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.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
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.”
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.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Change Your Clocks – Change Your Batteries
It’s that time again! Fall has arrived and it’s your reminder to change the clocks and change the smoke alarm batteries as well.
Fire Chief Brent Marshall says, “We change the clocks back one hour on Sunday November 6th, and this couldn’t be a better reminder to change your smoke alarm batteries”. Smoke alarms without batteries or with dead batteries, will not sound and give you the warning and precious seconds you need, to escape a fire.
Once the batteries have been changed, test the alarm to ensure it will sound. One easy way to test the alarm is to hold a lit incense stick 10 – 12” below the device and let the smoke drift upwards into it until it sounds. Once the alarm sounds, fan the smoke away and consider giving it a quick vacuum to remove any dust and contaminants that may have accumulated over the past few months.
Keep in mind as well, that smoke alarms do not last forever. The fire service suggests that smoke alarms between 7 and 10 years old, be considered for replacement. Manufacturers’ specifications may also indicate the expiry date or life span, however, in general terms the life of a smoke alarm is 10 years and replacement is due.
Unfortunately, the Fire Service continues to find residential occupancies without working smoke alarms. With the minimal costs of smoke alarms today, it is difficult to understand why there are not working smoke alarms in every home. Since March 1, 2006 the Ontario Fire Code requires a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, including the basement and outside all sleeping areas.
It is well known that properly installed and maintained smoke alarms prevent injury and saves lives. Let’s have everybody do their part and ensure they have working smoke alarms in their home. Halton Hills has not experienced a fire fatality since 2004, let’s continue being successful in keeping these tragedies from occurring in our community.
In keeping with this years’ Fire Prevention Week theme “Protect Your Family From Fire”, everybody should have a well rehearsed home escape plan. The development and rehearsal of a home escape plan can ensure a quick, safe evacuation of family members.
More information on the purchase or placement of smoke alarms is available at the Information Centre in the Georgetown Market Place, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 – 2:00. You may also call 905-877-1133 and ask for the Public Education Division for any additional information.
Fire Chief Brent Marshall says, “We change the clocks back one hour on Sunday November 6th, and this couldn’t be a better reminder to change your smoke alarm batteries”. Smoke alarms without batteries or with dead batteries, will not sound and give you the warning and precious seconds you need, to escape a fire.
Once the batteries have been changed, test the alarm to ensure it will sound. One easy way to test the alarm is to hold a lit incense stick 10 – 12” below the device and let the smoke drift upwards into it until it sounds. Once the alarm sounds, fan the smoke away and consider giving it a quick vacuum to remove any dust and contaminants that may have accumulated over the past few months.
Keep in mind as well, that smoke alarms do not last forever. The fire service suggests that smoke alarms between 7 and 10 years old, be considered for replacement. Manufacturers’ specifications may also indicate the expiry date or life span, however, in general terms the life of a smoke alarm is 10 years and replacement is due.
Unfortunately, the Fire Service continues to find residential occupancies without working smoke alarms. With the minimal costs of smoke alarms today, it is difficult to understand why there are not working smoke alarms in every home. Since March 1, 2006 the Ontario Fire Code requires a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, including the basement and outside all sleeping areas.
It is well known that properly installed and maintained smoke alarms prevent injury and saves lives. Let’s have everybody do their part and ensure they have working smoke alarms in their home. Halton Hills has not experienced a fire fatality since 2004, let’s continue being successful in keeping these tragedies from occurring in our community.
In keeping with this years’ Fire Prevention Week theme “Protect Your Family From Fire”, everybody should have a well rehearsed home escape plan. The development and rehearsal of a home escape plan can ensure a quick, safe evacuation of family members.
More information on the purchase or placement of smoke alarms is available at the Information Centre in the Georgetown Market Place, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 – 2:00. You may also call 905-877-1133 and ask for the Public Education Division for any additional information.
Friday, October 21, 2011
YOUth Matter!
Weigh in on the findings at the Youth Needs Study Public Open Houses November 2 & 3
Town of Halton Hills has under gone a Youth Needs Study (YNS) to ensure that the Town’s provision and management of recreation programs, facilities and services continue to meet the needs of youth between the ages of 13 and 19. For the past year, YNS has been gathering the thoughts, feedback and comments of youth in Halton Hills. The data has been tabulated and the results are in!
Community members are encouraged to come out to the YNS Open Houses and weigh in on the findings! There will be snacks, music, and prizes (including the iPods). To be entered in the draw for an iPod youth must simply ‘like’ YNS on Facebook.
YNS Public Open Houses
November 2nd
Acton District High School, 6:30-8:30pm
November 3rd
Civic Centre, Georgetown, 6:30-8:30pm
Transportation is available; please contact youth@haltonhills.ca or 905.873.2601 ext. 2276 for details.
“The YNS is an opportunity for youth and their families to have a say in what is provided for youth in our community” says Mayor Bonnette. “I encourage everyone to come out to the Open House to provide their feedback and ensure that the youth voice has been heard”.
For more information visit the Town’s website at www.haltonhills.ca/youth or Facebook/yns.
Town of Halton Hills has under gone a Youth Needs Study (YNS) to ensure that the Town’s provision and management of recreation programs, facilities and services continue to meet the needs of youth between the ages of 13 and 19. For the past year, YNS has been gathering the thoughts, feedback and comments of youth in Halton Hills. The data has been tabulated and the results are in!
Community members are encouraged to come out to the YNS Open Houses and weigh in on the findings! There will be snacks, music, and prizes (including the iPods). To be entered in the draw for an iPod youth must simply ‘like’ YNS on Facebook.
YNS Public Open Houses
November 2nd
Acton District High School, 6:30-8:30pm
November 3rd
Civic Centre, Georgetown, 6:30-8:30pm
Transportation is available; please contact youth@haltonhills.ca or 905.873.2601 ext. 2276 for details.
“The YNS is an opportunity for youth and their families to have a say in what is provided for youth in our community” says Mayor Bonnette. “I encourage everyone to come out to the Open House to provide their feedback and ensure that the youth voice has been heard”.
For more information visit the Town’s website at www.haltonhills.ca/youth or Facebook/yns.
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.
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