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Home My WebLink AboutNA2007_06_24Available at the following Bell stores: Pickering Pickering Town Centre 905 837-1212 Whitby Whitby Mall 905 725-1212 Offer ends June 30, 2007. Available with compatible devices, within Bell Mobility digital core network and/or high speed mobile network coverage areas where technology permits. Other fees such as, on a monthly basis, e9-1-1 (75¢/mo.), and system access which is not a government fee ($8.95/mo.), and one-time activation ($35) apply. Early termination fees apply. Subject to change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer. Taxes extra. While supplies last. May not be as shown. May not be available in all locations. Other conditions apply. (1) Available upon new activation of a new device on a 3-yr. contract term on any monthly voice plan. $50 credit applies in-store before taxes on the device or accessories. (2) Available upon new activation of new device on a min. 3-yr. contract term on a monthly voice plan with a min. value of $35/mo. (excluding shared plans). (3) Available upon new activation of new device on a 3-yr. contract term on a select monthly voice plan. Applies to calls made from and to Canada, in Bell Mobility and its partners’ coverage area; long distance and roaming charges (including foreign taxes) may otherwise apply. $50 off any phone1 For a limited time, get 3 offers combined into one great deal. We scooped up three offers for the Triple Whammy sale. 50 % off rate plans for the fi rst 3 months2 Unlimited local and long distance calling across Canada, all summer long3 ++ 35.2//-3s7).$/73s$//23 905-686-2445 Visit our showroom 239 Station St., Ajax Manufacturer of SUNROOMS & WINDOWS 12 months - grade 8 BlaisdaleBlaisdale SchoolSchool est. 1969est. 1969 Blaisdale MontessoriMontessoriMontessori School est. 1969 www.blaisdale.com 905-509-5005BLAISDALEMONTESSORIOPEN HOUSE Thurs. August 23, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m. 415 Toynevale Rd., Pickering The Pickering 32 PAGES ✦ Pressrun 48,900 ✦ Metroland Durham Region Media Group ✦ SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007 ✦ Optional delivery $6 / Newsstand $1 DurhamDurham Daily News Every weekday at noon Follow the leader Ajax wrangles up geese from its waterfront Page 3 Two is just fine DURHAM — The Durham public board is not supporting the notion of one publicly funded school sys- tem in Ontario. The Durham District School Board is sending the Near North District School Board a letter thank- ing it for its suggestion, but stating it doesn’t support one system. The North Bay board recently sent Dur- ham a letter requesting the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association renew its petition to the Province in support of one publicly funded school board. It also included for- warding the decision to all school boards and asking them to endorse the same, as well as to members of provincial and federal parliaments, with a proposal for a referendum to be called within the year. Pickering girl was a ‘positive force’ in just one year with corps By Keith Gilligan kgilligan@durhamregion.com DURHAM — Angela St-Denis was a clarinet player with a “take the lead” personality with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 244 Harwood. Members of the corps wanted to do something to re- member the 15-year-old Pickering resident, killed in an accident on Dec. 23 of last year, along with her father Roger, 52, and brother Paul, 21. On Thursday at the historical garden on the Ajax lakefront, with Angela’s mother, also named An- gela, and sister Therese, a bench was dedicated in the teenager’s memory. Lieutenant (Navy) Ross Moun- steven, the commanding officer with the corps, said the bench is in a “very coveted spot, next to the boat, as they call it.” A part of the garden is shaped like the front of a boat and faces out onto Lake Ontario. Angela spent just more than a year with the sea cadets. Speaking to about 25 people attending the ceremony, Ms. St- Denis pointed to her family and said, “this is her first family and this (the corps) is her second family.” In an interview, Ms. St-Denis said the cadets “had done so much for my daughter. “They were at the funeral,” she said. “That was the other fam- ily in her life. She loved the sea cadets.” Angela played clarinet and “I noticed they didn’t have a clari- net. It makes me feel somebody is missing,” Ms. St-Denis said. Having the bench dedicated in Angela’s memory “feels special. Angela would have loved that.” Ms. St-Denis said several memorials have been held since the accident, including at school and the choir Mr. St- Denis sang with. “They’ve always kept us in their thoughts. It’s really com- forting,” she added. “My sister was a big part of the group,” Therese said. “It’s nice to see this. It’s nice to see they still think about them. It makes me feel better.” Lt. Mounsteven said of Angela in an interview, “She made a big impact in that year.” Angela’s rank was Leading Cadet and clarinet player on “a couple of drill teams -- the Sea cadets remember Angela St-Denis ✦ See Angela, Page 4 Ron Pietroniro/ News Advertiser photo Therese St.-Denis takes a photo of the bench at the foot of Harwood Avenue dedicated to Angela St.-Denis by members of the Harwood Sea Cadets. Three members of the St.-Denis family were killed last Christmas in an auto accident in the States. Angela, who was killed, was also a member of the cadets. For more on this story Lawyer says Region shouldn’t be fighting the ‘war in the press’ By Izabela Jaroszynski ijaroszynski@durhamregion.com DURHAM — Regional council went too far by publicly banning a local construction company from bidding on future regional con- tracts, the lawyer for B. Gottardo Construction Ltd. told council on Wednesday. Martin Greenglass said the comments made by council and published in the press regarding the company’s performance on a contract were “slanderous in na- ture.” He was referring to a motion passed in council earlier this year that disallowed B. Gottardo Con- struction Ltd. from bidding on any Regional contracts until such time as work on Taunton Road was completed and the level of service improved. Council passed the resolution after citing frustrations with the amount of time it was taking to complete work on Taunton Road. “I am very frustrated and I think appropriate action needs to be taken,” Ajax Mayor Steve Parish had said at the time. According to works department staff, progress on the project -- which they say began on July 14, 2006 -- has been slow. But Mr. Greenglass said his client was not able to start work at the site until the end of August 2006 be- cause the Region had not yet re- solved an issue with utilities as was necessary under the contract. Also slowing down the work was a restriction placed by the Region on truck loads travelling on the road -- allowing for half-loads only, he said. Mr. Greenglass said if the Region “doesn’t want to do business with my client, then don’t do business with my client,” but he objects to council fighting the “war in the press.” He said during the delegation that the company’s business has been damaged by the publica- tion of the story in the press. Council did not have any ques- tions for Mr. Greenglass. -- with files from Erin Hatfield When it Comes to Advertising your Resale Listing Ajax and Pickering News Advertiser BARRIE COX Sales Representative 905-839-7449 SUPER STARTER www.barriecox.ca • Great Whitby location near Thickson and Rossland• Family size renovated kitchen to die for!• Gigantic two level deck & oversized back yard with sunny west exposure• Professionally fi nished basement • Central air conditioning• New furnace (2006) • Double wide driveway• Asking price $244,900 ROUGE RIVER Realty Ltd. Brokerage #1 PICKERINGREMAX AGENT OVERALL LAST 15 YEARSMIKE LYNCH Sales Representative 905-831-3300 www.mikelynch.ca 100% Club Award Winner View at: www.MikeLynch.ca First Realty Ltd. Brokerage POWER OF SALE What a great deal at $252,000 in Pickering! Fin. walkout bsmt. 2 kitchens, stone fi replace. 4 baths, ensuite. Large kitchen. The bank wants it Sold! Call Mike at 905-831-3300. 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Call Brad Somerville for more Details. QUALITY ONE Ltd., BrokerageIndependently Owned and Operated JOE PITINO Sales Representative 905-831-3300 1-866-539-3300 $609,900STUNNING LIFESTYLE HOME Visit: www.pitino.ca This Custom Stone, Stucco & Brick and featuring a 2800 sq ft Bungalow/Loft open Concept 3 Bedrm, 4 Bathrms Design, fi nished Basement consisting of Gym, Home Theatre, Rec Rm & Wine Cellar, on a 72’ wide premium Park Like Setting, Pond, Hardwood Floors, Crown Moulding, 2-Storey Great Rm With marble gas fi replace &Palladian Windows, 9’ Ceilings, Amazing kitchen with island, landscaped, Treed, Deck, walk to Rouge River and conservation areas..$609,900...905-831-3300 call now Joe Pitino. First Realty Ltd. Brokerage $389,898TAKE A CLOSER LOOK... Fabulous open concept design, upgraded kitchen w/pot lights & a walkout to the deck & yard, spacious master bedroom with a walkout to a sundeck, skylight, wood stairs/railing, built-in cabinets, interlocking brick walkway & much more! 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You’ll love this absolutely stunning renovation! 3 bedrms, 4 new bathrms, new hardwd fl ooring, new baseborad trim, crown moulding, fabulous new kit walk out to fenced yard and party sized deck, gorgeous fi nished bsmt-perfect for nanny/teen suite! You’ll just fall in love!!!HALLMARK REALTY Brokerage KATHY WEBSTER Sales Representative 905-683-2166 416-419-5500 OPEN HOUSE SAT. & SUN. JUNE 16 & 17, 2-4 P.M. Call KATHY WEBSTER 905-683-2166 or 416-419-5500 803 STROUDS LANERENOVATED THRU-OUT! Professionally Renovated Thru-Out; Open Concept Kit. w/Granite & Tumbled Marble; All New Bathroom Flooring, Moulding, Jacuzzi Tub; Interior & Exterior Doors; A/C; Furnace; Roof & Windows. Shows Absolutely Spotless - Like a Model Home! Percy Fulton Limited Brokerage SOPHIA TAN Sales Representative 416-439-1660 416-417-4488 100’ X 255’ LOT CALL SOPHIA TODAY AT 416-417-4488 1861 Pine Grove Ave. (west of Altona Rd.) 3 bedroom bungalow. Every room is on one level, big addition of salarium with cathedral ceiling and wet bar, potential extra 50x100’ lot at N.W. corner of property. $489,900. MLS. #E1158396 0RUDENTIAL!CHIEVERS2EALTY"ROKERAGE An independently owned and operated affi liate of The Prudential Realtor Affi liates Inc. *Salesperson **Broker ***Broker of Record June 13 - June 19, 2007 www.homesdurhamregion.com Pressrun 51,800 Ajax and Pickering News Advertiser Has you Covered! www.durhamregion.com 130 Commercial Ave., Ajax, L1S 2H5 P:905.683.5110 F:905.619.9068 To find a feature that fits your advertising needs, contact your Advertising Consultant. today! Bringing Your Listing to 51,800 homes and apartments in Ajax and Pickering Wednesdays. 50%-70% less than most funeral homes Showroom Open To Public Metal & Wood Caskets, Urns Free Delivery to Funeral Homes 416-321-5688 1-866-511-5688 235 Nugget Ave. Unit 21, Scarborough, ON www.casketdepot.ca 577 Ritson Rd. S. Oshawa • Inquire about utility & Govn’t rebates as well as our package specials • 10 yrs parts & labour included ($800.00 value) • 12 months no payment fi nancing O.A.C. • Some restrictions apply • See dealer for details (905) 999-2867 A Division of Cullen Heating and Air Conditioning durhamregion.comA/P PAGE 2 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, June 24, 2007 Taunton Road contractor objects to public ban FOLLOW ALL OUR BLOGGERS: Visit durhamregion.typepad.com Just one more way to get your news thanks to the NEWS ADVERTISER newsdurhamregion.com Five hundred geese rounded up in Ajax By Keith Gilligan kgilligan@durhamregion.com AJAX — The great goose round- up has been completed without a single ruffled feather. About 500 geese were rounded up Tuesday and Thursday along the Ajax waterfront, part of an ini- tiative carried out across the GTA this week. Jeff Stewart, the Town’s manager of environmental services, says the roundup went well, with about 250 geese rounded up each day. “The way the plan works, geese are gathered from across the GTA under a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service,” he says. The birds are taken to a large holding area on Toronto’s Cen- tre Island, where they are able to roam around. Then, the birds are taken to a wildlife preserve near London and released. At this time of year, the geese are moulting and can’t fly. During the roundup, the geese were “very calm,” he notes. “We do it the first thing in the morning. They were rafting, that’s the term they use, out on the lake.” In the morning, the birds start to move back towards the shore. “It’s quite easy to herd them. It’s kind of like cattle. Once one goes, they all go. There’s not a lot of squawking,” Mr. Stewart says. The geese head out on the water at night “for their protection. They go out rafting in the water so pred- ators can’t get them. “They come out of the water and spread out.” The roundup was co-ordinated by Toronto Region Conservation. Riding in small boats, staff direct the birds towards a fenced area and the birds are channelled into a trailer. The roundup was done to the west of the Rotary Park pavil- ion, on the beach. “In our two round-ups, we had zero mortalities,” he notes. Thousands of birds across the GTA will be rounded up and relo- cated, but Mr. Stewart points out about 15 per cent of birds rounded up in Ajax will return. The birds are tagged and “we have a specific tag for this area.” He denies the roundup was done early in the morning to hide it from people. “We don’t want to stress the birds. There were a few people who were watching us out of inter- est,” he states. The birds collected were adults. Any fledglings and their parents were kept out of the collection, Mr. Stewart says. Other methods of controlling the goose population include oil- ing eggs, which prevents them from hatching. That was done in early April, when the eggs are laid. Signs have been posted along the waterfront asking people not to feed the geese. “We ask the public to respect the signs and they don’t feed the birds. By feeding them, it’s encouraging the birds to stay around,” Mr. Stew- art notes. “Geese love to graze on mani- cured lawns and we offer that down at the waterfront,” he adds. Areas of the waterfront are being naturalized, which means allow- ing the grass to grow longer. The geese will avoid the higher grass, fearing predators will be hiding in it. We offer urban bistro cuisine and an extensive selection of wines and spirits in a casually elegant and tastefully appointed atmosphere. 1JDLFSJOH`TOFXFTU1JDLFSJOH`TOFXFTU DPOUFNQPSBSZEJOJOHDPOUFNQPSBSZEJOJOH FYQFSJFODFFYQFSJFODF GLENDALE MARKETPLACE 1900 DIXIE RD. N. PICKERING 905-839-2506 888#63#4#*4530$0. SUMMER COUPONSUMMER COUPON 22 forfor 11** ENTREEENTREE Lunch or DinnerLunch or Dinner * Only one coupon per table per visit. * Discount given on item of equal or lesser value. * Does not apply to Summerlicious * Valid until June 30, 2007 $%.4!,$%.4!,#%.42%#%.42% -"%2,%! WALK-IN HOURS Daily 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. AMBERLEA SHOPPING CENTRE ON WHITES RD. PICKERING BETWEEN FINCH & HWY 401 • FREE 2nd Opinin Consultations • Nirous Oxide Gas • Collect from Insurances Readers Choice Award Winner for the past 4 Years THE NEWS ADVERTISER, June 24, 2007 PAGE 3 A/Pdurhamregion.com Birds of feather flock together - on Centre Island PICKERING — A Pickering soc- cer field will soon have a name. On June 18, council approved a request from the Pickering Soc- cer Club Inc. to name one of the soccer pitches at Village East Park after Chris Graham. He was involved in the PSC for more than 20 years with titles such as coach, referee, treasurer and president. He has also been presi- dent and treasurer of the Durham Region Soccer Association and treasurer of the Ontario Soccer As- sociation. He died of cancer earlier this year. “Nothing gave Chris more plea- sure than to help someone out and to see the smiling faces of those involved in the sport of soccer,” current PSC president Carl Pearce wrote in a letter. Photo by Stephen Burgess Jeff Stewart, Ajax’s manager of environmental services, helps round up geese early Tuesday morning at the waterfront. The geese were taken to Centre Island then to a wildlife preserve near London. ‘It’s quite easy to herd them. It’s kind of like cattle. Once one goes, they all go. There’s not a lot of squawking.’ JEFF STEWART Pickering soccer honours one of its own SUDOKU Now online at 48 1 7 8 6 7 3 576 1 86 9 5 6 7 687 3 91 4 19 24 durhamregion.com 48 1 7 8 6 7 3 576 1 86 9 5 6 7 687 3 91 4 19 24 SERVING DURHAM REGION SINCE 1970 Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8am-4pm or by appointmentShowroom: 577 Ritson Rd. S. (at 401) 905-725-9731905-725-9731CALL FOR DETAILS! BEAT the H E A T BEAT the H E A T Air ConditionersAir Conditioners 111/2 1/2 Tons InstalledTons Installed $$199519950000 Starting From Don’t pay for 1 year O.A.C.Don’t pay for 1 year O.A.C. 10 yrs warranty on parts & labour10 yrs warranty on parts & labour durhamregion.comP PAGE 4 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, June 24, 2007 Investment Corner An information guide for fi nancial planning Catherine Watson Financial Advisor 250 Bayly St. W., Unit 9 McKenzie Plaza Ajax, ON L1S 3V4 Bus (905) 428-2611 Fax (905) 428-3933 www.edwardjones.com R Compare GIC Rates Bank-issued, CDIC insured to $100,000 1-year Minimum 4.65%* deposit $5,000 3-year Minimum 5.05%* deposit $5,000 5-year Minimum 5.02%* deposit $5,000 *Annual Interest Rate Effective June 22, 2007 To help you create an Investment Strategy, schedule your free portfolio review today, because no one knows your fi nancial goals better than you. Making your dreams a reality Pay Attention To Your Pension Have you immigrated to Canada and left your UK or US pension behind? International tax and financial changes can be daunting. We are here to help.We can assit you in applying for and/or trans- ferring your pension to Canada and we can investigate on your behalf to discover what benefits you may be entitled to. Call today to learn about all your pension options! 905.666.5202 or 1888.279.0622 www.pensionspecialist.ca Investment CornerInvestment Corner prints everyprints every other Sunday.other Sunday. ContactContact Michael Briggs atMichael Briggs at 905.683.5110 ext. 238905.683.5110 ext. 238 oror mbriggs@durhamregion.commbriggs@durhamregion.com if you have aif you have a business which canbusiness which can assist theassist the public with theirpublic with their financial planning.fi nancial planning. For competitive Mortgage* GIC & High Yield Savings accounts rates RRSPs; RRIFs; RESPs; Mutual Funds *Mortgage services powered by Invis **Life Insurance products provided through Dundee Insurance Agency Ltd. Richard S. Price Senior Financial Advisor Dundee Private Investors Inc. 244 Kingston Rd. E., Ajax, ON L1Z 1G1 905.427.7000 Life Insurance; Disability Insurance; Critical Illness** 2006 Diamond IF RICHARD PRICE (Since 1977) ISN’T DOING YOUR FINANCIAL/INVESTMENT PLANNING THEN WHO IS? Ajax/Pickering News Advertisers 2006 Reader’s Choice Winner: • Best Financial Planning Company • Best Investment Planning Company • Best Mortgage Broker WHAT YOUR SAVINGS & GICs ARE EARNING: Numbers current as of June 22, 2007 All GIC rates are annual and subject to change without notice at any time. Dundee Investment Savings Account is provided by Dundee Bank of Canada. Annual rate in effect as of September 18, 2006; subject to change without notice. Other banks rates current as of June 22, 2007. Minimum $5,000 investment non-redeemable GIC Royal Bank CIBC Scotiabank TD Canada Trust Financial Institution Dundee Bank of Canada Savings Account 6 mth. 1 Yr. 3 Yr. 5 Yr. 0.25 2.35 0.20 0.10 0.05 3.85 2.40 2.35 2.40 4.05 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 4.66 3.45 3.45 3.45 3.45 4.75 3.70 3.70 3.70 3.70 4.85 905-427-7000 Call Richard S. Price For your personal quote marching band and the rifle team. She was an integral member.” He described her as “hard work- ing, enthusiastic, always trying to take the lead. “She had a positive attitude, a pos- itive force.” Lt. Mounsteven said cadets do- nated the funds for the bench. “They wanted to do something in terms of something to remember her,” he noted. “We gave them a month to talk about it among themselves. The cadets came up with the idea of a memorial bench. The cadets and officers made the contributions themselves.” The Navy League branch also con- tributed, he added. The accident occurred near Bed- ford, Pennsylvania, about 130 kilo- metres southeast of Pittsburgh. The St-Denis family was heading to Florida for a two-week vacation. It happened early in the morn- ing of Dec. 23, when a man driv- ing the wrong way on the highway slammed into the St-Denis minivan. A 23-year-old man was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide. Pennsylvania state police allege the man had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit. Angela had ‘positive attitude’ ✦ Angela from page 1 Durham officials make trek across pond By Keith Gilligan and Kristen Calis DURHAM — They went to learn and learn they did. Ajax Mayor Steve Parish, his Pickering counterpart Mayor Dave Ryan and Durham Regional Chairman Roger Anderson were part of a contin- gent from the Greater Toronto Market- ing Alliance to visit some European countries last week. The group visited Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands during the trip. Mayor Parish said “we saw about three combined heat and power facili- ties. That’s what they call them. “The real thing I learned is I have fewer concerns about the environmen- tal and health risks. They have a much higher standard for dioxins than we do and they meet them,” the mayor added. He noted in the European Union and in Sweden “landfill is not an op- tion. If you landfill, you get taxed.” Sweden has a diversion rate of 92 per cent, while Durham Region’s is about 50 per cent. He visited a wood-burning plant, similar to the one in Ajax. “It’s new, efficient and all the wood is stored inside. The wood is chipped and processed off-site,” he said. He also spoke with two Swedish businessmen “looking to purchase the steam plant and reconstruct it. It was a very beneficial meeting,” Mayor Parish noted. Upgrading the plant will “make it something we’re not ashamed of and we’re proud of.” The new facility would be able to generate up to 10 megawatts of power, and could go as high as 50 megawatts. “I also attended a number of meet- ings on sustainable development. They’re way ahead of us, building sus- tainable cities,” Mayor Parish stated. In both Stockholm and Copenha- gen, “there’s no gridlock. There’s bicy- cles everywhere and extensive public transit.” Transit networks and usage in Stockholm would “make Toronto hang it’s head. They’re doing a lot of things there right that we’re not,” he said. “A group from Durham businesses made some good business contacts. The Swedes are looking for business opportunities in North America and Canada,” Mayor Parish said. “The trip was productive and infor- mative,” Mayor Ryan said. “We met with trade ambassadors and a Canadi- an consultant introduced us to a broad range of country business people in- volved in waste management, includ- ing energy-from-waste and planners who are designing new, more energy- efficient compact urban areas. “Business people that accompanied us were complementary and felt there was good value for the investment,” he added. Trustee In Bankruptcy TrusteeTrustee In In BankruptcyBankruptcy James R. Yanch Advice on Proposals, Bankruptcy & Alternatives “Lets fi nd solutions together!” Over 20 Years Experience OSHAWA 122 Albert St. 905-721-7506 AJAX 50 Commercial Ave. 905-619-1473 BY APPT. ONLY Saturday & Evening Appt.’s Available FREE CONSULTATION www.jamesryanch.com IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR CHOICESJULY SI Z Z L E R Stay for 3 Get 1 FreeCome in for a tour, have lunch on us and fi nd out the details of our special offer.All Inclusive Pricing 65 Clarington Blvd. • (905) 697-9992 www.kingswayarms.com • email: tbudden.kams@rogers.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, June 24, 2007 PAGE 5 A/Pdurhamregion.com Europeans ‘way ahead of us’ with sustainable development What are your plans to make this summer an educa- tional one? Summer school? Day camps? Lazy days at the beach? Whatever your plans, following these tips will make your summer both educational and fun! • Read, read, read! Read a book, a magazine, or a comic book. Talk about what you have just read. Make con- nections, and look up unknown words. Make a chart to track the plot — the key is to think actively about the reading; • Keep a journal or a scrapbook. Record the day’s activi- ties, or start a short story and add a bit to it everyday. • Play games. Games like Soduko, crossword puzzles, or word games like Boggle, Scrabble, and Upwords are great to challenge the mind and keep it sharp over the summer. • Play nature games. Gather materials from around you: a rock, a shell, a flower, an acorn, a penny, etc. Then arrange all the items and study them. Next, cover the items with a towel and ask players to re- member as many items as they can. The one who remembers the most wins! Take turns gath- ering items. • Write and per- form a backyard play. Tape it, and then watch it to- gether. • Check out the great summer programs at your local Oxford Learning. What are your sum- mer learning plans? If you don’t have any yet, give Oxford Learning a call for some ideas. Oxford Learning is Canada’s leading pro- vider of supplemental and enrichment edu- cation services, offering individualized learning programs year round and fun Brain Camps in the summer. Help your child enjoy learning this summer and return to school in Sep- tember with improved skills and greater confidence. Call Oxford Learning today in Pickering (905) 420-3141 or Ajax (905) 683-6660 to learn how to help your child get ready for success in September, and receive a free guide to summer learning activities called ‘Feeding Active Minds.’ Summer Learning Fun Education ADVERTISING FEATURE ESTABLISHED IN 1984 “Knowledge with Understanding” 1 1/2 to 14 years. * Offering Montessori Classrooms * 3 years Billingual Programme for 1,2 &3 * Excel support classrooms for Grade 4 to 8 2006 Diamond Three time winner of Reader’s Choice Award for BEST MONTESSORI SCHOOL 401 KINGSTON RD. PICKERING P:905-509-1722 F:905-509-8283 montessorilearningcentre.com COME TO OUR OPEN HOUSE WED JUNE 27TH TUES JULY 24TH THURS AUG 30TH 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Blaisdale Montessori School est. 1969 OPEN HOUSE DATESOPEN HOUSE DATES 905-509-5005 www.blaisdale.com NEW OPENING JULY 2007 Oshawa Campus 1037 Simcoe St. North (Previous home of St. Joseph’s Catholic School) Thurs, June 28th 7:00 p.m. Free Baby sitting at all campuses during open houses. Large gymnasiums at main campuses. Part time available. Ask us for details. AJAX Village Campus 56 Old Kingston Rd. Rotherglen Campus 403 Kingston Rd. W. Westney Campus 20 O’Brien Crt. Thurs. Aug. 23 - 7:00 P.M. PICKERING Pickering Campus 415 Toynevale Rd.. Thurs. Aug 23 - 7:00 P.M. Rougemount Campus 365 Kingston Rd. Wed. Aug 1 - 7:00 P.M. WHITBY Whitby Campus 200 Bryon St. A Family Tradition • 12 months - grade 8 Celebrating 38 years of Educational Excellence this September Reading |Writing |Math |Spelling |Grammar |French |Study Skills A SUMMER TO REMEMBER & BETTER GRADES IN THE FALL! For every age, for every need, Oxford Learning has a program to help your child succeed! AJAX - 905-683-6660 |PICKERING - 905-420-3141 For better grades this fall, keep young minds active this summer. Contact us today for complete information! www.oxfordlearning.com Little Readers® ages 3-6 Beyond Tutoring™ Grades 1-8 Brain Camps Grades 1-6 Diagnostic Assessments Individualized Programs Certified Teachers Regular Parent Reports Cognitive Development Better Grades Confidence & Motivation durhamregion.comA/P PAGE 6 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, JUNE 24 2007 EDITORIAL LETTER TO THE EDITOR NEWS ADVERTISER Metroland Durham Region Media Group Tim Whittaker, Publisher Joanne Burghardt, Editor-in-Chief Mike Johnston, 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 mjohnston@durhamregion. com; Mailing Address; 130 Com- mercial Ave., Ajax, Ont. L1S 2H5 [ About Us ]-- The News Advertiser is a Metroland Media Group newspaper. The News Advertiser is a member of the Ajax & Pickering Board of Trade, Ontario Community Newspaper Assoc., Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc., and the Canadian Circula- tions Audit Board. Also a member of the Ontario Press Council, 2 Carlton St., Suite 1706, Toronto, M5B 1J3, an independent organiza- tion that addresses reader com- plaints about member newspapers. The publisher reserves the right to classify or refuse any advertise- ment. Credit for advertisement lim- ited to space price error occupies. Editorial and Advertising content of the News Advertiser is copyrighted. 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 volume of letters, not all will be printed. Fax: 905-683-0386; e-mail: mjohnston@ durhamregion.com. The newspaper contacts only those whose submissions have been cho- sen for publication. EDITORIALS & OPINIONS durhamregion.com Sounds good but can premier be trusted? Green goals laudable Green is the colour on everybody’s mind these days as it seems hardly a day goes by without a message from a politician about the issue of climate change. If it isn’t the Governator himself, California’s Arnold Schwar- zenegger, pushing the green revolution from the left coast, it’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President George Bush sounding the bell about the need for change. Lately, it’s been Premier Dalton McGuinty’s turn to spout the benefits of sustain- ability and the requirement to find ways to save the planet -- or Ontario’s considerable slice of it. Mr. McGuinty, who faces the voters on Oct. 10 in a provincial election, made a stop in Durham the other day to announce a $650-million fund for grants to companies that invest in the development of clean cars, fuels and technologies. Not surpris- ingly, the move has fans at all levels of the auto industry. Work- ers like the idea because they are concerned at the bleeding away of manufacturing jobs and any investment is welcomed. Manufacturers welcome grants because they help take some of the investment pressure away. And the move sells politically as well because the environment is the top issue for voters right now. But, will this be yet another “I won’t raise your taxes” promise or will it stick? We can all remember the vows the premier made leading up to the 2003 election and the numerous promises he made on the campaign trail that were subsequently broken. One of his key election promises was that the massive Nanti- coke coal-fired generating plants would be shut down in 2007. That was a main plank in his plan to clean up Ontario. Since his election, the premier has twice backtracked on closing the plants and now he’s targeting 2014 for their elimination. Mr. McGuinty is also targeting Ontario to beat the Kyoto tar- gets by 2014 which would have our emissions down six per cent from 1990 levels. An impressive goal, but is he just saying this now to get elected or is it achievable? The premier talks a good game but will he ever be able to deliver on his promises? That will be up to the voters to decide. Wait to see specialist too long To the editor: The sad state of our health care system finally hit home re- cently. I have a medical problem which I feel requires attention so, rather than book an appointment with my family doctor and wait for two to four weeks to see him, I did what many of his patients do; find out when he is working in Urgent Care and sit for hours with lots of his other patients to see him there, hoping that without access to my medical records he will have a vague recollection of my medical history. My visit culminated with the determination I will need a referral to a specialist. A couple of days later I received a call from my doctor’s office to advise that an appointment has been booked. I go to see the specialist on Nov. 20, a full six-month wait! Perhaps they hope that in the meantime my problem will magically correct itself or that I will be dead and no longer put a strain on the system. Six months, unbelievable! Martyn Atherfold Oshawa M y life is entering a new stage. By the time you read this I will have taken part in a graduation ceremony shared by hundreds of other parents in Ajax and Pickering who now have a child in high school. My son gradu- ated from Grade 8 this week with his gradu- ation ceremony held Friday night. I know it is a big event because my in- laws came down and both my wife and mother-in-law had to have their hair done Friday. Men are lucky that way, we throw on a suit, a quick shower, some deodorant and we are ready to go. The same is true for my son. He didn’t really care about his pants and shirt for the ceremony. That isn’t the case of parents I have talked to who have a daughter graduating. Dress shopping began months ago, hair appoint- ments have been made, jewelry is a must and shoes must be perfect to complete the ensemble. I don’t know if I’m ready for a son in high school. It seems like just yesterday he was stepping onto a big yellow school bus, leav- ing home for a half day of junior kindergar- ten. Like many parents this weekend, I’ll be scratching my head wondering where the time went. Things are a lot different when your child grows up and is now taller than you. We rarely talk now. He has his friends, I-pod, MSN and girls are now in the picture. If I need him for something I can always find him in front of the Mac, headphones plugged in, talking to his friends about stuff he used to talk to me about. While it can be very annoying at times, even the threat of taking him away from the computer is a punishment many parents say is their best defence against any bad behaviour. We still talk about basketball, or hockey but it has been a while since I have been able to sit down and help him with his homework. Science, French and math all look Greek to me now. He’s now faster than I am and I don’t dare try and play him one-on-one in bas- ketball. When he hangs around with his friends it’s like I’m watching a group of men standing around talking about cur- rent events. It used to be they stood around arguing about who had the best water gun or what they wanted to buy at the corner store. We watch our kids grow up, hoping we have instilled in them a sense of right and wrong, and as they enter high school we hope they continue to make the right choices. Like many parents Friday night I’ll be watching with pride as my child graduates but my memories will flood back to those times we wrestled on the couch, played tag and just hung around. Where did the time go? Managing editor Mike Johnston’s col- umn appears every third Sunday. E-mail him at mjohnston@durhamregion.com Mike Johnston managing editor Graduation means new stage in life THE NEWS ADVERTISER, June 24, 2007 PAGE 7 A/Pdurhamregion.com AJAX — Leave it to the experts. But, if you are going to put on your own fireworks display during the Canada Day long weekend, the Ajax Fire and Emer- gency Services wants residents to follow some simple safety rules. “We want everyone to enjoy the long weekend, and this includes staying safe,” says Ajax Fire Chief Randy Wilson in a press release. “Fireworks are extremely dangerous and should be left to the professionals, who are trained to handle and discharge them safely.” Several fireworks displays are planned for Canada Day, the chief notes. “This misuse of fireworks by children and young adults is shocking,” noted the chief. “Children holding them in their hands and firing them at others with no regard for the potential risks of personal injury and fire,” Ajax’s fire chief adds. “Everyone must take responsibility to ensure their family’s safety. “Parents are urged to speak to their chil- dren about the hazards of fireworks.” Those who plan to have their own fire- works display should follow these safety tips: • Carefully read and follow the directions on the packaging; • Designate an adult to handle and dis- charge the fireworks; • Light only one firework at a time; • Never try to light a firework or hold a lit firework in your hand; • Keep a water hose or pail of water near- by; • Keep everyone a safe distance from dis- charging fireworks; • Never re-light duds and never give spar- klers to young children. For more information, call the fire pre- vention office at 905-683-7791. Keep safety in mind if lighting fireworks Canada Day LIGHTHOUSE A “SOUND DECISION” Disc Jockey & Karaoke Service 95 Pittmann Crescent, Ajax ON www.lighthousedj.com 905-427-8898 • 1-877-461-DISC LIGHTHOUSE Make your day special 123LIMO.CA123LIMO.CA SUV’S - Limos - Limo Buses. We Have It All! 905.391.2333 Durham’s Largest! We will make your wedding special ~ Weddings ~ Portraits ~ Engagements ~ Packages Available We provide one on one personalized service to make your special day a memorable one. 905.655.7827 jhouse@silvertouchstudios.com www.silvertouchstudios.com BANQUET HALL 1755 Pickering Pkwy. 905-427-3403 Wedding Packages Wedding Packages Engagement PartiesEngagement Parties Jack & JillsJack & Jills Rehearsal DinnersRehearsal Dinners from $20pp cash bar PERFECTPERFECT FOR ANY SPECIALFOR ANY SPECIAL OCCASION!OCCASION! Ellis Bridal Boutique 2201 Brimley Rd., Unit 4,(N of Sheppard) Scarborough • 416.291.2108 Bridal gown & Bridesmaid Dress Mother Dress & Flowergirl Dress Chinese Gown & Evening Dress Wedding Accessories: Shoes, Headpiece & Veil Mon.-Fri. 11:00 am - 7:30 pm, Sat. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sun. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Wed. 12:00 pm - 6:30 pm www.ellisbridal.ca 619 Liverpool Road (at Frenchman’s Bay) • 905 420 4123 Call for a Free Bridal ConsultationCall for a Free Bridal Consultation Advertising FeatureTogether Forever Weddings are full of references to the bride. From the traditional “Bridal Chorus,” played during the ceremony, to friends and family members making up the “bridal party” to the holding of a “bridal shower” where the bride-to-be is doted upon and presented with a myriad of wonderful gifts, one might wonder just how the groom fi ts into the grand scheme of things. After all, it seems he doesn’t share equal wedding-day billing. In the past, grooms did take a backseat when it came to weddings, preferring to have their fi ancées do the majority of the planning. However, these days men are becoming involved in more activi- ties that were traditionally thought of as womanly tasks — caring for children, helping with housework, and taking an active role in wedding planning. The trouble is, the majority of wedding re- sources are still skewed toward the female audience, leaving men searching for advice catering to the masculine ear. “The groom has wedding responsibilities and wants to help with wedding planning, but he’s often in the dark about what to do,” says Mark Walerstein, founder of GroomsOnline (www.groom- sonline.com), an informational Web site offering tips, pointers and timesaving hints designed to make the planning process more fun, Grooms Take an Active Role in Planning relaxing and rewarding for the man. The groom, best man or groomsmen can check out the site for wedding-day checklists, attire pointers and bachelor party plan- ning ideas. In addition, there’s even a full-service online gift shop so that gifts can be purchased for wedding party members, parents ... and the ladies, too. When planning your upcoming wedding, keep these top tips in mind, courtesy of GroomsOnline.com. • Gather paperwork — Make it your responsibility to apply for the wedding license, research blood-test requirements, and coor- dinate passport applications if needed for international travel. In addition, add the bride’s name to fi nancial accounts, wills or insur- ance policies if you have mutually decided this will be in your best interests. • Arrange transportation — Interview limousine companies or other transportation arrangements and fi nalize the details. Make sure you provide accurate directions to and from the ceremony and to your reception location as well. Present the company with a schedule or timeline so that the limo will be on time. • Plan the honeymoon — Once your locale is decided upon, go about booking the trip and securing transportation to and from the airport, which could be provided by your best man. • Coordinate groomsmen’s attire — In addition to your own at- tire, set up fi ttings for tuxedo rental or purchase for your wedding party. Make sure everyone is provided with the necessary compo- nents (i.e. tie, vest, cummerbund and shoes) prior to the wedding day. Also arrange to have the tuxedos returned after the wedding by a groomsman so you can dash off on your honeymoon. • Pick up the rings — After selecting your wedding bands, make sure they are sized correctly and pick them up from the jeweler. Be sure they are brought to the ceremony and in safekeeping with the best man. • Reward the woman in your life — Pick up a heartfelt gift for your bride-to-be so she knows how much the wedding means to you, too. Brock Rd. & Pickering Parkway 905.683.1694 Pickering Town Centre 905.420.6177 Oshawa Centre 905.434.5507 3 locations to service all of Durham’s Brides & Grooms for your special day! TRADE Special Services offered at Oshawa Location Full Body Wax, Manicure & Pedicure Plus a wide range of Nail Services. Ask about our Wedding Specials Pickering Town Centre 905-831-0222 www.tuxedoroyale.com TUXEDO ROYALETUXEDO ROYALE Attention all: Spa Salons, Event Co-Ordinators, Caterers, Real Estate Agents & Financial Planners. To advertise in this exclusive feature call Michael Briggs at 905.683.5110 ext. 238 or mbriggs@durhamregion.com Rouge Valley provides grief support DURHAM — For those having trouble dealing with the death of a loved one more than two to three months ago, there is help. A grief support group hosted by Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering helps attendees deal with accepting and coming to emotional terms with a death, creating a new identity, incorporating the loss, dealing with anniver- saries and specific issues within the group. The support group runs for six weeks. On July 24, two sessions are taking place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m. Registration is required by calling 905-683-2320 ext. 3263 or e-mail Janet at jknott@rougevalley.ca.