Parkinsons Super Walk in Georgetown

I just returned from the Parkinson's Superwalk. This is the annual walk to find a cure for Parkinson's Disease that is held at the Gellert center in Georgetown. There were over 70 walkers and 5 teams. Last year there was $17,000 raised. This year they raised even more. This years total raised is $20,287.00. Good job by the organizers of this walk.

It was beautiful day. Special thanks to the organizers, the many volunteers and all of the sponsors. Most of the money raised goes directly to research as well as support for those affected by Parkinson's. To date there is no cure but we can be hopeful that one day there will be because of fundraisers like this.

See you next year!

Halton Hills Fire Halls Are Now Officially Open

Today it was a pleasure to be part of the official openings of the two Fire Halls and Emergency Operations Facility in Georgetown. Besides members of council on hand there were other dignitaries in Ted Arnott M.P.P. for Wellington Halton Hills, Regional Chair Gary Carr as well as Olaf Lamerz representing the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office.

These two fire halls are an example of how important partnerships between the Town of Halton Hills, the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Region of Halton really are. The financial support from all levels of government enabled these two facilities to become a reality for our community.

It was a great day for Councillor Moya Johnson, chair of Fire Services and Fire Chief Brent Marshall and all members of council for the responsibility of overseeing the efficiency and effectiveness of these two facilities.



The first official opening took place the Fire Station headquarters,a dedicated fire facility in our planned growth area that will provide fire protection and prevention services for the greater Halton Hills community. It also holds the keys to our rich heritage of fire service dating back to the 1800's. There is a community Heritage room depicting much of Georgetown's rich history in fire protection. Georgetown's longest serving Firefighter Jimmy Valentine was honoured by naming the lane behind the Maple Ave. station " Valentine Lane. " Good for Jimmy. He is 97 years young.

The second facility on Maple Ave. is joint facility that replaces two facilities that had exceeded their life expectancy. This is a joint facility with ambulance and fire. All facilities are state of the art. They are heated and cooled by geothermal thus reducing fossil fuels.

All in all it was a great day to part of the opening ceremonies of these two impressive facilities. We are very proud of our firefighters. It is important we give them the tools they need to protect our community.

Support Parkinson Walk in Georgetown

This Saturday September 11th I will be kicking off the Parkinson's Disease: SuperWalk 2010. It is being held at the Gellert Center in Georgetown. For those of you who don't know much about Parkinson's disease here are some facts. it affects 1 - 300 people from young and old, in every culture and race.

The one risk factor we all possess is aging, which is a condition that is currently incurable! However, more and more is being done to understand how and why various risk factors influence the likelihood of Parkinson's.

Many people of been stricken by this disease. Here is a list of them,
Actors, Katherine Hepburn and famous Canadian Michael J. Fox

U.S. Attorney Janet Reno
Evangelist Billy Graham
Country Singer Johnny Cash
Boxer Muhammad Ali
General Douglas MacArthur
President harry Truman
Pope John Paul 11

Chances are you know someone who has suffered from this disease. So if you are free this Saturday come down to the Gellert Center and walk or sponsor someone who is. Give them your support as well as the volunteers and organizers of this Parkinson's Disease Super Walk. Registration is at 9:30 am and the walk starts at 10 am.
See you there.