September 19 2007 - Low

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Your Independent Local News Source
Vol 2 No 46
SEPTEMBER 19 2007
Head of
YWCA
resigns
Photos by Courtney Duffett/The Oshawa Express
Painting plaid
Kaila Mitchell, 6 (left), and her brother Logan, 4 (above), are painting quilts and sashes as part of the Celtic festivities at the 2nd annual Celtic Festival at Memorial Park in Oshawa.
New face hopes for new
vision of Oshawa waterfront
By Courtney Duffett
The Oshawa Express
Toronto’s former “tiny perfect mayor”
hopes he will be able to help find the perfect
solution to Oshawa’s harbour redevelopment
plans.
David Crombie, nick-named for his short
stature and popularity as Toronto’s mayor
between 1972 and 1978, has been announced
as the federal representative on the future
direction of the Oshawa port and waterfront
development.
“It’s a shame it’s taken so long to bring
things together,” said Crombie, while standing
in front of a cargo ship at the Oshawa harbour
recently. “It’s been going on way too long and January 2008, which will meet everyone’s
it’s Oshawa that suffers from it.”
needs.
The harbour has long been a politCrombie is an officer in the Order
ical football. The federal government
of Canada. He is currently president
has offered the federal port lands to
and CEO of the Canadian Urban
the city for a nominal fee, but it
Institute, chair of Ontario Place
comes with a high price tag for enviCorporation, founding chair of the
ronmental cleanup. Various stakeWaterfront Regeneration Trust and
holders have tried to influence redepresident of David Crombie and
velopment plans. Some are calling
Associates Inc. He also serves as
for a new marina after Oshawa’s was
chair of the Advisory Council for the
shut down by the port authority over David Crombie Nuclear
Waste
Management
four years ago.
Organization.
Crombie’s goal is to meet with everyone
“I hope I can make a final decision here,”
involved in the decision-making of the local said Crombie. “(The waterfront) is a large
waterfront and come up with a resolution by
See CROMBIE Page 5
Eva Martin Blythe, the executive director of the YWCA Durham is resigning.
The resignation comes on the heals of
the recent announcement that the YWCA
Durham’s Adelaide House, an Oshawa
hostel for abused women and children, has
permanently closed because of funding
challenges. There are plans to turn the former hostel into a second-stage housing
facility for women who have left abusive
homes.
Management of the
YWCA Durham will be
the joint responsibility
of shelter services
director Wendy Leeder
and finance director
Susanne Groen.
“Both senior managers have demonstratEva Blythe
ed their passion, competency and commitment to this organization over the past
years and bring over 35 years combined
expertise in their respective vocations in
the social services industry,” said
Samantha George Vasey, board president.
“Eva’s passion and dedication in advocating on behalf of marginalized women in
the Region over the past 15 years had a
tremendous impact. We are grateful for her
contribution.”
Blythe had high praise for the YWCA’s
staff, volunteers and clients who she said
“inspired, encouraged and empowered my
daily to live our mission statement – at
work and in the community.
“It has been my pleasure to play a part
in the growth and development of the
YWCA Durham.”
“Since coming to this YWCA in
November, 1992, I have been blessed to be
surrounding by an amazing group of committed women who have helped me to lead
this association,” said Blythe. “Moreover,
women within the YWCA Durham in the
Durham community and throughout the
family of Canadian YWCAs and YMCAYWCAs have enabled me to learn, to grow
and to be a better person as a result.
Hockey dads
assaulted
By Jessica Verge
and Courtney Duffett
The Oshawa Express
Mayor Marilyn Pearce and chair of the region’s finance and administration committee (right), presented the $250,000
cheque to Dr. William Cohoon, co-chair of the Lighting the Way Campaign (left).
A violent incident that occurred in
downtown Oshawa last week has
spooked some users of the General
Motors Centre.
Emails were circulated among
parents of Oshawa Minor Hockey
(OMH) players and sent to Oshawa
council that expressed fear and
described a fight between two parents and two downtown Oshawa
prostitutes following a Novice AA
team practice at the GM Centre.
Durham Regional Police Sgt.
Paul McCurbin confirmed a verbal
confrontation took place between
two females near a truck parked close
to the GM Centre. He would not confirm whether these females were
prostitutes.
The male owner of the truck,
which according to the emails was an
OMH parent with his 8-year-old son,
had returned to his vehicle when one
of the females got into a verbal confrontation with him.
McCurbin said at that point, a second male came over and punched the
owner of the truck, knocking him to
the ground. A third male known to
the male victim, also a hockey dad
say emails, then came over to assist,
only to get into a physical confrontation with the second male party.
During the altercation between
the second and third male parties, the
female from the original confrontation picked up a hockey stick and
assaulted the third male (the hockey
dad) who had come to assist.
McCurbin said police were called
for a report of an assault with a hockey stick. The second male who police
said punched the truck owner was
arrested a short distance away and
charged with assault and breach of
probation.
The female suspect who hit the
male with a hockey stick was also
arrested and charged with assault
with a weapon.
The original male victim who
was punched was sent to hospital
with lacerations to his face, treated
and released a short time later. The
third male who was hit with a hockey stick suffered from bruises to his
back.
According to McCurbin, the
assault in downtown Oshawa cannot
be linked to the GM Centre even
though the altercations took place in
the surrounding area.
“It’s not really a hockey issue,”
said Kathy Crystal, an Oshawa
Minor Hockey Association director
and ice scheduler, adding it has nothing to do with hockey and that the
altercation could have happened to
anyone. “We’re just residents,” she
said, adding that the incident is just a
downtown problem, which is sad
because players usually look forward
to playing at the General Motors
Centre.
“Any crimes that occur anywhere
in the city are serious,” said Oshawa
Mayor John Gray, who has only
heard rumours about the incident,
adding that when these types of
crime occur in the downtown, it reinforces the negative image the city is
trying to repair.
Port Perry hospital
to expand services Former DDSB
The
Port
Perry
Hospital
Foundation has received funds to help
support a fundraising effort to build a
new endoscopy suite and expand
emergency services.
Durham Region presented the Port
Perry Hospital Foundation with a
cheque for $250,000 towards its
Lighting the Way Campaign.
“This initiative helps to fund
required services in this Region, while
providing access to a greater level of
care and quality of life,” said Regional
Chair Roger Anderson. “We are
always looking for ways to enhance
services, especially in our northern
communities, which is why council
was so supportive of this request.”
Durham Regional council voted in
favour of supporting the campaign last
year.
“We can’t express how thankful
we are to Durham Regional council
for this donation,” said Dr. William
Cohoon, co-chair of the Lighting the
Way Campaign.
“This money will be used to enhance
vital services at our local hospital,
both now and into the future.”
Director to step
down after five
year tenure
See new happening?
Call 905-571-7334
Page 2
Craig Burch, director of education for the Durham District
School board has announced his
retirement.
Having been the board’s
director since January 2003,
Burch plans to retire in January
2008.
“I have enjoyed my entire
career in Durham, from teacher
to director and everything in
between,” said Burch. “I will
miss working with the great
staff and trustees of the board
and I wish them well.”
During his tenure as director,
Burch has overseen the opening
of 11 new schools and four
additions to existing schools.
“Craig Burch’s leadership
helped to bring greater stability
to the Durham District School
Board during a challenging
time in education,” said board
chair Marilyn Crawford. “Craig
has been a strong advocate for
the Durham District in his distinguished 30 year career and
the students and staff have benefited tremendously from his
dedication to public education.”
Prior to becoming director,
Burch was a superintendent
from 1994 to 2003, an administrative officer, a principal of
Pickering High School, VicePrincipal at Anderson CI, a past
president of the Ontario
Secondary School Teacher’s
Federation in Durham, a teacher
at G.L. Roberts CVI, R.S.
McLaughlin CVI and General
Vanier SS.
trustee dies
The public school board is
mourning the death of a former
Scugog trustee.
Former Durham District School
Board trustee Steve Martin, passed
away in hospital on Sept. 15.
“Steve Martin was a highly valued and respected member of the
Board of Trustees who will be
remembered for his focus on students
and for his compassion,” said
Marilyn Crawford, chair of the board.
“Steve will be missed by trustees, students, staff and the Scugog community he represented so passionately
and effectively.”
Martin was a trustee with the
DDSB from 2003-06 and was
acclaimed in the 2006 municipal
election, resigning July 31 for health
reasons.
A visitation will be held on Sept.
20 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Low
and Low Funeral Home. The funeral
home is located at 1763 Reach St. in
Port Perry.
A funeral service to celebrate the
life of Steve Martin will be held at the
Port Perry United Church at 294
Queen St. in Port Perry on Sept. 21 at
11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior
to the service.
Memorial donations may be
made to the R.S. McLaughlin
Durham Regional Cancer Centre or
the SickKids Foundation. and online
condolences may be made at
www.lowandlow.ca.
Suspect unknown in
retirement home thefts
A senior citizens home in
Courtice has been plagued by
unsolved thefts.
The White Cliffe Terrace
Retirement Residence experienced several thefts on Sept. 4
when an unknown man entered
the building. He is identified as a
white male around 25-30 years of
age, with short dark hair and is
clean-shaven. At the time he was
wearing black pants and a black
and burgundy shirt with white
stripes.
Jewellery, cash and other personal possessions were stolen. If
you have information regarding
the thefts contact the Clarington
Community Office Criminal
Investigation Branch at 905-5791520, ext. 1650 and speak to Det.
Rob Findlay.
Information can also be given
anonymously to Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS and tipsters may
be eligible for a $2000 reward.
SEPT 19 2007
SEPT 19 2007
Page 3
YWCA pushing
to keep funding
Non-profit group urges
region not to withdraw
emergency grant
A local charity will be
asking the Region not to
recall a one-time payment
made to the YWCA.
In May, Regional council
voted to direct a one-time
emergency payment of
$105,000 to the YWCA to
re-open Adelaide House in
Oshawa, which temporarily
closed last April.
Since the YWCA has
decided to close Adelaide
House permanently, the
Region is asking that the
money be paid back and will
be voting today whether or
not to request the money
back from the YWCA.
The YWCA says that
there was miscommunication between the organiza-
tion and the Region in
which the money is not
going to be utilized for its
initial intent.
However, the YWCA
says it could still use the
money since it has other
services available to help
the homeless.
“It is clear that the intention of the funding was the
ensure children and women
who need shelter are accommodated at the YWCA. This
is no less valid now given
the programs and services
that are currently offered by
the YWVA,” said Wendy
Leeder, YWCA shelter
director. “Although our
service to the broad base of
homeless women will not
continue at our Adelaide
House facility in the foreseeable future, by narrowing
our client criteria and focusing on second-stage and
transitional housing, we will
continue to make a positive
impact on the lives of an
incredibly vulnerable population.”
The YWCA is confident
that regional council members will vote to allow it to
keep the money and use it in
other areas.
Council votes today.
“The Region’s support of
the programs that the
YWCA provides to vulnerable women and children in
Durham is not in question.
We simply cannot withstand
an unforeseen payment of
this magnitude at this time,”
said Susanne Groen, YWCA
Durham’s finance director.
“The YWCA is more financially viable and our programs and structure are
more future-focused than
ever before.”
Golfing for a good cause
Van Hemmen Tires owner Lee Linaksita, right, joined his wife Titik, left, and employee Judy Carson,
centre, in hosting their 10th Annual Golf Tournament at the Bowmanville Country Club this past
Sunday. Proceeds from the event went to the Durham Regional Police K-9 Unit.
How to avoid the homework struggle
(NC)-Reluctance to do
homework is not always
about simply buckling
down to do the work.
If you hear "I can't do it"
or "I don't understand it", or
if you think your child is
hesitant to ask for help,
these are signs of homework struggles and a possible lack of confidence,
which will quickly add up to
frustration, say education
experts. This will change
readily however, if you get
to the root of the problem.
"Being there for support
is paramount," says Dr.
Donna McGhie-Richmond,
educational specialist with
Kumon Math and Reading
Page 4
Centres. "Talk about the
homework, listen to the
reasons causing the struggle, and let it be known you
understand. Be there to
help remove the obstacles,
but emphasize that the
homework is your child's
responsibility. You won't be
doing it for him or her."
Ask your children how
they feel about their homework. Explain that homework is not easy for everyone, but avoiding it makes
it even harder - and that
will interfere with activities
your child would rather be
doing. Here are a few more
tips to help ease your
child's mind:
. Establish a routine and
schedule with a regular
time dedicated to homework. The best time is right
after school.
. Organize the workspace with the right tools.
. Make the link between
completing homework and
the good feeling of success.
. Help by answering
questions, reviewing the
homework, and providing
necessary resources.
. Show how to break a
large workload or assignment into manageable
tasks.
. Share and celebrate
good work.
SEPT 19 2007
3 Ontario votes
Election day for Ontario Oct. 10
Ontario residents will get the
chance to choose the province’s
decision makers Oct. 10 when
the next provincial election is
held.
Polls will be open across the
province from 9 a.m. until 9
p.m. that day, the locations of
which can be found on the
Notice of Registration card
mailed out to all eligible voters.
Those eager to have a say can
head to advance polls, which
begin Sept. 22 and run until Oct.
4. For dates, times and locations
of advance polls, visit the
Elections Ontario website at
www.elections.on.ca.
And there is still time to sign
up for those qualified to vote
who may not be on the voter’s
list. This includes new Canadian
citizens, new residents to
Ontario and those who have
turned 18 since the last election.
New voters can be added up
until 8 p.m. on Oct. 9.
For more information visit
the Elections Ontario website or
call 1-888-668-8683.
Candidates Voting for an electoral system
Durham:
• June Davies
(Green Party)
• Catherine
Robinson (NDP)
• John O’Toole (PC)
• Betty Somerville
(Liberal)
Oshawa:
• Alexander Kemp
(Green Party)
• Sid Ryan (NDP)
• Jerry Ouellette
(PC)
• Faelyne Templer
(Liberal)
• Dale Chilvers
(Family Coalition
Party of Ontario)
WhitbyOshawa:
• Doug Anderson
(Green Party)
• Nigel Moses
(NDP)
• Christine Elliott
(PC)
• Laura Hammer
(Liberal)
• Bill Frampton
(Freedom Party of
Ontario)
Ontario voters have more than one decision to make at polling stations this year.
The Oct. 10 provincial election will feature two ballots, one used to vote for a candidate as usual and a second that gives voters the chance to change Ontario’s electoral
system.
The referendum question will ask voters
which electoral system should Ontario use
to elect members to the provincial legislature? Voters can choose between the existing electoral system and an alternative system known as Mixed Member Proportional.
Here’s how both systems work:
The current system, known as First-Pastthe-Post, allows voters in Ontario’s 107
electoral districts to chose one candidate
they feel should win a seat in the provincial
legislature.
The candidate with the most votes wins
and represents that district at Queen’s Park.
Following the election, the political party
with the most winners, and the most seats,
forms the provincial government.
The Mixed Member Proportional, or
MMP, system would give voters two votes.
Voters would choose a local member, like
the First-Past-the-Post system, and a political party. Queen’s Park would have 129
seats, 90 filled by local members and 39 by
list members, which means an additional 22
paid Members of Parliament. The party
with the most seats (local and list members
combined) would then form the provincial
government.
The number of votes each political party
gets would determine the number of list
members they have seating on the legisla-
ture.
If a political party gets more votes than
its members, list members would then make
up the difference. Before an election, each
political party submits a list of candidates
to be considered as list members.
The decision to hold a referendum
comes from an independent government
created committee called the Citizens’
Assembly on Electoral Reform. The group
of 52 men and 52 women, all chosen randomly from the voter’s list, investigated the
province’s electoral system and compared
it with other systems around the world.
Last May, the Citizens’ Assembly recommended Ontario use an alternative system.
The referendum will decide whether or
not the rest of Ontario’s voters agree.
Oshawa closer to rail spur in port lands
By Courtney Duffett
The Oshawa Express
Oshawa is one step closer to
getting a proposed harbour rail
line through its port but some
Oshawa councillors are still hopeful the process won’t go any further.
The Canadian Transportation
Agency (CTA), an independent
Government of Canada quasi-judicial tribunal, approved step two of
the project giving CN Rail the go
ahead to be able to build the Rail
Spur. The second step of the
process was approved just weeks
after step one was approved by the
CTA, which took a look at the
environmental aspects of the project. Step two was looking at the
transportation issues involving the
rail line.
“I’m not surprised (the CTA
approved the proposal),” said
Oshawa
councillor
Brian
Nicholson. “But at this point, the
approval is just one small part of
the approval process,” adding that
even though the CN has permis-
sion to build the rail line,
Nicholson said that now “it’s an
issue of who owns what land.” He
said that the permission may be
granted to build the rail line, but
the city has yet to give permission
to CN to build the rail spur on the
land north of Harbour Road,
which is city owned.
“I cannot see the city giving
them permission to cross the
road,” Nicholson said. We have a
very good chance in making sure
this rail line won’t be built.”
The rail spur would expand
upon the now defunct Farewell
line, which begins south of Bloor
Street and crosses Wentworth
Street East and runs along
Harbour Road and Simcoe Street
South to lead into the Port of
Oshawa.
In approving the construction
of the rail spur, the CTA is requiring a follow-up process including
the monitoring of the effects of
construction and operation of the
rail spur and road crossing; submitting an environmental report
within two months of project com-
pletion; at the end of the first season, submitting monitoring reports
and a comprehensive evaluation of
success of mitigation measures.
As CEO of the Oshawa
Harbour Commission, Donna
Taylor said she’s comfortable with
the decision the CTA made in
approving the rail spur and is
pleased Oshawa has the ability to
provide this service to its port.
“It seems like a very sound
decision,” she said. However, “a
lot of legwork is to be done before
any construction can start.”
Trustees get Blackberries
By Courtney Duffett
The Oshawa Express
Photo by Courtney Duffett/The Oshawa Express
From left: Oshawa Mayor John Gray, MP Colin Carrie, David Crombie and Jerry Ouellette.
David Crombie has been appointed as the federal representative on the future direction of Port
Oshawa and local waterfront development.
Trying to reach your local Catholic board
trustee just got a little easier.
The Durham Catholic District School Board
has decided to equip its trustees with the latest
in wireless communications.
A motion passed at least week’s meeting
allowing any trustee who wants a BlackBerry to
have one, at the board’s expense. A BlackBerry
is a handheld device which enables users to
make cellular phone calls and engage in email,
text messaging, internet faxing, web browsing
and other wireless information services.
Oshawa trustee Joe Corey was the only
trustee to vote against the motion.
“I’ve been a trustee since 1972 and in all that
time, I’ve never required a call that was such an
emergency that I needed a BlackBerry,” said
Corey.
Others like Oshawa trustee Fred Jones
applauded the move saying it will allow com-
munication between the trustees no matter
where they are or what they’re doing.
“The time has come,” said Oshawa trustee
Fred Jones, adding they are considered a “must
have” item. “BlackBerries are extremely appropriate in this day in age.”
The BlackBerry expense will come out of
the annual budget at a cost of $1,800 for the initial blackberry and licensing fees. After that, the
projected monthly cost for the BlackBerries will
be about $5,670 annually, according to
Superintendent Mitch LePage, superintendent
of education, information and technology services. He says it does not include long distance
fees as well as the use of BlackBerries for student trustees.
Corey says an email was sent out to trustees
a few days after the meeting letting them know
that BlackBerries will be made available shortly. Corey said he has no intention of getting one.
“I have a phone at home and an email,” says
Corey and he says that’s all he’ll ever need.
Crombie to determine future of
Oshawa harbour development
CROMBIE From Page 1
place with lots of potential
and it’s a shame it’s taken so
long to bring things together.”
His first step is to meet
with those who have an interSEPT 19 2007
est in the future of the port
individually and from there,
come together in groups to
discuss recommendations.
Oshawa MP Colin Carrie
said Crombie, who is a former Conservative MP for
Toronto, should be able to
bring a new vision to the
table for the waterfront.
“We have a great team
here,” said Carrie. “This is a
team effort and we need to
work together.”
Page 5
Rally to protest postal office closure
By Jessica Verge
The Oshawa Express
Oshawa residents opposed to the closure
of Canada Post’s downtown retail counter
will be making some noise tomorrow.
A rally will be held in front of the 47
Simcoe St. S. post office from 3 to 5 p.m.
According to Donna Hardy, president of
the Canadian Union of Postal Workers
Local 579, the event is part of a continuing
effort to stop the scheduled Oct. 5 closure.
The union local also launched a post
card campaign mailing out 60,000 post
cards to Oshawa homes urging them to sign
the card in protest of the closure.
Over 1,000 of the cards have been
signed.
While the facility is not slated to close
entirely, the retail portion of the post office,
where stamps, bulk mailings and other
services can be purchased, will no longer be
available. Such services can be purchased
from select drug stores and retailers in
Oshawa.
Hardy says her union is fighting against
the closure because it is Oshawa’s only
remaining public post office.
In a statement recently issued,
Oshawa city council also urged
Canada Post to reconsider its
decision.
The statement claims the closure will impede the revitalization of downtown Oshawa as
well as cut services to the public
and business community, forcing
them to travel to Whitby for full
postal services.
The statement encourages
like-minded individuals to contact their local MP, MPP or
Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
New
school
opening
delayed
The new unnamed Oshawa high
school will be scheduled to open
one year later than originally
planned.
Despite the continued cooperation of all parties involved in this
$30 million project, unforeseen circumstances have forced the delay of
the new school’s opening, according to a report in the public school
board agenda.
The new school was originally
scheduled to open in September
2008 and now plans are to open the
school in September 2009.
The school will offer space for
1,227 pupils and will be located on
Coldstream Drive in Oshawa.
Volunteers
needed
Volunteers are needed to help
supervise visits between children
and their non-custodial parents.
The Durham Supervised Access
Program (DSAP), YMCA offers
children the opportunity to maintain
or build relationships with their
non-custodial parent or other family
members in a safe, neutral and
child-focused group setting.
Volunteers aged 18 and up are
needed to supervise the two-hour
visits.
A DSAP volunteer gives time,
understanding, patience and support
to children and families suffering
the pain of family breakdown
through separation or divorce.
The volunteer’s presence is key
to ensuring that visits happen in a
safe and positive environment.
At the time of crisis, parents are
often overwhelmed with intense and
difficult feelings, uncertainties and
fears. And children are frequently
caught in the middle.
Visit sites occur Friday evenings
and Saturday afternoons in Ajax and
Tuesday and Thursday evenings and
Sunday afternoons in Oshawa.
For more information, call
Durham
Supervised
Access
Program at 905-619-4565 ext. 305.
Page 6
SEPT 19 2007
SEPT 19 2007
Page 7
Give
us grit
not
fluff
In an age of individualism where what
you can do for me is often deemed more
important than what I can offer the group,
the game of hockey offers great potential
to prove the opposite.
Unfortunately, the commercialization
of hockey sometimes gets in the way of
this important lesson.
The Generals, no doubt are trying to
spice up the franchise with news they are
getting a new fan friendly mascot. The
previous uniformed General mascot was
deemed too sinister for young impressionable fans. They have a shining new multimillion dollar General Motors Centre, the
envy of the league. They have a new partowner, Rocco Tullio, who has invested big
bucks in a dream of his own. And this year
they have replaced their long-time game
announcer.
While embracing change can offer
great rewards and opportunities, it’s
important not to lose sight of what ultimately matters to fans. Can the 2007-2008
team of young players put aside their own
individual aspirations of making the NHL
and deliver an OHL championship, something they haven’t won in 10 years? It
must not be easy for players who are a
stepping stone away from realizing their
lifelong dream of playing for the NHL.
But with all the proverbial ducks in place
and a strong exhibition showing in which
they won four games, and tied two, the
Generals have as good a shot as any of
going all the way this year. The last time
the team won the Memorial Cup, the big
prize for top level junior hockey was 1990;
before that they won in 1944, during the
Second World War. The dedicated fans
have waited long enough and deserve to
see their team reach the pinnacle of success.
The pomp and pageantry of change are
nice selling points but the players are the
big draw of the game.
Their determination and skill are what
fans of the OHL’s Generals pay to see
when they watch a junior game. When
everyone is working hard towards a goal
like a well-oiled machine, sometimes
sheer emotion, self sacrifice and steely grit
can surpass raw individual skill as the
essential components of a winning team.
It is the stuff that NHL hockey heroes
and role models like Bobby Orr, a former
Oshawa General, are made of.
Diehard Generals fans want to ride the
emotion of victory, jump on the bandwagon of their hometown team and bond with
their neighbour as they revel in the sport of
choice. Few remember the score of their
favourite games or the particular eloquence of the game announcer; they
remember being inspired to excel themselves as they witness players pushing
their physical and emotional limits, sweating it out to put the little black disk
between the goal posts of the opposing
team. It’s not something you can ascribe a
dollar value to.
Page 8
600 Thornton Rd. S.
Oshawa, ON L1J 6W7
[email protected]
phone: (905) 571-7334
fax: (905) 571-0255
SEPT 19 2007
Volume 2, Number 46
Publisher
Greg McDowell
Advertising Director
Kim Boatman
Contributing Editor
Wendy Gallagher
Copy Editor
Kim Downey
Contributors
Bruce Jones, Bill Fox,
Amber Nowak,
Kevin LeGrand
Exposing ‘stupidity’
Dear Editor:
Just a few thoughts from south
Oshawa.
Why do they call the cause of
another Canadian soldier loss in
Afghanistan a “roadside” bomb.
Unless detonated by a remote,
should they not be called “middle
of the road” or “on the road”
bombs if a vehicle passes over
them causing them to engage?
You’d think that with all the
advanced technology and modern
weaponry that these routes would
be swept by an “on-board” device
from a slow moving vehicle at
the front of a convoy or column.
Closer to home, here’s a
“kicker” or should we say “licker”.
The idea of “stamping out” the
motion of keeping open the
downtown postal outlet would
have everyone who walks south
of King Street and north of Bloor
from Albert to Cubert Street
“stamping” their cold feet in frustration this coming winter.
I mean the building is there
and being used so what is the big
inconvenience in the heart of a
town of 130,000 or so?
How silly is that thought of
closure in a city this size.
Good for Louise Parkes to
champion the cause of the common man in exposing the stupidity behind that thought.
Finally, keep up the fine work
as Oshawa’s alternative local
newspaper.
business owners, some government
employees and just the general
public were driving foreign-made
cars.
When their businesses depend
on local traffic, why on earth would
they go foreign? I already know
that their businesses will go down
in a hail of Asian chrome, once GM
workers start to pull back in dining
out, etc. It is so fruitless to turn
one’s back on GM cars.
The people that are driving
imports should try out GM cars.
They might be pleasantly surprised.
As it is now, import parts are more
expensive.
For example, I know a family
driving an import, and both husband and wife work. Recently, they
went to get an oil change on their
import. They were surprised to find
the price was over $200.
I’ll close with a bumper sticker
from the past. Perhaps you’ve
already seen it. HUNGRY?? EAT
YOUR IMPORT!! A perfect slogan
for people unwilling to pitch in and
save GM in Oshawa, by taking possession of a GM vehicle.
R. Hues
Oshawa
Purchase GM vehicles
Dear Editor
At present, there are two
Cobalts in my driveway. My
youngest son just recently took a
lease on a four-cylinder pick-up.
The gas mileage is tops; the same
with the two Cobalts. In fact, I
would not change my Cobalt for
any other car.
Last Friday, my eldest son
leased a brand new van and took all
kinds of incentives that GM
offered. Since seeing the gas go up
in price, and fewer GM cars on the
street, I did some checking and
noticed that restaurant owners,
Philip J. Dawson
Oshawa
Mourning opera great Pavarotti
Dear Editor:
Sickening is it not that many
beautiful God-blessed voices of
this world are very much subjected
to stairwells and shower stalls?
As this world has now lost yet
another historic voice, we the listeners, are forced to pick up the
pieces of reality that one does not
live forever in this present form.
His voice was more than an
average voice, as he admitted himself his throat was touched by an
almighty God.
Thinking deeply on it all,
singing is more than a voice. It is
belief, agents, managers, teachers,
studios, money and a fleet of fans
crying more and more.
As to the human voice, is it not
a wonder in itself the many voices
that exist even in languages worldwide?
Suffice it to say that if you sense
that your youngster has a unique
voice get him or her before singing
coaches and people.
You just might very well have
someone in your midst that can
bless the hearts and ears in coming
generations.
The pictures he can print, the
octaves he can reach, the perfection
and clarity are valuable tools to
attentive ears, that are starving to
be sung to.
Bob Hooper
Oshawa
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Letters to the
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SEPT 19 2007
Oshawa
dad pens
fantasy
trilogy
By Jessi ca Verge
The Oshawa Express
When a publisher expressed
interest in the book, Alessandroni
got to work on the rest of the triloWhen his daughters weren’t gy, The Sword of Trystan and The
finding what they wanted to read Dragon’s Breath. However, the
on bookstore shelves, Henry publisher backed out, leaving the
Alessandroni decided to do some- fate of Inizar in Alessandroni’s
hands. After receiving positive
thing about it.
responses from those
Five years ago, the
who had read the triloOshawa father of
Alessandroni
Anya, then 13, and
“These books gy,
decided to self-publish
Julian, then 10, promwere written the books through an
ised his kids a book
online
company,
they’d love. Now that
for my
lulu.com.
labour of love is a fanWhile he says he
tasy trilogy called
daughters.
won’t turn down any
Inizar, a feat he credI created it just publishing offers that
its to his children.
come
his
way,
“These books were
for them.”
Alessandroni says seewritten for my daughing his kids get a thrill
ters,”
says
Alessandroni, 48. “I
- Henry Alessandroni from reading his work
has been enough of a
created it just for
payoff.
them.”
And there’s more to
Shortly after promising
his
girls
a
novel, come.
Alessandroni, who named the
Alessandroni, an actor by trade,
broke his leg. He says the injury series Inizar as a homage to a late
was a blessing in disguise as it gave friend and writing partner with
him the time he needed to write the whom he’d thought up the title for
first book, Inizar: The Birth of a previous unfinished novel, has
two more trilogies on the way. He’s
Kings.
Photo by Jessica Verge/The Oshawa Express
Henry Alessandroni shares his novel Inizar: The Complete Trilogy with daughters Anya, left, and Julian, for whom
the book was written.
also turning the first book into a
screenplay.
The trilogy follows two childhood friends, a young rogue named
Stint and his orphaned pal, Exeter
the elf, who journey back to their
hometown where they are faced
with a tragedy that leaves the fate
of mankind in the balance and the
world of Inizar to civil unrest.
The friends journey on as truth
unfolds and destinies fulfill.
While Alessandroni says writing
has always been a passion, he
began his career acting on
Broadway. After his first child was
born, Alessandroni returned to
Canada, where he’s had roles in TV
shows such as Earth: Final
Conflict and La Femme Nikita and
small movie parts in the Canadian
film Saint Ralph and the
Hollywood picture Bless the Child.
As responsibility to his family
grew, Alessandroni’s acting took a
back seat but he’s enjoying the
opportunity to be creative once
again.
“Writing is a wonderful way to
stay attached to the arts,” he says.
Inizar: The Complete Trilogy is
available on www.lulu.com though
Alessandroni encourages those
wanting to read his book to contact
him directly by email at
[email protected].
Groundwater Fest hits 10 years
Winner takes all
From left, Oshawa Express advertising sales consultant Lezlie Appleton
congratulates April Knechtel who won a one-night adventure package at
Wheels Inn through a draw in the Oshawa Express.
SEPT 19 2007
The Central Lake Ontario
Conservation Authority (CLOCA) celebrated the 2007 Durham Children’s
Groundwater Festival.
CLOCA received $35,000, which
will go towards educating more than
5,000 Grade 4 students about water
conservation and protection with a
goal to motivate the students to be
good water stewards in their home,
classes and the community.
“On behalf of the Groundwater
Festival, I would like to welcome the
Diamond Sponsors to the 2007
Durham Children’s Groundwater
Festival,” said Gerry Emm, chair of
(CLOCA). “Entering into our tenth
year, we are very proud of the event’s
success, but this would not be possible
without the support of our sponsors.”
The festival was awarded $68,000
in 2006 from the Ontario Trillium
Foundation to help raise community
awareness
about
groundwater
resources. The grant was applied to
the 2006 and 2007 festivals.
Established in 1998, the Durham
Children’s Groundwater Festival is
like a giant outdoor science centre
consisting of 40 interactive learning
stations, all focused on water. The festival will be held from Sept. 24 to 28
at Camp Samac in Oshawa. At the
conclusion of the 2007 festival, more
than 39,000 Grade 4 students will
From left: Drip the Drop, Councillor Gerry Emm, chair of Central Lake Ontario
Conservation, Cate Martin, Ontario Power Generation, Janice Badgley,
TransCanada, Lisa Turnbull, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, John Peck, Shell
Canada Ltd., Cathy Simpson, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Kathleen
Burgetz, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Lloyd White, The Ontario
Trillium Foundation.
have participated in this unique environmental program over the past 10
years.
Anyone interested in supporting
the Durham Children’s Groundwater
Festival through a financial or in-kind
donation is asked to contact Patricia
Lowe, festival organizing committee
chair at the Central Lake Ontario
Conservation office at 905-579-0411
ext. 126. Information can also be
found online at www.cloca.com.
Page 9
Advertorial
Oshawa dentists give back
One local dental
office will be cooking up
some fun and games for
a good cause this weekend.
Clearbrook Dental will
be hosting a charity barbeque Sept. 22 with all
proceeds
going
to
Oshawa’s Simcoe Hall
Settlement House.
As a non-profit organization, the Settlement
Page 10
House assists families,
adults and children who
are affected by poverty.
The organization runs
initiatives
such
as
‘Rainbows
for
all
Children’ for grief and
loss support, ‘Fitkidz’ to
promote
physical
activAity in children and
an after-school nutrition
program and food bank.
Hot dogs, hamburgers
and drinks will be served
at the barbeque, which
will also feature fun
activities such as face
painting and prize raffles.
The event will take
place at the dental office
at 1377 Wilson Rd. N.
from 11 a.m. until 2
p.m.
Dr. Lorne Newton, Dr.
Mark Sokalsky, Dr. Sara
Solomon
and
associates
of
Clearbrook Dental
will be there to
take part in the
charity barbecue.
With
various
locations throughout
Durham
Region and the
GTA, Clearbrook
Dental is proud to
give back to its
community.
With 20 years in
the
field,
Clearbrook Dental
offers a variety of
services that are
sure to meet all
your dental needs.
Join them Sept.
22 for what promises to be a fun
afternoon.
SEPT 19 2007
SEPT 19 2007
Page 11
Program helps
to “butt out”
Smokers can attempt to quit the habit by visiting free
groups aimed at ending addiction.
“Both group programs consist of an information meeting and six group sessions,” said Mary Sue O’Connor,
public health nurse with Durham Region health department. “The information meeting will provide participants
with an overview of the program and an opportunity to
discuss concerns they may have about joining the group.”
The information meetings will be held on Sept. 11 in
Port Perry and Sept. 25 in Ajax with each meeting taking
place from 7 to 8 p.m. Group sessions will begin Oct. 9
in Port Perry and Oct. 23 in Ajax. And for each location,
the group sessions will take place over six weeks on
Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
“Our groups provide a supportive environment where
individuals can feel comfortable,” said O’Connor.
“Participants have commented that our groups were helpful in increasing the personal confidence and commitment that’s needed to quit smoking.”
The first group will be held at the Scugog Community
Centre at 1655 Reach St. in Port Perry and the second
will be held at Ajax Baptist Church at 56 Angus Dr. in
Ajax.
Registration is required for both the information meetings and the group sessions. Space is limited and
advanced registration is recommended.
For more information or to register, call Durham
Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-8412729.
West Nile Virus
claims crow
A dead crow found in Whitby is confirmed to have
been infected with the West Nile Virus.
The bird is the most recent of 35 dead birds submitted
for testing by the Durham Regional Health Department.
The case serves as a reminder that precautions still
need to be taken against West Nile even as the end of
summer approaches.
The Health Department plans to continue its mosquito
surveillance program, which so far has trapped over
16,200 mosquitoes.
None of these mosquitoes has tested positive for the
virus, which can cause illness in humans.
Contact the Health Department’s Environmental Help
Line at (905) 723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613, ext. 2188 for
more information on West Nile or to report sightings of
dead crows, blue jays or raptors. Report these sightings
online as well, at www.region.durham.on.ca.
See Last Week’s answers Page 15
Page 12
Frisky, 13, has many names by which he goes by including Fool, Monkey and Hello Breakfast. Her favourite things
to do are play with her ball or her monkey. She also likes to eat, sleep and go for walks and car rides.
The Oshawa Express would like to remind its readers to still send
Echo Baby pictures in to run bi-weekly to the new Express Perfect Pet feature.
O’Neill Collegiate Vocational Institute
Oshawa’s first official high
school was located at 301 Simcoe
St. N., and its doors were opened
to the public in 1909. It was originally named Oshawa High
School.
The first floor had seven rooms
that were specifically designed to
hold science instruction classes,
general classes, a teacher’s room
and a cloakroom. The second floor
had eight rooms. The first principal of this school was Mr. L.C.
Smith.
By 1923, Oshawa’s population
was growing rapidly. Classroom
space became terribly limited and
the school became more and more
over-crowded. A large auditorium,
new science classrooms, and a
gymnasium were added to the east
side of the building. This addition
fueled the idea for the school to be
renamed. In 1924, it became
known as Oshawa Collegiate
Institute.
The student enrolment continued to rise and in 1926, the principal, Mr. O’Neill, recognized that
more classrooms were required. It
was Mr. O’Neill who first submitted the proposal to the Board of
Education to combine a technical
school and a collegiate. This proposal was accepted in 1929, and
construction began once again on
Oshawa Collegiate Institute.
Plans for the addition to the
school included an industrial section on the south side and a technical section on the north side of the
building. The plans were designed
to update and modernize the building. So in addition, the front of the
school was demolished and a new
entrance was constructed. On May
7, 1930, the school reopened as
Oshawa Collegiate and Vocational
Institute.
During the Second World War,
students at O.C.V.I. were heavily
involved in the war effort. Many
left their studies early to enlist in
the war; others supported the war
from home. In the 1943-44 school
year,
students
from
O.C.V.I.
sold more than
$40,000 worth
of war bonds. In
October 1944,
the school was
awarded with a
plaque from the
Royal Canadian
Air Force in
recognition of
the school raising
nearly
$160,000 for the war effort.
By the late 1940s overcrowding
once again became a major problem in the school. In the 1948-49
school year, classes were held on
Saturday to compensate for this
problem. Just when it seemed that
another expansion would be needed, plans for a new high school,
Central
Collegiate,
were
announced and the overcrowding
problem was solved in 1950.
In 1951, A.E. O’Neill ended his
25-year long run as principal. He
retired and left the impression of
dignity and honour among the students and staff. G.L. Roberts succeeded him as principal. Ten years
after Mr. O’Neill’s retirement, a
committee was established to
rename the school. In September
1960, it was decided that Oshawa
C.V.I would formally and respectfully be changed to O’Neill
Collegiate
and
Vocational
Institute.
SEPT 19 2007
ARIES: March 20 to April 19
Feeling more energetic, you should
make a special effort to work on your
relationship. Spend conservatively and
look for new ways to manage your
money. Avoid a power struggle on Sept. 21.
TAURUS: April 19 to May 20
You could turn a hobby into a business
or teach a class at the local college. You
will experience more pressure and deadlines at work after Sept. 23. Put vacation
plans in place.
GEMINI: May 20 to June 21
Relocation is possible over the next two
years. Check for mechanical problems.
Re-consider a business plan. Do not let
problems turn into aggravations. Be
flexible on Sunday.
CANCER: June 21 to July 22
You enjoy spending your time at home
with your family, but could have opportunities to travel over the next year.
After Sept. 23, enjoy fun and good times
at home with your family.
LEO: July 22 to August 22
Hard work, a mature attitude, and developing your personal skills will pay off
big down the road. Set goals and put
plans into action. Do not take chances
with money you cannot afford to lose.
VIRGO: August 22 to Sept 22
Financial matters come more strongly
into focus over the new few weeks.
Do not let yourself get too run down. Be
sure to get plenty of sleep. Host a dinner
party.
LIBRA: Sept 22 to Oct 23
You could meet a Guru or spiritual
leader. Feeling more in balance after
Sept. 23, you should take time to reevaluate your direction in life. Plan a
romantic get-a-way with your partner.
SCORPIO: Oct 23 to Nov 22
You have great potential to increase your
bank account, but may also have to deal
with an unexpected expense. Enjoy your
best financial year in the last 12. Avoid
disputes over money.
SAGITTARIUS: Nov 22 to Dec 21
A good time to go for a make over, you
have a strong desire to make improvements in your life. More confident, you
are determined to climb the ladder to
success. Get together with old friends after Sept. 23.
CAPRICORN: Dec 21 to Jan 19
Network with people who are in a position to advance your career. People in
position of authority are well aware of
your personal skills. Career pressures
increase after Sept. 23.
AQUARIUS: Jan 19 to Feb 19
You want the type of job where you feel
you can make a contribution. Single
Aquarians could meet a significant other.
Try journaling, take a fun class or pay a
visit to Chapters.
PISCES: Feb 19 to March 20
If you decide to commit to a relationship, you will give it your very best. You
or your partner could receive a raise or
bonus. Career opportunities are all
around you until December.
This Stars Say is provided by Joan Ann of Oshawa. For personal readings, call 905-725-9179
or visit her website at www.astroconsultation.com
Unpasteurized juices
pose health risk
Durham residents are urged to use caution
when consuming unpasteurized fruit juices and
ciders that may contain harmful bacteria.
Drinking these items often sold this time of
year at farmers’ markets and community fall
fairs, could put them at risk of salmonella and
E.coli.
As well, it’s important for parents and caregivers to note that children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems are at an
increased risk for developing severe illness from
consuming unpasteurized products.
“Unpasteurized juices and ciders are often
sold this time of year at roadside stands, community fairs, farmers’ markets and a variety of retail
outlets,” said Toni Moran, manager of environmental health with Durham Region health department. “It’s important to
be cautious of purchasing and consuming
these products because
they may contain
harmful bacteria that
can lead to severe illness.”
While the risk of
becoming seriously ill
from drinking unpasteurized juice or cider
is generally low for
healthy adults, the risk
is greater for vulnera-
ble individuals.
Symptoms of a food-borne illness such as
E.coli or salmonella infection can include stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and diarrhea and can
occur from one to 10 days after consuming the
contaminated food or beverages.
Those who experience any of these symptoms
should seek medical attention.
The health department recommends drinking
only pasteurized juices and ciders, clearly marked
as such on the product label. If the product label
does not specify that the contents are pasteurized,
consumers should assume the contents are unpasteurized.
For more information on un-pasteurized fruit
juices, cider products or other food safety issues,
call the Environmental Line at 905-723-3818.
PRIZE: Bring in your completed and correct Express Crossword puzzle before the answers run in the following Wednesday
edition and you will receive an Express t-shirts. Limit is one t-shirt per person for the year. Last week’s answers are on page 19.
SEPT 19 2007
Page 13
Up up and away
Stories and photos by Courtney Duffett
The Oshawa Express
Durham looks a lot different from 1,500
feet in the air.
I had the unique opportunity recently to
experience what few will ever get a chance to.
I joined Lori Perkin and her mother Margaret
in fulfilling one of their life-long dreams by
travelling up in a hot air balloon. For someone
who is more than a little nervous about heights,
it was a great opportunity for me to face my
fear. I won’t tell you I remained glued to my
bench seat most of the time.
Lori and her mother won the ride in a hot
air balloon through Pilot Insurance after winning a draw at this year’s Ribfest event in
Oshawa.
“I’ve always wanted to try it,” says Lori. “It
felt cool to win.” It was a first for the two of
them, and an adventure they will not soon forget.
This is the first time the hot air balloon
through Pilot Insurance was at the Ribfest
event in Oshawa. Last year, Pilot’s balloon
program was at Oshawa’s Autofest event.
The balloon took off in the early evening in
Port Perry after about an hour of waiting for
the wind to calm down. A balloonist won’t fly
if the winds are too strong because it’s considered too risky.
Dave Monson, the pilot, has been flying hot
air balloons for about 21 years and said
patience is key to flying balloons, adding it’s
definitely a waiting game.
After the tiring wait, the sun began to set
for the evening and the winds were slowing
down and Monson said it was time to blow up
the balloon for the flight.
Monson said he can’t inflate the balloon if
the winds are too strong because being as big
as it is, the air won’t blow up the balloon properly, turning it into a large sail.
“The winds have to be just right,” said
Monson.
To begin to blow up the balloon, Monson
and his helper, Jack Wismer, laid the large balloon flat on the ground. A large gas-powered
jet engine propeller blew cold air into the balloon.
Once there was enough air in the balloon,
Monson turned the two burners on to blow hot
air into the balloon, which made the balloon
rise standing straight up, ready for take-off.
This process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Once the balloon was fully inflated,
Monson motioned for his guests to jump into
the balloon.
While the balloon was on the ground, it was
tied to Monson’s truck so it wouldn’t float
away…a comforting thought, I said to myself.
But as soon as all his passengers were in the
basket, he let the balloon go and away we
went.
The balloon soared up into the air until it
reached about 1,800 feet above sea level
(ASL) or about 1,500 feet above ground level.
At one point, Monson said the balloon reached
a speed of about 20 km per hour.
And what may be scary and fearful for
some riders, like me, the ride was a ‘breeze’ for
Lori Perkin and her mother, Margaret.
Page 14
Some may think
that a balloon ride is
rough and bumpy
floating up in the air,
but “it’s more of a
calming experience
than an adventurous
event,” said Monson.
“I feel as though I
have to whisper,” said
Margaret Perkin. “It is
just so peaceful.”
And although I
was glued to my seat,
I still had the chance
to look over the edge
of the basket. Because
we were flying lower
at
some
points
throughout the flight,
I often feared we were
going to run into the
trees that were so
close underneath our
basket.
The balloon was in
flight for about 37
minutes and down
below, Wismer followed the balloon in
the truck along roads.
Balloon pilots try
to land in farm fields Balloon pilot Dave Monson holds the bottom of the balloon open while filling it with cold air from a jet engine prowhere there is lots of peller before heating the air up with the burners, which makes the balloon rise.
space and Wismer
must try to reach the land-owner before the
balloon touches down to ask permission to
land.
Luckily on this trip, the land-owners had
been in a hot air balloon once before and were
more than happy for the pilot to land on their
field.
But even though the ride itself is calming
and quiet, the landing can be quite bumpy and
unnerving. Monson explained there are three
different ways to land a hot air balloon.
The first, less bumpy landing is a touchdown landing where the basket touches down
and the balloon floats down to the ground. The
second landing is a multiple-bump landing
where the balloon will touch down multiple
times in the field before its final landing.
And the last, most bumpy landing is where
the basket touches down and tips on its side
and slides across the field before coming to a
stop.
For this trip, the balloon did a multiplebump landing. Monson told us to hang on and
bend our knees, facing the direction of the
landing.
He counted, “one, two, three, four, five,”
the number of bumps the basket would take
before stopping.
Tradition at the end of any flight is for the
pilot to recite the “balloonist prayer” while
drinking a glass of champagne in the field in
which they land.
“It brought tears to my eyes,” said Margaret
Perkin. “It was perfect. I’m going to be able to
visualize this for a very long time.”
Me, I’m just glad to get back down on the From left: Lori Perkin and her mother Margaret celebrate their landing after winning a hot air
ground.
balloon ride through Pilot Insurance at this year’s Ribfest event in Oshawa.
SEPT 19 2007
‘House concerts’ hit Oshawa
Fri. Sept. 21
Hobby Expo – Legends Centre. 10 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Interested in enriching your life
with a new hobby? Visit us and have the
chance to see demonstrations, talk with
many hobbyists and enter to win door
prizes. Free admission. Event also takes
place at the McLaughlin Branch of the
Oshawa Public Library on Sept. 22 from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tues. Sept. 25
Lindor Fashion Show – St. Stephen’s
United Church, 1360 Simcoe St. N.
Sponsored by the United Church
Women. 7 p.m. Tickets are $7. Dessert,
coffee and tea will be served. For more
information call 905-576-9938.
Thurs. Sept. 27
Falls Prevention Clinic – Cedarcroft
Place Retirement Residence, 649 King.
St. E. 4 to 8 p.m. Meet with a registered
physiotherapist, mobility aide specialist,
hearing loss clinician and senior downsizing specialists and have your blood
pressure taken. Entertainment and gourmet delights from 7 to 8 p.m. For more
information call Robin or Marina at 905723-9490.
Buildings
open door
to past
Oshawa’s oldest buildings will open
their doors this weekend to give area residents a glimpse of the past.
The 4th Annual Doors Open Oshawa,
part of the province-wide Doors Open
event, runs Sept. 22 and 23 with the chance
to tour 22 sites in the
city.
The sites will be
open from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m., unless otherwise
noted, and will feature
special activities such
as concerts and displays. The event is
free.
Four new sites
have been added this
year: Saint George the
Great
Martyr
Ukrainian Catholic
Church on Albert
Street South, the
Church of Saint Peter
(Anglican) on Cedar
Street,
Corporate
Aircraft Restorations
located at the Oshawa
Municipal Airport and
Portraits by Goguen, a
1900 house turned
commercial art gallery
on Centre Street
South.
For a complete list
of sites and times,
visit
www.heritageoshawa.ca or call
905-436-5636
ext.
2108.
SEPT 19 2007
Business owner
offers music
lovers a change
of scene
By Jessica Verge
The Oshawa Express
Across the country, music fans gather
together in small venues to get up close and personal with performers. But it’s not bars, pubs or
clubs where these intimate yet public concerts
come together; it’s in the comfort of private
homes.
And the concept of a “house concert” is
something Gary Island is hoping to introduce to
Oshawa.
It’s not a new idea. House concerts are a
common occurrence in cities such as San
Francisco and Halifax. A quick Internet search
reveals several websites maintaining lists of
homes across the U.S. and Canada available for
concerts, most of them offering a smoke-free,
alcohol-free venue showcasing acoustic sets by
a wide range of artists.
But it’s a type of entertainment that caught
Island’s eye and now the Oshawa businessman
plans to stage a series of house concert-style
shows.
“I’m a huge music fan,” says Island, a lifelong Oshawa resident and owner of The Casket
Store.
Starting with an Oct. 20 show by Toronto
singer-songwriter Jory Nash at the Arts
Resource Centre, 45 Queen St. behind city hall,
Island is offering fellow music lovers a chance
to enjoy a concert in an intimate setting without
leaving the city.
Island says house concerts aren’t restricted
to private homes and can take place in church
halls, clubhouses and small theatres--though he
hopes to move the concert series to an actual
home.
“That’s what house concerts truly are,” he
says.
Nash’s concert will feature original material
plus his covers of Gordon Lightfoot and Paul
Simon. Island says, like most house concerts it
will be mostly acoustic with some amplification
and plenty of interaction between the performer
and the audience.
While the first show in the house concert
series begins at 8 p.m. on a Saturday, Island
intends to host most shows on Tuesdays or
Wednesdays with the
concert over by 9:30
p.m. He hopes such a
move will suit music
lovers who want to
take in a show but
don’t want to be out
late.
He says ticket
prices will stay
between $20 and $25
with tickets for the
first show $22.50.
Island’s interest
in booking shows
began in 2004 when
he organized a small
concert by Rik
Emmett
at
the
Oshawa
Theatre.
After the first show
found success, Island
booked
another
Emmett concert in
Port Hope.
Now he’s eager to
do it again.
“I got the itch back,” he says.
As a business owner, Island also sees the
concert series as a way to improve the city in
which he lives and works.
“Maybe I can help make a difference,” he
says.
Tickets can be purchased at The Casket
Store, 19 Brock St. W. in Oshawa. Island
encourages music fans to purchase tickets early,
as only 60 seats are available.
Page 15
Page 16
SEPT 19 2007
Photo by Bruce Jones/The Oshawa Express
The Oshawa Generals finished an unbeaten 2007-08 exhibition season and are getting ready
for the season home opener on Sept. 21 against Sudbury at the General Motors Centre in
Oshawa. The game begins at 7:35 p.m.
Gens unbeaten in exhibition play
The Oshawa Generals are hoping to continue their winning streak in exhibition play as
they head into their regular season.
They start the season with a home opener
against the Sudbury Wolves this Friday having
swept up final exhibition game 7-3 against the
Owen Sound Attack.
Jeff Hayes and Murray Free both scored
twice and John Tavares, Dean Howard and
Shea Kewin scored the other goals for the
Generals as the Generals out-shot the Attack
41-38.
Jakub Kovar started in goal for the
Generals and allowed two goals on 18 shots
with Mark Packwood finishing up and allowing one goal on 23 shots.
The Oshawa Generals also downed the
Peterborough Petes 6-3 during Saturday
night’s home game in Oshawa.
Rookie David Corrente scored three goals
and Shea Kewin, Marc Franchini and Matt
Seegmiller scored the other goals for the
Generals. Franchini also picked up a pair of
assists.
Anthony Peters played the first half of the
game in goal for the Generals, allowing two
Photo by Bruce Jones/The Oshawa Express
The Oshawa Generals downed the Peterborough Petes 6-3 Saturday night at home followed
by a 7-3 win Sunday night against the Owen Sound Attack.
goals on 16 shots, while Jakub Kovar finished
up, allowing a single goal on 14 shots.
After completing the exhibition season, the
Generals are focusing this week on getting
ready for the season opener this Friday at the
General Motors Centre in Oshawa against
Sudbury. The game starts at 7:35 p.m.
Tickets are still available for the home
opener at www.ticketmaster.ca and at the
General Motors box office during regular business hours.
Season tickets can also be purchased by
contacting Jason Hickman at 905-433-0900
ext. 2226.
Durham College and UOIT Arenas offer healthy grub
sports seasons begin
Rose sweetens home opener
The Durham Lords baseball team
opened the 2007 regular season with a
home sweep of the Queen’s Golden Gaels
in a doubleheader Saturday.
The Lords defeated the Golden Gaels
8-0 in game one and 7-6 in game two.
The Lords received dominant pitching
in the opener from Gary Rose as he threw
a three-hitter with nine strikeouts in game
one. The second game was a see-saw bat-
tle throughout with the Lords scoring five
runs in the sixth to lead 7-4.
They held on in the seventh for a 7-6
victory as they turned to starter Mike
Arsenault to shut down the Gaels in the
seventh.
The Lords’ next home action at
Kinsmen Stadium in Sept. 19 against the
York Lions in a doubleheader at 6 and 8
p.m.
Rowing team shines with twin golds
The UOIT Novice men’s eight rowing team
didn’t let a lack of experience slow them down.
They powered their way to two Gold medal finishes in as many days.
They won the Gold medal at the Head of the
Thames event on Sept. 15 in London and they
repeated their top finish at an event in London the
day after.
All the rowers in the crew are new to the sport
this year including: Colin Jeffery, Michael
Orram, Mark Heinien, Rob Naylor, Adrian
Baker, Alex Sabo, Kevin Van Rooy, Rob De
Vries and Jo Liang.
Other crews representing UOIT at the Sept.
15 event were the Varsity Heavy Men’s Eight, the
Women’s Eight, a Novice Cox Four and a Varsity
Men’s Cox Four.
SEPT 19 2007
The Ridgeback Varsity Heavy Women won
silver but there is a protest on times and the race
is being looked at as an official’s error.
On Sept. 16 at the Western Invitational in
London, UOIT entered five crews and besides the
Novice Men’s Eight team winning the gold, the
Women’s Novice Cox Four also won the gold.
The men’s Varsity Heavy Eight placed seventh, two minutes out of first place.
And the Ridgebacks Heavy Women’s Eight
placed fourth.
Overall, coach Rob Milliken was pleased
with the crew’s performance as they had three
eights and two cox fours for a total of 36 competitors.
The next action will be on Sept. 29 in
Peterborough.
Move over hot dogs and French fries—
local arenas are promoting healthy food choices.
With the second year of the Durham Lives!
Creating Healthy Environment for Youth initiative, the Legends Centre in Oshawa, the
Ajax Community Centre and the BeavertonThorah Community Centre are now offering
healthy food choices as part of their concession menus.
According to a 2005 survey, 60 per cent of
area patrons in Durham visit their local arena
two to five times per week. Of those, 90 per
cent indicated they would like to see healthy
food choices available in the arenas.
Both the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation
Complex in Bowmanville and Scugog
Community Recreation Centre in Port Perry
launched the CHEY pilot project last year.
Studies indicated that less than $2.40 was
spent on healthy food for every $100 spent
before the launch of the pilot in 2006. Results
show that both arenas experienced a 100 per
cent increase in healthy good sales.
“The results from the pilot study indicate
that healthy food choices in arenas do sell,”
said Adrienne Baltadjian, a public health nutritionist with Durham Region health department. “With the increase in arenas participating in the project, it’s becoming easier than
ever to make healthy food choices.”
For more information, call Durham Health
Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800841-2729, or visit www.region.durham.on.ca.
OMHA Novice
A Hockey
results
Oshawa’s
Roughley
Insurance played host to
Whitby on Friday.
The Oshawa Minor
Hockey Association team
tied the score 5-5 in a home
exhibition game against the
Whitby team at the Ice
Campus Centre.
Oshawa goals went to
Dillan McFarlane, Mason
Snell, Liam Robertson,
Riley St. John and Graydon
Hogg.
Page 17
FINANCIAL
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EMPLOYMENT
RELIABLE
PAINTERS &
DECORATORS
PAINTERS -
Experienced
contractors with car
and tools needed for
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Call Monday to
Friday, 7 am to 5 pm.
905-814-8629.
Sorter/Bundler
Needed
Permanent, part time
position needed to
bundle newspapers in
Oshawa. Must be
available Tuesday
evenings. Please apply
in writing to:
The Oshawa Express
600 Thorton Rd. S.
Oshawa, Ontario
L1J 6W7
905-571-7334
Fax: 905-571-0255
email:
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
HELP WANTED
FT/PT shifts daily 7 days a week
Earn $12 hr. Contact us today!
1-888-974-JOBS or
www.1888974jobs.com
SCHOOL BUS
DRIVERS
NEEDED
In Oshawa area.
Clean drivers abstract.
Free training provided. Regular part
time hours. Charter work available.
STOCK TRANSPORTATION.
1-800-889-9491.
[email protected]
SERVICE
EXPERTS
DOYLE
Check out
CARPENTRY
EVENTS
Interior & Exterior
Renovations
* Doors & trim
* Drywall, painting
* Bathrooms
* Kitchens
* Basements
Jeff: 905-697-2106
www.oshawaexpress.ca!
ITEMS WANTED
CLASSIFIED
ADVERTISING
INFORMATION
To Reach The
Oshawa Express
Phone:
905-571-7334
Fax:
905-571-0255
advertising@osh
awaexpress.ca
Residential
Classified
Ads
$21 (plus gst)
for 25 words
ITEMS WANTED
DORSEY Antiques & Collectibles Always looking for pottery, jewellery,
post cards, interesting paper items, dolls
& toys (pre 1980), small furniture, old
marbles, hat pins, figurines, old watches,
old children’s books... For more information, email
[email protected].
CUSTOM
PAINTING
Ryan Appleton
Painting Contractor
Interior/Exterior
Call 905-260-1083
for FREE ESTIMATE
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“Generation to
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WANTED
SCRAP CARS AND TRUCKS
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We go that extra distance for your solutions. Residential, Commercial, Any
needs. Call 905-404-0346 or
Cell 905-644-8448
24-7
CALL RON
905-449-3000
DENTAL
DENTAL
DENTAL
Business
Classified
Ads
$25 for a 1
col x 1”
(Boxed)
$39 for a 1
col x 2”
(Boxed)
FOR SALE
Student Computer Desk
Lower three drawer with pull
out keyboard table.
Separate unit with two shelves.
Excellent condition
$75.00
Call
905-442-2010
After 6pm
(plus gst)
www.oshawaexpress.ca
THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
Page 18
FOR SALE
Phone: 905-571-7334
Fax: 905-571-0255
YARD SALE
TAILGATE SALE
FOR SALE
STUDENT Computer
Desk - Lower three
drawer with pull out
keyboard table. Separate
unit with two shelves.
Excellent
condition.
$75.00. Call 905-4422010 after 6pm
FOR SALE
BUY QUALITY LUMBER FOR LESS
From the Mill
Decking, Flooring, Siding (Cedar, Pine, Oak,
Maple & Ash, etc.) V-Grove.
Starts at $1.15/sq. ft.
HIGHLAND FOREST PRODUCTS
www.hfpwood.com
705-457-3192 1-800-567-7114
Email: [email protected]
SEP 19 2007
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
$215,000
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
West Park Village, Cobourg
5 Models To View
Townes From $200’s
The Brighton
1653 or 1838 Sq ft
Soaring Ceiling open to loft
area, main floor master
with ensuite, 2 floor plans
allow for additional, 3rd
bedroom in loft.
The Wellington
GREAT BEGINNINGS!
2 storey link home in Whitby, nicely decorated, finished rec room, fenced yard. Hardwood LR/DR, ceramics in kitchen. For your private viewing, call Dan
Silver, sales representative at MinCom Durham Realty
Brokerage 905-404-8200.
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
1731 or 1741 sq ft
INCREDIBLE LOFT
DESIGN
main floor master with
ensuite and 2 additional loft
bedrooms. Main floor laundry, open ceiling loft from
living room.
Singles From $240’s
The Brock
REAL ESTATE
RENTALS
UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE STUDENT Accommodation
near
Bowmanville. Prefer male
students. Furnished, converted school. Four bedrooms, washrooms, laundry, kitchen, library, study
room, games room, parking. $475 inclusive. Sept
1. 905-987-5475
Whitby Condo
Rossland and Garden. 1
bdrm with solarium, 5
appliances. Use of all
facilities. Pool, Jacuzzi,
Weight Room, BBQ
Area. Indoor parking.
available October 1st
$1,185 inclusive
(905) 728-9593
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
September 12th Crossword
RENTALS
GREAT STARTER!
2 storey link home in
Whitby, nicely decorated, finished rec room,
fenced yard. Hardwood
LR/DR, ceramics in
kitchen. For your private
viewing, call Dan Silver,
sales representative at
MinCom Durham Realty
Brokerage
905-404-8200.
RENTALS
APARTMENT FOR RENT - One bedroom condo, downtown
Oshawa, fr/stv/wshr/dr/ dishwasher, central air, private balcony, storage room in unit. 1st & last req. Huge bath, hydro
extra. $865/mo. Available immed. 905-985-3627.
AFFORDABLY PRICED IN WHITBY! Move In Bonus!
Family, friendly community. Conveniently located with transit at your door, just one bus to go station. Across from
shopping plaza and minutes to hwy 401. Spacious 2 & 3
bdrm apts from $890, utilities included.
Ask Us About AIR MILESÒ HIGHLAND TOWERS.
200 White Oaks Court 905.668.7332
www.caprent.com
FOR RENT
800 sq ft Office Space.
Hwy 401
Location in Oshawa
Lots of parking
Large, Open space,
Move-In Ready.
$1,000/mo, utilities included
Call: 905-434-7409
T h e Vo i c e o f t h e C o m m u n i t y
Check out the website
with all the latest in
community news!
1561 sq ft bungalow
Covered wrap around
porchbungalow with loft. 4
bedrooms in all, 2 bedrooms on main floor, master with ensuite. Very nice
layout.
The Windsor
1759 - 1782 sq ft
Outstanding bungalow layout with 3 bedrooms, main
floor family room and laundry.
The Kensington
1634 or 1637 sq ft
Bungalow
2 elevations available,
seperate dining room, master with ensuite. Main floor
laundry, kitchen open concept with great room.
Sales Centre Hours
Mon-Thurs: 12pm - 6pm
Weekends: 11am - 5pm
1-888-245-5494
www.vandyk.com
So send us your
minor hockey results
because we‘d love
to publish them!
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
September 12th Crossword
THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
SEPT 19 2007
Phone: 905-571-7334
Fax: 905-571-0255
Email: [email protected]
Page 19
Page 20
SEPT 19 2007