Islands Connection

Goudie to receive special book from young admirers

Howard Butt
Special to The Pilot

TWILLINGATE – Everything from “He sings awesome songs” to “Will you marry me?”

These were among the many and varied messages addressed to Rex Goudie, the province’s singing sensation of Canadian Idol fame, as the participants in the “Quest for Heroes” reading program at the public library in Twillingate completed their special book on July 21.

The idea was to compile a book made up of pages completed by participants that would reflect why they considered Rex to be their hero. The idea came from eight-year-old Sarah Hamlyn whose mom is one of the reading co-ordinators. Jennifer Stuckless and Tara Hamlyn, who have been looking after the reading program, in turn suggested the project to the youth who took it and ran.

“It was no problem getting them focused on the project for every kid knew who Rex was and wanted to do their thing.”

The first step, however, was to make sure the “book” was acceptable to Rex, especially without his having seen it. The problem was taken care of by the program leaders who made a telephone call to a friend in Burlington.

“Rex is not in Burlington,” advised the contact, “but his dad is here now in my kitchen.”

Without hesitation, on hearing the plan, Rex’s father assured that it wouldn’t be a problem and gave it his blessing, suggesting it be sent to Burlington and he’d make sure Rex got to see it.

On July 21 the youth gathered at the library where they first saw a movie and then made finishing touches on their individual pages. In total the book will consist of some 70 pages – many with questionable messages and expressions, but all with their hearts throbbing faster than usual and with many head-over-heels in love – for the present.