Community Artwork Project Outdoor Gallery Officially Unveiled

HALTON HILLS, ON, November 26, 2011/ - Members of Council, Members of the Halton Hills Public Library Board and Jane Diamanti, Director of Library Services joined Community Artwork Project participants, neighbours and patrons for the official unveiling of the Community Artwork Project Outdoor Gallery at the construction site of the Georgetown Branch, Halton Hills Public Library.

More than twenty groups and individuals of all ages have participated in the project by creating paintings to express what the Library and Cultural Centre mean to them. This spectacular outdoor installation on the Market Street hoarding will remain until the building's grand re-opening in late 2012.

“What a tremendous outpouring of community support for two cultural treasures in our community – our Library and our Cultural Centre,” said Mayor Bonnette. “The artwork that has been contributed by local artists, both professional and amateur, is truly inspiring.”

Pieces of plywood, brushes and paint were supplied by the Library to any interested residents. Artwork of every shape, size and colour was created to celebrate the community importance of the Georgetown Branch and Cultural Centre while under its renovation and expansion.

“We are delighted to unveil this exceptional collection of community art,” added Jane Diamanti, Director of Library Services for the Town of Halton Hills. “As you can see from the breadth of artwork that has been produced, our Library and Cultural Centre mean something different to everyone. Art is a wonderful way to express these unique experiences and has the power to show so effectively the things that we believe in and the things that we celebrate as a community.” Carole Warfield, Director of Inkwell Montessori School/Georgetown Art Express and participant in the project, added these comments:

“As passionate ‘users’ of our local library, we wanted to submit a piece of art that would not only allow our kids to be intimately involved in its creation, but offered some commentary on the special status the library holds within our community. A library is so much more than the four walls that physically define it…it’s a magical place where kids can travel to virtually anywhere in the world, including to the outer limits of their collective imaginations. We wanted to create something that allowed each child to tell that story - and we believe each little hand print achieved that.”

Participants in the project include:
• Kate Allan
• Carolina Anderson
• Barbara Ariss-Stroh Wasser
• Louise and Ellen Crawley
• Dave Cox
• The Debowy Family
• Claire Francis
• Inkwell Montessori School/Georgetown Art Express – Carole Warfield, Director
• Emma, Zac, Aydan and Cole Gogan
• Geoff, Nikki, Abbey and Eddie Hogan
• Emma Holt
• Carter, Ellie and Rhyse Johnson
• Madeleine and Allyda King
• Ingrid Nordmeyer and Petra Keck
• Kim Sopinka
• Stacie Sopinka and family
• Jocelyn Trisic
• 12th Georgetown Sparks – Leader, Maxine Brown
• 12th Georgetown Brownies – Leader, Alison Crawley
• 14th Georgetown Brownies - Leaders Sarah Docker, Dani Jordeczka, Beverley
King
• 14th Georgetown Guides - Leaders Kezia Motluk, Beverley King, Andrea
Hadlington

The Halton Hills Public Library (HHPL) provides free access to best-selling books, ebooks and e-readers, newly released DVDs, CDs and more. Our professionally-trained staff are online experts who can take you beyond Google in your search for information. Every week, approximately 2,220 people come through the Library’s doors, in addition to the more than 3,000 who visit our Library electronically. For more information on our programs, services, hours of operation and access to our online catalogue, visit www.hhpl.on.ca.

Metrolinx recognizes the Town with the Smart Commute Halton 'Employer of the Year' Award

On Tuesday November 15, 2011, the Town’s commitment to sustainability was once again recognized, this time by Metrolinx – a provincial agency responsible for coordinating and integrating all modes of transportation across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). Metrolinx presented the Town with the Smart Commute Halton ‘Employer of the Year’ award. Smart Commute, a program of Metrolinx, is focused on encouraging alternative commuting options such as carpooling, cycling, walking and teleworking.

On behalf of the Town, Damian Szybalski, Sustainability Coordinator, accepted the award. As ‘Employer of the Year’, Halton Hills was recognized for its successful implementation of the Smart Commute program at the Civic Centre, including:

 Not only being one of the newest Smart Commute partners, but also one of the most successful.
 In the first six months, 34% of employees joined the Carpool Zone, a carpool matching service. Of these, 53% participate in a carpool.
 Installation of secure bike lockers.
 Exploration of ways to encourage cycling through programs such as bikesharing.

Halton Hills was one of just eleven employers recognized in 2011, out of a total of nearly 180 participating Smart Commute employers representing more than 430,000 employees in the GTHA, and the only winner from within Halton Region. The Smart Commute Awards were introduced in 2007 to recognize the top employer in each of the eleven Smart Commute regions. Winners are selected for outstanding achievement in areas of commitment, leadership, innovation and results. Referring to the Award, Mayor Bonnette said: “We are truly honoured to have received the Smart Commute Halton ‘Employer of the Year’ award from Metrolinx. We are proud to be one of just eleven participating Greater Toronto Hamilton Area employers to be recognized for our commitment to encouraging more sustainable commuting options through our Smart Commute initiative at the Civic Centre.”

Today is Remembrance Day

Today I hope most of you are wearing a poppy as we remember those who have served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy the freedoms today. The first Remembrance Day was held in 1919, originally called Armistice Day. The name was changed after the Second World War.

Today is a day to reflect upon the over 110,000 Canadian soldiers who have lost their lives in combat defending our nation. It is also to reflect on those brave men and women who also came home from the wars who were injured or emotionally scarred.

We must remember, if we do not, the sacrifice of the thousands of Canadian lives lost will be meaningless. As Canadians, we must never take for granted our current way of life; our freedoms to express ourselves, to participate in cultural and political events are all because of those who fought.

Today is a day that we reflect on our grandparents, maybe great grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters and sons and daughters. On this unusual day 11-11-11 lets all take 2 minutes of silence for those who have lost their lives and wear your poppy proudly. If you come across a veteran, say thank you.

Remembrance Day is Not a Holiday

Last weekend I went to three marches in Halton Hills to honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice for our freedom. There was a march in Acton on Saturday and two on Sunday in Glen Williams and Georgetown.

The weather couldn't be finer for this time of year. The attendance at all three marches were excellent. All three ceremonies were excellent and giving such a solemn message to pay a tribute to all of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom something so many take for granted.

Every other year some politician dreams up an idea to make this day November 11th a holiday. It use to be many years ago when I was a youngster. The meaning of Remembrance Day would be lost. There would be hockey tournaments and shopping sprees and many would forget what our veterans of done for us. Keep the kids in school, let them have a moment of silence and have a veteran to talk to them. There were many youngsters at the marches over the weekend. There were Beavers, Scouts, Cubs, Air Cadets and many others. It was great to see. For the other kids who weren't there is to my point if November 11th was a holiday future generations the cenotaph would be less attended.

Lest We Forget.