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Whîtby Free Press, Wednesday, July 12, 1995 ,Page il Writeirs announce pilot pirograms fýor children This sunimer promises te be a busy one for the newly-formed Writers' Circle of Durham Region. "We began in February by announcing a breakfast meeting, just te see if there was any interest out there," says president Madmoie Green. "Witbhin days I heard from over 100 writers, 50 came te our firet meeting.## The non-profit organization now bas a membership of 76 and sends out monthly newsletters te, 340. "Wis knew that, because of cutbaclcs, a lack of writing programis existed in our communities. But we had no idea of the seriousness of the situation -- or the demand that was out there -- until we began runming our own progms in March. "Although our summer figures are down, we have- been averaging 20 students for our aduit writing workshops." The organization's work on behaif of Durham poets has aiso been highly successful. "Our Poets-in-the-Pub nights have been a pleasant surprise for us," notes Green. "Vie really had no idea we had se many poets in Durham -- or that the quality of their work would be se, high. Hlere again, we've seen an average of 20 people coning out., every other Monday, te hear or read poetry." From the start, however, one of the organization's prime goais bas been to make available seme much-needed . programs te encourage writing literacy in children. "Vie have been especiaily delighted with the response we have met se far in this respect," says Green, "not only from our own writers and creative members, but aise from community establishments, such as the Durham Board' of Education and the Ajax Public Iàbrary."l This suminer, two plot programs are scheduled to take plaoe. The Muse program, designed to inspire children to express temselves in ail aspects of the arts, will mun Aug. 21 to 24 at South Simcoe Public School in Oshawa. In a series of eight interactive workshops, 15 pre-selected Grade 5 students will work with professional artista, poets, writers and muzicians over the four-day period. 'Kidwriters, for children aged eight to il who alreadiy love te mrite, is scheduled for Thursday mornngs from Aug. 10 to 31 at the Ajax Public Library. Designed te provide an opportunity for children te learn from aduit writers and meet with others who share their intereets, Kidwriters will feature a different guest writer each weekc, provide material and instruction for "at-home" writing, and introduce opprtuites for publication. Kidsinterested in joining the program are required te submit a paragraph, essay, stery or poem on the tepic 'Why I like te write' along with a fee of $40 for the four-week session. Given sufficient community support, both are expected te become permanent ongomng programa mn the fail. Anyone wishing to learn more about WCDR or any of its progrma, can cal! Green at 686-2085. For specifics on The Muse program, cali Elizabeth iehie at 427-0410. Family Evening Fun At- CullenGarden AND MINIATURE VILLAGE .... .. ... ... ... ... .... ;... -- cops 999 dicounts.o (Reg. Value $29.95) See the spectacular giant 4 Floral Night Display. Over 160 miniatures, including trains, the country fair and cottage country. Plus "Canadiana" Outdoor Theatre with nightîy miniature fireworks. .. Showtime: 7:30 pm, (Fireworks weather permitting.) Show flot held on Thursdays- Kid's Day Cullen Gardens & Miniature Village 300 Taunton Rd. West, Whitby e 1-800-461-1821 LIBASIC SERVICE $12.991mo. + tax EJADDITIONAL SERVICE $1 2.99/mno. + tax DURHAM SERVICE $9.991 mo). + tax ($7.00 extra wîth BASIC SERVICE) Communications (Whitby) Ino. 153 Brock St. N., (Whitby Lanes) Whitby 430-803 or 430-8121 Ad isin:us . &F - sve , $.0, Sa. &:un 1$800AlI. Tk aeil * R. [Nort *et*e'n Con insR. & nchetr - d