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The Pickering 32 PAGES ✦ Pressrun 46,600 ✦ Metroland Durham Region Media Group ✦ SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2005 ✦ Optional delivery $6 / Newsstand $1 Public board’s half-billion budget passed Offers more teachers, smaller classes By Crystal Crimi Staff Writer DURHAM — Public school board trustees passed a half-bil- lion-dollar budget Wednesday, which includes money for 200 new teachers, but it wasn’t a unani- mous decision. Brock-Uxbridge trustee Gord Baxter and Pickering trustee Paul Crawford voted against Durham District School Board’s $525.08 million operating and $33.8 mil- lion capital budgets during a spe- cial board meeting Aug. 24. It fea- tures almost 300 new staff and a variety of maintenance projects. “It’s not a bad-news budget,” said Trustee Baxter after the meet- ing. “The budget is on the right track, it’s just I would like further information and time to have gone through the budget to have the answers to some of the questions I have,” said Mr. Baxter. During a finance meeting prior to the budget’s passing, Mr. Baxter fought for and lost requests for the board to pay for regular volun- teer criminal background checks and for window screens at Brock High School. He also asked for last year’s final spending figures not included in the budget pack- age and for more money in school block budgets. The block budget request was deferred to a committee meeting in November so trustees could re- view the process. 35.2//-3 s 7).$/73 s 2//&).' 905-686-2445 Visit our showroom 239 Station St., Ajax Manufacturer of SUNROOMS & WINDOWS CELEBRATING 100 YE ARS WITH A SPECIAL YOUNG FRIEND Jason Liebregts/ News Advertiser photo PICKERING — Eva Kidd celebrated her 100th birthday at Bay Ridges Long Term Care Centre this week. Emma David, her great- granddaughter, along with many other friends and family from far and wide, was there to help mark the special occasion. Ms. Kidd has lived in and out of Durham Region throughout her life, including a time in Ajax. FRIENDS New relationship bridges distance Page 2 COUNT DOWN School is just around the corner, teachers are ready Page 9 DOG HOUSE Cujo and Storr come to town Page 12 NEW WHITBY CAMPUS OPENING THIS SEPTEMBER!!! www.blaisdale.com 12 mths - grade 8 5 Campuses in Durham Call Head Office 905-509-5005 Blaisdale MONTESSORI School SPACES AVAILABLE IN AJAX & PICKERING PRE-TODDLER PROGRAM (12 mo.-18 mo.) NEW 200 Byron St. S, Whitby (Whitby Campus) NEW WHITBY CAMPUS OPENING THIS SEPTEMBER!!! Coalition intends to raise awareness of growing problem By Mike Ruta Staff Writer DURHAM — Ontarians need to think of the future of energy and plan for more capacity now, before it’s too late. That’s the message of a coalition of Durham business, government and university officials who on Wednesday launched the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA). “We believe that there’s a tre- mendous energy challenge,” said DSEA board member Richard Marceau, provost at the University of Ontario Institute of Technol- ogy. “We believe that some people ought to be doing something about it.” Skyrocketing fossil fuel prices, increasing demand from grow- ing economies, the need for more power in Ontario and other fac- tors mean the province risks los- ing its place as the leader of the Canadian economy, he says. Since the process of building a nuclear power station, for example, takes many years, Mr. Marceau says the time to begin acting is right away. He says the impact on society as we know it in as little as 20 years would be profound if new supplies of power are not brought online before the problem becomes a cri- sis. “Quality of life will go down,” he says. “A lot of companies will move out and a lot of companies won’t locate in Ontario. Ontario could lose its automotive industry.” Mr. Marceau says the problem is exacerbated because the histori- cal reliance on fossil fuels cannot continue forever, predicting their demise in 100 years or less. How they will be replaced is an open book at this point. Pickering plugged into energy alliance ✦ See DSEA, Page 4 ✦ See Repairs, Page 4 A/P PAGE 2 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 durhamregion.com The Metroland Durham Region Media Group, in partnership with Ontario Power Generation, recently visited Nunavut to learn more about Canada’s newest territory. Today’s installment is the last of a summer-long series by reporter Mike Ruta and photographer Walter Passarella retelling the stories they’ve heard and the things they’ve seen. By Mike Ruta Staff Writer IQALUIT — Niall Stocking almost didn’t make it out of Iqaluit. The Uxbridge youth made such a good impression when he billeted with a local family that the mom wanted to adopt him — by force, if necessary. “He’s mine now,” Pat Angnakak joked at a farewell dinner held to thank the residents who took in 15 Durham soccer players, aged 14 to 17, in town for a May soccer tourna- ment. “It’s been really a lot of fun,” she says. “They see things differently from us. We take it for granted. For example, the question here might be, ‘how old were you when your parents got married’?” That question might offend in the south, and isn’t usually asked as it’s customary for couples to get married and then start a fam- ily. Not so in the north, says Ms. Angnakak, where couples more often live together common-law for a time, even have a child or more, and then perhaps decide to get married. Sunderland resident Justin Emer- son, who billeted with the Okpik family, was asked the question by their son Keith. “Before I was born!” an incredulous Justin responded. Kathy Okpik says her son and Justin got along well and plan to keep in touch. In fact, Keith might make a trip to visit this summer. As in other billet homes, she received gifts from Justin, including pure maple syrup, de- scribing him as “polite and well-mannered. “It was great to find out how much they have in common. They’re both into sports, playing games, staying up late.” Keith says they spent a lot of their time hanging out and watching movies. For his part, Justin was surprised Keith knew so much English, as he expected conversation to be more difficult. The students’ highlight will likely be a three-hour trip by snowmobile, with Inuit guides, out of town, across the frozen Koojes- se Inlet and onto the hilly, snow-covered rocky shoreline. The students rode in sleds, qamatiks, pulled by the snow machines. At the lunch stop, they had an opportunity to take a short spin on a snowmobile and crazy carpet down a big hill. After bagged sand- wich lunches were produced, the guides surprised by bringing out a leg of caribou, raw and frozen, for the students to sample. Several gave it a try. The day was sunny and the mood light, with the senior Durham boys’ team coach, Nixon Bernardino, espe- cially buoyant out on the land, experiencing the real north. “It’s great,” Ajax student Mike Harrison said. “So far this part has been the best, going on the land trip, riding snowmobiles is great and all the mountains and the scen- ery.” Mike said he was surprised at how many white people there are in Iqaluit. And the weather wasn’t as bad as he expected. “I thought it would be much colder, -20 C and stuff,” he said. “It’s only the wind chill that’s bad.” Mike said he could see himself living in the north, if only to give it a try, and that he enjoyed the soccer tournament. The students, on a junior and senior Dur- ham team for the tourney, had barely ar- rived in Iqaluit when it was game time. Five Iqaluit squads, two junior and three senior, opposed them. Three hours after touching down, the juniors cruised to a win in their opening game at Inuksuk High School. They would go on to win gold two days later. The seniors had a tougher trip to the finals, punctuated by an exciting contest against a fast and talented Iqaluit team in a very noisy gym full of fans cheering for the home squad. Down and apparently out late in the championship game, trailing 6-2, the Durham squad launched a remarkable comeback, tying the game with a minute or two left, only to lose on penalty kicks in overtime. At Jason Fleming’s billet house one night, buffalo was a menu surprise. “We pretty much have had the food I would get at home, bacon and eggs, but ac- tually we had a bison roast the other night,” the Pickering student said. “They told us it was roast beef and afterwards they told us it was bison. It was good.” He was having a great time but said while he would visit, he couldn’t see himself living in Iqaluit. “I don’t like the cold too much,” Jason said. “Plus, it’s a small town.” Niall, dubbed ‘farm boy’ by his team- mates, said the cold didn’t bother him much because he was used to it, living on a farm near Zephyr. He even fearlessly bit into a slice of the raw caribou the guides provid- ed. “It’s a good experience; it’s a lot differ- ent from Ontario, Pickering, Ajax, Uxbridge, around there,” he said. “All this. No trees. Lots of snow still. It’d be interesting to live up here for a couple of years just to get used to it. It’d be fun. I’d definitely do it. newsdurhamregion.com searchkeyword:nunavut2005 PHOTOS: Top from left, teenage boys from the north, Keith Okpak, and the south, Michael Harrison, say goodbye in ‘teen’ language. Visi- tors from Durham Region, Daniel O’Connor and Justin Hawken, try out the Arctic game, the ‘head pull’. In the first match-up between Iqaluit and Pickering under-16 teams, Iqaluit’s Chris Lloyd aims a kick on goal which Ajax- Pickering’s Jason Fleming tries to stop. Above, Jason Fleming had a chance to take a snow- mobile for a loop. Walter Passarella/This Week photos Fr iendship PA RT 8: DURHAM TEENS EXPERIENCE IT ALL, FROM BISON TO QAMATIKS Walter Passarella/ News Advertiser photos durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 PAGE 3 P Tuesday, August 30th Thomas the Tank Engine™ Two live 30 minute shows at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm at Centre Court. Don’t miss Thomas the Tank Engine™in his all-new live show featuring Sir Topham Hatt and the Station Master. Come early to get your Thomas photo courtesty of HP (starting at 10:00 am). Thomas the Tank Engine Tour Sponsors: Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends™ A BRITT ALLCROFT Company Production Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W Awdry © 2005 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. A HIT Entertainment Company. Produced by: Antione from SCARBOROUGH ™ TMPresented by Golf & Country Club 2665 Brock Rd. N (South of Taunton) 905-683-3822 Play Seaton Golf Club in 2006 Tournament & Membership Specials for the 2006 GOLF SEASON Purchase your 2006 Membership by September 19, 2005 & play the balance of the 2005 Season FREE Book your 2006 Golf Tournament early to receive special offers SEPTEMBER GOLF & CART SPECIALS Monday - Thursday Golf & Cart $47.00/person Weekends & Holidays Golf & Cart $59.00/person, til 2pm Not valid with Tournament Bookings or any coupons Seaton Golf Club 905-683-3822 4 for 2 Green Fees Purc hase 2 green fees at full price & receive 2 free. Valid M onday-Friday. Not valid with any other specials, coupons or twilight rates. Expires Oct. 31/05 Seaton Golf Club 905-683-3822 4 for 2 Green Fees Purchase 2 green fees at full price & receive 2 free. Valid M onday-Friday. Not valid with any other specials, coupons or twilight rates. Expires Oct. 31/05 Jason Liebregts/ News Advertiser photo Juggling jokes DURHAM – Comic juggler Craig Douglas was the main attraction at the Autism Soci- ety of Ontario - Durham chapter’s recent annual barbecue. It was held at the Green- wood Conservation Area. No complaints for expulsion policy Local school board has positive response to Safe Schools Act By Crystal Crimi Staff Writer DURHAM — While the To- ronto District School Board deals with complaints over its implementation of the Safe Schools Act, Durham is a differ- ent matter altogether. Trustee Susan Shetler, the Durham District School Board’s vice-chairwoman, said she is not aware of any complaints made against the board for its implementation of the Safe Schools Act, which requires mandatory expulsions for weapons, assault, drugs and other major offenses. Complaints have not been re- ceived at the board level either, said Wendy Parke, the Durham District School Board’s acting communications manager. The Durham Catholic District School Board said no officials were available to comment. “Our experience has been good,” said Trustee Shetler. “If there were any issues, I’m sure I’d be aware of them.” The Human Rights Commis- sion recently launched com- plaints against the Toronto Dis- trict School Board and Ministry of Education, saying the act has an unbalanced impact on racial and disabled students. Ms. Shetler said Durham par- ents have been happy with the Safe Schools Act, but said To- ronto has different concerns. “Where they are, they have a lot of diversity issues,” she said. “I’m not surprised if there was anything happening, it would be in the Toronto board be- cause of the diversity.” Although there have been complaints made from people at other boards, it’s unknown if the Human Rights Commission has received any for Durham. “The problem is when com- plaints are filed, they are con- fidential,” said Afroze Edwards, senior communications officer for the commission. The commission discovered the complaints through consul- tation meetings held over the last few years. Issues brought up included racial profiling and unfairness against those with disabilities and unable to control their be- haviour. For Durham’s public board, exceptions are made for spe- cial-needs students who do not have the ability to control their actions. The board also has a ‘Return Ticket Program,’ which gives ex- pelled students an opportunity to re-enter school and includes academic and counselling pro- ponents. Ms. Shetler said safety has al- ways been a top priority for the Durham board and following the Safe Schools Act was a nat- ural evolution. She added the board has a safe schools com- mittee, which meets quarterly and audits and revises policies, among other functions. The Ministry of Education is holding public hearings across the province this fall about the act. A/P PAGE 4 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 durhamregion.com IT’S SINGING SO BAD, WE’LL PAY YOU TO LISTEN! $70,000 in Cash Available to be Won. Every Sunday to Thursday, from August 28th to September 29th, five lucky hot seat winners will have a chance to win each day. Winners will view a pre-recorded DVD revealing a CASH PRIZE between $100 and $1000. 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Among the founding members in the group are Dur- ham Region, along with Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, W hitby, Ajax, Ontario Power Gen- eration and Enbridge. Regional Chairman Roger An- derson said the DSEA can be of help to residents and businesses in Durham and the whole province. “In Durham Region, like every- where else, energy is a challenge,” he said. “But for Durham Region I think it’s an opportunity for us. We have a great opportunity here. We have two energy-producing plants on each end of the region.” Doug Lindeblom, the Region’s director of economic develop- ment and tourism, likened the ef- fort to increase the public’s energy awareness to the blue box recy- cling campaign. Twenty years ago it never existed, he said, but today virtually every home regularly puts out a box of recyclables. He says the idea for the DSEA came about after representatives from the Region, local municipali- ties and UOIT kept seeing each other as they worked on individual projects and programs. “Everybody kept bumping into each other and what we realized is everybody was trying to accom- plish the same thing,” he said. Owen Schneider, manager of business development with En- bridge, in an interview agreed a mix of energy alternatives, includ- ing natural gas and nuclear power, will make up the capacity of the future. Enbridge became involved in the DSEA because it has been a part of life in the region since its inception, he said. “We feel that natural gas will serve a very important part of the future in Durham,” he said. For more information on the DSEA, visit www.dsea.ca or call 1-877-338-3360. “I’m happy it’s a balanced bud- get, that we’re increasing staff to be with students more, I also like the fact we’re having smaller class- room sizes... and that we’re increas- ing funding for special needs,” said Trustee Baxter. Trustee Crawford, the board’s finance committee chairman, was also pleased with some of the bud- get’s elements. “I liked the fact we have more money for facility main- tenance be- cause I’ve been very concerned about it for a number of years,” said Trustee Crawford. Mainte- nance proj- ects for the coming year include a $90,000 parking lot turn-loop extension for Beaverton Public School, $450,000 for a parking lot replacement at Pickering High School, and $180,000 for Dr. F.J. Donevan. Anderson CVI and R.S. McLaughlin CVI each get $1.3 mil- lion in science lab upgrades. “I voted against it mainly be- cause of the process,” said Trustee Crawford. The two trustees agreed they wanted more time to review the budget. Although it’s usually ready by spring, a draft budget wasn’t pre- sented until Aug. 18 because of de- lays in provincial funding figures. Trustee Crawford said providing more time to review the budget once it was presented in draft is up to the board. “The trustees are satisfied with it and if we wanted more time or something else in it, (staff) would accommodate it,” said Trustee Crawford. Trustee Susan Shetler was among those who supported the budget. She said although it doesn’t provide much wiggle room, she’s happy it includes more teachers and focus on student achievement. “I think this is really a good-news budget,” said Trustee Shetler. Of the new staff provided, 158 are for elementary schools, 125.2 for secondary schools, and 14.1 other employees, such as custodial cleaners, were also added. ✦ DSEA from page 1 Roger Anderson DSEA will assist energy initiatives for Durham Paul Crawford ‘I liked the fact we have more money for facility management.’ PAUL CRAWFORD Re pairs on the way for Pickering High parking lot ✦ Repairs from page 1 Jason Liebregts/ News Advertiser photo Members of the private and public sectors came together to launch the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance. Clockwise from bottom left, Jacquie McInnes, Ontario Power Generation, Suzanne McCrimmin, Clarington Board of Trade, Doug Lindeblom, Region of Durham, Bev Oda, Durham MP, David Clark, Veridian Corporation, Craig Oldman, Siemens Cana- da, and Richard Marceau, University of Ontario Institute of Technology. durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 PAGE 5 A/P fall sessions EDGESEDGESthree locations edges to learn skate PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT THREE LOCATIONS Director, Janice Cook, Member of the Coaching Association of Canada (Level 3 Certifi ed) Member of Skate Canada, Children and Adult Skating Programs in Durham Region for the past 8 years For More Information Call 905.831.1271 Visit us at our website for program information, start dates, times and to download a copy of our registration form Register Early as classes fi ll up very quickly www.edgeslearntoskate.com 10 Week Programs Available for Fall Sessions Ten Levels of Instruction from Introductory to Advanced Parent & Tot (2-5) Preschoolers (2-5) Learn to Skate (4-16) Adult Learn to Skate Learn to Figure Skate (Recreational) Hockey Skating Skills Development Art Thompson Arena, Pickering Ajax Community Centre, Ajax Luther Vipond Arena, Brooklin Coaching Committed to Excellence But companies say shopping around for best deal is safe By Carly Foster Staff Writer DURHAM — Laura Feeney thought she was being a smart con- sumer. The Durham Region resident wanted to sell her existing house, pay off some debts and use the left- over funds to purchase a new home for her family. She and her husband went to the bank and got a quote for a mortgage. Thinking a better deal could be found elsewhere, the Feeney’s enlisted the help of a mortgage broker. That’s when things got out of control. “If you sign for one bureau, and they send it out to three, how would you feel?” Ms. Feeney said. “It’s sup- posed to be one bureau, one signa- ture.” The broker, the Feeney’s say, was allowed to speak with one financial institution, which in turn would do a credit check. Instead, at least three hits showed up on the couple’s credit history. Ms. Feeney says these unau- thorized checks, during the sum- mer and fall of 2004, knocked the Feeney’s otherwise average credit score down to the point they had to get two separate mortgages -- one worth more than $18,000 that the lender now wants paid in Novem- ber. The Feeney’s case begs an im- portant question: can one be pun- ished for being a smart consumer and shopping around for a good deal on credit and interest rates? The two sides of the issue are sharply divided. “If it’s something you would actu- ally shop for, the scoring algorithm knows how to recognize that,” said Rick Clearly, president of Equifax Canada, one of the largest credit record keeping companies in North America. If, in a 30-day period, a consum- er speaks with four banks about a mortgage, or three dealerships about purchasing a car, only one credit check would be logged on a person’s account, Mr. Cleary said. But if you’re actually applying for credit -- filling out eight different applications for a credit card, hop- ing one comes through, for example -- these inquiries are all reflected on your history, and can affect your score. “Some people think that’s wrong,” Mr. Cleary said. “But our studies empirically show” that that type of behaviour is an indicator of risk. Dan Barnabic, president of the Consumer Federation of Canada (CFC), is fighting for better regula- tion of consumer credit reports and the institutions that access them. “Everything is left up to Equi- fax and TransUnion...to determine and sort out the actual applications for credit from updates and follow- ups,” he said, referring to checks banks can do that do not affect your score. “This has grave consequenc- es and loss to consumers.” Each application for credit knocks your credit score down five to seven points, he said. Mr. Barnabic and the CFC are particularly irate with unauthorized credit checks, like what happened with the Feeney’s. “A ny issuance of a credit report must be accompanied by a signa- ture,” he said. “I find scores of peo- ple in banks, lending agencies who do not know this.” And it raises questions about who exactly can phone up a credit his- tory company such as Equifax and access your information. Mr. Cleary said lenders must be members of Equifax, and as such are governed by credit laws -- such as making sure the lenders have signatures be- fore accessing a file. “We handle millions of transac- tions a month,” he said. “We’re not required by the law to police that.” Mr. Barnabic points to a March 2004 admission by Equifax that around 1,400 customer credit files were accessed by criminals posing as lenders. He wants all credit grantors to be licensed, and has a provincial private member’s bill about to have third reading that would prevent the lowering of credit scores if a consumer applies for credit. But Mr. Cleary maintains that in- stitutions checking your credit his- tory is only 10 per cent of person’s overall credit score and risk. Paying your bills on time, how you use your credit (if you have a $50,000 line of credit and are using $49,000, for example) and the total amount of credit available to you are all impor- tant factors. And many people do not realize that past credit problems -- such as declaring bankruptcy or having collection agencies after you -- stay on your credit file for six years, he added. What this comes down to is a lesson for people to be proactive and do their homework, said San- dra Sherk, executive director of the non-profit Credit Counselling Ser- vices of Durham. Visit www.equifax.ca for more information on credit scores and to learn how you can get a copy of your credit report. Visit the Consumer Federation of Canada at www.con- sumerfederationcanada.ca. Applying for credit can be risky business DURHAM — A new group for trades professionals launches next week. Trustworthy Trades is open to any trades professional in Dur- ham. In addition to providing a forum for networking, its purpose is to help tradespeople with the managerial and marketing side of the business. For those who want to learn more, launch night is Aug. 30 at the McLean Community Centre, Community Room No. 3, at 95 Ma- gill Dr. in Ajax. An hors d’oeuvres buffet table opens at 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. A raffle will be held to end the night, with all proceeds going to The Children’s Wish Foundation. As seating is limited, RSVP by calling 905-626-1734 or e-mailing launch@trustworthytrades.com. Tr a des group ready to get started this week ‘We’re not required by law to police that.’ DAN BARNABIC P PAGE 6 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 durhamregion.com EDITORIAL LETTER TO THE EDITOR Make sure you have proper booster seat They may take great care to make sure their children are safe in virtually all environments, but the statistics say parents, in about four out of five cases, fail miserably when it comes to the proper installation of child car safety seats. And that can prove fatal for a precious loved one in a car accident. In addition, children who are not physically mature enough to sit in seats which are designed for adults, can be placed in harm’s way in the event of a collision. That’s the reason why a new provincial bill, to take effect Thursday, Sept. 1, requires all parents and caregivers to make sure any child under 80 pounds and/or under 4-foot-9 is properly secured in a vehicle booster seat. Just as seatbelts save lives, so too do car booster seats. But they require proper installation if they are to work effectively in an accident. The Durham Regional Police Service holds a monthly car safety seat check. At these events -- there is one today, Sun- day, Aug. 28 at Fraser Ford, at Thornton and Hwy. 2, Oshawa; the next one is set for Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at Royal Woods Ford, 3260 Hwy. 7, Pickering -- proper child safety seat installation is shown to parents and caregivers. Those who show up with improperly installed seats will not be charged. However, they will be given the proper informa- tion which could be critical should they get into an accident while a child is a passenger in their vehicle. Under the new law, there will be a $110 fine and offenders will get two demerit points if a child smaller than the mini- mum as outlined the regulations is stopped in a car and not in a proper booster seat. Booster seats are widely available in the region at major retailers. Make sure you purchase a seat that is appropriate for the size of your child. In addition, the Province will be removing the PST on booster seats which range in price from $30 to as much as $160 for high-end models. Remember, it takes more than just a “Baby on Board” sign to assure your child’s safety. Krosno ‘expressway’ the real concern To the editor: Re: ‘It’s Liverpool raceway’, letter to the editor, Aug. 17. I have no idea how long you have been sitting on this letter or if the person that submitted it has even been down Liv- erpool Road lately, but there is a stop sign at Liverpool and Krosno Boulevard that has been in place for at least the last 10 years. Obviously the person doesn’t stop at it or they would have seen it. Hello. I am more concerned with the continuous use of Krosno as an expressway. There is more speeders on it than on Hwy. 401. Cars pass each other all the time. There is a stop sign at Fanshaw Place that very few seem to stop at, including the ones who should be setting the example, the police. If the law enforcers would like to sit in my driveway with an unmarked car, I would like to offer an open invitation. I’m sure that the revenue obtained from this would exceed the expense. Barry Axford Pickering NEWS ADVERTISER Metroland Durham Region Media Group Tim Whittaker, Publisher Joanne Burghardt, Editor-in-Chief To ny Doyle, Managing Editor Duncan Fletcher, Director of Advertising Andrea McFater, Retail Advertising Manager Eddie Kolodziejcak, Classified Advertising Abe Fakhourie, Distribution Manager Lillian Hook, Office Manager Cheryl Haines, Composing Manager Janice O’Neil, Composing Manager [ Contact us ]-- News/Sales 905-683-5110; Clas- sifieds 905-683-0707; Distribution 905-683-5117; News Fax 905-683- 0386; General Fax 905-683-7363; E-mail tdoyle@durhamregion.com; Mailing Address; 130 Commercial Ave., Ajax, Ont. L1S 2H5 [ About Us ]-- The News Advertiser is one of the Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing group of newspapers. The News Advertiser is a member of the Ajax & Pickering Board of Tr ade, Ontario Community Newspa- per Assoc., Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc., and the Cana- dian Circulations Audit Board. Also a member of the Ontario Press Council, 2 Carlton St., Suite 1706, To r onto, M5B 1J3, an independent organization that addresses reader complaints about member news- papers.The publisher reserves the right to classify or refuse any adver- tisement. Credit for advertisement limited to space price error occu- pies. Editorial and Advertising con- tent of the News Advertiser is copy- righted. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. Publications Mail Sales Agreement Number 1332791. [ Letters Policy ]-- We w elcome letters that include name, city of residence and phone numbers for verification. Writers are generally limited to 200 words and one submission in 30 days. We decline announcements, poetry, open letters, consumer complaints, congratulations and thank you notes. The editor reserves the right to edit copy for length, style and clarity. Opinions expressed by letter writers are not necessarily those of the News Advertiser. Due to the vol- ume of letters, not all will be printed. Fax: 905-683-0386; e-mail: tdoyle@ durhamregion.com. The newspaper contacts only those whose submis- sions have been chosen for publica- tion. Corporate funds for schools should be welcomed By allowing corporations to pro- vide funding, some schools have been accused of moving toward privatization. But if businesses want to take some of the burden off taxpayers and provide the textbooks and materials some students are currently deprived of, why not let them? According to recent news, a report from the Elementary Teachers’ Federa- tion of Ontario (ETFO) showed 12 per cent of Ontario’s elementary schools and 28 per cent of secondary schools take advantage of corporate funds. Michael Barrett, Durham District School Board’s chairman, said in an in- terview he personally does not support such close partnerships with business- es. He said schools should be equalizers and by starting down that path, some could offer students more than others. In To ronto, parents line up to get their child in an out-of-district school, Mr. Barrett said, and he doesn’t want that to happen in Durham. It’s certainly easy to understand where Mr. Barrett is coming from -- if one school offers state-of-the-art facilities and another is falling apart, of course it’s in a student’s best interest to attend the better one. But some would disagree Durham schools are on a level playing field right now anyway. A new school could have a state-of-the-art science lab, for instance, while an older one is in massive need of repair. By handling corporate funding prop- erly, it could be the best thing to happen to school boards, students, and taxpay- ers in a long time. If a major business wants to provide books or computer upgrades, it would free up money for school boards to spend on facility im- provements. Businesses could actually become the equalizer for students. But no matter how big the cheque on the table is, some educators will still insist on protecting youngsters from big business marketing. Some teachers argue large corpora- tions want access to kids to turn them into customers for life. Marketing is already in schools -- on T-shirts, shoes, binder stickers, even inside lockers. By fighting it, the only thing educators are doing is depriving students from better and more school supplies and improved facilities spon- sored by business. Kids are surrounded by marketing almost everywhere they go. It’s pointless to sacrifice good money to keep some of it out of schools. Crystal Crimi’s column ap- pears every third Sunday. E-mail ccrimi@durhamregion.com. If businesses want to pay, let them Crystal Crimi staff writer EDITORIALS & OPINIONS infodurhamregion.com durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 PAGE 7 A/P Limit time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active (Between dusk and dawn) Cover up and wear light-colored clothing Use insect repellent Report dead crows, bluejays or raptors to the durham region health department online at www.region.durham.on.ca or by calling 1-800-841-2729 ext. 3232 VA RADERO CUBA RIU Turquesa(4★) 7 nights • Nov 27, Dec 4, Dec 11 /05 All Inclusive • Hotel Room $1,119 OR $93 /month Sunquest Vacations Pickering Town Centre (905) 420-7600 CRUISE * 'Equal monthly installments' and 'Pay Later' offers are valid only when purchased on the Sears Card, on approved credit, and through Sears Travel with participating suppliers from August 13 to December 24, 2005. All applicable taxes plus a $55 deferral/installment billing fee will be charged to your Sears Card Account at time of booking. Payment options and exclusive offers valid on new bookings only. In the event you must cancel, the cancellation penalties as published in the participat- ing tour operators and/or cruise lines brochures/flyers will be charged to your Sears Card Account on the cancellation date. Unless otherwise stated, optional financing programs do not qualify for Sears Club Points. Prices are valid at time of print- ing, are subject to availability and may change at time of booking. Payment options and plan details may be changed or discontinued at any time without notice. Local departure taxes are not included. All taxes and government fees are as indicated.**Cruise rates are Cruise Only in CAD$ per person based on double occupancy, capacity controlled, valid on new individual bookings only. Package rates shown are per person based on double occupancy, include all Early Booking Bonuses, and are based on the designated departure gateway. 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PAY LATER. * $77/month Holiday House CruiseEscapes & Celebrity Cruises BERMUDA New Jersey Roundtrip Zenith • 7 nights • October 1 /05 Cat. Z • Inside Stateroom • Cruise Only $918 OR + taxes & fees = $329 $81/month Holiday House CruiseEscapes, NCL America HAWAII Honolulu Roundtrip Norwegian Wind • 10 nights October 5 /05 • Cat. N Inside Stateroom • Cruise Only $976 OR + taxes & fees = $309 ** ** DEPARTURES FROM TORONTO durhamregion.com Just one more way to get your news thanks to your friends at the Metroland Durham Region Media Group Computers, Internet causing rise in cases By Carly Foster Staff Writer DURHAM — If they get their hands on your identification, soon your bank account, credit cards, cheques and even your house are in jeopardy. Identity fraud is in Durham, and it’s growing, a panel of experts told a crowd of 100 at the Pickering library Tuesday night. Even the police are struggling with a crime that is becoming more prevalent each year. “We’re certainly not experts,” said Durham police Detective Constable Paul Hallett of the major fraud unit. “These people come up with new ways all the time, and it’s hard to stay ahead.” Det. Hallett spoke of the many ways people try to gather invaluable personal information, including picking through mail -- sometimes stealing junk mail and cheques right out of mailboxes -- unauthorized credit checks, calling or e-mailing to trick you into handing over information. This last technique, called phishing, is so tricky criminals will set up fake bank websites or pretend to be a bank representative over the phone to get someone’s name, personal identifica- tion number (PIN) and account infor- mation, Det. Hallett said. “Your bank will never call and ask you for that, so don’t ever give it out over the phone,” he said. “No one will ever ask for it over the Internet, either.” The scary part is that identity theft itself is not a crime, Det. Hallett added. It’s only when criminals use your infor- mation for a fraudulent purpose that they’re breaking the law. And the bad guys are doing just that. Ta ke the case of the Browns, an el- derly couple who are a client of Brian McMurter’s, a real estate lawyer in Whitby. The Browns went on vacation, only to return and find their second house -- rented to a very nice tenant -- had been sold. That very nice tenant had a friend who knew how to get fake ID in Mr. Brown’s name. The pair used unsus- pecting lawyers to sell the house to each other, pocketing the profits, and skipping town, Mr. McMurter said. “It’s a serious problem,” Mr. McMurt- er said. “And it’s gotten more prevalent with computers. The ability to make fake ID has become easier with com- puters.” Three years ago, mortgage fraud claims made up only two per cent of First Canadian Title’s business. The mortgage insurance company’s fraud claims now encompass 36 per cent of its caseload, said Connie Bird, senior account manager for Toronto and west Durham. “It doesn’t guarantee someone can’t steal your (home),” she said of title insurance. “What it does guarantee is somebody to remedy it.” Luckily, the Browns had title insur- ance. First Canadian was able to buy out the mortgage and go to court on the Brown’s behalf and get their house back. The most frustrating part for vic- tims of identity theft is that they are guilty until they prove themselves in- nocent, Det. Hallett said. For more information on fraud, visit the Durham Regional Police website at www.drps.ca under Safety Tips. Information on title insurance can be found at www.firstcanadiantitle.com. ID fraud can lead to major financial headaches P revent your ID from being stolen • Store personal ID documents (birth certificates, SIN cards, passports) and other legal documents such as mort- gages and wills in a safe place. A safety deposit or locked box is preferable. • Cancel any credit cards you are no longer using. Get a letter from the lender saying the account has been closed. • Shred old personal documents you no longer need. • Review account statements carefully each month and report oddities im- mediately. • Make sure computers are safe by using firewalls and only using online banking/shopping sites that are en- crypted and secure. • Don’t give out personal information over the phone, by e-mail or from let- ters in the mail. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Source: Detective Constable Paul Hal- lett, Durham Regional Police P PAGE 8 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 durhamregion.com Carrier of The Week If you did not receive your News Advertiser/flyers OR you are interested in a paper route call Circulation at (905) 683-5117. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 7:30 Sat. 9 - 4:30, Sun. 10 - 1 Remember, all inserts, including those on glossy paper, can be recycled with the rest of your newspaper through your blue box Recycling program. For information on delivering your advertising flyers, call DUNCAN FLETCHER at 683-5110. IN TODAY’S News Advertiser ADVERTISING FLYERS Sunday, August 28, 2005 News Advertiser * Little Caesars Ajax * Ajax Marketplace Ajax * The Bay Ajax/Pick. * Sunwin Chinese Pick. * Glendale Marketplace Pick. * Westney Guardian Drugs Ajax * News Advertiser Flyer Pick. * Durham Business Times Ajax/Pick. * Curves Pick. * Durham Catholic School Board Ajax/Pick. * Home at Ease Ajax * DSG Electronics Direct Ajax/Pick. * Delivered to selected households only Ajax and Pickering locations Ajax 10 Cinemas 248 Kingston Rd. East Lauren Sunday’s carrier of the week is Lauren . She enjoys soccer & volleyball. She will receive a dinner & movie voucher compliments of McDonald’s & Cineplex Odeon Ajax. Congratulations Lauren for being our Carrier of the Week. Your Carrier will be around to collect an optional delivery charge of $ 6.00 between August 10 - August 14/05 Y OUR TOMORROW STARTS HERE DURHAM COLLEGE CONTINUING EDUCATION COLLEGE Flexible learning online Online courses allow you the flexibility to learn from the comfort of your home or anywhere else. Sign up now! Choose from over 400 courses offered, including: Accounting Business Computers Dreamweaver Early Childhood Education Educational Assistant French General Taxation Human Resources Planning Photoshop QuickBooks Tips/Tricks for iMac Visit www.durhamcollege.ca/online for a complete list of courses, and registration options. Contact us at distance-education@durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.3111 ext. 2667. To receive a copy of our calendar call 905.721.3052 LIFE DOESN’T ALWAYS WAIT UNTIL PAYDAY! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • PAYDAY LOANS • TITLE LOANS • NO CREDIT NECESSARY • BORROW UP TO 50% OF YOUR PAY Ajax 11 Hardwood Ave. S., 905-426-2331 Pickering First Pickering Place #14-1550 Kingston Rd. 905-831-0874 Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space Office & Yard: 25 Langstaff Rd. E. Thornhill Yonge & Hwy. 7/407 Manufacturing Plant at: 12350 Keele St., Maple Call Today! 416-222-2424 or 905-886-5787 • Pick Up/Delivery Fax: 905-886-5795 • Interlocking Stone • Masonry Products • Accessories • Retaining Walls • Aggregates • Bulk/Bag Road Salt A Wide Selection of Natural Stone Precast Concrete Products Visit One of Canada's Largest Outdoor Displays www.beavervalleystone.com Your one stop shop for Pond and Waterfall Kits and accessories. Quality Landscaping Products for the Contractor and Do-it-yourselfer NEWS ADVERTISER Do you have some news to share with our readers? We’d love to hear about it. Please send it to news editor David Stell at dstell@ durhamregion. com NEWS ADVERTISER Merle Robillard/ News Advertiser photo Sing ’n swing PICKERING — Sylvie Devost and Mike Van Pinxteren of ‘Swing and a Miss’, belted out some soulful tunes dur- ing the Treble in the Park concert series at the Esplanade Park in Pickering. The free concert series, by the City of Pickering, featuring local talent wraps up Sunday, Aug. 28 with ‘Sweet Harmony’ at 2 p.m. Just one more way to get your news thanks to your friends at the NEWS ADVERTISER Harvest dinner and dance at WindReach DURHAM — WindReach Farm is holding its an- nual Autumn Harvest dinner and barn dance on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 5:30 p.m. Held in the century-old barn at WindReach, the dinner and dance will feature music by Brian Rose and his ten-piece orchestra. It will include a silent auction, with proceeds going to support WindReach’s therapeutic riding program. WindReach Farm is a 105-acre fully accessible farm designed to provide people with special needs the opportunity to spend a day in the country. Tickets for the Autumn Harvest are $50 each and available by calling WindReach at 905-655-5827. WindReach Farm is at 312 Townline Rd. durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 PAGE 9 A/P Behind the scenes in the school reveals a teacher’s preparation By Crystal Crimi Staff Writer DURHAM — In a school deserted by stu- dents, a brightly lit classroom spills radio pop tunes into an empty hallway soon to be filled with excited kids. Although school may be the last thing some students are thinking about, inside the brightly lit classroom teacher Jennifer Ellis is preparing for the fresh faces of five and six year olds soon to fill the stacked desks and chairs. “Today I need to clear off all the shelves and put things back where they belong,” said Mrs. Ellis in mid-August while working in her Grade 1 classroom at Pierre E. Trudeau Public School. Her routine is currently being carried out in similar classrooms across Durham Region. “Today is mainly just a fur- niture moving day, I just want to set things up so they look ready.” To help her prepare, Mrs. Ellis brought her nine-year-old daughter Rachel for jobs such as sharpening pencils and sorting crayons. Before the first day on Sept. 6, Mrs. Ellis has to prepare books, draw lines in journals, photocopy material, label bins, sort through books and more to ensure everything is ready for the youngsters. In her 16 years as a teacher, Mrs. Ellis has taught many different grades and enjoys watching Grade 1 students grow. “They come in at the start of the year and sometimes they cry,” she said. “At the end of the year, they come in and give you a big hug.” Even though there’s still time before school starts, Mrs. Ellis already has her first day of classes planned. Wearing a school shirt, she’ll arrive around 7:45 a.m. to make sure everything is ready and likely attend a staff meeting. At about 8:20 a.m., she’ll go outside and introduce herself to parents and students. When it’s time for class, she’ll line students up, bring them in, take them to the coat rack and explain how it works. While she does, the students will likely be very in- tense, some will hold hands and others may cry, said Mrs. Ellis. Inside the classroom decorated with cater- pillar numbers and ABCs, the kids will play name games, sing songs, make construction paper hats, read books and have snack time. After they go for a tour of the school, Mrs. Ellis will talk with them about what they saw and answer their questions. Students will get recess and lunch breaks. “I’ll likely have to tie a lot of shoes that day,” she said. Mrs. Ellis said she tries to make the kids comfortable by creating routines and rep- etition. They’ll have regular spots for coats, shoes and lunches, and daily activities such as the ‘Star of the Day’ and weather song. And while the first day of school is an anxious experience for students, it is for Mrs. Ellis as well. “I always say to them, ‘you’re really ner- vous, well so am I’,” she said. “We’re in this together.” ‘We’re in this together’ children Celia Klemenz/ News Advertiser photo PICKERING — Grade 2/3 teacher Anna Palantzas at E.B. Phin Public School in Pickering decorates her homeroom door in preparation for the new school year. ‘They come in at the start of the year and sometimes they cry. At the end of the year, they come in and give you a big hug.’ JENNIFER ELLIS Make the trip to school a safe one Experts offer tips for getting there DURHAM — Before kids get to class, they have to get to school safely. Whether on a bus or walking to school, here are some suggestions from the Durham Catholic District School Board to help ensure a safe arrival: ON THE BUS • arrive five minutes early and stand in a safe place • use guardrails when getting on or off the bus • stay quiet and keep seated to prevent the driver from being dis- tracted • don’t eat on the bus to reduce the possibility of choking • don’t bring large items such as skis, toboggans, and hockey bags, which could prevent safe passage in aisles or occupy a seat WA LKING • always watch out for cars • choose a safe route with the few- est and safest streets to cross • use sidewalks and paths or walk as far away from traffic as possible • when crossing at mid block, make sure no cars are coming and continuously look for traffic • if crossing between parked cars, check if they’re running or if any- one is in them, then look left, right, left before going • at an intersection, obey traffic signals and lights, and make sure it’s safe to cross by looking to see if any cars are coming Pedestrian advice comes from the ‘Walking School Bus’ program, promoted by the Catholic school board. A.J. Groen/ News Advertiser photo Jennifer Ellis, a Grade 1 teacher at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Public School works on getting her classroom ready for the start of school on Sept. 6. Countdown is on towards a new school year A/P PAGE 10 THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 durhamregion.com WorkforceWorkforce CAREER FAIR & JOB EXPO The solution for your hiring problems. Find the right people for the job! Wednesday, September 21, 2005 TOSCA Banquet Hall, 800 Champlain Ave., Oshawa Public Welcome 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Register Your Company, Call Today! Free Parking - Free Admission Sunday, September 18, 2005 Special Newspaper Publication PRESENTS Oshawa • Whitby • Clarington Tel : 905-576-9335 or 905-683-0707 Toronto: (416) 798-7259 Fax: 905-579-4218 As soon as you have confirmed your space, your businessAs soon as you have confirmed your space,your business name will automatically appear on all promos.name will automaticallyappearonallpromos. durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, AUGUST 28, 2005 PAGE 11 A/P 3TATE &ARM ®