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Home My WebLink AboutNA2009_06_26Under New Ownership New Proprietors Teresa Missen & Stephen Buckley Invite you to come in and meet them today! English IvyEnglish Ivy FLOWERS & GIFTS L-R: TERESA, JESSICA, ADRIAN, SAVANNA, STEPHEN 300 Kingston Road at Altona Road in the Gates Plaza 905-509-2552 www.englishivyﬂ owers.com Thinking ofThinking of Hardwood?Hardwood? Give your home a new look for Summer We are Durham’s fl ooring experts! Canada Hardwood Flooring Inc.Flooring Inc. 1547 Bayly St., Pickering 905-420-3285 @ KINSMEN PARK WEDNESDAY, JULY 1ST THE FUN STARTS AT NOON F R EE FUNEXPLOSIONof cityofpickering.com/canada Pressrun 50,400 • 36 pages • Optional 3-week delivery $6/$1 newsstand PICKERING Friday, June 26, 2009 NNews ews AAddveverr titisseerrTHE 16 YES 12 NO INCINERATOR PASSES THE FINAL VOTE IN A MARATHON MEETING. STORY PAGE 8 Charlie Trim YES Jim Abernethy YES Scott Crawford YES Gerry Emm YES John Grant YES Howie Herrema YES Rick Johnson YES Joe Kolodzie NO Bill McLean YES Jim McMillen YES Mary Novak YES Larry O’Connor YES Marilyn Pearce YES Pat Perkins YES Nester Pidwerbecki YES Dave Ryan YES Bob Shepherd YES April Cullen NO Joe Drumm NO John Gray NO John Henry NO Colleen Jordan NO Brian Nicholson NO Steve Parish NO Don Mitchell NO John Neal NO Bonnie Littley NO Robert Lutczyk NO CRIME 2 Big Ajax pot bust Grow-op a shock to quiet neighbourhood COMMUNITY 9 Canada turns 142 Plenty of celebrations across Durham SPORTS 26 Pickering’s terrific trio Felicien, Charles, Henry ready for track nationals newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 20092 AP Thomas McBroom Design www.golfoakridge.com 905.985.8390 Public Play • Private Feel $75 18 N’DINE Green Fee, Power Cart, Steak Dinner available after 3pm Thursday ~ Sunday JUNIOR RATES (16 and under) $30/$35 weekday/weekend avilable after 2pm $2 BREAKFAST SPECIAL Available daily until 11am $45 9 N’DINE 9 Holes & Steak Dinner available after 4pm Thursday ~ Sunday Monster Music Marathon FREE Talent Test for Elementary and Secondary School Students with No previous training or less than 1 Year training in Piano or Keyboard Two Days Only Monday, June 29, 2009 Tuesday, June 30, 2009 9 AM to 9 PM Call to book an appointment 905-420-6741 Or register in person Alexander’s Music Studios 1360 Kingston Road (in the Hub Plaza across from Pickering Town Centre) Supporter of the Pickering Rotary Music Festival Music Instruc t i o n al l A g e s Alexander’sMusicStudios CRIME Huge grow-op bust shocks residents of quiet north Ajax neighbourhood $1.1 million in pot found in house BY JEFF MITCHELL jmitchell@durhamregion.com AJAX -- The discovery of a large- scale marijuana grow operation has come as a shock to residents of a quiet northeast Ajax neigh- bourhood. “Wow,” Portelli Crescent hom- eowner Jeff Birch said when he learned of the seizure of more than $1 million worth of mari- juana plants from a home on his street. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised because I knew Durham Region was pretty hot for that sort of stuff,” said Mr. Blair, a resident of the neighbourhood for three years. “It shouldn’t surprise me but it does when it’s in your back yard.” Durham police officers, respond- ing to a report of suspicious activ- ity just before 4 a.m. Tuesday, found evidence of a grow op inside the house on Portelli, a tidy new neighbourhood south of Taunton Road and west of Audley Road. After obtaining a search warrant, cops removed approximately 800 marijuana plants with an estimat- ed street value of $1.1 million. No one was found in the home; an investigation continues, police said. Portelli homeowner Sam Mil- lington, tending to his lawn on a humid summer morning, expressed amazement at the audacity of dope dealers setting up shop in his upscale neighbor- hood. “I can’t believe they would expect that would work in this area,” he said. It’s not that surprising that neighbours weren’t immediately aware of the Portelli grow op, said Detective Sergeant Mario Lessard of Durham’s Drug Enforcement Unit. “You may be oblivious to living beside a grow op,” he said. “Indi- viduals in this kind of business will look for typical subdivisions.” The Portelli home was unoccu- pied and used solely for growing pot, Det.-Sgt. Lessard said. Mr. Millington, who’s lived in the area for two years, said his neigh- bourhood consists of homeown- ers who work at their jobs and raise their families, not expect- ing criminal activity in the houses around them. “I have kids,” he said. “I don’t want that in my neighbourhood.” Also on Tuesday, Durham’s Drug Enforcement Unit charged a Newcastle man in connection with a large-scale grow op. Anyone with information is asked to call 905-579-1520, exten- sion 5800. AJAX -- Summer might be fun, but it’s the time of year when many injuries occur, says Fire Chief Randy Wilson. “Summer vacation is a lot of fun, no doubt about it, but we need to be mindful of some of the basics when it comes to summer fun,” he said. Residents should remember to wear a helmet and protective equipment when biking, in-line skating, skateboarding, riding scooters and all-terrain vehicles. As well, while trampolines can be fun, they can be dangerous. Only one person should use them at a time and somersaults and flips should be avoided. A shock- absorbing pad covering the springs should be used and children under six should stay off full-size trampo- lines. Pool safety is important too, including the installation of prop- er barriers preventing access, the use of doors and pool alarms, close supervision of kids and being ready for an emergency. Residents should also keep an eye on their gas grills, checking hoses for blockages and damage. They should never light a grill if they detect a leak and the gas tank should be turned off immediate- ly. Charcoal grills produce carbon monoxide and can be fatal if used indoors. SAFETY Ajax Fire Services encourages residents to take care this summer The power to make your community better!www.veridian.on.ca PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. There is no way to guess where, or how deep, underground powerlines are buried. If you hit one while digging, the risk is serious. Be sure to call before you dig – it’s the law, but more than that, it’s just a good idea. CALL 1.888.445.2881 Let’s face it, dying is probably the worst way to get out of a little yard work. newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 20093 AP Summer SalePine Ridge annual NOW ON UP TO OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF FRESH NEW SHIPMENTS ARRIVED JUST IN TIME FOR SALE!! Fruit Trees Vegetable Plants Silk Flowers & Vases Pond Liner & Pond Plants Clematis & Vines Herbs Shepard Hooks Arbors Flowering Shrubs Evergreens Japanese Maples Shade Trees Geraniums Proven Winners Annuals Hanging Baskets Pots, Urns Fountains, Benches Perennial Plants Seed Packets Garden Decor Ornamental Grass Roses 16 th 2215 Brock Road North, 905-683-5952 Mon-Fri 9-8 pm • Saturday 9-6 pm • Sunday 9-5 pm Hwy #401 Kingston Rd.Brock Rd.N First Come...First Choice... WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS Visit Our Showrooms TORONTO: 3001 Markham Road, Unit 19 DURHAM: 148 Brock Street North, Whitby NEW INCREASED GOVERNMENT REBATES Call for details. $1050 REBATES ON TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATERS Call 905-430-2473 or 1-888-521-7087 FINANCIAL SERVICES 10 YEAR WARRANTY PARTS & LABOUR AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING %.%2'934!2 HUGE SAVINGS ON SELECTED ITEMS! Turn to the Experts SALE! SALE! SALE! Public event a success BY KRISTEN CALIS kcalis@durhamregion.com PICKERING -- Plates, cutlery, toys, dolls, buckles and buttons were just some of the articles dug up at the Claremont Field Centre recently. The First Claremont Archaeology Festival held by the Toronto and Region Conserva- tion Authority allowed the public to join in an excavation of an 1870s-era homestead in the area at Westney Road and Concession 7. About 300 people were on site in total for the rare opportunity this month, said the authori- ty’s lead archeologist Cathy Crinnion. “The project was a great experience and we love to do public archaeology and raise public awareness,” she said. The property was first discovered last sum- mer when students of the conservation authority’s Boyd Archaeological Field School uncovered some fieldstone at the centre. The summer course allows students to earn a Grade 12 university prep credit in interdisci- plinary studies. It’s been offered for 33 years, but has run out of the actual field centre for the past five. “It was a nice surprise,” she said, of finding the site right at the centre. While rural residents enjoyed the dig at the public event, they weren’t too surprised with the items found because they’ve probably seen similar things on their farms, Ms. Crin- nion said. But it was quite different for urban residents. “I think the more urban people were very surprised,” she said. Digging up such items tells an incomplete story, she said, because essentially, they’re things the family left behind. For example, whether the china was imported tells if the family was well off financially. But after some digging in archives as well, the pieces started to come together at the old homestead. It turns out the owner of the home, George Graham, was a blacksmith. He had six children with his first wife; he remar- ried after his first wife died young and had 10 more children. “In total, he had 16 children that grew up there,” Ms. Crinnion said. In fact, two of Mr. Graham’s great-grand- children contacted Boyd School after seeing the information online. “It’s really interesting because the family actually comes to life,” she said. The next public event will hopefully take place this fall, Ms. Crinnion said. For festival highlights, visit www.boydfield- school.org/festival. For upcoming events, call the TRCA at 416-661-6600. A few spaces are available in this summer’s archaeology course, running July 26 until Aug. 15. For more information: CALL 416-661-6600 ext. 5323 EMAIL extccrinnion@trca.on.ca visit www.boydfieldschool.org PICKERING HISTORY Digging up ancient dirt in Claremont excavation SUBMITTED PHOTO PICKERING -- A participant in the Claremont Archaeology Festival tried to put together pieces of a plate dug up during the public excavation. The event was held at the Claremont Field Centre, where an 1870s homestead was found last summer. newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 20094 AP EXT: 2102 INCOME POTENTIAL!! Realty Inc., Brokerage Call Toll Free 1-800-396-1058 Ext. 2072 Durham: 905-556-0540 Toronto Line: 416-548-7870 For more property listings, visit: www.reccmox.com Immaculate, updated, all brick 4 bdrm., 2 kitchens, sep. entrance to basement apt., all appliances on main fl oor and basement apt. 24 Hrs. 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Sun. & Holidays Breakfast • Egg Sandwich Lunch • Burger/Hot Dog Dinner • Beef Sandwich & Caesar Salad Breakfast • Egg Sandwich Lunch • Burger/Hot Dog Dinner • Beef Sandwich & Caesar Salad Urge common sense to flu prevention BY JENNIFER STONE jstone@durhamregion.com DURHAM -- Region of Durham officials are keeping mum on the death of a 68-year-old man who had H1N1 virus, but are urging continued calm in spite of the recent fatality. The Province announced Wednesday the Durham Region man was one of three peo- ple who had H1N1 and died in the last sev- eral days, bringing the total in Ontario to seven. The man died June 17, David Jensen, of the Ministry of Health, said. According to the Province’s media release, the three who died all “had underlying health conditions. “It’s not clear what role the H1N1 flu virus played in the fatalities,” the press release went on to say. All further questions were referred to the Durham Region Health Department. But, “we can’t give any more information (than was in the press release) based on patient privacy,” said Health Department spokeswoman Glendene Collins. Where the man resided and where he died were not being released, nor were details of his underlying health condition. The Region is still urging people not to panic, in spite of now having a death related to H1N1, originally called swine flu. As of Wednesday, 101 Durham residents had tested positive for the virus, out of the provincial total of 2,665. “The majority of cases (in Durham) have been mild in terms of symptoms,” said Ross MacEachern, Durham’s manager of envi- ronmental health. “Like regular influenza, symptoms can vary from minor to severe.” But, so far in Durham, “we’ve had very few hospitalizations.” Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to reg- ular seasonal flu: chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In more serious cases, or in people with chronic conditions, com- plications such as pneumonia may develop. People are urged to take reasonable pre- cautions to stop spread of germs, including regular handwashing with soap and water, staying home when ill, covering coughs with either tissues or in elbows, monitoring fam- ily health and cleaning frequently touched items, like keyboards and doorknobs, Mr. MacEachern said. “Your every day actions can help prevent the spread of germs,” he said. PANDEMIC Durham officials mute about death of man with H1N1 Port Perry, ON www.greatblueheroncasino.com Know your limit, play within it! THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505 Prizes may not be exactly as shown. See complete rules for details at the Rapid Rewards Players Club Centre. No purchase necessary. Valid government issued photo identification is required. Must be 19 years of age or older. 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WHITBY SHOWROOM 117-1910 DUNDAS STREET E. 905 576-7600 HWY 401 Dundas Thickson GerrardCallCall 310-4328310-4328 310-HEAT310-HEAT AND GET UP TO $$11350350 ** TAX CREDIT BONUS:BONUS: RECEIVE a FREE* Humidifi er or Air Cleaner 24 Hour Emergency Service RECEIVERECEIVE $$37153715 IN REBATES*IN REBATES* Up toUp to *WITH PURCHASE OF MODULATING G71 FURNACE & CENTRAL AIR*66 MONTHS MONTHS OAC*OAC* DO NOT DO NOT PAY FOR PAY FOR AND AND Workers reach agreement with Toyota suppliers and Chrysler BY REKA SZEKELY rszekely@durhamregion AJAX -- An employee blockade of an Ajax car parts plant that started Monday, after workers were told they were out of a job and wouldn’t be paid severance, contin- ued Thursday. BBi Enterprises Inc.’s Ajax plant man- ufactured hood and dash acoustic insu- lators for General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota, said Steve Batchelor, president of Canadian Auto Workers union Local 1090. Last week, the workers were told BBi was no longer a viable company and would be wound down and closed by the end of July, said Mr. Batchelor. But things were different when the workers came in on Monday. “Just before 9 a.m., they were told BBi was no longer in oper- ation, they were out of work and there was no money for severance packages,” said Mr. Batchelor. “Then GM, Chrysler and Toyota indicated they were coming into the facility to pick up all their tooling ... (so) we put the blockade up,” said Mr. Batchelor. Since then, the union says it has reached an agreement with the two Toy- ota suppliers and Chrysler where the companies would pay a portion of the severance. The union is now allowing them to pick up their tools and equip- ment. At the time of the closing, there were 20 workers left at the plant and a total of 68 eligible for severance pay of up to 24 weeks for their 24 years of service. Mr. Batchelor estimates the workers are owed about $1.2 million. Questions to BBi enterprises were directed to the company’s head office and calls to the company’s Michigan headquarters were not returned by press time. General Motors Canada also did not respond to calls by deadline. Mr. Batchelor said GM officials showed up for the equipment with the police, the sheriff and an injunction on Tues- day, but the workers didn’t budge. On Thursday afternoon, the union leader indicated GM was still in court and the company hasn’t offered to nego- tiate. “We’ve not heard anything from GM and we are continuing to blockade the facility against GM,” he said, adding that GM has been in court seeking further injunctions. Terry Essery, who has worked at the plant for 18 years and is the committee member for Local 1090, said workers won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. “We’re here for the long haul until we get what’s owed to us,” he said, adding work- ers have done what they could to keep the plant going including bringing in their own toiletries like soap and paper towels for the lunch room to save costs. The fight now is not to keep their jobs, but for the pay they say is owed to them. “Myself and my wife work here, so that’s our household income,” said Mr. Essery. “We really need this severance to carry us until we can find something.” He’s especially upset about the auto bailout dollars his income taxes are pay- ing for. “Each and every one of us helped with the bailout, so we’re upset they’re put- ting the thumbs on the little guy.” LABOUR Blockade of Ajax car parts plant continues We really need this severance to carry us until we can find something. Terry Essery, BBi Enterprises employee JASON LIEBREGTS / METROLAND AJAX -- A court filing was posted in front of BBi Enterprises Inc. on Wednesday, June 24. Employees were told the plant is shutting down and there’s no money for sever- ance pay because General Motors and Chrysler haven’t paid their bills. As a result, workers are blockading the plant to prevent the car manufacturers from removing equipment and parts. & A Metroland Media Group Ltd. Publication Tim Whittaker - Publisher Joanne Burghardt - Editor-in-Chief Mike Johnston - Managing Editor Duncan Fletcher - Director of Advertising Eddie Kolodziejcak - Classiﬁ ed Advertising Manager Abe Fakhourie - Distribution Manager Lillian Hook - Ofﬁ ce Manager Janice O’Neil, Cheryl Haines - Composing Managers News/Sales 905-683-5110 Fax 905-683-7363 Classiﬁ eds 905-683-0707 Distribution 905-683-5117 130 Commercial Ave., Ajax ON L1S 2H5. Publications Mail Sales Agreement Number 40052657 Member: Ontario Press Council, OCNA, CCNA, SNA. All content copyright WE THINK... email responses to newsroom@durhamregion.com Editorial Opinions COURTESY Train your dog to do his business on your own lawn To the editor: Re: Dog owners need to show respect for others, James McCaffery letter, June 18. I would like to add a few more adjec- tives to the dog-owner courtesy list. Have the words good neighbour, polite- ness, good manners and civility all gone the way of the dinosaurs? So far this year I have paid over $150 to a lawn service to keep my property in the best condition possible. A few days ago I had to ask a woman to not let her dog do his business on my lawn. Not only did I get attitude but she insisted it would “do no harm” because she was picking it up. As I told her, you cannot pick up all the residue and every other dog that passes for the rest of the day will stop there as well. Just the other day, I watched a man park his car in the church parking lot then take his two dogs out of the back seat to let them urinate on the church lawns. Just five minutes before this, three boys sat on that very curb taking turns with a skate board. Should adults have to be told that school and church property are not dog parks? It all seems so obvious to me. This area is where children play. Train your dog to do his business on your own property before you leave home. Lois Dewsbury Brooklin PUBLIC TRANSIT Extra funding would boost Durham Transit system To the editor: Re: Resident frustrated at behaviour of councillors during incinerator meeting, Rebecca Harrison letter of June 17. I would like to add my support to Rebecca Harrison’s views on Durham Region Transit. Running buses every half hour is not sufficient to attract people from their cars, especially for their daily commute. Service ends far too early in the eve- ning, presumably because DRT thinks no one wants to travel anywhere in the evening. Although DRT’s service may be sparse, it is of high quality, with helpful staff and well-maintained vehicles. If regional council had the vision to provide extra funding, DRT would be able to provide a truly useful service to the region. Tom Willis Whitby POLITICS Liberals would have created an even larger deficit than Tories To the editor: Re: Conservatives continue to ratchet up the deficit, Tracy Burke letter, June 17. Tracy Burke criticized Jim Flaherty for his budget overruns. Ms. Burke conveniently forgets that the Liberals were in a diabolical triumvirate with the other parties to force the Con- servatives out of power if they did not inject $50 billion into the economy as a stimulus package. The government was saved by the Lib- erals on the stimulus basis; as a matter of fact the Liberals wanted even more money for the stimulus package but Mr. Flaherty stood his ground thereby saving our children from having to pay off the Liberal indiscretions. Alex Fabricius Oshawa Council had lots of time to come to incinerator decision In the final analysis, approving the ener- gy-from-waste option as a long-term solu- tion for Durham’s garbage problem came down to a split decision at regional coun- cil. But it came after those who opposed incineration in Durham were heard loud and clear. While the final 16-12 vote didn’t fall exact- ly along municipal lines, it’s worth noting that precisely half of Durham’s municipali- ties were unanimous in their decision to back incineration. The six councillors who represent Dur- ham’s three northern municipalities, Brock, Uxbridge and Scugog townships, were united in their support for the incin- erator. And, perhaps key to understanding the majority decision, is that all three Claring- ton regional councillors, backed energy- from-waste. In fact, for several years now, Mayor Jim Abernethy, Councillor Mary Novak and Councillor Charlie Trim, who is chairman of the region’s Works committee, have supported the incineration option. That’s in spite of having the facility built in their own municipality. The other eight votes for incineration came from Pickering, where three of four councillors backed it; Whitby, which split down the middle with two for and two opposed; Ajax, where Councillor Scott Crawford was the lone supporter; and Oshawa, which saw just one of eight coun- cillors -- Nester Pidwerbecki -- vote yes. Wednesday’s vote came at the end of a 16-hour marathon session at council, the second within eight days. On June 16, more than 80 delegations -- most against the energy-from-waste proposal -- spoke to the committee-of-the-whole. There were almost 60 delegations heard again on Wednesday. There have been few issues which have been as heavily discussed and debat- ed at the Regional level over the past two decades. Regional Chairman Roger Ander- son has been discussing how to deal with Durham’s non-recyclable and non-com- postable waste for years now. And many members of regional coun- cil have travelled far and wide to learn as much as they possibly can about the pros and cons of incineration. The Region’s Works committee, which has been deal- ing with voluminous amounts of corre- spondence on energy-from-waste, has also done extensive research on the process. And, when it came time to vote on wheth- er to accept incineration for Durham, six of seven councillors on that committee voted yes. Only Oshawa’s Brian Nicholson voted no. Some speakers on Wednesday asked that council take a final decision to a referen- dum, but that would be inappropriate at this point. We elect our representatives to make important decisions for us and that’s what they’ve done after long reflection. Those who run for re-election next year will have to account for why they voted as they did. e-mail letters to newsroom@durhamregion.com / max. 200 words / please include your full first and last name, city of residence & daytime phone number / letters that do not appear in print may be published @ newsdurhamregion.com newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 20096 P newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 20097 AP ONELOCATI O N ONLY OSHAW A 900 Champlain Ave., Oshawa 905-723-4561 Hours: Mon.• Tues.• Wed. 10-6, Thurs.• Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun.11-5 Not valid on previous purchase or best value items. See store for complete details.OSHAWA INCREDIBLE STOREWIDE SAVINGS!! UP TO UP TO 50% OFF50% OFF THIS WEEKEND ONLYTHIS WEEKEND ONLY SUMMER SALES EVENTSUMMER SALES EVENTOSHAWA Taxes, siren testing, provincial funding discussed BY KRISTEN CALIS kcalis@durhamregion.com PICKERING -- In an open atmosphere, Mayor Dave Ryan and Ward 2 residents discussed the latest concerns surrounding Pickering Monday. It was one of the four town hall meetings the mayor holds each year. Latitia Wise asked why she pays the same in taxes as her mother who lives on a Pickering property that is much larger. Ms. Wise lives in a small townhouse. She says one-and-a-half of her town houses could fit into her mother’s home. “My mother pays only $70 more a month than me,” she said. Mayor Ryan explained the property tax system is based on assessment, and the organization that determines that value is the Municipal Property Assessment Corpo- ration. The City takes the assessed value of the home and applies the mill rate to that. “If you feel the base is incorrect, you have to go to MPAC and fill out a form and they will come and reassess it,” he said. The property tax increase that was passed in Pickering’s 2009 budget is 3.53 per cent, meaning an owner with a property valued at $289,400 will pay an extra $37.84 a year. Another man asked why taxes are lower in Toronto than they are in Pickering. Toronto has a stronger tax base, Mayor Ryan said, and it’s highly supported by the Province. “That’s happened year over year over year,” he said. “It doesn’t happen in the City of Pickering.” Forty-seven members of Parliament rep- resent Toronto and only two represent Pickering, he said. He noted Pickering’s tax increase was the lowest of the five lakeshore municipalities in Durham Region. “We don’t have the benefit of a casino like they do in Ajax,” he said. A number of residents questioned the recent testing of the new public alerting sys- tem that’s been installed in Pickering with- in three kilometres of Pickering’s nucle- ar station. The installation is a provincial requirement and a similar system has been installed within three kilometres of the Dar- lington Nuclear Generating Station. Mayor Ryan said a number have been installed and are working well. He said the Region would like more but consultants say more are not needed. “If they’ve been tested, I don’t think any- one in our area has heard them,” said resi- dent Ken Devine. But the mayor said they were tested in short bursts, so perhaps residents weren’t home. One resident asked why other cities are getting more money from the upper levels of government than Pickering. Mayor Ryan said the City has applied for funding for a number of green projects through grants. Some projects awaiting a response are the Duffin Heights storm water management pond and a Krosno Creek storm water facil- ity. TOWN HALL MEETING Pickering mayor and residents hash it out FAST FACTS Major Pickering ’09 budget projects • Duffin Heights storm water manage- ment pond: $2 million • Krosno Creek storm water facility: $1.75 million • Toy Avenue (partially budgeted in previous years): $1,050,000 ($700,000 was granted from the Province) • Western gateway: $925,000 • Museum hotel restoration project: $885,000 • Fire pumper/rescue vehicle: $850,000 • Fire dispatch: $444,000 • Pine Creek sanitary sewer crossing: $350,000 DURHAM -- Community groups and schools that don’t have the funding for new environmental projects may now have an opportu- nity to get it. The new Earth Day Canada Com- munity Environment Fund, a part- nership between Sobeys Ontario and Earth Day Canada, will pro- vide grants of up to $20,000 to sup- port local grassroots environmen- tal initiatives. The project possi- bilities are endless, according to a press release. Deadline for applica- tions for the first funding period is Monday, Aug. 31. For details and to apply online visit www.earthday.ca or visit any Sobeys, Foodland, IGA or Price Chopper store. ENVIRONMENT Grants available for Durham projects Redfords Insurance Brokers LimitedRedfords Insurance Brokers Limited 1903 Valley Farm Road Pickering ON L1V 1X6 wredford@pbnet.cawredford@pbnet.ca •HOME•AUTO•COMMERCIAL•MOTORCYCLE•LIFE•• HOME • AUTO • COMMERCIAL • MOTORCYCLE • LIFE • 905 831 5244 “What are your neighbours paying for insurance?” Call Redfords Insurance for expert local advice you can trust “Explore your options” newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 20098 AP Issue moves to Province for final consideration BY KEITH GILLIGAN kgilligan@durhamregion.com DURHAM -- The provincial Environment Ministry must now decide the fate of an incinerator in Durham Region, following approval by regional councillors to proceed with the project. The $272.5-million facility would burn up to 140,000 tonnes of residential waste coming from primarily Durham and York regions. Durham council approved the plan around 2 a.m. Thursday, following a 16-hour meet- ing. York Region also approved it Thursday morning, in about two hours. In three votes, Durham councillors approved the health study and environ- mental monitoring program, the host com- munity agreement with Clarington, and the final environmental assessment document, which included the business case. Almost 60 delegations addressed council- lors, almost all opposed to the incinerator. Patrick Richardson, a 15-year-old Saint- Charles-Garnier Catholic High School stu- dent, said, “Many of you seem to think this incinerator represents an acceptable level of risk. “The long-term effects will be a burden on my generation. I’ve talked to my friends and we’re all pissed off at what you want to do.” Some people wanted council to hold off on approval until a referendum could be held. “It cannot be stressed enough that Claring- ton residents deserve to have a referendum to decide for themselves,” Bowmanville resi- dent Helen MacDonald said. “Please put your faith in the electorate and hold a referendum now.” Greg Ward said, “All we ask, all we ask for here today is a public plebiscite. Why are some of you resisting? Why push this ahead without consulting the public?” Others suggested a “zero waste” approach, through expanded recycling and education programs. “Zero waste is achievable. It’s just a mat- ter of political will,” Whitby resident Doug Anderson said. During the debate, Ajax Mayor Steve Par- ish voted against the facility, pointing to the cost, which is now $272.5 million, with Durham’s portion totalling $214.7 million. The price had risen from $236 million in April, when Covanta Energy was selected to design, build and operate the facility. “I’m flummoxed by the dollars here,” Coun. Parish said. Councillors last year decided to use feder- al gas tax money to pay for the facility, but Coun. Parish said that money should have been used on infrastructure, such as repair- ing roads. “There is an alternative. We should have a vision of zero waste. There is an alternative. If we go down the road of incineration, the beast has to be fed, and the chance is gone,” Coun. Parish said. Councillors questioned Dr. Robert Kyle, the Region’s medical officer of health, on the safety of burning garbage. When asked if incineration is safe, Dr. Kyle said the risk assessment study “shows no unacceptable risk. Do the results say no risk? No, but the doses are extremely low. “The risks are acceptable, based on the norms. That’s the best we can say,” Dr. Kyle added. “If your definition is no risk, we can’t say yes to that. The levels will be at an extreme- ly low dose and the concentrations will be extremely low,” the doctor stated. Ross Wilson, a toxicologist retained by the Region, said, “In short, yes, I do think it’s safe. “The concentrations would be so minor an increase, in most cases, you won’t be able to measure the increase,” Mr. Wilson said. Whitby Councillor Joe Drumm was also opposed, saying he had health concerns with incineration. “I believe this approach won’t add one iota to the health of the residents of Durham Region. “If there are ill effects, but only to a few, that to me says no,” Coun. Drumm said. Clarington Councillor Charlie Trim, who is also the chairman of the Region’s works committee, supported the incinerator. “I believe, based on the in-depth stud- ies that have occurred and the involvement I’ve been able to witness, I’m confident with the reports. The EFW facility will be an asset for Durham Region and solve our garbage problem for many years,” Coun. Trim said. The provincial Environment Ministry is expected to announce its decision early in 2010. WATCH the video story @ newsdurhamregion.com REGIONAL COUNCIL Durham councillors OK incinerator How they voted The first vote dealt with the risk assessment and environmental surveillance program. It was approved by a 17-11 margin. Voting yes: Jim Abernethy (Clarington), Scott Craw- ford (Ajax), Gerry Emm (Whitby), John Grant (Brock), Howie Herrema (Uxbridge), Rick Johnson (Pickering), Joe Kolodzie (Oshawa), Bill McLean (Pickering), Jim McMillen (Scugog), Mary Novak (Clarington), Larry O’Connor (Brock), Marilyn Pearce (Scugog), Pat Perkins (Whitby), Nester Pid- werbecki (Oshawa), Dave Ryan (Pickering), Bob Shepherd (Uxbridge), Charlie Trim (Clarington). Voting no: April Cullen (Oshawa), Joe Drumm (Whitby), John Gray (Oshawa), John Henry (Oshawa), Colleen Jordan (Ajax), Bonnie Littley (Pickering), Robert Lutczyk (Oshawa), Don Mitch- ell (Whitby), John Neal (Oshawa), Brian Nicholson (Oshawa), Steve Parish (Ajax). The second vote dealt with the host community agreement between Durham and Clarington. The result was identical to the first. The third vote dealt with the environmental assess- ment supporting an incinerator. It includes the busi- ness case, setting out how much it will cost and how much each region will pay. The vote was 16-12 in favour. Voting yes: Jim Abernethy (Clarington), Scott Craw- ford (Ajax), Gerry Emm (Whitby), John Grant (Brock), Howie Herrema (Uxbridge), Rick Johnson (Pickering), Bill McLean (Pickering), Jim McMillen (Scugog), Mary Novak (Clarington), Larry O’Connor (Brock), Marilyn Pearce (Scugog), Pat Perkins (Whitby), Nester Pidwerbecki (Oshawa), Dave Ryan (Pickering), Bob Shepherd (Uxbridge), Charlie Trim (Clarington). Voting no: April Cullen (Oshawa), Joe Drumm (Whitby), John Gray (Oshawa), John Henry (Oshawa), Colleen Jordan (Ajax), Joe Kolodzie (Oshawa), Bonnie Littley (Pickering), Robert Lutc- zyk (Oshawa), Don Mitchell (Whitby), John Neal (Oshawa), Brian Nicholson (Oshawa), Steve Parish (Ajax). FAST FACTS JASON LIEBREGTS/ METROLAND CLARINGTON -- Covanta Energy was approved Thursday to build an incinerator in Clarington pending Provincial approval. Pictured on the site of the proposed incinerator on June 25 were, from left, John Mutton, consultant, and Covanta Energy officials, Joey Neukoff, director of business development, Samuel Joshi, manager of environmental engineering, and Gaston Haupert, lead project engineer. newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 20099 AP CHILDRENíS CHARITY GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAYTHIS SATURDAY JUNE 27JUNE 27 9 AM UNTIL 2 PM9 AM UNTIL 2 PM 467 Westney Rd.467 Westney Rd. SouthSouth (Rising Sun (Rising Sun Martial Arts)Martial Arts) SHAW COURT AT WESTNEY RDSHAW COURT AT WESTNEY RD CHILDRENíS CHILDRENíS CHARITY CHARITY GARAGE SALEGARAGE SALE Music, family fun and fireworks AJAX Celebrate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rota- ry Park, 177 Lake Driveway W. Food, entertainment and activities such as the official greetings and celebration cake at noon, live entertainment, inflatable rides, exotic reptiles, including Crusher, a 75- pound alligator, petting zoo and pony rides, arts and crafts for the kids and a giant mural painting. Parking is limited. Shuttle bus service in north and south Ajax. www.townofajax.com. CLARINGTON Canada Day fun in Clarington is at the Garnet B. Rickard Complex in Bowmanville and the doors open at 5 p.m. Have a free piece of birthday cake at the Port of Newcastle Marina, 377 Baldwin St., Newcastle. www.clarington. net. OSHAWA Canada’s 142 birthday party starts at noon at Lakeview Park and this year’s theme is A Youthful Canada. Live enter- tainment and interactive activities for the family. The main event at 8:45 p.m. fea- tures Shiloh, Canada’s 15-year-old pop/ rock singer-songwriter. The day ends with a big fireworks display at 10 p.m. Limited parking. Free shuttle service. www.oshawa.ca. PICKERING The celebration runs from noon to 11 p.m. in Kinsmen Park, near the foot of Sandy Beach Road, and at the Pickering Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Rd. Free transit service is offered throughout the event from both the Pickering GO Station and OPG park- ing lots located on Brock Road South. Free family activities and entertainment, including headliner Kim Mitchell’s 7 p.m. show on the evening main stage and the giant pyromusical fireworks display at dusk. At the Rec, from noon to 5 p.m., there’s a free active family Area, enter- tainment for kids on the Family Stage and free children’s activities. www.cityof- pickering.com. WHITBY The fun is at Pringle Creek Park, 90 Ribblesdale Dr., starting at 7 p.m. Entertainment from a DJ, youth fiddle champions and Whitby Idols. Panago Pizza available from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for $1 a slice while it lasts. Fireworks at dusk. Call 905-666-1991, ext. 6440. www.town.whitby.on.ca. COMMUNITY Canada Day celebrations across Durham Region newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200910 AP POLITICS Pickering councillor fights against ‘Buy American’ policy PICKERING -- A Pickering councillor recent- ly supported a narrowly passed motion that would see municipalities retaliate against American firms unless the United States’ Buy American policy is stopped. At the Federation of Canadian Municipali- ties conference in Whistler, B.C., Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson agreed with FCM president Jean Perrault that the U.S. protec- tionist policy is hurting Canadian firms, cost- ing Canadian jobs and damaging Canadian efforts to grow the economy. Although the North American Free Trade Agreement has largely removed the old “pro- tectionist” mentality, it’s not binding on U.S. state or municipal governments, which have a great deal of purchasing power, he said in a press release. Therefore, much of the U.S. stimulus funding is made available with a clause to use American steel and manufac- tured goods, “some of which would other- wise have come from Canadian firms.” Coun. Dickerson said the motion wasn’t intended to start a fight with the U.S., but to level the playing field . “We want value for our dollar and we want an open market where trade can move freely back and forth,” he said. The U.S. and Canadian governments have three months to find a solution. Failing that, Canadian municipal governments will have to consider the resolution and imple- ment it as they see fit. newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200911 AP Venue could be used for plays, meetings, weddings and more BY REKA SZEKELY rszekely@durhamregion.com AJAX -- Now that the funding issue is taken care of, plans to convert St. Francis de Sales church into a community per- forming arts venue are moving ahead. The $2.5-million retrofit will be funded through the federal government’s infra- structure stimulus fund with the feds, the Province and the Town of Ajax each picking up a third of the tab. The Town originally purchased the building for $50,000 from the Archdio- cese of Toronto in 2007. “The acquisition is really an important one because it represents the first pub- licly owned and accessible heritage facil- ity in Ajax,” said Robert Gruber, manager of partnerships, community and policy development for the Town. The Town’s goal is to transform the church into a multi-use performing arts and culture venue. It could be used for community theatre, film screenings, political debates, music and dance per- formances and weddings. It could also be used for Town programs such as sum- mer day camps. Mr. Gruber said space for the per- forming arts is limited in Ajax. Although there’s a theatre at J. Clarke Richardson high school, but it can be cost-prohibi- tive to groups and access is limited to a certain number of days per year. Along with colleague Sharlene Mel- nike, Mr. Gruber presented a conceptual design for the facility to the Town’s gen- eral government committee on Monday night. Key features included a thrust stage (also known as a platform stage); retract- able, tiered seating for 160 people; office space; catering kitchen; services bar; accessible washrooms; a lobby which can serve as a gathering place and dress- ing rooms and washrooms for perform- ers in the basement. The goal is to have the design complet- ed by early fall, with construction start- ing in the late fall. That will work well because the exterior and interior resto- ration work currently underway should be done by then. The goal is to finish the project in Sep- tember 2010. Once complete, the Town will man- age the facility and there will be fees set for its use comparable to other venues. Mr. Gruber’s report on the issue said the research indicates that similar facili- ties do not necessarily recover their full operating cost. But there are some other options for revenue. “In some of the research we did with the other facilities, they did have a num- ber of naming opportunities,” said Mr. Gruber. This could include naming rights to the lobby, the main space or the bar. Ward 4 Coun. Pat Brown said that was fine, but she would have a problem with renaming the facility itself. She said the name “St. Francis” should remain a part of the facility. “I don’t want ‘St. Francis’ as a sideline ... ‘St.Francis’ should be front and cen- tre,” she said. Mr. Gruber agreed and said there may be a minor name change based on a rec- ommendation from council. “For example, St. Francis Centre for the Arts,” he said. METROLAND FILE PHOTO AJAX -- Plans are moving along to transform St. Francis de Sales church in Pickering Village into a performing arts venue. COMMUNITY Plans to transform Ajax’s St. Francis de Sales church moving ahead newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200912 AP Heating & Air Conditioning EST. 1970 www.cullenheatingandair.com 2008 Readers’ Choice Award Winning Company 577 Ritson Rd. S., Oshawa 905.725.9731 TOLL FREE 1.866.573.3116 High Effi ciency Air Conditioners Installed starting from + GST Will take over home owners warranty. Also on sale, furnace & air conditioner combo SAVE $600 until June 30 • FREE 10 Years Parts & Labour • Put it on your gas bill, or 1 year no interest, no payments call for details. SALE ENDS JUNE 30 $2395 Authorized Dealer Approved Enbridge Financial Services Dealer JASON LIEBREGTS / METROLAND This Marshall’s ready for action AJAX -- Marshall McLeod got a hand from police Constable Ryan Welburn with some police gear at a Durham Regional Police display June 21 at the Ajax Home Week Waterfront Festival in Rotary Park recently. CLARINGTON OSHAWA Bowmanville OPEN Lakeview Beach East OPEN Bowmanville Beach OPEN Lakeview Beach West OPEN Newcastle Beach OPEN WHITBY AJAX Whitby Beach OPEN Pickering Beach OPEN SCUGOG Rotary Park OPEN Kinsmen Beach OPEN PICKERING UXBRIDGE Frenchman’s Bay East OPEN Elgin Pond POSTED Frenchman’s Bay West OPEN Next Posting: July 3 Beach postings Week of June 26 Throughout the summer, Durham Region health department is conducting bacteriological water tests to determine if the following beaches are safe for swimming. DURHAM -- The Canada Day holiday means chang- es to garbage collection dates. Durham Region collects trash in all communities, except Oshawa and Whitby. Canada Day this year falls on a Wednesday. In Ajax and Pickering, for residents with a Wednes- day collection date, the pickup has been changed to Monday, June 29. In Clarington, Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge, pickup will be on Saturday, July 4. There’s no change in collection for pickups on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30. In Oshawa and Whitby, collection in each commu- nity has been shifted ahead one day. Items, includ- ing garbage, blue boxes and green bins, normally collected on Wednesday will be picked up on Thurs- day. Thursday collection moves to Friday, and Fri- day to Saturday. For more information on Regional collection, call the Durham works department at 905-579-5264 or toll free at 1-800-667-5671. Whitby residents should their municipal office at 905-430-4300 for more information. In Oshawa, call 905-436-3311. REGION Durham garbage collection changes for Canada Day newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200913 P @ KINSMEN PARK EXPLOSION FREE FUN ofIt’s an for FEATURING: Rick Johnson’s County Jamboree & 2008 Pickering Star Kelly Bain Giant PyroMusical Fireworks Display starting at dusk! by David Whysall International OCANADA!WEDNESDAY, JULY 1ST THE FUN STARTS AT NOON! MAINSTAGE @ 7 PM followed by: FREE ACTIVITY AREA FREE FAMILY STAGE REFRESHMENT AREA FREE CHILDREN’S & YOUTH AREA FREE EVENING ENTERTAINMENT FREE GIANT PYROMUSICAL FIREWORKS FREE TRANSIT FROM GO TRAIN and OPG (Brock Rd. South) 12 NOON to FIREWORKS cityofpickering.com/canada CanadianProgressClub Durham RegionWomen Durham Men’s Progress Club @ KINSMEN PARK BE OUR V.I.C. email recreation@cityofpickering.com with your name and favourite Canada Day activity, no later than 4:30 pm on June 29. The winning entry will receive VIP seating for 4 at Pickering’s 2009 Canada Day Mainstage, backstage parking and a chance to meet KIM MITCHELL after his show. 9 Waterfront Concerts at Millennium Square Park Thursday Evenings at 7 pm July 2 Kenn Lewis Steel Drums July 9 Peter Smith Jazz Quartet July 16 Full Count Blues Band July 23 The Genuines July 30 Black Fly Boogie August 6 Bottom Line August 13 Brian Rose Little Big Band August 20 The Johnsons August 27 Keslering Ridge Blue Grass take Liverpool Road South to the sounds of summer. In the event of rain, concert will be cancelled. Treble in the Park at Esplanade Park Gazebo Sunday Afternoons at 2 pm July 5 Brian Rose Little Big Band July 12 The Good Times Orchestra July 19 Joe Fischer July 26 Ragweed Jazz Band August 2 The Maple Creek Band August 9 Silverheels August 16 East York Barber Shop August 23 The Lincolnaires August 30 Uptown Swing Band Behind Pickering City Hall In the event of rain, concerts will be held in Council Chambers. Driftwood Theatre presents Comedy of Errors Wednesday, July 15 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm Esplanade Park - behind City Hall Bring your blanket and lawn chair. A pay what you can event Be sure to bring your lawn chair to all of our outdoor summer performances cityofpickering.com/greatevents newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200914 AP Calendar ROUGE HILL SENIORS’ CAR- PET BOWLING EUCHRE: PET- TICOAT CREEK LIBRARY. Pickering. 470 Kingston Rd. 10 a.m. Wednesday, Friday at 1 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Bid euchre Monday at 6:45 p.m. For more information, call 905-420- 4660 Ext. 6320. SATURDAY 27 STRAWBERRY SUPPER. Faith United Church. 1778 Nash Rd. E. Courtice. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Assorted cold meats, salads, rolls, homemade strawberry shortcake and beverage all for $13. There will also be a table of saleable items and used books. For tickets phone the Faith Box office at 905-448-1320. Visa and MasterCard accepted or 905-436-2359. MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE. 4620 Trulls Rd., Courtice. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. TOROS ATOM AA CAR WASH. Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Centre. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. SUNDAY 28 ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE. This event takes place at Salem Cem- etery in Greenwood beginning at 2:30 p.m. All are welcome. PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE TOUR- NAMENT. St. Francis of Assisi Par- ish Hall, 214 King Ave., E., Newcastle at 7 p.m. Admission $10. The hall is wheelchair accessible. WEDNESDAY 1 CANADA DAY CELEBRATION. Celebrate Canada Day at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 606, 1555 Bayly St, Pickering, noon to 7 p.m. FUNDRAISING BARBECUE. Durham Tamil Association. All day starting at 11 a.m. at Paulynn Park in Ajax. 1571 Ravenscroft Rd., north of Rossland Road. SATURDAY 4 SINGLES DANCE. Tyrone Commu- nity Centre. 2716 Concession Road 7. Tyrone. Couples welcome. Tickets $8. For those 30 and over. MONDAY 6 CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMP. Rougemount Co-op Homes invites any Grade 10/11 students interest- ed in not only fulfilling their volunteer hours but also gaining experience in the childcare field to apply to work at the camp. The camp runs weekdays from July 6 to Aug. 26 and applicants would volunteer to assist counsellors for one entire week at any time during this period. Forward resume to rouge- mountco-op@bellnet.ca, subject line “Application for Volunteer Hours re: Summer Camp.” Email your community calendar notices to Tim Kelly, tkelly@durhamregion.com. MICHELLE GAUDET PHOTO Burger-licious AJAX-- Connor O’Gorman showed off a delicious burger at a bar- becue at St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church recently. The church hosted the event in honour of Ajax Home Week. newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200915 AP newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200916 AP 1801 Valley Farm Rd.,Pickeringwww.chartwellreit.ca Rewarding Retirement at an Affordable, All-inclusive Price. CHARTWELL SELECT PICKERING CITY CENTRE O nce you visit Chartwell Select Pickering City Centre, you’ll understand immediately why it’s Pickering’s premier retirement resi- dence. From the elegant dining room to the state of the art fitness centre, movie theatre, games room and spa, the residence boasts amenity spaces and activities to suit everyone’s tastes. Most importantly,Chartwell Select Pickering City Centre provides a spectrum of services to support various levels of care needs,which means residents select the service package that they require,and only pay an all-inclusive monthly fee they can count on. “If you consider the peace of mind you’ll have knowing someone is there if you need them,the convenience of not having to worry about household chores and the freedom to do whatever makes you happiest–you’ll quickly understand why the move to Chartwell Select Pickering City Centre is a wise one”says General Manager,Andrew Bailey. “When one compares the true cost of living at home, taking into consideration the cost for utilities, property taxes, groceries, home maintenance and added services such as nursing care and an emergency response system,to the all-inclusive rate at Pickering City Centre, it really puts the cost of retirement living in perspective,”he adds. 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Liquor shoppers reported long lineups at area LCBO stores Tuesday, as the two sides bargained up to and beyond their midnight deadline. The tentative agreement was announced mid-afternoon Wednesday. Area restaurants had been preparing for the worst. “Our owner had ordered triple what we usually do,” said Andrew Bertram, of Shrimp Cocktail in Oshawa. Terms of the tentative agreement were not disclosed, pending ratification by members of the Liquor Board Employees Division of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. It must also be approved by mem- bers of the LCBO board of directors and the provincial government. LABOUR Bottoms up, Durham residents newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200917 AP Presidents Award Of Merit Top 10 Dealers In Canada Best Import Dealership Platinum 1505 Dundas Street E., Whitby Just West of Thickson 905-668-5100 or 1-866-871-6776 www.ontariohyundai.ca ONTARIO HYUNDAI #1 Volume Hyundai Dealer In the GTA! +Former daily rentals. 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Offer expires June 30, 2009. Local airtime over the allotted monthly minutes in the monthly plan, long-distance and roaming charges and any additional options selected and applicable taxes are extra and are also billed monthly. Offer valid at listed locations only. ™Fido & design and FidoDollar are trademarks of Fido Solutions Inc. © 2009 Fido Solutions Inc. BlackBerry®, Research In Motion®, SurePress TM and related trade-marks, names and logos are property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world, under license from Research In Motion Limited. Usage subject to the Fido Terms and Conditions Accept- able Use Policy, available at ¿do.ca/terms.™00044Present this ad at participating Fido locations & receive these great offers! with a 2 year FidoÆ Agreement$0~ THE AFFORDABLE PORTABLE INTERNET Without agreement $400 50% OFF ACCESSORIES of your choice! Excludes iPhone & Bluetooth. Terms & Conditions apply. up to 0,66,66$8*$%5$17)25' /21'21:(//$1' 'L[LH2XWOHW0DOO /\QGHQ3DUN0DOO :HVWPRXQW6KRSSLQJ&WU 6HDZD\0DOO 3,&.(5,1* %85/,1*721 6&$5%2528*+ :,1'625 3LFNHULQJ7RZQ&HQWUH %XUOLQJWRQ0DOO %ULGOHZRRG0DOO 7HFXPVHK0DOO newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200920 AP VIEW ON-LINE AT... WWW.HOMES.DURHAMREGION.COM • THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ~Find your new home with~OPEN HOUSES SAT & SUN JUNE 27/28, 2-4PM HANNE WELSH Sales Representative $699, 9 0 0 991 GRAFTON COURT, PICKERING This is the street you always wanted to live on, now is your chance! Stunning Executive Custom Built “John Boddy” Home on quiet Court. Private professionally landscaped backyard with River and Stone Garden beds. 3600 sq ft of pure luxury plus a fi nished basement with walk out to garden. Five Bedrooms, Five bathrooms, Three Fire places, Hardwood fl oors. Stunning Gourmet Kitchen with walk-out to deck, Stainless Steel appliances. All for only $699,900 416-698-2090 Homeward Realty Inc., Brokerage www.hannewelsh.com 7, Ê "6 3ALES2EPRESENTATIVE {£ÈxäÓÓnÈÈ WWWHOUSEMONSTERCA -1 9Ê1 ÊÓn]ÊÓ{Ê* {nxxÊ"Ê ," Ê,"] , " / -«>VÕÃÊ VÕÃÌÊ iÊ vi>ÌÕÀ}Ê >Ê >À}iÊ i>ÌÊ ÌViÊ ÜÌÊ Ã>`]Ê >ÊvÀ>Ê}ÊÀÊvÀÊÌÃiÊÜÊ ÛiÊÌÊiÌiÀÌ>ÊEÊ>Ê«ÀviÃ>ÞÊ vÃi`Ê L>ÃiiÌÊ ÜÌÊ Ü>ÕÌ°Ê -iVÕ`i`Ê*>ÌÊEÊ>À}iÊÞ>À`]Ê`i>Ê vÀÊ ÃÕiÀÊ L>ÀLiVÕiÃ°Ê +Õ>ÌÞÊ VÕÃÌÊ ÌÕViÃÊ ÌÀÕ}ÕÌ°Ê -ÀÌÊ Ü>Ê ÌÊ >ÞV>ÀiÊ EÊ *ÕLVÊ -V°Ê ÀÊ ÀiÊ vÊ V>Ê >ÜÀiViÊ Û>V° %#)207%. SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2-4 P.M. 9 CHRISTENA CRES., AJAX GRACE JORGENSEN Sales Representative 905-686-5153 Sutton Group Classic Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated FABULOUS OLDER HOME on huge double lot on quiet cres. Excuisite gumwood and mahogony trim and doors. Hardwood fl oors. 3 good sized bedrooms with closets. Fabulous new bathroom with jacuzzi tub, seperate glass shower, and pedestal sink. Kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Finished basement with extra bath and seperate entrance. Sunroom with w/o to private hot tub enclave. Oversized heated double garage with attached “exercise room” perfect for teens. Stamped concrete driveway. Asking $399,900 Hurry before its gone! Call Grace Jorgensen 905-686-5153 or 1-866-430-9900. JIM MCBURNEY Sales Representative 416-286-3993 941 GLENANNA RD., PICKERING (Glenanna/Dixie) ROUGE RIVER Realty Ltd. Brokerage Detached 2 storey popular Forestbrook Model with 5 bedrooms, separate family room, large deck overlooking inground pool, private back yard close to schools, shops, 401 & transit. For appointment call Jim McBurney 416-286-3993 Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd. JOHN BODDY BEAUTY $414,900 SUN. JUNE 28, 1-3 P.M. SUNDAY JUNE 28, 1-3 PM 366 MEDD ROAD, PORT PERRY (LAKERIDGE ROAD NORTH TO MEDD ROAD-WATCH FOR SIGNS) Stunning & elegantly restored 1862 Century Home complimented with addition added in 1999 set on over 3/4 acres of property overlooking open fi elds. Country kitchen w/walk-out to wrap around deck, fi nished basement including rec room with wood burning fi replace, extra bedroom and so much more! Only minutes to Port Perry and Uxbridge. Call Julie Curran today! JULIE CURRAN Sales Representative 905-985-4427 Scugog Realty Ltd. Brokerage BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY SETTING! www.MovingWithJulie.com $36 9, 9 0 0 SAT. JUNE 28TH 2:00-4:00PM 3245 NORTH RD., WHITEVALE DAWN D’ORNELLAS Sales Representative 416-449-2020 DON’T MISS THIS ONE!! GORGEOUS BUNGALOW IN THE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER HERITAGE PROTECTED VILLAGE OF WHITEVALE. LOADS OF CHARM & CHARACTER TO BE FOUND IN THIS BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED 4 BDRM HOME WITH BREATHTAKING PERENNIAL GARDENS ON ALMOST 1/2 ACRE PROPERTY. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE COMBINATION OF COUNTRY LIVING, MINUTES TO THE 407, MARKHAM AND PICKERING. MLS#E1608732SADIE MORANIS REALTY, BROKERAGE WHITEVALEWHITEVALEwww.sadiemoranis.com SUNDAY JUNE 28, 1-3 PM 83 ANGIER CRES., AJAX DON DENNIS Sales Representative 905-683-5000 Independently Owned and Operated QUALITY ONE LTD., BROKERAGE Gorgeous & spotless open concept layout with half wall opening up the fi rst & second fl oors. Boasting a master bedroom with 4pc ensuite, California Shutters, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and hardwood fl oors. Balcony on second level – all you need is to just move in!! Located in South Ajax in family friendly area. Just listed but won’t last – call fast! www.WeHelpYouMoveHome.com JUST LISTED IN PICKERING! Beautiful updated 4 bdrm home with fi nished bsmt in popular Glendale area. Inground pool with sunny western exposure. Upgrades include roof, driveway, windows, garage door, etc... At just $339,900 this home won’t last! Call or visit www.1758WalnutLane.com for more details. $33 9, 9 0 0 SAT. & SUN., JUNE 27 & 28, 2-4PM 1758 WALNUT LANE, PICKERING BRENDA SEYMOUR Sales Representative 905-619-9500 Sutton Group Heritage Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated (KINGSTON RD/CHURCH ST) Remarkable Century home is loaded with charm & character, featuring an inground pool, huge det garage & so much more in desirable Pickering Village w/new commercial zoning offering endless opportunities to live AND run your business! MARY ROY WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU! SUNDAY JUNE 28, 1-3 PM 479 KINGSTON RD., PICKERING VILLAGE 2635 9TH CONCESSION RD, CLAREMONT $74 9, 8 8 8 SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2-5 PM MARY ROY Broker 905-426-7515 INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED First Realty Ltd. Brokerage $90 0, 0 0 0 (WESTNEY RD/CONC 9) Endless Possibilities with this breathtaking 14.54 acre treed property w/pond in desirable Hamlet of Claremont offering a custom built bungalow w/5 walkouts fi nished top to bottom, a 10,000sq ft, 4-Storey barn perfect for the Hobbyist and incredible views everywhere you look! WE’LL BE EXPECTING YOU! VIEW ONLINE AT WWW.MARYROYTEAM.COM SAT. & SUN., JUNE 27 & 28, 2-4 P.M. 1218 ABBEY RD. PICKERING Independently Owned and Operated BARRIE COX Sales Representative 416-839-7449 ROUGE RIVER LTD., Brokerage #1 PI C K E RI N G SALE S R E P R E S E N T A TI V E OVER A L L L A ST 4 Y E A R S * www.barriecox.com - Ravine Lot-Walkout Basement - Prestigious “Enclaves of Maple Ridge” Community near Liverpool & Finch - Absolutely incredible ravine lot, approx 76 x 135 ft - Finished walkout basement with recreation room, fi replace and extra bedroom - Pool sized lot with sunny west exposure - Four plus one bedrooms/four washrooms - Roof reshingled/appliances included - Asking $539,900 CALL LINDA CROMB Broker or CHRISTINE KENDALL Sale Representative 905-686-5153 Fabulous location, North Ajax townhome, open concept home, kitchen has loads of cupboards, pot lights, cer b/splash & break bar, bright, LR/DR combination with gas FP & w/o to a 10x10 deck that backs to conservation area. Great master bdrm with full 4pc ens. & w/in closet, plus 2 other goodsize bdrms, open foyer, semi circular staircase with niche, a real beauty. Call Linda or Christine for more info or for your personal showing call 1-866-430-9900 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 18 INGOLD RD., NORTH AJAX Im m p e c c a b l e En d U n i t ! $239 , 5 0 0 Sutton Group Classic Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated Independently Owned and Operated SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2-4 PM 1295 WHARF STREET # 38, PICKERING GOOD BUY COMMUTING! Live large on the Lake above your Business in this coveted “Frenchman’s Bay Village”. Residential/commercial units. Dockominium available for your boat to live. $49 9, 9 0 0 E1637261PAUL KEELER Sales Representative 905-839-7449 800-663-7199 ROUGE RIVER LTD., Brokerage WWW.PAULKEELER.COM BYAPPOINTMENTBY APPOINTMENT ONLYONLY SAT 27TH / SUN 28TH 2-4PM 1832 BRONTE SQUARE, PICKERING BILL MCLEAN Sales Representative SHANNON MCLEAN Sales Representative 905-831-3300 Stunning 4 bdrm, double car garage in glendale, w several cathedral ceilings, huge updated kitchen addition, completely landscaped, fi nished bsmt and much more! see it today! www.sellingwithbill.comFirst Realty Ltd. Brokerage **4 BDRM****JUS T LI S T E D** $359,900 newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200921 AP Money BackMoney Back on Youron Your Home Renovations!Home Renovations! Receive up to $1,350 in a Home Renovation Tax Credit when you spend more than $1000 and up to $10,000 on Home Renovations. NOW UNTIL FEBRUARY 1, 2010 Does your home needDoes your home need Windows, Doors,Windows, Doors, Siding, Sof ts,Siding, Sof ts, Fascia Roo ng?Fascia Roo ng? Maybe a Sunroom or Maybe a Sunroom or Addition?Addition? CALL US TODAY!CALL US TODAY! Don’t Miss Out On This One Time Offer! Financing Available O.A.C. 1628 Charles Street, Whitby 905-665-9565 DURHAM VACUUM PLUS LTD. 629 KINGSTON RD., PICKERING 905-831-2326 #2 HWY 401 HWY Whites Rd.SteepleHillKingston Rd. NOW ONLY $424.99 Want a compact central vacuum with a bagless dirt bucket? The 185 is a strong 500 air watt vacuum, with a 15L bagless dirt bucket and is only 33” tall. EXCLUSIVE 5 YEAR MOTOR WARRANTY* *LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY ON FILTER. Cleaning POWER 500500 AIR WATTS For an Additional $75.00 upgrade to the electric power team $39.99 SAVE $10 VAC PANVAC PAN ON SALE MICRO VACMICRO VAC ATTAC. KITATTAC. KIT $15.99$15.99 SAVE $10 TELESCOPIC TELESCOPIC SPIN DUSTERSPIN DUSTER $39.99$39.99 SAVE $10 HEPA EXHAUST HEPA EXHAUST FILTERFILTER $39.99$39.99 Complete with Beam Std. Air Cleaning Pkg. COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TODAY! DAY & EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE OPEN SATURDAY 9AM TO 1PM Est. Since 1987 MONTHLY Financing* Enbridge Financial Services *On approved credit Pickering/Ajax 1895 Clements Rd. Unit # 135, Pickering 905-683-4477 Oshawa/Whitby 905-571-2377 $1,100 Carrier Cool Cash rebates of up to • Take advantage of the numerous grants/rebates of up to $3,495. • 10 Year manufacturer’s part & labour warranty, standard. • 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Call for Details! ASK US ABOUT T H E HOME RE N O V A T I O N TAX CRE D I T CUSTOMER CARE AND ORDER DESKCUSTOMER CARE AND ORDER DESK 905-683-0887 OR 416-984-4332905-683-0887 OR 416-984-4332 WHITBY 4400 Halls Rd. N. East of Lakeridge off Taunton PICKERING 2490 Brock Rd. N. South of Taunton Rd. In today’s economy, homeowners are looking for inexpensive ways to add value to their homes. Perhaps nowhere is that more possible than out in the yard, where the landscape can be a blank palette just waiting for homeowners to add their individual touches. The following easy and inexpensive tips don’t require a green thumb, just a little elbow grease and dedication. • Aerate: When kids and pets play in the yard, it’s not only the grass that can take a pounding. The soil beneath that grass can become compacted, resulting in poor air circulation, drainage problems and possibly even causing nutrient depletion in your yard. Aerating the lawn will loosen the soil underneath, allowing for better circulation and ensuring your grass and soil get all the water and nutrients they need to stay green and healthy. • Mow at the correct height: Busy homeowners understandably want to cut their lawn as low as possible to minimize the number of times they need to cut the grass. However, diff erent grasses require diff erent cutting heights, and homeowners could be doing signifi cant damage to their lawn by cutting too low or too high. Homeowners should fi rst determine what type of grass they have, and then consult a professional to determine the best height at which to cut. • Consider composting your grass: The benefi ts of composting grass clippings are numerous. Composting helps give grass a greener look, and is also benefi cial to the environment by cutting down on waste. In addition, composting stimulates root growth while preventing topsoil erosion. • Water at the right time: While it might seem ideal to set sprinklers in mid-afternoon when the sun is shining brightest, mornings are actually the ideal time to water. Because it’s cooler in the morning, the water will not evaporate as much as it will during the midday heat, and watering in midday will draw the hot sun to a lawn, potentially burning the grass as a result. Lawn arden Advertising FeatureG&Home, Maintaining a Green Lawn Doesn’t Require a Green Thumb newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200922 AP Durham kitchen & bath GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES ON SOLID WOOD VANITIES! • EXCELLENT FLUSH • LOW WATER CONSUMPTION • WHITE Dual Flush ToiletsThe Intelligent Choice *18”COMFORT HEIGHT Reg $395 Reg $745 Solid Maple Vanity 48”wide • Mitred raised panels • Full extension slides • Comfort height • Also available in 36Þ, 42Þ & 60Þ wide Reg $595 24”wide • Solid Teak • Hand carved • Includes granite top and sink Reg $1195 48”wide • Full extension slides • Comfort height Reg $745 Solid Maple 124 BROCK ST. N., WHITBY 877-728-6556 905-665-7778 www.guskitchenandbath.com HOURS: MON.  TUES. 9:005:30 WED.  FRI. 98 SAT. 105 CLOSED SUNDAYS Best New Business Best Kitchen Design & Reno Antique Vanity Solid Maple Solid Maple Shaker Vanity *with purchase of top only Solid Teak Solid Teak Antique Vanity 50”wide • Includes granite top & sink • Hand carved • Dovetail drawers Now Now Now NowDB BARR’S ROOFINGBARR’S ROOFING www.barrsrooﬁ ng.com CATCH UP TO THEGOVERNMENT REBATES ROOFING • SHEET METAL • SIDING WINDOWS • DOORS • SKYLIGHTS ALUMINUM & COPPER EAVESTROUGH RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Call Dave, Corey or Herman Tel: 905-987-1445 or 1-800-987-1445 Fax: 905-987-3838 40 Years Experience COMMUNITY Contest deadline approaches for Ajax green thumbs Residents can nominate themselves or their neighbours for competition BY REKA SZEKELY rszekely@durhamregion.com AJAX -- The deadline is looming for Ajax residents to nominate their favourite local gardens for the Ajax in Bloom competition. The deadline is June 30 and the green thumb in question need not know who did the nominating. “I still don’t know who entered me,” said last year’s winner Silvija Marnick, of Barbo- ur Crescent. “I’d like to know.” She received a nomination sign and worked to spiff up her garden before the judging, and though nominated in the past, Ms. Marnick found herself the winner of the Red Rose of Lancaster award, the top hon- our. She can’t compete again for five years, but she showed off her garden at an event orga- nized by the Town to encourage people to enter. Ms. Marnick’s garden is filled with peren- nials, shrubs and natural features such as stones and driftwood and there’s not a spot of lawn grass to be seen in her front yard. She said she planned her garden to be in full bloom in the spring as she’s often at the cottage in the summer. Although some of her blooms were at the end of their lives, including different types of irises, others were just getting ready to open, including her shasta daisies. By focusing on perennials, hearty ground- cover plants and shrubs, Ms. Marnick said she limits the amount of watering the plants require. “It’s more environmentally friendly, so it’s sustainable,” she said, adding she focused on natural gardening even before the Prov- ince’s pesticide ban kicked in. This year will be the 11th year for Ajax in Bloom and Jeff Stewart, manager of envi- ronmental services for the Town of Ajax, says the number of participants has been steadily increasing. “Approximately 100 gardens have been nominated at this point and you can nom- inate yourself or your neighbour,” said Mr. Stewart. Judging will start on July 1 and the awards will be handed out in September. Mr. Stew- art said the competition is not just about gardening, it’s about the environment, get- ting active and beautifying the community. “One area we encourage people to get involved with is we have a category for street beautification,” he said. Schools and businesses can also partici- pate. And it’s not just people with large proper- ties who should be participating. “Some of the smaller spaces are the most spectacular,” said Mr. Stewart. As for Ms. Marnick, she doesn’t need a prize to let her know her neighbours like what they see. “People are very generous and very kind with their remarks, (and say) how lovely it is and how much they enjoy walking past,” she said. To nominate a garden: CALL 905-683-2951 ext. 4201 VISIT www.townofajax.com or visit Ajax Town Hall, 65 Harwood Ave. S., or the Opera- tions Centre, 491 MacKenzie Ave., in person REKA SZEKELY / METROLAND AJAX -- Silvija Marnick, of Barbour Court, enjoyed time in her award-winning garden on June 23. She came out on top in last year’s Ajax in Bloom competition and can’t compete again this year, but thousands of other Ajax residents can. The entry dead- line is June 30 and residents can nominate themselves or their neighbours. !DVERTISING&EATURE Home,&Lawn Garden newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200923 AP WizardWizard Discount WarehouseDiscount Warehouse Hwy 401 Bayly Street Fuller Road Shaw Court HarwoodWestneyWizard Warehouse Unit #19 200 Fuller Road, Unit #19 - Ajax Driving Directions: Westney Road south of Hwy 401, 2nd left south of Bayly (Shaw Court) 905 509-4864 www.wizardfi reworks.ca Since 1989 Get more BANG for your buck at...Get more BANG for your buck at... Canada Day Sale Dates & Hours: Friday June 26 10am - 9pmFriday June 26 10am - 9pm Sat June 27 - Mon June 29 10am - 6pmSat June 27 - Mon June 29 10am - 6pmTues June 30 and Wed July 1 10am-9pmTues June 30 and Wed July 1 10am-9pm 20th Anniversary Special! FREE 20 Ball candle With $20 Purchase$20 Purchase 1 per customer Wizard Exclusive Exclusive AssortmentsAssortments 25% Off Spend $100 (before taxes) and (before taxes) and choose any individual choose any individual fi rework for 50% Off S.R.P.S.R.P. 13% Discount on all itemson all items (It’s like we’re (It’s like we’re paying the paying the GST & PST)GST & PST) Largest selection and selection and BEST BEST PRICES PRICES in Durham in Durham Over 160 itemsOver 160 items Up toUp to 50% Selected ItemsItems Off Off HAPPY HAPPY CANADA DAY!DAY! “Our Staff Make the Difference” 928 Liverpool Road (near Liverpool Rd. and Bayly St.) Tel: 905-839-2868 www.edukids.ca • Qualified Staff • Full Licensed • Large Spacious Rooms • Hot Nutritious Lunches • Subsidy Available Ages: 5-12 years • Hours: 6:45am-6:15pm Summer Camp NOW AVAILABLE! EDUEDUKKIIDDSS Child Care Centres NEWNEWQuality Child Care For Over 30 Years ADULT LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY Be your own boss and take control of your life. At Investors Group, we are ready to help you build your own practice as a professional Consultant. We offer the advantage of… Flexibility and independence Mentorship and support Exceptional income potential Contact us, and find out how we can help you build a practice that can bring you personal and professional rewards far beyond those associated with a traditional job. Time... to think about balancing career and family. Forward your resumé to: ™ Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. This is a full-time opportunity to establish your own variable-income and self-employed business in association with Investors Group.MP1323 (09/2008-P) www.careersinvestorsgroup.com Regional Director WALTER ALONSO CFP, BA 1550 Kingston Road Suite #313 (905) 831-0034 (905) 831-0130 walter.alonso@investorsgroup.com PICKERING, ON L1V 1C3 Investors Group Financial Services Inc. Be your own boss and take control of your life. At Investors Group, we are ready to help you build your own practice as a professional Consultant. We offer the advantage of… Flexibility and independence Mentorship and support Exceptional income potential Contact us, and find out how we can help you build a practice that can bring you personal and professional rewards far beyond those associated with a traditional job. Toll Free 1-866-476-1535 Tel: (905) 831-0034 Fax: (905) 831-0130 walter.alonso@investorsgroup.com www.investorsgrouppickering.com CAREER SESSION 12 noon June 26 7 pm July 7 Ordena Stephens- Thompson has the magic touch in Da Kink in my Hair BY LYRA PAPPIN Special to the News Advertiser AJAX –- ORDENA STEPHENS-Thompson got her part on Global Television’s ground- breaking hit TV show, Da Kink in my Hair, even though she didn’t want to go to the audition. The Ajax resident’s love of theatre almost got in the way of her landing the televi- sion-adapted role of Novelette, the warm and feisty lead character she’s come to capture. After playing Novelette on stage in two Toronto productions, Stephens-Thomp- son found herself with new opportunities to explore the character, but wasn’t sure which direction to take. “I was asked to audition for the (tele- vision) show just as I was about to go to England to play the role on stage, which is a more comedic character,” she says. “I didn’t want to audition because I wanted to play Novelette on stage and I was excit- ed about it. My agent convinced me to audition and I ended up getting the role. I’m really glad I did because I love doing the show and playing the television-adapt- ed Novelette.” The decision has proven to be an excel- lent one for Stephens-Thompson, who is thriving in the role. “It means a lot to be a part of the show on so many levels,” she says. “I have been involved in the stage play from almost the beginning and I am proud of the journey of such inspirational storytelling. I love hear- ing people respond so strongly to the posi- tive impact the play and show has had on their lives, seeing people who look like them on Cana- dian televi- sion, help- ing them to talk about a par- ticular issue or just giving them a good laugh. Plus, it is the first black come- dic/drama in Canada and truly ground-breaking.” Being so close to the role of Novelette for so long, Ste- phens-Thompson admires the character. “I love that Novelette is a woman of integrity. She has this ability to sense what is burdening her clients when she touches their hair and loves to try to help in what- ever way she can,” she says. “She also loves her family and wants to be a good mother and a successful businesswoman.” Stephens-Thompson takes a page from that book and isn’t resting on her laurels. She is cur- rently working on a program with the Women’s Multicul- tural Resource and Counselling Cen- tre in Durham to facilitate tell- ing women’s immigra- tion stories through dra- matic pre- sentation. She first fell in love with the stage as an enthusiastic young child, participating in school plays. After high school, she went on to attend George Brown’s theatre school in the first year of its extension from a two-year to a three-year program. The time she spent learning the finer points of her craft moti- vated her to continue chasing her dream. “The training I received there gave me a foundation and the resources to draw on to pursue my career,” said Stephens-Thomp- son. After graduating, she has enjoyed suc- cess on stage and in film and television, including roles in a variety of Shakespear- ean plays, for which she discovered a nat- ural aptitude. “My background of being Jamaican has definitely helped me access Shakespeare’s text,” she says. “There is a kind of similar- ity with patois and the way that the Eliza- bethans spoke that made it accessible to me.” While Stephens-Thompson has enjoyed a fruitful and diverse career, she stress- es that success in the television and film industry doesn’t happen overnight. “I would say to anyone wanting to pur- sue acting to study, take some classes, get involved in community theatre, and if you are really serious and want to make it a career, go to theatre school and get pro- fessional training ...,” she says. “And, most practically, have something else that you like to do as well to fall back on or do in the meantime.” There are many things she would still like to accomplish, including working with actors and directors like Meryl Streep, For- rest Whittaker and Clint Eastwood, a few of her favourites that she considers to be the greatest of our time. With her unique combination of charm, talent and drive, it just might happen. newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200924 AP Mike Ruta Entertainment Editor mruta@durhamregion.com newsdurhamregion.comEntertainment PEOPLE Ajax actor a Novelette expert MUSIC IN THE PARK SUBMITTED PHOTO AJAX -- Ajax resident Ordena Stephens-Thompson has played Da Kink in My Hair’s Novelette on stage and on TV. Time for some music in the Durham parks Free outdoor concerts have begun DURHAM -- Summer’s here at last and the time is right for dancing in the park. Take advantage of a number of free concert series that take place around the region, most in local parks. The price is right (they’re free) and it’s a great way for the family to get outside and spend some time together on a summer night. Here’s a sampling, so take chairs, perhaps a blanket and some bug spray, and enjoy. AJAX’S MUSIC IN THE SQUARE Every other Wednesday night at 7 p.m., July 8 through Aug. 12 (but not Aug. 5), in Heritage Square at the Ajax Town Hall, 65 Harwood Ave. S. (just south of Hwy. 401 and west of Salem Rd., via Achil- les Road). Performances take place rain or shine but, in the event of inclement weather, move inside Town Hall. July 8 Bennie and the Jets: A Tribute to Elton John, July 22 Ragweed Jazz Band. www.towno- fajax.com. OSHAWA’S CONCERTS IN THE PARK Wednesday night concerts by The Oshawa Civic Band at 7:30 p.m. and various Thursday night shows at 7 p.m., both at the Memorial Park Bandshell at Simcoe and Metcalfe streets. Oshawa Civic Band: July 15 and 29, Aug. 12 and 26. Thurs- days: July 2 Champion Heartache (Rock), July 9 Dan the Music Man (children’s musical performance), July 16 Jack Garson (guitarist/ comedian), July 23 Emerald (Irish music), July 30 Ron Moore’s Songs to the Key of Elvis (50’s, Vegas style). www.oshawa.ca. PICKERING WATERFRONT CONCERT SERIES Thursday nights at 7 p.m., July 2 through Aug. 27, at Millennium Square at the Pickering lakefront at the foot of Liverpool Road. A blan- ket is recommended as it can be cool at the lake. July 2 Kenn Lewis Steel Drums, July 9 Peter Smith Jazz Quartet, July 16 Full Count Blues Band, July 23 The Whirlis, July 30 Black Fly Boogie. www.cityofpick- See TAKE on page 25 newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200925 AP “Rock n’ Roll Drive-In” June 18th to July 11th Port Hope Festival Theatre Sponsored By 800.434.5092 / phft.ca Relive the fi lms, hits & dances of the 50s & 60s ART SHOW MUSEUM Youths take the stage in Pickering Flavours by the Bay July 1 PICKERING -- Nineteen bands take three stages on Canada Day as some of the best young musicians and bands in Durham perform. The second annual Flavours by the Bay features new and emerging musi- cians playing a variety of music, from blues to punk and folk to hip hop. The free event is July 1 from 2 to 8:30 p.m. on Liverpool Road south near the lakeshore. The rain date is July 4. The bands include Radical Jack, Rest Aside and Sinister Sunday on the Promenade stage, Hive 13 and You Bet Your Life at the Captain’s Walk stage and Kristen Clark and Caspian Martin at The Waterfront stage. For more information, including a performance schedule, visit www.fla- voursbythebay.com. Awards deadline Aug. 15 Music Society accepting entries DURHAM -- It’s time to hand out the hardware in September. The Durham Region Music Society is now taking entries for its sixth annual music awards, with awards night set for Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Whitby Centen- nial Building’s Courthouse Theatre. The deadline is Aug. 15 and the nominees will be announced on Sept. 1. For more information, visit www.the- durhamregionmusicsociety.com. ering.com. PICKERING TREBLE IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES Sunday afternoons, 2 to 4 p.m., July 5 through Aug. 30, at The Espla- nade Park gazebo, on Valley Farm Road between Brock and Liverpool roads, just north of Hwy. 401. If it’s raining, the concert moves inside to the adjacent Pickering City Hall. July 5 Brian Rose Little Big Band, July 12 The Good Times Orchestra, July 19 Joe Fischer, July 26 Ragweed Jazz Band. WHITBY’S MUSIC IN THE PARK Two locations: Rotary Centenni- al Park, 800 Brock St. S., Whitby, on Wednesday evenings through August and Grass Park, 41 Bald- win St., Brooklin, on Thursday nights through August. Both at 7 p.m. Rotary Centennial Park: July 8 Reflexions, July 15 Rick and Terry Just for Kids. Grass Park: July 2 Cruz Zone, July 9 Classic Country. www. town.whitby.on.ca. TAKE from page 24 Take in a concert at multiple venues Pickering’s Perdita Felicien, Tabia Charles and Anson Henry ready for National track and field championships in Toronto BY BRAD KELLY bkelly@durhamregion.com PICKERING -- It is with varying levels of excitement and motivation that Pickering’s trio of world-class track- and-field athletes head into the National Champion- ships in Toronto this weekend. Perdita Felicien, Tabia Charles and Anson Henry are expected to be headliners in their respective events, as the top athletes in the country compete for the opportu- nity to qualify for the World Championships in Berlin, Germany from Aug. 15-23. Felicien, a seven-time national champion in the 100m hurdles, is in a can’t-wait mode after missing last year’s event due to a foot injury, which ultimately prevent- ed her from representing the country at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Charles, the Canadian record holder in both the long and triple jumps, is looking to get things going after a slow start to the season. Henry is taking the mindset of using the meet as a springboard into the world championships. For Felicien, the 28-year-old was feeling the butter- flies of nervousness earlier in the week, something she doesn’t usually experience prior to nationals. “High. Very high,” she says when asked about her expectations. “I’m definitely in the hunt and looking for an eighth national title. Obviously, with Priscilla (Lopes- Schliep) running really well, it’s not going to be as easy as it was winning seven before. “I’ve never been this excited for a national champion- ship. Usually it was a meet that was hard to get excited for and hyped about because the level of competition hasn’t always been this high, but this year is very differ- ent. “My appetite has not been this ferocious for compe- tition for going out there and competing. I’m just so thirsty to be out there.” Felicien figures it has been about 19 months since she was in top form. The long layoff has also given her a new perspective on training and competing. It’s been one of those situations where you don’t realize how much you enjoy something until it has been taken away. “You definitely come back with a little bit more grati- tude,” she agrees. “I don’t think I ever took it for granted, but I love it much more now with these next few years that I do have.” Charles is coming off a storybook year of competition, winning bronze in the long jump at last year’s nation- als, and translating that into a 10th place finish at the Olympics. While the triple jump is her specialty -- she won gold at last year’s nationals in Windsor -- she didn’t meet the qualifying standard needed to compete at the Olympics. She enters this weekend with a high level of confidence. “I do have high expectations,” she says. “For me, it’s just about putting it together. I feel really good. I’m just trying to be calm, but I feel like I’m going to do great, but anything can happen.” She has been training vigorously with sprint coach Desai Williams at York University, but has recently been reunited with jump coach Gregory Portnoy. Despite having a number of international competi- tions on her resumé, the 24-year-old is treating this weekend with excitement and not a yawn. “You have to treat every competition like it’s a big meet,” she says. “You always have new people coming up. I go in there with the mindset to compete. I feel like this is nationals, this is huge for me.” Henry feels like he has something to prove. He has long considered himself the fastest man in the coun- try, despite never having won the 100m. He has finished first on two different occasions in the 200m, but in the 100m he feels he just hasn’t competed very well. “The way I’ve been feeling in practice, I feel like I’m capable of going in there and winning,” he says. “Ideally, I would be pleased coming top three. “If I win, that would be a definite plus. I do feel like I’m capable of winning.” The field is a strong one, with all four members of the Olympic 4x100m relay team that placed sixth in Beijing battling it out, including Henry, Pierre Browne, Jared Connaughton and Hank Palmer. Aside from order of finish, the motivation for the 30- year-old comes from wanting to run an A-standard time of 10.21 before the worlds in August. “It’s very hard to get up for it,” he says of nationals, compared to other international events he has compet- ed in over his career. “I find I go into the bigger compe- titions with the mentality of ‘I’m going into beat some people here’, and I’ll go to nationals and go ‘I don’t want any of these guys to beat me.’ I am more afraid to lose at nationals than I am excited to go there and win.” Felicien’s final will be on Saturday afternoon at 4:50, while Henry will follow shortly after at 5:40. Charles’s finals will be spread over two days, with the long jump on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., and the triple jump on Sunday at noon. newsdurhamregion.comNews Advertiser • June 26, 200926 AP Sports Brad Kelly Sports Editor bkelly@durhamregion.com newsdurhamregion.com Terrific trio PICKERING -- Pickering’s world class track and field athletes who will be competing at nationals this weekend includes, clockwise from top: Tabia Charles (long jump, triple jump), Perdita Felicien (100m hurdles), and Anson Henry (100m).