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PICKERING
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
NNews ews AAddveverr titisseerrTHE
JASON LIEBREGTS / METROLAND
PICKERING -- Brenda Holdsworth, left, founded Wedding Saviours with Kelly Newell. They are working together to help marry a cash-
strapped couple for free. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28. Pickering firm to throw free wedding
DURHAM COUPLES HAVE UNTIL FEB. 28 TO APPLY ONLINE
BY KRISTEN CALIS
kcalis@durhamregion.com
PICKERING -- Financing a wedding is tough
at the best of times, let alone when people are
cutting their budgets for simple necessities.
But a new group called Wedding Saviours
hopes to make the cost of a wedding much
lighter for a lucky Durham couple.
Residents across the region have until mid-
night on Sunday, Feb. 28 to apply online for
their chance at having the wedding of their
dreams - for free.
“I’ve been the bride on the budget,” said Wed-
ding Saviours co-founder Brenda Holdsworth,
also owner of BH Consulting and Design, a
creative wedding invitation supplier.
She got the idea in September, planning to
sell the idea to her colleagues in the wedding
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CRIME 3
Arrest
made
Police charge
Markham man in
Pickering murders
POLITICS 10
Prorogue
panned
Durham residents
take to the
streets in protest
SPECIAL SECTION 19
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durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 20102
AP
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AJAX • PICKERING
Family court testimony
alleged to be perjury
BY JEFF MITCHELL
jmitchell@durhamregion.com
DURHAM -- Police have laid criminal charg-
es against a Whitby man, alleging he com-
mitted perjury by presenting false profes-
sional credentials while testifying in child
custody cases.
Gregory Carter presented himself as a psy-
chologist and dubbed himself a doctor while
testifying about the suitability of people to
care for children, police and other com-
plainants allege. Mr. Carter, who has a long-
standing practice in Whitby and associa-
tions with agencies including the Durham
Children’s Aid Society, was charged Monday
with fraud, perjury and obstructing justice.
The development came as a relief to one
Clarington man who has complained to
both police and Ontario’s College of Psy-
chologists. The man lost custody of his
granddaughter after a 2006 family court trial
in which Mr. Carter testified on behalf of the
birth father.
“I’m quite pleased,” said Mr. B., whose full
name can’t be used to protect the child’s
identity. “He’s been doing this for years and
no one has stopped him until now.”
He suggested court cases Mr. Carter has
been involved in ought to be subject to
review.
Mr. Carter, 63, did not return messages left
Tuesday at his home and at his Whitby office.
The allegations against him have not been
proven in court.
Mr. Carter is regis-
tered with the Col-
lege of Psychologists
as a psychological
associate. According
to the college’s web-
site, he is authorized
to work with chil-
dren and families,
but is prohibited
from independently diagnosing symptoms
or disorders, and is required to perform
duties under the supervision of a qualified
psychologist.
The website also indicates at least two
complaints have been made, alleging Mr.
Carter breached the limitations placed on
him.
Mr. B. said Mr. Carter presented critical
evidence during his family’s custody bat-
tle in a Durham family court proceeding,
including an assertion Mr. B. is “narcissistic”
and hostile towards
the child’s father. In
explaining his deci-
sion, a judge said
Mr. Carter’s testi-
mony “tips the bal-
ance” in favour of
the father, accord-
ing to a transcript.
Mr. B. feels the
case was decided by
testimony from a witness who wasn’t quali-
fied to offer an opinion. The outcome was
devastating to him and his wife, he said.
“A 10-year-old girl has been forced against
her wishes to leave the only home she has
ever known and we have been left both emo-
tionally and financially ruined in our retire-
ment years,” Mr. B. said. He said he and oth-
ers have contacted a lawyer about launching
a civil suit.
In a letter responding to Mr. B’s complaint
Mr. Carter indicates he completed a Masters
Degree in 1978 and pursued further educa-
tion, including a doctorate obtained from
Pacific Western University in 1991. Pacific
Western, renamed California Miramar Uni-
versity in 2007, was the subject of contro-
versy in 2004 when American media out-
lets alleged the school was a “diploma mill”
offering expedited credentials for a price.
Mr. Carter operates a practice out of a pro-
fessional building on Dundas Street West
in Whitby. He is past president of the board
of Durham Mental Health Services and has
been associated with the Durham Children’s
Aid Society. Among his duties for the CAS
was carrying out parenting capacity assess-
ments, said spokeswoman Andrea Maenza.
Such assessments play a role in determin-
ing if children remain with their parents
or are made wards of the Crown, she said.
While performing assessments Mr. Carter
had limited access to CAS records, she con-
firmed.
Mr. Carter’s involvement with the CAS was
suspended recently and the agency is await-
ing the outcome of the college’s investigation
into complaints against him, Ms. Maenza
said.
“We’ve made no judgment,” she said.
“We’ll let the college takes its course ... and
then we’ll determine whether or not we’ll
pursue any other contracts with him.”
Rob Adams, executive director of Durham
Mental Health Services, said Mr. Carter has
served as a volunteer director, assisting with
agency governance and strategic direction.
“He had no involvement in the agency’s
day to day operations or client services and
supports,” Mr. Adams said.
Mr. Carter is scheduled to appear in court
in March. A police investigation continues;
call 905-579-1520, extension 2704.
CRIME
Whitby ‘doctor’ faked credentials, police allege
RON PIETRONIRO / METROLAND
WHITBY -- The office of Gregory Carter is in the Dundas-Centre Medical building at 220 Dundas St. W. Mr. Carter has been
charged by Durham Regional Police.
He’s been doing this for years and no one has
stopped him until now. Mr. B.
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Markham man charged
BY JEFF MITCHELL
jmitchell@durhamregion.com
DURHAM -- Weeks after police announced
significant developments in an investiga-
tion into the deaths of two men found in the
trunk of a vehicle in Pickering, a man has
been charged with two counts of first-degree
murder.
Further arrests are expected as the inves-
tigation into the killings of Harjinder Singh
Sandhu, 28, and Puneet Singh Chhina, 26,
continues, Durham police said Friday.
John Le, 38, of Markham, was arrested with-
out incident Thursday and appeared Friday
morning by video in an Oshawa bail court,
where he was represented by duty counsel.
He was remanded in custody and is sched-
uled to appear in court again next week.
The arrest comes eight months after the
bodies of Mr. Sandhu, of Brampton, and Mr.
Chhina, a Nepean resident, were found in
the trunk of a car on Pickering’s 4th Conces-
sion near Rosebank Road. The men, whose
bodies were discovered by cops investigat-
ing a report of a suspicious vehicle on the
afternoon of May 5, 2009, had been reported
missing to Peel police.
Media reports following discovery of the
bodies indicated Mr. Sandhu had been
scheduled to appear in court in Windsor
June 1, 2009 to face charges of importing
cocaine.
In late December, Durham police said
they’d recovered DNA linked to a poten-
tial suspect. In an appeal for more informa-
tion issued Dec. 22, investigators said they’d
tracked the movements of the dead men in
the hours prior to the fatal shootings and
travel of the suspects afterward.
Police concluded the men were murdered
in the area of Kennedy Road and Sheppard
Avenue in Toronto, after which their bodies
were moved to Pickering. Durham cops con-
ducted a canvass of that area, seeking poten-
tial witnesses.
According to information released by Dur-
ham police in December, the victims trav-
elled from Brampton to Toronto May 4, 2009,
and were murdered there. The bodies were
placed in the trunk of their own Nissan and
driven to Pickering, where the car was aban-
doned. A second car was also driven east to
the area in which the bodies were left, cops
said.
Police said a cellphone belonging to one
of the dead men remained in the second car
used by the killers; that vehicle was driven
north to Whitchurch-Stouffville, then back
south to the Kennedy Road and Sheppard
Avenue area.
Mr. Le, of Germain Crescent in Markham, is
charged with two counts each of first-degree
murder, kidnapping and using a firearm in
the commission of an offence.
The investigation continues.
If you have information about the investigation:
CALL 905-579-1520 ext. 3270
CRIMESTOPPERS: Anonymous tips can
be made to Durham police at 1-800-222-8477
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POLICE
Arrest made in killings of men found
in trunk of car in north Pickering
CRIME BRIEFS
Three sought in violent
Pickering stick-up
PICKERING -- A Pickering convenience store
owner and his wife were terrorized by three
masked men during an armed robbery Thursday
night.
The male store owner was struck and suf-
fered minor injuries when the bandits, one of them
armed with a handgun, burst through the door of
the Daisy Fresh convenience store on Rosebank
Road at about 9:45 p.m., Durham police said.
The victims were robbed of personal prop-
erty and the suspects grabbed cash and ciga-
rettes before fleeing to a waiting vehicle. They’re
described as black men in their late teens or early
20s.
If you have information about the investigation:
CALL 905-579-1520 ext. 5355
CRIMESTOPPERS: Anonymous tips can
be made to Durham police at 1-800-222-8477
Suspect in Ajax
ATM heists busted
AJAX -- Police have charged a man with a spate
of robberies that targeted victims at automated
teller machines in Ajax.
An arrest was made Friday afternoon after
Durham cops caught up to a suspect at a location
on Salem Road.
He’s believed to be responsible for three
armed robberies that took place in Ajax between
Jan. 16 and 20.
In each instance a victim was confronted
while using an ATM and ordered to hand over
cash, police said.
A search of a vehicle and the suspect’s north
Pickering residence led to the seizure of evidence
connected to the crimes, police said.
Joshua Ibbitson, 31 of Greenburn Place in
Pickering faces robbery and weapons charges.
Durham cops nab five
alleged drunk drivers
DURHAM -- Five motorists were charged with
impaired driving on the weekend as Durham police
conducted RIDE spot checks across the region.
Officers with the Durham force’s traffic branch
stopped 1,000 vehicles over the two-day initiative.
They carried out 20 roadside breath tests.
As well, officers handed out a pair of three-
day license suspensions, charged one person with
exceeding the legal alcohol limit and issued 14
provincial offense notices, report police.
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 20104
AP
No serious injuries
in Ajax mishap: Police
BY REKA SZEKELY
rszekely@durhamregion.com
AJAX -- A Durham Region Transit bus driver
used his onboard fire extinguisher to put out
flames when a car flipped and caught fire after
colliding with a truck in Ajax Friday.
It happened at roughly 10:30 a.m. at the
Westney Road and Taunton Road intersec-
tion. “Our driver witnessed the accident hap-
pen and the car flipped in the intersection and
caught fire,” said Phil Meagher, deputy general
manager of operations for DRT.
The 915 Taunton route driver had his super-
visor call emergency services before helping
at the scene. “He used his onboard fire extin-
guisher to extinguish the fire before emergen-
cy services arrived,” said Mr. Meagher.
Sergeant Nancy van Rooy of Durham
Regional Police said a nearby OPP cruiser also
responded. Ajax Fire and Emergency Services
showed up shortly after to fully extinguish the
fire. Durham police and EMS also responded.
Everyone was able to get out of the vehi-
cles, though one person was bleeding from
the head and was loaded onto a stretcher and
taken to hospital. “It doesn’t look like injuries
are life threatening and terribly serious,” said
Sgt. van Rooy.
There appeared to be little damage to the
green dump truck, but the burgundy sedan
that flipped was crushed in the front and fire
damaged. Durham police are investigating
the collision.
ACCIDENT
Bus driver douses flames after car flips
REKA SZEKELY / METROLAND
AJAX -- A car flipped and caught fire after colliding with a truck in the Westney Road
and Taunton Road intersection on Friday, Jan. 22. Victim was beaten,
terrorized, jury heard
BY JEFF MITCHELL
jmithcell@durhamregion.com
DURHAM -- Ontario’s top court has
upheld the conviction of two Ajax men
sentenced to lengthy jail terms for a 2005
home invasion in which a helpless victim
was assaulted and terrorized.
The decision announced Wednesday
by the Court of Appeal means Jermaine
Hylton, 24, and 29-year-old Kevin Har-
ris, both of Ajax, will not be granted a
new trial.
They were convicted by a jury sitting in
Whitby in 2007.
Both men were sentenced to seven
years by Superior Court Justice Myrna
Lack after a sentencing hearing in the
fall of 2007, at which both men made
tearful pleas for mercy, claiming they’d
turned their lives around.
In an appeal heard earlier this month
in Toronto, lawyers for Mr. Hylton and
Mr. Harris argued Justice Lack had made
errors in instructions to the jury that
convicted the men.
But a panel of appeal court justices
found no errors and ruled the convic-
tions should be upheld.
At the original trial, jurors heard Mr.
Hylton and Mr. Harris entered a home
on Valley Ridge Crescent in Pickering at
about 4 a.m. on July 26, 2005 by remov-
ing a basement window.
They ambushed a 36-year-old man as
he lay sleeping, tying him up and wrap-
ping his head in duct tape.
The victim was bashed in the head
with a hatchet during the ordeal, jurors
heard.
The bandits fled with property includ-
ing the victim’s car; they were bust-
ed by Durham police in September of
2005 when they crashed a stolen car in
Pickering.
Mr. Harris was later implicated in other
home invasions, including an incident in
April of 2006 in York Region when police
shot and killed Shelton McKenzie, 21, of
Ajax.
COURTS
Top provincial court
upholds home invasion
conviction for Ajax men
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 20105
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However, details still need
to be hammered out
BY KEITH GILLIGAN
kgilligan@durhamregion.com
DURHAM -- The details still have to be
worked out, but Regional officials are
pleased with new waste-management
proposals being pushed by the Prov-
ince.
“The Province is finally getting it,”
Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson said
as councillors reviewed the proposals
Tuesday.
From Waste to Worth: The Role of Waste
Diversion in the Green Economy outlines
several initiatives, the main one being
extended producer responsibility. This
means those responsible for putting
products and packaging into the mar-
ketplace are responsible for managing
the waste associated with them.
“This is exceptional news. It’s a huge
step forward by the Province,” Regional
Chairman Roger Anderson said. “This is
putting responsibility for waste back on
the producers.”
“Staff are concerned about the lack of
detail in how it will roll out,” works com-
missioner Cliff Curtis said.
There are “potentially huge savings” if
the new system is put in place, he said,
noting the Region could save about $3
million annually.
Currently, the Province is gather-
ing comments from municipalities and
businesses on its proposals.
The provincial report lays out when
more materials will be diverted from
landfills or incineration. Timelines
include more electronic and electrical
equipment, dubbed ‘everything with
a cord’, and construction and demoli-
tion materials within two years of the
program starting. Within three years,
furniture and mattresses would be
diverted, and, within five years, vehicles,
branded organics, such as diapers and
disposable wipes, and small household
items, such as toys, disposable razors
and disposable water filters.
“The concept is a premium will be
placed on disposal. If you make some-
thing that’s not recyclable, there will be
a premium to dispose of it,” Mr. Curtis
said. “There will be a surcharge to dis-
pose of it in a landfill.”
There’s no word yet if there would be
a premium to put something into an
incinerator, Mr. Curtis added.
“This (provincial report) is a very
high level. We still have to work out the
details,” he noted. “It’s going to be cost
driven and the costs will be borne by
producers.”
“Consumers will be the real driving
force to make this work,” Whitby Coun-
cillor Gerry Emm said. “For future coun-
cils, this will be a great tool.”
Ajax Councillor Scott Crawford said,
“This is a step in the right direction, but
the steps will take so gosh darn long.”
Some measures would be five years to
start, he noted.
“Understand, the earliest the Prov-
ince would implement this is 2011. The
clock starts ticking after the legislation is
passed,” Mr. Curtis said. “Consultations
need to take place.”
REGION
Durham likes new provincial waste plan
The Province is fi nally getting it.
Pickering Councillor
Rick Johnson
RICK
JOHNSON
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Editorial
Opinions
INTERPRETATION
Cartoon not appropriate
for Haiti tragedy
To the editor:
Re: Editorial cartoon, Jan. 20.
I was saddened by the inappropriateness
of today’s editorial cartoon depicting death
having a fondness for Haiti.
How terrible for our friends and neigh-
bours and loved ones who are grieving,
struggling or anxiously awaiting news from
Haiti, to have their local media make light
of such devastation.
Shame on you.
Christine Howe
Pickering
EDUCATION
Sign debate waste of time,
money
To the editor:
Re: Durham school board to unify signs,
Dec. 17.
I cannot believe the school board spent
time discussing unified signage for schools.
Surely there are much more important
issues for the board to address.
Thank goodness the guidelines are for
new signs only because the price tag of
over $600,000 to provide this unified sig-
nage for all schools would be a total waste
of taxpayers’ money.
Wendy Stockton
Oshawa
S ign spending senseless
To the editor:
Re: Durham School board to unify signs,
Dec. 17
In all other areas in the business world,
we are trying to cut back and spend wise-
ly.
But not here at the Durham District
School Board.
During the cutbacks to the education-
al assistants, DDSB trustees kept com-
plaining about not having enough money
from the Province to pay for these extra
teachers.
Low and behold, they pass a policy
that will require schools in the DDSB to
become a consistent image throughout
the Region.
If all signs were to be updated or done,
the cost would be a staggering $657,900.
The board doesn’t say where they are
going to get this extra $5,000 per sign
from, all they say is it’s going to cost
roughly $5,000 per sign.
Let’s see a consistent image across
Durham for schools: I have to ask at what
loss in the classroom.
I’m pretty sure there is a consistent
image now that tells us that a school
exists, that would be the children in the
schoolyards and the report cards they
bring home to mom and dad!
Don’t go wasting my educational tax
dollars on signs in an economy like we
have today!
Scott Templeton
Whitby
FEDERAL POLITICS
There’s nothing new
with Parliament being
prorogued
To the editor:
Re: Durham rallies to protest proroguing
this Saturday, Jan. 18.
While Stacey Leadbetter argues the
current government is being disrespect-
ful and arrogant by proroguing Parlia-
ment I would like to ask where were her
protests when the former Prime Minister,
Jean Chrétien, prorogued four times?
Stephen Burkholder
Whitby
Facebook members make MPs sit up and take notice
Facebook followers unhappy at the pro-
roguing of Parliament proved on Saturday
they are more activists than slacktivists.
With more than 3,000 angry protesters
turning up on Parliament Hill and another
3,000 or so showing up in downtown Toron-
to, it’s clear there is a willingness to stand up
and be counted. Here in Durham, more than
100 came out to Oshawa MP Colin Carrie’s
riding office and a similar number showed
up at Whitby-Oshawa MP Jim Flaherty’s local
office.
If somebody had told you a year ago that
thousands of people would make it out on a
Saturday afternoon to protest because Parlia-
ment, of all things, wasn’t sitting, you would
have believed they were crazy. Not so.
It turns out Facebook, Twitter and other
“new” media devices may just be the tools
to combat citizen apathy when it comes to
political involvement. Consider that if each
person who came out to a protest represents
up to 20 people who feel the same way, a tidal
wave of dissent is sitting out there waiting to
be counted.
The question is whether the momentum
from the prorogue Facebook site can be main-
tained once Parliament is sitting come March
3. Will the hundreds of thousands who joined
the page be involved for the long haul? Cana-
dians Against Proroguing Parliament was still
growing and was past the 216,000 mark as of
Monday. Another 1,200 had joined a group
called ‘Canadians Against Proroguing Par-
liament, A Second Wave of Action’, with the
intent of furthering the protest beyond Jan.
23.
There is clearly an untapped source of ener-
gy and engagement out there of all ages. While
some have suggested much of the Facebook
proroguing momentum is largely the cre-
ation of opposition parties eager to latch on
to anything that will pressure the prime min-
ister, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Many
of those who’ve joined admit they’ve never
been involved in politics before and are only
now getting interested because this issue has
them fired up.
What to do with all that energy and inter-
est is the critical question for further citizen
engagement. Members of Parliament who
choose to ignore these online activists do so
at their peril.
Twenty-first century methods of commu-
nication could be the tools that allow democ-
racy to thrive and rebound from its slide into
irrelevance.
The days of electronic voting are not far off
and the use of Facebook and Twitter, among
others, could bring far more people into the
democratic tent. And that’s good because an
informed populace is one that keeps its elect-
ed members listening and doing its bidding.
For more information:
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be published @ newsdurhamregion.com durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 20106
P
WE ASKED
I’m sure over the years there have been
many times where people have told me
to go jump into a lake.
I guess it really came as no surprise
then when I finally decided to accept one
particular invitation and participate in
the 5th Annual Ajax Polar Bear Swim that
took place on Jan. 1.
However, I did make it clear to everyone
the only way I’d go in was if people actu-
ally paid for me to go in and that their
money would be donated to charity.
The Ajax Polar Bear Swim has been a
fundraiser for the R.S. McLaughlin Dur-
ham Regional Cancer Centre.
However, with the blessing of organizer
Peter Gos, I chose to swim for the Unit-
ed Way of Ajax Pickering Uxbridge, with
which I am heavily involved.
I quickly went viral with the news and
put it out to all my contacts through Face-
book, Twitter and my online blog.
You see, not only did I want to raise as
much money as possible, but by putting
it out there I wanted more people to hold
me to it just in case I felt the urge to call
in sick that day.
My wife, four children and my video
producer all joined me at the beach as
well as a number of others I knew.
I was amazed when I got there to see so
many people who came to participate as
well as to watch.
I didn’t have much time to ponder what
I was about to do since the countdown
began soon after my arrival.
Despite the fears of what it would be
like, running in en masse for the first
time was actually quite invigorating.
I surprised myself when I actually
accepted the invite by Peter Gos and
another lady to jump in again.
I then cursed myself when I followed my
producer’s direction to go in a third time,
as he wanted a better camera angle.
By the final exit my quads were getting
numb and my sanity was now truly in
question.
In the end over $2,100 was raised for
the cancer centre and as of today I am
near $300 for the United Way.
With 2009 being such a difficult year for
many, myself included, I decided to have
a year like I’ve never had before, I had to
start it off by doing something I’ve never
done before.
When all things are considered, I’d say
both from a selfless and a selfish perspec-
tive, we’re off to a great start in 2010.
Ajax resident Eric Novak found swimming in icy
waters isn’t just for polar bears,
especially when it’s for a good cause.
You would have to live on the moon,
or perhaps in certain sections of Bever-
ly Hills, not to have noticed what’s been
happening in Haiti recently. Most of us
have been greatly affected by the trage-
dy. Like the earthquake itself, the shock
wave of this news continues to travel
and rock the world of anyone exposed
to it. And like any great cataclysm, these
things are a litmus test of our natures,
tending to bring out the best or the worst
in all of us.
Even those of us thousands of miles
from the epicentre may find ourselves
wrestling with questions of ethical and
moral character as a result of this disas-
ter. Should I help? How can I help? Does
it matter if I do nothing? What’s the point,
anyway?
I know that in my small corner of the
world we faced our own dilemma. This is
typically a dicey time of the year for us,
fiscally. A number of financially fore-
boding trends inevitably gang up on us at
this time of year; the film and TV busi-
ness is very slow in the winter, most pro-
ductions preferring to shoot in the long
sunlit days of the spring and summer, the
expenses of Christmas must be met and
my accountant usually calls and brings
up that annoying tax thing. The upshot
is that at this time of the year our P and
L statement makes Black Monday look
like a tea party. And if we’re not careful,
if we lose some precious perspective, our
world can get as small as our bank bal-
ance. I remember, when my kids were
quite young, one of them coming home
from school and asking “Dad, are we
rich?”
I said “What makes you ask that?” He
replied that one of the kids at school had
said that because I was a TV actor we
must be rich. I smiled, then told him to
remind his schoolmate that, “your dad
is a Canadian’ TV actor.” Then see if you
can’t bum some milk money from the
kid.
The bottom line is that I found myself,
this weekend, staring at a request for
earthquake aid in my e-mail inbox and,
for an ugly little while, hesitating... won-
dering. My heart, of course, knew exact-
ly what I should do. There was no lack of
clarity on its part. But I had this panicked,
idiot, number-cruncher in my head who
kept warning me to be careful or else.
Or else what? Or else I won’t be able to
have my six-buck latte this week? Or else
I might have to leave one of my two cars
at home? Or else I won’t be able to big-
gie-size anything? My home is still stand-
ing. I have gallons of fresh, clean water to
drink. I have a pantry and fridge stocked
with enough food to feed a small village.
I have clothes in my closet I haven’t worn
in years. I have more shoes than the
Rockettes. My children are healthy and
happy and still here.
Or else what? What a sickeningly stupid,
cowardly, useless question. Of course, I
ended up donating, giving... something.
And an interesting and wonderful thing
happens the moment you decide to do
something, to act, to give, to help.
The idiot in the head is suddenly, bliss-
fully, silenced. And what you are left with
is the peace of the heart. The peace that
only comes from the realization that we
are truly all one, and as we do unto oth-
ers, we most certainly do unto ourselves.
Listen to your heart.
Durham resident Neil Crone,
actor-comic-writer,
saves some of his best lines for his columns.
Do you think we’re doing enough to help in Haiti?
CHRIS AMOS -- ‘Yes, I think Canada has done fairly well with donations averaging over $1 per person.
That’s a remarkable figure. The federal government should donate the full $50 million regardless.’
DONNA BRIGHT -- ‘Yes, although the action being taken on the ground is inefficient so it’s hard to tell
if anyone is sending sufficient support.’
MAUREEN FOXTON -- ‘Yes Canada is very engaged. We are donating money, sending troops and
making medical personnel available.’
KALENEA JOHNSON -- ‘Yes, I think a good effort is being put out.’
Cold dip results in warm-hearted giving
JOANNE BURGHARDT
Stand up
and be heard
THE INBOX:
“Please make a little effort to hide your Lib-
eral bias by putting some balance into your
publication views. As a local news service you
should attempt to reflect the views of your read-
ers however during the last week I totalled 12
of 13 letters published were in support of one
political view...Liberal. If some balance is not
restored soon I will be cancelling my delivery.”
I chuckled when I received this e-mail Sun-
day because it came right on the heels of a call
I received Friday from a reader who wanted
us to change our editorial direction on incin-
eration because he didn’t agree with it.
In both cases I urged the readers to take pen
(mouse) in hand and join the fray by writing
down their opinions in the form of a letter to
the editor – we’d be happy to consider them
for publication.
“You can make a difference,” has become
my mantra these days.
Don’t sit there grousing about it or, worse
yet, chastising others for having a different
point of view.
Step out of your comfort zone and take a
public stand. If you don’t like the fact that
the letters page is full of readers criticizing
the government for proroguing, write a letter
supporting Stephen Harper’s decision and
balance the scales a bit.
If you have something to say about Dalton
McGuinty’s involvement in the incineration
issue, don’t demand that someone else do
something about it -- take matters into your
own hands.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Friday’s conver-
sation with a Clarington reader about every-
thing from our editorial cartoons, to Dalton
McGuinty and incineration, to Mike Har-
ris and dumping garbage in an abandoned
mine, I later lamented that in the time he had
taken to chastise me, the caller could have
penned his own letter, e-mailed it in, and had
it published.
Folks...if you feel strongly about an issue
don’t be afraid to stand up and be heard.
Joanne Burghardt is Editor-in-Chief of the Metroland
Durham Region Media Group.
Follow our Make A Difference campaign at
newsdurhamregion.com/specialreports.
BE OUR GUEST -- Each week in this space This Week runs submissions from our readers. E-mail your submissions, maximum 350 words, to
newsroom@durhamregion.com or mail to This Week c/o Tim Kelly, 865 Farewell St., Oshawa, ON L1H 7L5. For further information call Tim Kelly at 905-579-
4400 ext. 2293 or email him at tkelly@durhamregion.com.
Heart wins the day when helping Haiti
NEIL CRONE
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 20107
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durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 20108
P
world by not only letting them know they’d
be helping a couple in need by simply
offering their services, but to promote their
businesses as well.
“It’s about promotion for businesses but
also paying it forward for couples who need
us,” she said.
And she’s had no trouble getting busi-
nesses and people involved. One of them
was Kelly Newell of Life Shots, who brings
a green screen to
events for various
photo opportuni-
ties.
And Ms. Newell
has jumped right
on board, becoming
co-chairwoman of
the organization.
“There haven’t
been too many peo-
ple who won’t help
us,” she said.
The dress, flowers,
food, venue and DJ
are some of the high
costs of a wedding that will be covered by
Wedding Saviours.
Donna-Mae Griffiths has also gotten on
board, and has convinced her church to
host the Durham wedding, which is now
set to take place at the Milestone Christian
and Conference Centre in Ajax sometime
this October.
Ms. Holdsworth explained the aver-
age wedding costs between $20,000 and
$25,000, and that’s a modest one.
“I don’t think there’s anything else in
your life that will be this stressful,” she said.
And having the costs and the organization
covered by Wedding Saviours will not only
alleviate the stress for the couple, but for
the parents as well.
“With a lot of parents, it’s ‘either I’ll put
you through university or I’ll get you mar-
ried’,” she said.
Wedding Saviours had a test run at put-
ting a wedding on cost-free for a couple on
Jan. 16 at Canada’s Wedding Expo and the
Eco Wedding Show in Toronto.
They were married at the wedding expo,
and they and their 33 guests were supplied
with champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and the
couple was escorted via limo to an evening
at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto.
“They were more than happy with it,” Ms.
Holdsworth said.
And now it’s time for a Durham couple to
shine.
“We’re all set to go,” said Ms. Newell.
The couple has to apply online by submit-
ting a creative story telling why they need
Wedding Saviours along with a 250-word
outline.
Submissions could include a video, a
blog, a poem or even a drawing with stick
figures depicting why they need a free wed-
ding.
They must also be comfortable with a
production team since Wedding Saviours
plans to air episodes online throughout the
process.
Friends and family can nominate a cou-
ple as well, but the couple must give their
consent if they’re chosen.
The top submissions will be pre-selected
by a panel of vendors, experts and spon-
sors and will be posted on the website. An
online voting system will narrow the num-
ber of couples down to 10. The panel will
then interview and select the winning cou-
ple.
If all goes well, this won’t be the last cer-
emony Wedding Saviours puts on.
“I hope this grassroots organization that
started in Pickering will be marrying cou-
ples all across Canada if all goes well,” Ms.
Holdsworth said.
Wedding Saviours is still accepting busi-
nesses to join the team, and is accepting
online submissions now.
For more information:
VISIT www.weddingsaviours.ca
NUPTIALS
Pickering company ‘set to go’ with free wedding
I’ve been the bride on
the budget. Brenda
Holdsworth, Wedding
Saviours co-founder
PICKERING from page 1
Library program
advises residents what to eat
to stay happy
PICKERING -- Those experiencing the winter blues
can learn how to lift their spirits through their stom-
ach this Thursday.
The Petticoat Creek library branch, 470 Kingston
Rd., is hosting a free seminar on the best food to eat
during the colder weather. Adults and seniors are
invited out to learn how proper nutrition can raise
their spirits. Registration is required, and the semi-
nar begins at 7 p.m.
For more information:
CALL 905-420-2254
HEALTH
Free program
to lift spirits
in Pickering
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 20109
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Attend Public Meetings at City Hall
January 28 Pickering Public Library 6:30 pm
February 1 Planning & Development Committee Cancelled
February 3 Committee of Adjustment 7:00 pm
February 4 Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity 7:00 pm
February 8 Executive Committee 7:30 pm
February 11 Pickering Museum Village Advisory Committee 7:00 pm
All meetings are open to the public.
For details call 905.420.2222 or visit the City website
Date Meeting Time
The City of Pickering’s 2010
Annual Accessibility Plan
Now Available!
Members of the public can pick up a hard copy of the plan at the Customer
Care Centre at the Pickering Civic Complex or at the Pickering Public Library.
The 2010 Annual Accessibility Plan can also be found on our website at
cityofpickering.com
Most kitchen fi res occur because people get distracted and leave their cooking
unattended on the stove.
Keep a close eye on your cooking. If a pot catches fi re, slide a lid over the pot
to smother the fl ames, then turn off the stove. And always wear tight-fi tting
or rolled-up sleeves when cooking. A dangling sleeve can easily brush against
a hot burner and catch fi re.
Cooking is the number one cause of home fi res
Fire Safety information available online at cityofpickering.com,
by email: fi re@cityofpickering.com or by phone 905.839.9968.
www.picnet.org
Free HR Advice!
The Change Agents is a Pickering-based
Human Resources (HR) advisory fi rm
that is off ering a 30-minute session with the owner
to discuss your business concerns, such as best hiring
practices.
At the Central Library:
Tuesday, February 2nd
30 minute appointments from
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Space is limited. Call 905.831.6265 ext. 6243.
Events @ your Library
February 15 Health Club 6 am - 5 pm
February 15 Family Day Event 10 am - 5 pm
Family Passport $10, includes swim, skate, tennis, squash, raquetball &
fitness classes. Call or see the website for specific event times.
February 15 Closed
Civic Complex (City Hall) 905.420.2222
Recreation Complex, Pool & Arena 905.683.6582
Dunbarton Pool 905.831.1260
February 15 Closed
Pickering Public Libraries 905.831.6265
February 15 Closed
Pickering Museum Village 905.683.8401
February 15 Closed
Holiday Operating Hours
The City of Pickering will be presenting Civic Awards to members of
the community who
We invite and encourage you to submit nominations for individuals,
groups, and businesses who you feel are deserving of recognition.
have made a significant contribution to the City
of Pickering during 2009.
Nomination forms are available online, or in City facilities and must be
received byThursday, February 11, 2010 at 4:00 pm. For more
information please contact the Customer Care Centre.
T. 905.683.7575
TTY 905.420.1739
email customercare@cityofpickering.com
2009Cwardsivic
Call for Nominations
Cultural Strategic Plan
The City of Pickering is currently in the process of completing a Cultural
Strategic Plan. When complete, this plan will identify Arts, Heritage and
Culture priorities for the City of Pickering within the next 10 years.
At this stage in the strategic planning process, the City of Pickering is launching
the Community Consultation Phase. Community Consultation phase will
include a Random Community Household Telephone Survey that
will begin on January 18, 2010 and last approximately 2.5 weeks. Pickering
residents that are randomly selected will be called and asked to participate.
Calls will be made between Monday to Friday and will take approximately 10
minutes to complete. The survey will seek to identify current participation in
cultural activities and understand the needs and preferences of residents.
Community Consultation phase will also include a Stakeholders Group
Online Survey for cultural organizations and cultural facility owners/
operators that will begin on January 11, 2010 and last approximately 6 weeks.
The Stakeholders Group Online Survey will (1) develop a comprehensive
inventory of all heritage, arts and culture assets in the area, and; (2) create a
community-responsive Cultural Strategic Plan, which will provide municipal
and community direction for decision-making, policy development, and
capital investment for the next 10 years.
For more information on the City of Pickering Cultural Plan or Community
Consultation Phase, please visit our website at cityofpickering.com or contact:
Marisa Carpino
Supervisor, Culture & Recreation Phone: 905.683.2760 ext. 3223
Operations & Toll Free 1.866.683.2760
Emergency Services Department Fax: 905.831.9370
Culture & Recreation Division TTY. 905.831.8604
City of Pickering mcarpino@cityofpickering.com
Call for Nominations
The City of Pickering is excited to be able to honour one local senior for
their outstanding accomplishments. To be eligible for the award, the
individual must be over 65 years and has enriched the social, cultural
or civic life of the community. Please let us know about the nominee in
one page.
Nominations are due by February 12, 2010
Mail or drop off nomination to:
Supervisor, Culture & Recreation
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON
L1V 6K7
One senior will be selected and invited to a recognition ceremony in
June 2010 as part of the City of Pickering’s Seniors Month Celebration.
Submit a nomination today!
For more information, call 905.683.6582 ext. 3223
or visit the website at cityofpickering.com
Seedy Saturday
February 6, 2010, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
East Shore Community Centre, $3 admission
Garden Expo with guest speakers, vendors, seedy café and more.
For more information, call 905.683.8401
or visit the website at cityofpickering.com/museum
2010 MARCH BREAK ACTIVITIES
March 15 – 19, 2010
March Break Camps at the Pickering Recreation Complex
Daily camp programs run from Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 19 at the
Pickering Recreation Complex.
Mini Pidaca
Our Half-day camp for children 3 – 5 years of age runs from 9:30 am to 12
noon daily, and operates out of the Creative Centre. Staff at Mini Pidaca have
a variety of exciting arts & crafts, music & sing-a-longs, and indoor games
planned for the week.
Arts Camp
Full day programs run 9:00 am – 3:15 pm for children 5 – 12 years of age.
Arts camps offers campers the opportunity to participate in a variety of art
activities from crafts, to drama and creative games. Swimming Daily. Daily
bus transportation to and from camp is provided free for Arts Campers.
Sports
Full day programs run 9:00 am – 3:15 pm for children 5 – 12 years of
age. Campers will learn the basic skills and play fun variations of soccer,
floor hockey, basketball and indoor games. Swimming Daily. Daily bus
transportation to and from camp is provided free for Sports Campers.
Extend-a-Camp ( for Sports and Arts Only)
Drop your child off at the Creative Centre between 7:00 am – 9:00 am and
pick them up between 3:15 pm and 6:00 pm. Children enjoy a variety of
active games, movies, and activities at this before and after Arts or Sports
camp.
Camp staff are trained and qualified to ensure that your child(ren) have a
safe and fun-filled week at camp, learning, laughing, and making friends
along the way!
Mad Science Camp (Secret Agent Lab)
Offered at the West Shore Community Centre (9:00 – 4:00 pm). Camp
themes include: At the Scene of the Crime, Organ Trail, Radical Reactions,
Chemical counting, and Cell City. Bussing and extend-a-camp, not available.
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 201010
AP
Durham rallies
among 60 that took
place nation wide
BY JILLIAN FOLLERT
jfollert@durhamregion.com
DURHAM -- Amid chants of “Whose
house? Our house!” more than 100 people
gathered outside the office of Oshawa MP
Colin Carrie Saturday afternoon, to speak
out against Prime Minister Stephen Harp-
er’s decision to prorogue parliament.
Some, like 60-year-old Carol Bassett, were
there because they’re upset about the 36
bills that died before they had the chance
to become law. She’s angry that potential
legislation relating to crime and terrorism
will now have to start from scratch.
“They’re throwing away all this work
that was done, it’s a waste of our money,
because we’re the ones who pay them,”
she said.
Doug Woods was recently laid off and
said the idea of paying MPs who aren’t in
Parliament doesn’t sit well with him.
“These guys are on a holiday and I’m
paying their salaries when I don’t have
a job myself,” he said. “This is an insult
to our democracy. It makes me sick.”
As protesters chanted and cheered in
downtown Oshawa, a similar scene was
unfolding in Whitby, where about 100 peo-
ple rallied outside the office of Whitby-
Oshawa MP Jim Flaherty, who is also the
federal finance minister.
The local events were among more than
60 anti-proroguation rallies that took
place across Canada on Jan. 23.
The protests were largely orga-
nized through localized Face-
book groups that sprang up
in response to the main
Canadians Against Pro-
roguing Parliament
group, which topped
211,000 members by
the time the rallies got
underway.
Organizers at the
Oshawa protest told the
crowd thousands had
gathered in Ottawa on
Parliament Hill for what
was expected to be the larg-
est event of the day. Media
reports estimated the turnout
there at 3,500 just after 1 p.m.
Blaine Leal, organizer of the
Oshawa rally, said the response
proves Canadians are not apathet-
ic.
“There are people here of all ages,
there are people here from all different
parties, Conservative, Liberal, NDP and
Green Party,” he said. “There are people
who maybe aren’t that interested in poli-
tics, who don’t vote but this issue got their
attention.”
The crowd gathered in downtown
Oshawa waved homemade signs with slo-
gans like “Democracy Now” and “Colin
Carrie - Harper’s Puppet” scrawled in
black marker, while organizers pro-
vided large “pink slips,” bearing
the names of local Conservative
MPs, for participants to sign.
Over the course of the
afternoon, the floor was open
to anyone who wanted to
speak out on proroguing
and more than a dozen
people took a turn at the
mic.
Among them
was Oshawa Coun-
cillor April Cullen,
who demanded to
know why there
weren’t other
area politicians
and commu-
nity leaders
in atten-
dance,
and Dur-
ham Labour Council President Jim Free-
man, who chastised the prime minister for
his “disregard for democracy.”
Sid Ryan -- president of the Ontario Fed-
eration of Labour and three-time NDP
candidate in Oshawa -- got the biggest
reaction out of the crowd as he lam-
basted Mr. Harper and Mr. Carrie.
“Come on, Colin, there’s lot of work to be
done. How dare you tell these citizens you
support Harper shutting down Parliament,”
he bellowed, to thunderous applause from
the crowd.
Neither Mr. Carrie nor Mr. Flaherty -- nor
their representatives -- made an appear-
ance at the rallies.
POLITICS
Hundreds gather to protest proroguing
WHITBY -- Chris White held up a sign,
showing his dislike of Prime Minister
Stephen Harper’s decision to prorogue
Parliament, at a rally opposing the pro-
roguing.
SABRINA BYRNES / METROLAND
WHITBY -- Riona Sutherland and Katrina Leahy held up a sign showing their dislike of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to
prorogue Parliament at a rally opposing the proroguing Jan. 23. The rally took place in the parking lot of Whitby-Oshawa MP Jim
Flaherty’s office.
This is an insult to our democracy. It makes me
sick. Doug Woods, protester
JILLIAN FOLLERT / METROLAND
OSHAWA -- A giant ‘pink slip’ for Prime Minister Stephen Harper was signed Jan. 23
at an anti-proroguing rally held at the office of Oshawa MP Colin Carrie. The rally
protested the prime minister’s proroguing of Parliament.
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 201011
AP
Wednesday January 27, 2010
Ajax
& Pickering
Locations
Flyers in Today’s Paper
If you did not receive your News Advertiser/fl yers OR
you are interested in a paper route call Circulation
at 905-683-5117. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6:30 Sat. 9 - 1:00
Your Carrier will be around to collect an optional
delivery charge of $6.00 every three weeks.
Carrier of The Week
Remember, all inserts, including those on glossy
paper, can be recycled with the rest of your newspaper
through your blue box Recycling program.
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY View
Flyers/Coupons At
* Delivered to selected households only
Today’s carrier of the
week is Taylor.
Taylor enjoys hockey &
hanging with friends.
Taylor has received a
dinner voucher from
Boston Pizza as well as
Subway and McDonalds.
Congratulations
Taylor for being our
Carrier of the Week.
8 Salem Rd South
Ajax, ON L1S 7T7
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260 Kingston Rd. E. Ajax (in Home Depot)
1105 Kingston Rd. Pickering (in Home Depot)
255 Salem Rd. S. D#1
42 Old Kingston Rd., Ajax
465 Bayly St. W. #5, Ajax
1889 Brock Rd., Pickering
300 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax
6 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax
Citizenship and
Immigration Canada
Citoyenneté et
Immigration Canada
Learn English. Start Today.
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
LINC Day Classes:
• All LINC levels run Monday to Friday
• Childminding and transportation
assistance available to those who qualify
• Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering
ESL Day Classes:
• All levels at various locations
LINC Evening Classes:
• LINC Levels 1 – 6 run two nights a week
• Transportation assistance available to
those who qualify
• Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering
ESL Evening Classes:
• Basic to advanced, TOEFL, Conversation
at various locations
Register now for day
or night classes!
Permanent Residents,
Convention and Government
Assisted Refugees are eligible
for LINC. All residents are
eligible for ESL.
Learn English. Start Here.
Call 1-866-550-5462
Visit www.DurhamLINC.ca
Assessment and Classes provided byFunded by
Students across the region
raising money to provide relief
BY CRYSTAL CRIMI
ccrimi@durhamregion.com
DURHAM -- As the death toll keeps rising in Haiti, so does
the show of support from Durham students.
Schools across the region have started various fundraising
efforts to help the earthquake-stricken country, where 200,000
people are estimated dead and many remain missing.
As the need for support continues, Durham students have
been busy collecting coins, hosting hat days for Haiti and
sharing information about the tragedy and help needed.
At Applecroft Public School in Ajax, students are buying
paper bricks to build a mock wall of support around a Haiti
display featuring newspaper articles about the disaster.
“It’s an initiative that we’ve quickly responded to,” said prin-
cipal David Royle, adding it was introduced by kindergarten
teacher Laura Heyes.
Money raised will go to the Red Cross for relief efforts.
And the school’s not alone in its efforts.
At St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering, the goal
is to raise $10,000 for Haiti aid over the rest of the semester. To
support the initiative, students are organizing donation col-
lections, poster displays and updating their peers on what’s
happening in Haiti with daily announcements. A fundrais-
er tracker will also be placed in its front hall to keep track of
progress.
At R.S. McLaughlin Collegiate in Oshawa, the disaster has
increased support for an initiative teacher Lynn Taylor was
already working on with Haiti.
After visiting the Dominican Republic last summer through
Hero Holiday, she met a man named Frantzo whose goal is to
build a school in Haiti to help prevent children from becoming
street kids in Dominican, which shares an island with Haiti.
Back in Canada, she sent him money to acquire a site in Haiti
for the school, which is still safe following the quake, she said.
Now, Ms. Taylor is about to embark on a project called Frant-
zo’s Dream, in which imaginary bricks will be sold through-
out the school system to help construct a facility on his site.
“In these impoverished villages, they had nothing to begin
with,” Ms. Taylor said.
Before the disaster, she had people coming into her office to
donate to the project, but has found that support has grown
tremendously since the earthquake.
SCHOOLS’ AID TO HAITI
Below is a list of local schools raising money for Haiti relief.
AJAX
• Lincoln Avenue is running a Haiti relief support initiative from Jan.
25 to Jan. 29. Envelopes will go home with information about donat-
ing.
• Bolton C. Falby held a pyjama day in which students made a dona-
tion of at least $1 to wear their pyjamas and money raised went to
the relief effort.
PICKERING
• St. Mary Catholic Secondary has raised $5,000 to date through its
non-uniform days, student collections and community donations to
be sent to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and
Peace. The student committee is asking classes for donations and
has a goal of collecting $10,000.
• Holy Redeemer held a Humanitarian Hats for Haiti fundraiser.
• Our Lady of the Bay collected toonies for Haiti.
• St. Elizabeth Seton is collecting loose change for two weeks and is
having a hat day for Haiti.
• St. Isaac Jogues held a hat day for Haiti.
• Elizabeth B. Phin on Jan. 20, through the efforts of Grade 8 stu-
dents Shayna Bacchus and Emily Flikas, raised $1,200 towards the
Haiti relief fund. The girls went class to class sharing information
about the disaster and asked students to donate what they could.
• St. Marguerite Bourgeoys collected more than $1,300 through a
hat day for Haiti.
• St. Monica is having hot chocolate for Haiti to raise money to help
with relief.
EARTHQUAKE DISASTER
Durham schools reach out to help Haiti
JASON LIEBREGTS / METROLAND
AJAX -- Applecroft Public School teacher Laura Heyes explained some of the Haiti earthquake news photos
to Darcy D’Souza, Joshua Foster and Kaina Belmar at Applecroft Public School recently. Students are donating
money to help the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti and for their donation, they receive a paper brick they can sign
their name on and post around the display.
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AP
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Friends of the Greenbelt
Foundation gives $35,000
DURHAM -- A Pickering councillor and advocate
of local agriculture was thrilled to learn of fund-
ing for a new initiative in Durham.
The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation
announced Jan. 22 it was providing $35,000 to the
Community Development Council Durham to get
the ball rolling on the Durham Region Food Char-
ter.
The charter, a document that reflects the com-
munity’s values and beliefs for food security in
the region, was endorsed by Durham Regional
council last December.
“A cornerstone of long-term sustainability is
food,” said Pickering Ward 1 Regional Councillor
Bonnie Littley.
“So to promote environ-
mental, economic and social
sustainability, there must be
planning for the future use of
food.”
The funding will allow the
CDCD to start formulating a
community-based action plan
and working group focused
on food security and develop-
ing the local food economy.
Coun. Littley said since the
Region and many individu-
als work on various aspects related to food and
food security, a Durham food policy council
will provide opportunities to bring people and
their knowledge together to help create positive
change.
The project will include continuous consulta-
tion with farmers and farm groups.
“We must look at new ideas of food produc-
tion and security and how to achieve it, while at
the same time not completely turning our backs
to the many tried and proven methods that were
employed by our present and past farming com-
munities,” said James Blair, co-chairman of the
Durham Culinary Association.
Twenty-three of the Greenbelt’s farms are locat-
ed in Durham, more than any region in the Green-
belt.
The majority is made up of livestock farms, but
there are also fruit and vegetable farms that grow
items such as corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, apples
and strawberries.
AGRICULTURE
Durham Food
Charter can
move ahead
BONNIE LITTLEY
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 201017
AP
T. 905.683.6582
TTY 905.831.8604
1867 Valley Farm Road.
Pickering, ON
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cityofpickering.com
2009St. Mary Ontario Scholars
Jordan
Baptiste
Chelsea
Barradas
Kristin
Bashford
Tricia Bayley Nicole
Bermingham
Katherine
Blake
Zachary BoothJanelle
Baboolal
Daniel Bagg Jennifer
Bertram
Sarah
Bunting
Alexander
Bunyan
Kelsey Burt Nicole Cabrera Melissa
Cadman Heather Catania Joshua ChangSamantha
Boychuk
Jevon BryanLucia Borrelli Maighdlin Carr
Paolo
Collentes
Richard
Czapka
Nicole D’Anjou Corin
De Sousa
Briana
De Souza
Christina
Demunda
Bianca
Di Quattro
Jeffrey
Clements
Graham
Clendenning
William
Chin-Fook
Heather Delph
Joshua-Ray
Elsier
Laura Farrell Christine
Ferady
Alicia Ferroro Brent Foden Janelle
Forbes
Alexandra
Geremia
Danielle
Douglas
Genevieve
Eccleston
Karlie Doucette Jennifer Foley
Andrea
Goodwin
Jennifer
Granata
Allison
Gray
Natalie Guest Sarah
Harrison-Edge
Lucas
Heathcote
Andrea
Henderin
Charlene
Gibbons
Kristian GilbertGaetana
Gianfriddo
Virginia Heath
Simon Almeida
Not pictured
Nicholas
Longo
Matthew
Pochwat
Veronika
Stefanski
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 201018
AP
Shannon
Jegg
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Karailievska
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Lamanna
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McCullum
Alexander
Melvin
Stephanie Mil Joseph Modica Samantha
Moore
Rebecca
Morgan
Emma
Mackenzie
Alexa Lupinacci Brooke
McAlister
Alex Morra Matthew
Morgado
Stefani
Noehammer
Lina
Oppedisano
Sarah Ovcjak Connor
Paterson
Andrea
Payawal
Devyn PetersMichael
Multon
Breanne
Nicholson
Christopher
Mueller
Rajindha Perera
Ciara Hill
Bradley
Riches
Daniel Ronco Sherina
Sadler
Rodney
Saint Louis
Shannon
Suave
Tyler Schmitt Muriel
Schvartzman
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Kimberly
Scanlon
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Thompson
Saumya
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Laura Taglioni
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Brandon
Walker
Julia Watson Sarah WillisPrashanna
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Brooke VivianJessica Vella
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Melissa
Plouskas
Kira Poon Samantha
Putos
Frederick
Qubti
Breanne ReelNicole Ponte Ashinie
Ratnasingam
Claire Wilson Jahnaya Wright
St Mary2009Ontario Scholars
Michael
Larocque
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 201019
AP
Women have come a long way in the working
world, from taking over men’s positions during
the war to shattering glass ceilings on their way
to the top. These days it’s not uncommon to fi nd
women in positions of power, from managers to
CEOs. Many women have also started or have
bought their own businesses.
The Women in Business feature highlights
women from your community who have achieved
success in the business world.
The following pages showcase some of our
community’s successful business women. From
managers to owners, each has worked hard to
reach the top. Some left steady careers to take
advantage of a new challenge or opportunity
while others looked for new ways to blend
their careers with their family life. Some have
taken lifelong passions and turned them into
successful businesses. Each has carved their
own path to success.
Each story is unique and inspiring. Enjoy
learning about these women and the businesses
they have built.
Read through their profi les to learn more
about how they are creating their own path
and living their dreams, fi nding greater success
along the way!
Are you considering a career change
or opening your own business? Perhaps
these stories will inspire you to take the next
step forward to becoming our region’s next
successful business woman.
Advertising Feature
Welcome to Women in Business
m
reach the
advantage
while
Women Make History Every Day
In 1868 a woman patented a machine that makes
fl at-bottomed paper bags that is still used today.
A woman invented COBOL, a widely-used business
computer programming language.
A woman owns the patent for the development of Kevlar,
the material from which bullet-proof vests are made.
– Metro Creative Advertising
did you know?
To promote yourself in our Women in Business Special Feature
please contact Donna McNally today at 905.683.5110 ext. 241.
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 201020
AP
Jones-Dooley Insurance Brokers and JD
Insurance and Financial Services Ltd. is in bus-
iness to serve the greater good of the community.
Our motto: Personal service makes a difference.
Don’t trust the security of your livelihood to an
anonymous person in a call centre working solely
in the interest of their employer. We focus on each
individual. The constant training and experience
of an insurance broker is of great value to each
individual trying to ensure their insurance needs
are cared for. We hold professional & academic
designations to ensure the needs of each client
are thoroughly addressed. Be confi dent in our
knowledge & experience, we are the better choice.
Let us help you with your business, commercial,
personal and life requirements.
Marsha began her insurance career in 1972. She
obtained licenses in both life and general insurance
in 1972 and later professional accreditations as
a Chartered Insurance Professional, a Canadian
Accredited Insurance Broker, and an Elder Planning
Counselor.
Her business has been built one client at a time
through personal relationships built on trust. Marsha
has always taken pride in being a true insurance
advisor and facilitator, not simply an insurance
supplier. In spite of the adversities and challenges of
the insurance industry in recent years, Marsha has
not deviated from her fundamental belief that the
most important part of this business is ensuring the
needs of her clients are met.
As an independent business owner, balancing work
and family for over 35 years, Marsha understands
the concerns and the pressures that we all face on a
daily basis. Being aware of what is most important
to each client has helped her business fl ourish,
maintain a consistent level of growth and a client
retention rate of 94 per cent.
As her business has grown in Ajax and Pickering
Village, so too has her desire to contribute back to
the community. As an active member of the Ajax
Rotary Club, Marsha is always looking for ways to
reciprocate all that the community has provided for
her personally and in business.
For free insurance quotes, drop by our new offi ces
at 103 Church Street South in Pickering Village, call
us at (905)427-3595, or reach us online at
www.JDInsurance.ca.Marsha
Jones-Dooley Owner - Jones-Dooley Insurance Brokers
Dr. Joanna Madej is proud
to have a modern, beautiful
dental practice in central Ajax.
Born and raised in Poland,
Dr Joanna Madej excelled in
sciences in high school. Her
original goal was to become an
architect before she realized
that her good eye for proportions
and excellent manual dexterity
would serve her very well in the
fi eld of dentistry.
“My decision to become a
dentist was very straightforward,
and I’m very happy with my
choice,” says Dr. Madej.
She completed her
undergraduate studies at the
University of Toronto before
enrolling in the U of T Faculty
of Dentistry. She graduated
with honours in 1995.
After graduation, Dr. Madej
practiced in several offi ces
in GTA gaining an invaluable
experience as an associate
dentist. She was drawn to
Ajax because it’s a growing
community with a great
potential for expansion. Both
Dr Madej and her husband of
22 years, Paul, agreed Durham
Region was a good place to
raise their family. Thus the
practice opened in February of
1998.
Lots of young families
visit Dr. Madej’s offi ce and her
clients range from toddlers to
seniors. As the only dentist in
her offi ce, Dr. Madej sees every
patient personally and is able
to establish close relationships
with all of her clients allowing her
to better diagnose problems and
propose the most appropriate
course of treatment even in
the most complex cases. The
practice is dedicated to those
who wish to keep their teeth for
a lifetime of comfort, esthetics
and function. Dr Madej believes
that improving her patients’
smiles through a conservative
esthetic dental approach has
a positive impact on their
overall appearance and self-
confi dence.
Dr. Madej works with a
great team skilled at making
all of her patients comfortable
every step of the way. There is a
dental laboratory on site, which
means patients can have their
prosthetic work done while
they wait.
Dr. Madej’s practice is
located in the Heritage Market
Square Plaza at Salem Road
and Kingston Road (across
from Costco, in the Applebee’s
plaza). The offi ce is open six
days a week and has evening
and weekend appointments
available. For more information,
please call (905) 619-3112.
Dr. Joanna
Madej
DENTAL CARE
17-145 Kingston Rd. E
Ajax ON L1R 2X7
Owner of
Dental Care
Advertising Feature
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 201021
AP
Advertising Feature
Karen Davies Thomas has always
been passionate about dance. Before
opening the Pickering School of Ballet
(PSB) in 1989, Karen toured with dance
companies in Europe and Japan. She
graduated from York University with a
Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours degree
and the National Ballet School’s teacher’s
training program. She is accredited by the
Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial
Society of Dance.
Karen taught at the Interplay School
of Dance, where she was the Associate
Director, and developed a strong modern
dance program and created a performing
dance company. She became the owner
of Interplay in 2006 and is currently the
Artistic Director and Principal there. Karen
has also taught at the National Ballet
School of Canada.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary last
year, PSB has grown from the 12 students
who began there in 1989 to over 400
students today. Karen is the Director of
PSB, Director of Cecchetti Ballet Program,
Intensive Ballet Program, Profi le Dance
Company Director and Choreographer.
Karen’s focus at PSB is teaching
classical ballet in both the Cecchetti and
Royal Academy of Dance styles. She
beams with pride when she talks about her
student’s accomplishments in dance, such
as being accepted into Canada’s most
prestigious dance schools.
PSB offers classes for ages 2 to adult,
including recreational, pre-professional
and competitive classes.
PSB has two locations in Pickering, at
91 Rylander Blvd. Unit B and 2351 Kingston
Road. For more information, please call
(416) 284-6784 or (416) 261-9312 or visit
the website at www.psbdanceacademy.ca.
Karen
Davies Thomas Owner - Pickering School of Ballet
Liz Opashinov started her
career with Revenue Canada
and enjoyed her work there.
But after having a child, she felt
that the commute was taking
too much time away from her
family.
Twenty-fi ve years ago, she
joined Diplomat Pools which
opened in 1971 and will be
celebrating its 40th anniversary
next year, and learned the
business from the ground up.
Her position with Diplomat
Pools allows her to interact with
clients on a regular basis and
because she works with clients
from the very beginning of the
project until it’s completion,
she forms relationships that
last a lifetime. She is able to
watch her client’s children
grow up and come in to design
their own pools.
“I love working with
people,” says Liz. “I’m a real
people person.”
At Diplomat Pools, the
team works hard not just to
build pools for their clients,
but to create paradises and
outdoor living spaces.
“I enjoy seeing the trans-
formation from nothing to a
place where memories will be
created and where good times
and great fun will be had,”
she says.
Liz has a great team that
works with her to ensure that
all of their clients are happy
with their work. Diplomat Pools
also sells an exclusive line of
hot tubs and has a certifi ed
spa technician on staff.
Diplomat Pools is located
at 637 Kingston Road in
Pickering. The store is open
seven days a week from
April to November, and fi ve
days a week the rest of the
year. For more information,
please call (905)839-8399
or visit the website at
www.diplomatpools.com
Liz
Opashinov
Owner of
Diplomat Pools I enjoy seeing the transformation from nothing
to a place where memories will be created and
where good times and great fun will be had.“
”
durhamregion.comNews Advertiser • January 27, 201022
AP
Advertising Feature
Gloria Luoma became a professional
dancer at the age of 15, and toured as a
soloist internationally with the National Ballet
of Canada.
“I have years of experience for what the
stage is about,” says Gloria, “as Shakespeare
noted, ‘all the world’s a stage’…and a home
is no exception.”
Gloria became a licensed Realtor®
in 1986, and now with over 20 years of
experience, has created a successful real
estate career and is a proud member of the
Re/Max Platinum club. Throughout her career,
she has experienced all aspects of real estate,
including new homes, land assembly, resale
homes and commercial.
She believes that the presentation of a
home is the key to selling it.
“I believe if the price point is in alignment
with the presentation, the house will sell.”
Conducting hugely successful open
house events with a seemingly uncanny
intuition for effective marketing Gloria is
committed to making sure her clients’ homes
are in front of qualifi ed buyers’ eyes.
“With her knowledge of new home
sales combined with her drive to succeed,
we realized that Gloria was the best person
to represent our home on the market the way
we would want it to be marketed,” say clients
Mike and Leslie.
Gloria is currently offering complimentary
staging consults to anyone making a
donation to the Haiti fund and will match any
contribution up to a maximum of $5000.00.
For more information, please call Gloria
at (416) 486-5588, (905)396-4557 or visit her
website at www.glorialuoma.com.
Gloria
Luoma Sales Representative - Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd.Independently Owned and
Operated
Kim Jimmo-Shields, execu-
tive director of Abbeylawn Manor
Retirement Home, has 17 years of
experience and the support of a
strong team. She promotes
Abbeylawn Manor Inc. in their mis-
sion “Working Towards Better Care,
to give respect, display integrity, ex-
cellence and compassion.” Starting
with an empty shell, Jimmo-Shields’
has had support from the owners
in bringing her vision of a comfort-
able, warm home to the residents of
Abbeylawn. It is Jimmo-Shields’ be-
lief that the invaluable staff makes
this retirement home unique in this
very competitive market.
Abbeylawn Manor is a stately build-
ing surrounded by the Petticoat
Creek Conservation Area. It has a
long and varied history, just like its
residents. With 57 suites, a pictur-
esque location and close proximity
to Lake Ontario, it has great appeal
for those looking for a safe, com-
fortable home for mature individu-
als interested in maintaining the
independent lifestyle they have al-
ways enjoyed. Nominated for Best
Retirement Home in Durham Region
each year since opening in 2007 has
helped Abbeylawn become part of
our community in Pickering. Strong
ties to relevant local charities is very
important to Abbeylawn Manor Inc.
and the community’s support has
helped us achieve success. Thank
you Pickering! Abbeylawn Manor
is located at 534 Rodd Avenue,
Pickering.905.509.2582
www.abbeylawnmanor.com.
Kim
Jimmo-Shields
Executive Director
Abbeylawn Manor
Retirement Home
Seated at front:
Kim Jimmo-Shields, Executive Director
Standing left to right:
Shelly Rogers, Personal Support Worker Supervisor;
Kimberly Barrett, Director of Recreation;
Debbie Mahoney, Executive Assistant;
Cindy Cozier, Director of Nursing;
Jennifer Tough, Director of Housekeeping.