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Community leaders would like to see Black History Month become obsolete This is the first in a series of stories in February looking at Black His- tory Month in Ajax and Pickering. By Erin Hatfield Staff Writer DURHAM — It is about a past rich with the legacy of black men and women, a present used to edu- cate and a unified future. Black History Month is recog- nized and celebrated each February and although some here in Durham would like to see it become obso- lete, it serves a powerful purpose until Canada is culturally unified. “I will never give up hope that it will happen,” Sarah McDonald said. The principal of Pine Ridge Sec- Working toward a culturally unified country Committee drives home need for transit, parks and more By Danielle Milley Staff Writer PICKERING — Free land for parks, a post-secondary campus, GO Transit service and homes with smart electricity meters. Those are just a few of the de- mands the City of Pickering wants met by the Province before the land exchange in Seaton is complete. (The Province is swapping land in provincial-owned Seaton in Picker- ing for privately owned land on the Oak Ridges Moraine in Richmond Hill. The Province has done a devel- opment plan for the area). The list was received Jan. 27 by Bryan Kozman, director of the North Pickering Land Exchange Team, from Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson, chairman of the Seaton Community Net Benefits Commit- tee. “Seaton in itself, what we’re try- ing to do is hold (the Province) to the highest standards that they’ve led everyone to believe the last 30 years,” Coun. Dickerson said of the list. In addition to the above men- tioned requests, the City also wants the Province to protect all significant First Nations sites, the Whitevale Heritage District and all significant heritage structures; set aside land for community facilities such as schools; agree to service the em- ployment lands along Hwy. 407 and Brock Road prior to any residen- tial development; provide sufficient funding assistance to widen Steeles Avenue within five years of the start of development in Seaton; and agree to ensure sustainability measures are implemented for Seaton, such as that 30 per cent of the electricity CHECKING OUT THE SITUATION Jason Liebregts/ News Advertiser photo PICKERING — Pickering firefighters tend to hazards after dousing a car that was torched Wednesday in the ravine behind the Petticoat Creek Library and Community Centre. Pickering makes Seaton wish list The Pickering 32 PAGES ✦ Pressrun 49,900 ✦ Metroland Durham Region Media Group ✦ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2006 ✦ Optional delivery $6 / Newsstand $1 B R U C EBRUCE B I S S E L LBISSELL 201 Bayly St. W., Ajax, Ontario: (between Westney and Harwood) BB U I C KBUICK P O N T I A CPONTIAC L T D .LTD. 683-6561 www.bissellbuick.com Plus lic., taxes, freight & admin. fee 2006PontiacSolstice Scorching Appearance Enticing Style $25,695from 177 HP 2.4L Ecotec engine, 18” aluminum wheels WHILE THEY LAST! now in our showroom $25,695 Heritage Day Event Saturday, February 18, 2006 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Pickering Town Centre Call 905.420.4620 for details cityofpickering.com ® • S A L E S • S E R V I C E • L E A S I N G • R E N T A L S • B O D Y S H O P 5 0 3 K in g s to n R d ., P ic k e rin g w w w .p v w .c o m (9 0 5 ) 4 2 0 -9 7 0 0 P I C K E R I N G V O L K S W A G E N I N C . What potholes? Introducing the Touareg BLACK HISTORY MONTH Reflecting... Celebrating... Looking ahead...FEBRUARY..%73%73 !$6%24)3%2$6%24)3%2 ✦ See Durham, Page 7 ✦ See Developing, Page 16 Name Game A NEW FEATURE LOOKING AT THE FACES AND PLACES THAT INSPIRED REMEMBRANCE PA GE 10 INTRODUCING THE... A/P PAGE 2 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, FEBRUARY 3, 2006 durhamregion.com Sunday, February 19, 2006Sunday, February 19, 2006 Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility Audley Rd. 1 km north of Taunton Rd., Ajax Find out how your business can be involved in our 11th Annual Wedding Show Comprehensive Pre-show Supplement Sunday, February 12, 2006 Fashion Show 3:00 pm Featuring: Bridal Gowns, Tuxedos, Bridesmaid Dresses & Mother of the Bride Dresses Tickets $6 each or 2 for $10. Tickets sold at the door. For exhibitor information call Laurie McCaig at 905.683.5110 ext. 230. lmccaig@durhamregion.com Featuring the area’sFeaturing the area’s leading Weddingleading Wedding ProfessionalsProfessionals 3PRING durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, FEBRUARY 3, 2006 PAGE 3 A/P Madison from AJAX Celeste &Seth from PICKERING PRELIMINARY ROUND Monday, January 23rd to Wednesday, January 25th from 10am - 3pm at Centre Court GRAND FINALE Sunday, February 5th from 11am - 2pm at Centre Court There’s a new fl avour that’s come to Pickering. It’s one with an urban and contemporary fl air. And it’s in the form of an elegant and sophisticated restaurant called Burbs Bistro & Bar. Father and son team Drew and Kevin Brown are no strangers to the restaurant industry as they have over 15 years of experience. Burbs Bistro & Bar opened its doors on December 15, 2005 and held their offi cial grand opening on January 17, 2006. On hand to welcome this new upscale restaurant to the community was Mayor of Pickering, Dave Ryan; City Councillor, Doug Dickerson; MPP for Pickering, Wayne Arthurs and Regional Councillor, Bill McLean. “We are very excited about bringing something new to the Durham Region. We want this restaurant to be a refl ection of us,” said Kevin. Kevin is also the Burbs head chef and is thrilled to be able to turn fresh and exciting ingredients into unique and creative masterpieces. Guest will be able to experience downtown Toronto cuisine right here in Durham. As well, to complement these eclectic dishes, Burbs offers 30 high-quality, yet very reasonably priced wines from around the world. Enjoy a glass of wine, a premium draft or a classic cocktail at their lavish and stunningly decorated bar. Looking for a romantic spot to spend Valentine’s Day? Burbs Bistro & Bar’s classy, yet contemporary atmosphere, with dark espresso furnishings and rich taupe accents is the perfect choice. Book your special dinner now, as space is quickly fi lling up. For reservations call 905-839- 2506. The Burbs Bistro & Bar is located at 1900 Dixie Rd. N. A new restaurant with great taste By Alicia Veloce ADVERTORIAL Doug Dickerson - City Councillor Ward 2 - City of Pickering, Kevin Brown - Chef and Co-owner of Burbs Bistro & Bar, Dave Ryan - Mayor - City of Pickering, Wayne Arthurs - MPP for Pickering - Ajax - Uxbridge, Bill McLean - Regional Councillor Ward 2 - City of Pickering, Drew Brown - Co-owner of Burbs Bistro & Bar Major Credit Cards Accepted Visit Us At: www.lux-limo.com LUX LIMO SERVICES BOOK FOR SPECIAL EVENTS, B IRTHDAYS, A NNIVERSARY’S, C ASINO’S, NIGHTS ON T HE T OWN OR ANY T OURIST DESTINATION. B OOK N OW F OR V ALENTINES DURHAM (905) 914-3000 (905) 725-0033 Ajax/Pickering $55 For Up To 3 People TORONTO (416) 795-1111 By Erin Hatfield Staff Writer DURHAM — Things have been going downhill for the Volunteer Resource Centre for Durham, and as of Feb. 10 it will close its doors for good. “For about six months we knew we were heading in a bad direction,” Sandi Gauder said. Although the board president said thousands used the centre’s services, it is unable to continue because of a lack of funding. “It is sad to see an organization like this close,” Ms. Gauder said. “With a half-a-million people in this area we should be able to support this.” Just prior to Christmas they were forced to let go two of the centre’s three employees, and next Friday will be lone employ- ee and executive director Nancy Burke’s last day. “Volunteers are not tangible,” Ms. Gauder said. “It is hard to ex- press the value of volunteerism, but the impact of volunteerism is widespread and the dollar value is immeasurable.” Despite the value of volunteer hours being contributed to the community, the centre was un- able to find partners to support its operation financially. “We don’t require a lot of money to operate,” Ms. Gauder said. “If we had $50,000 a year we could continue to operate. But we don’t have core funding and we haven’t been able to raise it.” The centre has been in opera- tion for six years and connected volunteers with volunteer oppor- tunities and acted as a resource for not-for-profit organizations. “What is important, I think, is with this organization people can connect volunteer opportu- nities,” Ms. Burke said. The centre has approximately 90 agencies registered, including Community Care, hospitals, the Red Cross, the Kiwanis Club and nursing homes. In the past year, Ms. Burke said 1,400 people have been matched through the centre. Also, Ms. Burke said its website receives between 1,200 and 1,400 visitors a month. On top of that, the cen- tre was a much-used resource by students. Secondary school stu- dents in Ontario are required to complete 40 hours of community service to graduate. “Kids will now have to find their own,” Ms. Burke said, add- ing that just as important as find- ing a volunteer placement is en- suring it is a good match to the student’s likes. “If youth aren’t having a good experience then they aren’t going to volunteer as an adult.” Close to 1,000 students from 34 secondary schools were ongo- ing centre clients. In an attempt to keep its doors open, Ms. Gauder said staff made applications for grants, appeals to local service clubs for assistance, and met with the Region of Dur- ham, but there was no money to be had. The money is used to pay sala- ries, rent, buy supplies, insurance and for website hosting fees. However the women said they hold out hope the centre will find the funding to start up its opera- tions again. Anyone interested in making a donation can call Nancy Burke at 905-436-2035 or e-mail nburke@volunteerdurham.org. No money means lights out for Durham’s volunteer centre A.J. Groen / News Advertiser photo Nancy Burke is the executive director of the Volunteer Resource Centre for Durham Region. Due to a lack of funding, the centre is scheduled to close Feb. 10. PICKERING — The Province’s protection of the Oak Ridges Mo- raine doesn’t change much for Pick- ering landowners. “The impact of the zoning is not that severe... I have not found one property that has been sterilized because of this,” said Jim Dyment. “The big impact on Pickering is pretty minimal.” Mr. Dyment is a consultant who has been working with the City on getting its Official Plan and zon- ing bylaw to comply with the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act. He made a presentation at the Jan. 16 management forum meeting. Under the City’s Official Plan much of the north was designated as natural area with restrictions similar to those now imposed by the Province through the act. The designations have been changed to Oak Ridges Moraine countryside, ORM linkages, ORM natural core areas and ORM rural hamlet for Cla- remont. The most restrictive desig- nations fall in the natural core area. Existing uses as of Nov. 15, 2001 will be allowed under the bylaw changes, except in the core area. Those uses include the reconstruc- tion of a building to the same size as existed, changes of use to a similar use, and construction of a dwelling on an existing lot of record permit- ted by bylaw. Two changes of note are: the des- ignation of Altona as a rural settle- ment area has been removed be- cause it took place after the act was passed; and the rural cluster east of Claremont has been removed as a rural settlement. A report on the changes is to go to executive committee Feb. 13 and then a final recommendation goes to council Feb. 20. CORRECTION NOTICE The terms and conditions of our current finance offer, as stated in this month’s “Hot Buys” flyer, should read: *O.A.C. All applicable taxes and a processing fee of $59.95 (Eg. $1500 purchase with $59.95 PF equals an APR of 3.20%) are due at the time of purchase. Balance is due in 15 months. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Kingston Rd.Hwy. 2 Hwy. 401SheppardAve. 91 Rylander Blvd. Village of Abbey Lane Your support of this store benefits children with chronic and serious illnesses and their families. VILLAGE OF ABBEY LANE (PORT UNION & 401) 416-283-1882 NEW MATTRESSES SECOND TIME AROUND THRIFT STORE 50%OFF ALL CLOTHING 50%OFF ALL OUTERWEAR 50%OFF ALL ACCESSORIES A LL MODELS A ND SIZES ON SALE FEBRUARY 3rd & 4th THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY ONLY! 2 DAYS ONLY2 DAYS ONLY GIANT SALEGIANT SALE INVENTORY CLEARANCEINVENTORY CLEARANCE FACTORY DIRECT TO YOUFACTORY DIRECT TO YOU Canada’s Largest Mattress & Furniture Company $1198 7 Piece Bedroom Suite Futon Bunk Black Only Complete $389 Monaco Bed $309 Canopy Bed $349 Futon Complete $189 Vanessa Day Bed $149 Deep Drawers Mates Bed $239 Promo Bunk Bed $239 Single Mattress from $79 Sold As Sets Only DO NOT PAY TIL 2007 O.A.C. TWIN • DOUBLE • QUEENTWIN • DOUBLE • QUEEN CHOOSE ANY SIZE AT ONE LOW PRICECHOOSE ANY SIZE AT ONE LOW PRICE EACH PIECE 10 Year Warranty $$111199 EACH PIECE 25 Year Warranty $$116699 EACH PIECE 25 Year Warranty $$114499 P PAGE 4 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, FEBRUARY 3, 2006 durhamregion.com Moraine legislation has minimal impact on Pickering PICKERING — Two men are in custody and another is being sought after a home invasion robbery at a south Pickering home early Mon- day. An 18-year-old woman told Dur- ham Regional police she was awak- ened by a knock at the door of her basement apartment in the Bayly Street- West Shore Boulevard area around 3:30 a.m. When she an- swered a man she knew and two other men burst into the apartment. The woman was threatened while the three suspects ransacked the apartment, but was not injured. They made off with cash and elec- tronic equipment, police said. An investigation led to the arrest of one man at his residence, while a second surrendered to police. An- other suspect remains at large. Solaimon Hajizadeh, 23, of Meek- ings Drive in Ajax and David Ryan, 24, of Gardenview Square in Picker- ing, are charged with robbery, forc- ible confinement, break and enter, threatening death and extortion. Two charged in Pickering home invasion durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, FEBRUARY 3, 2006 PAGE 5 A/P OUR SERVICES INCLUDE friendship & companionship Ballycliffe LodgeBallycliffe Lodge Ballycliffe Lodge Retirement Residence 70 Station Street, Ajax, Ontario Call 905-683-7321 www.chartwellreit.ca The opportunities for friendship happen every day. “Weight, Workouts & Worries for Women” Presented by Heart & Stroke Wed. Feb 8th • 7 pm - 8:30pm Refreshments will be provided Durham’s Choice For Used Cars Visit our On-Line showroom @ www.ontariomotorsales.com 140 Bond St. W., Oshawa 1-877-725-1777 *†Prices plus taxes, lic., admin fee. Former daily rentals. † O.A.C. Based on 60 months, 84 mth. amortization. See dealer for details. • Manufacturer’s Warranty • 30 Day/2,500km. No-hassle exchange privilege • 150+ Point Inspection • 24 Hour Roadside Assistance CHEV MALIBU • Fully loaded • Tilt & Cruise • Low km. • Power windows, locks & pedals $ From Bi-Weekly $$0 DOWNDOWN PLUS! DON’T PAY FOR 6 MONTHS!6 MONTHS! 2005 *$† PURCHASE ONE OF THESE VEHICLES BEFOREPURCHASE ONE OF THESE VEHICLES BEFORE WED. FEB.8 ANDWED. FEB.8 AND RECEIVE A FREE PSP!RECEIVE A FREE PSP! A.J. Groen/ News Advertiser photo She’s 104 and counting PICKERING — Gladys Maude Templer celebrated her 104th birthday on Jan. 30, with friends and family, including son Mathew Templer, right, of Pickering, and his friend Fer- nanda Correla. Ms. Templer has been living in Pickering for seven years, and before that was a longtime resident of Ottawa and Belleville. Along with her son, she has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ms. Templer is an accomplished pianist and soloist and a registered nurse. Pickering man shot dead during 1994 crime spree By Jeff Mitchell Staff Writer DURHAM — A new trial for a man accused of participating in one of Durham’s bloodiest crime sprees is set for September. Ronald Woodcock made a brief appearance in Superior Court in Whitby Wednesday and was re- manded in custody in a federal prison. He will be back for the start of a trial in early September. It will be the third time a trial has begun for Mr. Woodcock, who stands charged with two counts of first-degree murder and a number of other offences in connection with the infamous Gagnon Sports robbery in Oshawa more than 11 years ago. Mr. Woodcock and a co-ac- cused, Roshan Nourozali, were convicted after their original trial in 1998. But the Ontario Court of Appeal ordered a new trial for Mr. Woodcock, ruling some of the evidence presented to the jury should not have been allowed. A trial began in Whitby last November, but was derailed by a mistrial just days after jurors began hearing evidence. Wednesday, Justice Alfred Stong endorsed a schedule that will see several days of pretrial motions in May and June, and the trial beginning Sept. 5 with the selection of a new jury. It was on Sept. 14, 1994, that two masked men stormed into the Simcoe Street South Gagnon Sports shop around 5:30 p.m., screaming at staff and patrons to get down on the floor. Shots were fired and Roger Pardy, 43, a mar- ried father of two sons, died after being hit in the chest and head. Three others in the store were wounded. The masked men smashed a glass case and made off with 11 handguns. Earlier that day 55-year-old Kenneth Thomas, a Pickering carpenter, was killed execution- style with four bullets to the head and left near the Picker- ing nuclear generating station. It would be months before his body was found. Mr. Thomas’s car was used in the Gagnon Sports robbery and abandoned a few blocks away. Several months after the crimes in Durham Mr. Nouro- zali and Mr. Woodcock were ar- rested following a violent rob- bery in the London area. Police found guns stolen during the Oshawa robbery in their posses- sion. Gagnon murder accused receives new trial in September EDITORIAL LETTER TO THE EDITOR Celebrate our history this month The passing of Coretta Scott King this week was a reminder of how incredibly far we’ve come as a society. No doubt a great part of that progress is directly attributed to the tireless efforts of Ms. King and her husband, Martin Lu- ther King, in the U.S. civil rights movement and the attention it garnered around the world. Thankfully, we’ve come so far. Ms. King’s passing also came on the eve of Black History Month, a time to celebrate here in Ajax and Pickering. Fortu- nately, we are the most culturally diverse part of Durham Re- gion, possessing so much different history and so many differ- ent backgrounds that together have shaped our communities for the better. The coming weeks are an opportunity for our students and schools, and indeed for all of us, to focus on black history, to ex- change stories and to generally share more about an important part of who we are. It’s also a chance to take part in celebrations taking place here this month. More than anything, it’s a time to reflect on the role black leaders have played in making our communities better. Beginning today, the News Advertiser is looking at the significance of Black History Month for Ajax and Pickering through a series of stories. You’ll meet community leaders and the roles they are playing, and you’ll hear some timely thoughts on the month and its significance. Alton Atkinson, chairman of the Town of Ajax’s diversity advisory committee, and Sarah McDonald, principal at Pine Ridge Secondary School, discuss the opportunity these 28 days bring to heighten awareness of the history, far richer than most of us imagine. But, both would also like to see black history occupy the greater role it justly deserves -- namely, a topic of year-round learning and attention. Spend some time this month getting to know our black his- tory, not only in Canada, but also its roots here in Ajax and Pickering. Recognize one of our black leaders for making a dif- ference every day. No matter what you choose, do take the time to educate yourself. And, in the not too distant future, hopefully sooner rather than later, we’ll see the goals of Ms. McDonald, Mr. Atkinson and many others realized, and we’ll eliminate the need to designate a month. Because black history will have rightfully taken its place in our lives throughout the year, be- coming history -- pure and simple. McTeague has record of responsiveness To the editor: Re: ‘McTeague wins, but he wasn’t talking,’ Jan. 25. Why would you be surprised at not being invited to Picker- ing-Scarborough East MP Dan McTeague’s victory party? You openly endorsed a political rival, not just a rival party but a rival candidate, and then expect to crash Mr. McTeague’s party? You must be daft. This was not a public forum. This was a victory party. People get invited to parties. They don’t just walk in, and to suggest, as you then continued in your editorial, that this lack of access was somehow undemocratic is below your usual bal- anced approach. Few would disagree with your sentiments that the Chretien- era, political style is becoming increasingly unacceptable to vot- ers, but I’m not sure that Mr. McTeague is among them. He often voted against his government’s proposals, preferring to vote ac- cording to the wishes of his constituents and his beliefs, which is what he was elected to do. As for responding to questions, I’ve sent a few to his office over the years and always received a prompt response. Ease up. You made a call against him. It was not appropriate for you to be at his victory party. That’s all. Dieter Daues, Pickering NEWS ADVERTISER Metroland Durham Region Media Group Tim Whittaker, Publisher Joanne Burghardt, Editor-in-Chief To ny Doyle, Managing Editor Duncan Fletcher, Director of Advertising Andrea McFater, Retail Advertising Manager Eddie Kolodziejcak, Classified Advertising Abe Fakhourie, Distribution Manager Lillian Hook, Office Manager Cheryl Haines, Composing Manager Janice O’Neil, Composing Manager [ Contact us ]-- News/Sales 905-683-5110; Clas- sifieds 905-683-0707; Distribution 905-683-5117; News Fax 905-683- 0386; General Fax 905-683-7363; E-mail tdoyle@durhamregion.com; Mailing Address; 130 Commercial Ave., Ajax, Ont. L1S 2H5 [ About Us ]-- The News Advertiser is one of the Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing group of newspapers. The News Advertiser is a member of the Ajax & Pickering Board of Tr ade, Ontario Community Newspa- per Assoc., Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc., and the Cana- dian Circulations Audit Board. Also a member of the Ontario Press Council, 2 Carlton St., Suite 1706, To r onto, M5B 1J3, an independent organization that addresses reader complaints about member news- papers.The publisher reserves the right to classify or refuse any adver- tisement. Credit for advertisement limited to space price error occu- pies. Editorial and Advertising con- tent of the News Advertiser is copy- righted. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. Publications Mail Sales Agreement Number 1332791. [ Letters Policy ]-- We welcome letters that include name, city of residence and phone numbers for verification. Writers are generally limited to 200 words and one submission in 30 days. We decline announcements, poetry, open letters, consumer complaints, congratulations and thank you notes. The editor reserves the right to edit copy for length, style and clarity. Opinions expressed by letter writers are not necessarily those of the News Advertiser. Due to the vol- ume of letters, not all will be printed. Fax: 905-683-0386; e-mail: tdoyle@ durhamregion.com. The newspaper contacts only those whose submis- sions have been chosen for publica- tion. EDITORIALS & OPINIONS infodurhamregion.com A/P PAGE 6 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, FEBRUARY 3, 2006 durhamregion.com Canadians will be keeping an eye on Parliament S o, how do you like your Stephen Harper lite government? One thing these last two elections -- or perhaps we should look upon them as one long continuous campaign from De- cember 2003 when Paul Martin became prime minister up to Monday night - - was that Canadians aren’t really sure about what they really want. Minority governments seemed extinct in this country after continuous majori- ties from 1980 through to 2000. Liberal and Conservative governments earned large mandates from an electorate con- tent to pick a clear winner each federal election. But all of that has now changed and politics has become a trickier business than ever at the federal level. Mr. Harper will have to wade through a nasty minefield of problems, not the least of which is that he has no natural policy alliance with any of the three par- ties in opposition. Some of his platform promises -- especially his child-care plan to give $1,200 per year for each child under age six -- are likely dead in the water since each of the opposition par- ties is totally opposed to it. Other plans, like a GST tax cut of one per cent, might be saleable to the NDP and Liberals, if the Tories can convince them the Conservative platform won’t take the country into deficit. At the local level it’s good to see strong government representation, especially if a political heavyweight like Jim Flaherty finds a seat at the cabinet table. Durham elected federal Liberals by the score from 1993-2000 but we were largely plagued by lightweights who failed to deliver much of substance especially when they were lost in a massive red tide. Mr. Flaherty could find himself in fi- nance or justice in a Harper government. He is one of the strongest Tories to come out of Ontario and will provide a voice in national affairs. The group of Durham Tories has a chance to bring the region’s issues to the table and they should encourage Mr. Harper to initiate policies to help the auto industry, to help clean up Oshawa Harbour, to help correct the Ontario fis- cal balance that sees this province con- tribute many billions more than it gets back from Ottawa. These initiatives will boost Conservative fortunes in Ontario. One last word about the campaign: If you listened to the federal leaders, espe- cially in the last few weeks, you’d think they were all monsters. While it’s part of the game of politics, it will be interesting to see how they work together to deliver programs to all Cana- dians. That’s what voters have demanded. Tim Kelly is a copy editor with the Met- roland Durham Region Media Group. E-mail tkelly@durhamregion.com. Stephen Harper earns a tryout Tim Kelly staff editor ondary School in Pickering, Ms. Mc- Donald came to the region in 1976. She recalls then there were not many black people around the region. “I worked in Toronto and it was very multicultural,” Ms. McDonald said. “Here in Durham it was not.” She has seen a change in the demo- graphic since then. “Visually people see the change but culturally I am not sure if people have been involved in the change. We need to see (black people) through the con- tributions they have made, not just for Durham but all of Canada.” And for Ms. McDonald, that is where black history comes in. “I think Durham has come a long way from where it was when I came in 1976,” Ms. McDonald said. “I am very pleased with the work that is being done by the City of Pickering and the Town of Ajax.” She has seen over the years that the quality of interaction among people of different cultural backgrounds is differ- ent, it is better. But, Black History Month is about much more than skin colour. “Blackness is more than a colour,” Ms. McDonald explained. “We are the only people referred to by colour. “As a black person I bare a responsibil- ity for all black people,” Ms. McDonald said. “This doesn’t happen in other cul- tures.” Black History is important year round, said Ms. McDonald, but the designation of a month to black history serves to heighten awareness. Started in 1926 as ‘Negro History Week’ and later as ‘Black History Month’ the groundwork for the designated month was laid by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The son of former slaves, Dr. Wood- son dedicated his life to ensuring black history was accurately documented and people were educated about it. Ms. McDonald said it is unfortunate that after so many years there is still a need for Black History Month. Attitude and perception have to change accord- ing to Ms. McDonald before the month will have outgrown its purpose. “I don’t think everyone is culturally sensitive to the contributions of blacks,” Ms. McDonald said. “Black History Month brings an awareness to people who may not be exposed to it every day.” The month also serves a purpose for students who are black and those who are not, she said, adding for everyone it is about unity, communication and growing together but, in particular, for black people learning about their heri- tage brings self-esteem, a sense of self and a sense of identity. “Twenty-eight days in February doesn’t work,” Alton Atkinson said. “It can’t work.” Mr. Atkinson, president of King Capi- tal Group in Ajax, agrees educating all people about Black History is important but is disappointed black history is not yet integrated into society. “We should have been to the point in society that we teach this all the time,” Mr. Atkinson said, who is also chairman of the Town of Ajax’s diversity advisory committee. It is frustrating, Mr. Atkinson said, that black history is emphasized only in Feb- ruary. He said it perpetuates a percep- tion that black is an inferior race. “A ll it does is add to the division among us,” Mr. Atkinson said. “The month should have been gone a long time ago. “Don’t give it just one month. Make it part of your history because it is part of your history.” Mr. Atkinson has five children who he said he educates about black history all year round. “I teach my children about the sacri- fices my grandparents and my parents made for us to be here,” Mr. Atkinson said. “We know Christopher Columbus discovered America, but what did the passage for black slaves look like and feel like?” He said black heritage needs to be incorporated into schools. “Everything you do has to start with youth,” Mr. Atkinson said. “There are way too many kids who don’t know what has gone before.” He isn’t ready quite yet to throw Black History Month out the window, how- ever. “There is nothing in place to replace it so we do need it,” Mr. Atkinson said. “But it should have grown into more a long time ago. “It is all about getting our society to move forward together. We have to do more for our kids and more for our- selves.” We are pleased to announce that Ronald P. Kaufman will join the fi rm effective February 6th, 2006 to continue his family Law practice. The fi rm also wishes to welcome Paul S. Przybylo as an Associate upon the completion of his Articles of Clerkship in July, 2006. 200 - 1305 Pickering Parkway Pickering, Ontario L1V 3P2 Tel: (905) 839-4484 More Money May Not be the Answer We Can Help You Deal With the Money You Have Call Credit Counselling Service of Durham Region FREE FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT P AYMEN T DUE Non-profit United WayNon-profi t United Way AgencyAgency 905-579-1951 durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, FEBRUARY 3, 2006 PAGE 7 A/P Jason Liebregts/ News Advertiser photo Alton Atkinson, chairman of the Ajax diversity advisory committee, would like to see black history recognized year-round. Durham has come a long way ✦ Durham from page 1 Advisory committee needs members to shape future DURHAM — Te ens can have a say in what services and programs are offered by The Youth Centre. The centre is setting up a Youth Advisory Commit- tee, but first an informa- tion night is planned. “They can hear what the Youth Advisory Com- mittee does and the roles and responsibilities the committee has,” says Janet McPherson of the centre. “A nyone from Ajax and Pickering, 13 to 19, who would maybe potentially use our services” can at- tend the information night, she adds. “We want input on program direction and choices on how we com- municate programs to youths.” The information night is Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the centre. Ms. McPherson states that in addition to learn- ing “about what we are and what we do,” it’s also a chance “for youths to have input into any aspects of what we do.” She adds the “terms (of the advisory committee) are still up in the air. It could sit once a month or once every six weeks.” She notes subcommit- tees could also be estab- lished and these groups could meet more often if there’s a topic they want to address. Yo uths could also be in- cluded in the centre’s stra- tegic planning process or be involved in the hiring of new staff. “We want it to be mean- ingful and not a token committee for youths,” Ms. McPherson notes. By attending the infor- mation night, “they’re not committing to anything on the first night. They can find out if it interests them,” she adds. The centre is at 360 Bayly St. W., Unit 5 (be- tween Finley Avenue and Westney Road), Ajax. Registration is necessary and pizza will be provid- ed. For more information, call 905-428-1212 or visit www.theyouthcentre.ca. 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