Yesterday I hosted the 7th Mayor Bonnette's Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowling Tournament. There were 14 teams registered at the Georgetown Bowling Lanes. Former CFLer great Dan Ferrone was the host working the teams with interviews.
My team had councillor Clark Somerville, Fire Chief Brent Marshall, Jenn, Josey and Dean Arnott.
The big winner of the day was Big Brothers Big Sisters as this was the highest ever raised in Halton Hills for this organization. And it was the second highest raised in Halton. The grand total was $11,500. Thank you Halton Hills. Johnson realors three peated as Tournament champions. All money raised stays in Halton.
Thank you Halton Hills.
Showing posts with label Mayor Rick Bonnette. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayor Rick Bonnette. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, November 11, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
It's the time of year.
What is October without a few good days of heavy rains and high winds. Seems we have had our share lately. Last week the G.T.A. had experienced close to 100 k winds. Now today and tomorrow the G.T.A. are expecting anywhere from 25-35 mm of rain in the next 24 hours with more high winds. This can cause power shortages and creeks and rivers to flood. Let's hope not.
The Conservation authorities have already issued water warnings so be careful and use caution. Now if we are going to get a storm and real miserable weather I for one don't mind it during the week as long it is passed before the long weekend.
It doesn't look too bad for the weekend. Let's hope so.
The Conservation authorities have already issued water warnings so be careful and use caution. Now if we are going to get a storm and real miserable weather I for one don't mind it during the week as long it is passed before the long weekend.
It doesn't look too bad for the weekend. Let's hope so.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Roz Weston Lane and Acton
I wrote earlier about Lord Johnny Acton visiting Acton who gave our Town a lot of publicity. It was a summer of positive advertising for the Town of Acton thanks to former resident Roz Weston of 92.5 KISS FM fame and also a regular on ET Canada.
Roz and Mocha are two radio personalities on KISS FM and they started to call me in June and July as Roz wanted a street named after him. It was a lot of fun and to hear him speak so positively about the Town he grew up in. He is a small Town kid who did well. I came up with an idea to name the “unnamed” laneway behind Tim Horton's to the Beer store “Roz Weston Lane”. The radio station called me one more time to see if I had found anything. Of course this is all in good fun and very whimsical. Roz would brag to me on the air how famous he is. This is show biz and he is not that conceited. So I announced on the air about this dirt lane way with its own dumpster.
He loved the idea along with “Damn it” Maurie (his producer) and of his other half Mocha. Hence the radio station went into high gear promoting Acton leading up to the Acton Fall Fair. The played a great jingle on air, poking fun at Roz and promoting Acton. KISS FM did a live feed on Saturday September 17th from the Tim Horton’s. Tim Horton’s joined in as part of the promotion and gave out free coffee mugs to the first 100 people. They also promoted the Acton Fall Fair at the same time.
On Saturday, before the Fair we had the official unveiling of the Roz Weston Lane. The sign was covered by a potato sack (how fitting). Roz made a great speech about his time growing up in Acton. He jokingly said, "He got this by bullying the small town Mayor." Unfortunately, some with no sense of humour took this to heart once they read this in a local paper. It was all in jest fun. People who know me, know I don't get bullied. Roz road with me in the parade along with my wife Josey, DJ Climax, Maurie and Mocha. It was great to see his mother Diana who came back to town to see this. Diana had a fabric store in Acton.
The positive publicity for the Acton was unbelievable. For instance, never mind the countless times Acton, Tim Horton's and the Acton Fall Fair were mentioned by KISS FM. It was also on 680 news, CTV, the Metro newspaper and ET Canada gave Roz and Acton 30 seconds of fame. Not bad for what started out as a joke.
People from Acton should be proud of Roz for his accomplishments and I personally would like to thank Maurie Sherman who was relentless. All in all, I cannot think of another week where the Town of Acton, with Halton Hills has so much positive publicity by hosting Lord Johnny Acton and Roz Weston.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Lord Acton Visits Acton
These past couple of weeks have really put Acton on the map! We had the announcement of Lord Johnny Acton and Lady Lucinda was coming to Acton. This news made the Toronto Star and as late as Friday, the front page of the Glove and Mail.
The Acton Town Hall was the place to be on Sunday night as Johnny spoke to a packed house about his family tree. He is a very interesting character.
Lord Acton of Glouscestershire, England has written 13 books. Many of them off beat topics from soup to comedy and even hot air ballooning.
He had quite the Canadian experience. He canoed. Attended the Halton Regional annual farm tour. He was a judge for Miss Acton at the Fall Fair. He and Lady Lucinda better known as Percy were at the Acton Fall Fair eating varieties of Fair Food as well as looking at all of the various animals.
His speech at the Acton Town Hall was very interesting as he spoke about his family tree. Many of his relatives were scoundrels and rogues. He was quite open about it. Mind you, as I said, at the dinner if we all looked into our family tree there would be a lot of monkeys in it as well.
He will be making sausages at the Acton Farmer's Market on Thursday. That is his specialty. He is very down to earth and very engaging. Congratulations to those who went on Facebook to invite him to Acton.
The Acton Town Hall was the place to be on Sunday night as Johnny spoke to a packed house about his family tree. He is a very interesting character.
Lord Acton of Glouscestershire, England has written 13 books. Many of them off beat topics from soup to comedy and even hot air ballooning.
He had quite the Canadian experience. He canoed. Attended the Halton Regional annual farm tour. He was a judge for Miss Acton at the Fall Fair. He and Lady Lucinda better known as Percy were at the Acton Fall Fair eating varieties of Fair Food as well as looking at all of the various animals.
His speech at the Acton Town Hall was very interesting as he spoke about his family tree. Many of his relatives were scoundrels and rogues. He was quite open about it. Mind you, as I said, at the dinner if we all looked into our family tree there would be a lot of monkeys in it as well.
He will be making sausages at the Acton Farmer's Market on Thursday. That is his specialty. He is very down to earth and very engaging. Congratulations to those who went on Facebook to invite him to Acton.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Goderich Tornado Serves as a Wakeup Call
Have you ever thought of a Tornado coming to your Town? I am sure that like most communities in Ontario we think that it can never happen to us.
I remember the day the cluster of Tornadoes hit Arthur, Grand Valley, the Orangeville Race Track and later devastated Barrie. It was such a humid day you couldn't breath. I was working at my travel agency in Acton at the time and I remember going outside and the sky was black, I was dripping with perspiration yet there was a breeze. I came into the office and told my empoyees that we could get a tornado. Immediately they scoffed replying we don't get tornadoes here. One hour later Barrie was devastated and I believe 8 people perished. Probably the worst tornado in Ontario's history.
In 1979 Woodstock was also hit with a Tornado as was Perth in 1995. The reality is Ontario gets has many as 15 - 20 tornadoes a year. Most are in the F0 to F1 category so their damage is limited.
Could one come to Halton Hills? You betcha, last year it was thought that a Tornado it downtown Milton but it was later confirmed as a wind burst which did considerable damage to the down town.
Our Fire Emergency Services had a Tornado simulation exercise earlier this year. I can tell you that as much as you can never be fully prepared for a tornado the Town does have a plan for such an emergency. Let’s hope we never have one and give our thoughts and support for Goderich as they have been devastated.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Diane Penrice Citizen of the Year
How much do you volunteer? Last night I was at the Georgetown Citizen of the Year award and this year's recipient is Diane Penrice. Diane was chosen by the Georgetown Lion's Club as the 2010 Citizen of the year. Her many hours of volunteering makes her an excellent choice. Here is an example of the Diane's committees and organizations she has volunteered over the years. She was a Girl Guide leader, the Jacette's, Crazy Boat Race, Arts Alive Committee for the Halton Hills Library and Cultural Center. She is active on the relatively new Halton Hills Cultural Round Table. Last year she volunteered on the successful Big Daddy Festiva. Diane and a group were instrumental in the formation of Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills ( CAShh ). This is a wonderful organization that has given support to many throughout Halton Hills who have been touched by this dreaded disease called cancer.
If that wasn't enough Diane Penrice volunteered her time to the the biggest party in Georgetown in decades and that was the Georgetown Homecoming that together back 1000's of past and current residents for a great party long weekend.
In 2008 Diane was still not done she joined Gerry Kentner as a volunteer to Light Up the Hills. Along the way of the hours spent volunteering she also was an active canvasser for Heart and Stroke, Kidney and Cancer Society. All of these hours volunteering while still be a mother, wife and holding a job sellng real estate.
Diane Penrice breaths community and this year she was an excellent choice being selected Citizen of the Year in Georgetown. Her husband Doug is also an active volunteer. It is volunteers like the Penrice's who enrich our community.
Congratulations to Diane Penrice.
If that wasn't enough Diane Penrice volunteered her time to the the biggest party in Georgetown in decades and that was the Georgetown Homecoming that together back 1000's of past and current residents for a great party long weekend.
In 2008 Diane was still not done she joined Gerry Kentner as a volunteer to Light Up the Hills. Along the way of the hours spent volunteering she also was an active canvasser for Heart and Stroke, Kidney and Cancer Society. All of these hours volunteering while still be a mother, wife and holding a job sellng real estate.
Diane Penrice breaths community and this year she was an excellent choice being selected Citizen of the Year in Georgetown. Her husband Doug is also an active volunteer. It is volunteers like the Penrice's who enrich our community.
Congratulations to Diane Penrice.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Geraldine Hardcastle is Georgetown Hockey Recipient
Tonight I will be attending the annual Georgetown Hockey Heritage Award dinner. Georgetown has a long history of volunteers who supported the sport of hockey for years. This years recipient is Geraldine Hardcastle who started volunteering as young teenage waitress during the Georgetown International Hockey Tournament. Geraldine became involved in an effort to assist needy families to make their registration payments. She was so adept that the funds were raised in one day and a few phone calls.
In 1993 she became involved in organizing the Georgetown International Bantam tournament and for seven years helped provide a very well recognized component of our Hockey Scene.
Geraldine has been an active volunteer for minor hockey over the years. She had positions from convener, scheduling, providing training for coaches and trainers in our area.
She also participated in " Shave Off Heads for Cancer , the Dudley Hewitt Cup and the Hockeyville submissions.
As you can see Geraldine Hardcastle is a most worth recipient of the Georgetown Hockey Heritage Award. This dinner is always a lot of fun as there a few former N.H.L. players and Olympic Athletes who attend.
Congratulations to Geraldine as you make this community so proud!
In 1993 she became involved in organizing the Georgetown International Bantam tournament and for seven years helped provide a very well recognized component of our Hockey Scene.
Geraldine has been an active volunteer for minor hockey over the years. She had positions from convener, scheduling, providing training for coaches and trainers in our area.
She also participated in " Shave Off Heads for Cancer , the Dudley Hewitt Cup and the Hockeyville submissions.
As you can see Geraldine Hardcastle is a most worth recipient of the Georgetown Hockey Heritage Award. This dinner is always a lot of fun as there a few former N.H.L. players and Olympic Athletes who attend.
Congratulations to Geraldine as you make this community so proud!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Meeting with Minister of Health
This week I met with the Minister of Health Deb Matthews. The purpose of the meeting is to get Provincial funding for the expansion of the Georgetown Hospital and CT Scanner. This is a $12.2 million project. The Town of Halton Hills is being asked to fund $4.5 million and the rest will be fundraised or raised through parking at the hospital. I feel the Ministry of Health should be putting some money into this very worthwhile project. Myself and Councillor Jon Hurst attended the meeting.
I knew going into the meeting that there were only a two scenarios. One being the Minister would listen and not make a committment right then or two where the Minister would listen and then flat out deny our request.
Well we got the best case scenario. The Minister listened and we left with another strategy for funding that I will present to the Minister in another letter to her. I am not optimistic as we are behind the eight ball. The best that we are trying to do is to come up with options that Minister Mathews can't refuse.
I knew going into the meeting that there were only a two scenarios. One being the Minister would listen and not make a committment right then or two where the Minister would listen and then flat out deny our request.
Well we got the best case scenario. The Minister listened and we left with another strategy for funding that I will present to the Minister in another letter to her. I am not optimistic as we are behind the eight ball. The best that we are trying to do is to come up with options that Minister Mathews can't refuse.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Civic Action - Greater Toronto Summit
The G.T.A. economy was hit hard by the global financial crisis and resulting downturn that began in September 2008. In 2009, the G.T.A. economy's had the worst showing since the recession of the early 1990's. The job market was sideswiped by the global recession. Employment fell by 1% in 2009.
Fortunately the economy began to recover and to some a lot quicker than first thought. The Municipal economies in the GTA region are highly interconnected and dependent. Regional strengths and challenges do cut across munipal boundaries. The problem is economic efforts are generally localized, fragmented and often competing. This is a serious issue.
A week a go I attended the two day Civic Action Summit held in Toronto and was chaired by CFRB radio host John Tory. It was very interesting as this was not the usual conference or summit attended by politicians. It was actually attended by few politicians but really a cross section of various business entrepreneurs, executives etc. There were many workshops on opportunities for action. There were over 600 delegates at this conference.
All of the material from the workshops will be sent out. I was pleased to have attended as this one was really business driven not politically driven. It was worthwhile and I hope to attend next year.
Fortunately the economy began to recover and to some a lot quicker than first thought. The Municipal economies in the GTA region are highly interconnected and dependent. Regional strengths and challenges do cut across munipal boundaries. The problem is economic efforts are generally localized, fragmented and often competing. This is a serious issue.
A week a go I attended the two day Civic Action Summit held in Toronto and was chaired by CFRB radio host John Tory. It was very interesting as this was not the usual conference or summit attended by politicians. It was actually attended by few politicians but really a cross section of various business entrepreneurs, executives etc. There were many workshops on opportunities for action. There were over 600 delegates at this conference.
All of the material from the workshops will be sent out. I was pleased to have attended as this one was really business driven not politically driven. It was worthwhile and I hope to attend next year.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Enjoy Family Day Holiday in Halton Hills
This will be the third year that this will be a long weekend in Ontario. Premier McGuinty pronounced Family Weekend after just be re-elected for a second term. There was some push back as this may cost money to companies having to pay employees for a new statutory holiday. Personally, I like the idea of a long weekend in February. It's just a long month or as some would say we are in the " winter blahs". Not a bad weekend for some to exercise and enjoy what winter brings.
This year our Recreation and Parks are asking our residents not to forget that there are free activities on Family Day Feb. 21st. It's all fun and fun for all thanks to our generous sponsors - Canadian Tire Georgetown, RBC Georgetown, Tim Horton'. Come on out and enjoy swimming, skating,c rafts, yoga, ZUMBA and a Youth Room.
For more information visit www.haltonhills.ca/familyday for the day's activity schedule.
This year our Recreation and Parks are asking our residents not to forget that there are free activities on Family Day Feb. 21st. It's all fun and fun for all thanks to our generous sponsors - Canadian Tire Georgetown, RBC Georgetown, Tim Horton'. Come on out and enjoy swimming, skating,c rafts, yoga, ZUMBA and a Youth Room.
For more information visit www.haltonhills.ca/familyday for the day's activity schedule.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
I Had a Visit From Flat Stanley - Who is Flat Stanley
Yesterday I had visit from Flat Stanley. Do you know who Flat Stanley is? Flat Stanley is a character in a series of books written by Jeff Brown.
In 1995 Dale Hubert, a grade three teacher in London Ontario, began the Flat Stanley Project. The Project focused on literacy. Students begin by reading the book and becoming acquainted with the story then they make their own paper Flat Stanley. They then document the places and adventures of their very own Flat Stanley. Usually a teacher will assign their students a two week time frame to have their own Flat Stanley adventure.
Since then, Grade's 2 and 3 students all over the world have been participating in the Flat Stanley Project and I'm happy to have recently been visited by a local Halton Hills Flat Stanley. Madison McMaster a grade 2 student from George Kennedy Public School brought her Flat Stanley to the Civic Center for a visit. His conversation with me was rather flat. All kidding aside, I think this a great character and the kids have a lot of fun using their minds to create adventures for their Flat Stanley.
I never knew who Flat Stanley was but now I do.
Friday, December 3, 2010
New Acton Library on Schedule
I had a tour of the new 9,000 square foot Acton library this week. Councillors Jon Hurst, Clark Somerville and Jane Fogal were also on the tour. We were all impressed with building thus far. It is going to be a great improvement of the outdated building that is the library now.
The best news of the day is that the library is on time and on budget. That is music to Municipalities ears. This new library will be almost three times the size of the present library. Statistics show that since 2003, circulation is up 45%, children's program attendance is up 23% and in-house Internet usage is up 50%.
The current Acton branch cannot meet the community needs. Not was space limited, users do not have enough room to work and read, and many larger programs cannot be accommodated. This new library will be more accessible for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues and young moms with strollers. Natural light will be maximized, will have more Internet stations.
The new Acton branch is due to open in late February or first of March. The new building will be heated and cooled using Geothermal. The cost of the new branch is expected to cost 3.5 million dollars which is being split between Federal, Provincial and the Town of Halton Hills.
For Acton and area library users this will be an exciting time to see the new building completed.
The best news of the day is that the library is on time and on budget. That is music to Municipalities ears. This new library will be almost three times the size of the present library. Statistics show that since 2003, circulation is up 45%, children's program attendance is up 23% and in-house Internet usage is up 50%.
The current Acton branch cannot meet the community needs. Not was space limited, users do not have enough room to work and read, and many larger programs cannot be accommodated. This new library will be more accessible for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues and young moms with strollers. Natural light will be maximized, will have more Internet stations.
The new Acton branch is due to open in late February or first of March. The new building will be heated and cooled using Geothermal. The cost of the new branch is expected to cost 3.5 million dollars which is being split between Federal, Provincial and the Town of Halton Hills.
For Acton and area library users this will be an exciting time to see the new building completed.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Mayor's Breakfast for Halton Industry Education Council
Today was a once a year special day for Milton Mayor Gord Krantz and myself as we co-host the breakfast for the Halton Industry Education Council. Over the past 20 years the HIEC has played a key role in providing positive learning experience for the students in Halton Region. The working partnership between businesses and schools has helped make Halton a great place for businesses to locate and students to find excellent employment opportunities close to home.
We know technological advances are upon us so quickly today that the need for a well educated and competent work force is a priority for both business and our community.
Today young people need to constantly upgrade their skills throughout their careers and the HIEC will continue to play an important part in their long learning journey.
Today there was a good crowd of about 200 people at Rattlesnake golf course. Many school board trustees as well as councillor Dave Kentner. Many students, educators and busy people were there. After breakfast there was a panel discussion of businesses and students who have gone through the program and they took questions from the floor.
The Student C0-Op program operated by HIEC is well received by the business community: students learn what the " real working world " is a like. There is no fiction here. It prepares them to enter the work force as productive players.
HIEC should be thanked for their ongoing commitment to make our community and region of Halton a great place to live and work.
We know technological advances are upon us so quickly today that the need for a well educated and competent work force is a priority for both business and our community.
Today young people need to constantly upgrade their skills throughout their careers and the HIEC will continue to play an important part in their long learning journey.
Today there was a good crowd of about 200 people at Rattlesnake golf course. Many school board trustees as well as councillor Dave Kentner. Many students, educators and busy people were there. After breakfast there was a panel discussion of businesses and students who have gone through the program and they took questions from the floor.
The Student C0-Op program operated by HIEC is well received by the business community: students learn what the " real working world " is a like. There is no fiction here. It prepares them to enter the work force as productive players.
HIEC should be thanked for their ongoing commitment to make our community and region of Halton a great place to live and work.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Santa Claus is Coming to Halton Hills
This Saturday Santa Claus will be making a few appearances in Halton Hills. That is right, the jolly fellow will be first coming to Acton. Bill Spielvogel and Acton Firefighter's Association have made arrangements for Saint Nick to join him in the Acton Santa Claus parade. The parade begins at 1 PM. It is a fairly long parade so get your spot early. Also the Acton B.I.A. will have photos with Santa tomorrow afternoon at Roxxy Coffee at the corner of Mill and Main St. Acton. The B.I.A. will also be giving out hot apple cider vinegar. The parade begins at Acton Blvd. and runs through Mill St.
Now if you miss Santa Claus in the afternoon he will be making a second appearance in Georgetown for another parade. Al Watts and the Georgetown Lion's Club have Santa booked for their evening parade. The parade begins at 5:00 pm. This is also worthwhile to see as their are many colorfully lit floats. This parade will be going through Guelph St. to downtown Georgetown onto Charles St.
The weather man has arranged for great weather but please bundle up the little ones.
Now if you miss Santa Claus in the afternoon he will be making a second appearance in Georgetown for another parade. Al Watts and the Georgetown Lion's Club have Santa booked for their evening parade. The parade begins at 5:00 pm. This is also worthwhile to see as their are many colorfully lit floats. This parade will be going through Guelph St. to downtown Georgetown onto Charles St.
The weather man has arranged for great weather but please bundle up the little ones.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Skating is always a great Excercise in Canada eh!
Last Saturday the Georgetown Figure Skating Club hosted a skatathon as a fundraiser for the Club. What a great way for the members to just come out and enjoy a leisure skate with other members and members of the public. I was invited to go out with them. Hmmm! I hadn't skated in years and boy am I out of practice. I played Jr. C hockey as a goalie so about 7 years ago I traded my goalie skates for a pair hockey skates. There is a huge difference.
I was a little wobbly for the first little while. Many of the families of the skating club were out including the coaches. Full marks to the Georgetown Raiders who sent a couple of their players out for a skate. The Raiders show real community spirit in this Town.
I thought of a skatathon was a real innovative way of fund raising while allowing everyone just to come out and have a great time. Some of the younger skaters were doing circles around the old beaters like myself. It is a credit to the coaches and the Georgetown Skating Club for teaching these young kids how to skate. It is a real joy watching kids out there having fun and show their skills that they had learned.
So now I am convinced I have to get out and do more skating. I do a lot of in line skating in the summer. The movements are similar but stopping is a whole different kettle of fish. The best kept secret in Town is that week day from 10-1 pm is public skating for only three bucks. Not bad eh! I went back today ( Tuesday ) and there is only a handful of skaters. So if want a good cardio vascular exercise over lunch Moldmasters Sportplex or Acton Arena are the places to be. Who knows maybe one day you will be as good as Georgetown Figure Skater.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Should Remembrance Day be a Holiday ?- I Say NO!
Over the weekend I attended many Remembrance Day marches and dinners. Both the Acton and Georgetown Legions organized the ceremonies and the dinners honoring many of our vets as well as the marches honoring those brave women and men who have died for our country.
Both Legion's displayed pictures drawn by students depicting their interpretation of past wars. One which caught my eye was a student in Acton who drew a black and white picture of a field and a lone poppy. The poppy was slumped over with a tear coming from it. It was a powerful statement to make from someone so young.
There is a private member's bill in Ottawa wanting to make Remembrance Day a national holiday. I remember years ago when it was a holiday. Then it was called Armistice Day and eventually called Remembrance Day. As well meaning as it may sound to have a day of recognition for those who have paid the ultimate price I don't agree with it. Here's why. It is being called a holiday. If the kids are out of school I could see them taking it as a holiday. How can we engage our youth so that they will remember the 110,000 plus Canadians who have died for Canada while protecting our freedom and our way of life. They are better in school and learn from the teachers and read about the first and second world war, the Korean War, about the many peace keeping missions and of course the present Afghanistan war on terrorism. I could see hockey tournaments being organized if this was holiday. The meaning of Remembrance Day would be lost on a holiday. We need our kids in school so that they can hear the veterans who visit the schools and tell them what war was like so we don't repeat history. We need see our youth at the cenotaphs to see our present living veterans and say " thank you. "
As much as it may be a noble idea to honour our veterans with a holiday, I think the meaning would be lost by having a holiday.
It was so great to see the scouts, cubs, girl guides, Air Cadets and other youth orientated groups marching with the veterans to the cenotaphs. Watching them laying wreaths so we will not forget the fallen's sacrifice.
If you agree with me write your M.P.'s and tell them not to vote for a Remembrance Day Holiday.
Both Legion's displayed pictures drawn by students depicting their interpretation of past wars. One which caught my eye was a student in Acton who drew a black and white picture of a field and a lone poppy. The poppy was slumped over with a tear coming from it. It was a powerful statement to make from someone so young.
There is a private member's bill in Ottawa wanting to make Remembrance Day a national holiday. I remember years ago when it was a holiday. Then it was called Armistice Day and eventually called Remembrance Day. As well meaning as it may sound to have a day of recognition for those who have paid the ultimate price I don't agree with it. Here's why. It is being called a holiday. If the kids are out of school I could see them taking it as a holiday. How can we engage our youth so that they will remember the 110,000 plus Canadians who have died for Canada while protecting our freedom and our way of life. They are better in school and learn from the teachers and read about the first and second world war, the Korean War, about the many peace keeping missions and of course the present Afghanistan war on terrorism. I could see hockey tournaments being organized if this was holiday. The meaning of Remembrance Day would be lost on a holiday. We need our kids in school so that they can hear the veterans who visit the schools and tell them what war was like so we don't repeat history. We need see our youth at the cenotaphs to see our present living veterans and say " thank you. "
As much as it may be a noble idea to honour our veterans with a holiday, I think the meaning would be lost by having a holiday.
It was so great to see the scouts, cubs, girl guides, Air Cadets and other youth orientated groups marching with the veterans to the cenotaphs. Watching them laying wreaths so we will not forget the fallen's sacrifice.
If you agree with me write your M.P.'s and tell them not to vote for a Remembrance Day Holiday.
Friday, November 5, 2010
There is No free in Freedom
Cenotaphs across our great nation will be honouring those brave men and soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
The first Remembrance Day was held in 1919 and was originally called Armistice Day. When I was in public school I recall this being a holiday.
This time of year it is time to reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice of 110,000 Canadians who valiantly served our country in WWI and WWII, the Korean War and now Afghanistan.
Being a baby boomer I never lived through the first or second world wars or even the Korean war. I can tell you the Afghanistan War ( make no mistake it is a war ) does hit home. Watching the news clips of our young soldiers being returned in coffins and taking the Highway of Heroes road does hit home. The images are real not fiction.
Remembrance Day purposely keeps alive the memory of those who have served to protect our freedom of Canada. It is through their achievements and sacrifices that have contributed to the development of our great nation.
We must remember, if we do not, the sacrifice for the thousands of Canadians lives lost will be meaningless. They died to protect our way of life.
As Canadians we must never take for granted our current way of life. Our freedom to express ourselves, in cultural and political events.
We must continue to recognize our Canadians stationed around the world today. Particularly those who are engaged in combat in Afghanistan.
Lastly, this week, through November 11th, is a day to reflect upon our grandparents, maybe great grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters who have served or are presently serving our great country.
On behalf of the citizens of Halton Hills, our Councillors, we say thank you for those who have or continue to serve our country.
Lastly, if you know a Veteran, say thank you.
The first Remembrance Day was held in 1919 and was originally called Armistice Day. When I was in public school I recall this being a holiday.
This time of year it is time to reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice of 110,000 Canadians who valiantly served our country in WWI and WWII, the Korean War and now Afghanistan.
Being a baby boomer I never lived through the first or second world wars or even the Korean war. I can tell you the Afghanistan War ( make no mistake it is a war ) does hit home. Watching the news clips of our young soldiers being returned in coffins and taking the Highway of Heroes road does hit home. The images are real not fiction.
Remembrance Day purposely keeps alive the memory of those who have served to protect our freedom of Canada. It is through their achievements and sacrifices that have contributed to the development of our great nation.
We must remember, if we do not, the sacrifice for the thousands of Canadians lives lost will be meaningless. They died to protect our way of life.
As Canadians we must never take for granted our current way of life. Our freedom to express ourselves, in cultural and political events.
We must continue to recognize our Canadians stationed around the world today. Particularly those who are engaged in combat in Afghanistan.
Lastly, this week, through November 11th, is a day to reflect upon our grandparents, maybe great grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters who have served or are presently serving our great country.
On behalf of the citizens of Halton Hills, our Councillors, we say thank you for those who have or continue to serve our country.
Lastly, if you know a Veteran, say thank you.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
How will you Remember our Fallen????
This is a week that many in Halton Hills will be remembering our fallen soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our freedom. It is a time to reflect on those who died for our country and also to thank those who continue to serve Canada with much courage.
I will write more on this later in the week. You can mark your calendars as there will be three Remembrance Day marches this weekend. They are as follows:
Acton November 6th - 11:00 am
Glen Williams November 7th - 12:00 Noon
Georgetown November 7th - 2:00 Pm
Myself and many of the councillors will be there. I hope to see many of you there to say thank you to a veteran. I will write more as we get closer to the end of the week.
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