COOKSTOWN NEWS
by Susan Stein

Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain

South Simcoe Theatre proudly presents this comedy/drama by Mark Dunn, produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.

It would be more appropriate and to the point, if this play would be titled Five Tellers Talking, as the entire play is based on the conversations they have during their break in the bank's lounge.

It takes place at a small bank of the Westhaven Commercial and Industrial Bank in Northern Mississippi.

By talking about, by revealing their problems to each other, they seem to define themselves in terms of these relationships, and find strength and selfrespect by bonding together, and becoming friends and soul mates.

It is not an easy task to be constantly centre stage, nor to find the perfect tone, nuance in delivering the words. As there is no plot, this is crucial in making the play a success.

There is one aspect of the show (it might be only me) which I find irritating - trying to imitate the southern accent, often making the words hard to understand.

Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain will be on until July 1st, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. and Sunday matinee at 2 pm.

Cookstown Cougar

Cookstown Central Public School has chosen the cougar for a long time as their sport team's name and mascot. Now the cougar stands in the school yard, carved by Master Carver Colin Partridge.

Colin, when choosing a piece of wood for the task at hand, trusts his feelings and instincts to find the right one. Colin, who has created the carving in front of the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion in Cookstown - The Tree Spirit, has a special reason to donate his time, talent and log to the school. It is his way of giving back what he feels his grandson, Brandon Partridge, a grade 8 student, has received from his experience at Cookstown. Since returning to CCPS in January Brandon has experienced much improved success academically and socially. Colin wants to show his appreciation for the wonderful work of the teachers, administrators, and staff to make it such a positive learning environment for Brandon. "Most of all" he says , "I want to do it for the children".

To prepare the students for Colin's arrival, Mrs. Darlene Braybrook, art teacher, has instructed over 300 primary students in the art of drawing tree spirits.

Walking for Camp Quality

On Friday, June 15, eleven ladies braved the hot weather to take part in the annual Walk-a-Thon to raise funds for Camp Quality.

Camp Quality is a worldwide system of camps for kids with cancer. There are now five camps in Canada, the funds raised by the walkers go towards the camp near Priceville, where about 60 kids enjoy one week of fun, away from their troubles. It is staffed by volunteer doctors and nurses, kitchen crew and program directors.

The most heartfelt and sincere thanks to Joan Drysdale, chair and guiding light for the Priceville Camp. Her efforts are rewarded by generous donations from business and corporations, the sum total not yet tabulated.

Tec-We-Gwill's W.I. 60th Anniversary

On Saturday, June 16 the Tec-We Gwill Women's' Institute celebrated their 60th Anniversary.

The gala affair was held at the hall at Simcoe Manor in Beeton, attended by W.I. members, friends, families and dignitaries. Elaine Gadsden, president of Tec We Gwill W.I., chairing the programme, welcomed the guests and asked everyone to read the Mary Stewart Collect which opens every W.I. meeting, pledging to uphold the principles of this organization.

Guests included Tony Guergis - Warden of Simcoe County, Jim Wilson - MPP, Peter Van Loan - MP, Mike McEachran - Mayor of Alliston, Doug White - Mayor of Bradford/ West Gwillimbury, John McCallum - Councillor Bradford.West Gwilimbury and Rep on behalf of Helena Guergis M.P. They had the pleasure to present Tec We Gwill W.I. with Certificates of Congratulations and expressed their admiration for the work done by members for Home and Country.

Marie Couture, W.I. District Rep., brought greetings from branches Bond Head, Churchill, Fishes Corners and Tottenham.

Donna Jebb reflected on the achievements of W.I., followed by skits, related to the history of W.I. over the years.

Sue from the Royal Bank in Cookstown had the honour to portray Adelaide Hunter Hoodles, who started the movement with an address in February 1897, telling women, they need to know more about home economics. Taking her message seriously , spanning over 110 years, the Women's Institutes accomplished many things; pasteurization of milk, formation of MacDonald Institute at the University in Guelph, Dental and medical inspection in schools, and so much more.

The Te We Gwill group started as an offshoot of 4-H clubs, offering courses to young brides in homemaking.

The name Tec We Gwill came from Gladys Bell's brother Ralph, who had won the contest in naming it. Somehow he never received the prize of two dollars. A framed document, honouring it and with a two dollar bill, was presented to Gladys Bell at the celebration.

In 1988 the Tec We Gwill W.I. made a deal with the Orangemen to buy the hall in Newton Robinson, which is now their home, where meetings are held, and where there are so many other activities.

An important recognition was made to founding members Ruth Milligan, Ella Langford, Gladys Bell, and Emlyn Westlake, with the presentation of the 60 Year Pin, made by Elaine Gadsden.

The original Branch of the W.I. is now known as the Stoney Creek Charter Women's Institute, the Women's Institute, will be known and cherished as Tec We Gwill for years to come. Congratulations!