aurora home show - Simcoe
Transcription
aurora home show - Simcoe
HOME SHOW OPENS FRIDAY Beverley Varcoe 905-727-3154 TIRES BRAKES MAINTENANCE 905-841-0319 29 Industry St AURORA Highly Qualified to Handle Your Real Estate Needs with Over 20 years of Award Winning service! Open Road BMW www.openroadbmw.ca Your Community Realty, Aurora www.beverleyvarcoe.com BROKER, CRES, SRES Market Value Appraiser I look forward to seeing everyone at the Home Show: Market Place Table P in Arena 1 87 Mulock Drive, Newmarket (just east of Yonge St.) 1-888-295-8714 Aurora’s Independent Community Newspaper Vol. 10 No. 25 905-727-3300 auroran.com FREE Week of April 13, 2010 Aurora wards? No comment They were all there thursday night as the new Aurora Cultural Centre held its official opening. The Aurora mayor, Aurora councillors, the riding’s member of parliament, member of provincial parliament, and a representative from Ontario Heritage Trust, all joined together as the historic Church Street School started a new phase of its 100 plus year life. But editor Ron Wallace has a question about the location and you can find it on Page 4. Auroran photo by David Falconer Old school opens as a new centre After years of development, consultation, renovation, and restoration, the Church Street School officially opened its doors Thursday night. The grand opening, presided over by Mayor Phyllis Morris and Aurora councillors, NewmarketAurora Member of Parliament Lois Brown, and MPP Frank Klees, Horvath gone Long-time Town of Aurora Employee Peter Horvath is out of a job. The 19-year Town employee's stint as the Municipality's Manager of Operations Services came to an end on March 29, he confirmed to The Auroran. But due to the fact Mr. Horvath is seeking counsel on the issue, he said it would be premature to comment further on the matter. Although a call was placed to Mayor Phyllis Morris, Jason Ballantyne, Aurora's Manager of Corporate Communications, said it would be "inappropriate for the mayor or anyone else on staff to speak publically about an internal staff matter." attracted members of Aurora's arts, culture, and civic communities, and the community at large all wanting to take in what has been described as the "jewel in the crown" of Aurora's heritage. The Centre's Brevik Hall on the second floor was filled to nearcapacity not just to hear speeches from dignitaries but to take in the music made by internationally recognized pianist Elizabeth Schumann as she took to the Centre's brand-new showpiece grand piano. "When you look at today's music, art, and literature, what Please see page 17 Public interest in putting the ward question on the October 25 ballot might be waning, if last Tuesday's General Committee meeting was any indication. The committee doubled as a Statutory Town Hall Meeting on the question, the second step in Aurora's three-step process to gauge public interest in council pursuing a ward system. The meeting was slated to be the opportunity for councillors to hear directly from residents either supporting the implementation of a ward system or maintaining the current "at large" system. Not one resident on either side of the debate stepped up to the podium despite some attendees of the previous week's public meeting on the ward system sitting in the audience. "I don't see anyone rushing to the microphones, so I think we can assume there is a lack of interest amongst this group present this evening," said Councillor Evelyn Buck who chaired the General Committee meeting. "One factor that plays a part in meeting attendance is that most people have busy lives with many competing priorities," said Jason Ballantyne, Aurora's Manager of Corporate Communications. "Electoral reform doesn't seem to typically get many people engaged, not just here in Aurora, but elsewhere. I took a cursory look at other jurisdictions where electoral reform has come up for discussion, including the UK, the US, Manitoba and BC. The shared experience seems to be one of voter disinterest." The final step of public consultation will be at a Special General Committee meeting April 20. If council decides to put the ward system question on the ballot, the required bylaw would need to be passed by April 27. The Petch House may live after all Aurora's Petch House may be granted a new lease on life after Council voted last week to open up its rebuilding and restoration to competing bids. The move to proceed with a Request for Proposal (RFP) comes after prolonged debate on the future of the building with some calling for its demolition. Others looked to dismantle the house for heritage material to incorporate into existing buildings, some wanted to completely restore it for office and storage use, and there were also calls to preserve a section of the building as a public monument. "Due to the deteriorated physical condition of the Petch Log House, the limited available funds for restoration, the high historical significance of the house to Aurora and York Region and to significant local interest in saving it; staff recPlease see page 20 2 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 COMING EVENTS CONTINUING Currently on display at the Colleen Abbott Gallery, located on the second floor of the Aurora Public Library, is an exhibit of paintings by Aurora’s Philippa Hajdu. The paintings are selections from the artist’s self-portrait series and her novel series inspired by the works of James Lee Burke and Janet Evanovitch. This exhibit will run through May 30. **** A selection of landscape works from the collection of Albert Chiarandini will be on display at the Aurora Cultural Centre starting Saturday, April 10th. Chiarandini, born in Udine, Italy, in 1915 was a prolific painter until his death in December 2007. The display will continue until May 1 **** Alateen meets every Sunday at 8 p.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, corner of Victoria and Mosley Streets. Al-Anon meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the Aurora United Church on Yonge Street. For more information go to al-anon.alateen.on.ca. **** The Aurora Garden & Horticultural Society meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 105 Industrial Parkway North in Aurora. Visitors are welcome for only $2. For more information call Ray at 905-727-6168. On May 26th, Master Gardener from Brantford, Nancy Lee-Colibaba, will speak on Gardening for Health. **** York Highlands Chorus is an award-winning a cappella Sweet Adelines chorus, a group of women who gather Tuesday evenings at the Old Firehall, Newmarket, to sing, share in the harmony of friendship and learn the barbershop art form. York Highlands is always looking for new women who share the love of a cappella music. Call Karen at 905-726-2113 or Vikki at [email protected]. **** The Upper Canada Chordsmen, Aurora-Newmarket’s award winning chorus, is looking for male singers. The group meets every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Firehall, 140 Main Street South, in Newmarket . **** The Optimist Club of Aurora meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Aurora Legion. New members are welcome. Call 905-727-5012 for more information. **** The Aurora Lions Club meets the second and fourth Thursdays at the Aurora Lions Hall, corner of Mosley and Victoria Streets, Co-ed club welcomes new members. For further information, call 905-727-6079. **** Every Thursday, Martha's Table serves home-made soup, sandwiches, and dessert in St. Andrew's Hall at the Presbyterian Church, corner of Mosley and Victoria Street. Cost is minimal, and the volunteer-run program enabled the church to give more than $5,000 to local charities in 2008 alone. You can enjoy lunch, conversation, and a sense of community between 11.30 a.m. and Art Aurora 2010 The Aurora Art Show & Sale Come and find the perfect piece of art to make your home more beautiful and colourful! Saturday May 1st 10 am - 5 pm Sunday May 2nd 10 am - 4 pm Aurora Town Hall, 1 Municipal Drive For more information contact (905) 726-4762 or visit www.e-aurora.ca 1.30 p.m. weekly. **** The York Regional Police Male Chorus is looking for new members. You do not have to be a police officer nor are you required to read music to volunteer. The group rehearses Monday evenings between 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. For further information, contact the chorus supervisor at 905-727-9676 or the coordinator of volunteer services for YRP at 905-830-0303, extension 6717. **** Aurora’s Air Cadets meet every Tuesday night at Cardinal Carter School from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., and offer a program for 12 years and older boys and girls. **** Aurora Opera Children’s Chorus welcomes treble voices. It is a choir dedicated to nurturing and providing opportunities for children to express their musical abilities. The chorus is open to boys and girls ages 5-17. Contact the general director at [email protected] **** Community Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) is looking for volunteers to assist with the activities in its Adult Day Program. The positions call for a commitment of a few hours a week at its Aurora location. Various times are available. Call Christine at 905-713-3494. **** Every Wednesday from 6.30 to 8 p.m. the Pioneer Club for boys and girls, age three to Grade 4 and the Junior High Club for boys and girls, Grades 5 to 8, will be held at the Aurora Cornerstone Church, 390 Industrial Parkway South. For more information call 905-841-8884. **** A drop-in centre will operate every Wednesday at the Community Bible Church on Bathurst Street just south of Henderson from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information email Judy Hoffmann [email protected]. **** Scottish Country Dancing on Tuesday evenings at 8.15 p.m. at the Aurora Heights Public School and on Friday mornings at St. Andrews' Presbyterian Church beginning at 10.30 a.m. No partners are needed and Please see page 22 THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 3 & OUR Aurora’s Axiom Group president Perry Rizzo accepts document from Aurora-Newmarket Member of Parliament Lois Brown after government announced Friday a contribution for the Aurora company in the amount of $220,000 to help the company develop a new thermal material for a food container. Firm gets help Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), announced in Aurora Friday a contribution of $220,000 to Axiom Group Inc. from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). Axiom is located on Mary Street. The funding will support Axiom in developing a new thermal material for a food container, which could launch a second-generation of its popular ThermaPod product. ThermaPod is an environmentally friendly one-piece lunch box that looks like a laptop computer and is easy to clean and store. Ms. Brown also presented a Canadian Innovation Leader Certificate to the Axiom Group in recognition of its success as an innovative Canadian firm that has successfully linked scientific research to commercialization, jobs and economic growth. "Our government is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians’ quality of life," she said. “I am pleased to recognize Axiom as a role model for entrepreneurs in communities throughout the entire country.” A Canadian Innovation Leader is a small or mediumsized enterprise that demonstrates a specific advance in research and development within its industrial sector. This advance must contribute to the wealth of the country, either from a corporate growth perspective, job creation, or through a particular investment in research and development that has improved the lives of Canadians. Formed in 1987, Axiom Group is divided into three divisions: Axiom Plastics, Axiom Tooling and Axiom Electronics. The company designs and develops a wide range of products and services, including wiring harnesses, prototype and production moulds for the automotive industry and engineering and design services. "NRC-IRAP is playing an important role in the success of this innovative company,” said Perry Rizzo, president of Axiom Group. “The financial support we receive from NRC-IRAP is helping Axiom Group develop a full complement of high-tech solutions for the automotive, plastics and electronics industries.” gourmet to go Lunch & Dinner Sunday May 9th Please call for reservations 905-727-9561 14889 Yonge Street, Aurora www.graystonesrestaurant.ca ! r e v E SALE BIGGEST to celebrate 40 years in business in Aurora % OFF 0 7 50 * Discontinued and ends of lines only. * some exceptions. Thursday April 15 to Saturday April 24 LADIES CLOTHING NOW $ 99 9 Reg. to $100 SELECT LADIES SHOES MEN’S JEANS LADIES JEANS $ 99 $ 99 19 SELECT CROCS Only $1999 Just $1999 Reg. to $140 19 Reg. to $120 Reg. to $54.99 Reg. to $140 ROCKPORT BANSTEAD DRESS SHOE Now $ Only 7999 Reg. to $185 ALL SAFETY SHOES NOW $3999 MEPHISTO ALLROUNDER CLIPPER $89 99 Reg. $185 ED HARDY SHOES $59 99 Reg. $125 LADIES ROOS RUNNERS $29 99 Reg. to $85 KIDS COUGAR SANDALS$1399 Reg. to $40 SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION! *ALL DISCOUNTING IS OFF MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED LIST PRICING DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF CUSTOMERS DURING THIS EVENT, WE REGRET THAT WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE SAME SERVICE YOU HAVE COME TO EXPECT. SORRY, NO KID’S CLUB ON SALE ITEMS Reg. to $160 HURRY IN! EXTENDED SALE HOURS Mon. Tues. & Wed. 9:30 am to 7:00 pm Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 am to 9:00 pm Saturday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm SHOES SINCE 1970 905-727-9391 14800 Yonge St., Aurora Shoping Centre www.omarsshoes.com 4 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 Poor Ronnie By RON WALLACE Where do you park? Before I even try to explain the photo at the bottom of this column, let me tell you about last Thursday night. I, and Patricia, attended the opening of the new (well, it’s Church Street School, so how “new” can it be?) Aurora Cultural Centre. When I put the brakes on this project several years ago, I guess I wasn’t really sure what I was talking about, but I proved myself to be right Thursday night. Church Street School, okay, the Aurora Cultural Centre, needs more parking. Because, even though the event was well attended, the building was not near capacity and parking outside was at a premium. Now I have a blue, “disabled” sticker in the windshield of my car (that’s another story) so I was able to find a place to park in front of the old library on Victoria Street, next to the old firehall. Both those buildings need to disappear and parking must be provided there. Perhaps even a smaller version of the multi-story parking GO Transit has constructed near the railway station. And the Town could make money with such a project. Because if the Cultural Centre takes off, like I think everyone thinks it will, and becomes a “destination”, there needs to be a place to park your car. Or a bus. Or whatever, And, right now, there isn’t. Now, normally, I’d be the last person on earth to suggest the old library on Victoria Street be demolished, but I’m not sure what it’s proving by staying there. The building, a gift to the Town from its citizens during Centennial celebrations in 1963, is falling apart and will probably fall down soon anyway. It would cost a fortune to make it habitable again, and since the senior citizens, wise that they are, decided against moving there a number of years ago, there is little hope for the structure’s future, except that it must be torn down. The problem, of course, is the success of Aurora’s new library at the corner of Yonge and Church, which is attracting all sorts of people...who drive their cars and fill all the spots. Throw a Cultural Centre activity into the mix and you have chaos. I first got involved with the Church Street School back in the spring of 1969 when the newly formed York County Board of Education decided the dollar a year rent was in their budget and the site became headquarters for new education system. I recall their first budget came in at about $25 million, sending shivers through the people who paid the bills. Today, that amount of money doesn’t cover the transportation budget for the system!! The interior of the school is something to see, from the original ceiling tiles and wood floors to the blackboards that have been preserved all these years. Where the Board of Education held its first meeting, upstairs, the room is split by a wooden divider that is still there and functioning. Opening ceremonies took place in that large room Thursday night. The room itself, named the Brevik room after the late Margaret Brevik, who was a member of the Aurora Historical Society’s Board of Directors, was full of invited guests who heard brief remarks from Mayor Phyllis Morris, MPP Frank Klees, MP Lois Brown, and past president of the Historical Society Helen Roberts. All in all, a great show to herald the re-birth of a great building. It’s worth your while to visit it, and I hope you can find a place to park. Now about this photograph... Patricia and I took a few days last week to visit Las Vegas. As I told every customs agent I met, I should have just sent a cheque there and I would have saved a ton of money. Anyhow, these two “girls” were attempting to get people into a casino in downtown Las Vegas...on Fremont Street, to be exact. Patricia dared me to stand between them and she would take a picture. Ever up for a dare, I did just that. The smile on my face is another story... It’s hard to believe that when this photo was taken, seven people were absent. Minus the absentees, this is the 1960-61 membership of Aurora High School’s (Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School) Glee Club. Members included, front row, left to right, Jutta Fohrenkamm, Judy Dalrymple, Margaret Black (today’s mayor of King Township), Sue Hiscocks and Helen Nidd. In the second row, left to right, are Lynn Maynard, Gloria Downing, Jackie Wrixon, Melody Kilcup, Ria Enhoarn, Sheila Belfry, Ethel Mason, Nancy Greensides, Valarie Patterson and Denise Heaps. In the third row, left to right, are Barbara Brown, Joy Inglis, Virginia Moddle, Dianne Logue, Penny Parmenter, Iuadelle Sudehko, Dorothy Carleton, Marion Orr, Sandra Foster, Irene Heacock, Kathleen Orr, Jackie Anderson, Joan Flucker and Donna Brown. In the back row, left to right, are Steve Barber, Bruce Marchant, Bud Dunlop, David Troyer, Michael Troyer, Gary McLaughlin, Don Gordon, Dave Moore, Brian Peter, Barry Wallace, Paul Rollinson, Scott Moddle and Doug Routledge. The absentees include Elizabeth Black, Sandra Cane, Nan Funke, Gail Patrick, Nancy White, Doreen Hardie and Bob Fry. Letter to the Editor Appointments didn’t include us To the editor, Last week, the mayor circulated an e-mail list of committees ser ved by various councillors. Ostensibly to make sure they were correct. Stated intention was to post them on the town's website. There were none missing. Some committees listed no longer exist. Court favourites reflected the largest number. Councillors Bob McRoberts, Alison Collins Mrakas and myself, the least. The mayor quite often reflects how some councillors do more work than others. No doubt the object now is to present that evidence to the community in good time for the election. The Town's website is a corporate resource. One would be hard pressed to argue political promotion of the mayor and friends is the corporation's business. It could be said to be misuse of town property in contravention of Clause 7 of The Code. The mayor makes all appointments. It shouldn't be but with six votes sewn up at all times, that's how it goes. When the Wells Street school issue was on the front burner, a committee was struck with council representation. Councillor McRoberts, a former student of the school, a member of t h e To w n ' s H e r i t a g e Committee, member of the Historical Society, retired high school teacher and deputy mayor expressed interest in being the town's representative on the committee. Councillor Collins Mrakas, a member of the Heritage Advisor y Committee, also indicated interest. Councillor Gallo, appointed not elected member of council, with no association with the school or neighbourhood, was the mayor's appointee. When for mer Councillor Grace Marsh resigned her seat on the only standing committee of council, the Joint Fire Committee, became vacant. Councillor Collins Mrakas indicated strong interest in taking Councillor Marsh's place. Once again, Councillor Gallo, appointed not elected, was the mayor's appointee. When the 2C study, Official Plan Amendment committee was being created, Councillors Collins Mrakas and myself were asked would we be interested in serving. We said we would. Non-elected citizens were appointed to the committee. But not Councillors Collins Mrakas or me. Many of the committees cited in the mayor's list would not stand up favourably to closer scrutiny. The significant aspect of the posting however is how a cor porate resource, the town's website, is being exploited for political purpose in contravention of the Code of Conduct. The other oddity is what it reveals about the mayor's concept of leadership, inclusion and ensuring all councillors’ views are considered when decisions are made. Evelyn Buck Aurora “Aurora’s Independent Community Newspaper” Published weekly by The Auroran Publications Inc. at 95 Edward Street, Aurora, L4G 1W1 Publisher Emeritus Rosemary Schumaker Editorial Ron Wallace [email protected] Production Cynthia Proctor [email protected] Photography David Falconer [email protected] Main Number 905-727-3300 Advertising Bob Ince [email protected] Classifieds 905-727-7128 [email protected] Diane Buchanan [email protected] Facsimile Machine 905-727-2620 Trish Miller-Kostin [email protected] Editorial Department [email protected] Editorial policy Opinions expressed by columnists, contributors and letter necessarily those of The Auroran. Letters must and phone number, although number will not be published, and words. Letters may be edited or refused. protected by copyright. writers are not include name be limited to 600 All contents Advertising policy Publisher is not liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. Disputes must be brought to the attention of the publisher prior to the following edition. THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 5 Machell’s Corners by Scott Johnston Front Porch Perspective By Stephen Somerville We have all heard of the Holy Trinity; The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. Well, we have our own kind of local democratic Trinity here in Aurora; the ward system, the introduction of term limits and the realization of another Aurora representative on York Region Council. I have written about each of these in the past, but I will limit myself this week to the issue of the ward system. According to this newspaper, last week about 15 concerned citizens turned out to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of Aurora adopting a ward council system. I was hoping to be in attendance that night, but unfortunately, work travel commitments kept me away. Reading about the low turnout at the meeting is kind of perplexing and ironic at the same time because supposedly one of the reasons for low municipal voter turnout is due to our current local electoral system. Oh well! Let's briefly rewind the clock to the 2006 municipal election. When asked, during an Aurora Chamber of Commerce municipal campaign event, all three of the Ward system mayoralty candidates stated that they supported the use of a ward system. Then challenger (now mayor) Phyllis Morris stated that "there are 18,000 doors to knock on in Aurora" and that it "is too hard for first time candidates to get elected." Challenger Nigel Kean and then incumbent Tim Jones were also in favour of a ward system. Fast forward to the meeting held last week. Reading through The Auroran story regarding the meeting, there seems to be some pretty persuasive arguments on both sides of the ledger regarding this issue. But being typically Canadian, I would like to see a hybrid solution developed - one that I don't believe was spoken about at the meeting. I believe in a system whereby a portion of the councillors are elected by a specific geographic region and will be accountable to that area while a number of "at large" councillors would also be elected. Generally speaking, I would suggest that Aurora be divided up into say four electoral precincts and then have four "at-large" councillors. This system would give us the best of both worlds. Inside Aurora Ward councillors would supposedly be more attentive to individual constituent needs while the "at large" councillors would be able to provide a broader view of things because they represent an electorate four times as large. Well, that's at least how it should work in theory. I still need to do some more thinking on this issue. While certainly not as important an issue as the type of ward system that could be utilized, but far more interesting is the impact that a ward system - could it have been implemented in time - would have on the next municipal election. The eight councillors that we elected last time out reside in various clusters around Aurora. And whether you go with eight ward seats or four ward seats and four "at-large" seats, there would potentially have been some councillors without a chair when the music stopped in October, 2010. What is also interesting is that we do not have any councillors from the newer residential developments in Aurora - namely from the area above Wellington, east of Industrial Parkway, and out to Leslie Street. Stephen can be contacted at: [email protected] Caching in By Scott Johnston It was a beautiful spring day in Aurora, as I cautiously approached the busy intersection of Yonge and Wellington. Seeing the coast was clear, I searched and quickly found the hidden container, right where it was supposed to be. Unscrewing the camouflaged cap revealed a tiny notebook. Taking another look around to make sure I wasn't observed, I quickly wrote down my identification and the date, returning the note to the canister, and resealing it. I paused and tried to look casual as a passerby smiled in my direction. Once she had moved on, I put the package back, carefully concealing it from sight, and continued on to my next drop. Yes, this really did happen, and despite how it sounds, I was not involved in some sort of espionage activity, although it felt that way. I was geochaching. Advances in electronics have produced affordable handheld GPS devices. These small units, about the size of a cell phone, use satellites to pinpoint your location anywhere in the world to within a few feet, and display it on a screen. In geocaching, participants hide small containers in public places, and note their location on the internet. By downloading the locations and clues on how to find the caches, anyone with a handheld GPS can search for them, kind of like a treasure hunt. The canisters range from micro - perhaps as big as a thimble - to lunchbox sizes. Each will typically contain some notepaper, so that finders can record their "discovery". Larger ones may even hold small items that can be swapped by the finder. In one Newmarket location I picked up a small plastic dinosaur, which I replaced with an "Aurora Street Sale" button. There are more than 40 geocaches hidden in Aurora. They're mainly located in parks, but they can be in parking lots, along boulevards, or any other public place. And they're often in pretty busy areas. Apart from the one noted earlier that's within a stone's throw of Yonge and Wellington, another I looked for was located between the old and new library, and another was in a supermarket parking lot. And I must have stood within a few feet of the one at the cenotaph at numerous Remembrance Day services without even knowing it. You'd think being directed to within a few feet of the hiding place that they'd be easy to spot, but those that have created these caches can be devilishly clever. In my travels around Aurora that weekend, I found several, but was also stumped by a few. This may have been because they were so well hidden, or perhaps because they had been "muggled". Adapting the term from the Harry Potter books, geochachers describe people who do not participate in this hobby as "muggles". Sometimes, a muggle will inadvertently stumble across a cache and remove it. When this happens, the person who originally established the cache will set up a new one. It was a very entertaining trip around town, and I managed to get to a few places I'd never been to before. I was also surprised to see how popular it was. While I didn't run into other participants that day, the logs kept in each cache I found showed that they had been opened at least once every day or two. You can also go on-line, and read notes from people who had already found the caches. One cache I never did uncover had notes on the website that frustratingly observed that "my wife spotted it before we even got out of the car", and "my five year found it before I did". Maybe that was my problem; I didn't have a five year old with me! Apart from the caches in town, there are many of them all over the GTA, and if you're really ambitious, over a million worldwide, so if you're looking for a novel way to explore your neighbourhood, and get a bit of air, you may want to look into geocaching. Further details, including the location of Aurora's and other local caches can be found at www.geocaching.com. You'll need a GPS unit, a sense of adventure and a bit of luck. Having a five year old with you is optional, but may not hurt. Feel free to e-mail Scott at: [email protected] 6 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 Letters to the Editor Time for Aurora to honour Jones To the editor, BRUCE’S MILL The mill at Bruce’s needs to be restored To the editor, I wish to draw your readers’ attention to “the Plight of Bruce’s Mill”, one of York Region’s precious heritage buildings and a local landmark located in the Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area at Stouffville Road between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road. The conservation area is owned and operated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The mill building, as well as the gatehouse on the side, are listed of the Stouffville and Whitchurch Heritage Building register. Sadly the buildings lack the necessary dedication to be protected under the Provincial Heritage Building Act. Focusing the spotlight on the mill building, here we find years of inadequate preventive maintenance which resulted in its present deplorably neglected condition. With siding boards missing, broken window panes, falling shutters, crumbling foundation and peeling paint, it appears destined to become a victim to the wrecker’s crowbar. It is painful to witness this grand old lady be so harshly and unjustly treated. Bruce’s Mill deserves another chance. It begs to be preserved as a tribute to our pioneering forefathers as well as a gift for our future generations. A well-preserved heritage building is also a treasure and an asset to York Region. Norbert Batsch Oak Ridges I note Councillor Evelina MacEacher n wants to recognize the people who led the campaign to reconstruct St. John’s Sideroad at the McKenzie Marsh for their work in preser ving the natural habitat. Great idea. As well, the McKenzie family certainly deserves recognition. I note this is duly supported by Mayor Phyllis Morris, as it should be. The effor ts of this council to recognize those residents who have made a signficiant contribution to our community is commendable and should be supported. It's par t of our heritage, it's part of our community. It's what makes Aurora the great place we chose live in. I wonder if Councillor MacEacher n with the support of Mayor Morris would like to provide the same recognition to a longtime resident of this Town who made innumerable contributions to Aurora, many of which we are just realizing now. Tim Jones was an elected official of the Town for 28 years. He was mayor for 12 and actually as leader of council played a most significant role in the Aurora we now see today. It was through Jones’ leadership and vision that the development we see in our community took shape. That's when the vision occurs, not when the final bricks are placed. I can think of no citizen more deserving of having a park, a trail or a facility named in his honour. What do you say? Over to you, Mayor Morris and Councillor MacEachern. Time to show some respect towards a man who spent his lifetime contributing to Aurora. H. Down Aurora DAMIR VRANCIC LAW OFFICE BUSINESS LAW, REAL ESTATE, WILLS & ESTATES 905-841-6411 Providing valued and trusted legal advice since 1983 What’s the big hurry for town wards, reader asks To the editor, Why the "late" rush for wards? Stephen Granger says we are one of only a few towns without ward systems. Is this a crime? The late Dick Illingwor th had a beautiful saying: Our Town. It's 2010 and we are still the same small town that you can drive around in about 15 minutes. In 2003 - 2006 after a widespread consultation council determined not to pursue a ward system and not to implement a question on the ballot. Four years later at the very end of the term this council wants to do a three-shor t meeting show and then the question will be put on ballot because this majority of council feel they can. Why was this not brought up during the ter m for another widespread consultation? Would the councillors who have been flooded with requests from resi- dents to re-open this please let the numbers be known, if not why is this being considered even now? It's not a known topic throughout the town so what direction is it coming from? As for the cost of running a campaign maybe that is a good thing, forget the comment of a minority, or community interest. I thought all eight councillors and the mayor were your whole town voice. Do we want an individual councillor who's main interest for running is to get elected in their ward only if they put on a good show? Take a look at other towns, cities with wards sometimes in an emergency a ward councillor is a no-show. The current system is more accountable to all of the residents, a ward gives you one vote for councillor and one for mayor. Fur thermore what are we saying yes or no to: 1. How many wards? 2. Should the councillor live in the ward? 3. Is it 51 per cent of those who voted or 51 per cent of Aurora’s population to pass? Could this not be left to the next council to consider with a vast consultation of the public or does it just have to be a rush job like hiring the Integrity Commissioner because we have the vote now? You do the math. In my view a loud prominent group of residents - in one ward with a pushy councillor could have other wards losing out or waiting for things to be done. Here’s an off the wall thought: why not join up with Newmarket and have Newmarket - Aurora run with one mayor and one council for the New Town, then have wards. We already share police, fire, hospital, Federal and Provincial politicians then we would really be like everyone else. We still have a small say in how "Our Town” is run, don't we? John Sargent Aurora Better teen driver meets bigger discounts nts Let me show you how our Steer Clear ® discount can teach your teen better driving habits while you save money. Are you there? LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR STATE FARM IS THERE. Providing Insurance and Financial Services Peter Virtanen CLU Agent, Aurora 905-727-8400 220 Industrial Pkwy S., Unit 37 (Just south of the soccer fields) PO58005CN State Farm • Home Offices Aurora, Ontario • Statefarm.ca™ Mortgage Expertise at your doorstep 24/7 M ONUMENTS BY HOMPSONS T A New Approach to Memorial Design. * Granite markers and monuments * Cemetery lettering and restoration * Bronze markers and vases * Serving all cemeteries and nationalities * Portrait Etchings Quality and Satisfaction Guaranteed Day, Evening and Weekend Appointments 905-727-5421 530 Industrial Pkwy S., Aurora L4G 6W8 Thompson Funeral Home is proud to be part of Service Corporation International (Canada) Ltd. THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 7 Letters to the Editor Former resident recalls past events To the editor, I remember in 1936, a number of fathers in the town including ‘Pres.’ Thompson, Lor ne Lee, Marsh Rank, T.H. Oliver and several others found a musical gentleman by the name of Rober t Moore. They asked him to form a boy’s band and one day, they brought their sons and other young men -Bill Thompson, Stuar t Delahaye, Jim Willis, Dave Johnson, Ted Johnson, Bruce Heise, Jimmy Ransom, Harold Oliver, Gordon Lee, Frank Lee and several others (see below). Maybe readers can add to the list. We did “Gigs” at many of the town fairs in the district including the Aurora Horse Show. Our “pay” was 0.25 cents (the quar ter was really looked forward to.) We took par t in the Labour Day parade at the “Ex” at least twice and paraded in Kitchener as well. Several others included Bill and Charley Williams, J. Patenden, Owen Richards, Bill Ransom, Fred Rowe, Eric Billbrough, Scott Annon, Bill Babcock, F. Anderson, Ken Jones, Scotty McGee, Harr y Sprague, Raymond Cook, Bill Knowles, Doug Nisbet, Howard Sutton, Cliff Clubine, Harold Foote, Harold Milgate, Garfield Dolittle, Bill Attridge, Howard Casen and Ross Ash. I remember one Halloween when Lor ne Lee (my Father) was walking to work as he always did, discovered his treasured arbour sitting out in the centre of the Wellington -Yonge intersection. I don’t know who accomplished this act but it was put back in his garden the same day! I remember when all of Aurora's (potable) water was suplied by artesian wells situated somewhere on the then Nisbet proper ty with frontage on Yonge Street. I remember that Aurora's only sewage treatment plant was situated at the end of Machell Avenue, then as now a dead-end street. I remember when Irwin and Machell were the only streets west of Yonge and nor th of Wellington. One of Aurora Public School's Grade 8 Teachers - Miss Chapell lived on Machell. I remember when Stuar t Delahaye, who lived on Wells Street, was following his father and his uncle as a member of the Town Band. About ten members played on Saturday night free skating during the Winter. This was when the ice was created by flooding regularly. I remember when my telephone number was 215J. My father’s office number was 215W. I remember that two doors east of where I lived, there once was a dairy with all the necessary accutrements. These were discovered after the fact when Clifford Bell and I discovered horse stables, milk bottles and caps. When I was a member of a golf club, it was called Highlands and was owned by "Pop" Nissbet. His son Keith, a former mayor, ran the course. I worked on the course one summer cutting greens and fairways. I caddied there when the pro was Bill Wright. Among the members that I caddied for was my dad, of course, and Dr. G.W. Williams. Later, when I became a member, I played in a foursome weekly that included Herb Cain, a pro hockey player, Keith Nisbet, and Frank Wims, an executive in the local Tannery. I guess I could go on and on. But enough. Herb Cain won the scoring champioship of the NHL in the mid 50s. He played for the Montreal Maroons, and the Boston Bruins as I recall. He was left handed in both hockey and golf. I am a lefty as well. "Pop" had had one leg removed to the shin area but he could still play with his replacement leg and could beat most members with one club, his trusty 5-iron - not even a putter. I played Highlands when it was only nine holes and also when it was 18 holes and then later on Westview. When my mom and dad - Lorne Lee - moved to Aurora, I was only Why bother discussing a ward system, he asks To the editor, RE: Residents hear about the pros and cons of the ward system, The Auroran, April 6 I just learned from The Auroran that a whopping 15 people showed up to the public open house intended to discuss the potential for a ward system in Aurora, with at least a few people asking why we were even bothering to have this discussion in the first place (which strikes me as a reasonable question to ask under the circumstances). It sounds to me like most people were silent and I expect that some of the people were only there because they were begged by someone on council to come out to this “important meeting about the future of our town”. In the interest of gaining the necessary perspective to figure out what is really driving this initiative it would be beneficial for Councillor Stephen Granger and Mayor Phyllis Morris to explain how many requests have been pouring into the town for this change to our local government. You also have to wonder how the town can expect 51 per cent of the potential voters to come out and vote on the proposed referendum question in order to make it binding given that typically less than 40 per cent of eligible voters even bother to take the time to vote as was pointed out by Councillor John Gallo and subsequently ignored. But then again, this small technical issue is a moot point given the fuzzy non-committal exploratory nature of the potential referendum question which will be non-binding in any event. One has to wonder if this effort has more to do with politics and perception than anything else, which would be consistent with much of council’s actions these days. What else is the town going to debate in the lead up to the next election? At the end of the day, this debate could well amount to yet another huge waste of time and potentially money, if the town hires yet another consultant to explore the unnecessary or the obvious, only to ignore the input it does not want to hear. My suggestion is that we just save ourselves a whole lot of time and money and ask Mayor Morris, Councillor Evelina MacEachern and The Lone Granger what they are going to implement regardless of what input is given. Richard Johnson Aurora three years old, and our rental house on Kennedy Street backed on the 3rd hole of the golf course. I remember that my first cousins were great for playing tricks on each other. Two of the three were reputed to have dismantled their brother's motorcycle and re-assembled it on the top of the old water tower one Halloween. I remember that one of my first cousins gained access to the old post office clock tower and either car ved or wrote their initials on one of the beams. Sadly that one of the students of the Grade 7 or 8 class, Ted Komar, died as the result of being shot accidently while out in the bush with friends. (1940 approx.) I remember all my teachers in elementar y school (Church Street and Wells St. - Gr. 1 Miss Webster) Gr. 2 Miss Pearson Gr. 3 Connie Willis, Gr. 4 Miss Robinson, Gr. 5 Miss Boynton, Gr.6 Delroy Babcock, Gr. 7 Mr. Webster, Gr. 8 Miss Chapel and Mr MacDonald (the principal). I remember being the person who collected all the posted mail from six mail boxes distributed throughout the town. Your pictures referring to Scanlons reminded me how much I looked forward to visiting the bakery regularly to share one of the date cream pies with the two bakers on duty. Time goes so fast nowa-days that I cannot put dates on those past events but I am sure that they all happened. Gord Lee LaSalle, Quebec www.virtual-option.com "I'm looking for Sisman 'memorabilia' to add to my meager collection. I can certainly pick up in the area. Please call Heather Sisman at 289-264-0909 or email [email protected]" 8 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 Letter to the Editor Reader agrees plaques shouldn’t be near marsh To the editor, I am writing in response to the letter from Linda (McKenzie) Napier and the emails that followed. Linda, quite rightly in my opinion, pleads that any plaques recognizing Ildi Connor and Ben Kestein should not be placed at the site of the McKenzie Marsh. Ildi and Ben had raised awareness through "Save the McKenzie Marsh" signs that the marsh wildlife might be endangered by the recent widening of St. John's Sideroad. Linda mentioned that money raised in the name of the marsh did not go to the marsh. There are two items in Mayor Morris' letter that I wish to mention. $15,000 was raised was no intention of slighting There is one other wildlife other "equally deserving" indi- refuge in Aurora. viduals by suggesting a plaque Sheppard's Bush was for Ildi and Ben. bestowed to the town by the Both of these people I know Sheppard family. Heather and personally and respect their Gord McKenzie have given us efforts on behalf of the marsh, the McKenzie Marsh. but I don't think it compares to Without these two wildlife that of Heather and Doug havens Aurora would be a McKenzie. bleaker place to live. To have the inspiration to On a personal note, we who conceive of the idea of a refuge live in Hadley Grange near the in the first place is commend- marsh, enjoy the ducks on the able, and then to do the heavy pond, the song of the redslogging physical work year winged blackbirds and the chicafter year to create the wildlife a -dees, the Canada geese with sanctuary is deserving of far nests in the wetlands, and the more than a plaque. occasional sighting of a doe The McKenzies, though, do and fawn in the woodsy area. secution receive swift protection not wish any visible recognition May the Marsh live on! in Canada and those whose of their gift to the town other claims are unfounded are than any mention of them gets Flo Murray removed quickly. their name spelled right. Aurora The Government of Canada estimates that each unfounded asylum claim costs taxpayers $50,000. To address this, our government has introduced important legislation, the Balanced Refugee Reform Act. This legislation will improve our asylum system, render timely decisions on asylum claims without sacrificing fairness and • MTO Licenced & Approved Course Provider quickly remove those who are ON-GOING MONTHLY CLASSES not in need of Canada’s protecwww.ontarionewdrivers.ca tion. The new system would see public servants employed by the independent Immigration and Refugee Board render decisions on asylum claims. The proposed measures Over 20 years in Fish&Chips Biz! would also include an appeal process. This new Refugee Appeal Division, would allow new evidence to be introduced and inAurora Mark St. person hearings in certain cirHeights Dr. cumstances. Wellington St. E. Asylum seekers whose We're Licensed! We serve BEER! claims are unfounded would be removed. These are balanced and fair reforms. For example, the information-gathering stage in which iniSt. Andrew’s Realty Inc. tial information regarding an Brokerage asylum claim is collected would be reduced from 28 days to eight. Sales Representative Rather than it taking 4.5 years for a failed asylum (905) 841-1030 claimant to exhaust all their (416) 565-3727 appeals and be removed from My goal is to make your www.listwithanna.com real estate dreams a reality! Canada, the proposed system Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract would see this accomplished in a year in most cases. The measures our government proposes are fair and costeffective and would bring more timely protection to those who need it, while improving our abilLearn to play in a band Learn to sing ity to remove those who seek to take advantage of our generosiLearn to play an instrument ty. Learn to record As your Member of Parliament, I intend to support Whether you are a beginner, have 6 months experience this legislation, which will restore or an intermediate player, ROCK BAND CAMP balance to our asylum system. by PARKS. I am not questioning the safekeeping or the destiny of the money, but wonder who or what PARKS is and what is the connection to "Save the McKenzie Marsh" project. The second item in the mayor's letter was that there Government will fix immigration rules This week the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism introduced balanced reforms for Canada's Asylum System. Canada has a long-standing tradition of providing refuge to individuals who face persecution. However, it is no secret that although fair, it has also been too easily abused. Between 2006 and 2008, the number of requests for refugee protection made by those in Canada on visitor, student, or work permits increased by 60 percent. With about 60,000 asylum claims in the backlog, the system is now overwhelmed. We are, in effect, creating a two-tier system in which immigrants wait patiently in line to come to Canada, while those with unfounded claims use the asylum system to try to jump the queue. Too much time and precious resources are being spent to review the claims of people who are not in need of our protection and who stay in Canada for years. We need to fix the system so that persons who face per- Funding increase will benefit Aurora An increase in regional funding will "favourably impact" Aurora's 2010 operating budget by $68,141, according to Aurora CAO Neil Garbe. The infusion comes on the heels of an amended York Region Courts Inter-Muncipal Agreement, which sees funding distributed to local municipalities increase from $2.9 million to $4.3 million in 2010. According to a report released by Mr. Garbe, the Province of Ontario transferred responsibility for "court administration, court support functions, the conduct of routine prosecutions, and collection and enforcement of fines to the municipalities." "The Inter-municipal Agreement in York Region contains a unique revenue sharing model wherein it shares Gross revenue rather than Net revenue," said Mr. Garbe in his report. "Under the Inter-municipal agreement, all expenses are borne by the Region and the Region retains all revenue from tickets issued by York Regional Police." The increase in funding for 2010 effectively removes the cap imposed in 2004, said Mr. Garbe. "The Region has also pro- Organizers prepare for 5th Heritage Fair Preparations are underway for 2010's Aurora Community Heritage Fair slated for Wednesday, April 21 at St. Andrew’s College. The event, which has been an Aurora staple for the past five years is a "marvellous way for children to come and present their Canadian projects to the community," according to organizer Susan Walmer. Comprised of students from Grades 4 to 8, the Aurora Community Heritage Fair brings together kids from across York Region to Aurora to represent their schools with historical projects. Ms. Walmer made a presentation to the Town and councillors promoting the event during a recent Open Forum at a council meeting. Organizers, she said, are looking for volunteers to assist with the fair. "[Students] come to St. Andrew's for the day; they present their projects to reviewers who are members of our community," said Ms. Walmer. "You don't have to be a teacher, you don't have to know anything about history, you just have to be really enthusiastic and proud to be Canadian, and willing to listen to kids tell their stories." Ms. Walmer said organizers are open to all volunteers. Volunteering would require a "couple of hours" of commitment in the morning, or a couple of hours in the afternoon depending on the schedule. An awards ceremony for the project gets underway at 6 p.m. "The evening is an open house to the community to come out and view the students' work, to talk to them about their projects, and to share their enthusiasm," she said. "The children spend the day doing interactive programming with various volunteers and they actually have told us over and over again how much they love history when they leave that day." posed that the total revenues of $4.3 million be transferred from the local municipalities to the Region of York commencing in 2011 and accounting adjustments to be made in exchange for a transfer of 'tax room' from the Region to the local municipalities. While this shift impacts Aurora's 2010 operating budget favourably, Mr. Garbe said the impact will not be one time "but effectively will continue in perpetuity." Revenue under this agreement comes from provincial offences and excludes local fines, so Aurora's parking fines and property standards violations will be unaffected. "It is the Highway Traffic Act primarily, the tickets that are issued by the OPP not York Region Police, that revenue is distributed to the local municipalities and has been retained by York Region even though they operate the courts," Mr. Garbe explained. “That is what the endeavour is to clarify. York Region bears the cost of operating the court and should have the revenue to offset. This solution maintains our revenue stream and centres the cost in one appropriate place in York Region." • Aurora’s First Choice For Driver Training 905-713-3733 Yonge St. By Lois Brown MP Newmarket-Aurora Anna Runco ROCK BAND CAMP has a program for you. Since 1969 SPECIAL Dinner for 4- $ 32 .95 • • • • • • 4 Egg Rolls Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls Honey Garlic Breaded Spare Ribs Beef With Broccoli Chicken Chow Mein Chicken Fried Rice Business Hours Mon. - Closed (Except Holidays) Tues. - Thurs. 11:30am - 11pm Fri. 11:30am - 12pm Sat. 4pm - 12pm Sun. 4pm -11pm TAKE OUT OR DELIVERY Fully Licensed under L.L.B.O. 15229 Yonge St., Aurora Just south of Wellington. Parking in behind. 905-727-3101 Camp will be run at the Aurora Montessori and Private School. Half days and full days are available to accommodate busy family schedules. SESSION DATES: 9:00 AM– 4:00 PM Two Week Tour Dates July 12 - July 23 July 26 - August 6 August 9 - August 20 Contact: MICHAEL LANTEIGNE Phone: 416-721-2430 www.rockbandcamp.ca THE AURORA HOME SHOW 2010 PULL-OUT SECTION THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 9 Aurora Community Centre • April 16, 17 & 18 In the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, one gets to follow Dorothy through a series of adventures only to discover that "there's no place like home." This year, you don't need to leave Aurora (or Kansas) to follow your own Yellow Brick Road to find ideas to improve your home. And you don't need ruby slippers as Dorothy did. You just need a toonie. The 2010 Aurora Home Show promises to be an outstanding show again this year. "The creativity displayed by the exhibitors can really give you some great ideas for your own home," said Home Show Committee Chair Robin Taylor-Smith. "Aurora has great local businesses we can rely on to keep our homes looking fabulous, and we encourage people to shop locally first." You have a chance to win great prizes by entering the Passport draw. All prizes are donated by local businesses. Simply travel the show and have your passport stamped at seven different booths, then drop your passport in the draw box out in the lobby. Prizes this year include a ladder from Featherlite; a "Girlfriend Party" at Pathways to Perennials; use of a Softtub for a weekend courtesy of Backyard Pool and Spa; a cubic yard bag of soil delivered by Zander Sod; a nine-piece Café Tote compliments of The Partnership Network; and a Eureka Vacuum cleaner donated by the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness. Make some time for a little fun at the Home Show, too. The Optimist Club of Aurora is operating a beer garden in the arena auditorium, serving their great barbequed hamburgers, sausages and peameal on a The 2010 Aurora Home Show will include a Dream Garden in Arena 2, designed and coordinated by Jack Roeleveld of Jack’s Landscaping. This area will include a four-hole mini putt – something every backyard needs! You can play for only a loonie, with proceeds going to the Aurora Food Pantry. Dave Rusnell of Aurora offered to lend his woodworking skills to the construction of the mini putt, which took place at Fischer Custom Cabinets. Shown above are Nancy Eveleigh Browne, Event Manager with the Chamber of Commerce; Robin Taylor-Smith of PromotionalMarketing.ca and Chair of the Home Show committee; Dave Rusnell of Fischer Custom Cabinets; and Jack Roeleveld of Jack’s Landscaping, putting some finishing touches on one of the mini putt holes. bun, along with refreshments. Local musician Patty McLaughlin and her band will provide live entertainment. Back by popular demand is folksinger John Lemme, entertaining in the Feature Area of Arena 2. Check out the Aurora Home Show 2010 website at www.aurorahomeshow.ca for the live entertainment schedule. "Planning for the annual Home Show takes about a year," said Robin. "The experienced, dedicated committee we've got makes it look easy, yet it's a lot of work to make sure the weekend runs smoothly. Chances are you'll see the committee volunteers, Diane Buchanan, Robin Hardman, George Hughes, Bob Ince, Brian North and myself working alongside the Chamber staff of Judy Marshall, Nancy Eveleigh Browne, Caroline Rusnell and Allison Morris during the weekend of the show." Whether you're looking for home improvement ideas, a company to help you complete your plans, or just a little fun, plan to attend the Aurora Home Show this year. The Aurora Home Show 2010 opens Friday, April 16, from 2 to 9 p.m., and continues Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, at the Aurora Community Centre on Aurora Heights Drive. OPENS Friday, April 16, from 2 to 9 p.m., and continues Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Home Show Sponsors 10 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 THE AURORA HOME SHOW 2010 PULL-OUT SECTION Fun features at Home Show Order your new Furnace, Fireplace, or Air Conditioner now and beat the new HST tax (July 1, 2010). Improve your energy efficiency And for a limited time also save up to *$3100.00 on rebates. "There are two fun new features at the Aurora Home Show this year," said Chamber Event Manager Nancy Eveleigh Browne. "We've got an exhibitor offering to help you with your golf swing, and our featured outdoor living area has a mini-putt, with the proceeds going to The Aurora Food Pantry.” Can you imagine your backyard with a mini-putt course? The Garden Feature Area will show you how it can be done. And for just a loonie, your kids can shoot a round on the four- hole course. "Many thanks to Jack Roeleveld of Jack's Landscaping, and Dave Rusnell of Fischer Custom Cabinets for designing and building the course," Nancy said. Golf lovers should visit booth 17 in Arena 1 of the Aurora Community Centre. Westview Golf Course is sending their golf staff to give you a swing analysis and offer you some helpful tips to get your golf season off on the right foot. You might even win a free golf membership for the 2010 season. Serving you in Newmarket-Aurora LOIS BROWN, M.P. Newmarket-Aurora You are invited to * See us in booths #75 & 76 Saturday, April 24, 2010 8:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m 905-642-9522 Second Cup 15440 Bayview Avenue Aurora (North of Wellington St. East) Drop in and meet your Member of Parliament in a casual setting. Your thoughts and suggestions are welcomed! For more information call 905-953-7515 Or email [email protected] Lois Brown, M.P. Newmarket-Aurora 206-16600 Bayview Ave. Newmarket ON L3X 1Z9 Visit Lois Brown, M.P., at the Aurora Home Show Booth # 64 in Arena #1 See See You You at at the the Aurora Aurora Home Home Show! S h ow ! VVISIT I S I T US US AT AT BOOTH B O O T H 138 138 L O C AATT E D I N A R E N A 2 Live. Splash. Swim. ““We We are more than just juust a pool company” companny ” • IInn GGround round VVinyl inyl Pool Pool Installations I n s t a l l at i o n s • PPattern attern CConcrete oncrete DDecks ecks & Patios Pa t i o s • CCabanas abanas & PPool ool SSheds heds • RRenovations e n ovat i o n s • Liner Liner Replacement Replacement • SSonic onic LLeak eak DDetection e te c t i o n • OOpenings penings & Closings Closings • Service Ser vice RRepairs epairs H e ate r M a i nte n a n ce • Heater Maintenance Solar Heating H e at i n g • Solar andsc ape • LLandscape Walkways • Walkways ood DDecks ecks & Fencing Fe n c i n g •W Wood etaining Walls Walls • RRetaining Water Features Fe a t u r e s • Water AAND ND MUCH MU C H M MORE... O R E. . . www.jonespools.com w w w.jonespools.com THE AURORA HOME SHOW 2010 PULL-OUT SECTION Put yourself here THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 11 At Aurora We have the selection you need Vanities Renovations Barbecues Toilets In the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and travelling an incredible 1,100 kilometres on a tank of gas! Not to mention a few of these great standard options: • Power exterior mirrors • Air conditioning • Cruise Control • Tilt and telescoping steering column • 6 - speaker, 80-watt sound system with CD player, MP3 playback and auxilary audio input jack. • 6 - speed automatic transmission • Traction Control • 4 - wheel disk brakes with ABS and Panic Brake Assist • 6 air bags and OnStar® with 1 year of the Safe & Sound Plan • 17 inch painted aluminum wheels We look forward to seeing everyone at the Aurora Home Show. Please visit us in Booth #’s 15 & 16 in Arena 1 and learn more about the Equinox Aurora Home Hardware Building Centre 289 Wellington Street East Aurora L4G 6H6 * Payments are bi-weekly and include all taxes and fees, lic. extra. Based on $1000 down @ 8.95% for 60 months. Interest rate may vary. ST. JOHN’S SIDEROAD CHEV • CADILLAC • CHEVY TRUCKS 1-866-980-8037 • 15783 YONGE ST., AURORA AUTO CAMPUS • www.highlandgm.com YONGE ST. • Manufacturer’s warranty • 150 + point inspection • 30-day/2500 km no-hassle exchange privilege • 24-hour roadside assistance Please visit us in Booth #’s 61, 62, 63 & 70 70, 71 71, 72 in Arena 1 at the Aurora Home Show for many home improvement products and ideas WELLINGTON EAST Aurora 905-727-4751 WE’VE GOT YOUR SOLUTION! “We’ve Got Your Paint” We are back again at the THE AURORA HOME SHOW • Learn about the Town of Aurora’s current and future environmental initiatives • Sign up to participate in the Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day on April 24th • Participate in public consultation for the Town’s Parks and Trails Master Plan • Find out more about Town services, programs and initiatives such as the Downtown Corridor Study AURORA HOME SHOW Another great opportunity to reconnect with our past clients. Drop by our booth and say hello! Merilyn McCart 416-809-8752 Judy Kendall 416-258-9579 Sales Representatives Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. (905) 883-8300 Independently owned and operated Booth 27, Arena 1 The Town of Aurora 1 Municipal Drive, Box 1000 Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 www.e-aurora.ca We’ve had another exciting year in real estate and look forward to seeing you and discussing your real estate needs! THE AURORA HOME SHOW 12 - THE AURORAN Week of April 13, 2010 There’s No Place Like Home A 15’ E XI T EXIT 15’ 73A 73B 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 approx. 10’ 8’ aisle 83 ap pr ox .1 1 na #re 0’ FEATURE AREA 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 reer A To ToUApp Chamber 84 8’ aisle Loading Dock 85 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 86 15’ approx 3’ ox. 1 appr 104 8’’ aisle apprro ox. 13 ’ 103 102 101 100 99 13’ 105 15’ 5 98 97 96 95 94 87 ’ approx 13 93 92 91 90 89 ’ 20 88 15’ Arena 2 Booth # Company Name 73A 73B 74 75 & 76 77, 78, 79 80 81 82 &83 84 85 & 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 Kwik Kloset Acorn to Oak Tree Services Edward Jones - John Langevin T.H. Oliver Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Town of Aurora Fresh Water Industries Inc. Distinct Interiors L.H. Lind Realty Inc. Aurora Chamber of Commerce Best Climate Heating & Cooling Inc. S.M. Snider Interiors & Exteriors Investors Group - Barbara Dawson Aurora Banner Newmarket Optical Capstone ICS Inc. Molly Maid Hickory Dickory Decks - Aurora Classic Touch Upholstery Honsberger Physiotherapy and Biomechanics Clinic Whitchurch Riding Academy D & D Landscaping Staples / Business Depot R & B Construction Four Seasons Home Products Aurora Custom Mouldings PowerStream Inc. Clements Interiors Kwik Kerb Creations Newmarket Glass Lifestyle Windows & Doors Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. Town of Aurora The Auroran and Rotary Club of Aurora 96 97 98 99 100 & 101 102 103 104 105 106 & 116 107, 108, 117, 118 109 110 111 Booth # 112 113 114 115 119 & 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 & 136 137 138 139,140,154&155 141 & 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 & 151 152 & 153 EXITT EXITT 20’ Company Name Fitness Clubs of Canada Hospice King-Aurora Treefrog Interactive Inc. BobHawkins.com Professional Disc Jockey Service Cougar Iron Fence Robinson's Karate Schools Bathway Inc. U Weight Loss Clinic Rogers Communications Inc. Sony Style, Sony of Canada Ltd. CIBC Zander Sod Co. Limited Sandgate Construction Inc. Glenway Country Club Kids & Company Smile Works Cruise Connoisseurs Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Freshwave Family Chiropractic Rona Home and Garden Aurora Agincourt Travel Service Jones Pools Northern Comfort Windows & Doors The Backyard Pool and Spa Company Ltd. Neighbourhood Network Darlinghurst Construction A Woman's Touch Painting Inside Interiors Green Window Works Aurora Overhead Door Garage Pro Treeline Kitchens Bath Fitter Feature Area Zamboni Link Jack s Landscaping Countryside Gazebos Backyard Pool & Spa Northsheds Pathways to Perennials Your Guide to Over 150 Exhibitor Booths Follow The Yellow Brick Road...Follow The Yellow Brick Road...Follow The Yellow Brick Road.. W 2010 PULL-OUT SECTION THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 13 AURORA HOME SHOW 2010 EXIT EXIT 19 20 21 22 20’ 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 approx 13’ approx 25’ 17 12’ 10’ 10’ 37 46 38 47 39 48 40 49 52 44 45 53 approx 13’ 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 10’ 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T 34 U V W X Y Z A2 B2 C2 D2 8’ aisle approx 13’ 13 12 11 10 9 8 20’ 10’ 35 approx 13’ Stairway to Beer Garden 14 B 32 Table Top Market Booths = 8’ x 5’ 33 54 10’ A approx 13’ 20’ 51 43 8’ aisle 16 15 50 42 20’ EXIT To Arena #2 41 approx 13’ 8’ aisle 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 36 15’ EXIT Arena 1 Booth # Company Name 1&2 T-Zone Health & McCallum Massage Therapy and Holistic Health Centre Evanov Radio Group - The Jewel 88.5 Belair Plumbing & Mechanical Ltd. Summers and Smith Coolng & Heating International Safety Systems Inc. Granite Direct Inc. Flan-Air Home Comfort / Eco Water Griffin Gymnastics Photography by Thea Hollandview Trail Retirement Community Highland Chevrolet Cadillac Ltd. Westview Golf Club KReative Iron Nature Bound Pools & Spas World Mosaic Stone & Tiles Barron's Envirocar Paint & Collision Services Allstate Insurance Company of Canada St. John Ambulance York Region Branch Judy Kendall - Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. A1 Granite Countertops Saturday Afternoons Home Store Mastercut Property Services Inc. EZ Lawn Sprinklers Ltd. Simply British Foods Sunspot Walkertech Electrical Services Inc. 3 4&5 6&7 8 9 & 10 11 12 13 14 15 & 16 17 18 & 19 20 & 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 & 31 32 33 33 34 Booth # Company Name 35 36 37,38,46,47 39 40 41 42, 43 & 44 45 48 49 50 51 52 Gliding Shelf Solutions Casa Luna Aurora White Elm Contracting Ltd. Lifestyles Home Creations Inc. Water Depot Newmarket Georgina Paintball Mason Place 1-888-Pic-A-Mix Newmarket Scooter Inc. BoatSmart Canada - Sara Oakley Group Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. Curves York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (vivaNext) Rose A Lane Lighthouse Chiropractic Centre Tom Beck Insurance & Investments SGO Designer Glass Jay Carter Roofing Touchstone Overlay Systems Inc. Nelson Billiards Riptide Pools Yardworks 4 Life, Aurora Home Hardware, Newtonbrook Block Lois Brown M.P. Innovative Chiropractic Centre Ontario Duct Cleaning HTR Duradek Inc. Basement Finishing System of Southern Ontario First Choice Overhead Door 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61,62,63,70,71,72 64 6 66 67 68 69 Marketplace Booth # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Company Name The Pampered Chef, Lynn Ingles Robert Brown Photography Dreamworks Tree Services Swim To Go Oxford Learning Centre Active Pavement Seal Jude's Miracle Cloth College Pro Painters Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze Forever Living Products Costco Richmond Hill Spar-Clean Scentsy - Kim Coutts and Jacqui Dunphy, Independent Consultants Regal Greetings and Gifts EcoScapers P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A2 B2 C2 D2 Beverley Varcoe Royal LePage Your Community Realty The Aurora Youth Soccer Club Unique & Classic Designs University First Class Painters Roger Clowater Innovative Ideas Art of Design Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant Speaking Roses of Toronto Akko Design Isagenix Custom Comfort Bee By The Sea Natural Products Silpada A&T Protect All Coatings Inc. .Follow The Yellow Brick Road...Follow The Yellow Brick Road...Follow The Yellow Brick Road... 15’ 18 38’ 15’ 15’ 15’ 14 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 THE AURORA HOME SHOW 2010 PULL-OUT SECTION Michele Denniston, Broker The Team that goes “Above and Beyond” (416) 433-8316 (905) 883-8300 x 3085 Please visit us at Booth 26, Arena 1 See you at Booth 109 M AYOR I look forward to meeting you at The Aurora Home Show April 16, 17, 18. I’m interested in hearing your concerns and discussing the issues affecting our community. I’ll be at Arena 1 - Booth T. www.sja.ca (905) 773-3394 www.rogerclowater.ca (905) 726-1899 “Come and see us at booths 9 and 10!” THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 15 THE AURORA HOME SHOW 2010 PULL-OUT SECTION The CIBC Bayview & Wellington Banking Centre is pleased to be part of the Aurora Home Show Please drop by our booth near the Feature Area For your financial needs, visit us at: CIBC Bayview & Wellington Banking Centre 660 Wellington Street E., Aurora 905 726-1723 “CIBC For what matters.” is a TM of CIBC. Drop in to visit us at The Aurora Home Show. Booths 4 & 5. An experience of luxury for every lifestyle. Belair Plumbing has beautiful designs and stunning fixtures to satisfy design options for your home and business. 235 Industrial Parkway South, Unit 11, Aurora ON L4G 3V5 905-713-3434 www.belairplumbing.ca 16 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 THE AURORA HOME SHOW 2010 PULL-OUT SECTION THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 17 Licensing policy continues despite objections Canvassers will soon be knocking on your door asking if you have a dog or cat, after the Town renewed its pet licensing policy last Tuesday, despite some opposition from Councillor Al Wilson. The agreement renews the Town of Aurora's contract with door-to-door pet canvassers and local pet food retailers to sell pet licenses and distribute information on the Town's licensing and animal control policies. According to a report released last week, the Town has deemed the door-to-door licensing program a success since it Aurora cultural centre opens From page 1 you're really looking at is the culmination of all the work that has come before it," said Aurora CAO Neil Garbe. "Musicians are influenced by those they listened to growing up; authors learn their craft from those they read when they were younger; it's the same with this Cultural Centre. "The work here can be traced back to the first architectural drawings from the Church Street School. Once it was decided in 2007 to turn the school into the Cultural Centre, countless people played a role in turning the building into something the community could take pride in. We're very lucky to have those people in the room tonight." Helen Roberts, past president and current board member of the Aurora Historical Society was one of "those people”. "When former curator Jackie Stewart boxed up 7,000 artifacts in 2002 we little dreamed it would take eight years before they would be restored to their home in this newly renovated building," said Ms Roberts. "But dream we did and we dreamed big. The goal of the project was to restore this amazing building to its former glory, to open it to the public once more, and create a vibrant and active centre for culture in Aurora. The project development committee, led by Margaret Brevik, was passionate in its search for a team that would recognize the potential hidden behind false ceilings and wall dividers. We needed someone who 'got it', someone who could see the future in the old building and in the team of Mary Ellen Lynch and Steve Comisso we were fortunate in finding that visionary couple." When Ms Brevik died in 2006, Ms Roberts said she took much of their passion and energy with her. Following her death, the Historical Society received new cost estimates that were beyond their capabilities. "We were beginning to despair of the Centre ever reaching completion when several members of Town Council expressed an interest in assisting with the project," she said. "Lo and behold with the support of the current council and Mayor Morris, here we are less than two years later celebrating the opening of this wonderful building. Together we have created a masterpiece which will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come." In her remarks, Mayor Phyllis Morris hailed the Church Street School Cultural Centre as a "labour of love." She noted the Town's continued commitment to the building which began when the Town of Aurora acquired it in the early 1950s. She said it took a lot of hard work, time, and money, to get to the Grand Opening, but "I'm sure you'll agree by looking around at these impressive results that it was well worth it." Following the mayor’s speech, Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown presented the Centre with a congratulatory certificate from the Prime Minister. Frank Klees, Member of Provincial Parliament followed Ms Brown, paying tribute to the Town's ongoing commitment to heritage preservation and giving a boost to a certain nearby building whose fate is currently up in the air. "New buildings can always be constructed but once you have a historical site like this there is only one of them - actually there is another one over at Wells Street - and I would like to say to you as your MPP that I would like to work with Council and with MP Brown to ensure that that incredibly wonderful historic building is also preserved." As Church Street School Cultural Centre's Executive Director Laura Schembri concluded the formal portion of the evening, she noted that while the Centre celebrates its past it is firmly looking to the future. The Centre's calendar of events is filling up fast. Last Saturday saw the opening of a new exhibit featuring the work of Italian-Canadian artist Albert Chiarandini called York Region Vistas, on loan from the Georgina Arts Centre and Gallery, as well as a display from the Aurora Seniors' Centre's woodcarving group. May features the Pine Tree Potters Show and Sale, and ArtCures Exhibition and Show hits the Centre in June. was resumed in 2008, increasing both the number of licensed pets in the community and the amount of revenue flowing into Town coffers. "The continued formal agreement with the canvassers and pet store locations selling pet licenses will ensure that the interests of Town and the vendors are protected," read the report. "These agreements will ensure proper financial tracking and record keeping for all pet licenses sold by vendors and will set specific reporting terms and conditions for both the vendor and the Town." Town Staff expect the continuation of the licensing program will bring in revenue of $95,000 with $70,000 coming from dog licenses and the remaining $25,000 from licensing their feline counterparts. Councillor Wilson, however, expressed his concern over the policy of continuing to ask residents already questioned in pre- vious years of their pet ownership status. While Jon Popple, Aurora's By-Law Services Manager, said a person's status as a pet owner can change within a calendar year, Councillor Wilson said he found the situation "remarkable". "Every year we knock on the same person's door who doesn't have a dog and every year they tell us they don't have a dog but keep going back and knocking on their door asking if they have a dog," he said. "I find it remarkable that in today's economy that we go and knock on umpteen thousand doors and ask them if they have a dog. I have, I guess, a little more faith in the public that they understand they have to have a license." Councillor Wilson went on to call the plan "redundant", adding it would be more understandable if the plan applied primarily to new developments in - and residents to - the town. "I can see us knocking on new residences in new areas and we have a database for that," he said. "That would be very easy to do to let people know what our systems are if they are new to the community, but quite frankly I find it darned annoying that every year someone is going to knock on my door to ask me if I have a dog and every year I'm going to tell them 'No.'" Others in the community have been found to be less annoyed by the process, according to Councillor Evelina MacEachern. "The staff reports we've received prior to [this] report had clear outlines as to the benefits of using the canvassers," she said. "The canvassers I've spoken to say the residents actually see this as a convenience to have the people knock on their door. "Perhaps some are annoyed but others actually like the idea that some- one comes to the door and you pay at the door. If you want to change the policies you have to make sure that our budgets reflect it and I think our budgets were built with the understanding that this revenue was going to be coming." The continued participation of canvassers - who receive a $10 fee for each dog license sold as well as a $5 fee for each cat license - also speaks to the effectiveness of the program, added Councillor MacEachern. "We know that the canvassers do generate additional licenses because that's why they do the job," she said. "They wouldn't do the job if they weren't getting paid." Dog and cat licenses will be sold for $30 and $20 respectively. In addition to the door-to-door canvassers, licenses will also be available at Aurora's two Pet Valu locations. Town renews Bullfrog deal The Town of Aurora offices will once again be powered by "green power" after councillors approved a continuation of its contract with Bullfrog Power, a company whose electricity comes "exclusively from wind and hydro facilities" cer tified as low impact by Environment Canada. Aurora first signed a power agreement with Bullfrog in 2008 and in that time it purchased enough green power to run Town Hall each year. "As a result, the Town of Aurora decreased its emissions footprint by approximately 145 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2 - the primary gas that causes climate change), 430 kilograms of sulphur dioxide and 185 kilograms of nitrogen oxide," said Ilmar Simanovskis in a repor t. "High quality green electricity is readily available for purchase in the form of Green Electricity Cer tificates offering a convenient and environmentally lower-impact alternative." According to Mr. Simanovskis' repor t, the Town's purchase of green electricity "positions the Town of Aurora as among the leading 'green' municipalities in Nor th America; reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with the Town's electricity requirements; and sets an example to Aurora residents and the Canadian public about taking organizational responsibility for action on climate change." It also "showcases a strategically selected facility as powered with green electricity." Total hydro costs for Town Hall in 2009 was $98,481, including the $20,000 premium for green power, and green power accounted for 91 per cent of the total power consumed at the facility. "The Town of Aurora purchases Eco-Logo Cer tified Green Power at a rate of three cents per kW-h for a total not to exceed $20,000 in 2010," the repor t concluded. Dr. G W Williams Spring Rummage Sale Gas & Oil Heating Equipment Humidifiers and Air Conditioners Tel: (905) 727-6401 www.nyhp.on.ca 8 Industrial Pkwy. S. Aurora, Ontario “Have a vacation on your home” FAN MAN Fabulous Lighting with 4,000 sq. ft. of showroom Searching for a unique fan, or an impressive light fixture? Saturday, April 24, 2010 Dr. G. W. Williams Gym ~ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Clear out the attic, closet or garage! We are looking for community donations of new and used goods for the sale. Donation drop off period will run from Monday April 19 until Friday April 23 between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm in the Dr. G. W. Williams front foyer. (We are asking for only working or operational items and no clothing). Proceeds from the event will benefit charity. • NEW HOURS • Tues. , Wed., Thur., Fri. and Sat. – 10 - 5 or by appointment www.thefanman.ca 905-841-2832 220 Industrial Pkwy. S 18 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 Accessibility meeting draws large crowds A cheque presentation was made recently to Colin Jenkins, of Community Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) by Auroraʼs Pine Tree Potter members Jane Stevens and Karen Zorn. Two cheques were presented to Colin, one for the proceeds from the Charity Table at Pine Tree's Winter sale and the other from a Silent Auction of Ann Mortimer's Bird forms held during her exhibition “The Great Umbrella Caper” at the new Aurora Cultural Centre. Legalized units go ahead The Town of Aurora's plan to legalize and register second suite housing units marched ahead at last Tuesday's General Committee meeting despite some concerns over future maintenance and safety issues relating to the units. While discussing the proposed bylaw, Councillor Wendy Gaertner expressed her reservations over the bylaw's proposed one-tier registration system. Under this reservation system, an owner would only have to register their unit with the town once. In the registration process each unit would be inspected to ensure it meets Building and Fire Codes, including the equipment of working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The owner would also need to provide a letter of compliance from the Electrical Safety Authority. But once these criteria are met, unlike other municipalities, there is no set time period for the Town to go back and make sure the standards are still being maintained. Newmarket, for instance, has a two-tier process which requires second suite owners to re-register their properties for inspection at a regular interval. According to Marco Ramunno, Aurora's Director of Planning and Development Services, however, this process has not been entirely successful for Aurora's northern neighbour. "Our recommendation is the one-time registration upon submission of a permit for a second suite and the permit issuance and inspection would occur at that time.," he said. In his report, Mr. Ramunno noted "[Newmarket's] experience is that owners are not willing to re-register their units and therefore the number of registered units actually decreased over the last 10 years. "Furthermore the Town does not have any statutory authority to require the re-registration of the units." The report notes that staff will continue to discuss Newmarket's registration process with their town staff and will report back to council for further direction if they are able to "formulate a successful two-tier registration process." Hours extended If the arrival of Spring and the warmer weather has given you sudden inspiration to tackle that home building project you've been keeping on the backburner, the Town of Aurora will extend their building and bylaw hours next month. "The extended hours provide an opportunity for the Town to support the Residential Express Permit Program (REPP) and to strengthen its commitment to customer service excellence," said Jason Ballantyne, Manager of Corporate Communications in a statement. "Evening hours will be offered... giving homeowners and contractors the opportunity to obtain information and discuss their small scale home renovation projects and where possible, have permits issued on the spot." Evening hours begin on selected Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. beginning May 13. Scheduled Thursdays include June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, and October 21. The goal of the program is to review residential applications within three days and issue the permit "within that time frame”. To get a permit issued on the spot, "you will need prepared drawings which accurately describe the proposed construction." For more information on the program, including REPP specifications and limitations, contact the Town of Aurora's Building and By-Law Services Department at 905-727-3123, extensions 4389, 4390, or 4394. The recommendation, Councillor Gaertner said, did not "satisfy" her. "From a safety point of view it just doesn't make any sense," she said. "It really doesn't satisfy the safety requirements and that is the reason we are doing this. We can ask the home owners to register, but we can't ask them to re-register, we have no right to do that? My intent in bringing this back to council was from a safety issue. Is this report basically saying you can get someone to register once, have it inspected for safety, and we can't get them to re-register, so after 10 years the conditions could change and that is just as it is? There is absolutely nothing we could do about that?" Despite legalizing second suites, Mr. Ramunno said the Town does not expect to be flooded with new units putting a strain on Town infrastructure. "Experience has shown that when a municipality legalizes second suites, many of the units which would be registered are existing," he said in the report. "Furthermore the Region has indicated that their flow monitoring program would identify if there is a need for increased servicing, which could then be planned for in future servicing capacity assignment reviews." Aurora staff will also provide further information to residents promoting the benefits of registering second suites. The bylaw will appear at this week's Council meeting, and is expected to be signed following the session. Stakeholders, caregivers, and community groups came out in force last Wednesday to help the Town of Aurora determine its next Accessibility Plan. The open house, held during the monthly Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting, was an opportunity for users to share their experiences and express their needs while the Town forges ahead. "We look forward to your input," Councillor Bob McRoberts told the audience at the start of the meeting. "Each year we have an accessibility plan developed with input from staff and committee members... and if you would like to make comments or suggestions for things that the Town could or should work at improving in terms of accessibility we would love to hear from you." The audience was invited to share their views in four main areas, the first being physical spaces and structures, followed by programs and services, improving customer service, and an open category. Suggestions on how to improve programs and services evolved into the primary theme of the evening. Nevin Demani was one of the first members of the public to speak, expressing concern over accessibility in the Town's summer recreation programs. Ms. Demani's 16-year-old daughter Natasha has been a regular user of the summer recreation programs. A girl with special needs, Natasha has been able to make progress with the programs over the past two years with the help of staff members being able to provide her and her family with one-on-one support. People like Natasha would benefit from more money going into the program to support special needs kids and their families, said Ms. Demani. "The camp coordinator and I have worked together the last couple of years to really make sure Natasha has the support she requires in a camp environment and it has been very successful," she said. "But what has happened recently is that because there is such a heavy volume in the program I find I am now limited to only having two weeks allocated to me for summer camps. I am a working mom... there are a lot of constraints on us and I now find that just being allocated two weeks is not enough. I need usually six weeks of summer camps and without one-on-one support I really can't have Natasha in camps. My concerns are we really would like more funding available to the summer camps program to provide the one-onone integration coordinators so children like my daughter can attend the camps and can have the wonderful experiences she has been having." According to Camp Coordinator Nicole Campsell, Town Staff are looking to develop their volunteer program specifically for special needs users. Space, she said, was allocated on how many users they would be able to help, but while training volunteers is not an issue, it is a matter of bringing in the appropriate people. Dan MacDonnell, acting president of the York Region chapter of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association highlighted the importance of accessibility for people living with hearing loss in Aurora. Although he said having note takers recording the evening's proceedings on the large screens at the front of the Council chamber made "a world of difference for those that can't catch every word being said," he suggested that this consideration could be applied elsewhere. "The Aurora Public Library has a special movie night and special programs," said Mr. MacDonnell. "A couple of times I have asked if the program was going to be captioned or not and they don't usually know or are unwilling to turn it on for the audience. They sometimes have a movie night in Town Park in the summer and that would be ideal to have captions on the movies. There is an election coming up in the fall and if there is any debates, they should have note takers at least going on during the debate to catch everything that is being said making it accessible for everyone." Aurora student Tyler Barker made a case for infrastructure improvements, particularly with uneven sidewalks which can make navigation in his sensitive electric wheelchair extremely difficult, he said. He also expressed frustration with automatic doors at some Aurora establishments, including town facilities such as the Aurora Community Centre and various local establishments ranging from stores to restaurants. Improvements also need to be made at the Aurora Public Library, according to Cathy Harris, former president of the Pine Tree Potters. The Potters Guild currently uses space at the facility, and they would like to have a ramp for their handicapped and senior members. "One of our members is handicapped and she needs a wheelchair or cane and we can't use the elevators when the library is closed," she said. "We currently have to schedule the clay delivery around library hours [to have access to an elevator]," she said. She added that the inability to access the elevator outside of library hours can also be dangerous. "At Doors Open last August, we had a senior pass out in the basement, in the Guild, and 911 was called," she said. "They weren't able to get a gurney down there. Thankfully she was okay but that should never have happened." The Accessibility Meeting was also attended by Councillor Al Wilson, in addition to Mayor Phyllis Morris who took the opportunity to address the audience. "We believe that hearing from the people in the community will make us do a better plan and we hope you have given ideas that the committee can consider them," she said. "If there are some things that can be recommended immediately quick wins - that would be great. If, on the other hand, there is something that needs more input from staff, some other issues can be referred to staff and [they] can bring those recommendations back to committee." Took T ook D Driver river T Training raining and drive? a d still sti tilll ccan’t an’t d rive? We can can help! help! We For F or more more information information aabout bout o our ur iindividual ndividual driving llessons essons ((standard standard or or automatic) automatic) driving a nd our our rroad oad ttest est p acckages a and packages ccall all 9 05-726 - 4132 or or email: email: 905-726-4132 a [email protected] [email protected] Furnace & Duct Cleaning improve your home’s efficiency N Next ext Young Young Drivers Drivers course cou (in-class/in-car) i n A u r o r a s t in Aurora starts January 31st May 8 - 2 Weekends ( -weekends). (two May 29 2 Weekends April 15, THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 19 Senior Scape By BRIAN WARBURTON ASA hosts appreciation month The Aurora Seniors Association (ASA) hosts Volunteer Appreciation Month Monday, April 19th, from 7 to 9 p.m. Volunteers past and present are invited to sign up for this event by April 14th. Volunteering refers to becoming involved in some helpful way, often by informally supporting a new member in your group, and at other times by taking a proactive and positive approach to organizing and ensuring that activities are available consistently and renewed with fresh ideas from time to time. Volunteers are pillars of support among members of the senior society. Most of us volunteer some help at some time, and some volunteers assist enormously and have helped enormously in assisting the ASA to evolve to its present condition of volunteerism and self government. The Computer Club meets each Wednesday between 2 and 3 p.m., which is open to all members of the ASA. A fine presentation was made last Wednesday by Jeffrey Walker who demonstrated via laptop and projector, an Internet program at www.maps.google.com. This program moved to the fore, in the estimation of many present, as the best Internet program for maps and directions available so far. Apart from excellent directions including digital graphics, to world wide destinations, the program also enabled individual digital images of addresses to be displayed, which resulted in views of former homes in the U.K., of members present, displayed with surprisingly good quality. The quality of directional map programs on the Internet appears to be improving and even better quality can be expected in the future. The audience was not aware of the value of the program when the presentation commenced, but after a convincing presentation, most appeared determined to employ it the next time directions are required. The “Sew Much Fun” sewing group, which meets on Friday each week, are the recipients of an embroidery machine purchased by the ASA with funds from the New Horizons federal funding program. The ladies who sew have produced fine work for a long time and now the embroidery machine will allow embroidery to decorate their designs further. The ASA has been invited to participate in the 2010 Senior of the Year Award. The invitation came from the mayor’s office and the award will recognize a senior who is 65 years of age or older, and who has enriched culture, civic or social life in the community without personal or financial gain. Votes must be submitted with the name of the nominee and reasons for the nomination. The ASA has members who spend a remarkable amount of time furthering the cultural and practical interests of all members, including new members who were unknown until they joined the ASA. A suggestion is to select someone you believe is deserving of this attention and should be recognised as deserving this reward, and then allow the power of the ballot to determine who is recognized. The arrival of spring has a positive effect on the mood of almost everybody, and now longer, warmer days enable April to be truly a month of renewal in nature’s majestic scheme of things. We all love beautiful gardens, and the ASA garden was beautiful last year and will become even more beautiful this year, with another helping of tender loving care. For a beautiful garden to materialize the task of gardening must be divided among enough volunteers as to diminish gardening tasks to the capacity of everybody. Consequently, each Wednesday weather permitting, one hour is allotted between 10 and 11 a.m. to a gardening crew to focus on gardening assignments within their ability, and new volunteers are invited to attend. Members entering the Seniors’ Centre daily must be impressed with the diligent gardening and resulting shrubbery and floral arrangements that Mother Nature’s team of gardeners has created or soon will create. The almost lifeless barren debris, left over from the task of erecting the building, has been nurtured and transformed to an elegant area of cultivated garden. Judy Buchanan and all who work with the soil will create and present a beautiful environmental influence, and will improve the Seniors’ Centre for all who look upon their handiwork. Collection comes to Aurora A selection of landscape works from the collection of Albert Chiarandini will be on display at the Aurora Cultural Centre from now and will continue until May 1. Chiarandini, born in Udine, Italy, in 1915 was a prolific painter until his death in December, 2007. The paintings are on loan from the Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery in Sutton where Chiarandini’s permanent collection resides. Albert Chiarandini – York Region Vistas at the Aurora Cultural Centre is a collaboration with Georgina Arts Centre and it is the first time these particular paintings have been displayed outside of their home. In 2004, a donation of 159 of Albert’s paintings was made to the Georgina Arts Centre by the late Bruce Smith. The permanent collection has been included in “The Group of Seven Project”, citing Albert as “The Unknown Group of Seven Member”. Chiarandini began painting as a child with his father’s old shaving brush and powdered colours mixed with water, then applied to the plaster walls of the woodshed out back where his father allowed him to paint. He arrived in Canada in 1932, at the age of 17, applied and was accepted to the Ontario College of Art. His early history was that of portrait painting. He was so successful that it led to a string of portrait commissions, including many of the faces still famous today in the history and cultural fabric of Toronto and Ontario. Albert loved painting landscapes and said that “landscapes allowed him to explore the profound beauty of nature, echoes of light and the smell of the countryside”. From today’s perspective, Chiarandini has created a unique and powerful gift of historical documentation and beauty. Chiarandini’s paintings of fields now hold subdivisions in their soil. These paintings are recorded history of what Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket and other once rural neighbourhoods were. Also on display during this exhibition are works from the Aurora Seniors’ Centre Woodcarving Club. Entitled “Carved by Hand” this collection of exceptional work is on display in the foyer of the Aurora Cultural Centre. The opening reception takes place Saturday, April 10th at 2 p.m. at the Cultural Centre, 22 Church Street. the home of the famous Church Street School. Exhibition hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call the centre at 905-7131818 or e-mail info@auroracultural centre.ca. THEAURORAN.COM r e n n i W CANADIAN FINANCIAL AND TAX PLANNING Theauroran.com Marketplace member Kam Sadiq B.Sc, FCGA presents winner John Welsh, physiotherapist in Aurora, left, with a free business tax return valued more than $500 won in their recent FREE DRAW Giveaway at theauroran.com. Kam Sadiq has more than 25 years experience with CRA as a Senior Income officer and is currently running his own practice. Phone Aurora 905-713-0268, Markham 905-479-9559, or visit Kam in theauroran.com Marketplace in the “Financial” category. Go to the MarketPlace for FREE DRAWS–enter to WIN! FREE Special Senior Package for 2* Park Place is offering this $ DRAW Chartwells’ 100* FREE DRAW Giveaway! To enter go to: www.theauroran.com, click on this icon and select “NURSING AND ELDERLY CARE” Value of 8 people * FREE FREE Admission–table Steve Miller is giving away DRAW FREE Admission for a table of 8 people $120* for the DANCE PARTY April 23, 2010! To enter go to: www.theauroran.com, click on this icon Value and select “SPORTS” FREE WORM COMPOST We Do” is offering this DRAW “Lawns FREE DRAW Giveaway! * 100 $ * Value To enter go to: www.theauroran.com, click on this icon and select “LANDSCAPING” PRINT OUT THE ONLINE COUPONS and use them at participating businesses COUPON COUPON Crystal White Cleaners COUPON Steve Miller $10 Dance OFF registration Timberlane Athletic Club 2 week pass Super Cleaning Special (new members only) theauroran.com, click Marketplace -select Fitness theauroran.com, click Marketplace -select Cleaning Services theauroran.com, click Marketplace -select Sports BUSINESS & EVENT Calendar So many things to see and do on our COMMUNITY BUSINESS AND EVENT CALENDAR! Go to theauroran.com and click on the events icon Bringing the business community to you! 20 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 Golf course pond to be redesigned Members of the Crimson Rotary Club team celebrate their 1-0 victory over White Lightning Mr. Dairy team in a bantam championship house league hockey game recently. Jennifer English scored the winning goal in overtime with the assist going to Shannon MacMillan. Girls were participating in the Central York Girls Hockey Association league championship action at Aurora’s Recreation Centre on Wellington Street East. Relay seeks help On June 11, people who have been touched by cancer will have an opportunity to "celebrate, remember, and fight back", according to Lynn Pearson, Committee Chair for Aurora's Relay For Life event. Relay For Life, the Canadian Cancer Society's most prominent fundraiser for research, will be held that evening at Magna International on Wellington Street East running through the next morning. "The event begins with the first lap being walked by the survivors and their all important caregivers,” Ms Pearson said. “We remember family and friends lost to cancer and we honour those continuing to fight by lighting hundreds of dedicated luminaries that light our path along the way at night." Ms Pearson and Alex Reil, area manager for the Canadian Cancer Society, appeared before a general committee meeting to seek and receive a noise exemption for the event to have area musicians perform intermittently through the night. "The bands play on and off over the 12 hours to keep us awake and on track when we're on the track," said Ms Pearson. "We aim to have the volume just high enough for participants to hear. The Relay for Life is not a concert. The music is secondary to the event as a whole and the volume would be kept to a reasonable level. Opening ceremonies for the 2010 Relay For Life begin at 7 p.m., with the relay kicking off with the Survivor Victory Lap at 7.30. The luminary ceremony follows at 10 p.m. followed by overnight entertainment commencing at 11 p.m. Teams of 10 are still being accepted. For information on how to participate and submit your team, call Karen at 905830-0447, ext. 3833. Petch House to live? From page 1 ommend an RFP as a fair and transparent approach to determine available options and associated cost for the restoration of the house," said Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning in a report to Council. More than $95,000 is available in Aurora's approved Capital Budget for the restoration of the Petch House. "The Petch Log House is an important heritage resource to the Town of Aurora and its long term preservation and public use would enrich the community's heritage," continued Mr. Ramunno. Mr. Ramunno's report outlined a number of developments regarding the Petch House since it was last brought up at Council in February. At a February council meeting, Aurora resident and historical activist David Heard suggested that some beams from the house might be installed at the Church Street School Cultural Centre. However, Laura Schembr i, Executive Director of the Cultural Centre said, "due to the multi-purpose design and use of the walls and room spaces we could not consider mounting a permanent or semi-permanent display within the building. According to Councillor Evelina MacEachern, media coverage of the Petch House's fate has renewed interest in the structure. "I got a phone call from contractors if that is the right word and they thought the [original] cost estimates were high," said Councillor MacEachern, referring to figures presented to Council in earlier reports. "However, the expression of that contractor was that this project would be a project of passion. Therefore, there is expressed interest in the community to bid on the project. "The recommendation to go with an RFP is the only way to get a true cost of what [it takes] to get this structure up and running. “So we get our RFP and if we like the price we can go with it. If not, we're back at hanging timbers somewhere." T Environmental impacts at Aurora's Highland Gate Golf Club were highlighted at council last Tuesday as a video presentation from the Lake Simcoe Region Conser vation Authority was played for the assembled audience. "In municipalities all over the Lake Simcoe watershed, watercourses like [the one flowing through Highland Gate] are being redesigned," said Christa Shar p, Watershed Coordinator for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority in the video. "Here in a busy area of Aurora, Club Link and the Highland Gate Golf Club have a project to make this watercourse more esthetically attractive while improving water quality and wildlife habitat. "Ultimately this design recognizes the needs of the golf course, the nearby residents, and the environmental aspects." Improvements in this area include the installation of an open span bridge to improve water flow, the reconfiguration of the area with a "pool and ripple design" which will promote aeration in the watercourse, the stabilization of river banks, and the planting of a vegetative buffer "to reduce contaminants and improve habitat. "The pond area will be reduced and a wetland will be created which will be suitable for ducks and other birds that the neighbours enjoy," said Ms. Sharp. "Fish passage and habitat will also be improved." "The funding for this project has been made available through Environment Canada's Lake Simcoe Cleanup Fund, the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation, this golf course, and the Lake Simcoe Region Conser vation Authority," she added. "These kinds of projects show that golf courses can keep interesting course features and nurture wildlife and water areas." N HOMPSO Funeral Home 530 Industrial Pkwy. S., Aurora L4G 6W8 Phone 905-727-5421 * Fax 905-727-0037 Directors: Brent Forrester - Laura Windover - Lorraine Lewis - Gena Maker - Enza Nikalaidis ® www.dignitymemorial.com ~ Cremation, Burial & Memorial Services ~ Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans ~ Monuments, Markers & Inscriptions ~ Affordable Cost Options Proud to be part of Service Corporation International (Canada) Limited Club Link's Wendy Burgess said her company was originally informed by the Lake Simcoe Region Conser vation Authority that funding was available for the project. "There's a benefit from working with the Conser vation Authority because they bring the knowledge and expertise on a project such as this," said Ms. Burgess. During the meeting Mayor Phyllis Morris and Councillor Evelina MacEachern underlined the importance of having a par tner in the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. Gateway Café & Lanes Aurora 210 Edward St., 905-727-2900 www.gatewaylanes.ca FAMILY LAW LAWYER Patrick M. Gaffney Practicing all aspects of Family Law to resolve parenting, support, and property issues arising from separating families. A practitioner of Collaborative Family Law – a client controlled, lawyer assisted, out-of-court process focussing on achieving mutually acceptable solutions. • 1/2 hour free consultation • accepts Legal Aid #201 - 16610 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket PH: 905-953-0023 FX: 905-953-0023 e-mail: [email protected] • Solar Nails • Manicure • Spa Pedicure • UV Gel Nails • Acrylic • Bio Gel • Air Brush Design Walk-ins welcome 130 Hollidge Blvd. • 905-727-6030 BROKERAGE “TOP PRODUCER 2009” MARTIN READ The Right Choice Sales Representative HONESTY and INTEGRITY GOOD OLD FASHIONED HARD WORK 905-841-1030 Direct: 416-460-0453 www.martinread.ca SPORTS Richmond Hill Subaru 11645 Yonge Street Richmond Hill (905) 883-3555 Page 21 Week of April 13, 2010 auroran.com 905-727-3300 Aurora Minor Hockey Association IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING 2010/2011 REGISTRATION AND REP TRYOUTS (AAA, AA, A, AE, SELECT) Registration for the 2010-2011 hockey season will begin online APRIL 9TH, and in person on APRIL 9th. Please refer to our website www.auroraminorhockey.net for further information. Rec Sports, shown here, won the Monday night hockey league title with a 4-3 victory over Baldwin’s recently. Members are, back row, left to right, Bob Ince, Mark Lemmon, Mike Allen, Gerry Mackrell, Scott Shepperd, Kevin O’Keefe, Ed Kilroy; front row, left to right, Jason Muise, Graeme Goodfellow, Julian Dalcin, Andrew Dalton, John Andersen, Doug Adair and Jason Hurlbut. With the trophy is Ken Heinrich. Absent when the photo was taken was John Kennedy. In the consolation game, Priestly Demolition dumped FPL Aggregates 8-0. “Aurora Miler” added to July 1st activities Aurora's Canada Day Parade will get off on a different foot this year with the addition of a one-mile race before the floats make their way down Yonge Street. In a presentation to council recently, parade organizer Sher St. Kitts and running enthusiast John Cappelletti outlined their vision for the new event The Aurora Miler. "This is something we had tried to do in 2008, but we just didn't have the momentum. Now, here it is," said Ms. St. Kitts. "It is just a mile run before the parade, which is at a time when the roads are closed." Ms. St. Kitts said she believed since the 2010 Canada Day Parade is honouring the Vancouver Olympics and Canada's 14 gold medals, having this "display of red hot Canadian pride coming down Yonge Street" is important. She also said it will help "galvanize" the event. "About six weeks ago I was having some treatment by a physiotherapist in town and we talked about the possibility of running a one-miler on Canada Day," said Mr. Cappelletti, who described himself as an avid runner and athlete. "Shortly thereafter I called the town and they put me in touch with Sher and I proposed it as an idea as an add-on to the parade. From our perspective it was relatively easy to organize because the roads were closed already, the length is short, straight, can be easily marshaled and it would have wide appeal because it appeals equally to the hardcore runners, the track guys who want to see how fast they can go the distance, and also the novice runners and walkers who might want to participate in it as well." Mr. Capelletti said he was involved in the former Hartwell Challenge from its inception, first as a founding member eight years ago, then as a race director for four years, ending as the event's Chief Financial Officer before it was turned over to the Southlake Foundation. "We look forward to working with you on a great Canada Day Parade and also the Southlake Run as well," said Mayor Phyllis Morris. "Bob Hartwell was a wonderful gentleman and many of us remember him fondly." The annual kick-off party for the Canada Day Parade is on the evening of April 21 at Jonathan's Restaurant. "It's not about raising money, it's all about raising the bar in Canada's Birthday Town and celebrating who we are, and getting more people who want to help us with the athletic portion...and just supporting the parade in general," said Ms. St. Kitts. "[With the Aurora Community Heritage Fair on the same day], April 21 is a big day in Aurora!" Registration fees for the 2010/2011 season are: $500.00 (Tyke to Minor Midget) $535.00 (Midget The AMHA will accept children born in 2004 for our Tyke Hockey Program. It is recommended that they have either taken skating lessons or completed one year of Opti Hockey. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A PERMISSION TO SKATE FOR AAA TRYOUTS CANNOT BE PROVIDED UNTIL APRIL 12TH (after the completion of the OHF Championships). In order to receive a permission to skate or tryout for an AMHA Rep Team (AA, A, AE, SELECT) PLEASE NOTE: 1) You must reside in Aurora or reside in a right of choice area (refer to OMHA website for information on right of choice areas). 2) You must be registered with the AMHA and the fee paid in full. IF YOU ARE A NEW RESIDENT OF AURORA, YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE THE NECESSARY TRANSFER PAPERWORK PRIOR TO REGISTRATION. PLEASE ALLOW 2-4 WEEKS FOR THIS PROCESS. For those requiring registration for AAA tryouts, the AMHA office will be open: SAT APRIL 17 10AM – 1PM MON APRIL 19 7PM – 9PM WED APRIL 21 7PM – 9PM SAT APRIL 24 10AM – 1PM MON APRIL 26 7PM – 9PM WED APRIL 28 7PM – 9PM DURING THESE AMHA OFFICE HOURS WE WILL ONLY REGISTER THOSE WHO REQUIRE A PERMISSION TO SKATE. AMHA Rep tryouts will begin on April 27TH. Once the schedule is confirmed it will be posted on the website. Proudly supporting local sports 905-883-3555 • www.newroads.ca STOUFFVILLE RD. YONGE ST. 11645 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill BATHURST ST. Richmond Hill Subaru KING ROAD Richmond Hill Subaru 11645 Yonge Street Richmond Hill (905) 883-3555 19TH AVE. ELGIN MILLS RD. E. N 22 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 COMING EVENTS From page 2 beginners are welcome. **** Aurora Rotary Club meets every Monday at 6.30 p.m. at Gabriel's on Yonge Street. New members are welcome. For further information call 905-841-1352 or 905-7139356. **** Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 148 meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. at 15216 Yonge Street, south of Wellington. For more information call 905-830-9205. **** Masonic Rising Sun Lodge meets the first Thursday of each month at the Rising Sun Temple, 57 Mosley Street, Aurora at 7.30 p.m. **** Robertson Masonic Lodge meets the third Saturday each month at 57 Mosley Street at 10.30 a.m. Coffee Club at 9 a.m. and lunch at noon. Call 905-727-3032 or 905-727-1080 for more information. **** Gamblers Anonymous meets every Tuesday night at Trinity Anglican Church, Victoria Street, at 7.30 p.m. **** Progressive Euchre every Thursday night at the Aurora Legion at 7.30 p.m. Call 905-727-9932. **** Canadian Federation of University Women holds monthly meetings at the Aurora Legion with a variety of speakers. Contact Beverley at 905-727-2151. **** The Aurora Seniors Evergreen Choir practice in the West-McKenzie Hall of the Seniors’ Centre, every Wednesday from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m. under the direction of Enid Maiz. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 A Buddhist Seminar, called “A Life Philosophy for the Happiness of Humanity” will be held in the Newmarket Public Library multi-purpose room, 438 Park Avenue, beginning at 7 p.m. and continuing until 8.15 p.m. Admission is free for the event which is presented by Soka Gakkai International Association of Canada. For further information, call Donna Daly in Aurora at 905726-8074. SATURDAY, APRIL 17 Once again the Newmarket Parents of Multiple Births Association (POMBA) will hold their spring/summer gently used clothing, equipment and toy sale today. The sale will be held at 185 Industrial Parkway North beginning in the moming at 10 a.m. and continuing until 1 p.m. The sale will also include a "For Sale By Owner" Board where members will be selling cribs, car seats, furniture and other large items that are too large to bring to the sale. For more information for the cash only sale visit www.newmarketpomba.ca, or contact sale coordinator [email protected]. **** Join local artist Philippa Hajdu to design and create your own Sacred Circles at the Aurora Public Library. This program is for children aged nine to 14, costs $15 and runs from 1 to 3.30 p.m. SUNDAY, APRIL 18 Guest speaker at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Aurora is Shama Mall, talking about the work of Christian churches to promote food security and education in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Speaker is in Canada for meetings with Presbyterian World Service and Development and is deputy director of Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan. Worship service begins at 10.30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Open House being planned for community Aurora’s Dan McDonnell is the president of the recently formed York Region Branch for the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA), and they are hosting an open house to introduce themselves to the general public. The event will be held Saturday, April 24 at the Richmond Hill Public Library, 1 Atkinson Street, in Room B. The open house will begin at 2 p.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Coffee and treats will be served, Mr. McDonnell said. **** A free Nordic Pole "First Steps Clinic" will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a free Nordic Pole "Next Steps Clinic" at 10.30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Course, 4 Pinnacle Trail. TUESDAY, APRIL 20 “Shop Like the Planet's Watching!” The Aurora Public Library presents a free, instructive presentation with The York Region Environmental Alliance and York Region. Presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Lebovic Room. Preregister at the Adult Information Desk, or call 905-7279493 option 4. APRIL 23 AND 24 Aurora United Church spring rummage sale at the church, 15186 Yonge Street at Tyler. Times on April 23 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., for the individual sale and April 24 from 9 a.m. to noon for the bag sale. For further information, call 905-727-1935. SATURDAY, APRIL 24 Aurora Nursery School Family Fun Day, on today, consists of children's entertainment (Lenny Graf as seen on TV Treehouse), children's activities such as face painting, vendors, refreshments, a silent auction, raffle and door prizes. The event is a "Family Fun-d-raiser" for the oldest not-for-profit co-operative nursery school in Aurora and will take place at the Aurora Lions Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 10. For more information and tickets please Nicole at 905-395-2879 or email [email protected]. **** The annual senior citizens’ Spring Sale will add a mini-farmers’ market to its roster this year at the Aurora Seniors’ Centre from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Among other things there will be a 50-50 draw, a just for kids store, a white elephant sale and barbecue crafts. The Centre is located at 5 Municpal Drive, across from the Town Hall. MAY 1 AND 2 The annual Aurora Art Show and Sale takes place at the Aurora Town Hall Saturday, May 1 from 10 a.m., to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For all art enthusiasts this is an important event featuring more than 200 pieces of artwork. Amateur and professional artists from Ontario will be displaying their original two and three-dimensional artwork created in any medium except computer-generated art. MAY 6 TO 8 The Pine Tree Potters' Spring Pottery Sale wll be held PILATES The 1st step to fitness at any age! May 6, 7 and 8, at the Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church Street, Aurora. On Thursday and Friday May 6 and 7 the sale will operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is free parking, free admission and a door prize.Call 905-727-1278 for further information or visit http://www.pinetreepotters.ca. SATURDAY, MAY 22 The Aurora Garden & Horticultural Society is having their annual plant sale at the Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge Street, Aurora from 9.30 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome. Flowers by Terry 14799 Yonge St. Aurora Telephone: 905-726-1549 email: [email protected] www.flowersbyterry.com If we wouldn’t take it home why would we sell it to you? 10% OFF Bridal Packages NEW LOCATION ZOYA SALON & SPA 15207 Yonge St. (905) 727-5252 Spring Special 3 sessions of underarm laser hair removal 9900 for $ Limited time offertime offer Limited 1. Level I Beginner Mat/Post Physiotherapy 2. Pilates for Pregnancy – 2nd & 3rd Trimester Sunday morning at Alternative Physiotherapy, 38 Wellington Street East, Aurora. Please call or email for more information. Class size limited for your personal attention!! Classes start: Sunday April 25th at 9:30 a.m. for Beginners and 10:45 a.m. for Pregnancy. Call 905-859-4374 or 905-727-2929 for Enrolment Information Joan Yeates, Certified Body Control™ Pilates Instructor [email protected] CARE WHEN I NEED IT Understanding is the key to providing a level of care that’s hard to match. Our experience with seniors has taught us to anticipate their wants, needs and concerns. This commitment to care eliminates stress, and makes life more enjoyable. “I’m relaxed because everything I need is right here. Plus, there’s always someone available if I need help.” Art Aurora 2010 The Aurora Art Show & Sale Looking for a perfect piece of art to give as a gift to a valued employee or complete your office look . Saturday May 1st 10 am - 5 pm Sunday May 2nd 10 am - 4 pm Aurora Town Hall, 1 Municipal Drive Park Place Manor Retirement Residence 15055 Yonge St., Aurora Visit us online at www.chartwellreit.ca 905-727-2952 For more information contact (905) 726-4762 or visit www.e-aurora.ca THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 - 23 THE AURORAN CLASSIFIEDS Special rates: non-commercial word ads: $20.00 (+g.s.t.) four weeks or, $15.95 (+g.s.t.) two weeks minimum 15 words (Applies to word ads only). Got something to sell or advertise? Give us a call - 905-727-7128, fax - 905-727-2620 or go to auroran.com then click classifieds to send your advertisement. The deadline for all classified advertising copy and Garage/lawn sales is Friday at 3 p.m. each week. More than 76,000 copies delivered to Aurorans each month! STORAGE FACILITY STORAGE HEATED indoor/outdoor & shrink wrapping for cars. Suitable for cars, boats, jet skiis, smowmobiles & RV’s. Newmarket area. Contact Robert 647-444-9670 FOR SALE CARPET - I have several thousand yards of new S t a i n m a s t e r and 100% Olefin carpet. I will carpet your living room & hall for $389. Price includes carpet, pad and installation (30 square yards). Steve 905-898-0127. HELP WANTED BU S I N E S S S E RV I C E S FREE-LANCE EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER for publishing company. Must have a car and own video equipment. Students welcome. Please call 905-5030420 to set up an appointment. MYSTIC PSYCHIC TAX RETURN PREPARATION personal & small business. Local pick up & delivery. Call Keith 905-727-1060. • Palm • Crystal • Tarot • Ball ELITE HANDYMAN Services Inc. Home alterations, small to medium home renovation projects, hardwood floor installation and general home maintenance and repair. Seniors Discount Available Ph: 289380-0056 email:ehsi @rogers.blackberry.net Web:www.EliteHandym anServicesInc.com 905-235-2760 PSYCHIC READING l Specia$ HOUSE FOR RENT 2 Readings 50 Call for apt. 905-235-2760 HOUSE FOR RENT Semi-detached home for rent in Aurora. Bright spacious 2 story home with over 2,000 square feet of living space and includes monitored alarm system. The home is in a high demand area of Aurora in a family oriented neighbourhood close to schools, shopping 404 and GO. 7 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 3 washrooms, gas fireplace, central air conditioning and a finished, full walkout basement to backyard. Large modern kitchen with built-in dishwasher, microwave, stove, refrigerator with a washer and dryer in the basement. Spacious driveway with two car garage with door opener and direct access entrance. Asking 1,600 + utilities per month. Available May 1, 2010. Please call 905-713-3069 or 416-910-7066. Granular Fertilizer Weed Management Insect Management Surface Insect Management Grub Mangement IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Non Pesticide Programs MOM TO MOM SPAR-CLEAN Takes pride Huge selection of new and gently used kids and baby items Sunday, April 26 5, 10am-2pm Newmarket Senior’s Meeting Place 474 Davis Drive $1 DOOR ADMISSION (Donation to Yellow Brick House) **Cash Only** Servicing Aurora/Newmarket over 12 years INSURED/BONDED Privately Owned and Operated GARBAGE REMOVAL SERVICE We pick up all your household rubbish. Need your garage, basement, yard or attic cleaned up? No Job too small. 773-8033 905 "##('1&((23# 41&-'+( Specializing in T1 Individual, Business and Corporate tax returns. Call: 905-479-9559 25 years experience with Revenue Taxation CRA We will also enjoy • Water Softeners • Reverse Osmosis • Iron Filters • Point of Use Coolers 905-751-6013. Fellow of Certified General Accountants Association PRO PA I N T I N G Int./Ext fast, clean, professional & affordable, last minute no problem! selectpropainting.com. 905-751-3612 OR 416878-1806 Joe the Plumber Repairs & New Installations 416-568-6928 Licensed, insured 22 years exp. HANDYMAN SERVICES S&S PAINTING 20 yrs. experience Top quality guaranteed Handyman services available for all your household needs. FREE ESTIMATES Call Tom: 905-717-0517 FREE ESTIMATES 905-841-8949 416-520-6252 AIRPORT LIMOUSINE (AURORA BASED) York Region Limousine’s “Eco-Limo” Hire a hybrid for your next airport or downtown transportation. From only $69.00! Call Alan @ Eco-Limo 416-992-3811 or 905-727-8600 e-mail: [email protected] www.eco-limo.ca ENTIRE STORE One of our representatives would be happy to show you all the features and benefits! Only Marketplace members may MADvertise in tandem with The Auroran, Aurora’s Independent Community Newspaper. Current advertisers in The Auroran receive additional FREE MADvertising credits. Book now for a FREE consultation KAM SADIQ B.Sc ,FCGA 905-841-8055 50 Give us a call at If you have not filed prior years tax returns, do not be afraid, call us now before CRA notification. Will defend and protect your interest. Craig McLeod % off Want to become a MADvertising member of theauroan.com? Let the professionals with the “know how” & expertise minimize your taxes SERVICES ESA/ECRA#7006144. New construction, renovations, service & panel upgrades. Licensed & insured. FROM 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Own your own business? DEADLINE IS APRIL 30 File now to avoid costly penalties & interest YORK ELECTRICAL Come celebrate with us on !""# # !$% &'( Year-Round Maintenance Company TAX ACCOUNTANT with a personal touch • Serving Aurora for 10 yrs. • Customized Services • Same Professional and Reliable Staff • Insured & Bonded Call for an in-home consultation YARD AND GARDEN CLEAN-UPS, landscape work, grass cutting, gardening, general repairs and painting. Call Roy 289-231-3157. GRAND OPENING! Saturday April 17, &''##-(2-5&#-(2" (4' 3( 905-967-0445 905-392-1589 Member of Aurora Chamber of Commerce #)* &+,$#-( if you want to be there when they do, advertise in THE AURORAN Classifieds 905-727-7128 FREE ESTIMATE 905-713-5636 .(% #&+#/#.-%-0 && but... CLEANING SERVICE Cleaning Service Commercial/residential any day any time PROFESSIONAL CLEANING JUST FOR KIDS SALE Not everyone needs your services all the time CLEANING Maid to Shine NEWMARKET [email protected] CRYSTAL FOR SALE CENTRAL AIR -conditioning from $1599 installed. Furnaces, high efficiency from $1799 installed. Both with 10 year parts warranty. Gas lines for BBQ’s etc. From $89. Air-conditioning service calls $39.95. Licenced certified mechanic. Call Ballam H.V.A.C. 416303-1329. WINE & CHEESE You might not be able to do everything at once, but you can do everything in one place • Fax Services • Digital Printing & Copying • Document Finishing • Mailbox Rentals • Courier Services • Packaging Supplies & Services Ask about our Rental Options We offer Low Finance rates 12 Mth. @ 0% 2 FREE bags of salt The UPS STORE® in Aurora Guaranteed NEW stock; we never install used equipment. 14845 Yonge St. Unit 6, Aurora For more information call Kermena Fine Furniture 15483 Yonge St. Unit #6 905-727-6736 Ron Butler, 416-818-5075 150 Hollidge Blvd., Unit C7, Aurora 905-713-1632 Fax: 905-713-1633 Email: [email protected] CLASSES • SEMINARS • WORKSHOPS • COURSES Advertise all year for as little as $7 per week. (*This section only) Call 905-727-7128, Fax 905-727-2620 or go to www.auroran.com A RT C L A S S E S DRAWING CLASS All level small group English and Chinese. Call Yunhong at 905-713-3650 h t t p : / / w w w. y h a r t studio.com SWIM CLASSES COMPETITIVE SWIMMING: Children to adults. Aurora Selkies Swim Club. Register now for the 2010/11 seas o n . s w i m g y m @sympatico.ca 905-841-3450. SWIMMING LESSONS In my backyard in Aurora. Call Leigh at 905-726-7940 for registration. SWIM LEARN HOW TO DRAW & PAINT... just like the Masters • beginners to advanced • ongoing classes • drawing & painting techniques • help students prepare portfolios for college and art school • no artistic experience necessary 905-726-8883 Judy studied academic painting and drawing in Florence, Italy. She has appeared on City Line TV. [email protected] MATH CLASSES MATH TUTOR for Grades 5 to 12. Serving Aurora, Richmond Hill & Newmarket. Homework help. University preparation. 416-309-0143 HS TUTOR TUTOR AVAILABLE Experienced tutor. High school/college/ university, Math/physics. Highly qualified, reasonable. Phone Don at 289-221-0808, or email coluccinator@ hotmail.com CLASSES SEMINARS WORKSHOPS COURSES Advertise for as low as $7 per week in this section of The Auroran Classifieds DANCE PARTY Only $15 APRIL 23 Only $15 4,500 sq. ft. hardwood floor Reserved seating available Door Prizes 7:00 Doors Open –Dress code FREE TANGO LESSON 7:30 p.m. Latin/Ballroom/West Coast Swing and Line dancing until midnight with desserts & coffee @ 10:30. Dance Lessons Level 1: Cha Cha and Social Foxtrot 8 - 9 p.m. Level 2: Jive and Tango 9 - 10 p.m. Please call for advanced Dance Lessons started The cost is just $85 per person for 8 weeks. registration or pay at the May 3rd, 2010 door the first night Do I need special shoes? and continue until June 28 No, but dance or leather soled shoes with non marking heels are best. Do not wear rubber soled shoes. Location: Royal Canadian Legion in Aurora, 105 Industrial Parkway North (Please park around back and enter through that door) Please call or email for more information or to register for upcoming events Site: www.SteveMillerDance.ca Call Steve Miller at 416-587-4125 Email: [email protected] 24 - THE AURORAN, Week of April 13, 2010 * NO TAX or 1 YEAR Interest Free Buffet&Hutch $1698 Table/4chairs$1198 QueenBed,Dresser, Mirror,NightStand $998 PubTable/4Chairs$998 Sofa $798 Love Seat$748 4colours-red/sage oyster/cocoa 2-pcSectional $ 998 LeatherandLeatherMatch GO TO White Bunkbed$998 BrownBunkbed$698 RecliningSofa $ 898 Loveseat $ 848 TwinPosterBed $498 TwinPosterBed $398 www.uptownfurniture.ca TO SEE OUR 8 PAGE FLYER MONDAY - FRIDAY 10-9, SATURDAY 9:30-6, SUNDAY 11-5 17255 Yonge Street, Newmarket • (905) 895-6517 * The sale will be reduced in an amount equal to the taxes, O.A.C. see store for details.
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