Education is not just academic stan- ding." Though Kirkby's students may improve dur- ing their time at high school, he doesn't know whether that is due to play- ing chess or the effects of his teaching. '"Basic-level students improve a lot in the high school system Midland as well as the Huronia Chess Club, whose management he has handed over to Dave Williams, another local chess enthusiast. The MSS chess club has placed first at the Ontario Secondary School Cham- pionships in the B division for the past two years. The competition is divided in- to four teams: A, B, C and D, with levels of expertise being expressed in descen- ding order. It is Kirkby's hope that someday MSS will produce a winning A team, something which Alliston's Banting High School has consistently been able to do. The competitions across the county have meant significant travelling for Kirkby. He is always will- ing to transport his students too. "Some of them have no other way of getting there or back," says the rain out. CUSTOM ROUND BALING Baler fitted with the new plastic net wrap system. Keep the goodness in your hay and We Do Custom Hay Swathing Kirkby anyway." Kirkby is readily Ganada al this acknowledged to have a newspaper. definite gift for teaching The honor is given to a citizen in the community who has demonstrated consistent community spirit and who rarely refuses to offer his time and energy for projects. Meanwhile, Beverley Juneau of Victoria Harbour was also named as a Heart of Gold recipient. She could not be contacted by deadline Kirkby was nominated by Ann Wilson, who described the winner as "the sort of guy who will do anything for you but rarely gets credit for doing so."' She said Kirkby is always initiating projects but then prefers to let so- meone else manage them they're running smoothly. "Running smoothly"' might be a fair characterization of Kirkby's 13-year career at Midland Secondary School, where he teaches the basic-level students. "That's what they're call- ing it now," says Kirkby. "At other times it was special education or oc- cupational education." Outside of class hours, the teacher instructs a chess club of approximate- ly 25 members. The organization began six years ago and Kirkby has tried to introduce as many basic-level students as possible. He notes that once "various studies have shown that chess improves a student's thinking abili- ty." Special on All Fruit Trees $4 500 or 2 for $2900 Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry 20% O OFF ana Evergreens students which previous eras may have shown less concern for. When asked what that special something is, Kirkby's answer is immediate: "Understanding. I've always been understan- ding. I'm as impatient as the next guy." He applies that concern in the classroom and en- sures that his students are "treated with respect and in a positive manner." Being positive has guid- ed Kirkby throughout his career. He was born and raised in North York. He entered Toronto Teacher's College and subsequent to his graduation, taught in the elementary school system for five years. Along the way he earned his Special Education degree from York Univer- sity. He had to take courses at night while working dur- ing the-day to do so. "'It's not the easiest way to do it,' Kirkby says. ""You miss some of the university at- mosphere that way." In 1976, he moved to Midland where he began teaching at MSS. Six years ago the chess club was born. Although Kirkby says the game is not played with the same enthusiasm as it is in Europe, there is nonetheless a growing in- terest amongst all ages. Along with ecouraging the sport at the school, the teacher has formed an adult chess society in Shade Trees BOX PLANTS 3%"' Pots 796 -o CUTTINGS 3'%"' Pots 796 «a Stuart W. Thomas (705) 322-3218 We welcome enquiries throughout Huronia. the teacher. "I certainly don't mind taking them." Though chess dominates Kirkby's life along with his job ("I love it,"' he says) he & $118700 TABLET -- 30" long by 6" thick by 24" high, in Morning Rose BASE -- polished top. has other interests. He en- joys photography, reading magazines and newspapers, fishing and canoeing, automobile rac- ing and has recently decid- ed to build his own house. "T rarely watch TV," he notes, "except if its one of the science shows." BEAUTY from NELSON MONUMENTS 1-800-265-2677 Your Assurance of ~ @ EXPERT CRAFTSMANSHIP e FINEST QUALITY GRANITES © FRIENDLY SERVICE ¢ OUTSTANDING VALUE * @ REASONABLE PRICES plus Area Representative foundation George McCormack 60 Napier St. ranite. 36" wae in matching granite with Your choice of lettering styles and designs. Collingwood 445-0435 A 100% ONTARIO PRODUCT. JULY, 1988 Investing? Get Securi vail High Yield in P with our Guaranteed Investments. Balance Choose from Guaranteed Investment Certificates and Debentures for: THE SECURITY OF A RISK-FREE INVESTMENT, guaranteed by one of the largest trust companies in Canada. A HIGHER RETURN than what you're earning through your regular savings account. PEACE OF MIND, because we take care of everything for you in a professional way. y, FLEXIBILITY to choose the ue investment, interest payments, / terms, etc. you need. And if you need cashable investments, ask us. Good Selection of Shrubs, Topsoil, Fertilizer, etc. CEDAR LAWN FURNITURE On Sale for Month of July Good Selection of Perennials available throughout year Senior Citizens - 10% Discount Monday. Tuesday throughout year Holt's Greenhouses and Garden Centre Hwy. #27, 4 miles south of Elmvale 322-2389 Page 4, Wednesday, July 20, 1988 NATIONAL A National Victoria and Grey Trustco Company Huronia Mall Midland 526- TRUST fisgs i a Se RR RE YE =