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Used under License. © 2007 COOL NEW PHONES FOR THE SEASON Ajax Nissan Parts/Service Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 8:00pm Friday 7:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 2:00pm 375 Bayly Street West, Ajax (Between Westney & Harwood) 1-800-565-6365 905-686-0555 PERSONAL INCOME TAX RETURN INCOME TAX All-Canadian Tax Service $49.95*only * Most returns *GST extra 100 Westney Rd S (Ajax Go Station) (905) 426-4860 The Pickering 16 PAGES ✦ Metroland Durham Region Media Group ✦ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2007 ✦ Optional delivery $6 / Newsstand $1 Lady Cougars claw way to second consecutive crown Notre Dame/News Advertiser Basketball Classic results, Page B1 Coaching change coming for junior ‘A’ hockey team Coach of the year Winder steps down from club, Page B2 Ryan should pay Brenner bill: Dickerson City councillor asks mayor to fork out nearly $50,000 By Kristen Calis kcalis@durhamregion.com PICKERING — Mayor Dave Ryan should cover former councillor Mau- rice Brenner’s legal fees from his own pocket, says Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson. At Monday’s Council meeting, Coun. Dickerson and Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O’Connell’s motion request- ing the City to cover Mr. Brenner’s legal fees of nearly $50,000 came forward. Mr. Brenner was charged in 2006 with fraud-related charges regarding sec- retarial invoices, and was found not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in June. But, at the meeting, Coun. Dick- erson decided it was not fair for tax- payers or Mr. Brenner to have to pay the fees. “The honourable thing to do at this time, Mr. Ryan, is to offer to pay Mr. Brenner’s legal costs from your per- sonal bank account - not the taxpayers’ account,” he said. Coun. Dickerson’s reasoning stems from a number of things that surfaced the last time the topic was debated in Council chambers. First, he said Mayor Ryan brought the charges for- ward after three investigations found Mr. Brenner had done nothing wrong. He then noted that it was a well-known fact that Coun. Brenner might run for mayor in 2006, and the charges were made public less than five months be- fore the election. “In my opinion, politics had every- thing to do with Dave Ryan’s deci- sions regarding this matter,” said Coun. Dickerson. He added that journalist Dale Gold- hawk, who acquired the invoice cop- ies in the first place and first began asking questions, is a friend of Mayor Ryan, and Mr. Goldhawk’s wife, Jill Foster, challenged Mr. Brenner in the 1997 municipal election and publicly YOU DON’T SAY, SPARKY Ron Pietroniro/ News Advertiser photo PICKERING — Madeleine Malesich has an ongoing conversation with Sparky the robotic talking Fire Dog during the open house at the Pickering Fire Hall on Bayly Street. By Izabela Jaroszynski ijaroszynski@durhamregion.com DURHAM — In today’s tight labour market, it takes more than just a good salary to keep employees happy. And Durham Regional Police Ser- vice seems to have found the answer to success. For the second year in a row, the police service has been voted one of the best employers in Canada by the annual Mediacorp/MacLean’s sur- vey. Now entering its ninth year, the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project is a national competition to determine which employers lead their industries in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees. “We really take pride in our mem- bership,” said Sherry Whiteway, the deputy chief of DRPS. “We know that our people is where all of our strength lies. They are our greatest asset and we have to look after that.” The police service is one of the re- gion’s largest employers, with 1,233 full-time employees. DRPS was chosen from among thou- sands of applicants and got top marks for its parental benefits package, which tops-up the salary to 75 per cent for 35 weeks for new dads and for 52 weeks for new moms. Deputy Chief Whiteway says DRPS strives to create a work environment that encourages a “healthy balance between career and family.” Besides the parental salary top-up, the service is also looking to imple- ment a day care program that would run around the clock -- accommo- dating parents of young children who need a day care facility at night due to shift work. “We have done a survey and are in the process of reading the responses,” Deputy Chief Whiteway said. “We will be moving on that shortly.” Starting in 2007, the police service also implemented a new program called Healthy Apples to encourage members to look after themselves both Durham Regional Police makes the Top 100 list ✦ See Mayor, Page A2 ✦ See We, Page A2 Health award recipients recognized Regional employees honoured at council DURHAM — Health department staff who won various awards were recognized during Regional Council on Oct. 10. Richard Armstrong, the Director for Durham Region Emergency Medical Services, is the 2007 recipient of the Canadian EMS Award for Excellence. The award recognizes more than 30 years of service in Durham Region. Mr. Armstrong was also recognized locally with the 2006-07 St. John Am- bulance Community Partner Award. “This award was presented to rec- ognize Richard’s outstanding com- mitment to the health and safety of the community,” said Oshawa Coun- cillor April Cullen, chairwoman of the health and social services committee. “And for his long standing work with emergency medical services and St. John Ambulance.” Paramedics Rob Johnstone and Murray Martin were awarded the Governor General’s Medal of Bravery recently at a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Mr. Johnstone and Mr. Martin, along with two Durham Regional Police officers, were recognized for safely evacuating a woman from a burning home last year. The Creating Healthy Environments for Youth coalition was the recipient of the Speaking of Food and Healthy Living Award presented by the Dieti- tians of Canada and Kraft Foods. “The Creating Healthy Environ- ments for Youth initiative is designed to help local arenas create environ- ments that encourage patrons to make healthy food choice,” Coun. Cullen explained. Regional staff involved in the coali- tion include public health nutrition- ist Adrienne Baltadjian and public health nurses Pam Frisby, Jennifer Sullivan, Alba Aguanno and Lori Mar- tin. Finally, the entire health depart- ment was recognized for having been presented the Seal of Excellence from the Ontario Council on Community Accreditation. “The seal is presented to local pub- lic health agencies that have achieved five or more years of continuous ac- creditation,” Coun. Cullen said. “Our health department has been an accredited public health agency since 2002.” By Erin Hatfield ehatfield@durhamregion.co DURHAM — An Ajax man who was clocked exceeding the speed limit by more than 100 kilometres per hour (kph) was among the 175 vehicle sei- zures by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) during the Thanksgiving week- end. The 23-year-old man was driving a Yamaha racing bike, according to Constable Dave Woodford, when he passed an OPP officer. “At minimum he was going 210 (kph) when he passed the officer,” Const. Woodford said. He said the man was driving north- bound on Hwy. 400 and when the officer started to pursue, the driver exited at Hwy. 7 in Vaughan. “The cruiser swung around to block the intersection,” Const. Wood- ford said. “And when the motorcycle driver tried to go around, he hit the cruiser and then the curb.” The driver was not injured, accord- ing to Const. Woodford. A number of charges were laid against the driver, Ross Anthony Critch, including dangerous opera- tion of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police and race motor vehicle under the new legislation introduced on Sept. 30. Also, the driver held a class M1 license that disallows him from operating a motorcycle on a 400-series highway, for which he will be charged. Mr. Critch is scheduled to appear in provincial court in Toronto on Nov. 19. Under the new speeding legisla- tion, the motorcycle, even though it didn’t belong to Mr. Critch, was con- fiscated for seven days, as was his license. Ajax man among those nabbed during traffic blitz CELLCOM ON SELECTED PLANS*!!! C A N A D A ’ S L A R G E S T E X C L U S I V E R O G E R S D E A L E R ! * CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY. Only FROM ROGERS. 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We package them in a unique format we call the Passport to Savings. A limited number of Passports are produced for one merchant every three weeks. They are available while supply lasts. 1.www.passporttosavings.ca 2. Call 905-426-4676 ext 222 3.In person: 130 Commercial Avenue, Ajax 3 EASY WAYS TO BUY Skyloft Resort Inc. has the highest elevation in Southern Ontario, with 18 runs, short lift lines and 2 awesome terrain parks. It’s over $700 worth in coupons. PAGE A2XNEWS ADVERTISERXOctober 17, 2007P endorsed Mayor Ryan’s candidacy in 2003. In an interview, Mayor Ryan said there was no political motivation in his actions, and that the facts speak for themselves: Mr. Goldhawk got the cop- ies of the invoices, there were questions surrounding them, and questions still remain unanswered from Mr. Brenner, while Mayor Ryan and others involved, such as then City-solicitor John Reble, answered questions posed to them at a lengthy Council meeting on Sept. 17. “The genesis of this whole situa- tion...was the question asked of Mr. Brenner, and to date, four years later, Mr. Brenner still has not answered those questions,” he said. The mayor called Coun. Dickerson’s idea that he cover the costs himself “political grandstanding.” “The charges were laid, the out- comes are what they are and there were fees associated with that,” he said. He mentioned an earlier delegation that evening, from Eric M. Wolfman, a lawyer and Pickering resident, said pri- vate citizens are responsible for their own legal costs. When asked by Coun. Dickerson who he would charge in this situation, Mr. Wolfman said “I would present the bill to Mr. Brenner.” Coun. Dickerson also said the mayor requested that Mr. Reble contact the Crown Attorney’s office regarding rea- sons for dismissal and appeal matters. Mayor Ryan called that “a misrepre- sentation of fact.” “No one can request the Crown to make an appeal,” Mayor Ryan said. “That’s an action that’s the sole pre- rogative of the Crown.” Coun. Dickerson laid out the duties of a mayor as head of Council and as chief executive officer, according to the Ontario Municipal Act. He found the act does not allow the mayor to hire a solicitor to investigate a member of Council without Council’s approval. Coun. Dickerson decided to defer the motion to the next council meet- ing so Mayor Ryan can consider his position, and to allow the legal pro- cess to unfold. Coun. Dickerson also mentioned recently learning that the City of Pickering and Mayor Ryan have been served with a notice of intent to recover cost and other damages by Mr. Brenner. Council agreed lawyers not associated with the City should look into the matter. Mayor Ryan said he’s extremely dis- appointed some members of Council continue to portray the situation this way, and that it’s been deferred yet again. “I think that in the fullness of time, people will be assured that we fol- lowed the correct procedures, we did things properly and for the right rea- sons, and that will be the end of the saga,” he said. ✦ Mayor from page A1 Mayor ‘extremely disappointed in some councillors’ ‘We listen to our membership and we listen to the needs of the community’: deputy chief physically and mentally. The program required that participants get doctor clearance from both a family doctor and a psychiatrist and it provided a $400 reimbursement for membership in a health facility. Having worked for the police service for 27 years, Deputy Chief Whiteway says it is a positive work environment that treats people with respect. “The job itself can be taxing, so as an employer, you have to realize the health and safety of the members is vital,” she said. “It makes for a win-win situation and its good for the community.” DRPS was evaluated on a variety of criteria, including: the physical work- place; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee com- munications; and training. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which of- fers the most progressive and forward- thinking programs. “We listen to our membership and we listen to the needs of the com- munity,” Deputy Chief Whiteway said. “And I think we have a positive work- ing relationship with both.” Jason Liebregts/ News Advertiser photo Lakefront shutterbug PICKERING — Ian Gray was down at the Pickering Waterfront recently with his camera in hand. The setting sun mixed with the cloud cover made for some interesting photo opportunities. Manager not just for energy from waste, Region says ‘People think there’s some sort of conspiracy.... That is not the case’: Curtis By Erin Hatfield ehatfield@durhamregion.com DURHAM — A job posting for a waste management manager raised questions with some residents at a recent public information session. One resident at the energy-from- waste (EFW) public information ses- sion on Oct. 3 asked why, if an EFW incinerator isn’t already a done deal, the Region would be looking for a man- ager. Durham and York regions are inves- tigating EFW as a way of dealing with waste here. The job posting, found on the Region Of Durham’s website, indi- cates the person would manage, co-or- dinate and administrate the implemen- tation of the EFW project. But, commissioner of works Cliff Cur- tis explained that it is just one line in a list of duties the new manager would be charged with. “People think there’s some sort of conspiracy, that we are already hiring for someone to run an EFW facility,” Mr. Curtis said. “That is not the case.” The successful candidate would also oversee the implementation of new and emerging waste initiatives, special projects and programs, manage annual waste budgets and develop waste poli- cies, among other things. “One of the main duties would be to look after our landfills,” Mr. Curtis said. The Region has one active landfill in Brock Township and four or five more that are closed but need to be moni- tored, Mr. Curtis said. He said it is a position the works department has been trying to get ap- proved for three years because it has been under-staffed for sometime. “We finally got approval, got through the internal process and got to a point that we can hire someone,” Mr. Curtis said. “Basically we are trying to beef up our horsepower in the division a little bit.” Currently, there’s one manager in the waste division, Peter Watson, who over- sees operations and waste contracts. “We would encourage anyone out there with the qualifications to apply because we would like to talk to them,” Mr. Curtis said. “There are not many people out there that have experience in the waste field.” ✦ We from page A1 ‘ Q1) (Grade: B+) ‘It is good compared to other schools. This place is more one on one and you are not just a number. (Q2) (Grade: B) I think it needs more green area. (Q3) (Grade: F) A big ‘F’. They lack atmosphere. The school needs a club not just a pub.’ (Q1) (Grade: A) Considering the fact it is an up-and-coming university, the faculty and facilities are impressive. (Q2) (Grade: A) I know there is a lot more development to come. They have done a pretty good job in the time they have been up and running. (Q3) (Grade: B) I think we need more with a student- friendly atmosphere. (Q1) (Grade: A to A-) The fact of it is, UOIT is a growing university and we have some really excellent profs. (Q2) (Grade: A-) We have smaller class sizes, which is good, but we also have por- tables, which is not good. (Q3) (Grade: B) It is OK. Not that great. By Crystal Crimi ccrimi@durhamregion.com DURHAM — Its technology is top notch but its food isn’t so hot, accord- ing to a report card on the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. The school was among 53 Canadian universities graded in a recently released 2007 report card created by the Globe and Mail and presented in association with the Strategic Counsel and Educa- tional Policy Institute. For it, more than 43,000 students rated their campuses on atmosphere, bars, technology, class sizes and other areas. “I think overall, it is a pretty accurate reflection,” said UOIT president, Ronald Bordessa. “This is remarkable considering we’ve only been doing this for five years when some of the universities have been around for 100 years,” said Mr. Bordessa. Overall, UOIT received an A-minus for most satisfied students and quality of education. In quality of technology, UOIT was the only school in all the categories to received an A-plus. “So it’s very clear the university’s focus on integrating technology with the ped- agogy really is understood and works well with students,” said Mr. Bordessa. “I thought maybe there would be one or two other places that would be as strong as us in technology, but that’s not the case.” The majority of universities received marks in the Bs for technology. Mr. Bordessa said UOIT’s high grade is “a real vindication for all the people who made the determination this university was going to be a 21st century univer- sity” with technology being an integral part of that. The school also scored A-plus ratings for access to course/teaching materials online, computer accessibility on cam- pus, availability of up-to-date computer equipment on campus and technology in classrooms, faculty members and knowledge of subjects, and on campus network for internet and e-mail. On the other side of the spectrum, UOIT received a D on overall quality of food services. The majority of schools graded included a similar mark, with the University of Guelph’s A-minus as the highest. “But that’s not acceptable, we should do better than a D,” said Mr. Bordessa. “Food services are notoriously thought to be poor on university campuses,” said Mr. Bordessa. “It was the same when I was a student; we would have had the same responses then I’m sure.” Mass catering and limited student funds can affect quality. He added, the food is probably better than the students gave it credit for. Mr. Bordessa said some components have changed since the survey, such as recreational. The school received a C-plus for rec- reational and athletic programs and ser- vices, but has since opened up a new athletic centre. Fraser McArthur, UOIT’s student as- sociation president, was impressed with the scoring in general. “I think that’s pretty good for a new university,” said Mr. McArthur. He added it’s great the school is near the top for faculty and technology, class sizes, and quality of equipment. The school received a C on reputation for graduate studies and a C-plus for undergraduate studies, but it’s still new so in time that will move up, too, said Mr. McArthur. Over the summer, the student asso- ciation worked on its food services and revamping recreational programs. Since the survey was completed, it has taken over the food terminal in the student association building and added higher quality food with an environmental spin. 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November 1/07 EST. 199 9 W e d n e s d a y ’ s K i d s E a t F r e e PAGE A3XNEWS ADVERTISERXOctober 17, 2007 A/P University gets top marks in technology Aswin Pillarisetty Samar Sheikh Stephen Colon We asked Durham students: How would you grade the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in (1) quality of education, (2) its campus and (3) its campus pubs and bars. UOIT gets research money $500,000 over five years for decomposition research DURHAM — Soft tissue decomposi- tion research funding is helping the Uni- versity of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) dive deeper into the relatively new study area. The school was recognized for its work in the subject area with a $625,000 Tier Two Canada Research Chair in De- composition Chemistry. The money is to help study the complex chemical reac- tions of soft tissue decomposition in dif- ferent environments, impacting forensic science and food industry investigations by helping determine times of death and the impacts of changing conditions on food spoilage. Awarded to Shari Forbes, assistant professor with UOIT’s Faculty of Science, the $500,000 in funding from the Canada Research Chairs program comes over five years, while the Canada Foundation for Innovation will provide $125,000 for developing a decomposition chemistry laboratory and a geoforensic research facility. “I am honoured to have been awarded this chair and thrilled with the oppor- tunity to include geoforensics in our research in decomposition chemistry,” said Ms. Forbes. The research will further impact foren- sic science investigations, particularly re- garding victims found in shallow graves and in varying seasonal temperatures. An outdoor research area and facility will be established to conduct decompo- sition studies and non-invasive testing methods in a realistic environment. The chair announcement comes days before the launch of UOIT’s Crime Scene House, Oct. 17. The fully furnished house is designed to depict varying crime scene scenarios that allow students to com- plete forensic investigations and receive valuable practical experience in crime scene investigation. NEWS ADVERTISER 905-683-5110 Watch for us Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for all your local news. NEWS ADVERTISER And the winners are ... www.readerschoicedurham.com 2007 See the Winners at www.readerschoicedurham.com Look for your favourite: Restaurant Clothing Store Car Dealership And much more From over 160 categories. of a $500 shopping spree from Pickering Town Centre (see website for details) Find out in the October 28th issue of The News Advertiser. Did you vote? See if you’re a winner “be comfortable uncompromise™ start with your feet” Casual, comfortable shoes crafted in fine waterproof leather. MADE FOR WALKING WE’VE GOT YOUR SIZE Sizes 4-15 Widths AA-EEE PICKERING TOWN CENTRE • UPPER LEVEL • SEARS WING Dickson 220 Harwood Ave. S. Ajax PRINTING LTD. 683-7940 Words of Wisdom “Never give up. English novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books” If you like our quotes, you’ll love our printing. 3 LOCATIONS FOR QUALITY & CHOICE GLASSES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AJAX OPTICAL Heritage Market Square 145 Kingston Rd. E., Unit 7 AJAX OPTICAL 56 Harwood Ave. S. Ajax Plaza PICKERING OPTICAL 1360 Kingston Rd. Pickering (Hub Plaza) 683-7235 683-2888 839-9244 2 for 1 Bill direct to Most Insurances and Social Services 905 905 905 PAGE A4XNEWS ADVERTISERXOctober 17, 2007A/P Lakeridge CEO’s retirement announced; Lemon to squeeze in more time with family Search committee to be struck in coming weeks By Jennifer Stone jstone@durhamregion.com DURHAM — When Brian Lemon retires next summer, after 31 years in health care and 10 years at the helm of Lakeridge Health, he will leave some large shoes to fill, says the chair- woman of the hospital corporation’s board. The hospitals’ CEO since 1998, Mr. Lemon, 56, announced his plans to retire, effective mid-2008, during a hospital board meeting last week. Mr. Lemon took over during the amalgamation of east Durham hospi- tals when the Lakeridge corporation was first formed. That was the most daunting task, he said. “Probably the major challenge was the task of bringing together the four hospitals and creating on overall orga- nization,” said Mr. Lemon. While there’s still work to be done, “I think we’ve made some really good progress there.” There have been major milestones at most of the Lakeridge Health sites in the last 10 years, said Mr. Lemon, pointing out the development of the Cancer Centre in Oshawa, the Rural Health Training Institute in Port Perry, and strength- ening of service in Bowmanville .The recent fire at Whitby’s site, though, he calls a “disappoint- ment” causing “disruption and stress.” As well, the corporation has been able to “recruit some really great people” over the past 10 years, said Mr. Lemon. But, there have been frustrations, too, he notes. The inability of the 905 area to re- ceive fair funding from the province is the big one, said Mr. Lemon. Though there have been “glimmers of hope” on occasion, in terms of extra funding, there hasn’t been the sus- tained money necessary for Lakeridge, he said. “It’s a day-to-day problem,” he said. “I think there’s hope for the future.” Mr. Lemon announced his retire- ment to the board last week, in order to allow for adequate time for the search process to find his replace- ment, he said. It won’t be easy, noted Lakeridge board chairwoman Marion Saunders. She said Mr. Lemon leaves “giant shoes” to fill. “He’s given his all really, total com- mitment, to ensuring health care in Durham Region is the best we can provide in our circumstances,” she said. A search committee will be struck in coming weeks, said Ms. Saunders. Mr. Lemon’s actual retirement date is late next summer, and he’s thought about what he’d like to do. “For me, it’s an opportunity to do other things, to pursue other interests, spend more time with my family,” in- cluding his first grandchild, said Mr. Lemon. He’s enjoyed his time at Lakeridge, he said. “It’s been a great way to spend the last 10 years of my health-care career,” he said. Brian Lemon SUDOKU Now online and updated daily at 48 1 7 8 6 7 3 576 1 86 9 5 6 7 687 3 91 4 19 24 durhamregion.com OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2007 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We invite you, your family and friends to our annual Open House. You will have an opportunity to tour the campus, meet current students, staff and faculty, and learn more about academic programs and student life. For more information or to register please visit www.uoit.ca/openhouse. UNIVERSITY OF ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario WAL-MART CORRECTION NOTICE The George Fashion Scarves (#310228742/9/56/63.) and Penmans Winter Fashion Accessories (#310227706/13/90/7...) advertised in our current fl yer (ending Oct. 19th) may not be available. ========================== We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. $45 for Vendor Tables$45 for Vendor Tables necklaces -ÀiÊii¶-ÀiÊii¶-ÀiÊii¶ £nÇÇ-"7Ê£nÇÇÓÇx{È® 7iÊÊvÀÜ>À`ÊÌÊëi>}ÊÜÌ ÊÞÕ° ÃÊÞÕÀÊVÕÀÀiÌÊ«>Êi`V>ÌÊÀÊÌÀi>ÌiÌÊ ÌÊÜÀ}Ê>ÃÊÜiÊ>ÃÊÞÕÊÜÕ`Êi¶ >ÛiÊÞÕÊiÝ«iÀiVi`ÊiiÊ «>ÊvÀÊ>ÌÊi>ÃÌÊÎÊÌ Ã¶ vÊÃ]ÊÞÕÊ>ÞʵÕ>vÞÊvÀÊ>Ê«ÀÌ>ÌÊ ÃÌÕ`ÞÊÀiÃi>ÀV ÊÃÌÕ`ÞÊÛÛ}Ê>Ê ÛiÃÌ}>Ì>Ê«>Êi`V>Ì° *>ÀÌV«>ÌÃÊÜÊÀiViÛiÊ>ÌÊÊVÃÌ]Ê«>Ê i`V>ÌÊ>`ÊÃÌÕ`ÞÀi>Ìi`ÊV>Ài°ÊÊ >V>ÊÀiLÕÀÃiiÌÊÜÊ>ÃÊLiÊ «ÀÛ`i`ÊvÀÊÃÌÕ`ÞÀi>Ìi`ÊiÝ«iÃið /Ê`ÊÕÌÊvÊÞÕʵÕ>vÞÊ«i>ÃiÊV>\ PAGE A5XNEWS ADVERTISERXOctober 17, 2007 A/P Editor’s note: News Editor Mike Ruta’s Oct. 5 column on the Town of Ajax naming a street after Hans Langsdorff, captain of the German pocket battleship Graf Spee in the Second World War, prompted a number of you to write. Here’s what you had to say about it: Russians suffered terribly under Stalin To the editor: While Mr. Ruta is quite right that the Nazi re- gime killed six million Jews, there was an other “Evil Empire” (as President Reagan called it), the Communist regime under Stalin that sur- passed this horror. Stalin ruthlessly eliminated about 40 million Soviet citizens of many nationalities - his own subjects, his own nationalities. About 11 million Ukrainians died in the Sta- lin-made famine of 1932-33. And in our days the Chechens are still dying fighting for their independence. To have lived in those countries was to be per- petually frightened for your life, terror stricken by every knock at the door every day, and especially night. And it was so not only for an average subject but also for Communist Party members as well. My father, a landowner and a son of an of- ficer who was shot together with another son, miraculously escaped the same fate thanks to a worker, who although turned Communist was still faithful to my father. Since that time we lived “illegally”- in hiding in our own na- tive land. In those days it was possible to do so - there was no SIN number yet. In order to save their life people become ro- bots, they die inwardly, comply with the system just to exist. After all, life is the most precious object a human being desires and possesses. Captain Langsdorff was known not to return German salute. He was known to be an example of personal integrity and human compassion. I was in a slave labour camp in Germany yet I do not harbour any resentment towards people who were doing the nasty work in order to exist under that regime. Recognition should be given to River Plate Veterans’ Association for recognition of positive and honourable attitude where it is due and, in my opinion, this is so in the case of Captain Langsdorff. People who wronged us were punished or died a long time ago, so we should stress peace and harmony. O. N. O’Mara-Raven Ajax German people suffered under Hitler To the editor: As I read your column, my heart sank further and further. No one was more deeply affected by the Nazi political party than the German people them- selves. Especially those, the vast majority of Ger- mans, who were not Nazis. Nazi Germany was led by a cruel dictator. Hitler was not elected to lead Germany or any other country he conquered. I did not vote for Dalton McGuinty to lead Ontario, and I am not a Liberal, but I am still an Ontarian who is bound to his political power. I did not vote for Stephen Harper to lead Canada, and I am not a Progressive Conservative, but I am still a Canadian who is bound to his political power. The greatest difference between me and a German in the war years is that I will not be murdered for speaking out against my elected representatives. A person with honour should be respected as such. For the Town of Ajax to honour an alleged ‘Nazi’ shows our compassion for people in war- torn countries. The ceremony is a magnificent example of Canadian forgiveness. This is what makes us a great country. I commend the Town and (Capt. Langsdorff’s daughter) Inge Nedden for their courage to have this dedication ceremo- ny, leaving themselves susceptible to criticism on what could be a very sensitive issue. It would be easy to blame Nazis for all that is bad. It is harder to do the right thing and forgive. It makes sense not to blame Germans who were stuck in a Nazi-ruled country. Our courage, our strength, and our forgiveness is what makes us great as Canadians. We are very fortunate to live in such a great country where we have the freedom to be all of the above. Jim McLellan Ajax Columnist has ‘twisted point of view’ To the editor: Mike Ruta’s article condemning Ajax for naming a street honouring Captain Langsdorff, commander of the Graf Spee, is one twisted point of view. Captain Langsdorff was never a Nazi. The Captain was not to know that the regime under which he served would eventually commit un- speakable atrocities. The good captain, as all military personnel, served their countries, as did I and my wife, who are Royal Navy veter- ans. Your columnist’s views fortunately are those of a very small minority. We can be thankful for that. The ships laying in wait for the Graf Spee were the Ajax, Achilles and the Cumberland. I believe that Ajax council has overlooked the presence of the Cumberland in the memorial. Remembrance Day ceremonies in Great Brit- ain remember all the fallen in both great wars. There were millions of lives sacrificed by all countries involved. Captain Langsdorff by all accounts disobeyed his orders from high command and in so doing had no other option than to take his own life. Leslie Davies Ajax Column showed ‘lack of common courtesy’ To the editor: I have difficulty in expressing my disgust upon reading the despicable column by Mike Ruta in your Oct. 5 issue. Hans Lansdorff was not a Nazi. Of that there is no doubt among those in possession of either an elementary or a profound knowledge of the sub- ject. True he was the commander of an enemy battle- ship that was sinking Allied merchant ships. What else would one expect him to do? Equally true is that we in Britain were heartened to learn of the outcome of the Battle of the River Plate. However, we were equally heartened at the time to learn of the humane treatment meted out by Captain Langsdorff to the crews of the ships he sank. For a brief spell, we experienced the fleeting hope that this might be a harbinger of things to come at the hands of our enemy, but the subse- quent aerial blitz or residential targets by Goering’s Luftwaffe quickly disabused us of that notion. Yes, Goering was a Nazi. Apart from the misleading and distasteful con- tent of Mr. Ruta’s column, publication of it at a time when the Town of Ajax was formally entertaining an invited and honoured guest in the form of Cap- tain Langsdorff’s daughter, Inge, a most charming lady, indicates to my mind a very distinct lack of a sense of common courtesy and appropriateness on the part of a publication which should be show- ing respect and a sense of responsibility to the community which sustains it. John E.V. Jones Ajax Street naming ‘insult’ to Allied sailors’ memories To the editor: I would like to make it quite clear that I for one agree with Mike Ruta’s comments. I also read the news story and couldn’t for the life of me think why Councillor Pat Brown and her cohorts would do such a thing in a town that was named after a ship that faced Capt. Langsdorff in the River Plate battle! My uncle was one of those brave sailors and I consider it an insult to his and their memories to name a street after Capt. Langsdorff. I would also like to add that my uncle also volunteered to do a year’s service in the Cana- dian Merchant Navy helping to keep the supply lines running. What those poor and gallant sail- ors went through to keep us all out of Hitler’s hands was hell. Honourable man he may have been, but in no way does he deserve to have a street in Ajax named after him: he still answered to Hitler, and what that man put my country and count- less others through was totally unforgivable and I for one will never forget as long as I live. I went through three years of bombs dropping all around me, my mother did fire watch duty on the roof of Lloyd’s in London while Hitler’s planes were trying to flatten London. My uncle went through it at sea in countless battles, another one being on the Yangtze River in China. Due to his memories of that battle he helped to make the film ‘Yangtze Incident’ and was one of the extras. He had a long career in the British navy, join- ing at the age of 13-and-a-half and ending in his early 50s. It’s people like him who deserve to be re- membered not Capt. Langsdorff! Jill Mills Ajax ‘Grudges’ aren’t forever To the editor: Presumably in Mr Ruta’s world then grudges are forever? Even though we live in a different generation are the youngsters reading this story to think that all Germans are still guilty, even those that have made their home in Canada? Did we not fire back, Mr. Ruta - did you see any photo- graphs of Dresden towards the end of the war? I think you need a course in tolerance and perhaps a bit more understanding of what it is to have to go to war. My father and his four brothers were all scarred for life through having to take life in order to preserve our own. If you want to make a point then that’s de- mocracy, but try doing it without alienating neighbours. John Haste Ajax Column stirred up memories To the editor: Captain Hans Langsdorff is widely acknowl- edged as an honourable officer. My Uruguayan ID has now expired but as a former resident, many older people in Mon- tevideo recall the occasion in 1939 when they thought explosions heard from the River Plate marked the beginning of the Graf Spee shelling the city. Langsdorff had ordered holes blown in the sides of the ship so that it would sink, and thus avoid the neutral Uruguayan people being caught up in a war, and prevent his own crew from suffering what he judged to be certain de- feat at the hands of the Royal Navy. Langsdorff’s name is thus held in honour in Uruguay. Two days before he scuttled the Graf Spee, Langs- dorff presided over the burial in a Montevideo cemetery of some of his men killed in the con- flict. While some of his officers gave the Nazi salute on, Langsdorff was noted for giving the old German navy salute. Uruguay has in the past had governments of a complexion which would not be approved of by many. But I can testify that during the difficult years there were many Uruguayans who were honourable, and also that all public officials and soldiers were not demonized simply be- cause of the character of the leadership. By way of historical example, Chancellor Helmut Schmidt was an officer in the Weh- rmacht during the Battle of the Bulge, but he was not subsequently accused of war crimes and, indeed, went on to be a distinguished German chancellor. Such examples could be repeated over and over. Naming a street after one of the key actors in the Battle of the River Plate, when other indi- viduals are also so honoured, is not problem- atic in my mind. Your article was interesting and has awoken many memories. Mark Fenn Pickering ‘What happened to lest we forget’ To the editor: In my lifetime, since I am from Holland and was there in the war years, I have never to this day met an “honourable Nazi.” I agree with you completely that it is an absolute disgrace to even think about naming anything after these people. What happened to “lest we forget.” It is completely disrespectful to all the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives over there, as can still be seen by the giant cemeteries. I salute you for writing your piece in the newspa- per. Jean Alders Ajax LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOLLOW ALL OUR BLOGGERS:Visit durhamregion.typepad.comSudoku durhamregion.comNOW ONLINE 48 1 7 8 6 7 3 576 1 86 9 5 6 7 687 3 91 4 19 24 Check it out at I ’m sure my friends and fam- ily have been aware of this for years, but I am finally be- ginning to realize that I’m not great in a crisis. You know in the movies, when the plane is going down, there’s that guy with the lantern jaw and the chiselled good looks who stands up and says in a perfect baritone, “Don’t worry folks, this baby isn’t going down on my watch.” Well, I’m not him. I’m not even the guy beside him. I’m the guy in the back of the plane tearing at his seatbelt, screaming, “We’re all gonna die! We’re all gonna die!” This is not to say I am incapa- ble of rising to a challenge. I can and almost always do eventu- ally remedy the current disaster. But not before I’ve first assured myself and everyone within ear- shot that this time we’re totally screwed. My initial reaction to even the most mundane house- hold emergencies, for instance, is reliably way over the top. “The knob is loose on the cut- lery drawer! Oh, that’s it... we’re moving!” You can imagine the strato- spheric heights of panic I can reach when something more substantial transpires. News of an electrical job will find me in the fetal position moaning inco- herently about amperages and current. Any carpentry involving more than Grade 2 math leaves me chewing Rolaids like they were Halloween candy. And the mere whiff of a water issue, be it a leaky roof, burst pipe or my arch-nemesis Lord Sump Pump and the eyes roll back in the head and I begin to flop around on the ground like a newly landed trout. It’s not pret- ty. Fortunately I have a wife who is a do-er. We are perfectly matched in that, when disaster strikes, the back of her hand is an exact fit for my screaming mouth. My wife is completely fearless in these mat- ters. In fact, I secretly believe she enjoys them. There is a remark- ably attractive part of her that only really comes alive in mo- ments of great trial. Some men buy their wives skimpy negligees or provocative evening wear to get their male motors running. Not me. I go to the hardware store. I’ve never seen my wife look sexier than when she’s holding a blowtorch or a chainsaw. Weird? Maybe, but it’s how we make it work. My wife is also, bless her crowbar- wielding heart, very sensitive to my hair-trigger male ego. She has become, over our 22 years together, remarkably adept at stroking and pushing at the same time. Through this won- derful combination of what, for lack of a better phrase, I’ll call “supportive badgering,” I have gone, on occasions too numer- ous to mention, from catatonia to handy-man. It’s not a short jour- ney and it’s not one I like much, but it’s always good for me. It’s sort of like a do-it-yourself- er intervention. Only there’s only ever two chairs at the meeting; hers and mine. But each time I get a little less shrill, a little less like the last chick alive in the hor- ror movie and a little more like a man. If you can find somebody who does that for you, buy her a blowtorch. Durham resident Neil Crone, actor-comic-writer, saves some of his best lines for his columns. He is now starring in the CBC hit sitcom, Little Mosque on the Prairie, airing on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Follow Neil’s BLOG drinfo.ca/croneblog.html PAGE A6 ◆ NEWS ADVERTISER ◆ October 17, 2007A/P Do you have a photo to share with our readers? If you have an amusing, interesting, historic or scenic photo to share with the community we’d like to see it. Send your photo, along with a written description of the circumstances surrounding the photo (max. 80 words) identifying the people in the photo and when it was taken to: The News Advertiser, 130 Commercial Ave., Ajax, ON, L1S 2H5. Or, e-mail photos to mjohnston@durhamregion.com. EDITORIALS & OPINIONS infodurhamregion.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR [ Proud Members Of ]-- ONTARIO PRESS COUNCIL NEWS ADVERTISER Metroland Durham Region Media Group Tim Whittaker Publisher twhittaker@durhamregion.com Joanne Burghardt Editor-in-Chief jburghardt@durhamregion.com Mike Johnston Managing Editor mjohnston@durhamregion.com Duncan Fletcher Director of Advertising dfletcher@durhamregion.com Andrea McFater Retail Advertising Manager amcfater@durhamregion.com Eddie Kolodziejcak Classified Advertising ekolo@durhamregion.com Abe Fakhourie Distribution Manager afakhourie@durhamregion.com Lillian Hook Office Manager lhook@durhamregion.com Cheryl Haines Composing Manager chaines@durhamregion.com Janice O’Neil Composing Manager joneil@durhamregion.com [ Contact us ]-- News/Sales 905-683-5110 Classifieds 905-683-0707 Distribution 905-683-5117 News Fax 905-683-0386 General Fax 905-683-7363 E-mail mjohnston@durhamregion.com Web address durhamregion.com Mailing Address 130 Commercial Ave., Ajax, Ont. L1S 2H5 Publications Mail Sales Agreement Number 40052657 [ Hours ]-- General office: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Distribution: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. [ About Us ]-- The News Advertiser is a Metroland Media Group newspaper. The News Advertiser is a member of the Ajax & Pickering Board of Trade, Ontar- io 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 copy- righted. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. [ 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 chosen for publication. My wife is our home’s handyman Neil Crone enter laughingsubmitted photo Support from Sabrina Sabrina Paul, right, makes a donation to Air Cadet Corporal Mareasa Vicioso recently. Local air cadets fanned out across Durham Region, selling tags to raise funds in support of youth activities. This year, 856 Pickering Squadron celebrates 10 years of service to the community, and appreciates everyone’s generous support. Air Cadets is open to all Canadian youth, 12 to 18 years, and offers adventure training, citi- zenship, and the chance to fly! To see more photos from residents across Durham and to submit your own, visit citizenseye.com, the Metroland Durham Region Media Group’s citizen submission website. The page is dedicated to the submissions and photos of readers from around Durham. EDITORIAL CLICK AND SAY IN THE COMMUNITY ‘Homeless’ tour poorly attended M ore Regional councillors should have taken advantage of a tour to see for themselves homeless issues in Dur- ham Region. Months in the making, the tour of south Oshawa was orga- nized by Dr. Wendy Stanyon, of the University of Ontario In- stitute of Technology/Durham College, and took place Friday morning. A large part of the organizing was to ensure that all, or as many as possible, Regional councillors were available to take the tour. But, when the time came to hit the pavement, just four of the 28 members of council were present. Kudos to Regional coun- cillors April Cullen and John Henry (Oshawa), Colleen Jordan (Ajax) and Oshawa Mayor John Gray for taking the time to learn more about these issues. For those councillors who had other commitments, one would hope that they would on their own seek out the four councillors who went on the tour to pick their brains. For those who had no commitments but just didn’t go, one has to ask why. While the focus of the tour, rightly, was south Oshawa, homelessness is an issue that affects every part of the region. This was a chance to see first-hand what the many issues surrounding homelessness are with an expert. Dr. Stanyon, an assistant professor in the faculty of health sciences, special- izes in the areas of mental health, homelessness and vulner- able populations. But, of course, Regional staff and politicians already know this because Dr. Stanyon received a grant from the Region to investigate homelessness here. Her study was the first to look at homelessness in Oshawa and, as she herself has said, homelessness here isn’t the same as homelessness in Toronto, for example. Durham has hundreds of homeless people, but most don’t spend nights literally sleeping on the street. “In this area the problem is more invisible,” she has said. “But that doesn’t mean the problem isn’t there.” The main purpose of the tour was to demonstrate that gaps in social services offered at the region need to be filled in order to help our hidden homeless. The tour hit spots like the Cornerstone Community Asso- ciation men’s shelter, The Refuge and even visited a man, Jared, who has benefited from the services that the homeless are in need of. It was a great opportunity to meet and engage people who are, after all, experts themselves. Unfortunately, a number of councillors didn’t have the oppor- tunity to engage the people the others met on the tour because they simply didn’t bother going. This Week’s Question: Are you happy the Liberals created Family Day as a statutory holiday in February? Yes No Cast your vote online at infodurhamregion.com Last Week’s Question: Was it heavy-handed of the City of Oshawa and police to search student rental housing for lease or rental documents? Total votes: 322 No: 60 % Yes: 40 % Rider happy with DRT routes To the editor: Re: Terry Price letter, ‘Durham transit needs to address routes’. I must respectfully disagree with Terry’s assessment of Dur- ham Region Transit, especially in Ajax. I am a regular user and am happy with Ajax routes. The concept of public transit is ‘serve the masses’ and the majority of DRT users are GO Transit users and high school students. There are hundreds of daily Elm Route riders who might object to having their route eliminated. As well, there al- ready are “real” bus routes on Kingston Road (partnering with GO), Taunton (from Oshawa to the Pickering GO station via Westney and Bayly), Rossland (from Oshawa to the Ajax GO station via Harwood) and Ajax/ Pickering (Liverpool, Kingston, Westney, Bayly) throughout the day. They are on a steady sched- ule not aligned to GO Train de- parture/arrival times. I take exception to his asser- tion that if you have a job in Toronto, you’re rich enough to drive to the train station. Many families have one vehicle where one person must take a bus to the station since the other per- son drives. Not every job in To- ronto is high paying, but there is not always a job in Durham, so people must go into Toronto to work. As well, most students can only afford a bus to the station. Terry is obviously not thinking about the environment or grid- lock, since driving to the sta- tion would pollute the air and cause traffic jams across Ajax. Traditionally, transit funding from federal and provincial lev- els has been ridiculously low for the 905 area, especially Durham Region. If Terry has some constructive ideas about how to improve DRT across Durham given its limited funding, he should contact DRT through its website, www.dur- hamregiontransit.com. Caryn Antram Ajax Capt. Langsdorff did his duty like any soldier To the editor: Re: Mike Ruta’s Oct. 5 column. If the River Plate Veterans’ As- sociation approves naming the street Langsdorff Drive, then we should have little problem with that decision, for it was those men who were in the battle with this captain and are bet- ter qualified than an individual who probably just read a lot of books or watched Second World War movies from the seat of his couch. He also insinuates that Ajax grew on the profit of making bombs to kill Nazis! Well, I grew up in the city of Essen, Germany, lived through 172 air raids where those bombs fell on factories and us civilians alike! Speaking of honour, where was the hon- our in that? But I’m sure Mr. Ruta will find an excuse for that in his books. I myself was hardly to be con- sidered a Nazi as I was nine to 14 years of age. Historians never found evi- dence that Capt. Hans Langs- dorff was a Nazi, but as a sol- dier, I’m sure he followed orders like any soldier in the Canadian army or navy would do - and we don’t call them names. It tends to be convenient as a victor to be judgmental, but it bespeaks greatness to be compassionate and generous as a victor, like the veterans, who granted Capt. Langsdorff respect - as also Capt. Langsdorff did to the crews of the ships he sank. I for one have the greatest re- spect for the vets’ decision, for they so courageously fought in that war - and freed my home- land too- and like them, I have great respect for Capt. Langs- dorff for trying to do the same. Besides, a fallen soldier is never anybody’s enemy! If anything, Mr. Ruta owes some people an apology. Gerhard Paul Mueller Pickering See page A5 for more letters on the naming of Langsdorff Drive. Waste Reduction Week is a National initiative that strives to raise awareness about resource consumption, waste reduction and diversion. The City of Pickering gets involved in this initiative annually by carrying out internal and external education campaigns and waste reduction challenges. Whether you want to get involved as part of your school community, business, not-for-profit association or individu- ally, there are opportunities for everyone. For participation ideas and to register, log onto the Waste Reduction Week Canada website at wrwcanada.com Small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact. Make a commitment toward 1 or 2 new actions that will help reduce the amount of waste you produce. A few ideas include: • Use a travel mug, thermos and resealable containers when packing food • Recycle more by making it easy, place small bins in each bedroom, washroom and office in your home • Switch to reusable shopping bags instead of using plastic • Be a smart shopper by considering a product’s energy efficiency, recycled content, environmental impact, packaging, manufacturer’s social responsibility and distance the item was transported • Replace disposable items with reusable ones, i.e. reusable coffee filter and batteries • Register with one of many charities that accept cell phones and ink cartridges 905.420.2222 cityofpickering.com 24 Hour Access 905.420.4660 ATTEND PUBLIC MEETINGS AT CITY HALL All meetings are open to the public. For meeting details call 905.420.2222 or visit our website. Remembrance Day Service Sunday, November 11 10:30 am Esplanade Park, Pickering City Hall cityofpickering.com/greatevents South Pickering Seniors' Bazaar Saturday, November 3 9 am - 1 pm East Shore C.C. 910 Liverpool Road South 905.420.6588 DATE MEETING TIME Oct. 18 Pickering Museum Advisory Committee 7:00 pm Oct. 24 Committee of Adjustment 7:00 pm Oct. 24 Accessibility Advisory Committee 7:00 pm Oct. 25 Library Board 7:00 pm Oct. 25 Waterfront Coordinating Committee 7:00 pm Nov. 1 Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity 7:00 pm Nov. 5 Planning & Development Committee 7:30 pm Pickleball is a combination of tennis and badminton played on a badminton court with a three-foot high net, lightweight plastic paddle and a plastic perforated ball. It’s much like ping-pong in that you can learn very quickly and begin having fun immediately. The game is mainly shot placement and game strategy, not power or strength. Pickleball is a great family activity! At the first class, participants will be separated into appropriate age groups. Location: East Shore Community Centre, 910 Liverpool Road South Fee: $24 (5 weeks) Starts: November 3, 2007 Day: Saturday Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Barcode: 52460 For more information on the program or how to register call 905.420.4621. PickleballPickleball ((Fall PrograFall Programm )) Open to all ages (starting at 8 years+) Candle Safety: Candle Fires are on the Rise! There’s nothing more cosy than the warm glow of candlelight, but did you know that candles are one of the leading causes of fi re? Please take care when using candles in your home. Keep lit candles in sturdy holders on level surfaces and if possible, place a glass chimney or shade over it. Candles can easily be knocked over, so keep them out of the reach of children and pets, and away from anything that can burn. Be sure to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed. A message from the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and Pickering Fire Services. For more information contact Pickering Fire Services at phone: 905.839.9968, or email: fi re@city.pickering.on.ca or visit our website at cityofpickering.com at the Pickering Civic Complex Viewing Times: Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm On Display: October 1, 2007 – November 9, 2007 Featuring: Oshawa Camera Club The Oshawa Camera Club has approximately 50 members from across the Durham Region, who gather twice monthly from September to April to share their experiences. The Club is involved in slide, colour prints, black and white, and digital photography and began as the General Motors Camera Club in 1938. The club’s fi rst public exhibition of photography was held in 1940. Today, the club continues to host photography shows within Durham Region. The Oshawa Camera Club is a member of the PineRidge Arts Council and the Greater Toronto Council of Camera Clubs (GTCCC). You are invited to the Pickering Civic Complex during viewing times to see the work of the Oshawa Camera Club. You can also view more information about the Oshawa Camera Club at www.oshawacameraclub.ca. The Experience Art program is coordinated by the City of Pickering and is one of many ways we recognize and support local artists and bring Arts & Culture to the community. Take Pride in Pickering Day Saturday, October 20, 2007 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Alex Robertson Park, South down Sandy Beach Rd. Take Pride in Pickering at Alex Robertson Park is hosted by FBWRP and OPG. Help your friends and neighbours plant native trees and shrubs to establish an ephemeral pond for amphibians and birds in the park. There will be an appreciation BBQ to follow. Please bring a shovel. Call 905.420.4660 ext. 2212 for details cityofpickering.com/fbwrp and the and theJackBeansta lkJk DirectedbyJulie Oakes & Dianne Fordham a holiday pantomime Would you sell your beloved cow for a handful of beans? Only if they’re magic beans you say? Then you are ready for our rollicking Christmas Pantomime. Cheer for Jack, boo the Giant and enjoy the puns, pitfalls, pranks and pizazz!oiratnOfoecnivorPehtfoerutluCfoyrtsiniMehtfotroppuslaicnanifehtsegdelwonkcayllufetarggnirekciPfoytiCehTcityofpickering.com/museum 905.683.8401 Tickets On Sale Nov. 2 SHOW DATES Fri. Nov. 30th, 8:00 pm Sat. Dec. 1st, 2:00 pm Sun. Dec. 2nd, 2:00 pm Sat. Dec. 8th, 2:00 pm Sun. Dec. 9th, 2:00 pm BACKWOODS PLAYERS PRESENTS at BROUGHAM HALL ... Monday, October 22, 2007 Register Today! LAST CHANCE! Acrobat Music INC. RECORDING STUDIO PERCEPTION CONSULTANTS Cell 2 Cell 611 K i n g s ton R oad THE FINE PRINT: FREE Teen Stuff is exclusively for Pickering Teens 13 - 19 yrs, City I.D. card required - get it at the Program FREE. (parent signature required) Halloween Youth Swim Friday, October 26th 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Ages 11 - 15 years Only $2.00 Prizes for Best Costume! SKATING SWIMMINGTOONiE JOIN US EVERY SATURDAY FOR TOONIE DAYS ONLY AT PICKERING RECREATION COMPLEX SWIMMING every Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 pm & 7:00 - 9:00 pm $2.00 for youth or $5.00 for families SKATING every Saturday 8:30 - 10:15 pm on the O'Brien Rink. $2.00 per person or $5.00 for families 905.683.6582 cityofpickering.com/recreation Be a Santa Sponsor call Janet at 905.420.4404 for details. Sponsors wil be featured on the parade website. Showcase your business or organization! Support your Community! Enter Today! applications available at City of Pickering facilities, Pickering Town Centre or cityofpickering.com/greatevents Are you on it? Enter your float in the He’s making a list and checking it twice ... Saturday, November 17, 2007 Family Fit Programs Girlz Club (8- 10 years) Group fitness designed just for girl s. Bring your friends, meet new peopl e and get fit in the process! Day/Time: Tues. from 4:45 - 5:45 pm F ee/Duration: $22.50 (6 weeks) begins Nov. 6 Boyz Club (8- 10 years) H ave fun and get fit when you participate in the boyz body circuit and many more fun games. Day/Time: Thurs. from 6:45 - 7:45 pm F ee/Duration: $22.50 (6 weeks) begins Nov. 8 Salsa Tots (babies and toddl ers) F amil ies to come together and dance, move and have fun p l aying with music, movement and rhythm. Day/Time: Mon. or Wed. from 10:30 - 11:00 am F ee/Duration: $6 0 (6 weeks) begins Nov. 5 & 7 Salsa Babies (moms and babies 6 – 8 weeks) With littl e ones snuggl ed into baby carriers, moms l earn popul ar Latin dances whil e babies shake maraca rattl es and bounce a l ong to the Sal sa beat! Day/Time: Mon. or Wed. from 11:15 - 12:00 pm F ee/Duration: $7 2 (6 weeks) begins Nov. 5 & 7 You don’t want to miss For detail s call 905.420.46 21 or register at cityofpickering.com starting this November PAGE A7 ◆ NEWS ADVERTISER ◆ October 17, 2007 P YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT IT! YOU’VE READ ABOUT IT! Shop Important Price Reductions On Every Item In Every Department! HURRY! ©COPYRIGHT 2007, COSEC® INTERNATIONAL, INC. IT’S A TOTIT’S A TOTAL STOREWIDE SALE WITH INCREDIBLE SAAL STOREWIDE SALE WITH INCREDIBLE SAVINGS ON EVERVINGS ON EVER Y ITEM IN THE SHOWROOM!Y ITEM IN THE SHOWROOM! • CLUB CHAIRS! • WING BACK CHAIRS! • SWIVEL ROCKERS! • ROCKER RECLINERS! • LEATHER RECLINERS! • MAN-SIZE RECLINERS! • SPACE SAVER RECLINERS! AND MORE! IT’S AN INCREDIBLE SELECTION AT TOTAL SALE PRICES! HURRY AND SAVE! EVEREVERYTHINGYTHING IS REDUCED,IS REDUCED, INCLUDING ALLINCLUDING ALL OF THEIR FOF THEIR F AMOUSAMOUS NAME BRANDS!NAME BRANDS! PLUS MANY, MANY MORE!! • Natuzzi Leather • Superstyle • Decorest • La-Z-Boy • Elran • Durham • Liberty • Pulaski • Canadel • Simmons Beautyrest MAIN 2007 EVENT MAIN 2007 EVENT M A I N 2007 EVENT MAIN EVENT 2007 THETHETHE SPECIALSPECIAL SALESALE HOURS:HOURS:TOMORROW! 10 AM UNTIL TOMORROW! 10 AM UNTIL 1100 PM! PM! IF YOU INTEND TO INVEST IN NEW HOME FURNISHINGS, MAIF YOU INTEND TO INVEST IN NEW HOME FURNISHINGS, MATTRESS SETS ORTTRESS SETS OR ACCESSORIES THIS YEAR...ACCESSORIES THIS YEAR...WW AIT NO MORE AIT NO MORE BECAUSE SELECTION IS SURE TO GO FBECAUSE SELECTION IS SURE TO GO FAST!AST! THAT ENTIRE HOUSEFUL OFTHAT ENTIRE HOUSEFUL OFTHAT ENTIRE HOUSEFUL OF NEW FURNITURE NEW FURNITURE NEW FURNITURE CANCANCAN BE YOURS! BE YOURS! BE YOURS! BUY 3, 4,BUY 3, 4,BUY 3, 4, 5, OR 5, OR 5, OR MORE MORE MORE ROOM-ROOM-ROOM- FULS FULS FULS AND SAVEAND SAVEAND SAVE HUNDREDS OFHUNDREDS OFHUNDREDS OF DOLLARSDOLLARSDOLLARS NOW!NOW!NOW! • 18th CENTURY! • COLONIAL! • COUNTRY CASUAL! • CONTEMPORARY! • DRESSERS! • MIRRORS! • HEADBOARDS! • CHESTS! • NIGHT TABLES! • YOUTH BEDROOM GROUPS AND MORE! COME EARLY ! SAVE 19% TO 53% ON ALL... BEDROOM FURNITURE! MATTRESS SETS IN ALL SIZES! SAVE 23% TO 52% ON... • TWIN-SIZE SETS! • FULL- SIZE SETS! • QUEEN-SIZE SETS! • KING-SIZE SETS! • FIRM, MEDIUM FIRM, EXTRA FIRM! • QUILT, PILLOW AND SMOOTH TOP! CHAIRS! ROCKERS! RECLINERS! SAVE 25% TO 70% ON ALL... SOME ITEMS ARE ONE-OF-A-KIND OR LIMITED IN QUANTITY. BRING A FRIEND AND BROWSE FOR HOURS . . . IT’S A HUGE SALE SELECTION! SENSATIONAL SAVINGS ON A WIDE VARIETY OF STYLES AND FINISHES! SALE PRICES WILL BE CLEARLY TAGGED! BOOKCASES! WALL UNITS! DESKS! LAMPS AND ACCESSORIES! SAVE 20% TO 70% ON ALL... IMPORTANT VALUE!MAGNIFICENT! • COCKTAIL TABLES! • DOOR TABLES! • LAMP AND HEX TABLES! • SOFA TABLES! • PLUS ODD TABLES & MORE! OCCASIONAL TABLE SETS! SAVE 27% TO 53% ON ALL... LIVING ROOM FURNITURE! SAVE 20% TO 70% ON ALL... • TRADITIONAL! • MODERN! • LEATHER! • CONTEMPORARY ! • SOFAS! • LOVESEATS! • CHAIRS! • MOTION FURNITURE! • SECTIONALS! • SLEEP SOFAS! • 2, 3, & 6-PIECE SUITES AND GROUPS! • TABLES! • CHINAS! • CHAIRS! • SERVERS! • BUFFETS! • ALL STYLES! • A HUGE SELECTION! . . . EVERY NAME BRAND DINING ROOM SUITE IS SALE PRICED DURING THIS EVENT! HURRY! DINING ROOM FURNITURE! SAVE 18% TO 40% ON ALL... • 5-PIECE SETS! • 7-PIECE SETS! • SOLID OAK! • CONTEMPORARY! • COLONIAL! • TRADITIONAL! DINETTE SETS IN ALL SIZES! SAVE 21% TO 48% ON... EXTRA Office Staff... EXTRA Delivery Personnel...EXTRA Salespeople...All will be on hand to assist you. YES! The Main Event for 2007 offers you more . . . A LOT MORE . . . in terms of price, selection, and TOTAL STOREWIDE SAVINGS on every item in their current inventory! PLUS!! . . . You can take full advantage of the remark- able special credit terms that are being offered during this event! IT’S A MAXIMUM $1,500,000 STOREWIDE EFFORT OF SAVINGS, SELECTION AND MUCH, MUCH MORE! EVERYTHING’S ON SALE! SPECIAL OFFER! NEW AND EXCITING!OUTSTANDING!YOU’LL LOVE THIS! REMARKABLE!SENSATIONAL! The Store Will Close Early Today To Take Further Markdowns & Prepare! 12 SPECIAL HOURS TOMORROW! HURRY! DOORS OPEN TOMORROW...10 AM UNTIL 10 PM! SAVE 12%, 22%, 33%, EVEN UP TO 70% OFF! ON FINE HOME FURNISHINGS FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME! PLUS!...BUY $500 WORTH, $1,000 WORTH, $5,000 WORTH (OR MORE) AT “MAIN EVENT” SALE PRICES WITH: • NO DOWN PAYMENT! • NO INTEREST, AND • NO MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR 15-FULL MONTHS! (Pay Nothing Until January of 2009! — Ask For Details At The Sale.) SPECIAL CREDIT OFFER! Select Anything . . . Everything In Furniture Or Bedding And Buy With: • OR, USE • YOUR: • NO MONEY DOWN, • NO FINANCE CHARGE, AND • NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS • UNTIL JANUARY OF 2009! (WITH YOUR GOOD CREDIT, ASK FOR DETAILS AT THE SALE.) 12 -H O U R H I G H P O I N T! FURTHER REDUCTIONS WILL BE MADE ON 100s OF SELECT ITEMS THROUGHOUT THEIR VAST INVENTORY!FURTHER REDUCTIONS WILL BE MADE ON 100s OF SELECT ITEMS THROUGHOUT THEIR VAST INVENTORY!FURTHER REDUCTIONS WILL BE MADE ON 100s OF SELECT ITEMS THROUGHOUT THEIR VAST INVENTORY! 12-HOUR HIGH POINT! PUSHBACK RECLINER List Price $1529 SALE PRICE $699 TIFTED CHOCOLATE BROWN LOVESEAT List Price $1748 SALE PRICE $1199 LOVESEAT List Price $1373 SALE PRICE $699 SOFA FINAL CLEARANCE List Price $1123 SALE PRICE $599 SOFA List Price $1499 SALE PRICE $1189 BRISTOL POINT BENCH List Price $199 SALE PRICE $99 CHERRY RUSTIC COFFEE TABLE BURNISHED ANTIQUE BROWN List Price $1029 SALE PRICE $499 TABLE & 4 CHAIRS List Price $1124 SALE PRICE $599 EXCELLENT SAVINGS ON LA-Z-BOY RECLINERS, SOFAS AND RECLINING SOFAS AND SECTIONALS! $299FROM INTEREST rrs TM www.bennetts.ca SAVE UP TO 45% ON ALL...SAVE UP TO 60% ON ALL... SAVE UP TO 52% ON ALL... SAVE UP TO 40% ON ALL... SAVE UP TO 70% ON ALL...SAVE UP TO 48% ON ALL... SAVE UP TO 70% ON ALL... Certain restrictions Apply. Administration Fee will be charged on No Interest No Payment loans of 12 months or more, and on No interest loans. Not responsible for typos at time of printing. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Cannot be applied to, Appliances, La-z-boys or “Pink Tag” Discount items. Pricing and offers in this promotion cannot be applied to purchases made at previous or future promotions. Campbellford store hours are slightly different. Pickering Home & Design Centre (Brock Rd. N., off the 401, Pickering) 905-428-8083 • 1-866-646-7833 150150tthh AnniversayAnniversay SpecialSpecial on Harwood next to Home Hardware 905.683.0407 10K Gold10K Gold HeartHeart in Swarovskiin Swarovski CrystalCrystal ChainChain includedincluded Only at onlyonly $39.95$39.95 PAGE A8XNEWS ADVERTISERXOctober 17, 2007A/P At age 24, Shauna Simmonds is executive producer of Make You Think By Crystal Crimi ccrimi@durhamregion.com DURHAM — Growing up in the hamlet of Epsom, Shauna Simmonds didn’t really fit into the in-crowd. On her first day of high school, she decided to no longer try. She got off the bus in Port Perry and walked away from the group of girls she grew up with and into a direction of her own. The choice made a big impact on her life and now, at age 24, she’s hop- ing to positively influence youth. “They don’t realize the choices they make today will affect them in the future,” said Ms. Simmonds. “I don’t want to see them grow up with regret.” Ms. Simmonds, an Uxbridge resi- dent and executive producer of Make You Think Studios, has developed a collection of character-based DVDs designed for youth leaders, teachers and students. They include inter- views with people who have posi- tively dealt with similar challenges, as well as group discussion ques- tions to follow a viewing. She currently has six DVDs out, but plans on making one for each of the 12 topics, such as respect, love, perseverance, self-worth, honestly and purpose. The DVD on respect, for example, is about a boy who gets involved with a gang and tries to earn its re- spect by mugging a man. Later, the tables turn and his own gang beats him up and leaves him, leading to the man he mugged eventually stop- ping to help him. “A big one right now is self-worth,” said Ms. Simmonds, who also writes the storylines. The video for it is based on a girl who has a rough home life, is ignored at school, and purposely cuts herself. So far, Make You Think has marketed the collection through its website and by sending e-mails to teachers and youth lead- ers in Canada and the U.S. Ms. Simmonds said it’s receiving great feedback. A York Region school board is using them, as well as a high-risk school in Pickering, said Ms. Sim- monds. In York and Durham regions, she wants to take the videos and hold community town meetings for youth on values, giving them a place to connect. Through them, she could talk to students and get their feel- ings on the video topics, why they think issues are occurring, and initi- ate change. This fall she has national confer- ences on character education lined up in Canada and the U.S. “My main focus is helping youth to become all that they can be,” she said. “I’m just like every other youth. I had to go through life and figure out how I’m going to deal with these top- ics,” said Ms. Simmonds. She said Grade 7 was a big year for her. After it, she left the system to be home-schooled. She said she thinks she was heading down a negative path just by being around the in- fluences of drinking and sex, even though she wasn’t a participant. “Too many people want accep- tance so bad,” said Ms. Simmonds. “I found a group of friends that ac- cepted me for who I was,” she said. Walking away from the group was a first big step, but she still had to work on her confidence and discover what she wanted in life. To find out, she got involved with youth groups, music, yearbook, communication/media, sports, and making short films. Youth have to find and evaluate their own gifts and talents, as well as set goals, even if they end up chang- ing. She struggled to discover what she wanted, so she did what she loved until she found out. A trip with Crossroads led her to audition for its children’s show, ‘TQ’. She started working part-time with it while still in high school. Eventually, she went to post-sec- ondary school for broadcasting, started a graphic design and video editing business, and travelled to help youth start bands through Youth Unlimited - a group her father was involved with. Ms. Simmonds said she comes from a big business background and noted her grandfather, David S. Sim- monds, started Clearnet. Eventually, she started working full-time for TQ, as host and assis- tant producer. Make You Think began through that journey. She started making short films and shared them with friends and at youth workshops. But, when she started sharing her character development video plans with people, some told her she wouldn’t be successful. She stepped out of that environment and found people who were positive and pas- sionate about the same things. Her advice to youth is to be who they are and find out what they’re good at, as well as make opportuni- ties for themselves. “These films came from scratch,” said Ms. Simmonds. “Persevere, keep going, don’t give up yourself. “I’ve got there and I’m going there still... if I can just be an inspiration to other people to do the same, that’s what I hope to do,” she said. Among her achievements, Ms. Simmonds was also named Miss Ontario 2007/2008, a competition which awards character and contri- bution to society. 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