June 25 2008 - Low

$1.00
Your Independent Local News Source
Vol 3 No 35
Wednesday, June 25 2008
Global Spectrum takes over GM Centre
By Jessica Verge
The Oshawa Express
A Philadelphia-based company
has officially taken over management of Oshawa’s General Motors
Centre.
As of June 30, Global Spectrum
will assume the operations and
management of the Athol Street
arena, taking over from Maple
Leaf Sports and Entertainment,
which requested to be released
from its contract in April.
The decision came as part of
MLSE’s new strategy to move
away from managing facilities
where it does not own a sports
team. The company recommended
Global Spectrum, which manages
London’s John Labatt Centre, step
in and Oshawa council agreed.
“I’m absolutely excited,” says
Mayor John Gray. “We think
Mills Pontiac,
workers reach
agreement
After more than a month on
strike, Mills Pontiac workers
are putting down their pickets
and returning to work.
The Canadian Auto Workers
Union Local 222, which represents the approximately 60
striking workers, and Mills
Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd.
reached a three-year collective
agreement on Friday.
Union members ratified the
agreement Sunday.
“As of Monday morning,
retail operations for the entire
dealership have returned to
normal,” says Jason Craine,
Mills Pontiac general manager.
“We are very appreciative of
the patience and support we
have received from our loyal
customers and the community
during the last several weeks.”
Craine also lauded union
president Chris Buckley for
helping to finalize negotiations.
“Chris was instrumental in
getting this agreement done,”
says Craine. “It was refreshing
to have union leadership at the
table that was focused on getting union members back to
work with a fair deal, while
still being in touch with the
realities of the local economic
climate.”
Oshawa residents are gearing
up for Tuesday’s Canada Day festivities at Lakeview Park.
Activities and entertainment
begin at noon and run until the
end of the fireworks display,
which starts at 10 p.m. Events
include more than 90 performers,
demonstrations and displays
including The Lumberjack Show,
Terry & Rick: For The Kids, the
Jungle Cat World. The Main Stage
will feature The Fab Four (Beatles
Tribute) and Endless Summer
(Beach Boys Tribute), which all
leads up to a performance from
local band Cuff the Duke at 8:45
p.m.
Some of the performances and
demonstrations will run from
noon to 6 p.m. at the amphitheatre
Global is operating great facilities,
we’ve seen it first hand in
London.”
And Gray believes Global
Spectrum will be able to do what
MLSE couldn’t, like attracting big
name entertainment acts and keeping the lines of communication
with the city wide open. According
to Gray, receiving monthly financial statements from MLSE was
“like pulling teeth.”
“They have the entertainment
background that Maple Leaf Sports
and Entertainment didn’t have,”
says Nester Pidwerbecki, councillor for Ward 3.
Global Spectrum is a subsidiary
of the international sports and
entertainment firm ComcastSpectacor and manages more than
70 facilities throughout North
America. Aside from the John
Labatt Centre, Global also man-
ages the new WFCU Centre in
Windsor, the Wachovia Center in
Philadelphia and the University of
Phoenix Stadium in Arizona, home
to Super Bowl XLII.
Comcast owns the Philadelphia
Flyers, an NHL team, the
Philadelphia 76ers, an NBA team,
and annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating events
on NBC.
See COMPANY Page 5
Canada Day shuttle
has new location
See CITY Page 2
Hanging on
Photo by Courtney Duffett/The Oshawa Express
Left, Joshua Walton, 4, and Mason Cormier, 6, found time to play together at Lakeview Park in between the thunder showers that
have swept through Durham Region and southern Ontario this past week.
City set for Canada Day
CITY From Page 1
located at the west end of the park, east of
Kluane Avenue.
The Canadian Raptor Conservancy, based
out of the northern shore of Lake Erie, will
be showing off their feathered friends from
bald eagles and barn owls to Peregrine falcons and turkey vultures, will be giving two
demonstrations at 12:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
There will also be attractions such as a
rock climbing wall, gladiator jousting, antigravity trampoline, carnival rides and
games.
This year, Durham Region Transit is
offering free shuttle bus service to Lakeview
Park from the General Motors parking lot at
Park Road South and Wentworth Street
West. The shuttle bus will take riders to
Lakeview Park every 15 minutes starting at
noon and running until 9:15 p.m. Service
will begin out of Lakeview Park after the
fireworks display, which is scheduled to
begin at 10 p.m. The City of Oshawa will
have road closures and blockades in effect in
and around the Lakeview Park area.
Admission to the park is free, but there
may be a nominal fee for some activities. A
complete schedule of events will be posted
at Lakeview Park. For more information,
visit www.oshawa.ca.
Thousands of area residents will gather at
Lakeview Park on July 1 to celebrate Canada Day.
Man dies in Mosport crash
A 60-year-old Michigan man was killed
during a vintage car race at Mosport
International Raceway this past weekend.
On June 22 around 10:30 a.m., Durham
police were called to a single motor vehicle collision that occurred during a race at the 29th
International Vintage Racing Festival in
Clarington.
Witnesses reported that during the vintage
“Can-AM” sports car race, the car lost control
and went airborne. The vehicle tumbled several times before colliding with a cement barrier
and coming to rest at the base of the wall. No
other race cars were involved or damaged dur-
Page 2
ing the collision. The driver, a 60-year-old
Michigan man, was transported to
Bowmanville Hospital where he succumbed to
his injuries.
His name is being withheld pending notification and approval of next of kin.
The raceway was closed for several hours
while evidence was gathered. The circumstances of the collision are still under investigation.
Police believe that weather conditions were
favourable at the time of the collision.
Anyone with information is asked to contact
police at 905-579-1520.
JUNE 25 2008
Harbour
marks new
shipping
season
Oshawa welcomes
first international
ship of 2008
By Jessica Verge
The Oshawa Express
Port Oshawa’s first overseas
ship of the season received a
warm welcome to the harbour
Friday.
The M/V Umiavut docked late
last week to deliver 6,588 metric
tonnes of pipes from the Port of
Gemlik, Turkey and became the
focus of the Oshawa Harbour
Commission’s annual Top Hat
Ceremony, which marks the start
of the shipping season and welcomes the first overseas ship.
“It’s just a tradition,” says
Donna
Taylor,
Harbour
Commission CEO. “The most
important thing is to just welcome
the captain and crew.”
Taylor presented Captain
Vassilli Romantsik with a top hat
and basket of Port Oshawa souvenirs.
The M/V Umiavut is a general
cargo vessel originally from
Holland with officers from
Eastern Europe and a crew from
the Phillipines. Romantsik, who
has sailed around the world, says
he spends about seven months out
of the year onboard. The ship’s
next port of call is Valleyfield,
Quebec.
Aside from cargo such as
pipes, Port Oshawa receives shipments of calcium chloride, liquid
asphalt, salt and potash.
The port recently welcomed
Mammoet Crane Inc. and KR
Wind as new tenants. Port
Oshawa is the new eastern
Ontario base for these windmill
companies.
Photo by Jessica Verge/The Oshawa Express
Oshawa Harbour Commission CEO Donna Taylor, left, and commissioner Gary
Valcour, right, welcome Captain Vassilli Romantsik of the M/V Umiavut during the
annual Top Hat Ceremony.
Rods a-ready
Photo by Jessica Verge/The Oshawa Express
Canadian Rodder founder Frank Colgoni, known as the “rod-father”, stopped in
Oshawa with his custom built 1931 Ford Coupe to meet with members of the
Motor City Car Club, who are gearing up to host the annual Autofest this summer,
from August 22 to 24. The club served lunch to Colgoni and dozens of his fellow
hot rod enthusiasts who are just finishing up a four-day tour across Ontario.
JUNE 25 2008
Page 3
Reasons to celebrate
General
Motors
Centre to
take on
new life
A new marketing and promotions company will take the reigns of the General
Motor’s Centre in an attempt to breathe
new life into the facility.
Global Spectrum takes over management from embattled Maple Leaf Sports
and Entertainment. An American based
company with an impressive track record
throughout North America, Global
Spectrum is supposed to do what MLSE
couldn’t—attract a lot of entertainment
events, including some big name acts—
and restore the faith of the Oshawa taxpayer whose hard-earned dollars were
invested in the facility, which has so far
given little back to the community unless
you’re an Oshawa Generals fan.
Global Spectrum says it can turn things
around. This company runs several arenas
just outside big U.S. cities, situations
comparable to Oshawa’s distance from
Toronto, and those arenas have managed
to succeed outside the sports world. Plus
Oshawa’s on the map now more than
ever—thanks to both good news and
bad—which can’t hurt when it comes to
recruiting acts.
And Global Spectrum sure seems
promising. Anyone who’s met one of their
representatives can probably tell they’re a
gung-ho bunch that truly seem to be interested and invested in what they’re doing.
Mayor John Gray said of outgoing
MLSE that their hearts weren’t in it. So
far, the opposite can be said for Global
Spectrum. They’ve named a general manager who, like the company itself, has an
impressive track record and is no stranger
to running recreation facilities.
So as we step back and watch Global
Spectrum do its work, we’ll keep our fingers crossed in hopes of success. Oshawa
needs it.
Happy
Canada
Day!
The City of Oshawa will hold its
anticipated Canada Day celebrations at
Lakeview Park from 12 noon until 10
pm when the skies will light up with an
impressive fireworks display.
Oshawa has always put on a fabulous
day in honour of Canada’s birthday and
this year will be no different. It’s a great
day to enjoy – one where you can bring
the whole family out (minus the pooch)
for an activity-filled day at the park
The Oshawa Express will be in the
Gazebo, so come by and say hello!
Page 4
600 Thornton Rd. S.
Oshawa, ON L1J 6W7
[email protected]
phone: (905) 571-7334
fax: (905) 571-0255
JUNE 25 2008
Volume 3, Number 35
Publisher
Greg McDowell
Advertising Director
Kim Boatman
Contributing Editor
Wendy Gallagher
Sports Editor
Wally Donaldson
[email protected]
Reporters
Jessica Verge
[email protected]
Courtney Duffett
[email protected]
Contributors
Bill Fox, Amber Nowak,
Glen Goodhand
Public mistreated at forum
Dear Editor:
I was one of the public delegates at the June 16 public consultation on the proposed ethanol
facility for Oshawa’s waterfront. I
was impressed with a great showing of public interest and the
intelligent, thoughtful and pointed
questions and comments of a
number of city council members
and ordinary citizens alike. I was
particularly touched by the stories
of farmers who only desire a profitable market for their corn and
the stories of Oshawa residents
who only want to protect their
waterfront from further environmental degradation.
I was disappointed, however,
with the way in which certain parties chose to conduct themselves
at the meeting. From Farm-Tech’s
exploitation of our recent manufacturing woes and their failure to
earnestly address a number of
valid
public
concerns
to
Councilor Lutczyk’s hypocritical
insistence on asking highly technical questions of ordinary citizens with a view to embarrassing
them in an unfamiliar forum. It
became abundantly clear that, at
least to some, the very last people
to be respected at a public forum
are the public.
Michael L. Maynard
Oshawa
Editorial right on the money
Dear Editor:
I just wanted to say that your
editorial titled "Oshawa Losing
Faith in GM", dated June 11, was
right on the money. Finally some
straight talk about our local economy and GM's part they played. I
also agree that they seemed to
show their true colours by reneging on a contract they had just
had signed. Their lawyer, John
MacDonald, admitted as much.
And yes, I agree that it is time we
in Oshawa move on and diversify
our economy, which slowly is
happening. Maybe a bit too slow
for our own good. Perhaps the
local politicians will finally get
to work on this matter, instead of
relying on a U.S. auto company
to provide jobs for the citizens of
Oshawa.
One additional point I wish to
make is regarding the citizens of
Oshawa’s right to buy the car of
their choice. I have heard many
who pretty much state that buying so called foreign cars are
betraying the local economy.
Those misguided folks might
wish to see that editorial from
June 11. I wonder also where
they might stand today. Are they
still loyal to a company that
betrayed their trust? I would hope
not. Unless they are gullible
fools. Besides how dare they try
to dictate and guilt out others
buying choices, in the first place.
Unless they are prepared to subsidize the cost of said auto, or
other product.
They also should be more than
aware that while GM makes
world-class trucks, thanks to the
hard and dedicated workers here
in Oshawa, they don't seem to
have a clue with regards to
sedans and other smaller cars.
When was the last time you saw a
GM car in the top 10? Even 20
twenty? Exactly!
Kazimir Krechowicz
Oshawa
Ethanol raises wildlife concerns
Dear Editor:
On a recent hike to the bottom
of Farewell Street, along the bicycle path running east to the
Wildlife Marsh Reserve, I noticed
a couple of shocking things.
Along the west north-south
fringe of the marsh, which wraps
around to the General Motors
headquarters, by a metal drainage
gate, one could see (in 35-degree
humidity) maybe a 20 to 30 lbs.
carp monster fish trashing about
like sharks and often leaping out of
the muddy water. It was mesmerizing.
Also posted was a sign indicating the site for the proposed
ethanol plant. Interesting to see
that two huge farm fields had
already been tilled in anticipation
of that (pretty presumptive one
would think).
One can only guess this is
going to happen. I don’t know (that
if it does happen) will the carp still
be jumping for job? Of course, the
word “carp” can be rearranged to
spell “crap”. Hopefully ethanol
plant “crap” (run-off) will not
affect this pristine area (if there is
any less-than-desirable waste).
R.M. Hues
Oshawa
Publications Mail Agreement
41268024
Return undeliverable Canadian
address to:
The Oshawa Express
600 Thornton Rd. S.
Oshawa, ON L1J 6W7
ISSN 1715-9253
The Oshawa Express is a publication of Dowellman Publishing
Corp which is located at 600
Thornton Rd. S., Oshawa, ON, L1J
6W7 (905) 571-7334, Fax (905) 5710255, E-mail: [email protected]
All advertising and editorial
material published by The Oshawa
Express and Dowellman Publishing
Corp is for exclusive use of this publication and cannot be reproduced
elsewhere without prior permission.
Advertising Policy: Advertisers
must check immediately after first
insertion of their retail or classified
advertisement to ensure there are no
errors in the advertisement. The
Oshawa Express and Dowellman
Publishing Corp are not responsible
for second or further insertions of the
incorrect advertisement. Further, the
The
Oshawa
Express
and
Dowellman Publishing Corp are not
responsible for costs or damages for
a non insertion of an agreed upon
advertisement. The editor has the
right to edit, change in any way, or
classify an advertisement. The
Oshawa Express and Dowellman
Publishing Corp are only responsible
for the cost of the advertisement
space that is taken up by an incorrect insertion, except in the case of
failure to notify The Oshawa Express
of any errors after the first insertion
and then there would be no responsibility on the part of the The Oshawa
Express and Dowellman Publishing
Corp.
Letters to the Editor
The Oshawa Express publishes
every Wednesday in the City of
Oshawa. Send us your comments, letters to the editor, suggestions. We’d like to hear from
you. Please write to:
The Oshawa Express,
600 Thornton Rd. S., Oshawa,
ON L1J 6W7
or email:
[email protected]
JUNE 25 2008
Literacy test results improve in Durham
By Courtney Duffett
The Oshawa Express
When it comes to reading and
writing, the students in Durham
Region come out above the
provincial average.
In March 2008, Grade 10 students across the province, including those in both the public and
Catholic school boards in Durham,
participated in the Ontario
Secondary School Literacy Test.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether or not students have
acquired the reading and writing
skills that they are expected to
have learned by the end of Grade
9.
At the Durham Catholic
District School Board, 85 per cent
of the first-time students eligible
in taking the test passed. This is
one percent higher than the
provincial average of 84 per cent.
“Collectively, the board schools
are sustaining the results of
the previous year,” says
board chair Jim McCafferty.
“In some cases, schools have
shown significant improvement. Trustees look forward
to receiving a more in-depth
analysis of the results (in
September).”
Over the last six years,
the board results have
increased to 85 per cent in 200708 from 75 per cent in 2002-03.
As for Oshawa schools,
Monsignor John Pereyma fell just
under the provincial average with
83 per cent success rate and
Monsignor Paul Dwyer is at par
with the provincial average with
an 84 per cent success rate.
“We’ve done well over the
years,” says Paul Pulla, director of
education for Durham Catholic
District School Board, adding that
the board has sustained its results
over the last few years. “(Our
board) continues to demonstrate
growth and progress in the attainment of literacy skills. Our board
will continue to monitor the
progress of literacy development
JK-12. We are committed to the
success of all students. We will use
these results and other school data
in our professional conversation to
continue to improve student
learning.”
At the Durham District
School Board, students are at
par with the provincial average scoring an 84 per cent
success rate for first-time eligible students that took the
literacy test.
In Oshawa schools, students at Dr. F. J. Donevan CI
scored a 78 per cent success rate,
Eastdale CVI scored 81 per cent,
G. L. Roberts scored 66 per cent,
O’Neill scored 86 per cent,
Oshawa Central scored 79 per cent
and R. S. McLaughlin scored 85
per cent.
For the last five years, the percentage of successful students has
increased from 80 per cent in 2003
to 84 per cent in this current
year—an increase of four per cent
over the last five years.
Compared to five years ago, the
public school board has 633 more
students successfully passing the
OSSLT, and 230 more students
than last year alone.
“Durham District School Board
educators are to be congratulated
on their consistent efforts to provide effective strategies that help
students improve their literacy and
numeracy each and every day in
the classroom,” says Luigia
Ayotte, superintendent of education/programs at DDSB. “We will
continue to implement instructional strategies and provide programming that will help our students be
successful in literacy, numeracy
and their future pathways.”
Company has high hopes for GM Centre
COMPANY From Page 1
“We try to exceed expectations wherever
we go,” says Brian Ohl, Global Spectrum’s
regional vice president of facility management. “We believe in working hard and creatively for more events.”
And with several successful facilities
located outside major cities, similar to
Oshawa’s distance from Toronto, Ohl is confident the GM Centre will thrive.
“We’ve done this in other similar markets,” he says.
While council’s vote to turn over the con-
tract to Global Spectrum was a 7-1 majority,
not all councillors are so sure about the plan.
“It’s a risk to the taxpayer,” says John
Neal, Ward 7, who believes the contract
should have been opened up to a variety of
bidders and is skeptical whether Global
Spectrum can succeed with the uncertainty
of Oshawa’s economic future when MLSE
couldn’t in good times.
But it’s agreed that hard work is needed
to secure the GM Centre’s future.
“We all have to work like hell to make
sure this thing works,” says Pidwerbecki.
Ohl believes success will depend on the fident they’ll stick to their word.
city and the Oshawa Generals joining forces
“MLSE didn’t have their hearts in it,” he
with Global Spectrum.
says. “(Hiring Global Spectrum is) certainly
“The building cannot be successful with- a big relief for us.”
out these three entities working together,” he says.
Ohl
estimates
Oshawa can expect
• The Comcast part of Comcast-Spectacor is the largest cable television
to see activity at the
company and the second largest Internet service provider in the United
GM Centre by the
States with 24.1 million cable customers, 12.4 million Internet customers
end of the summer.
And Gray is conand 3.5 million voice customers.
Global Spectrum facts
Vella named general manager
After a revolving door of
general managers hired by
MLSE to run the General
Motors
Centre,
Global
Spectrum has already appointed
their local leader.
With 20 years in facility
management, Vince Vella is
now general manager of the GM
Centre.
Vella’s previous post was as
director of operations at the
John Labatt Centre, where he
oversaw facility operations,
budgeting, public safety and
more. He is the former recreation director with the Canadian
Armed Forces and a registered
recreation facility administrator
with the Ontario Recreation
Facilities Association.
Vella was also vice chair of
venues and game operations for
the 2005 Memorial Cup in
London and vice chair of game
operations for the 2008 Under
17 World Hockey Challenge.
• Comcast-Spectacor was established in 1967 and reported revenue of
$1 billion in 2007.
• Global Spectrum manages 72 venues (including 30 arenas) holding
7,744 events with nearly 17 million people in attendance. This equaled
more than $360 million in gross ticket sales and more than $560 million
in gross revenue.
• USA Today ranked Global Spectrum’s Philadelphia facility, home to
Vince Vella
the 76ers, as the #2 friendliest NBA venue.
Oshawa residents urged to race
Oshawa residents are being urged to keep track of their
fitness for a chance to win a mountain bike.
The City of Oshawa is hosting The Race Across Canada,
part of the federal and provincial government’s
SummerActive initiative, which encourages Canadians to
improve their health while having fun this summer.
Until June 30, residents can track their physical activity
mileage on a map of Canada, which can be found at city fitness centres or online, with a goal to complete 42 km. The
city suggests achieving the goal by completing 3 km intervals. Any activity that lasts at least 30 minutes is eligible,
including running, swimming, biking and rollerblading.
“Ride your bike, run, jog, walk, or swim. Get active with
your fellow Canadians and have fun”, says Joe Kolodzie,
councillor for Wards 2 and 4.
All participants who complete the race are entered into
a draw to win the grand prize, a mountain bike, valued at
approximately $350.
Participants can pick up a map of Canada tracking sheet,
which also serves as the contest ballot, at the Civic
Auditorium Complex, Legends Centre, South Oshawa
Community Centre or online at www.oshawa.ca/recreation.
Fitness centre staff members must verify tracking sheets
after each interval is complete.
Five Durham beaches deemed unsafe
Oshawa’s beaches will remain open this week after
some of Durham’s beaches have been deemed unsafe for
swimming.
Beaches posted as unsafe include Beaverton
Beach South in Brock, Elgin Pond in
Uxbridge, Kinsmen Beach in Scugog, Thorah
Centennial Park in Brock and Rotary Park in
Ajax.
The beaches that are still open and safe for
swimming include Beaverton Beach North in
Brock, Bowmanville Beach East and West in
Clarington, Frenchman’s Bay East and West in
Pickering, Lakeview Beach East and West in
Oshawa, Newcastle Beach Central in
Clarington, Pickering Beach in Ajax and
Whitby Beach in Whitby.
Water samples are taken from the beaches
in Durham Region on a weekly basis and sent
to the Ontario Ministry of Health Laboratory in
Peterborough for testing.
Beaches are posted if tests show elevated
bacteria levels. Durham Region Health
JUNE 25 2008
Department will continue to conduct these bacteriological
water tests for the duration of the summer.
Page 5
Oshawa performer makes top nine on CBC show
Local singer vying for lead as Maria
By Jessica Verge
The Oshawa Express
As a child, Lajeunesse participatNow Lajeunesse is counting on dreams to play Maria real.
ed in vocal competitions and record- the viewing public to make her
“Hopefully they want to keep me
ed a CD, Kiss the Dust, at age
An Oshawa resident could be the 14. The theatre bug bit when
next Maria von Trapp.
she started performing with
Donna Lajeunesse is one of 10 the Oshawa Little Theatre as a
finalists vying for the lead role in teenager. She’s since appeared
The Sound of Music on CBC’s How on stage as Nancy in Oliver!,
Do You Solve a Problem Like Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web
Maria?, which will cast Maria von and Sister Robert Anne in
Trapp for the Toronto production set Meshuggah Nuns.
to begin this fall at the Princess of
When a casting call went
Wales Theatre.
out for The Sound of Music,
“I can’t explain
however, Lajeunesse
how happy I am,”
didn’t have her eye
says the 23-year-old,
on the role of Maria.
who grew up in
“I honestly didn’t
Bowmanville
and
think I was Maria,”
works as a dog
she says, adding that
groomer by day. “I’m
she auditioned for
really hopeful.”
the role of Sister
Lajeunesse was
Sophia and was
selected from hunencouraged to try out
dreds of Canadian
for Maria instead.
women to take part in
Through How Do
the TV show, which
- Donna Lajeunesse You Solve a Problem
airs Sunday and
Like
Maria?,
Monday nights. The
Lajeunesse has spent
top 10 performed live for the first one-on-one time with some of
time on June 22, competing for Canada’s top vocal coaches,
viewer votes. Results were sung for renowned composer
announced Monday night, with Andrew Lloyd Webber and
Lajeunesse safe for another week.
been to Salzburg, Austria, the
But Lajeunesse is no stranger to setting for the film The Sound
performing, having gotten an early of Music and the location of
start singing for friends and family the story behind the movie.
as a little girl.
“It was unbelievable,” says
Photo submitted
“I was born to be a singer,” she Lajeunesse of her trip over- Oshawa’s Donna Lajeunesse is a top 10 finalist on CBC’s How
says. “I really love performing.”
seas.
Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
around for a long, long time,” she
says.
“Hopefully
they want to
keep me
around for a
long, long
time.”
Six easy steps to high blood pressure control
(NC)-High blood pressure, or hypertension,
affects one in four Canadians. It is the number
one risk factor for stroke, a major risk factor for
heart disease and a leading risk factor for death
in this country.
While many high blood pressure sufferers
require medication to get their blood pressure
within healthy ranges, take note of these six little
lifestyle steps that can also have a positive impact
on your heart health.
1. Eat a well-balanced diet of whole grains,
fresh fruit and vegetables, lower-fat milk products,
and lower-fat meat and alternatives
2. At the grocery store, look for this symbol
which indicates the item has been given the Heart
and Stroke Foundation's Health CheckTM symbol. The symbol is given to foods that meet criteria based on Canada's Food Guide to Healthy
Eating.
3. Instead of salt, which can raise blood pressure, try fresh or dried herbs with your favourite
recipes
4. Monitor blood pressure at home. This helps
track the lifestyle and medication changes that
can affect blood pressure
5. Add 30 - 60 minutes of physical activity to
your daily routine
6. Keep your kitchen stocked with healthy
snacks, such as sliced vegetables, fresh fruit,
unsalted nuts and lower-fat dairy snacks
Page 6
If you are one of four Canadians who has high
blood pressure, do your part by choosing today as
your start day for incorporating these six small
steps into your life to help you gain control of your
high blood pressure. Your friends and family will
be happy you did!
JUNE 25 2008
JUNE 25 2008
Page 7
Tea offers step back in time
History lovers can immerse
themselves in the past with an afternoon tea at Oshawa’s lakefront.
The
Oshawa
Community
Museum and Archives are launching
their summer series of Victorian
low-teas with a Strawberry Social on
June 26. Guests will be served a
selection of traditional finger sandwiches, scones and desserts made by
museum volunteers.
Tea is served outdoors, weather
permitting, in the Henry House
Heritage Gardens and is followed by
a tour led by a costumed and experienced guide.
Guests will get a look at the current exhibit, Sunday Best – Fancy
Victorian Clothing, which is on display until the fall and features men's
and women's Victorian clothing and
accessories, focusing on formal and
classy pieces from the museum's
own collection. Also showcased are
archival pieces such as photographic
images of people in Victorian attire
and vintage advertisements from
local Oshawa newspapers.
Reservations are required with
times available on Thursdays
throughout July and August between
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Admission
is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
For more information on the
exhibit or Victorian Teas, call Jill or
Cheryl at 905-436-7624 or visit
www.oshawamuseum.org. To make
a reservation, call 905-436-7624 ext.
1060.
Senior awarded for dedication
An Oshawa resident is being recognized for his dedication to his chronically ill wife.
Albert Martens, a 78-year-old retired quality control
inspector at General Motors, is the recipient of the VHA
Home HealthCare’s Heroes in the Home Award, given to
those who go beyond the call of duty to provide for a
loved one who is disabled, elderly or ill at home.
Martens cares for his wife, Helen, who suffers from
kidney problems and Muscular Dystrophy.
“Albert’s unwavering commitment to caring for
Helen, his wife of 51 years, is nothing short of heroic,”
says Carol Annett, president and CEO of VHA, a nonprofit organization that provides home care services to
people throughout Ontario. “He deals with the challenges
of caring for a chronically ill loved one with compassion
and optimism day after day and is an inspiration to us
all.”
From transferring Helen from her bed to a wheelchair,
to bathing and household duties, Martens cared for his
wife on his own until a hernia operation more than seven
years ago forced him to seek extra help from a personal
support worker and nurse, both funded through Central
East’s Community Care Access Centre.
Martens’ personal support worker, Halina Martyniuk,
nominated him for the award.
“I was just impressed,” says Martyniuk, who is usually at the Martens’ home six days a week, adding that he
continually displays devotion to his wife and an ability to
preserve through life’s ups and downs.
While doctors have suggested life might be easier for
him if Helen entered a nursing care home,
Martens has refused.
“With help, I can still take care of her,”
he says.
Outdoor
pools now
open across
Oshawa
Oshawa’s outdoor pools are open for the
summer season.
Starting June 23, all pools and splash
pads throughout the city are open for public
use. Rotary Pool and Camp Samac Pool
will be open in the evenings from 4:30 to 8
p.m. until Thursday. Starting Friday, all
pools will be open throughout the day and
will match the summer leisure guide schedule.
Splash pads can be found at the following parks: Baker, Easton, Glen Stewart,
Lake Vista, MacKenzie, Northview and
Rotary.
Lifeguard staff will be on duty at
Lakeview Park Beach every day between
11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Promoting ‘Smile Awhile Day’
"Sad to report that completely
at peace, Father Don MacLellan,
the subject of my column three
weeks ago, passed away."
In an effort to get local council
to proclaim a “Smile Awhile Day”,
I offer three of my favourite jokes.
#1 My Newfie joke (with apologies)
A stressed Toronto banker was
depressed about his investments
that were losing money. The man
was in desperate need of some
counseling or, at the least, some
cheering up. In the middle of Bay
and Queen in Toronto, he thought
perhaps he had found the answer to
his overwhelming sorrow. A
young
male
man
from
Newfoundland was the happiest
guy he had seen in years. This fellow in the middle of the intersection was jumping up and down on
a board screaming “22”. The
banker assumed he had won a lottery worth 22 million.
He
approached the Newfie and asked
why he was so overjoyed? Was
this some kind of ‘lotto dance’?
“You just have to jump high on
top of this board and scream at the
top of your lungs ‘22’ and you will
have a new perspective on all your
troubles.”
Now the Toronto financier had
always considered himself most
upright and conservative, but this
Newfie was so overjoyed and having so much fun, he decided to try
it. He half-heartedly jumped up
and shouted ‘22’.
The Newfie was not impressed
at the efforts. He implored the
banker to jump higher and to
scream at the top of his lungs, ‘22’.
After a few more efforts the banker
finally jumped as high as he could
and screamed as loud as he was
able, ‘22’.
While in the air, the Newfie
moved the board, revealing an
open manhole.
The Toronto
banker fell in. The Newfie joyously screamed out, 23, 23, 23!
#2 Religious joke:
Mrs. Murphy goes into the local
pet store and buys a parrot assured
that it does talk. Father Divine
comes buy later for a cup of tea
with Mrs. Murphy. She tells him
about her new parrot that up to that
point had never spoken. Suddenly
the parrot blurts out, “Hi, my name
is Sally and I believe in loooooose
living!”
Both Mrs. Murphy and the reverend are taken aback. Now it
seemed that Father Divine had two
parrots of his own. One, named
Peter, just recited his rosary all day
long, while the other named Paul,
recited meditating prayers.
The priest kindly offers to take
‘Sally’ to his home and has faith
that given a few days with his parrots, Sally will be ‘saved’.
Once at home, Father put Sally
between Peter and Paul in the cage.
Sometime later Father hears Sally
screaming out, “Hi My Name is
Sally and I believe in loooooose
living”.
Paul turns to Peter and says,
“Put away those rosary beads boy,
our prayers have finally been
answered”
#3 City councillor joke:
A fellow is lost and starving in
the deepest of jungles of Africa
when he comes upon a clearing and
some cannibals. As he walks along
he sees that these cannibals are
quite civilized and even have stores
for body parts. One store specializes in fingers, etc. Starving, he figures he will have to abide by local
customs and is attracted to a ‘brain
store’. He is somewhat confused
because on the counter there are
jars of pickled brains that display
different prices.
There is a
lawyer’s brain for $100 a pound. A
doctor’s for $200 a pound and a
local politicians brain for $1000 a
pound. He could understand the
price differences of the first two,
but not the politicians so he
enquires. This is a “choose your
own ending joke”
He is told:
A.) “Obviously the lawyers and
doctors brains are expensive, but
the politicians had never been
used!”
OR
B.) “Do you know how many
politicians we had to go through to
get a pound of brains?”
[email protected]
is where I can be booed.
Ride the rails
Ontario Northland’s Polar Bear Express connects residents of the coastal communities of
Moosonee and Moose Factory to Cochrane and
is one of North America’s last remaining “flag
stop” train services.
As well, the Polar Bear Express offers visitors
from around the world an opportunity to connect
with Canadian history, aboriginal culture and the
landscape of the north.
This old-fashioned rail excursion travels 186
miles between Cochrane and Moosonee, including over the Moose River - through Ontario's most
pristine and spectacular scenery. You are invited
to sit back and enjoy the relaxing five-hour train
ride (each way) in one of our climate?controlled
passenger cars.
This summer season, between June 27th and
August 29th, the Polar Bear Express travels six
days a week, from Sunday to Friday (no Saturday
schedule). Please send an email to request your
copy of our summer 2008 Polar Bear Express
brochure to [email protected].
Page 8
JUNE 25 2008
JUNE 25 2008
Page 9
City set for
Canada Day
at Oshawa’s
lakefront
Canada Day is almost here and
Lakeview Park will be chock full of
entertainment and activities for people
of all ages but the hard part is deciding
what to do first.
At the amphitheatre, located at the
west end of the park, east of Kluane
Avenue, offers a full day of performances and demonstrations, from noon until
6 p.m.
Based out of the northern shore of
Lake Erie near Port Ryerse, the
Canadian Raptor Conservancy will
show off their feathered friends—from
bald eagles and barn owls to Peregrine
falcons and turkey vultures. The group
gives more than 1,000 live performances across Canada every year and has
also had a number of birds star in
Hollywood and television productions.
The Canadian Raptor Conservancy will
give two demonstrations today, at
12:30 and 4:45 p.m.
But birds won’t be the only animals
to take the stage. The Indian River
Reptile Zoo will bring a few creatures
from their collection of more than 200.
Located near Peterborough, the zoo
will exhibit a variety of snakes and
lizards at 3:15 p.m. with an earlier performance at the Children’s Village
Stage at 1:45 p.m.
The amphitheatre, sponsored by
Oshawa PUC Networks, will also feature performances from: Wildfire
Dance, Gemini Gymnastics, The
Lumberjack Company, Wado Kai
Karate and Traditional Martial Arts.
South of the amphitheatre you’ll find
the designated area for demonstrations
and interactive activities. Black Rock
Climbers will offer visitors the chance
to try out a climbing wall or a gladiator
joust. You’ll also find an anti-gravity
trampoline and carnival rides and
Page 10
JUNE 25 2008
games.
Head east and you’ll find yourself at the
Children’s Village where kids can take part in
JUNE 25 2008
everything from a pitching machine to face
painting to activities run by the Oshawa Public
Library and Robert McLaughlin Gallery.
Sunderland’s
Sundance
Meadows has brought their petting zoo to Oshawa so kids can
get up close and personal with
their favourite animals, such as
pigs, llamas and horses. Also at
the Children’s Village will be Zoo
to You.
Next to the Children’s Village is
the Children’s Village Stage,
where families can take in one of
two performances by Charlie Kert,
known for his unique way of connecting with children through
music, as well as performances
from Terry & Rick, Trevor
LeBlanc, Jungle Cat World,
Beyond the Sun and a martial arts
demo.
The main stage offers music to
suit just about any taste with
Beach Boys tribute band Endless
Summer and Beatles tribute band
The Fab Four among others. The
Durham Regional Police’s own
rock band, The Heat, will entertain
the crowd, as will the Charles
Street Band, Terry Crawford and
Retro Rockets and Trevor
Leblanc. This all leads up to a performance by Oshawa’s own rockers
Cuff the Duke at
8:45 p.m.
Head northeast
and the historical
village awaits with
free access to
some
of
Oshawa’s oldest
homes. Here, visitors will also get
the chance to
stake a ride in a
horse
drawn
wagon courtesy
of the Oshawa
Funeral Home.
Just
steps
away you’ll find a
variety of displays
from local communities groups.
Finally,
the
beachfront will be
home to Oshawa
Fire
Services
today, who will
host a fire hose
challenge
and
vehicle
display
and demonstrate
extrication
and
burn. Also at the
beach will be a
demonstration
from
Invado
Volleyball.
Of course, no
Canada Day is
complete without
fireworks, which
will take place at
approximately 10
p.m.
Page 11
Oshawa Around Town
Wed. June 25
RUMMAGE SALE – Harmony United Church, 15
Harmony Rd. N. Used clothing and accessories
will be on sale from 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome.
Sat. June 28
HISTORICAL LEGENDS OF THE CELTIC WORLD:
MUSICAL CELTIC STORYTELLING – Faith United
Church, 1778 Nash Rd. in Courtice. The Durham
Folklore Society presents vocalist Jennifer White
and percussionist Robert McMaster for this 2:30
p.m. performance. Tickets are $15. To purchase
concert tickets, contact Heather Whaley at 905
668-2174 or [email protected] or Enid
DeCoe at 905 436-2729 or [email protected].
Tickets are also available at the United Way
Information Services Kiosk in the Oshawa Centre.
June 18 crossword answers
Oshawa residents were
treated to food from
around the globe as
Fiesta Week showed the
city’s multicultural side.
Above left, members of
the Budapest Pavilion
served Hungarian dishes. Above right, Fatima
Araujo offers up the
tastes of Northern
Portugal. Right, the
Philippines
Pavilion
shares their traditional
fare.
Photos by Jessica Verge
The Oshawa Express
Page 12
JUNE 25 2008
Ceasar, a bullmastiff, enjoys spending his time outdoors.
The Oshawa Express would like to remind its readers to still send in Echo
Baby pictures to run bi-weekly to the Express Perfect Pet feature.
ARIES: March 20 to April 19
Make your home a place of harmony, somewhere you are able to
retreat to nourish your emotional
nature. Spring clean your house and fix up your
working space.
TAURUS: April 19 to May 20
This is a good week to join a community association or socialize with
people from the neighbourhood.
Share your clever, but practical ideas. Clean
your car, inside and out. Read an uplifting book.
GEMINI: May 20 to June 21
Venus brings good luck in business
and finances. If you work in sales,
you could pick up a new account.
You can also receive a raise or a gift from a family member. Check out real estate.
CANCER: June 21 to July 22
You will need plenty of free time to
“do your own thing”. Let others
look after their own responsibilities.
The more you learn, the greater opportunity you
will have to get what you want. Begin a new fitness program.
LEO: July 22 to August 22
People, in high places, will recognize your talents and productivity.
Spend time in meditation and introspection during this socially withdrawn time of
year. A “behind the scenes” romance is possible.
VIRGO: August 22 to Sept 22
The focus this week is on expanding
your circle of friends and creating
new interests. You and your partner
should get together with people who have similar ideas. A friendship could evolve into a love
affair.
LIBRA: Sept 22 to Oct 23
Seek career guidance and promote a
mutually beneficial relationship with
your manager. Be open to a new
career opportunity. How you get along with others will determine your job success.
SCORPIO: Oct 23 to Nov 22
Mix business with pleasure and take a
trip with your partner. An overseas
junket would be especially enjoyable.
Another possibility is romance with a person from
a different country. Check out new age ideas.
SAGITTARIUS: Nov 22 to Dec 21
You can obtain money through another person’s efforts like a partner’s
windfall or pay raise. You could also
receive money from an inheritance, insurance
claim or legal settlement. Go shopping for new
clothes.
CAPRICORN: Dec 21 to Jan 19
Over the next few weeks, your personal and business relationships will
improve, but you may have to put
your own wishes aside for the sake of your partner. Enjoy a movie or concert on Saturday
Evening..
AQUARIUS: Jan 19 to Feb 19
If you schedule rest periods, make
healthy food choices and try out a new
exercise routine, you will improve
your energy and physical condition. You could
profit from a new company perk.
PISCES: Feb 19 to March 20
You will gain confidence by participating in art, crafts, drama or another
method of creative self-expression.
Another way to gain confidence is by taking part
in a public speaking club.
June 18 Word Game Answers
The Stars Say is provided by Joan Ann of Oshawa. For personal readings, call
905-725-9179 or visit her website at www.astroconsultation.com
PRIZE: Bring in your completed and correct Express Crossword puzzle before the answers run in the following Wednesday edition and you will receive an Express T-shirt. Limit is one t-shirt per person for the
year. Congratulations to Frank Noche for completing the June 11 crossword.
JUNE 25 2008
Page 13
Young writer
wins contest
An Oshawa elementary
student is the winner of a
Canada-wide essay contest.
Zachary
Langille’s
essay on Eva Olsson, a
best-selling author and
Holocaust survivor, was the
winner of the A&E Lives
That Make a Difference
Essay Contest.
Langille, a Grade 8 student at T.R. McEwen
Public School, won $5,000
for the most persuasive,
creative and relevant essay
profiling the most influential figure in 2007.
“Zachary’s essay on Eva
Olsson truly demonstrated
how a single person can
have a profound effect on
an entire generation,” says
Shelley Blaine Goodman,
vice-president of A&E
Canada. “His essay captures the passion Ms.
Olsson has advocating
peace and racial tolerance
and proves that this is one
life that really has made a
difference.”
The essay profiles the
author, who survived the
brutality of the Nazi regime
during the Second World
War to go on to preach
peace and tolerance to
schools across Canada.
Zachary writes of the 84
year old, “Eva lives with
the past, but she uses it to
teach Canadian children
about tolerance and peace
so that history will not
repeat itself… It is ironic
that so much has been
learned from a woman who
was forbidden formal education by her religion.”
The A&E Essay Contest
challenges elementary and
high school students across
Canada in Grades 5 through
12 to write a 250-word
essay on the life they
believe make the biggest
difference on Canadian
society in the past year.
Students competed in two
categories: Grade 5-8 and
Grade 9-12. A grand prize
of $5,000 and first place
Oshawa elementary
school wins award
Photo submitted
Zachary Langille, right, with teacher Kim Sallie. Zachary was the
$5,000 winner of the A&E Lives That Make a Difference Essay
Contest.
prize of $2,500 was awarded to one student in each
category. An honourable
mention was awarded in the
Grade 5-8 category this
year. For encouraging participation in the essay contest, the winning students’
teachers each received
$1,000 for use in their
departments and an A&E
prize package including a
television, DVD player and
classic A&E DVDs.
Submissions for the
2008 Lives That Make a
Difference Essay Contest
will be accepted beginning
Sept. 1 through Nov. 7. For
more information, visit
www.aetv.com/class/canadianclassroom.
One of Oshawa’s Catholic elementary schools received a gold
recognition for its environmentally friendly atmosphere.
In its inaugural year of participation in the Ontario EcoSchools
Program, 16 of Durham Catholic
District School Board’s schools
have
been
certified
as
EcoSchools.
Of the 16 schools receiving
2008 certification, St. John Bosco
Catholic Elementary School in
Oshawa and Good Shepherd
Catholic Elementary School in
Port Perry received gold recognition. Holy Family, Our Lady of
the Bay, St. Bernadette, St.
Bernard, St. Bridget, St.
Christopher, St. Elizabeth Seton,
St. Leo, St. Luke the Evangelist,
St. Monica and St. Theresa
Catholic Elementary Schools
received silver recognition and
Immaculate Conception, St.
Joseph and St. Thomas Aquinas
Catholic Elementary Schools
received bronze.
“We are very proud of all of
our participating schools,” says
Paul Pulla, director of education
for Durham Catholic District
School Board. “Instilling values
that will develop environmentally
responsible citizens is consistent
with promoting strong stewardship, a value that is gospel-centred. We are hoping in the coming
year to see many more of our
schools become involved in the
EcoSchools Program.”
Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education program that
addresses both the operation of
the schools and the curriculum
expectations being met. It has
been designed collaboratively for
school boards to incorporate environmental education as well as
environmentally
responsible
action, into the school setting. The
program aims to influence young
people during a formative period
of life and to create an exponential
impact as children take a culture
of conservation home with them.
“The board is pleased with the
results of this initiative,” says Jim
McCafferty, chair of the board.
“Trustees look forward to hearing
about the continued success of
this program. We congratulate the
board’s EcoSchools Committee
and all the participating schools
for engaging students in this
worthwhile program.”
The olde tyme icebox
In 1914 General Motors
invented Freon, making
refrigeration (and air conditioning) possible. Up until
that time there were a number
of ways to preserve perishable
foods. For countless years,
meat, for instance, was kept
from spoiling by salting it
down. This was frequently
called “curing”. Sometimes a
process called “smoking” was
used instead, or as a supplement. Ideally, of course, keeping it in a cool, dry place
enhanced
the
process.
Vegetables like carrots, beets,
and potatoes were stored in
root cellars, often under the
house. Dug out of the ground,
the earth’s natural insulating
properties keep them at a safe
temperature, preventing rot.
Peaches, pears, or applesauce was “canned” in glass
jars with sealed lids. These
edibles were called “preserves”—because that’s what
the special process did,
enabling them to last for up to
a year or more. If possible,
most houses had a “cold
room”, usually in the cellar,
where the “refrigerating”
effect enhanced that procedure. A similar process was
“pickling”. Cucumbers especially, but also various kinds
Page 14
of fish, received this treatment.
Ideally, though, the use of
an olde tyme icebox, was
preferable. In principle it
offered the same function as
the modern electric refrigerator. In fact, for many years,
even the
Coldspot, Kelvanator or
Frigdedair standing in the corner of the kitchen, continued
to be referred to as the “icebox”. These cooling units
ranged from plain but functional units to attractive pieces
of furniture, finished like
china cabinets or bedroom
dressers.
But it was what was on the
inside that counted. The top
section of this cupboard-like
unit was an insulated, metallined compartment that held
the blocks of ice. Below,
another section, though smaller, resembling the shelved
area of a refrigerator, stored
food which needed to be kept
cool. On average, a
fresh chunk of ice
was needed every
other day. Most
models had a drain
pan, which caught
the water as the
shrinking squares
of frozen H2o melted. Failure to empty
it on schedule
meant a mopping
job for the housewife, or whoever
was in charge of
that chore.
In towns and
cities the “iceman”
delivered the needed coolant
in the same fashion as the
milkman brought moo juice.
Initially his delivery vehicle
was a horse-drawn wagon—
and old Dobbin walked from
stop to stop without even so
much as a “giddy up” or
“whoa”. But, eventually
trucks put these faithful oatburners out to pasture.
In rural and village areas,
gathering ice was a do-ityourself project. In the winter,
a hole was chopped in the
frozen surface of a lake or
river and a special saw was
utilized to cut the ice into suitably sized blocks. It was
stored in a “house”, often an
insulated part of a shed or
barn. It was filled with sawdust, which covered the
blocks, preventing them from
melting. This system sometimes enabled this precious
product to remain frozen until
late summer or even until it
was time to harvest it again.
JUNE 25 2008
Kory Nagy selected by New Jersey Devils
Del Zotto featured on Broadway
By Wally Donaldson
The Oshawa Express
Several NHL teams conferred
with Oshawa skipper Chris
DePiero about the quality and
makeup of blueliner Michael Del
Zotto prior to last week’s hockey
draft in Ottawa.
However, head scout Jim
Hammett asked more than a few
questions about the Stouffville
native, leading the Generals head
coach to believe his quality blueliner would soon be suited up in a
New York Rangers jersey.
“Nothing is for certain. It didn’t ensure anything because Jim
was simply doing his homework,”
said DePiero. “But he did ask a lot
of questions about Michael and I
was told after the draft he was
exactly what they wanted. I heard
that from a lot of good people.”
Meanwhile, consistency goes with hardworking centre Kory
Nagy.
The
Walsingham
native was selected by
the Generals in the fifth
round three years ago
and on Saturday, he
went in the fifth round,
this to the New Jersey
Devils.
“ F a n t a s t i c .
Absolutely fantastic,”
notes DePiero. “I’m so
happy for him because
he’s one who shows up
for every game ready to
play. He was an especially hard worker in the
playoffs, especially as
the first guy on the
penalty kill. He gives an
honest effort. He showed
Michael
Del Zotto
Kory Nagy
what he can do and that
alone makes him a perfect fit with the Devils.”
As for Del Zotto, who
was not mentioned
among the top four
defencemen eligible for
this year’s draft, he rang
up 16 goals and 63
points for the Generals,
an excellent follow-up to
his rookie year when he
scored 10 goals and 57
points.
He became the first
16-year-old defenceman
named to the Ontario
Hockey League (OHL)
Classic and this past season participated in the
Canadian
Hockey
League (CHL) Top
Prospects game where
he won the shooting
accuracy skills event by going
four-for-four.
“It’s unbelievable, this is such
a great feeling,” Del Zotto said
moments after being drafted.
“There are people who would die
to be in my shoes right now, I
can’t describe how great this
feels.”
Del Zotto, whose 63 points
ranked third among OHL
defencemen, was only seven
points shy of another Rangers’
prospect, Bobby Sanguinetti.
“We were really excited,”
noted Hammett of Del Zotto. “We
had held this guy in really high
regard as far as how high he could
go. We think that he belonged in
the upper echelon with some of
the other defencemen that went
higher. So, overall, we were
absolutely thrilled that he was still
there.”
Photo courtesy of the New York Rangers
Michael Del Zotto of the Oshawa Generals is
greeted by head amateur scout Jim Hammett after
being selected in the first round by the New York
Rangers last Friday night in Ottawa.
Backups that can save your business
Every business knows that they should keep a backup
of their important data, including: customer records, emails, documents and other key files.
However, as we swiftly move into the digital age, you
may not have noticed that your important digital data is
not just important, but integral to the proper function of
your business. If you can’t do business without your
computers and the data they contain, then you need to
pay attention!
Backing up your key information onto a USB key, CD or
DVD is a great idea. However, someone still has to
remember to do it. If it doesn’t get done, it doesn’t
work.
As well, having a backup copy of your data is important,
but can you access it when you need it? A standard
backup won’t copy your Windows operating system, or
all your other software. Do you have the original disk
of that software you use so often when helping your
customers?
You may have a tape drive and think that
you are protected against hardware failures
and possible loss of data. However, most
backup software requires Windows to be
working and the tape backup software to be
installed. What happens if the hard drive in
your backup computer fails and Windows is
lost? How do you access your data then?
What happens if you have a fire or theft? If
you leave your backup sitting on top of your
computer, would the thief take your computer but leave your tape or CD? Would a fire
or flood damage your computer but spare
your backup?
Thankfully, there is software on the market
that is specially designed to not only backup
all your data, including your software and
operating system, but, also restore your
important data to any computer, at any time,
without any special software or Windows
operating system installed. Most restores
JUNE 25 2008
can be done in less then an hour, which means that you
are up and running as quickly as possible.
This software is called hard drive imaging software. It
backs up the zeros and ones, the most basic form of
digital data. It can be run automatically and on any
schedule you choose. It can backup to a DVD, tape,
remote location or external hard drive. If you backup to
a remote location or use an external hard drive and
then take that hard drive offsite, you are completely
protected against even the most devastating types of
data loss. The backup system doesn’t rely on human
intervention to work, it just does its job and gives you
piece of mind.
Contact Compfitness at 905-443-3171 or e-mail [email protected] for more information on protecting your data.
Page 15
Dodgers stay above .500 mark on the road
By Wally Donaldson
The Oshawa Express
If there is one thing the coaching
staff has witnessed often in the last
while, it’s the Jekyll and Hyde performance of its team on the baseball field.
When the Oshawa Dodgers got
off to a seven-win three-loss start
this Intercounty Baseball League
season, everyone connected was
naturally pleased. Head skipper
Dan Bleiwas, though acknowledging the positive start, treaded softly.
“It was a hot start, no question.
But can we say our play was
indicative of what our record dictated? I’m not so sure,” he said.
“We are a young team taking
baby steps and we need to get better as a team, especially defensively because it’s hurting us right
now.”
Dodgers came out of the weekend one game above .500 with 11
wins in 21 outings, having secured
a single victory in three outings on
the road. Tag on a 7-3 loss to the
Toronto Maple Leafs a week ago at
Kinsmen Stadium and it would
appear the local squad is getting a
lesson in basics.
Dodgers scored a 3-1 win over
the Thunderbirds in Hamilton
Sunday afternoon to salvage the
win. They were defeated 3-2 by the
Royals in Guelph on Saturday and
8-6 by the Panthers in Kitchener
Photo by Wally Donaldson/The Oshawa Express
Steve Lewis of the Oshawa Dodgers takes one for the team after taking a ball off
the hand during a plate appearance a week ago against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
last Friday evening.
In those three games played,
Oshawa committed a total of 12
errors.
The bats have been so-so at best
and yet the pitching remains the
elite of the entire league. Can you
say Toronto Blue Jays?
“I can sure see the comparison,”
Bleiwas still offers a laugh. “We’ve
got the talent, but we’re not hitting
well enough in this league yet. We
simply have to keep learning each
game without taking anything for
granted.”
Bleiwas is also aware his troops
would have to take a significant
nosedive to miss post-season play.
“We’re setting a pace for the playoffs,” he says. “We are good
enough to get there. Our pitching is
among the best. Overall, our concentration has to be on improving
our overall game because the teams
with older players and more experience are hitting their stride and we
have to be in a position to match it.
I think we can.”
Adam Garner went eight strong
innings for the Dodgers to collect
the victory at Hamilton in a game
the teams had to endure almost a
two-hour rain delay. Brandon
Agnew got the final three outs in
relief.
Ken Calway’s two-run double in
the sixth inning drove in the eventual winning runs.
This was a game of special significance for the Thunderbirds.
Prior to the game, Master Warrant
Officer Barry Vincent of the
Canadian Armed Forces welcomed
infielder Jesse Robertson, who
played his final game before join-
ing the Armed Forces.
Dodgers were held to four hits
in Guelph and Cam Gray, despite
going the rain-shortened seveninning distance, was the losing
pitcher.
The Dodgers held a 2-1 lead at
one point of the game, but the aid
of a solo home run by Mark Allen
led to two fifth-inning runs by the
Royals for the win.
The embarrassment, according
to Bleiwas, was the Friday outing
in Kitchener in which the Dodgers,
committing five errors, could easily
have doubled that figure with a
tougher score keeper.
“It was by far the worst performance at any level of baseball
I’ve seen,” he said. “It was disgraceful and disgusting. Our
defence took a bite out of us.”
Grey Byron was the losing
pitcher.
Dodgers have a busy week
ahead with six games in the next
seven days. They play host to
Guelph tonight at 7:30. Toronto on
Saturday at 2 p.m. and Guelph
again on Sunday at 2 p.m. before
playing a twinbill on Tuesday in
London.
They return to Kinsmen Stadium
next Wednesday to play Kitchener.
This is their last game prior to
the Intercounty Baseball League
All-star game on Saturday, July 5 at
Christie Pits in Toronto.
Argos fans out for a good time on the field
There’s no denying the plethora of followers
there are with the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Rock,
Toronto FC and Blue Jays. I have spoken to many
from the Durham Region who turn out the lights
each night wondering what lies ahead with their
respective favourite teams.
And yet there is also in the mix a huge throng
of football supporters who line the GO Station
track for the train to Union Station each time the
Toronto Argonauts are scheduled for a contest at
the Rogers Centre.
They are truly die-hard fans. I have for the past
four seasons been a season subscriber to the
Double Blue and I followed them to a playoff tilt
at the Big O in Montreal two years ago, a game
they lost.
During this expedition, it became apparent to
me that a family exists. If you’re sporting the
Argos jersey, you’re one of
them and you should be properly prepared for the highfive’s.
The local offering, of
course, is Oshawa’s Andre
Oshawa’s Andre Talbot (9) of the Toronto Argos takes a breather during last Thursday’s exhibition game.
Page 16
Talbot who, as a receiver, touched the ball on a
few occasions during the final pre-season tilt last
Thursday evening in a 28-21 loss to the Hamilton
Tiger-Cats.
“I have always been impressed with the
crowds we get,” Andre told me earlier. “They really know how to get into a game. That wasn’t the
case at one time. You can tell they’re having a
good time and that’s really what it’s all about. As
long as we win, of course.”
There was a passion in the seats with constant
chatter of who will take on the helm as starting
quarterback, Kerry Joseph or Michael Bishop. For
me, it was keeping an eye on Mike Vanderjagt and
his mighty foot, having showcased himself in the
kicking department quite well in the NFL with the
Indianapolis Colts. It’s a fun atmosphere as Trish
and Tyler, perhaps two of the most devout fans of
the Argos, are constantly on their feet. Trish waves
the No. 1 foam finger while yelling, A-A-R-R-GO-O-S. Tyler follows up with the chant, arms up at
length without spilling a drop.
And there is the group in front who offer a
hearty rendition each time the Argos gain a firstdown advantage. A lengthy “OHHH” is followed
by “FIRST DOWN” as they point in the direction
the Argos are gaining valuable yardage to the
opposing end zone.
Perhaps my most favourite vendor is an older
chap pushing the bubbly. His long, drawn out
Ice…..Cold….Beeeeer, is worth the price of
admission.
And naturally, what good is a football game
without its cheerleaders? Acrew on the field entertains the crowd between stoppages while another
gathering walk around with cheerleader calendars
in hand. Autograph, anyone?
I have been to Leafs games and the total focal
point is on the Buds getting a win. Fans of the Blue
Jays soak up the sun and really do care about what
transpires on the playing field and if a pitcher isn’t
up to snuff, the crowd gives him a not-so-friendly
reminder. Raptors fans, like the
Leafs and FC supporters, approach
each outing with great expectations.
Although Argos fans do enjoy a
win, they do take great advantage of
enjoying the day, this foremost. A
“Go Argos” or a simple nod while
passing by someone you don’t even
know is common.
And what I do find the most
encouraging is people of all ages
taking in the games, many youngsters wearing the Argos jersey. This
was not the case only a half dozen
years ago.
In front of me last season was a
mother and father with their three
daughters and two of their friends.
A son treated his father to a season ticket as a gift. “It’s affordable
and it’s a lot of fun,” said the dad,
Photos by Wally Donaldson/The Oshawa Express
“to say nothing of the great atmosIt’s clear here the Argos have a first down, judging by these loyal fans.
phere that exists at these games.”
JUNE 25 2008
Oshawa Ball Hockey League is thriving
Players of all ages having a ball
B y Wa ll y Do n al ds on
The Oshawa Express
confines.
Indeed, the same applied in
Durham Region when John and
During the pre-computer era Mary Platt devised the Oshawa
when youngsters actually spent Ball Hockey League 23 years ago,
their free time competing outdoors beginning with approximately 16
in road hockey, there was the con- participants at the Simcoe Hall
stant sudden shout of “CAR” by Settlement House. Today, there are
one player, forcing a brief interrup- more than 750 players competing
tion in play and the
weekly at Harman Park
removal of the nets in the
Arena
and
Legends
middle of the road.
Centre. When tournaThat’s the way it was
ments are on, the Donevan
accepted by the kids of
Sports Complex becomes
that time. They were for
an additional site.
the period perhaps Wayne
“It all started when we
Gretzky with the flashy
got a school bus out of
moves or Bobby Orr dazSimcoe Hall and we drove
zling from the blueline in.
around the south end of
That kid in goal was
Oshawa picking up kids.
Doug Smart
quick like Patrick Roy or
We blossomed from there
stretched like Ken Dryden
when we went from
from an earlier era.
Donevan and then the two
The girls have a
pads at Harman,” says
Hayley Wickenheiser to
Mary Platt, adding with a
emulate.
laugh, “It’s a cheap alterSomewhere along the
native to ice hockey, we
way, a group from
don’t get rained out and
Toronto thought it best to
we don’t have to yell,
get the kids off the streets
“CAR!”
and into a facility where
The smaller confines
they could continue showof Simcoe Hall left little to
Mary Platt
casing their skills, minus
the imagination in regards
the ice and skates.
to the rules of hockey. But
And so road hockey, with all the once inside regulation-rink size
excitement of the sport still in facilities, the greater the focus on
place, became ball hockey, begin- the proper rules.
ning in community centres and
Ball hockey in Oshawa --- this
with an ever-increasing member- group a non-profit organization --ship, extending to indoor arenas.
falls in line with the ice sport on a
The sport grew to phenomenal minor level, beginning with tyke to
heights and many other communi- an intermediate level. A women’s
ties picked up the ball and offered division is in place for the first
it on a voluntary basis within their time with four teams with players
ranging in age from the early 20’s
up to an enthusiastic Linda Doran,
who is competing at 60 years of
age.
As the motor of the Ontario Ball
Hockey Association implies, “A
game anyone can play.”
Girls competing co-ed in the
past have gathered together and
been selected to represent Canada
at various world championships.
Michelle Binning, Britney
Smith, Amber Ellis, Alexandra
Wells and Cassie Sparks helped
Canada to a gold medal championship at the 2007 Worlds, held in
the Czech Republic.
However, Jill Konarowski can
lay claim to being the first female
participant in the Oshawa circuit,
starting 15 years ago.
All divisions gear up for provincial playdowns, held at various
locales throughout the province.
Oshawa will be playing host to the
atom, peewee, Under 14 girls and
Under 16 girls divisions July 1719.
Doug Smart, the chief executive
officer of the Oshawa league, has
made a transformation from his
days as a junior football player
with the Oshawa Hawkeyes to his
involvement on an executive
capacity in ball hockey.
“We have had a lot of players
who competed 10 to 12 years ago
and they have come back and are
coaching,” says Smart. “That’s the
beauty of it when you see that happening.”
Smart says each division is
comprised of eight teams, allowing
for three full lines, three defensive
UOIT graduates to elite CIS level
OTTAWA -- Canadian Interuniversity making this all come together," Babcock
Sport (CIS) has accepted the University of added. "This successful outcome now proOntario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) vides UOIT student-athletes with tremenapplication for membership at the CIS dous opportunities at the National level."
annual general meeting here, becoming the
UOIT entered Ontario University
52nd member institution of the national Athletics (OUA) competition in 2006, parassociation.
ticipating in tennis and rowing during their
"Today was a momentous and historic inaugural season. Men’s and women’s
day for UOIT," Ken Babcock, Athletic hockey were introduced last season (2007Director said immediately after the
08), making a big splash on the
CIS delegates voted unanimously
UOIT campus and in the commuto accept UOIT. "The Ridgebacks
nity. There are many long- range
are now able to compete at the
plans of additional sports to be
national level and we look forward
added to the Ridgebacks lineup.
to challenging with the best of the
New sports will be determined by
best that Canadian Universities
student
input
and
the
have to offer."
availability/expansion of facilities
The CIS Board of Directors prein the years to come.
sented their recommendation to
With some of the Canada’s top
Ken Babcock
accept UOIT¹s membership appliathletics facilities on campus,
cation before the CIS membership
Babcock noted; “Our goal will be
at the AGM of all Canadian Universities. to continue to attract the best staff, coachThe delegates accepted the motion to es and students to UOIT who strive for the
accept UOIT as the 52nd member of the common goal of excellence. Our long-term
CIS unanimously with vote count 84-0.
vision includes our campus as being
UOIT’s bid application, which was the Canada’s leader in athletics, recreation and
culmination of two years of planning and wellness programs, combined with top athpreparing, was extremely well received by letic facilities, all of which will enhance
the CIS membership. The CIS Board also the overall post-secondary experience for
conducted a site visit of UOIT as part of our students.”
the lengthy process. They were very
The CIS is the national governing body
impressed with the campus as a whole, ath- of university sport in Canada. Its memberletic facilities, residences and the programs ship is comprised of 52 Universities with
that the University has to offer.
10,000 student-athletes and 550 coaches
"I am very proud and pleased with our competing for 21 national championships
successful membership approval after all in 12 different sports.
of the time and hard-work that was put into
JUNE 25 2008
Photo by Wally Donaldson/The Oshawa Express
Ball hockey has gripped even the female athletes in Oshawa. The local ball
hockey association included a women’s division this season because of the
demand.
pairings and goaltenders.
“Not all divisions are like that,”
says Smart. “Tyke is probably the
hardest because kids at that age
want to try other sports like soccer
or baseball. But the other divisions
are maxing out and that’s a healthy
sign.”
Strict rules do apply, even
though the emphasis remains on
fun and conditioning.
“Our league is very disciplined.
There is no fighting. We bring it to
their attention the very first game.
They all understand that this is
their league, not ours. They have to
learn to police it. They have to
learn to play it and they actually
look after one another out there.
It’s very competitive.”
Hawkeyes want first victory
Oshawa Hawkeyes are still in search of their
first Northern Football Conference victory after a
pair of road outings.
After dropping their initial outing 14-12 in
Toronto against the Maddogs two weeks ago, the
senior Hawkeyes fell to Tri-City Outlaws 28-8 last
Saturday evening in Kitchener.
With starting quarterback Chris Foster out of
the lineup following an opening-game injury,
Rolando Daley got the start at pivot and before he
touched the ball, the Hawkeyes were down a major
following an opening drive TD by the Outlaws.
Daley led the charge to the Tri-City 20 yard line
and stalled. Rob Horstman missed the field goal
attempt. Outlaws followed up with two majors,
giving them a 21-7 lead at the half.
“I’m happy with our physical performance, but
disappointed with our mental game,” said
Hawkeyes head coach Donovan Wright. “We took
too many penalties.”
Wright elected to go with 20-year-old Kyle
Amorim from Whitby as the QB for the third quarter and he was impressive out of the gate, leading
the Hawkeyes to the Outlaws’ three-yard line. The
offence failed to connect for their first major.
Amorim later drove the ball to the Outlaws oneyard line and didn’t miss on this occasion with Rick
Moore slicing up the middle for the score.
Horstman’s convert was good.
Hawkeyes are in North Bay on Saturday and
gear up for their first home game of the season on
July 5 against the Toronto Raiders at 8 p.m.
Batchelor joins All-Star team
Durham Lords’ basketball star
be divided into two teams with each repAnthony Batchelor has been selected to
resenting one of the above mentioned
compete with the top basketball players
charities. The charity represented by the
in the country at the Fourth Annual Allwinning team will receive 60 percent of
Star Charity Shootout (ASCS) “Clash of
the proceeds, and the losing team 40 perthe Charities” at London’s Fanshawe
cent of the proceeds.
College.
Batchelor capped off an amazing
Batchelor will be among some of the
career with the Durham Lords this past
brightest stars of the game as the top
season, as he became the Ontario
players from the CIS, CCAA, NCAA Anthony Batchelor Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA)
and European professional leagues will
all-time leading scorer (1,524 career
take part in the event scheduled for Sat.
points) while guiding the Lords to a postJuly 5.
season appearance. He was named the OCAA
The All-Star Shootout is a charity basketball Player of the Year and a Canadian Colleges
event that showcases some of Canada’s top basket- Athletics Association (CCAA) All-Canadian. In
ball players in an effort to raise funds and aware- each of his four seasons at Durham, Batchelor was
ness for local charities across Ontario. Players will named an OCAA first team All-Star.
Page 17
Residential Classified Ads Call 905-571-7334
$21 (plus gst) for 25 words
Business Classified Ads Call 905-571-7334
$21 for a 1 col x 1” (Boxed) (plus gst)
$42 for a 1 col x 2” (Boxed) (plus gst)
FINANCIAL
FINANCIAL
FINANCIAL
EMPLOYMENT
ARTICLES WANTED
EMPLOYMENT
Earn $11 hr.
Contact us today!
Dorsey Antiques will buy your Vintage
Treasures, old jewellery, Pottery, figurines and
FT/PT - flexible schedule
- 7 days a week.
1-888-974-JOBS T043052808
Post Cards. Call before you give it away.
1-877-454-3514.
Equal employment opportunity employer
SM Accounting
Services
Bookkeeping
for small businesses.
Weekly,
monthly,
quarterly, annually or
we can fill in if you
have a temporary
need.
289-240-3714
Fax resume to:
EXPERIENCED
Siding installers.
Edmonton, Alberta.
Temporary accommodation provided.
P: 780-485-5188
C: 780-818-9146
F: 780-485-5181
1-800-388-5742
[email protected]
Truck Drivers
needed
Must be able to drive
10 tonne vehicles.
(Strictly driving, no
lifting). Supply references.
Driver Needed
A part-time Driver required for deliveries of newspapers is
needed for busy publishing office located in Oshawa.
Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and a
vehicle. Must be available on Wednesdays.
Please reply in writing or by email. No phone calls please.
600 Thornton Road South, Oshawa, ON. L1J 6W7
905-571-7334, Fax 905-571-0255
email: [email protected]
THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
Page 18
905-571-7334
Fax: 905-571-0255
Email: [email protected]
JUNE 25 2008
Residential Classified Ads Call 905-571-7334
$21 (plus gst) for 25 words
Business Classified Ads Call 905-571-7334
$21 for a 1 col x 1” (Boxed) (plus gst)
$42 for a 1 col x 2” (Boxed) (plus gst)
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
New unique way to
buy, sell, trade or
advertise. Add it to
our fleamarket flyer
sent to members free
every Friday before 5
a.m.
www.shopsanfords.com
Cell: 298-355-1551
View hundreds of
items online in the
comfort of your home
or office.
RENTALS
Car parts
Trans AM front end
cover. 1985 to 1990.
Brand new inbox
$30.
2005 Blazor trailor
hitch.
2”-square
sleeve. $40.
905-579-5390
For Sale
Step bars for
Ford truck 150
2005 and up
$400
Call 905-436-7693
OFFICE SPACE
800 sq. ft. Office
Space, Hwy 401 location in Oshawa. Lots
of parking, large, open
space,
move-in ready.
$800/mnth, utilities
included.
Call 905-434-7409.
RENTALS
1, 2 & 3 bedrooms
available.
Bloor/Simcoe area.
Spacious, clean and
secure. Newly renovated units. Family
friendly, seniors discount. All utiilities
included.
(905) 725-7852
(416) 265-5666
RENTALS
Visit us on the
web for your
local news
coverage
www.oshawaexpress.ca
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
MOBILE KITCHEN
Located in oil fields of Alberta. Great business with
low overhead and high profit. Ideal family operation. Asking $90,000. Potential to have your investment back in six months. Selling due to health reasons. Secure your future. No more layoffs.
Contact 780-694-2877.
OBITUARIES
OBITUARIES
TRAIL
JOHN EDWARD
(12 year employee of Automodular
Assemblies)
VACATION RENTALS
Suddenly on Thursday June 19, 2008, in his 37th
year. Leaves behind his loving wife of 18 years,
Vicki McArthur and their sons Cody, Preston and
Jesse. Also their pesky companions Shadow and
Bandit. He will also be sadly missed his siblings:
Angie, Jason, Rachel, Maryanne and Alfred. John
will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and
nephew. Relatives and friends may call at
McINTOSH-ANDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 152
King Street East, Oshawa on Sunday from 7-9 p.m.
and on Monday June 23, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until
time of service in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of
flowers, donations placed in trust for his children
would be appreciated by his family.
Rest in peace
SERVICE DIRECTORY Ads Call 905-5717334
$21 for a 1 col x 1” (Boxed) (plus gst)
$42 for a 1 col x 2” (Boxed) (plus gst)
Contractors
Contractors
CUSTOM PAINTING
Ryan Appleton
Painting Contractor Interior/Exterior
for FREE ESTIMATE
Quality Workmanship “Generation to Generation”
Call 905-260-1083
Contractors
Contractors
J&B Contracting
NO JOB TOO SMALL
FREE ESTIMATES, Painting, Electrical,
Drywall, basements, roofing, fences,
decks, windows, soffit, fascia
Clip and Save. 1-877-454-3514
PLACE AD HERE
Call:
905-571-7334
Email:
advertising@
oshawaexpress.ca
SIGNS
ELECTRICIAN
BRITE ELECTRICAL
SOLUTIONS
* Knob and Tube
*Code Corrections
*Upgrades
*Renovations
*Fixture Installation
Fully Insured
Master Electrician
(905) 240-4703
Contractors
DOYLE
CARPENTRY
Interior & Exterior
Renovations
* Basements
* Sheds
* Decks
* Framing
* Drywall and
Painting
*Hardwood and
Laminate Floors
*Doors and Trim
Call Jeff:
905-697-2106
ECRA/ESA Lic. # 706047
SIGNS
See news
happening?
Email
courtney@oshawa
express.ca
and
jessica@oshawa
express.ca
with your news.
THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
JUNE 25 2008
Phone: 905-571-7334
Fax: 905-571-0255
Email: [email protected]
Page 19
Page 20
JUNE 25 2008