Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
NA2006_12_13
LIGHTING UP PICKERING AJ Groen/ News Advertiser photo PICKERING — The City of Pickering held a tree-lighting ceremony at City Hall last week. Performing in the council cham- bers was The Pickering Concert Band and flutists Louise Gough (left) and Cindy Qualtrough. Long-time volunteer still gets excited about making people aware of their environment By Danielle Milley Staff Writer PICKERING — The Pickering Natu- ralists’ former president is being hon- oured for raising awareness about the natural environment. Doug Lockrey, who stepped down as president in the spring, will be pre- sented with the Pickering Naturalist Conservation Award at its Dec. 14. He said he isn’t quite sure of what he’s done to deserve the honour, but his list of nature and environment-re- lated work is extensive. Mr. Lockrey served as president of the Pickering Naturalists for about seven years before stepping down in the spring to make way for “new blood,” as he put it. He co-ordinates the annual Raptor Watch in Whitby’s Cranberry Marsh, where nearly 100 volunteers identify several different varieties of hawks that travel through the area. He is also involved with the Altona Forest Stewardship group. “This year the obvious person who has done a lot of work for conservation is Doug Lockrey,” said Steve LaForest, the group’s current president. He said the most obvious contribu- tion Mr. Lockrey has made has been with the Raptor Watch, which he’s been co-ordinating for about eight years. “He’s really done a phenomenal job of having a core of volunteers,” he said. But, he said, Mr. Lockrey isn’t just an avid bird watcher. While out bird- ing he will point out interesting plants or flowers along the way. “The thing that always catches peo- ple off guard is Doug’s wide range of knowledge,” Mr. LaForest said. Mr. Lockrey said he’s always had an interest in observing the natural world, but it wasn’t until university that his interest expanded. “I just love making people aware of the environment, whether it is the lakeshore or the woods,” he said. As a high school teacher, he was interested in the course work, but also used to take students on nature excur- sions on the weekend. He walked the entire Bruce Trail with one group, doing 15 kilometre- sections each trip out. He now leads groups through bird- ing tours in Pickering and on walks along the trails of the Altona Forest, which he helped establish. “While walking along trails with them I’m always pointing out features of the environment,” he said. The Pickering Naturalists meet at 7:30 p.m. in the O’Brien Rooms of the Pickering Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Rd. 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 INCOME TAX PERSONAL INCOME TAX RETURNS (905) 426-4860 We specialize in PRIOR YEAR RETURNS 1995-2005 Our office is open year round ! 100 Westney Rd S (Ajax Go Station) All-Canadian Tax Service TAXES NOT FILED YET? The Pickering 44 PAGES ✦ Metroland Durham Region Media Group ✦ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2006 ✦ Optional delivery $6 / Newsstand $1 A new Hawg This is no ordinary Harley Davidson Wheels pullout New York bound Lightning teammates obtain scholarships Page B1 [ Briefly ] Public asked to report dead birds DURHAM — The Province is taking part in a national project involving dead wild birds and needs those in the commu- nity to report any they may see. The initia- tive will help Ontario address the threat of avian influenza. Canada is monitoring the many strains of avian influenza that are naturally present in wild birds and one way this is tracked is through the collection and test- ing of dead birds. This process is only successful if there is a significant level of public partici- pation and awareness. Call the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at 1- 866-673-4781 if you notice dead wild birds, particularly waterfowl such as ducks and geese or significant numbers of dead birds in one location. Seniors’ bus pass to increase DURHAM — As of Jan. 1 seniors will have to pay more to take Durham Region Tr ansit. The senior cash fare will go to $1.50 from $1.25 while a monthly pass will increase by $10, to $35 from $25. A senior 10-ride card is rising to $15 from $12.50 and an access monthly pass to $35 from $25. All other Durham Region Transit (DRT) fare rates remain unchanged. DRT will honour old senior 10-ride cards with a 25-cent cash top up from Jan. 1, 2007 to Jan. 31, 2007 on DRT buses. The top-up is not available on GO Transit buses. From Feb. 1 until April 30, customers may ex- change senior 10-ride cards with cash top. [ What’s on ] Holiday fun at Windreach Farm DURHAM — Celebrate ‘Christmas on the Farm’ at Windreach Farm this holi- day season. On Dec. 17, bring friends and the whole family to visit the farm animals, go on a cozy hayride and participate in crafts and other seasonal surprises. Refresh- ments and light snacks are available at a cost. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the farm, 312 Townline Rd., Ashburn. Log onto www.windreach.org for more infor- mation. [ Index ] Editorial Page, A6 Sports, B1 Entertainment, B5 Classified, B7 [ Call us] General: 905 683 5110 Distribution: 905 683 5117 General Fax: 905 683 7363 Newsroom Fax: 905 683 0386 Pressrun 49,900 durhamregion.com By Erin Hatfield Staff Writer DURHAM — A bill introduced in the Ontario Legislative Assembly Monday could see the election of the Durham Regional chairperson no later than the next municipal election. Oshawa MPP, Jerry Ouellette, intro- duced it on Dec. 12. Other municipalities in Ontario, including Sudbury and Ottawa, have moved to the direct election of their regional chairperson, noted the MPP, and Mr. Ouellette said it is time Dur- ham did the same. “I want to make sure that individual is directly accountable to the electing population,” Mr. Ouellette said. Also, he said David Caplan, the Min- ister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, voiced his support of the legislation. It is crucial, he said, to move forward in electing, what he calls, “one of the most powerful positions in Durham Region.” This is the reintroduction of a bill Mr. Ouellette presented in the 1990s. He reintroduced it based on the results of the referendum question asked in three Durham municipalities in the recent municipal election. The residents of Ajax, Pickering and Oshawa voted 86 per cent in favour of asking the Province to require that the Durham chairperson be elected by a general vote. Regional council, in a tight 14-13 vote last February, decided not put the question to a region-wide referendum. Mr. Ouellette said he waited to see the results of the referendum in the three municipalities before reintroducing the legislation. MPP wants Region to elect chairperson ✦ See Ajax, Page A2 ‘I want to make sure that individual is directly accountable to the elect- ing people’ YES Jerry Ouellette ‘Regional council dealt with it and their position is fairly clear...’ NO Roger Anderson Ajax and Pickering families robbed of holiday displays PICKERING — Unless plastic rein- deer can fly, a Pickering family’s Santa display was stolen. An animated inflatable reindeer and Santa, hard plastic Santa sleigh and reindeer, and spiral, lighted Christmas trees were among the decorations sto- len Thursday between midnight and 5 a.m. from 1580 Kingston Rd., unit 2. “I’m not angry, I’m disappointed,” said Denise Isaac, who each year likes to create a big outdoor Christmas dis- play for her children. When she woke up on Dec. 7 and looked out the window to check the weather, she saw her display was gone. “They took all my extension cords and light bulbs and everything,” said Ms. Isaac, who only put out this year’s display a couple of weeks ago. Also missing is another inflatable Santa and a Santa wire frame with lights. “They left all the older, cheaper stuff,” said Ms. Isaac. Since the display’s disappearance, she has removed the rest of her deco- rations from outside as well. She said at a time of year when people are supposed to be caring and giving, it’s unfortunate some people would steal a Christmas display. She explained to her youngest son that sometimes there are unhappy people who try to make others un- happy. Ms. Isaac said she moved to the ad- dress 16 years ago and has never had anyone steal or vandalize her display before. Now, she plans on keeping her decorations inside. You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch ✦ See Police, Page A2 Lockrey honoured for dedication to environment by Pickering Naturalists “And I wanted to hear the opening statements by the Regional chairman to see if it was addressed,” he said. When he heard nothing about direct election during Regional Chairman Roger Anderson’s speech, he said he felt it necessary to bring the proposed legislation forward. The bill passed first reading and will now be printed and distributed among the assembly members. The legislature will discuss it at a later date. “We need the support of the current government to move it forward,” Mr. Ouellette said. However, Mr. Anderson said the legislation has not changed his position on the matter. “My position is that of Regional Council,” he said. “Regional council dealt with it and their position is fairly clear, and that is the position I take.” He said Mr. Ouellette did not consult with Regional council about the pro- posed legislation. Council has never passed a motion supporting the direct election of the Regional chairperson. But, Ajax Mayor Steve Parish plans to bring the issue before council again. He said the introduction of Mr. Ouellette’s bill might change his ap- proach and the wording of the motion he brings to council. “I am very pleased that Jerry Ouel- lette has taken it up as something he wants to bring forward,” Mayor Parish said. “He knows, as an astute politi- cian, that this is something that his constituents very much want. I would hope people like Wayne Arthurs (MPP for Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge), on the government’s side, would be very vocal in supporting it as well.” Mr. Ouellette, a Tory, is not a govern- ment member and Mayor Parish said if the government doesn’t take it on or allow it to proceed it might not go anywhere. Council support would add fuel to the bill, he said. “I think certainly if there was a reso- lution from Regional Council that sup- ported the bill that would clear the way for the government,” Mayor Parish said. “I would think that would be a signif- icant event that would give this private member’s bill the impetus it needed to pass in the legislature.” Monday–Friday 11am–5pm October 16–November 17 $6.25only 1/2 Price Lunch Buffet PortPerry,ON•905-985-4888•1-888-29-HERON www.greatblueheroncasino.com 535slots•60TableGames Must be 19 years of age or older. License # C000014 BAAGWATING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Know your limit, play within it!The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline 1-888-230-3505 WANT A BETTER BEHAVED DOG? • Any Dog, Any Age, Any Problem • Dog Friendly Methods that are Easy to learn • Guaranteed for the Life of Your Dog Cindy Ford Behaviour Therapist & Trainer Email: cindy@barkbusters.ca 1-866-418-4584 Website: www.barkbusters.ca HOME DOG TRAINING ™Who ya gonna call To adopt one of these pets contact the Humane Society of Durham Region CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY SSERVICEERVICE Humane SocietyHumane Society of Durham Regionof Durham Region “FIND A NEW BEST FRIEND” 905 433-2022 REG’D CHARITY #132562984RR0001 Serving all of Durham Region 199 Waterloo St. #2 Oshawa, Ontario L1H 3W9 www.humanedurham.com Wentworth St. E. Waterloo St. Hwy 401 Nelson St.Ritson Rd. S.Si m c o e S t . S .OSHAWA & DISTRICT HUMANE SOCIETY The Staff at The News Advertiser would like to thank the businesses who helped support this feature. Have a happy holiday season and please support the Humane Society of Durham! ADVERTISING FEATURE Gus is a 4 year old lab/staffordshire terrier cross male. He loves to cuddle and play and is very affectionate. He just wants attention. Rainbow is a young calico who likes to play rough. She is full of energy and is probably a bit much for little kids. Sitka is a 2 year old husky male. He needs some- one to spend lots of time with him and who can take him for very long walks. He is a sweet tem- pered dog who likes cats. He needs lots of love. Jasmine is an older girl. She is very affectionate and purrs constantly. She is a tortoiseshell short hair and is spayed and declawed. Bayshore Division - Guiders and youth members,Bayshore Division - Guiders and youth members, proudly support the Humane Society of Durham Region.proudly support the Humane Society of Durham Region. Adopt a pet or make a donation!Adopt a pet or make a donation! 905-839-5263905-839-5263 GuidesGuides CanadaCanada Bayshore DivisionBayshore Division Wishing you and yours a Joyous Holiday Season and a Healthy 2007 Pickering Baby Shower Sunday, February 11, 2007 Pickering Recreation Complex Doors Open at 1p.m. • Exciting door prizes • Gift Bags • Special Displays Every Baby Shower Includes: For your FREE invitation or for exhibitor information please call formerly Churchill Heights Baptist Church 7601 Sheppard Avenue East (at Morningside) Tel: 416-281-4138 www.morningstarfellowship.ca Saturday, December 16th at 7:00pm Sunday, December 17th at 3:00pm & 7:00pm FREE Admission. All Welcome. Nursery Facilities Available. Presents A Christmas Tale We wish you and your family a... Merry Christmas! Ajax-PickeringAjax-Pickering Conservative Party andConservative Party and Progressive Conservative PartyProgressive Conservative Party ChristmasChristmas Open HouseOpen House Date: Saturday December 16, 2006Date: Saturday December 16, 2006 Location: Pickering Recreation ComplexLocation: Pickering Recreation Complex Time: 1PM to 4PMTime: 1PM to 4PM Everyone is welcome. Admission is free.Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. PAGE A2 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006P Hey kids! SANTA CLAUS IS ON durhamregion. com! Jolly Old Saint Nick is a busy man these days, but was able to sit down and answer 10 ques- tions from our reporter. In ad- dition, he agreed to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on camera. Here’s how to see Santa: • Visit durhamregion.com • Click on video (under multimedia on top bar) • Click on video to play or • visit videodurhamregion.com • click on video to play Some of her friends wanted to get together some money to replace the display, but Ms. Isaac said she doesn’t want it stolen again. She’s hopeful that whoever stole the items, or knows who stole them, will return them to her lawn during the night. In Ajax, Jill LeBlanc knows how Ms. Isaac feels. “When I woke up Sunday morning, everything had been stripped from my house,” said Ms. LeBlanc, of 26 Pearce Dr. Ms. LeBlanc’s inflatable Grinch, snowman, panda with baby, and Christmas carousel were stolen, as well as her lighted presents, 25 arti- ficial poinsettias, and other decora- tions - even her homemade hanging baskets. All that was left were a dozen outdoor candy canes marked 94 cents each. “I got stripped clean, you wouldn’t even realize how beautiful my house was,” said Ms. LeBlanc. “It’s a crying shame; my neighbours are all upset.” She said her newspaper carrier even tried to give her $40 to help re- build the display. Her sister also bought her a new carousel, but she doesn’t know if she’s going to put it outside. Ms. LeBlanc said she’s afraid someone will steal it again. “I can’t believe people would stoop so low at Christmas time,” she said. Ms. LeBlanc added her neighbour got home around 4 a.m. Sunday and saw someone standing in her drive- way with his car open nearby, but they thought it was her son. Since the robbery, Ms. LeBlanc has driven through various neighbour- hoods and parks looking for any trace of her decorations. She also intends to go to the flea market and see if they’re being sold there. Ms. LeBlanc said she’s talked to other people in the area and they’ve also had decorations stolen. “It sounds like an operation,” she said. During her more than 20 years of living in Ajax and putting up her Christmas display, she has never had any problem with vandalism or theft. Durham Regional Police Sergeant Paul McCurbin said every year the department gets calls from people reporting damaged or stolen decora- tions. In the last two weeks, the police’s regional reporting centre has received 100 complaints about Christmas dec- orations. “We’re disappointed with the num- ber of thefts being reported to us,” said Sgt. McCurbin. He added he is unable to say how the number compares to last year, prior to the centre’s implementation, and when each office kept track of its own amount. Sgt. McCurbin asked neighbours to keep their eyes open for people steal- ing decorations, and for victims to report their stolen Christmas items. Ajax mayor wants government MPPs to support Ouellette’s bill ✦ Ajax from page A1 Police ‘disappointed’ in number of complaints about decorations ✦ Police from page A1 NEWS ADVERTISER 905-683-5110 Watch for us Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for all your local news. NEWS ADVERTISER Angel tree has taken on ‘a life of its own’ By Erin Hatfield Staff Writer DURHAM — No limb was bare on the angel’s tree of light, each ornament representing a loved one lost. “These angels are precious trea- sures,” Joan Pearson said. “We call them memories.” At the Bereaved Families of Ontario- Durham Region’s angel tree of light memorial service, Ms. Pearson shared one such memory she holds dear. One Christmas she snuck into her son’s room to kiss him good night. As she crept across the floor she stepped on her daughter’s hair, who awoke with a yelp. That Christmas she learned of a secret pact between her children that had lasted 15 years. Joan’s daughter, Heather Joan Butcher, had since she was little slept in her brother’s room on Christmas eve so they could wait for Santa together. That was the last Christmas Ms. Pearson spent with her daughter. But, Ms. Pearson said she is thankful for that special Christmas memory. “Our tree has taken on a life of it’s own,” Ms. Pearson said. “It is filled with the sights, sounds and fragrances of the memories of our loved ones.” The holidays can bring sadness and grief to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one, but those in at- tendance said the annual memorial service to honour and remember their loved ones really helps. “This is a really hard time of year for people,” said Nancy Raby, the execu- tive director of Bereaved Families of Ontario-Durham Region. “But it seems to kind of help us.” Ms. Raby has been the executive director of the organization for just six weeks, but she has been a member of the group for eight years, following the loss of her 16-year-old daughter, Me- lissa. She said she knows how much a ritual, like the angel’s tree of light, can help a grieving person. “We all have an appreciation and understanding of how each of us feel,” Ms. Raby said. “It is on this night that we remember our loved ones together, knowing that the connection we have with each other is a bond.” More than 500 people filled every seat and lined every wall of the Dur- ham District School Board’s board- room in Whitby for the tree lighting on Nov. 30. The angels, 600 of them, were hand- made out of ribbon and beads by Ria and Ben Nyland in memory of their daughter. Susie Nyland-Davey. “This time of year is difficult, wheth- er it’s your first Christmas enduring the loss of a loved one or one of many,” Tom Easthope said. “But it is possible to get through the holidays.” Mr. Easthope, a well-known local grief educator and author, reminded the people in attendance that they can’t put their grief on hold and grief doesn’t have to be an imposition on the holidays. “We have a lot to be sad for but we have a lot to be grateful for too,” Mr. Easthope said. Aidan, Hayley and Kieran Menard lighted the tree in memory of their big sister, Jordan, and Michael and Jenni- fer Carter read the responsive reading in memory of their brother Paul and sister Julie. D ON’T SLEEP IN...W AKE UP AND SHOP! Saturday, December 16th FREE Shoppers’Survival Kit for the first 250 customers: •Free $10 Pickering Town Centre Gift Card •Free Coffee Voucher •Free Cookie Voucher •Free Bottled Water •Free Gift Wrap Coupon •Free Holiday Shopping Planner Begins at 8:00am at Guest Services. While quantities last. One kit per person. Wear the Sticker to WIN! Get spotted by Secret Santa for your chance to win Pickering Town Centre Gift Cards! Stickers available at Guest Services. Contest runs from 8:00am through noon. Free Photo with Diego One FREE 5”x 7”photo at Santa’s Castle from 8:00am to 9:30am. One photo per customer, while quantities last. © 2006 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Go, Diego, Go!, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. pickeringtowncentre.com BROKEN WINDSHIELD? ■Customize your ride ■Custom upholstery ■Convertible tops ■Car stereo sales & installation ■Remote car starters & securityAUTO GLASS & CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY www.premiereautosalon.com 1010 Brock Road South (Northwest corner at Bayly) 905-831-4290 Serving Durham Since 1985 $300.00 Deductible We Pay Up To based on insurance coverage VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.funbuscanada.com YOUR CASINO TOUR SPECIALISTS! 8 MIDTOWN DR., OSHAWA 905-576-1357 As Always, Please Call For More Details. NO HIDDEN COST GST INCLUDED FALLSVIEW AND CASINO NIAGARA Your Choice... Plus You will receive a $ 20 .00 voucher with Niagara players card EVERY FRIDAY & SUNDAY $23.00 PER PERSON *All persons must be 19 years of age or older with valid Photo I.D. to board coach Departures from Oshawa, Whitby, Pickering & Bowmanville O/B Fun Time Travel Co. Ltd. TICO 50008767 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 10am-8pm • Sat. 10am-6pm • Sun. 12pm-5pm FOR PARTS CALL 1-800-941-4755 • FOR SERVICE CALL 1-866-662-9824 280 Kingston Rd. E., Unit 2 (Ajax Wal-Mart Centre) Corner of Kingston Rd./Salem, Ajax (905)686-9274 Salem Rd.Kingston Rd. E./Hwy. 2 • FINANCING AVAILABLE O.A.C. • NO DOWN PAYMENT! • NO INTEREST! • NO ADMIN FEE! Pre-Boxing Day Sale from Dec. 14 - 17/06. Sunlight and Snuggle mail-n rebate offer is on purchases of any Maytag front load laundry pair and in effect until Dec. 31/06. Don’t wait now save hundreds of dollars on Maytag, Amana and Jenn-air Appliances Wicks Dr.Stainless Steel Tall Tu b Dishwasher • QuietSeries™ 300 sound package • ToughScrub™ Plus option • Three wash arms and five wash cycles • Stainless steel hard food disposer Front Load Laundry Pair WASHER • 3.3 cu. ft. supersize capacity stainless steel wash drum • 9 hour delay wash • 4 water temperature combinations DRYER • 6 cu. ft. dryer drum • IntelliDry sensor • Drum light • 5 temperature settings • 5.3 cu. ft. large oven capacity • Self cleaning oven • 5 gas burners with cast iron grates Gas Range Gas Slide-In Range • 4.5 cu. ft. convection oven capacity • Self-cleaning oven • Deluxe oven controls Electric Slide-In Range • 4.5 cu. ft. convection oven capacity • Self-cleaning oven • Warming zone burner • Triple element • Glass/ceramic smooth top surface Front Load Laundry Pair WASHER • 3.3 cu. ft. supersize capacity stainless steel wash drum • 1000 rpm spin • 5 water wash/rinse temperature selections DRYER • 7.1 cu. ft. dryer drum • IntelliDry sensor • Drum light • 4 temperature settings Electric Smooth Top Range • 5.3 cu. ft. large convection oven capacity • Self-cleaning oven • 8- rack positions ® WE HAVE THE PRODUCTS YOU WANT - BUY NOW AND SAVE HUGE $$$$$ HUGE SELECTION AVA ILABLE THIS WEEKEND ONLY INCREDIBLE SAVINGS SEE OUR PROFESSIONAL SALES ASSOCIATES FOR HELP Smooth Top Electric Range • 5.3 cu. ft. super capacity plus oven • Precision Cooking system with PreciseBake • Five cooktop elements • Smoothtop glass ceramic cooking surface PRE-BOXING DAY SALE!PRE-BOXING DAY SALE!PRE-BOXING DAY SALE!PRE-BOXING DAY SALE!PRE-BOXING DAY SALE! $1,599 Save: $200 $1,349 Save: $260 $2,099 Save: $300 $1,849 Save: $300 $1,449 Save: $200 $1,249 Save: $200 $999 Save: $200 $599 Save: $100 GREA T PACKAGE DEALS PAGE A3 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006 A/P AJ Groen/ News Advertiser photo Inspecting the recruits DURHAM — The Durham Regional Police graduated 20 recruits into the force at a ceremony held at Durham College recently. Chief Vern White conducts the inspection of the newest police officers. Tr ee represents memories of lost loved ones Arrest made in brutal Pickering assault PICKERING — One man has been arrested and another is being sought as police continue their investigation into a vicious assault on a Pickering man last month. Police said a 53-year-old man was beaten with a baseball bat at his home in the Bayly Street-Westshore Boule- vard area Nov. 20 after confronting a person he found in his garage. The male fled the scene but a short time later two men, one of them armed with a baseball bat, returned and attacked the homeowner. A passerby in a vehicle intervened, telling the suspects police had been called; they fled on foot. The victim sustained broken ribs. On Monday police arrested one sus- pect at a Westshore Boulevard resi- dence. William Ivan Downey, 18, of Westshore Boulevard, is charged with break and enter, assault with a weap- on, assault causing bodily harm, pos- session of a dangerous weapon and breach of an undertaking. A second suspect, described as a white male aged 18 to 20, remains at large. Survey finds only 23 per cent of family physicians use electronic medical records By Danielle Milley Staff Writer DURHAM — Health care is going high-tech. While computers and digital imag- ing have been present in the health care industry for quite some time, the newly created Central East Local Health Integration Network (CE LHIN) is making e-health a priority. It is also a provincial priority. Colin Smith of Healthtech gave a presentation on the Central East LHIN’s e-Health Strategic Plan at the LHIN’s first board meeting Dec. 8 in Whitby. The purpose of the plan is to use technology to help achieve the goals in the LHIN’s integrated health services plan. “It’s certainly not driven by a desire to save money and reduce positions,” Mr. Smith said. “It’s about improving safety and quality of care around the LHIN.” To get a picture of the current situ- ation in the LHIN, a survey was con- ducted in June and July. It found hos- pitals already use a lot of automation and technology and therefore are well positioned for standardization to be able to share information and files across the LHIN. They also found com- munity care agencies depend less on technology, which might be because they don’t have the resources, and just 23 per cent of family physicians use electronic medical records. Mr. Smith highlighted the themes they discovered through the survey and consultations, including reducing the need to repeat information when moving between providers; organiza- tions need to be able to share infor- mation electronically; needing a com- mon and integrated view of clinical information across all sectors; and that privacy must be carefully considered at every opportunity. Lewis Hooper is the e-health lead for the Central East LHIN. He explained technology is one tool that can be used to link the various providers within the LHIN together as they work towards integration. He gave an example of a breast cancer patient who had to bring her chart with her to each appoint- ment with different professionals and re-tell her story because the integra- tion wasn’t there. The CE LHIN has several e-health strategies including giving people op- tions to improve self-management (an example would be of giving people the ability to look at their own health re- cord electronically); building the elec- tronic health record across the con- tinuum of care; and standardizing and integrating systems inside and outside the LHIN. The next steps include forming an e-Health Advisory Group, distributing the e-health strategy document within the LHIN for feedback, and tabling the tactical plan with the Central East LHIN board in February. The LHINs are responsible for plan- ning, integrating and funding local health services in 14 different geo- graphic areas of the province. They were created by the Province in the spring. The Central East LHIN covers Scar- borough east to Northumberland and north to Haliburton. It includes all of Durham. PAGE A4 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006P COLOURINGCOLOURING CONTESTCONTEST Dr. Marvin Lean and his staff at Pickering Square Dental Offi ce would like to present this gift in time for Christmas for one lucky child who colours the best picture. Simply colour the picture and drop it off at the offi ce during business hours along with the completed ballot below. WINWIN $50$50 GIFT CERTIFICATEGIFT CERTIFICATE TO ENTER the Pickering Square Dental Children’s Colouring Contest, children colour this picture and parents complete the ballot and deposit in the ballot box at 1450 Kingston Road in Pickering during offi ce hours. Must be dropped off prior to 5 pm December 20, 2006. Only one entry per child. The winner will be chosen December 20, 2006 and notifi ed by phone within 24 hours. Offi ce Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9 am - 9 pm; Wednesday 8 am - 5 pm; Friday 8 am - 3 pm; Saturday 9 am - 2 pm. ENTER TO WIN! $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THE PICKERING TOWN CENTRE Bring to Pickering Square Dental Offi ce to enter Name: ______________________________________ Parents Name: ______________________________ Age: ______ Phone: ________________________ Address: ____________________________________ No purchase necessary. Contest ends December 20, 2006. No facsimiles allowed. Dr. Marvin Lean and his staff at Pickering Square Dental wish you and your family members a sparkling holiday season. SEASON’S GREETINGS WITH BRIGHT SMILESSEASON’S GREETINGS WITH BRIGHT SMILES DR. MARVIN LEAN D.D.S. Family Dentist 905-420-1777 1450 Kingston Road, Suite 4 • (at Valley Farm Road) Pickering Now Open! PICKERING TOWN CENTRE 1355 Kingston Rd. 905-839-5791 (IN FOOD COURT) HUGE MOONLIGHT MADNESS SALE DECEMBER 15 6:00 PM TO 9:30 PM AJ Groen/ News Advertiser photo Candlelight vigil AJAX — Catherine Carney-White, left, the executive director of Herizon House, and Norine Thompson, the program manager, light candles during a vigil in memory of the 14 women killed in the Montreal massacre. Herizon House hosted the outdoor vigil at Rotary Park in honour of all abused women. E-health a priority for health integration network PICKERING — A lone bandit made off with cash Friday after telling work- ers at a Pickering bank he was armed, police said. The bandit entered a CIBC branch on Kingston Road at approximately 3 p.m. and approached a teller, saying he was armed. The suspect demanded money from two tellers before fleeing, police said. It’s believed the man may have fled in a getaway vehicle, possibly a Ford Ta urus, that had been parked nearby, police said. The suspect is a white man, 20 to 30, approximately 6-foot-2 with a moustache. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-579-1520, ext. 5362 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477. Police looking for bandit after robbery at Pickering bank Durham Regional Police released this photo of a man they say robbed a Pickering bank last Friday. The man told tellers he was armed. More large families looking for help By Danielle Milley Staff Writer DURHAM — As people prepare for the holidays with the purchase of party platters and baking ingredients, the St. Paul’s-on-the-Hill Food Bank could use a few items too. The food bank, which serves people in both Ajax and Pickering, is continu- ing to collect following its Thanksgiv- ing food drive in order to serve the needs of the many people who depend on it to feed themselves and their chil- dren. Hundreds of people -- many of them families with young children -- rely on the charity each month. Rae Coulter, the executive director, said the need had been constantly in- creasing, but the number of users has now levelled off, although more of the users are large families. Families are allowed to come twice a month and are given a pre-made box of food, the contents of which varies depending on the size of the family. Ms. Coulter said they are managing fine now, but it is during this time of year that they need to collect food to see them through the next several months. “We have great, kindly people in Ajax and Pickering, very generous,” she said. While the food bank appreciates any items people donate, there are a few things they are particularly in need of. “We’re very short of apple juice,” Ms. Coulter said, adding they are always in need of baby food and snacks for children to take to school. Other needed items include sugar, peanut butter, cereal, canned meat, and canned fruit. They are also look- ing for donations of tea and coffee. If the need exceeds the amount of food collected and they run out of certain staple items during the year, the food bank is forced to use its limited re- sources to buy more. In Pickering, items can be dropped off at any grocery store -- Sobeys, Inde- pendent, Price Chopper, Loblaws and Dominion -- as well as local fire halls. In Ajax, Sobeys and IGA have dona- tion boxes. PAGE A5 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006 A/P NO DIPLOMA? NO PROBLEM! COMPLETE YOUR GRADE 12 OR BE READY FOR A NEW JOB IN JUST 7 WEEKS ADULT DAY SCHOOL 120 Centre St. S., Oshawa TO REGISTER COME TO ONE OF THESE FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS AT THE E.A. LOVELL CENTRE 120 CENTRE ST. S., OSHAWA PARENTS WELCOME Thursday, December 14th 2:00 pm Monday, January 8th 11:00 am Monday, January 8th 2:00 pm • ART • BIOLOGY • CANADIAN HISTORY • CAREER STUDIES • CIVICS • COMPUTERS • ENGLISH • MEDIA STUDIES •MATHEMATICS • PARENTING • PHYSICAL EDUCATION TERM 3 STARTS JANUARY 9th EARN CREDITS IN LAW & SECURITY 2 - 4 credits HOSPITALITY SERVICES 2 - 4 credits BUILDING MAINTENANCE 2 - 4 credits REAL TRAINING FOR REAL JOBS LOOK FOR OUR FLYER IN TODAY’S PAPER A PASSION FOR COMFORT PICKERING TOWN CENTRE • UPPER LEVEL • SEARS WING Sizes 4-15 Widths AA-EEE Genuin Soft Leather, Absolute Comfort We've Got Your Size ¤ 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 Ad vertiser ADVERTISING FLYERS * Delivered to selected households only Ajax 10 Cinemas 248 Kingston Rd. East Ajax and Pickering locations Ryan We dnesday’s carrier of the week is Ryan. He enjoys sports & chilling with friends. He will receive a dinner, pizza and movie voucher compliments of McDonald’s, Boston Pizza and Cineplex Odeon. Congratulations Ryan for being our Carrier of the Week. Wednesday, December 13, 2006 News Advertiser * Black’s Photography Ajax/Pick. * Bonuspak Ajax/Pick. * Cash Store Ajax * Danier Leather Ajax/Pick. * Designer Depot Ajax * Formula Ford Ajax/Pick. * Free Topping Pizza Ajax * Giant Tiger Ajax * Golf Town Ajax/Pick. * Grand & Toy Ajax/Pick. * Henry’s Camera Ajax/Pick. * Home Depot Ajax/Pick. * M appins Jeweller Ajax/Pick. * Mark’s Work W earhouse Ajax/Pick. * National Sports Centre Ajax/Pick. * News Advertiser Flyer Pick. * Onta rio Hyundai Ajax/Pick. * Party Packagers Ajax/Pick. * People’s Jeweller Ajax/Pick. * Real Estate Ajax/Pick. * Redley Investments Corp. Ajax/Pick. * Sears Ajax/Pick. * Sport Chek Ajax/Pick. * Sport Mart Ajax/Pick. * Square Boy Ajax * Staples Business Depot Ajax/Pick. * The Bay Ajax/Pick. * The Shoe Company Ajax/Pick. * W heels Ajax/Pick. Yo ur Carrier will be around to collect an optional delivery charge of $ 6.00 between Dec. 27 - Dec. 31, 2006 COMING SOON “OWASCO INC” BOXING WEEK BLITZBOXING WEEK BLITZ 905-686-6410 www.owasco.com * delivered to select homes Canada’s Perfect Holiday SuperstoreCanada’s Perfect Holiday Superstore Flyer in Today’s Paper! Happen Here! Holidays LOOK FOR PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT FOR PICKERING NUCLEAR 4 For the first nine months of 2006, Pickering Nuclear supplied 15 per cent of the province’s power needs. 4 At Pickering A, Unit 4 supplied 3 terawatt hours to the Ontario grid, an increase of 53 per cent over the same period last year. Energy supply was further increased this year through the restart of Unit 1 last fall. Unit 1 provided an additional 2.8 terawatt hours to the end of September. 4 Pickering B’s output at 10.6 terawatt hours for the first nine months of 2006 was roughly the same as last year’s output. PICKERING NUCLEAR ALSO MAKES ITSELF FELT IN THE COMMUNITY 4 Pickering and Darlington Nuclear employees participated in the Durham Children’s Groundwater Festival, an educational program reaching more than 5,000 local Grade 4 students on the importance of being a responsible environmental steward. 4 Pickering Nuclear sponsored and participated in the Pickering Millennium Square Waterfront Sign Unveiling and the Celebrate Ajax Waterfront Festival. OPG is a committed partner in biodiversity planning in Durham Region. 4 OPG, a member of the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA), participated in the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Green Energy Conference held at the university. DSEA is dedicated to the advancement of energy solutions and initiatives in Durham. Pickering Nuclear Tom Mitchell,Senior Vice President, Pickering B My name is Tom Mitchell, Senior Vice President at OPG’s Pickering B Nuclear station. At Pickering Nuclear, and across OPG, we are committed to reaching and sustaining the highest levels of performance. OPG’s Pickering A, Pickering B, and Darlington Nuclear stations produced about 32 per cent of the electricity used by Ontario for the first nine months of 2006. We are proud of our contribution to serving Ontario’s electricity needs. We are also planning for the future of our nuclear operations at the Pickering and Darlington sites. The Minister of Energy has directed OPG to undertake feasibility studies towards the potential refurbishment of the units at the Pickering B and Darlington nuclear stations. We have launched an environmental assessment and a business case analysis on the potential refurbishment of the four existing units at the Pickering B generating station. OPG was also directed to begin a federal approval process, including an environmental assessment, for new nuclear units at an existing nuclear site. In response, we have applied to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for a site preparation licence for new nuclear reactors at the Darlington site. www.opg.com QUARTERLY UPDATE TO THE COMMUNITY Food bank asking for juice, baby food and other essentials during holiday season ‘We have great, kindly people in Ajax and Pickering...’ RAE COULTER Sudoku 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 PA GE A6 ◆ NEWS ADVERTISER ◆ DECEMBER 13, 2006P EDITORIAL CLICK AND SAY 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 Nothing really changes in politics To the editor: Re: Roger Anderson is back as your Durham chairman, Dec. 8. Roger Anderson has been returned to the overpaid and unelected position of Regional chairman by acclimation. I thought the public made it crystal clear we were not happy with both the incumbent and the fact that this position is ap- pointed by 28 elected officials who undoubtedly are looking towards being appointed to this “golden egg” position. Is the council suffering from amnesia? Isn’t this the same person who was responsible for the $14-million oversight for the parking garage at the newly erected Regional Coun- cil headquarters and who also patted himself on the back for the establishment of the Re- gional Transit system that is costing taxpayers a small for- tune to operate. I guess when all is said and done, nothing really changes in politics. Campaign promises are quickly broken when it comes to the almighty dollar. Next step, salary increases for all which we, the overburdened taxpayers, will have absolutely no say in. I can see why voter turnout is getting worse every year. What’s the use? Nothing really changes. L.G. Brindley Whitby Let teacher remain as trustee To the editor: What is missing from the public debate about Julia Mc- Crea’s successful election to the Durham Region School Board is the role the Oshawa Clerk’s office played in this situation. The nomination forms which the City of Oshawa uses for its public school trustee’s posi- tions uses the word “the” in the question regarding working for a school board instead of “a” which the Education Act uses. By using “the,” the Clerk’s of- fice intimates that a person not working for the Durham Board can be a trustee for Oshawa. This was confirmed when they admitted they must change the wording on the form. Only someone experienced with the Education Act would be ex- pected to know the difference this makes. The use of “a” prohibits thousands of education work- ers from participating fully in the democracy we live under. The voters of Oshawa knew Julia was a teacher when they elected her. Julia also made every attempt to inform the voters of Oshawa of the un- usual situation in which she found herself by including an information package in a local newspaper before the election. I find it very sad that incum- bent Susan Shetler would talk about someone else’s credibil- ity after she just finished voting herself a nice retroactive pay package at the taxpayers’ ex- pense, then have the audacity to call into question the cred- ibility of a person who defeated her. The Minister of Education should immediately remove all clauses in the Education Act which prevent thousands of citizens from participating fully in our democracy and thus enjoy their human rights of citizenship. Richard Cleveland Oshawa [ 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 1332791 [ 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 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 ad- ver tisement. Credit for advertise- ment limited to space price error occupies. Editorial and Advertising content of the News Advertiser is copyrighted. Unauthorized repro- duction 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. CAS must meet its mandate of care It’s fair to say the annual release of the auditor-general’s report results in mixed feelings. There is a sense of satisfaction that the AG has managed to uncover government waste, improper spending and inaction on important issues. But balanced against the discovery of impropri- eties is the anger and outrage that trusted government employees are not doing their jobs and abusing their positions. And, it’s also fair to say that it is disappointing that it requires an audit to whip staffers and departments into shape. But there it is. What is most troubling about Ontario Auditor General Jim Mc- Carter’s recent report to the legislature was the poor performance detected at four of the province’s 53 children’s aid societies. The four audited were located in Toronto, Peel, York and Thunder Bay so it should be understood the Durham CAS was not part of the AG’s process. However, the AG discovered among other items that: • Two CAS executives in Toronto received SUVs costing between $53,000 and $59,000; • That luxury car washes costing $150 were charged by CAS of- ficials; • A CAS caseworker who fell behind on paperwork charged 800 hours of overtime worth $21,000 to catch up; • A CAS executive received a gym membership worth $2,000 and $2,600 for a personal trainer; • Visits to some children who were supposed to be seen within seven days, were, on average, 21 days late. While the excessive perks granted executives who are paid more than $150,000 in salary per year are upsetting, more alarming is the lack of attention paid to keeping track of children in the system. The AG found that the requirement to see a child in care every 90 days were not met in 60 per cent of the cases reviewed. He also indicated that in 73 per cent of cases, comprehensive risk assess- ments were not completed in the time they were supposed to be done: every 180 days. While it’s clear the caseload has increased by 34 per cent over the past five years, it should also be noted that funding to the CAS has doubled, according to the AG. So, it’s not a matter of money. The Province must keep a close eye on how the CAS operates and make sure the funding goes to where it must be spent: on the children who so desperately depend on the CAS to take care of them. submitted photo Thanks for helping others Ajax resident Bahi Krishnakhanthan, right, receives the 2006 Certi- fied Management Accountants (CMA) award from CMA board of governors chairman Howard Johnson recently. She was chosen from among 20,000 CMA members in Ontario for making an outstanding voluntary contribution to benefit others in the community. In addition to a sculpture, Ms. Krishnakhanthan received $1,000 to donate to charities of her choice, most of which are in Durham Region. 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. IN THE COMMUNITY /4& R ecently I got another one of those wake-up calls I sometimes get in this Bedford Falls life of mine. I walked into a public li- brary in Regent Park and no- ticed that they had uniformed library cops. Guys stationed right out there in full view with the jacket, striped pants, the whole nine yards. I couldn’t tell whether or not they were packing. I didn’t see them draw down on anybody: “All right Poindexter! Put your hands in the air and walk away from the thesaurus!” They more than likely didn’t have guns. They’re library cops after all. They’ve probably got rubber stamps in holsters or maybe just big old heavy books that they throw at bad guys. That’s not as dumb as it sounds. I’m reading a copy of War and Peace right now that could drop an elephant. Anyway, I guess they’re there to make sure nobody starts anything. But what kind of trouble do you start in a library? The worst thing I’ve ever seen happen in a library is somebody leaving a booger under a desk. Do they have bad characters coming in off of the street, selling crack in the Children’s section? “There ya go my man. Now you can smoke that in a box, you can smoke that in your sox...” Are there library hookers? I hadn’t even thought of that. ‘Hey Bookworm... lonely? Show me your Harry Potter and I’ll show you where the wilds things are.” Ick. Maybe I’m making too much of it. Maybe these guys just take overdue books really serious- ly? We don’t have a lot of trou- ble in the library of my little town. At worst, we have to deal with irate book club members fighting over the last copy of The Kite Runner or the odd kid trying to sneak a National Geo- graphic into the bathroom. In fact, in my George Bai- ley naiveté, I had always just assumed that a library to a troublemaker was like salt to a leech. Thugs usually walk across the street to avoid the library, afraid someone might open the door as they passed and a gust of warm, literate air might spread some culture on them. Library cops. It shocked me mostly because libraries have always been semi-sacred places to me, places where knowledge and quiet rule over ignorance and noise, places where any- one and everyone, regardless of sex, race, religion or status can go and grow and dream... for free. I can’t think of another institution that offers that kind of a bargain, although Dairy Queen is a close second. So when I see a library in need of security, my hackles go up. I feel like something at the very core of my being is under attack. I get the same feeling when I see metal detectors and closed-circuit cameras in pub- lic schools. I feel like the good guys are losing. Why isn’t it the other way around, I ask myself. Why aren’t the druggies and the thugs and the bullies being forced out of their turf by book- toting, apple-cheeked kids? Why aren’t the hookers and pimps and gang-bangers hold- ing noisy, panicked meetings to figure out what to do about all the readers in their neigh- borhood? The world is upside down. Durham resident Neil Crone, actor-comic-writer, saves some of his best lines for his columns. Fo llow Neil’s BLOG drinfo.ca/croneblog.html. Library cops shake up good, old reader Neil Crone enter laughing This Week’s Question: Should municipal and regional councils have retreats within the Region of Durham? Yes No Cast your vote online at infodurhamregion.com Last Week’s Question: Do you think new Liberal leader Stephane Dion can defeat Conservative Stephen Harper in the next federal election? Votes: 633 Yes: 57.3 % No: 42.8 % !YLIMAFERITNEEHTROFNUFEERFDonations welcomed for our local food bank at all Winterfest Events. Christmas in the CityChristmas in the CityChristmas in the City Free Family Skate in the Arena Free Family Swim in the Pool Crafts and a Family Movie in the Foyer Music, Games, Prizes & Balloon Artists New Year’s Countdown & MUCH MORE! 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Esplanade Park (behind City Hall) Fun Snow Sculpting Contest for children of ALL AGES (Adults too!) Bring your warmest mittens & some sculpting tools. Judging provided by PineRidge Arts Council Its all FREE and YES, THERE ARE PRIZES! SATURDAY DECEMBER 16th NEW YEAR'S EVENEWYEAR'S EVE FA MILY S KATE, SWIMFA MILY S KATE, SWIM & COUNTDOWN&COUNTDOWN NEW YEAR'S EVENEWYEAR'S EVE FA MILY S KATE, SWIMFA MILY S KATE, SWIM & COUNTDOWN&COUNTDOWN Pickering Recreation Complex Sunday, December 31, 2006 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 905.420.2222 cityofpickering.com 24 Hour Access 905.420.4660 City of Pickering Holiday Operating Hours CIVIC COMPLEX/CITY HALL 905.420.2222 December 22 – 8:30 am - 12 noon December 25 & 26 – CLOSED December 29 – 8:30 am - 12 noon January 1 – CLOSED RECREATION COMPLEX 905.831.1711 December 24 – 7:00 am - 12 noon December 25 & 26 – CLOSED December 31 – 7:00 am - 5:00 pm . . . . . . . . 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm New Year's Eve Event January 1 – CLOSED RECREATION COMPLEX POOL 905.683.6582 December 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, Jan. 2 – 6:00 am - 11:00 pm December 24, 25, 26, Jan. 1 – CLOSED December 31 – 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm . . . . . . . . . .7:00 pm - 9:00 pm New Year's Eve Free Swim January 1 – CLOSED DUNBARTON POOL 905.831.1260 December 22 – January 3 inclusive – CLOSED RECREATION COMPLEX ARENA PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE December 27, 28, 29 & Jan. 2 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Horton's Free Skate December 24, 25 & 26 – CLOSED December 31 – 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm . . . . . . . . New Year's Eve Free Family Skate January 1 – CLOSED PICKERING MUSEUM VILLAGE 905.683.8401 CLOSED PICKERING PUBLIC LIBRARIES 905.831.6265 CENTRAL BRANCH & PETTICOAT CREEK December 25, 26 – CLOSED January 1 – CLOSED CLAREMONT, GREENWOOD, WHITEVALE Contact branch for Holiday Hours DURHAM REGION TRANSIT 905.683.4111 AUTHORITY – WEST December 24 Regular Sunday service - no service after 8:00 pm Specialized Services - 8:00 am to 10:00 pm December 25 No service Specialized Services - 8:00 am to 10:00 pm December 26 Regular Sunday service Specialized Services - 8:00 am to 10:00 pm December 31 Regular Sunday service with extra evening service until 2:00 am New Year's Day Specialized Services - 8:00 am to 10:00 pm January 1 Regular Sunday service Specialized Services - 8:00 am to 10:00 pm EMERGENCY SERVICES City of Pickering Emergency Telephone Number 905.683.4319 ATTEND PUBLIC MEETINGS AT CITY HALL All meetings are open to the public. For meeting details call 905.420.2222 or visit our website. DATE MEETING TIME Jan. 08 Executive Committee 7:30 pm Jan. 15 Management Forum 1:30 pm Jan. 15 Council Meeting 7:30 pm Jan. 18 Statutory Information Meeting 7:00 pm Jan. 24 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Jan. 24 Committee of Adjustment 7:00 pm Aquafit Pickering Rec. Complex FREE with a Food Bank Donation December 18 – 22 Call 905.683.6582 for more information CULTURE & RECREATION DIVISION The City of Pickering is hiring Camp Staff for 2007 March Break and Summer Camps MARCH BREAK CAMP MARCH 12th – 16th SUMMER CAMP JULY 3rd – AUGUST 31st Camp staff will be required to plan, organize and implement specific activities & special events for the 2007 March Break and Summer Camp Programs. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for employment for camp positions: •At the time of the interview, candidates must be enrolled in a secondary, post-secondary, or other educational program and be returning to school in a full-time capacity next year. •Age of 16 by March 12, 2007 to work at March Break Camp. •Age of 16 by July 3, 2007 to work at Summer Camp. •Current certification in Standard First Aid (issued within 2 years) and Basic Rescuer CPR – C (issued within 1 year) at the time of the interview will be considered. •A Criminal Reference check is a condition of employment. • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays as required. * Primary residency in the City of Pickering * Visit our website for important information regarding specific qualifications, required experience and mandatory training sessions. Positions: Camp Counsellor Museum Camp Counsellor (Summer) Camp Counsellor, Special Needs Assistant Camp Director Camp Director Museum Camp Director (Summer) Coordinator, Special Needs & Volunteers (Summer) Museum Guide/Receptionist (Summer & Fall) New applicants for March Break Camp must bring a Program Plan and be prepared to discuss and present it at the time of interview. New applicants for SUMMER CAMP will be required to attend an Interview Screening Workshop on Saturday, March 24, 2007. Qualified applicants selected for further consideration will be required to prepare and present a Program Plan to be presented to a group of their peers (approximately 10 minutes). Job Interviews will then be conducted with successful candidates of this process. cityofpickering.com choose City Hall, employment MUNICIPAL PROPERTY & ENGINEERING DIVISION The City of Pickering is also hiring Student Labourers for Summer 2007 TERM OF EMPLOYMENT IS FROM APRIL 30th – AUGUST 24th Will be responsible for performing maintenance duties in City owned parklands and property. Typical duties include cutting grass, assisting in the planting of flowerbeds, shrub beds, trees and inventory maintenance and assisting with maintenance and repairs of City owned buildings. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria for employment as a Student Labourer: •At the time of the interview, must be enrolled in a secondary, post-secondary, or other educational program and be returning to school in a full-time capacity next year. * Primary residency in the City of Pickering * •A valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and be prepared to provide a Driver’s Abstract. ALL POSITIONS * Non-residents of Pickering will be considered if there are no suitable candidates from within the City. Note: You can print off the Employment Application or apply directly online. To be considered for a position, please submit your application no later than Monday, January 15, 2007. Please reference the specific position you wish to be considered for directly on the application. If you wish to be considered for multiple positions, please indicate so on your cover letter or press ctrl and click on each position for which you are applying on the online application form at cityofpickering.com. For Student Labourer positions, preference will be given to applicants with related experience and/or Horticulture or Forestry related education. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER AT SCHOOL IF YOU ARE OUT OF TOWN. Pickering Museum Village Memberships The perfect holiday gift for that special someone For details call 905.683.8401 Leisure Programs A Great Holiday Gift! Register NOW!Register NOW!Register NOW! City Services &City Services & Leisure GuideLeisure Guide REGISTER ONLINE!!! Wednesday, December 13th Mayor's Light Tour Adults 55+ tour the festive streets of Pickering and then enjoy refreshments at the Pickering Recreation Complex. See website for bus information. Thursday, December 14th Make a Joyful Noise Music Night Council Chambers, City Hall Welcome the holidays at Make a Joyful Noise Community Music Night. Come see remarkable school choirs & solo performances in an evening that is sure to inspire the spirit of the season. 7 pm to 9 pm Saturday, December 16th Family Story Time Pickering Central Library Children ages 2 to 6 come cozy up to a fl urry of books about snow! 1 pm Wednesday, December 27th to Friday, December 29th & Tuesday, January 2nd Tim Horton's Free Skate Pickering Recreation Complex Arena Family skating sponsored by Tim Horton's 1 pm to 3 pm Monday, January 1st Mayor's New Year's Day Levee Family day to meet and greet your Mayor & Members of Council 2 pm to 4 pm cityofpickering.com/greatevents 905.420.4660 ext. 2064 CANADIAN PROGRESS CLUB DURHAM REGION WOMEN Sponsored By: cityofpickering.com/greatevents Last Year’s Prize was an XBox 360 ... Can you guess what it will be this year? Mayor’s New Year’s DayNewYear’sDayLevee Mayor David Ryan and the Members of Council of the City of Pickering request the pleasure of your company Monday, January 1, 2007 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Pickering City Hall One The Esplanade Entertainment and Refreshments for the Family Plus your chance to Win a Fantastic Grand Prize! PAGE A7 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006 P SPOTLIGHT on BUSINESSSPOTLIGHT on BUSINESS ADVERTISING FEATURE FORMICA • WILSONART • ARBORITE • NEVAMAR LAMINATE Post Form CountertopsLAMINATE Post Form Countertops 370 MONARCH AVE. UNIT 17 AJAX 905-619-0905 Wood and Corian Edge Tops Over 500 countertop colours available Many styles to choose from Premoule cutting station Premoule Thermo doors Installation and Plumbing services COME IN AND VISIT OUR SHOWROOMCOME IN AND VISIT OUR SHOWROOM COUNTERTOP KING Robert Kavanagh 416-414-6815 robert.kavanagh@rbc.com For very competitive rates, valuable advice on terms and mortgage options. Home or offi ce appointments 24/7 what ever is convenient for you! If you have a business you would like to ShowcaseIf you have a business you would like to Showcase and tell your story in a FREE Editorialand tell your story in a FREE Editorial Contact Michael Briggs at 905-683-5110 ext. 238Contact Michael Briggs at 905-683-5110 ext. 238 Beauty-Full Spa & Weight Loss Treatment Centre 931 Liverpool Rd. (Just South of Bayly) Tues.-Fri. 10am to 8pm • Sat. 9am to 6pm • Closed Sunday & Monday 905-420-0020 info@beautyfullspa.ca For a complete listing of services visit www.beautyfullspa.ca L aser Hair RemovalLaser Hair Removal Cooling System for Pain Free TreatmentsCooling System for Pain Free Treatments SAVE 50%SAVE 50%on your 1on your 1stst Underarms treatment Underarms treatment *Some conditions apply. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Offer expires Dec. 2/06. Other laser treatments include:Other laser treatments include: PhotorejuvenationPhotorejuvenation HyperpigmentationHyperpigmentation Spider VeinsSpider Veins Acne PhotoclearanceAcne Photoclearance Lowest prices in Durham - Guaranteed!Lowest prices in Durham - Guaranteed! Now onlyNow only $62.50$62.50** 2006 Diamond 'OLD 905-427-7000 http://rprice.dundeewealth.com Stop in and see why our offi ce was Diamond Winners in Mortgage, Financial and Investment Planning services. RICHARD S. PRICE, EPC RRSP, RESP, TAX PLANNING, INSURANCE, GICs Senior Financial Advisor Insurance products provided through Dundee Insurance Agency Ltd NOW AT OUR NEW LOCATION 2006Diamond The McKay House 244 Kingston Rd. E. Ajax, ON L1Z 1G1 The Parts. The Pros. The Price. 1095 Kingston Rd., Pickering (at Dixie, between Whites & Liverpool) Tel: 905-420-1332 • www.partsource.ca Great Selection for PARTS . Your SOURCE for service & knowledge. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 2006Gold FINE FOOD & FINE ALES Lion & Drag on Pub Lion & Dragon Pub 1163 Kingston Rd., Pickering 905-420-3624 EVERYDAY All you can eat WINGS $9.49 All you can eat BEEF RIBS $9.49 All you can eat TENDERLOIN STEAK $14.99 Remodelling your kitchen or bathroom is a great way of improving the appearance, function and value of your home. It is a proven fact that kitchen and bath renovations give the homeowner a better “return on investment” than almost all other types of home renovations. When it comes to custom countertops, the experienced team at Countertop King is capable of doing projects as simple as supplying the replacement countertops for a renovation right up to complete fabrication from the client’s design and installation for a new home or commercial application. Your countertop can be a one-of-a- kind design to fi t your specifi c needs. Countertop King offers a large choice of edge profi les, materials, colours and fi nishes to complement any decoration theme you’ve chosen. Specializing in post form laminate countertops, Countertop King provides you with economical, functional and longwearing options for your remodel. Choose from brands such as Formica, Pionite, WilsonArt, Arborite and Nevamar. Designs can include durable solid surface front edges (made from solid polyester or acrylic) that can even look and feel like natural stone, The logical choice by reputation but cost less. Other options can include solid surface rings used to “under- mount” a sink in a laminate countertop. Standard sized granite tops for vanities are available, plus cabinet hardware. Countertop King is also your exclusive Mr. Marble dealer in Ajax for top of the line one-piece cast marble, onyx and granite vanity countertops. The staff at Countertop King encourages clients to bring in photos, sample chips and their own ideas when they visit the retail-wholesale showroom. Do-it-yourselfers will get expert advice on measuring and installation, or if you prefer, the experts at Countertop King can do it all, from mitering and joining the corners to adding the side splash, installing the countertop and cutting the sink hole. “There’s nobody else around that specializes in what we do,” says owner Rick Brunatti. “We are the best at what we do.” Countertop King is the supplier of choice with many contractors, building supply centres and homeowners in the GTA. For more information on Countertop King, visit their showroom at 370 Monarch Avenue in Ajax, or call (905) 619-0905. CHELSEA MANOR LUXURY BATH TOWELS 20. 6. 3 PACK Full, Quee n or K ing AL L Polar Fleece PANTS and JACKETS OPEN till CHRISTMAS! PRICES valid for 2 weeks ONLY. TWIN, FULL, QUEEN DESIGNER PREMIUM DENIM PANTS MEN’S AND LADIES REG. $1 4 9 . 0 0 STILL J-LO 100ML 5.00 SPORTS ESSENTIAL SPORTS SOCKS MENS OR LADIES a dozen LADIES POLAR FLEECE SWEATERS 15.003 for 25. 3.99 FROM TO Take a page out of our book. 5IJTZFBSTNPOFZDPNFTXJUIOP TUSJOHTBUUBDIFEBT0UUBXBBOEUIF QSPWJODFTDPOUJOVFUPOFHPUJBUFB GPSNBMGVOEJOHBHSFFNFOU "MUIPVHI .T .D.BOVT XBT QMFBTFE UP TFF UIF -JCFSBMT GPM MPXJOH UISPVHI PO UIFJS FMFDUJPO QSPNJTF TIF JT JOUFSFTUFE UP TFF XIBU UIF CSFBLEPXO PG UIF QSP HSBNJTHPJOHUPMPPLMJLF i*UTKVTUHPJOHUPCFWFSZJNQPS UBOUIPXUIFZTFUJUVQ*UIJOLUIF QBSFOUTOFFEUPIBWFDIPJDF uTIF TBJEi*ESBUIFSTFFJUHJWFOUPQBS FOUTBTBTVQQMFNFOUSBUIFSUIBO EBZDBSFTUIFNTFMWFTu "OHFMB #FMM HFOFSBM NBOBHFS PG:.$"$IJME4FSWJDFT%VSIBN 3FHJPO XBTBMTPQMFBTFEXJUIUIF NPOFZQMFEHFE i*UTBXPOEFSGVMTUBSUBOEJUJT OPXBEESFTTJOHUIFBSFBPGDIJME DBSF UIBU IBT CFFO OFHMFDUFE GPS ZFBST uTIFTBJE i(FUUJOHTPNFUIJOHJTHSFBU5IF QMBOGPSJU BTJUSPMMTPVU XJMMCF IFMQGVMu JGI@E>@J@EK?<8@Ie^# l[^\k \in\cc 5IF1JDLFSJOH -''& iÌÀ>`Ê ÕÀ >Ê,i}Ê i`>ÊÀÕ«& =I@;8P#=<9IL8IP),#)'',& Fgk GIFK<:KFI -FFTMPPLJOH GPSLJMMFST GX^\*' :LCKLI8CIFFKJ)FSJUBHF%BZDFMFCSBUFT EJWFSTJUZPG1JDLFSJOH GX^\* 8KF8J 1JDLFSJOH GPS"KBYX GX^\(* &J\\;Xp#GX^\+ Order any page from our newspapers by calling: Ajax-Pickering: 905-683-5110 Oshawa-Whitby- Clarington: 905-579-4400 Port Perry: 905-985-7383 Uxbridge: 905-852-9141 This Week Uxbridge Times- Journal NEWS ADVERTISER Canadian Statesman BROOKLIN the Citizen Metroland Durham Region Media Group PA GE A8 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006P Stories help provide more understanding By Crystal Crimi Staff Writer DURHAM — John Dick was just a boy when he started to feel depressed. His young life was first interrupted by the death of his mother, then by the “retard” chants of his schoolmates, and again as a teenager when he was molest- ed. Turning to alcohol to numb his feel- ings, Mr. Dick hit rock bottom more than once before ending up at the Whitby Mental Health Centre. There, years later, Mr. Dick recently stood before 150 students and teachers to share his story of battling depression during the Talking About Mental Illness Coalition’s ‘Stomping Out Stigma Sum- mit’. “I think they have taught us we need to make other people aware of what mental illnesses are,” said Catherine Fraser, an Ajax High School student at the event. Catherine said it was shocking to hear how names such as “retard” have hurt people so much and are still used today. The word retard was a big part of Mr. Dick’s downward spiral, and the reason he attended the stigma summit. His problems started when his moth- er was diagnosed with cancer. His father called the school and asked them to keep an eye on him, in case he wasn’t handling it well. “The school made a decision that al- tered me in a way no child should have to experience,” said Mr. Dick, and added it wasn’t out of cruelness, but the system was different then. He was put in a special education portable behind the school and became labelled “a retard from the portables,” as well as pushed around and beaten by other students. Mr. Dick felt he couldn’t burden his father with his problems and kept them to himself. When his mother died, Mr. Dick’s father called the school to tell them, but the wording he used gave the impression she left the family. Taunts from his classmates continued and some said he was the reason his mother left. When he was 14, his sister invited him to a sleepover. Her boyfriend stayed up with him and gave him alcohol. Mr. Dick started opening up about his problems to the boyfriend, and for the first of many occasions was molested by him. “The questions you ask yourself when this happens are a direct reaction of the messages the abuser sends you at that time,” said Mr. Dick. “It’s your fault. Peo- ple will never believe you. You’re gay. Think of what this will do to your family. We w ill both be in trouble. It will destroy your sister. You feel dirty, angry, hope- less, lost, lonely, unworthy and used.” He began abusing alcohol after the first incidence, hiding it along the route to school and in his locker. When he finished high school, he got a job and moved away from home. “I was able to just lock the door and cut off contact with anyone, including my brother-in-law,” said Mr. Dick. But his alcohol problems escalated and he soon became homeless, turning to soup kitchens, and prostituting himself to support his addiction. He ended up in a support program, where he met a woman and soon after got married. But, his shame over the sexual abuse pre- vented him from getting emotional help. He started drinking again and this time, it came at the expense of his job as well as his wife and child. “O ne night, I made a life-changing decision,” said Mr. Dick. In Toronto, he met someone heading to a bar in Os- hawa and tagged along. While there they separated. “I went outside, sat in a stairway and heard this voice, ‘death or prison’,” said Mr. Dick. He found a police officer and asked where the nearest detox centre was. In it, he started to have bad flashbacks and checked into Whitby psychiatric hospital and was in and out of it and various pro- grams over the years. He suffered from depression and post-traumatic stress. A therapist told him something that would change his life. “She took me aside, looked me in the eyes and she said, ‘John, it wasn’t your fault’,” he said. Now he is remarried, has four chil- dren, and is facilitator of the patient council at the Whitby Mental Health Centre. Mr. Dick’s seven-year-old son, Jesse, has a mild mental disability. One day he came off the school bus and asked his dad what a retard was, because kids were calling him names. “I want to stop that from happening to him,” said Mr. Dick during an audience question session. “How am I going to do that, I’m going to do that through this.” Another audience member asked if events such as the summit should be expanded to elementary students. “In a New York minute,” said Mr. Dick. During the summit, students also heard stories from those with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. “Basically, I’ve learned to not pass judgement just because of that mental illness label,” said Jachelle Mortimore, a student from Whitby’s All Saints Catho- lic Secondary School. “People are just people and the labelling is like labelling someone black or white – their personal- ity’s underneath.” Attending the summit made her want to increase awareness in her school about mental health disorders. Catherine said people with mental illness need support from their families and friends and are not just trying to get attention or being lazy. She plans to talk about the summit to ensure other stu- dents know what ignorance can cause. “We really do have to teach people about what mental illness is,” said Cath- erine. She added cancer doesn’t have a stig- ma attached to it and she would like to see the same implemented for mental health issues. submitted photo John Dick shared the story of his battle with depression with Ajax High School students. After25 YEARS, APPR ECIATE IN SOME AU TO MOTIVE classics value. Michael Boyer (second from left), is receiving his Milestone Award from John Bailey – General Director of Sales (left), Arturo S. Elias – President and Managing Director (second from right) and Marc Comeau – VP Sales, Service and Marketing (right). And Michael Boyer is a perfect example. General Motors of Canada congratulated Michael Boyer of Boyer Chevrolet (Alliston) Ltd., Boyer Chevrolet (Lindsay) Ltd., and Michael Boyer Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd. on receiving the 25-year Milestone Award. His hard work and dedication to these dealerships has contributed to the communities of Alliston, Lindsay and Pickering, ON. We wish him future successes with the General Motors Team. COMING SOON “OWASCO INC” BOXING WEEK BLITZBOXING WEEK BLITZ 905-686-6410 www.owasco.com All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes and service and handling charges. Braided photo credit: J.Vetrone. braided PLUS DECEMBER 16, 2006 // GENERAL MOTORS CENTRE CALL 905-433-9494 celebrationonice.ca DECEMBER 16, 2006 // GENERAL MOTORS CENTRE CALL 905-433-9494 celebrationonice.ca Kurt BroWningKurt BroWning celebrate the holidays with celebrate the holidays with braided music by 4 TIME WORLD CHAMPION4 TIME WORLD CHAMPION music by CaseyAshley An d A m b e rCaseyAshley An d A m b e rFirst National TourFirst National Tour You voted for them on Idol VIP SEATING ON ICE* • FAMILY PACK SAVINGS*(*WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)VIP SEATING ON ICE* • FAMILY PACK SAVINGS*(*WHILE SUPPLIES LAST) Last chance to see Celebration On Ice with such skaters as Kurt Browning. Last chance to see Celebration On Ice with such skaters as Kurt Browning. OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST JEFFREY BUTTLE OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST JEFFREY BUTTLE OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLIST JEFFREY BUTTLE PLUSPLUSPLUS Great Seats Still Available! SHAE-LYNN BOURNE, JOZEF SABOVCIK THE AMAZING ACROBATS CANADIAN CHAMPION JOANNIE ROCHETTE VIOLETTA AND PETE DACK, CYNTHIA PHANEUF, SHAWN SAWYER SHAE-LYNN BOURNE, JOZEF SABOVCIK THE AMAZING ACROBATS CANADIAN CHAMPION JOANNIE ROCHETTE VIOLETTA AND PETE DACK, CYNTHIA PHANEUF, SHAWN SAWYER PAGE A9 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006 P Students get together to stomp out stigma of mental illness Metroland Durham Region Media Group SUDOKU Now online at 48 1 7 8 6 7 3 576 1 86 9 5 6 7 687 3 91 4 19 24 durhamregion.com 48 1 7 8 6 7 3 576 1 86 9 5 6 7 687 3 91 4 19 24 PAGE B1 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006 A/P SPORTS sportsdurhamregion.com Sports briefs DECEMBER 13, 2006 [ Basketball ] Top Shelf runs past Burgundy AJAX — Ajax Men’s Basketball League play resumed after an unexpected week off with Top Shelf soundly defeating the Burgundy team 51-36. Bill Manos provided a strong offensive game, scoring 15 points for Top Shelf. Mike Jovanov, Bob Murray and Mike Gordensky had solid supporting roles, scoring 10, 10 and nine, respectively. Sherwin James was the high scorer for Burgundy with 14 points. Allan Gomes added 10. Michael’s Eatery and Dickson Print- ing engaged in the closest match of the evening, with Michael’s handing Dickson its first loss of the season, 51-48. Louis Davis paced the diners with a game-high 20 points and several crucial steals. Big man Don McEachern backed up Davis with eight points and some strong rebounding. Gord Brown had the hot hand for Dickson with 18 points; Roger Young chipped in with nine. In a highly defensive match, ESN Packaging downed North Alliance Press 35-28. Captain Clayton Gall quarterbacked the ESN offence, making several steals and assisting on most of big man David Jackson’s 11 points. Rodney Eskins added 8 points for the packagers. John Beyaz and Claude Feig led NAP, each sinking seven. Durham team eclipses all but two DURHAM — The Durham Eclipse U19 girls’ basketball team made an emphatic start to the 2006-2007 club season with a strong third-place finish in the Dundas Kick Off tournament. The Eclipse roster is comprised primarily of Grade 11 players making their juvenile age group debut in the competitive event. In the bronze medal game against the Hamilton Wildcats, the Eclipse bench went ten deep and delivered an enthusiastic effort. Guards Kate Mowat of Whitby and Marta Kopun and Hailey Swift of Oshawa showed both power and poise at both ends of the floor. Forward Rhea Pascal of Pickering had four straight double-double efforts in the tournament, scoring 16 points against a much bigger Hamilton front line. Forwards Hilary Balaban of Whitby and Alyssa Tantengco of Pickering won most of their positional battles in a series of physical encounters with the Wildcat forwards. Guards Emilie Schilling of Port Perry and Vanessa Joseph of Ajax played with a passion to create solid scoring chances. Grade 10 guard Catherine Nobrega dem- onstrated her ability to efficiently run the Eclipse offence under pressure. This Eclipse team has been as- sembled with an ambitious two-year plan to become one of the top club teams in Ontario. A small but important step was taken toward that goal in Dundas. The Eclipse hosts an elite-level event, the Great Durham Shoot Out, Jan. 19 and 20 in Whitby. [ Hockey ] Panthers, United Wa y hope to score goals, dollars PICKERING — The Pickering Pan- thers hope to score for the United Way at their home game against the Newmarket Hurricanes at the Pickering Recreation Complex on Friday night. The OHA Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League contest is slated for 7:30 p.m. The Panthers will donate proceeds from their 50/50 draw to the United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge, as well as funds from their ‘Chuck-a-Puck’ contest. There are other draws too, including the op- portunity to win a Pan- thers’ jersey with your name on it or to be a ‘Panther for a Day’. United Way 2006 campaign chairman Don Terry says he and everyone associ- ated with the campaign are appreciative of the support offered by the junior ‘A’ hockey team. “The Pickering Panthers have a long history as winners on and off the ice,” says Terry, who’ll preside over the cer- emonial faceoff prior to Friday’s contest. “Everyone at United Way is proud to part- ner with the Panthers and we appreciate their support.” Panthers’ general manager Frank Robinson noted the Pickering juniors are glad to support the good works of the United Way. “We’re an integral part of the com- munity and we feel we need to step up for good causes like the United Way,” says Robinson. “We’re glad to contribute and we’re hoping our fans will, too.” Tickets for the game are available at the door at $10 for adults and $2 for chil- dren under age 13. AJ Groen/News Advertiser photo Durham Junior Lightning defenceman Kirsten Roach, left, will skate for St. Lawrence University on an athletic scholarship, while goaltender Lisa Plenderleith is off to Colgate University. Both schools are in New York State. Roach and Plenderleith are among four Junior Lightning players to be named to Team Ontario under-18s, which will represent the province at the upcoming Canada Winter Games. Durham Junior Lightning goaltender Plenderleith to Colgate; defenceman Roach to St. Lawrence By Al Rivett Sports Editor DURHAM — Yo u could say two teammates with the Durham Junior Lightning women’s hockey team will be in a New York State of mind come next September. That’s when goaltender Lisa Plender- leith, 17, and defenceman Kirsten Roach, 17, take up residence on the women’s hockey rosters on two univer- sity teams in the Empire State. Plenderleith will begin a four-year, full athletic scholarship to Colgate Uni- versity, in Hamilton, New York, where she will pull on the pads with the NCAA Division 1 Red Raiders women’s hockey team, which competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). Meanwhile, Roach will also play in the ECAC as well, only she’ll be doing so on the blue line with the St. Law- rence University (Canton) Saints where she also committed to a four-year, full ride. Plenderleith, who’s playing in her first season with the Durham Junior Lightning intermediate ‘AA’ squad after a season spent with Sarnia-based Blue- water Junior Hawks in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League, notes attain- ing a scholarship is a high reward for the hard work put into the sport over the years. “It’s pretty much the ultimate goal in women’s hockey,” says Plenderleith, prior to a Lightning practice at the Ajax Community Centre recently. “It’s the ultimate objective -- it shows that hard work does pay off.” Roach notes that she had talked to about 20 U.S. schools with aspirations to sign her to a scholarship offer. But, all that went out the window with just one visit to the St. Lawrence campus. “The coach there (Paul Flanagan) is really great. The campus is in a small town and I could see myself going there,” explains Roach. “Everyone knows everyone, so that was kind of nice.” Plenderleith says she also enter- tained other scholarship offers from Clarkson and Cornell, but opted for Colgate, mostly because it’s a small campus, but also because of its high ac- ademic standards. She visited Colgate last month and there was an instant connection. “I was really looking at Clarkson and Cornell, but Colgate had been my num- ber-one choice for the past year,” says the diminutive puckstopper. “It’s based in a small town and it’s one of the top 15 schools academically. They’re really building a strong hockey program there and I loved the coach and the campus. “When I saw it I knew it was the place where I wanted to be. The atmosphere there was so nice. Everyone was so wel- coming.” Both players note playing with the Durham Junior Lightning, under the tutelage of longtime head coach Ken Mulgrew, has been instrumental in helping them hone their skills to a high degree. “I’ve played for Ken for three years and I started out as one of the younger kids and now I’m one of the older ones and a leader. I think he’s really prepared me well,” says Roach, a two- sport athlete who’s also excelled at fast- ball, having won provincial and eastern Canadian titles in the sport. “We’ve played exhibition games against uni- versity teams, which has really helped us.” So far this season, the Lightning sits atop the 17-team league with a sterling 12-2-2 record. Roach notes her St. Lawrence coach- es have advised her to continue to work hard through the current PWHL season and be prepared to compete for ice time on the blue line come Septem- ber. “They’ve told me to keep up the work ethic. That’s the thing that can make you into a better player,” says Roach who, besides playing with the Junior Lightning, will also compete as part of the Ajax High School Rams’ girls’ hockey team this season. As for Plenderleith, she’s got her eyes firmly affixed on earning the starter’s role with the Colgate Red Raiders next season. “I’m going to work to earn the No. 1 spot as a freshman. As long as I put in the effort, I can attain that goal,” says Plenderleith, who’s also tending goal with the Notre Dame Catholic Second- ary School Cougars’ girls’ hockey team this season. New York, New York for hockey teens Five with ties to Jr. Lightning named to Canada Games team DURHAM — In addition to earning U.S. hockey scholarships, Lisa Plenderleith and Kirsten Roach have also attained another milestone -- being named to Team Ontario under-18 women’s hockey team to play at the Canada Winter Games next year. “When they called, I started to cry,” says Plender- leith. “It’s been a goal of mine for three years and it finally happened. The Canada Winter Games are like the Canadian Olympics, so it’s pretty huge.” Roach says a bout of mononucleosis prevented her from trying out last year. But, this year, she’s happy to have made Team Ontario in her final year of eligibility. She’s also glad to know that a fellow member of the Durham Junior Lightning women’s hockey team will also make the trip to Whitehorse, Yukon -- the site of the 2007 Games. “It’s good that some Durham girls are going together,” says Roach. Roach and Plenderleith aren’t the only players with connections to the Durham Junior Lightning who’ll be playing for Ontario at the Canada Win- ter Games in February. Current Lightning defenceman Tara Watchorn and forward Natalie Spooner were also chosen to make the trip to Whitehorse for the Games. They’ll be joined by Durham Junior Lightning alumni Jennifer Wakefield, a forward, who’s currently playing with the Etobicoke Dolphins of the Na- tional Women’s Hockey League. The Games will be held from Feb. 23 to March 10. Panthers’ defenceman named a Canadian junior all-star Fenwick to play in Prospects Game in B.C. By Al Rivett Sports Editor PICKERING — The Pickering Pan- thers have another all-star in their midst. Defenceman Zack Fenwick will be the second Panthers’ rearguard to play in the Canadian Junior ‘A’ Hockey League’s Prospects Game in Vernon, B.C. run- ning Dec. 12 and 13. Fenwick follows in the footsteps of former Panthers team captain Ryan Annesley, who earned the right to play in the first all-star showcase in Yorkton, Saskatchewan last year. But, if you had told Fenwick a season ago that he’d be an all-star in less than a year, he wouldn’t have believed it. After a strong campaign on the blue line so far this season, the 17-year-old second-year Panther will be one of nine players from the Ontario Provincial Ju- nior ‘A’ Hockey League to play for the 20-member ‘Team East’ all- star squad at this year’s showcase. “I was excited,” says Fenwick upon learning he’d be one of only four from the league’s South Conference to suit up at the na- tional all-star showcase. “I had no idea (I’d be chosen). It’s just a good feeling to know that I’m being watched.” Fenwick has not only emerged as one of the workhorses on the Panther blue line this season, he’s also turned into a prolific scorer. So far this season, he’s scored 10 goals and added 16 assists in 33 games, putting him in the top 10 in team scoring. Panthers’ head coach Pat Curcio says the steady blueliner is more than deserv- ing of the chance to showcase his skills on the national stage. “We’re very excited for Zack,” says Curcio. “We’re very proud of him. He’s worked so hard from last May until now. He deserves everything he’s getting. We wish him the best. If he has a good show- ing there, the sky’s the limit for him.” In his low-key manner, Fenwick says he’s merely looking to play well in B.C. “I just want to play my best, do well and play my game,” says Fenwick, fol- lowing Sunday’s big 6-5 home-ice vic- tory over the St. Michael’s Buzzers. Joining the Panthers early last season as a rookie among a veteran group of de- fenceman, Fenwick has grown exponen- tially as a player during his first season with the Panthers and during the last off- season. A regimen of skating and weight training has paid off as he’s emerged as a leader on the team this season. “I did a lot of work in the summer after the season ended. I worked out and skated every day, doing everything I can to get better.” Fenwick says he’s grateful for the help and encouragement from the Panthers’ coaching staff and from teammates this season. “They’ve helped me out a lot. My teammates and coaches have always been there for me,” he says. Fenwick says he hopes to join an NCAA men’s hockey program in the U.S. next season. “I’ve talked to a few schools so far,” he says. Zack Fenwick Back online for another year... FROM THE NET OUTFROM THE NET OUT Durham Region’s junior hockey blog: catch the latest on all of the area’s junior hockey teams from our experienced team of sports writers and editors www.durhamregion.typepad.com/from_the_net_out/ NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATION FOR 2007 Winter Break Camps (Hockey, Multi-Sport, LTS) Winter Youth & Adult Skating Academy Sessions Winter Youth & Adult Hockey Academy Sessions For complete program details, times, and pricing visit: www.icesports.com 159 DYNAMIC DRIVE SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO 416-412-0404 Intermediate Level Day: Tuesday - Friday Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Date: January 2 - 5 Hours On–Ice: 4 Hrs/Day Ages: 6 & Up Cost: $ 210.00 + GST Advanced Level Day: Tuesday - Friday Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Date: January 2 - 5 Hours On–Ice: 4 Hrs/Day Ages: 10 & Up Cost: $ 210.00 + GST www.icesports.com It’s time to shop It’s time to shop Scarborough’s Premier Shopping Destination for the Holidays. www.scarboroughtowncentre.com OVER 200 STORES including the Bay •Sephora •Yzza •Wal-Mart •La Senza •H&M •Guess •Sears Hwy 401 between Brimley & McCowan www.scarboroughtowncentre.com Holiday Hours Holiday Hours NOW OPEN Monday to Saturday 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm SPECIAL DAYS Sunday, December 24th 8:30 am – 6:00 pm (Christmas Eve) Monday, December 25th CLOSED (Christmas Day) Tuesday, December 26th 8:00 am – 7:00 pm (Boxing Day) HIT THE LATE NIGHT JACKPOT at OLG Slots at Ajax Downs. Dec. 1 - 23, 2006. Midnight - 6 am. For a limited time only. $395 STEAK & EGGS SPECIAL Plus applicable taxes. Must be 19 years of age or older. Please ask your server for details. OLG Slots at Ajax Downs 50 Alexander’s Crossing Ajax, ON (905) 619 -2690 Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. PAGE B2 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006P Newcomer MacQueen the hero as Pickering juniors hand Buzzers first loss in 10 games By Al Rivett Sports Editor PICKERING — The Pickering Panthers needed a bailout in the worst way after surrendering two significant leads to the visiting St. Michael’s Buzzers on Sunday night. And, that bailout came via the newest Panther, Jamie MacQueen, whose power-play marker, off a fat rebound after a Phil McIlhone shot from close range with 1:28 left in the third period, rescued the Panthers in a 6-5 victory over the South Conference- leading Buzzers, in OHA Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League action at the Pickering Recreation Complex. The Panthers’ victory ended the Buzzers’ 10-game unbeaten streak coming in to Sunday’s contest. MacQueen, who arrived in Pickering a week ago after the Panthers shipped veteran forward Brett Connolly to the Aurora Tigers for MacQueen and future considerations, says it was definitely a big goal to score in only his fourth game as a Panther. “Yeah, it was huge,” acknowledged MacQueen of the goal. “I drove to the net hard and Phil had made a move and I couldn’t have asked for a better rebound. It was right on my stick and I had an empty net.” McQueen’s game-winning goal helped relieve what could have been a dour Panther dressing room, as Pickering had surrendered two two-goal leads during the course of the contest. On both occasions, the Buzzers came back to tie the game, the final time midway through the third period to deadlock the contest at 5-5. The game officials played an indirect role in the Panthers’ victory. With Panthers’ Cory Battista sent off with a game misconduct and seven minutes in infractions with 5:56 remaining meant St. Mike’s would enjoy a power play through to the end of the third period. The Buzzers, however, were whistled for an interference call with 2:54 remaining and another interference infraction with 2:07 remaining, giving the Panthers a 4-on-3 man advantage. Mac- Queen would do the rest in putting the Panthers out of harm’s way. Panthers’ head coach Pat Curcio, wearing a big smile following the contest, noted that his club’s resilience was on display for all to see. “We seem to find a way to let teams back in the game lately. We’ve lost a couple in the recent past by one goal where we had opportunities, but just couldn’t find a way. Tonight, the guys were focused. The desire was there right from the drop of the puck. I was proud of the effort tonight by our players,” says Curcio. Curcio gave props to MacQueen who’s been hav- ing some tough luck scoring since joining the Pan- thers. Not on Sunday night, though. The talented 18-year-old forward was a force, taking not only a regular shift, but also working the power play. The St. Thomas native ended the game with four points, scoring twice, including the game winner, and add- ing two assists. “He’s a very talented player and we knew when we made that trade we were getting a quality player. I liked his first three games. He hadn’t been scoring, but he hit crossbars and had a lot of great chances. He’s going to be a great asset for us down the stretch.” Sunday’s victory also salvaged a split in weekend games as the Panthers (19-12-2-0) dropped a 4-2 decision to the Markham Waxers in Markham on Friday night. The teams were tied 2-2 in the third period, with a Markham goal near the midway point of the frame effectively deflating the Panthers. Markham scored once more later in the period to seal the victory. The Panthers had one waved off by the officials, as Curcio cited a MacQueen shot that had entered the net and exited just as quickly. The Panthers play two home dates against North Conference competition this weekend. The New- market Hurricanes are in the city on Friday at the complex at 7:30 p.m. The Panthers hope to avenge a 6-3 loss in Newmarket last month. On Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the Collingwood Blues come to the com- plex. SCORING SUMMARY St. Mike’s at Pickering Panthers Period 1 Pickering - Jamie MacQueen (Greg Riggs, Cody Smith) 11:27 Pickering - Chris Dunham (MacQueen, Zack Fenwick) 14:53 Period 2 St. Michael’s - Brendan Smith (PP) (Stephen Duffy) 1:02 St. Michael’s - Fred Cassiani (PP) (Duffy, Brendan Smith) 6:58 Pickering - Kory Helowka (PP) (MacQueen, Cody Smith) 9:11 Pickering - Cory Battista (Brad Fleishman, Greg Payne) 10:56 St. Michael’s - Andrew Rygiel (SH) (Mike Forgione) 13:37 Pickering - Jesse Hebscher (PP) (Daniel Mandel, Rich- ard Schofield) 14:37 Period 3 St. Michael’s - Greg Miller (Cassiani, Tyler Sgro) 3:06 St. Michael’s - Brock Sawyer (Brian Potacco, Brandon Burlon) 9:37 Pickering - MacQueen (PP) (Helowka, Phil McIlhone) 18:32 SCORING SUMMARY Pickering Panthers at Markham Period 1 Markham - Michael Scheu (PP) (Corey Tamblyn, Cam- eron Gaunce) 5:14 Pickering - Kory Helowka (Daniel Mandel, Dunham) 6:27 Period 2 Pickering - Richard Schofield (PP) (Phil McIlhone, Mi- chael Banwell) 3:33 Markham - Giancarlo Iuorio (David Kostuch) 6:16 Period 3 Markham - Claudio Cowdrey (Kostuch, Chris Eyles) 8:47 Markham - Mark Cornacchia (SH) (Scheu, Cody Ham- ilton) 13:48 Jason Liebregts/News Advertiser photo Panthers’ Greg Riggs, left, and St. Michael’s Louie Caporusso battle for the puck during Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League action at the Pickering Recreation Complex Sunday. The Panthers won 6-5. Late goal lifts Panthers past first-place St. Mike’s B y Al Rivett Sports Editor PICKERING — After getting over the initial shock of being dealt away from arguably the best team in Ontario tier II junior hockey, Jamie MacQueen is now starting to find his way with the Pickering Pan- thers. The talented 18-year-old left winger put his scoring prowess on display Sun- day night, a week and four games after joining the Panthers from the Aurora Tigers in exchange for Brett Connolly. MacQueen was instrumental in lifting the Panthers past the South Conference- leading St. Michael’s Buzzers, scoring the winning goal on the power play with just more than a minute to go for a 6-5 Pickering victory. All told, MacQueen put up a four-point night (two goals, two assists) against the powerhouse Buzzers to give the Panthers their second win over St. Mike’s this season. MacQueen recalls his meeting a week ago with Aurora Tigers’ head coach/general manager Jerome Dupont. Minutes later, he learned his tenure there was over: he was now a Pickering Panther. “It was shocking, I had no idea,” says MacQueen of the trade. “There were no signs of it. There were no problems on the team. Jerome pulled me into his office on a Thursday night and let me know he’d traded me. He told me it was in my best interests as he knew I wanted to get more ice time and I would be a good fit with (Pickering). And, so far, it’s been a good fit.” Since his arrival, MacQueen notes it has been an adjustment getting used to a new team, with new players and new systems in place. But, he feels that, after his per- formance on Sunday, everything’s falling into place. “It’s different, but I’m adjusting. I’m not upset about the trade whatsoever. The guys on the team are great. I’m at home here now. It was a little nerve-wracking the first couple of games, getting a feel for players and where they’re going to be, but now everything seems to be clicking, so I think I’ve adjusted pretty good.” MacQueen a king for Panthers since trade Jamie MacQueen FOLLOW ALL OUR BLOGGERS:Visit durhamregion.typepad.comwww.durhamregion.comCATCH UP ONLINE AT Pre-Registration for September 2007 Beginning in grade one, the Durham District School Board offers, at no additional charge to parents, a French Immersion program for non-Francophone students. To find out more about the French Immersion program, please join us at an information meeting at one of the following French Immersion schools: Cadarackque PS...................905-428-2347 Southwood Park PS.............905-683-5230 Frenchman’s Bay PS................905-839-1131 Sir J.A. Macdonald PS............905-839-1159 All French Immersion program information meetings will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2007 beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information regarding French Immersion at the Durham District School Board, please visit us at: For more information regarding your child’s school designation, please contact our Property and Planning Department at 905-666-6434. Grade One French Immersion www.durham.edu.on.ca Durham District School Board Ajax Pickering freedateconnection.comfamilydurhamregion.com Recipes, Reading, Resources & More! Show Supplement: Sunday January 14th, 2007 Pressrun: 103,100 Bridal Show: Sunday January 21st, 2007 11 am – 4:30 pm Fashion Show at 1:30 pm Location: A.E. King Fitness Complex (Townline Road/King Street East, Oshawa) eautiful BeginningsB Sponsored by: Bridal Magazine To reserve your space in the show and/or book your advertisement in the pre-show supplement call: Or contact your Sales Representative at Metroland Durham Region Media Group Monique Lea, Show Coordinator/Advertising Consultant at 905-579-4400 ext 2318 or email mlea@durhamregion.com Plan to take part in the 18th Annual Bridal & Fashion Event, Durham’s largest and longest running Bridal show! Bridal Event & Bridal Event & Fashion Show Fashion Show 2007 18th Annual THE BROADWAY MUSICAL Music by Richard Rodgers ("The Sound of Music"/"The King & I") Lyrics by Martin Charnin ("Annie") Book by Thomas Meehan ("Hairspray"/”The Producers”) FAIRVIEW LIBRARY THEATRE, 35 Fairview Mall Drive Dec. 21 to Jan. 6 Thurs. to Sat. 8:00 pm / Wed. at 7:00 pm / Matinees: Dec. 24, 28, 31, Jan. 6 at 2:00 pm Tickets $17.50 to $20 BOX OFFICE: (416)755-1717 www.CivicLightOperaCompany.com THE CIVIC LIGHT OPERA COMPANY proudly presents I Remember Mama PAGE B3 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006 A/P Jason Liebregts/News Advertiser photo Everyone’s taking a stab at it PICKERING — Whitby’s Monique Carroll, left, and Melissa Davies try to get the ring from Pickering’s Christine Zacau during the tween ‘B’ division final at the 29th annual Pickering Ringette Tournament at the Pickering Recreation Complex on Sunday. The tournament attracted 80 teams from across Ontario, and several from Quebec over the weekend. Whitby scored a 7-1 victory over the Pickering majors to capture the tween ‘B’ crown. Keeping an eye on the sports scene arivett@durhamregion.comSPORTS EDITOR AL RIVETT DURHAM — Durham Attack’s 16U Black girls’ volleyball team, the defending Ontario and Canadian champions, is off to a flying start this season. At its first 16U Tier 1 tournament in London, the team won the gold medal to maintain its No. 1 Ontario rank- ing. Playing up an age group in the 17U division, the team also brought home the Tier 1 silver medal from Windsor, winning a close three-set match against DRVC 17U in the semifinal, but succumbing to Waterloo Tigers in the final. Along with a dozen tournaments in Ontario, the team will be defending its Canadian title in Moncton and Cal- gary in May 2006, and hopes to extend its success into the U.S. The team is seeking sponsors to help it bring the na- tional championship back to Durham again this season. Durham Attack is the largest volleyball club in Ontario and along with its competitive program offers recreational programs for youth from ages 8 to 16. Last season, its girls’ teams were Ontario champions in 12U, 15U, 16U, 18U and 20U, and National champions in 14U, 15U and 16U. For information about its teams or programs visit www. durhamattack.org. At tack Black off to fine start to volleyball season sportsdurhamregion.com Just one more way to get your news thanks to your friends at the NEWS ADVERTISER PICKERING — The Pickering Panthers Leon’s Furniture pee- wee ‘A’ rep hockey team clipped the host Stouffville Clippers to bring home the hardware from the Stouffville tournament re- cently. In the final against Stouffville, the Panthers sunk the Clippers 5-0. Goaltender Cooper Gibbons earned the shutout and was named the game’s most valuable player for his exploits in net. Robert Bianchi led the scor- ing attack with two goals and an assist. Darren Binder, Mike Giardino and Blake Sanderson each scored once. Binder, Jor- dan Labricciosa, Giardino and Keaton Eldridge added assists. The Panthers started the tour- nament with a 4-2 win over the Wa lden Red Devils. Goaltender Peter Nichol earned game MVP honours after turning back a late Wa lden rally to keep Pickering’s two-goal lead intact. Binder net- ted two goals, both assisted by Labricciosa. Cameron Elwood and Steve Hann earned other as- sists on Binder’s markers. Giardi- no and Bianchi scored power play goals. Giardino and Eldridge earned one assist apiece. In Game 2, the Panthers eked out a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Oakridge Aeros. Giardino scored both Panthers’ goals, earning the game MVP award. Gibbons was solid in net in re- cording the victory. Jeremy Davis earned an assist. The Panthers needed to beat the West Hill Lightning in Game 3 in order to earn a bye into the final. Pickering earned a 2-0 vic- tory. Nicol earned the shutout in net. Binder potted both Pickering goals, one into an empty net to earn the MVP award. Labric- ciosa earned assists on both goals. The defence, down to four healthy bodies, performed well under the circumstances. Man- ning the blue-line were Elwood, Matt Yarde, Liam Ready and Josh Leon. The Panthers, which made it to the Ontario semifinals last season, currently stands in first place in their division with a 11- 2-1 season mark. The team is rounded out by all-purpose forward/defence- man Brandon Kirkup, injured centre Mitchell Conroy and in- jured defenceman Lucas Stork. Dave Nicol coaches the team, assisted by Dave Binder and John Giardino. Tim Sanderson and Marco Bianchi serve as trainers. Barb Conroy is the manager. Save 5-50% on hundreds and hundreds of items on sears.ca outlet While quantities last Items added daily PLUS… Many more deals at sears.ca NE123G906 Copyright 2006. Sears Canada Inc. W ISH BIG Fr ee Shipping * on fashion, jewellery and selected toy purchases from any Sears catalogue or sears.ca to any home in Canada Order by December 19* to receive your order in time for Christmas *Some exceptions apply. Visit sears.ca or call us at 1-800-267-3277 PLUS sears.ca outlet savings everyday plus good values PICKERING TO WN CENTRE 905-420-8000 Quality Education Today — For Tomorrow www.durham.edu.on.ca Telephone pre-registration for the Kindergarten Program at the Durham District School Board will take place on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. Durham District School Board Children eligible for Junior Kindergarten programs must be four (4) years of age by December 31, 2007. Children eligible for Senior Kindergarten programs must be five (5) years of age by December 31, 2007. If the number of children pre-registered for Junior or Senior Kindergarten exceeds the accepted class limit, some students may be transported to another school. AJAX SCHOOLS Alexander Graham Bell PS............905-683-7368 Applecroft PS................................905-428-2775 Bolton C. Falby PS........................905-683-6240 Cadarackque PS............................905-428-2347 Carruthers Creek PS......................905-683-0921 Claremont PS................................905-649-2000 Dr. Roberta Bondar PS..................905-686-1081 Duffin’s Bay PS.............................905-683-6023 Eagle Ridge PS .............................905-426-4463 Lakeside PS..................................905-686-3014 Lester B. Pearson PS.....................905-427-4658 Lincoln Alexander PS....................905-619-0357 Lincoln Avenue PS........................905-683-4941 Lord Elgin PS................................905-683-3581 Nottingham PS..............................905-683-0536 Roland Michener PS.....................905-686-5437 Southwood Park PS......................905-683-5230 Terry Fox PS.................................905-686-2135 Valley View PS..............................905-683-6208 Westney Heights PS......................905-427-7819 PICKERING SCHOOLS Altona Forest PS ..........................905-839-9900 Bayview Heights PS......................905-839-1146 E.B. Phin PS .................................905-509-2277 Fairport Beach PS.........................905-839-1451 Frenchman’s Bay PS.....................905-839-1131 Gandatsetiagon PS........................905-831-1868 Glengrove PS................................905-839-1771 Highbush PS.................................905-839-5289 Maple Ridge PS............................905-420-4103 Rosebank Road PS........................905-509-2274 Sir John A. Macdonald PS............905-839-1159 Valley Farm PS .............................905-428-6337 Vaughan Willard PS......................905-839-1931 Westcreek PS................................905-509-5437 William Dunbar PS .......................905-420-5745 For more information regarding your child’s school designation, please contact our Property and Planning Department at 905-666-6434. The Kindergarten Program at the Durham District School Board gives children the best start possible: Comprehensive curriculum focused on intellectual, physical and social development Led by caring professionals in a safe and nurturing environment Average class size of 20 students PA GE B4 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006 A PLACE THAT YOU CAN TRUSTA PLACE THAT YOU CAN TRUST Award winning restaurant from the Health Dept. for 10 years in a row All you can eat Filet Mignon weekend dinner only Gift CertificateGiftCertificate This certificate entitles you to a Breakfast Buffet 30% OFF Adult meal Limited one coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Friday – Sunday 8:00 am – 11:00 am (This certificate has no cash value) Authorized ByExpiry Date 31st Dec 2006 Gift CertificateGiftCertificate This certificate entitles you to a Breakfast Buffet Buy-One-Get-One-Free Adult meals only. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Friday – Sunday 8:00 am – 11:00 am (This certificate has no cash value) Authorized ByExpiry Date 17th Dec 2006 Buffet 905-686-8231 Breakfast Buffet HAM, BACON, SAUSAGE, OMELETTE, SCRAMBLED EGG, FRIED EGG, OATMEAL, HOME FRIES, FRIED TOMATOES, WAFFLE/PANCAKE/FRENCH TOAST, MUFFIN, TOAST, FRESH FRUIT, COLD CUTS, ICE CREAM, and JUICE (one glass only) OR COFFEE OR TEA... Friday - Sunday 8:00 am - 11:00 am only $5.99 NEW!NEW! We will be closed December 25 & 26 THE ALL YOU CAN EAT FUN PLACETHE ALL YOU CAN EAT FUN PLACE FREE **** FREE **** 250 Bayly St. Unit 8 Ajax FREE FREE ONE FREE DINNERONE FREE DINNER (MON-TUES MINIMUM 2 ADULT DINING) CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS. FOOD ONLY. PRESENT COUPON UPON SEATING. EXPIRES DECEMBER 30, 2006. THE ALL YOU CAN EAT FUN PLACETHE ALL YOU CAN EAT FUN PLACE FREE **** FREE **** 250 Bayly St. Unit 8 Ajax FREE FREE ONE FREE DINNERONE FREE DINNER (FRI-SUN MINIMUM 2 ADULT DINING) CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS. FOOD ONLY. PRESENT COUPON UPON SEATING. EXPIRES DECEMBER 24, 2006. THE ALL YOU CAN EAT FUN PLACETHE ALL YOU CAN EAT FUN PLACE FREE **** FREE **** 250 Bayly St. Unit 8 Ajax FREE FREE ONE FREE DINNERONE FREE DINNER (WED-THUR MINIMUM 2 ADULT DINING) CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS. FOOD ONLY. PRESENT COUPON UPON SEATING. EXPIRES DECEMBER 30, 2006. THE ALL YOU CAN EAT FUN PLACETHE ALL YOU CAN EAT FUN PLACE FREE **** FREE **** 250 Bayly St. Unit 8 Ajax FREE FREE ONE FREE LUNCHONE FREE LUNCH (FRI-SUN MINIMUM 2 ADULT DINING) CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS. FOOD ONLY. PRESENT COUPON UPON SEATING. EXPIRES DECEMBER 30, 2006. A/P Peewee ‘A’ Panthers sink Clippers for Stouffville tournament championship Special Thanks to our Generous Sponsors Drop off a new unwrapped toy or food item at any Police Station, any Firehall in Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington or Ajax, or at one of the many sponsors and supporting Business Drop Boxes. Volunteers will pick up the donations and deliver them to Charitable Agencies for distribution. Cash Donations will be accepted at any Police Station. No vember 20 - December 22,2006 905-721-2999 Control Panel Systems East Side Mario's-Bowmanville Fraser Ford Sales Ltd. Golding Graphics Limited Gus Brown Pontiac Buick McDonald’s Family Restaurants Menzies Chrysler Metroland Durham Region Media Group Mills Pontiac Buick Ontario Motor Sales Ontario Power Generation Penske Truck Rentals Williamson Uxbridge Williams Communications Please Help Us Help Our Community 18 th Annua l ...from the Members of the Durham Regional Police Service Durham Regional PoliceDurham Regional Police Province-wide drama competition showcases youth worker safety message DURHAM — By putting their drama skills to the test, high school students can help spread the word on worker health and safety issues. Until Jan. 31, high schools can reg- ister for the Industrial Accident Pre- vention Association’s Learning Inno- vative New Knowledge (LINK) event. A province-wide drama competition for Grade 11 and 12 students, LINK is expanding to include up to five schools in each of Ontario’s five geo- graphic regions. LINK participants will create and perform a 25-minute, multimedia, original drama production with messages on young worker health and safety. Students are encouraged to incorporate elements of music, dance, poetry, audio visual aids, and audience participation into their production. They’ll also be provided with information and have access to workplace health and safety profes- sionals throughout the development process. All productions are performed during school assemblies and judged by a panel of workplace health and safety professionals. The five first-place winners, repre- senting the best of each Ontario re- gion, have the opportunity to show- case their talents at a youth health and safety forum in Toronto. LINK participants also compete for cash toward their school’s drama pro- gram. Prizes are awarded to the first-, second-, and third-place finishers for each Ontario region. High school teachers can register their drama class by filling out an online application at www.iapa.ca, or a hard copy can be faxed or mailed by calling 1-800-406-4272. LINK participants must perform their original production by April 6, 2007. ‘One of the things that’s important to me is that everyone is an individual and I hope that comes out in the art’: Nicholson By Christy Chase Staff Editor DURHAM — This is one art exhibit you might not forget. At least, that’s what the Alzheimer Society of Durham is hoping. On Saturday, Dec. 9, ‘Unforgettable Art Expressions’ opened at Station Gal- lery in Whitby. Featured are works by 16 people who are living with Alzheim- er’s disease or related dementia. Andrea Nicholson, co-ordinator of the exhibit for the Alzheimer Society, said the society and the artists hope people who view the works will come away with a better understanding about Alzheimer’s and dementia and what it means to live with it. “A rt is a way to allow people to com- municate,” she said. “It’s a form of self- expression.” ‘Unforgettable Art Expressions’ al- lows the artists to communicate their feelings, to connect with the public and help raise awareness about Al- zheimer disease and dementia, she said. “There’s a lot of life,” she said. “I find it joyful myself.” From June to October 2006, there were five art therapy sessions with art therapist Lorrie Clarke, and peo- ple with Alzheimer or dementia who signed up for the workshops through- out Durham. The society worked with community partners -- Oshawa Senior Citizens Centres in Oshawa, Durham Regional Police in Port Perry, Parkway Retire- ment Home in Pickering and Winborne Park Long Term Care Centre in Ajax. “Most of the people who partici- pated in the program are people who are living at home,” Nicholson said. The exception were the people who took part at Winborne, where they live. Clarke worked with people in groups ranging from two to eight, Nicholson said. They spent quite a bit of time on art therapy exercises to help draw out discussion from the participants. “The emphasis was on the process and not the end product,” said Nichol- son, adding an art background wasn’t necessary for participation. “The art- ists range in their journeys with de- mentia, some just diagnosed and oth- ers further along. “I think people within the discussion immediately recognized that other people have memory problems. And that the others working with them, the therapist and volunteers, really cared about them.” That was important in order for them to share their memories and feelings with others, she said. At the end of it, the participants were asked if they were willing to share their works with the public. “A rt therapy is therapy,” Nicholson said. “It was really up to the individuals if they wanted to share their artwork.” Of the 22 who took part, 16 agreed to have their work in the exhibit and 12 took part in a group work, a mosaic. Some entered one piece of art, others gave all they had done. Some have also used words on their works, one artist wrote about good days and bad days. Some works are accompanied by ex- planations of their significance. Nicholson said the artists have shared their feelings, their memories, their lives and the significance of peo- ple and things in their lives. “One of the things that’s important to me is that everyone is an individual and I hope that comes out in the art,” she said. “I feel really honoured to be part of the program, to be able to bring this to people.” She said Station Gallery and all the community partners have been “won- derful” and very supportive. Some of the works were on display in November at the Northview branch of Oshawa Public Library. The full exhibit is on at Station Gal- lery, 1450 Henry St., at Victoria Street, Whitby. The exhibit continues through Dec. 31. The next day, Jan. 1, 2007, marks the start of Alzheimer Awareness Month. Harpist Debra Northey, singer Stewart Bennett performing DURHAM — Christmas is coming and so is an evening of Christmas sto- ries and music. Dianne Chandler’s Candlelight and Magic presents the fifth annual Stories for a Christmas Night on Dec. 22 at The Piano Cafe, 217 Queen St. A new concert of seasonal stories and music is planned with performers from Dur- ham and beyond. Artistic director and storyteller Chandler will be joined by other story- tellers Enid DeCoe, of Courtice, Sharon Henry, of Oshawa, Ron Getz, of Garden Hill, and Heather Whaley, of Whitby, in the concert which begins at 7:30 p.m. Music for the evening will be pro- vided by harpist Debra Northey of Bethany and singer Stewart Bennett, owner of the Wee Tartan Shop in Port Perry. Chandler says the evening will pro- vide food for the soul and the body. Christy Stone-Curry of the Piano Cafe will serve up desserts. The cost is $20 for the concert, des- sert, coffee or tea. Reservations are recommended. Call 905-982-0707. ARE YOU MOVING OR SELLING YOUR HOME? is your solution!AJAX www.ACCESSSTORAGE.ca • Is your new home not ready? • Did you sell your home and have no where to store your household items? • Are you downsizing your home and need some extra space? • Wouldn't it be nice to make your closets and home look bigger for your open house? It's convenient It's clean It's secure AJAX 905.686.5588 85 Westney Rd. S. PICKERING 905.831.5555 1700 Alliance Rd. Bring this ad & receive a FREE Lock! Low Winter Rates HERONGATE BARN DINNER THEATRE 2885 Altona Rd., Pickering (905) 472-3085 www.herongate.com 1-866-902-9884NEW Toll Free: OR: Gift Certifi cates LAST CALL for Christmas Parties and New Year’s Eve Bookings! RESERVE TODAY CALL: 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 New Year’s EveNew Year’s Eve www.golfdeercreek.com 905.427.7737 2700 Audley Rd. N, Ajax, ON www.golfdeercreek.com Tickets 905-427-7737 ext 247 2700 Audley Rd.,N Ajax, ON New Year’s EveNew Year’s Eve FREE COMPUTER TRAINING STARTS JANUARY 9 - RUNS 7 WEEKS 1400 Bayly St. Unit 1, Pickering (next to the GO station) * ID Card ($20) and refundable textbook deposit ($85) required. Canadian Citizens, Landed Immigrants and Permanent Residents of Canada are welcome! Certifi cation Exams (IC3 or MOS) are available for an additional charge. Apply your courses towards a Grade 12 Diploma if you wish. Courses are 2.5h each day, Monday to Friday, for 7 weeks. All classes are instructor led, and parking is free. You must be over 18 years of age to attend. IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS AND GET READY FOR A NEW CAREER! MICROSOFT OFFICE 2003 PR OGR AMS • WORD • POWER POIN T • EXCEL • ACCOUNTI NG Classes run Mondays to Friday s at 9:00 a m; 11:30 am or 2:00 pm Earn credi ts towards a high school diploma. Call now to b ook your space at one of these orientation se ssions - s pac es are limi ted . FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 – 11am TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 – 2 pm MONDAY, JAN UAR Y 8 – 11a m and 2 p m Bring a pen, and proof of Canadia n cit izens hip/res idency, and ide ntifi cation. Registration and ce rtifi cation fe es apply. I did it... and you can too! PAGE B5 ◆ NEWS A DVERTISER ◆ December 13, 2006 A/P ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT durhamregion.com Unforgettable Art Expressions running at Durham gallery Benefit show features jazz artists, including Durham’s Heather Whaley DURHAM — Musicians from southern Ontario, including local singers/songwriters, will hold a ben- efit concert for the Starlight Star- bright Children’s Foundation in mid- December. Ron Beer, of Whitby, is spear- heading the Dec. 15 and 16 family concerts at the Centennial Building, Centre Street South, Whitby. The Whitby musician and song- writer has gathered performing art- ists from southern Ontario to take part. Among those included are award winners and nominees from the To- ronto Independent Music Awards and the Canadian Smooth Jazz awards. They are all donating their time and talents to raise funds and spirits through the foundation. Among the singers will be Heather Whaley, of Whitby, who performs at the Dec. 16 concert. Others in- clude Peter Bloom, Jeanette Le, Allis- ter Bradley, Bummi Adeoye, Maggie Szabo, Greg Wyard and Nelly Shin. The concert will include the per- formance of a song written by one of the Starlight Starbright children and a songwriter. The song, plus 110 oth- ers donated by songwriters, will be available on a compilation CD at the concert. There will also be a limited edition T-shirt for sale. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. To purchase tickets, call Ron or Emmie Beer of Young Songwriters at 905-668-2646. Both concerts begin at 8 p.m. Information about the performers and the concert and tickets are avail- able at www.allisterbradley.com./ StarLightShow.php. The foundation is a non-profit or- ganization dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously-ill children and their families. More than 312 children in Durham have been helped through the foun- dation to date. High schools can sign up for LINK drama contest A still life featured in the ‘Unforgettable Art Expressions’ exhibit running in Durham until the end of the year. Family concert raises funds for sick kids Christmas stories, music ring out Dec. 22