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Twirling to Belgium
See story Page 12
“Well Written, Well Read”
Questions over ethanol report
By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express
A report put forth by FarmTech Energy
Corporation regarding the economic impact
of a renewable fuels facility in Oshawa
received mixed reviews at a recent city
Development Services Committee meeting.
The report suggests there would be several positive outcomes in terms of revenue
and employment should the facility be
GM’s plan
shut down
General Motors Canada was deemed unviable after its restructuring plan was shot down
by both the federal and provincial governments.
The one-time leading automaker was due to
submit its restructuring plan to the governments on March 31, but was told the plan was
simply not good enough.
However, the governments did say they
would provide up $3 billion in short-term
bailout loans to help the struggling company
over the next few months.
This news comes after negotiations with
the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union in
early March solidified wage freezes and benefit cuts for employees among other concessions.
But for the Canadian governments GM
must do more if they want nearly $7 billion in
the guaranteed loans they initially asked for in
located in Oshawa.
Over its projected 40-year lifespan it
could mean $67 billion in revenue.
While the idea of a renewable fuels
facility, which is a proposed ethanol plant is
not new, and has been suggested in several
harbourfront discussions for years, this
report was new to councillors.
In fact, the creditability of the report was
in question when Councillor John Henry
See COUNCILLORS page 8
By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express
Energy minister
visits Durham
College
By Lindsay Cole
The Oshawa Express
See MINISTER Page 8
asked who authored it.
In a notice to members of the committee,
it was stated that the report was prepared by
the University of Ontario Institute of
Technology, but Professor Raymond Cox,
who teaches at the university, actually conducted the report himself for FarmTech.
“I have a bit of a problem with that,”
Councillor Henry said. “I would like to
Triple liver
transplant
survivor at 18
See FURTHER Page 6
Deputy Premier and
Minister of Energy and
Infrastructure
George
George
Smitherman
visited
Smitherman
Durham College’s Whitby Deputy Premier
campus recently to take a
look at the college’s state-of-the-art facilities.
The visit ensured both the provincial gov-
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Vol 4 No 23
Photo by Katie Strachan / The Oshawa Express
Melissa MacDonald, a transplant survivor, and her mother Carol-Ann Burge take a moment to reminisce over photos of her childhood. MacDonald, 18, has survived three liver transplants. Inset:
MacDonald at 9 months old, when she received her first transplant.
Carol-Ann Burge heard the words any mother
dreads hearing.
“Your daughter is very ill and she’s going to
need a liver transplant,” the doctors said.
Her daughter, Melissa MacDonald, was just 14
days old.
MacDonald was born in Montreal and just
weeks after her birth, her mother noticed her skin
was yellowing.
Something was just not right.
“I took her to a doctor in Montreal and they
told me everything was fine and that she was
merely jaundice. But I knew something wasn’t
right so I called the Sick Kids (hospital) hotline
and they told me to bring her in if I was concerned,” explains Burge.
So Burge packed up her sick newborn and her
three-year-old daughter and made the trip from
Montreal to Toronto.
“They (the doctors) looked at me holding this
little yellow baby and immediately brought me
into this small room. Five doctors surrounded us,
they told me Melissa was very ill and that’s when
I asked if we would be going home tonight,” says
Burge.
But Burge and her infant daughter wouldn’t be
going home that night. In fact, it would be three
long years before they returned home.
MacDonald was diagnosed with Biliary atresia, a rare condition that results in broken ducts of
the liver.
Soon after diagnosis MacDonald was placed
See EASTDALE Page 8
Provincial budget overlooks Oshawa
By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express
Several politicians and community groups
are disappointed in the provincial budget
released recently.
Mayor John Gray says Durham Region
could be negatively affected by the budget
and could face up to 1,200 job losses because
of the harmonized tax.
As of July 1, 2010 Ontarians will be paying a 13 per cent sales tax after the GST and
PST merge together.
This means goods like fast food, gas and
other items will cost more.
“You don’t need more staff, you need less
According to a press release from the
Ontario Public Service Employees Union staff. We (Oshawa) have a whole building
dedicated to rev(OPSEU), public
enue. We really
services are the
“You don’t need more
casualty of the
didn’t need to
staff, you need less
budget, as OPSEU
have further job
staff. We (Oshawa)
workers administer
losses.”
the provincial retail
According to
have a whole building
sales tax, which
Warren Thomas,
dedicated to revenue.”
will be no more.
president
of
“When you harOPSEU,
the
-Mayor John Gray
monize the taxes
provincial budget
you don’t need
was careless.
those people to process the PST,” explains
“As if Durham hasn’t been hammered
Mayor Gray.
enough through layoffs and closures in the
auto industry. We now face the prospect that
hundreds of jobs could be lost in the provincial sector because of harmonizing our taxes,”
he says in the release.
While the provincial budget stated that a
portion of the $108 billion will be spent on
infrastructure.
And a tax break will be given to businesses in the hopes of stimulating the economy,
the province will also have a projected deficit
of $14.1 billion.
Such is the reason why job loss isn’t a
solution, says Gray.
“We have to be concerned about that. I’m
concerned.”
Oshawa school nameless no more
By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express
After more than 200 suggestions poured into the
Durham District School Board (DDSB) suggesting
names for the board’s five new schools, the unnamed
Oshawa high school finally has a new identity.
Maxwell Heights Secondary School will open its
doors in September 2009.
As Oshawa’s newest high school, it is situated on
13.5 acres of land and is opening in an effort to alleviate some of the enrolment pressures being experienced
at Eastdale Collegiate Vocational Institute.
Since 2004 Eastdale has been forced to host 17 or
more portables just to meet student needs.
The school’s ministry rated capacity of 1,056 has
been blown well out of proportion.
Enrolment numbers skyrocketed to 1,608 students in
October of last year.
When the new school is up and operating, Eastdale’s
numbers are expected to drop to 900 pupils, which will
also reduce the number of necessary portables.
Maxwell Heights at Harmony and Coldstream roads
will provide an additional 1,250 student spaces to the
board’s maximum capacity.
The DDSB has made the decision to open Maxwell
Heights to grades 9 through 11 until 2010, which will
allow students in their final year of high school to complete it at the school they started.
This is common practice for the DDSB when opening a new secondary school.
About 775 students will call Maxwell Heights home
in the school’s first year of operation.
The board also named two new schools in Ajax and
two new schools in Brooklin through the name suggestion campaign.
Two men wanted after gunfire breaks out in apartment
Arrest warrants have been issued for two men
regarding an investigation into a gun fired inside an
Oshawa apartment building.
Gunfire broke out around 10 p.m. on
March 22 in an apartment complex on
Colborne Street East in Oshawa.
According to police, a disagreement
developed between a number of adults inside
one of the apartment units and a handgun
went off.
The bullet lodged in a wall and there were
no injuries.
A physical altercation involving two men spilled
out onto the street.
One man got into a blue van, and was
then attacked by the other man. A chair damaged the front windshield of the Chevrolet
Astro van before the driver sped off.
Arrest warrants have been issued for a
29-year-old Oshawa man and a 28-year-old
Clarington man.
The van involved in this incident was
found one day later, abandoned at an address
in central Oshawa.
Third man arrested in Oshawa shooting, victim recovering
A third man has now been arrested and charged in
connection with a shooting that took place inside a home
on Merritt Street in Oshawa.
On March 26 at around 7 p.m., police went to a home
on Greenbrae Circuit in Toronto and arrested the suspect.
The 21-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault and use of a firearm during commission of
an offence.
No further arrests are anticipated in this investigation. The victim is still recovering from his wounds in a
Toronto-area hospital.
Anonymous tips can be made to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may be eligible for a cash
reward of up to $2,000.
Page 2
APRIL 1 2009
Changes to protocol for regional council
Hoping to speed up council meetings
By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express
Things are changing around the Regional
Council table.
Members of the region’s Finance and
Administration Committee passed a new set
of council rules and a procedural bylaw.
Among the biggest concerns, which
caused mixed emotions, was whether meeting minutes should reveal a councillor’s
absence and the reasoning behind it.
“I would like to see the nature of a council member’s absence,” says Regional
Councillor Joe Kolodzie.
Regional Clerk Pat Madrill stated that for
security reasons they were considering
changing the procedure to just stating which
councillors were absent.
“If they’re away on vacation, for security
reasons, we wouldn’t say that,” she says.
“It’s out there for the public to see (once
the minutes are finalized).”
Madrill explained that some members of
council don’t make their reasoning heard
until after the minutes have been finalized,
which would mean they would need to be there’s no forgiveness. We’re all adults,”
pulled back off the website and changed.
says Regional Councillor John Henry.
She suggested that only councillors absent
Another change to the meeting structure
for municipal related reasons be noted, and was in the time allotted for delegations.
that councillors who were on vacation or Previously, delegates were given 10 minutes
attending funerals and
to speak.
the like not be menNow, that has
“I would like
tioned.
been changed to five
“I think it should
minutes each.
to see the
be everything noted
In another effort
but that’s just where
to speed up the
nature of a
I’m coming from,”
council process, the
council
adds Kolodzie.
committee voted in
In the end, comfavour of changing
member’s
mittee
members
the rules so that
absence.”
decided that all reaspeakers who wish
sons be listed and that
address regional
-Regional Councillor to
members must inform
council will only be
the clerk of their reaJoe Kolodzie able to speak at one
soning prior to councommittee, rather
cil meetings, a similar
than all of them.
procedure to the region’s prior policy.
Regional Chair Roger Anderson was also
Currently, the City of Oshawa minutes do concerned with the number of delegates that
not reveal the nature of a councillor’s put in a request to speak on the Monday
absence.
“If it’s not done before the meeting then
before regional council.
“Agendas don’t go up until Saturday
(before the meeting) and if they (delegates)
read it and see an issue they would like to
speak to (then they make a request on
Monday),” explains Madrill.
Another concern of Anderson’s was the
number of handouts given by delegates that
don’t appear in the agenda.
“Maybe council should be given some
more time to review this stuff,” he says.
“We have no idea what it is. It gets left on
a desk and there’s no committee discussion
and decisions are being made.”
Although Anderson’s concerns were not
addressed in this particular bylaw, he asked
that they be looked into at the next appropriate time.
The changes came about when members
of the Finance and Administration committee
brought up various issues regarding delegations and the opportunity to streamline the
meeting process.
O’Neill pulling its
weight for world famine
By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express
A young boy named Klooun living in
Cambodia spends his days hunting frogs and
small birds using a slingshot to feed his family.
Their home, a hut, has holes in the walls and
roof. Some of it blew away in storms. Other
pieces were sold for money when the family was
desperate for food.
This is just one of the many stories told on
the World Vision website that inspires local
youth to participate in the 30-hour famine.
Last April, more than 560 youth aged 13 to
19 from Oshawa schools, churches and other
organizations volunteered their time to help families like Klooun’s.
Those Oshawa students raised more than
$6,400 to help families and children in other
countries who are suffering to meet the necessities of life.
This April they’ll do it all over again.
The high school students at O’Neill
Collegiate Vocational Institute will stop eating
on Thursday April 2 at noon, and fast for 30
hours, which will take them till 6 p.m. on Friday
April 3.
“One of the students is actually running the
famine this year, it’s through our Rotary Club.
The students volunteer their time,” says Jolene
McCabe, a teacher at O’Neill CVI.
“We’re hoping for over 100 students to participate.”
Those students will be out collecting pledges
and all the money will be donated to World
Vision, which will distribute it accordingly.
“With thousands of teens getting involved in
the famine, it goes to show that when youth are
inspired or touched by a cause we can make positive changes,” says Connor Scheu, a World
Vision youth ambassador.
This weekend local high schools, communi-
APRIL 1 2009
ty organizations and church groups will go an
entire 30 hours without food, so that they can
experience what hunger feels like.
In its 38th year, World Vision is expecting
100,000 youth to participate across Canada and
the goal is to raise $5 million.
That would be $500,000 more than the country’s grand total for last year of $4.5 million.
The World Vision 30-hour famine is
Canada’s longest running youth action campaign.
The students at O’Neill are hoping to finish
off their 30 hour famine with movies and a pizza
party.
“It’ll be nice because they’ll all be together,”
adds McCabe.
Page 3
Harmonized
taxes don’t
create
harmony
Gasoline, fast food, newspapers,
magazines, haircuts, even golf green
fees are all things we take for granted.
We fork over the required dough and
get on with our day.
However, now our wallets are going
to have an even bigger dent in them due
to Premier Dalton McGunity’s brilliant
decision to harmonize taxes.
And we are going to notice a difference.
According to the latest and greatest
provincial budget, as of July 1, 2010
Ontarians will be paying a 13 per cent
sales tax.
While this doesn’t seem like it’s any
different from the GST and PST we are
already paying now on some goods, it
does mean a lot of other items will have
a tax when they didn’t used to.
With a projected deficit of $14.1
billion, it’s no wonder the Liberals
decided to hit people where it hurts.
Those looking to buy homes will be
hit with higher closing costs. Those
wanting gas, which has already skyrocketed in previous years, will pay
more. The trend stays the same.
Ontarians will be paying more.
It seems the provincial budget is
about spending what Ontarians don’t
have, to the tune of $108 billion.
While change was necessary to
stimulate the economy, creating a tax
reform at this point in time was
uncalled for and unjust.
Oshawa in particular is going to suffer.
According to Oshawa MPP Jerry
Ouellette, the McGuinty government
moved away from a manufacturing
economy, which is a driving force in
Oshawa, to a more service-based economy.
While some businesses will benefit
with a tax reduction, others will be
forced to become unpaid collectors for
the government for yet another tax and
the average Joe will only see prices
rise.
Although McGuinty’s plan was to
create jobs, he may be costing people
some in this neck of the woods.
In Oshawa 1,200 jobs are being
threatened, the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union states. This is
because these workers administer the
provincial retail sales tax.
The region has been hit hard in the
past year because of this recession.
We have looked to both the federal
and provincial governments to help
Canadians in this time.
While they may think they have our
best intentions in mind, they have
ignored the plight of many.
At this very time some people can’t
afford a haircut, a newspaper or a magazine. And the harmonized tax hasn’t
even been imposed yet.
We say oppose the tax and the
provincial Liberal government for
bringing in the HST.
Page 4
600 Thornton Rd. S.
Oshawa, ON L1J 6W7
news@oshawaexpress.ca
phone: (905) 571-7
7334
fax: (905) 571-0
0255
APRIL 1 2009
Volume 4, Number 23
Publisher
Greg McDowell
Advertising Director
Kim Boatman
Sports Editor
Wally Donaldson
sports@oshawaexpress.ca
Contributors
Bill Fox
Jennifer Weymark
Glen Goodhand
Jim Bradford
Reporters
Lindsey Cole
lcole@oshawaexpress.ca
Katie Strachan
Letters to the Editor
kstrachan@oshawaexpress.ca
“Stop campaigning on taxpayers dime”
Dear Editor,
If only the prime minister would stop campaigning on the taxpayers dime and address the real issues
at home such as Afghanistan, the economy, unemployment, national unity and the erosion of our democratic institutions under his government, just to
mention a few.
Harper, and some of his minister's are gallivanting all over the country under the auspices of the economic crises and get tough -on-crime agenda.
These so-called get tough on crime sheriff's have
no problem attending functions where the political
environment is conducive to their agenda.
Listening to the PM espouse his fond affection
for democracy is a little ironic, coming from a man
who twice prorogued parliament in as many years
rather than assume his responsibilities.
Our democratic institutions, the very fabric of the
nation we so deeply cherish, have become a political
football for the conservatives to cherry pick at will.
Thomas O'Brien
Oshawa resident
Demanding council accountability
Dear Editor,
Scarcely a week goes by that your newspaper
does not include a letter from a disgruntled
Oshawa resident complaining of the dysfunctional
behaviour or questionable judgment of our municipal politicians.
This situation will never change until we realize
that the primary cause of the problem is voter apathy.
Though they claim otherwise, municipal politicians like those of other levels of government, celebrate when voters stay home on election day.
And why not? The pathetic 23 per cent voter
turnout at the last municipal election did no more
than act as a rubber stamp for whatever our misguided mayor and council choose to do.
Councillors were further emboldened when, in
the lead-up to the last election, the Government of
Ontario gave local councils a fourth year in office.
That's another year in which they can do as they
please with no fear of meaningful opposition. Such
freedom of action requires a degree of thoughtful
restraint. Our council has none.
In reply to a letter I wrote to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs protesting the extra year in
office given to local councils, the minister claimed
that the move to a four-year term was made in
response to widespread demand, but from whom
he didn't say. In fact, the bill to grant councils the
extra year was so unpopular that it had to be
included in a money bill to ensure that it was
passed.
If ever we are to see any accountability at the
municipal level, we must have some form of opposition, perhaps partisan political and limits on the
number of terms in office a councillor may serve.
Anything less is unacceptable.
Those loud-mouthed, so-called comedians on
American Fox Television, who have ridiculed the
Canadian support to America in the impossible
war, should recall this slogan.
“If you don’t want to stand behind our troops,
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“So-called comedians” should stand behind troops
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try standing in front of them.”
Hand these ‘comedians’ a rifle and let them take
a stand on the front line, after they have attended
the funeral of our latest fallen soldiers.
Sickening.
Don Legree
Oshawa
In the March 18, 2009 issue of The Oshawa Express, a letter appeared “Safety concerns on Trail Valley,” by Angie
Longworth. The letter was in fact, not written by Angie Longworth. It was written by Bill Longworth. The Oshawa Express
apologizes for the error.
Letters to
the Editor
The Oshawa Express publishes
every Wednesday in the City of
Oshawa. Send us your comments,
letters to the editor, suggestions.
We’d like to hear from you. Please
write to:
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APRIL 1 2009
APRIL 1 2009
Page 5
Industry minister says GM isn’t a viable option
Further concessions must be made
GM from Page 1
their plan, which was released in
February.
The company needs a reality
check when it comes to future
auto sales and also needs to
reduce benefit costs for retired
workers,
Federal
Industry
Minister Tony Clement said.
But for the CAW, further
negotiation is not an option at this
time. There will be no more cuts,
CAW President Ken Lewenza
told reporters at a press conference Monday.
This news comes after U.S.
President Baraque Obama also
dismissed the American plan.
In Canada, GM has 60 days to
come up with a better plan to
make sure they get support and
money from both governments.
In a press release GM Canada
stated they acknowledge the
statements made by both governments.
“While GM Canada has made
significant progress on its restructuring, it has not drawn financing
support in Canada,” the release
read.
“The Company expects further
discussions will take place with
the governments in the days
ahead. The Company has no further comment at this time.”
Boycott
the
bottle
By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express
A tower of more than 300 empty water
bottles marks where the Boycott the Bottle
Campaign took place at the University of
Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and
Durham College.
During World Water Day several students gathered to see if they could tell the
difference between bottled and tap water.
It turns out students prefer tap water 21
to 16.
“Most people could tell, but prefer it,”
says Yumna Bhatti, a member of the campaign.
As part of the Boycott the Bottle campaign, these students were also hoping to
sell reusable stainless steel bottles to
encourage tapped water and not plastic bottled water as they remain in landfills and
cause more pollution, says Bhatti.
According to Ian Ngaira, 85 per cent of
bottles end up in a landfill and it isn’t necessary.
“You shouldn’t charge people for water.
We believe it’s an ethical choice,” he says.
Profits from metal bottle sales are going
towards a proper water fountain at the
school in the hopes of encouraging students
to get rid of those plastic water bottles.
“Eventually, hopefully UOIT will be a
bottle free campus. We start with small
steps,” explains Fatema Abdulhusein,
adding the gym is already bottle-free.
While the campus is already taking a
step in the right direction, the team hopes
the idea will branch out into the community.
“We don’t just want to stop here on campus, we just want it to spiral out,” Ngaira
says.
For co-founder Anthony Boland, it’s a
chance to raise awareness.
“This event will be the culmination of
our efforts this year in emphasizing the
harmful environmental, health, and social
ramifications of the bottled water industry.”
But it isn’t just about the pollution plastic water bottles cause, it’s also about what
these students call the corporate cover-up.
According to a sheet handed out by the
campaign team, up to 40 per cent of bottled
water is basically tap water that corporations
resell for profit.
These students believe water is a human
right and should be something everyone can
enjoy without a price.
Photo by Katie Strachan/ The Oshawa Express
Ian Ngaira, Fatema Abdulhusein, Yumna Bhatti
and Anthony Boland are all members of the
Boycott the Bottle campaign, which is geared
towards making the UOIT/Durham College campus free of plastic water bottles in order to better
the environment.
Page 6
APRIL 1 2009
Durham Hospice a place to face death
By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express
Death is something each person faces.
It is something all of us deal with and having an outlet for support is vital.
For Kirsten Schmidt-Chamberlain, the
executive director of Durham Hospice, it’s a
message she hopes to put out to the community. There is a place to go for help.
And with more funding there just may be a
permanent residence where people can go to
rest and die in comfort.
Recently, members of the Durham Hospice
board, sponsors and local politicians launched
the annual Flying High Gala, which will be
taking place May 9 in the Enterprise Air
Hanger at the Oshawa Airport.
During the event, a $10,000 cheque was
given by Howard Humphrey, CEO, of the
Manufacturing and Technology Centre in
Whitby.
“We’re trying to give a bit back to the community,” he says. “It’s a hospice. It’s one of the
with the money
most
important
raised.
times in a person’s
Board members,
life and they need
volunteers
and
help.”
members of the
Currently
organization
are
Durham Hospice
hoping to have a
has raised $40,000
permanent residenfor the gala, with
tial facility for those
the hope of reachwho can’t be cared
ing $50,000.
for at home and yet
“I think having
don’t need to be hossupport from our
pitalized.
community is so
vital,” SchmidtThe home would
Chamberlain says.
Photo by Katie Strachan / The Oshawa Express be located in central
“Often illness and
Durham Region and
From left, Arlene Inkster and Kirsten Schmidtdeath comes as a Chamberlain of Durham Hospice accept a $10,000 would have 10 beds,
shock. It (Durham donation from Howard Humphrey, CEO of the serving all Durham
Hospice) is like a Manufacturing and Technology Centre.
residents for up to
tour guide. We’re
three months at a
able to provide that assistance, having someone time.
in your life to guide.”
“It’s a time of great sadness, great yearning,
This is the first gala for Hospice Durham, great wisdom,” Schmidt-Chamberlain says,
but the organization already has big plans for adding a place to go would give comfort to all
the future and what they could potentially do parties involved.
Currently 90 per cent of people wish they
could be at home to die, but 64 per cent of caregivers say they are unable to care for them.
The facility provides a happy medium and
adds to the services that are already given,
which usually involves a volunteer at a person’s home.
Right now, 122 volunteers, who specialize
in palliative and bereavement care, work at the
organization.
In 2008, Durham Hospice served 262 palliative clients and 317 bereavement clients.
The numbers are only increasing, adds
Schmidt-Chamberlain.
“It’s something that speaks to all of us.”
While future plans are important, she says,
the gala is a time to raise money for the cause.
It’s also just about having a good time.
“It’s going to be a fun and exciting
evening.”
More than 200 tickets have already been
sold, she says, and they continue to go fast.
Tickets cost $125 each.
For more information call Durham Hospice
at 905-430-4522 ext.18.
Gearing up for Fiesta Week Parade
appealed to members
for some support with
the upcoming Fiesta
Week parade.
First and foremost
Charter says he wanted to thank members
of the committee for
their continued support as City Council
provided the parade
with $7,000 for float
Photo provided construction last year.
Fiesta Week kicks off each year with a parade
Even though only
which features colourful floats from various cultur- $3,500 was used,
al groups across the region.
Charter says he was
grateful.
By Lindsey Cole
“Once again we would like
The Oshawa Express
some support,” he told members
While Fiesta Week isn’t until of the committee. “We try hard to
the end of June, organizers are raise funds on our own but it’s
already getting ready for the big hard because of the economy.”
The Oshawa Folk Arts Council
event and some are seeking help
asked for the same amount of
from city councillors for support.
At a recent Finance and money this year, but after some
Administration Committee meet- debate, members of the committee
ing, Russell Charter, on behalf of told Charter they could give up to
the Oshawa Folk Arts Council, $5,000 for the parade and it would
come out of a contingency fund.
Final approval must be sought
from council on April 6.
“I will leave it in the hands of
this committee,”Charter adds.
Mayor John Gray says what
the city contributes to the parade
is well worth it.
“I think that’s pretty inexpensive for the quality parade we
have.”
Fiesta Week kicks off June 21
with a large parade and runs until
June 27. This year marks the 37th
annual festival and features what
many call, ‘a taste of Durham.’
Numerous food and
cultural pavilions are
featured in the festival,
and it gives people an
opportunity to experience European, Asian
and Caribbean cultures
without leaving the
country.
“It kicks off with the
parade. Right now what
we are doing is seeking
as much help as we can.
That (the parade) is the
big item.”
The festival itself was again
mentioned as one of the top 100
festivals in Canada, Charter adds.
“The parade is put on for families. At the same time it’s a
chance for people to see what’s
going on during the week.”
The parade features floats
from various cultures and also
highlights different ethnic dances
and marching bands.
“It reminds people to come
into the pavilions. It’s a showcase.”
City is not the Wild West
By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express
bad example.
The bylaw states that establishments must
apply for an exemption each time they want
Adult entertainment shows will not be a show.
coming to this city any time soon, according
However, for the Big Sexy and LeSkratch
to members of the Finance and
it doesn’t look like any shows will
Administration Committee.
be happening anytime soon.
At a recent meeting, members of
“I’m not open to reopening the
the committee voted against a
debate,” said Councillor Louise
Chippendales show at the Big Sexy
Parkes, adding that with some strip
this year.
clubs in the past there was a lot of
The Big Sexy, located on King
criminal activity. Police were often
Street, wanted to be exempt from a
called to certain clubs to deal with
Louise Parkes
licensing bylaw for a show on June
varous issues.
12.
“Our bylaw is strongly written. It’s not a
According to a letter submitted to com- morality issue. It’s a law issue. I’m not open
mittee members, the show happened last to weakening our adult entertainment bylaw.
year, but doesn’t look like it will get the go I’m utterly opposed to opening the Wild West
ahead this year.
in Oshawa.”
“I think we need to start abiding by our
Councillor Nicholson said having one or
bylaw. I’m going to vote against this one and two shows per year may be a solution, but
the next one, not because of being prudish,” certain steps must be followed.
Councillor April Cullen said regarding
“It’s up to council whether it’s acceptable
another agenda item that proposed another or not,” he explained. “You can’t say one peradult show at LeSkratch Billiard Bar and son can have it and one person can’t.”
Grill.
Both items on the agenda were dismissed,
The bylaw states that strip clubs and the as the show at the Big Sexy was received for
like can operate in south Oshawa, but must information and the proposed show at
be regulated to specific zones.
LeSkratch needs to be opened for consideraCouncillor Brian Nicholson said the clubs tion at a later date, members of the committhat want to offer the occasional show tee said.
shouldn’t be in residential areas as it sets a
APRIL 1 2009
Page 7
Councillors concerned over FarmTech report
QUESTIONS from Page 1
know whether it was produced by the university or not.”
For Professor Cox, who teaches finance at
the university, it was always clear that he and
he alone produced the report, not the school.
However, Councillor Brian Nicholson was
also concerned that the numbers in the report
as well as some other facts could not be
attributed.
“There’s no attribution to any numbers,”
he said.
Professor Cox said he had started working
on the report in December and used a variety
of sources for the study.
“I looked at some other economic impact
studies. I gathered some government statistics. I got some of the financial feasibility,
operations-wise, from them- FarmTech,” he
explained.
The report states the facility will generate
approximately $165 million annually with an
employee payroll of $4.2 million for 50 jobs.
And that’s just during one phase of the project.
When the plant expansion is done an additional 15 jobs will be created. The average
employee income would be around $85,000.
However, for some councillors the numbers seemed to come out of nowhere.
“This needs to go to staff,” said Councillor
Nicholson.
But Professor Cox says the math is simple
and the numbers stand firm.
“The business revenue, that’s a pretty firm
one (number),” he says, adding it is simply
the price of ethanol multiplied by the quantity, which is 210 million litres.
“There’s little variability in the qualifier.
There is not a whole lot of debate.”
While he does acknowledge there is
MacDonald would need both parts of a
donor liver, meaning the liver couldn’t come
from a living donor. This further complicated
her chances for survival and a long and healthy
life.
“I wanted to donate part of my liver but the
doctors said I couldn’t because you can live
with only one part, but Melissa needed both,”
explains Burge.
Finally, Burge’s prayers were answered
when MacDonald was nine months old.
An adult man’s liver, not a typical match for
a small infant, had become available and liver transplants on the same person twice, and
MacDonald was next on the list.
one person survived it and one died.”
“They squished it into her anyways. They
This would be MacDonald’s third transsaid the liver had only three to four per cent plant.
functioning though,” explains Burge.
But the little girl’s strength allowed her to
Days later, MacDonald was put back on to pull through yet again.
the donor waiting list as the liver was too fatty.
“She healed so quickly. It was a complete
“They put out an emergency call for a liver. miracle,” says the proud mom as she smiles at
Canada accepted one from the US, which they her daughter.
usually don’t do. They
“It was nine days
told me it might not be
and I was out,” adds
“I just want people to
a great liver either.”
MacDonald proudly.
Burge was told her
Today, MacDonald
know
that
whatever
innocent daughter had
is a happy 18-year-old
they’re going through,
just 24 hours to live.
student at Eastdale
But after more than
Collegiate Vocational
there
is
always
20 hours of surgery, the
Institute.
tiny baby girl defied all
“We’ve been doing
someone going through
odds.
really well,” says her
worse.”
After
spending
mom.
-Melissa
MacDonald
almost three years in
“You live each day
the hospital, the effects
as it comes.”
of being bed ridden were taking their toll on
“And hope for the best,” adds MacDonald.
MacDonald.
MacDonald still visits Sick Kids Hospital
“She never crawled. She only started walk- twice a year. She must have thorough checks to
ing when she was about five years old,” says make sure her liver is functioning properly and
Burge.
she also takes daily medications to prevent
“Her legs were so weak. She had to have rejection of the organ.
physiotherapy to strengthen them. She had
MacDonald and her mom encourage people
chicken pox three times and was in and out of to donate their organs, but most of all to donate
infectious diseases constantly.”
blood.
Although doctors had told Burge her
“Without blood donations, she might not be
daughter would only be able to survive with here today,” adds Burge who claims her
that liver for a couple of years, MacDonald daughter received over 7,400 litres of blood
proved them wrong once again.
products throughout her surgeries.
“We made it through seven years until the
“A lot of people don’t donate their livers
perfect one came along,” explains MacDonald, because they associate it with alcohol abuse.
who remembers her ordeal from this point on. But that’s not always the case. Look at these
At eight-years-old, after being on the donor innocent children.”
list again for seven years, the perfect match
And the girl who defied the odds has just
was found for her.
one message.
“It was a miracle but unfortunately a child
“I just want people to know that whatever
had to pass away for my daughter to live,” they’re going through, there is always someexplains Burge.
one going through worse,” says the survivor,
“They had only performed two consecutive who has made it through it all.
always some uncertainty, especially in these
harsh economic times, he doesn’t question the
fact that the plant will benefit Oshawa.
“Right now Oshawa could use a boost,” he
said, adding questions about the report could
be the result of opposition to the plant in general.
“It’s a valid report. Those that oppose it
have other reasons other than the economic
impact.”
The report was referred back to staff
where they will examine the validity to some
of the facts represented in the study.
Eastdale student taking it “one day at a time”
TRIPLE from Page 1
on the liver transplant waiting list.
The doctors decided to perform a procedure
called a Kasai where MacDonald’s liver ducts
were sewn shut, a temporary solution until
doctors could find a match.
“I lived my life by a pager. It was horrible,”
explains Burge of the lengthy process of waiting for an organ.
But Burge’s world was made even more
difficult when doctors told her MacDonald had
Thrombosis of the hepatic artery.
Minister shows support for trades
ENERGY from Page 1
ernment and the college’s commitment to
skilled trades as an economic boost for both
Oshawa and Ontario.
During the tour, the minister was able to see
more than 200,000 square feet of classroom and
shop space, including the Skills Training Centre.
College President Don Lovisa was on hand to
show him the facility and share with him some
background information about the college.
Currently the college has 17 apprenticeship
programs, and has 1,600 apprentices.
While Minister Smitherman was in town to
discuss his Green Energy Act, he also mentioned
that Durham College is providing the jobs of
Page 8
tomorrow.
This follows $9 million in funding for the
school, which means the college will be moving
ahead with expansion plans.
Many participants from the tour take a minute to
pose with Energy Minister, George Smitherman.
APRIL 1 2009
Dundurn gets support from City
By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express
The Dundurn student housing project may
just get a helping hand.
After the region turned down the company’s request for a deferral of development
charges, not once, not twice but three times, it
seemed like the 129-unit building was going to
be a thing of the past.
That was until a special Development
Services Committee Meeting was held to shed
some light on the project, which would be
located close to Durham College and could
house up to 566 students.
Carlo Di Gioacchino, vice president of
Dundurn Edge Developments Inc., was at the
meeting to make a few requests.
The first was that the city defer the develop-
ment charges, which is what the region refused us to be moving ahead on the project,” Di
to do, adds Councillor Brian Nicholson.
Gioacchino said, adding the loan would be
It was also recommended that an applica- paid off within five years with interest.
tion to cancel property taxes be considered and
He told members of the committee that it is
that the holding symbol be removed from the hard to get financers in these harsh economic
building.
times and that
One recomthis loan would
mendation that
provide a helpwas the subject
ing hand.
of debate was
“It (getting
whether the city
funding)
has
would provide a
everything to do
loan to Dundurn
with the fact it’s
-Carlo Di Gioacchino in Oshawa,” he
for up to $1.4
million, what the
explained,
as
region
would
financers aren’t
have covered had they allowed the deferral to ready to give out cash, as they are worried GM
go through.
will go under.
“These are fairly important conditions for
“I’m here today to ask you to agree to all
“It (getting funding) has
everything to do with the fact
it’s in Oshawa.”
the staff recommendations.”
Committee members agreed the loan was
necessary for the project and stated it should
be referred to staff for a report to be submitted
to council on April 6.
However, on top of all the recommendations being passed, Councillor Nicholson
moved a motion that the loan amount be
bumped up to $2.8 million, to be paid back
over 10 years, so that the city would be investing in the project rather than simply covering
what the region didn’t fork out.
“I think we always have to keep our eye on
the bottom line,” he said. “I don’t think the city
should be in the giveaway game either.”
In the report, which will be submitted April
6, there will also be a memo attached putting
forth Councillor Nicholson’s idea so that both
options can be considered.
Durham Region raking in the awards
By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express
The awards are rolling in at the region.
Hot off the heels of the region’s win at the Annual Economic
Developers Council of Ontario Awards, the Finance and
Administration Committee was recently informed that its 2007
Annual Financial Report qualifies for the highly prestigious
Canadian Award for Financial Reporting (CanFR).
This is the fifth consecutive CanFR award the region has
won.
Last year only 39 municipalities across the country received
the CanFR award, including 11 municipalities in Ontario states
the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
According to the region’s report, in order to receive one of
the impressive awards, a government must publish a user friendly, efficient, organized, high quality annual financial report.
An impartial Canadian Review Committee of the GFOA
judged Durham’s annual financial report. This was done to
ensure compliance with the high standards of the CanFR program.
“I think he (R.J. Clapp, commissioner of finance at the
region) should toot his own horn because during these tough
economic times especially, we have strong leadership skills,”
said Councillor Bill McLean at the meeting when the award was
announced.
Sunken barge not a risk
By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express
The port authority didn’t want anyone to risk their lives
for an empty barge, she explains.
However, with the spring thaw,
she says it is likely caught up in
mud, which means it may be difficult to get out.
With that said, she adds, both the
commission and the company are
aware of the barge and are aiming to
get it out of the water soon.
A sunken barge at the Oshawa harbour is barely noticeable from Simcoe Street.
However, upon closer inspection it’s metal frame can
be seen peeking out of the water just inside the marina.
While it may seem odd to have a sunken barge in the
middle of a harbour, Donna Taylor, the CEO and port manager of the Oshawa Harbour Commission, says there is
nothing to worry about.
During one of the many storms
this winter, the barge, which belongs
to heavy construction company
McNally International broke loose
from one of the docks, causing it to
drift and sink.
“It’s empty,” says Taylor. “We
know it’s not hurting anything.
We’re aware of it. It’s a barge they
use for dredging. This one just drifted off.”
She says they couldn’t send
McNally in to recover the sunken
ship because it was far too dangerPhoto by Lindsay Cole/ The Oshawa Express
ous in the winter while ice flows A sunken ship sticks out of the water near the former Oshawa
were forming.
marina.
APRIL 1 2009
Page 9
March 25 Crossword answers
April 1
The
One
Parent
Families
Association is holding a fund raising dance. Both singles and couples
welcome. Doors open at 7:30 at
Woodview Community Centre, and
the dancing begins at 8:00 till 1:00
am. Includes a hot buffet. Dress
code is in effect. For more info call
289-240-2146.
April 4
Fans will be captivated by the
Globetrotters’ basketball wizardry,
hilarious antics and fan interaction,
all presented by some of the world’s
greatest athletes and entertainers.
Tickets available at the General
Motors Centre Box Office, by phone
at 1-877-436-8811, or online at
www.generalmotorscentre.com. 7
p.m.
A Bazaar and fundraiser is being
hosted by the cast of the Vagina
Monologues at the YWCA Durham.
All proceeds go to the YWCA
Durham and the Durham Rape
Crisis Centre. $2 entry fee and a
chance to win a variety of prizes. 1
p.m. to 4 p.m. For more info call
905-728-0155
or
email
at
dbradley21@hotmail.com .
Join the Durham Trillium Quilters’
Guild. The meeting will feature
Dorothy Mattingly, who will present
a trunk show featuring her beautiful
quilts. There will also be a members’ show-and-tell and light
refreshments. Anyone interested is
invited. 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of
the Durham District School Board.
For more info call Anne Murray at
905-576-7833.
April 4
April 13
Easter Musical at Faith United
Church, 1778 Nash Rd. E.,
Courtice. This is a very entertaining
show with the story loosely based on
the Gospel of Matthew. Ba-Ba-BaBa Baptize Me Jesus is just one of
the songs written by Brian Stevens
and the cast for this show. Advance
tickets are $13 or by calling 905448-1320. Refreshments. 7:30 p.m.
The Oshawa Garden Club invites
novice and experienced gardeners
to attend. Guest speaker will be
Marion Jarvie, her topic is
Architectural Elements in the
Garden. St. George’s Ukrainian
Heritage Centre (LVIV Hall), 38 Lviv
Blvd., 7:30 p.m. For more info contact Linda Wylie at 905-723-5557
or info@oshawagardenclub.ca
April 5
April 15
The 1st annual How To Plan Your
Wedding Show at Wooden Sticks.
Vendor presentations, demonstrations and performances throughout
the day! Prizes, samples and giveaways! Fashion Show at 4 p.m.
Grand prize draw at 5 p.m. For
more info call 905-852-4379. $5,
Wooden Sticks.
Head injury Association of Durham
Region is hosting their guest speaker, Stefanie Famme of the Durham
Community Legal Clinic. She will
speak from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
The actual support group meeting is
at 8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more info
or to arrange transportation call
905-723-2732.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch
43 is hosting some pickers from 2 to
6 p.m. in the Clubroom. For more
information call 905-723-4511 or
email rcl043@idirect.com
April 17
April 6
If you or someone you love has
Parkinson’s disease consider attending a presentation by Dr. Allan
Toguri, a Urologist at Scarborough
General Hospital. 7 p.m., St. Mark’s
United Church, 201 Centre St.
Whitby.
April 7
Page 10
The Matsuyama Bonsai Society will
hold its April meeting. Potting your
Bonsai will be the major topic.
Anyone who wishes to develop this
hobby are welcomed. 7PM at Faith
Place, 44 William St. Oshawa.
April 18
The Ladies of the 'Simply Us
Chapter of Oshawa Red Hatters'
are hosting a "Mardi Gras Regalia"
from noon to 5 p.m. at the La
Renaissance Hall, 650 King St. E in
Oshawa.
March 25 Sudoku answers
A fruit farmer hired two new workers for his
fields and told them he had just one rule: don't steal
any fruit.
After the day was over, he asked them if they had
stolen any fruit, and their conscience forced them to
tell the truth.
"Yes, we did. We ate some when we got hungry,"
they said.
The farmer said "Your punishment is to pick ten
of your favorite fruit and come back to me."
After about fifteen minutes, the first thief came
back with ten cherries.
The farmer told him that as part of his punishment, he would have to stuff each cherry up his nose.
The thief was upset about this, but he knew he had
done wrong, so he began to push the cherries up his
nose one by one.
As he was working on the third cherry, he began
to laugh hysterically.
The farmer asked him, "What's so funny?"
The thief replied, "The other guy is out there
picking watermelons!"
APRIL 1 2009
To have your baby included in The
Oshawa Express Echo Baby, please
send a photograph of your child (infant
to 2 years) to:
The Oshawa Express, 600 Thornton Rd.
S., Oshawa, Ontario, L1J 6W7.
Email: kstrachan@oshawaexpress.ca
This is a free service. Photos will be
available for pick up at this location.
ARIES March 20 to April 19
Your job efforts could pay off
big this year. Get out and
about, network and meet people who
can help you advance your career. A
plan could run into a roadblock on
April 5.
TAURUS April 19 to May 20
You enjoy completing a project before starting a new one.
Finish up any projects you are
working on now. People in management positions are well aware of your
skills.
GEMINI May 20 to June 21
Mentally restless, your mind
wants and needs constant
stimulation. If you decide to go back
to school, you will receive honours and
recognition. Organize a yard sale with
your neighbours.
CANCER June 21 to July 22
Do not let your relationship
suffer because you are preoccupied with your job. Spend quality
time with your partner. You could
receive a lump sum of money this year
or your partner could get a raise.
LEO July 22 to August 22
With Jupiter in your house of
partnership this year, you will
accomplish far more with a spouse
than you will on your own. Client
based businesses will expand.
Reorganize daily routines for greater
efficiency.
VIRGO August 22 to Sept 22
At work you are gaining in
personal satisfaction and other
people are noticing. Co-workers are much easier to get along with.
Pay closer attention to your diet.
LIBRA Sept 22 to Oct 23
If you have considered turning a
personal interest into a job, this
is the year to do it. A good time to teach
or coach children, your own children can
receive honours or awards. Schedule a
SPA day.
SCORPIO Oct 23 to Nov 22
Do your job to the best of your
ability and you will make great
progress. If you have been searching for
your dream house, you could find it this
year. If you do not want to move, redecorate your current home.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 to Dec
21
You have some intense months
ahead of you where money is concerned.
Are you happy with the investments you
have made? Write a community
newsletter or a magazine article.
CAPRICORN Dec 21 to Jan
19
If you work on a commission
basis, you can increase your income this
year. Other Capricorns could receive a
lump sum of money. Brothers and sisters may be busy or forget to keep commitments.
AQUARIUS Jan 19 to Feb 19
This year your potential for success is greater than ever. Create
your own opportunities and go after what
you want. Let your creative juices flow.
Deal with an unexpected expense and
pay bills on time.
PISCES Feb 19 to March 20
This year people from the past
come back into your life, but
think carefully if an old flame wants to
rekindle a romance. It may not work
out. Listen to your intuitionin.
The Stars Say is provided by Joan Ann of Oshawa. For personal readings, call 905-725-9179 or visit her website at www.astroconsultation.com
Carter Evans turns one year old tomorrow! Happy Birthday Carter!
Love always and forever, mommy, daddy and big brother Cole.
The Oshawa Express would like to remind its readers to still send Express Perfect
Pet pictures in to run bi-weekly in the Echo Baby feature.
Across
1. Fortunetellers card
6. Stars and Stripes
e.g.
10. Corrode
14. Luau greeting
15. Great review
16. Wager
17. Economic recession
18. Neck and neck
19. Asterisk
20. Label
21. ___ Today
22. High standards
24. Cilium
26. To increase
27. Mistrustful
30. Spread out
34. Adult male
35. Chitchat
38. Adolescent
39. One step
40. Suspicious
41. Long-haired ox
42. Fond du ___, Wis.
43. Ski trail
44. Cleanse
46. Touch
49. Shriek
53. Ocean bottom
56. Clever
57. Set down
APRIL 1 2009
58. Diva’s solo
59. Wight, for one
61. Brownish gray
63. Connect
64. Initiation, e.g.
65. Bygone
66. Administer
67. Trampled
68. “La Bohème,” e.g.
Down
1. Small sample
2. Relieve
3. Blusher
4. Electrical unit
5. Faucet
6. Not stale
7. Volcanic flow
8. “___ Maria”
9. DNA segment
10. Poison ivy woe
11. Loosen, as laces
12. Pile
13. Laconic
21. “It’s no ___!”
23. Change direction
25. Not fat
28. Expel
29. Sense organ
30. Pigpen
31. ___ green
32. Albanian coin
33. Engrave
35. Neon, e.g.
36. Gallery display
37. Adieu
39. Be seated
40. Fermented grape
juice
42. Body of water
45. Do
46. Sacred hymn
47. Cliffside dwelling
48. Contaminate
49. Accelerate
50. Avoid
51. A crime
52. African doglike
mammal
54. Sit in the sun
55. Grime
56. Countertenor
60. Knight’s title
61. Also
62. High mountain
Page 11
Twirling their way to Belgium
By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express
They’ve twirled their way to the worlds.
The Camaros Baton Club is heading to the
National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA)
Championship in Belgium, France.
Ten of the teams’ members Kyla Wilson,
Rebecca Maciver, Kasey Bretherick, Shannon
Mason, Diana Lough, Chantal Sutton,
Samantha Metelski, Janine Metelski, Danielle
Photos by Katie Strachan/The Oshawa Express
Kasey Bretherick shows off her freestyle routine.
at 7:00 p.m. Kyla grabs her plane home and
Rebecca catches a train.”
The joy bursting from those competing
was evident as the core tested out their routines at their dress rehearsal last weekend.
“I’m super excited. I think it’ll be an
amazing experience. Representing Canada has
been one of my dreams since I first started
twirling. We’ve all been training really hard
for this for the past couple of years and we’re
all pumped for competing against other amazing twirlers,” says Weatherbee.
“Seeing as we’re leaving in less than a
month it makes me really nervous but it
drives me to practice harder and try to be the
best that I can so that I can get the results I
deserve in Belgium.”
Coach Wilson, a former Canadian
Champion baton twirler and an Oshawa
Sports Hall of Fame inductee formed the
team in 1977.
The coaches, who were all once Camaro’s
members, Wilson, Jennifer Titterton and
Brenda Wilkes have trained with their athletes
for countless hours to get them to the spot
they are in today.
The coaches have led their team of dedicated athletes to the worlds many times, making their mark on Holland, Italy, Japan,
Indiana and most Canadian provinces, but for
the athletes heading to Belgium today is a
new day.
One of the team routines that will be competing in Belgium early next week. There is a total of 10
athletes competing from the Camaros.
Rebecca Maciver performs her individual freestyle
during a rehearsal.
Titterton and Alyssa Weatherbee leave for a
memorable trip to France on April 5.
The NBTA competition runs from April 9
through 12.
All the girls will be competing individually as well as in two groups, a senior and junior routine.
“They qualified back in July at team trials,” says coach LeeAnn Wilson.
Getting to the worlds has been somewhat
of a feat with Kyla Wilson in her third year at
the University of Calgary and Maciver
studying hard at Queens University, the
group has overcome many challenges,
and bought many a train/plane tickets
to get where they are.
“It’s been a struggle. It has been difficult,” says coach Wilson.
“The girls have been great. Every
weekend that Kyla and Rebecca are
home they’re in the gym all day
Saturday and all day Sunday and then
OCAA all-star hoops classics
West beats the East in two
Wellness
Centre
at
Durham College.
The West, as it turned
out, dominated in both
men’s and women’s
action against the feisty
East squads.
Anthony Batchelor
concluded a stellar fiveyear
experience
at
Durham College as he
was selected the East
Region’s most valuable
player following a 17point
performance.
Batchelor completed his
college career as the
OCAA all-time leading
scorer with 1,833 points.
His strong effort still
Photo by Wally Donaldson/The Oshawa Express
wasn’t enough at the final
Erin Emery of Durham College makes this buzzer, however, as the
set shot for the East during last Saturday’s West prevailed 99-88 in
Ontario Colleges Athletic Assocation the 22nd edition of the
(OCAA) all-star game.
all-star format.
“I think it is a great
When the cream of the crop
gets together for a day of hoops, way to end his career. He played
it’s not surprising that the quali- a great game and was well
ty of basketball is nothing short deserving of his MVP pick,”
says Ernie Durocher, senior conof a slam dunk.
As was the case during last venor.
David Akelatis of the
weekend’s Ontario Colleges
Athletic Association (OCAA) Lambton Lions was top scorer
all-star games within the for the West with 13 points. He
Campus
Recreation
and was also strong in a defensive
Page 12
capacity.
The West also took the
women’s side with a 71-68 victory over the East. Chelsea
Nekuliak of the Algoma
Thunderbirds was selected the
best of the West.
“We chose Chelsea as our
MVP because she did a little bit
of everything well,” said Allstar Coach Shane Bascoe of the
Sheridan Bruins. “She rebounded well, made the extra pass and
made it a lot easier for the other
girls to score by her hustle up
and down the floor.”
On the other side of the ball,
it was Sara Maybee who was
named the All-star Game’s MVP
for the East All-stars.
“I thought Sara had an outstanding game,” said East AllStar coach Craig Walker of the
Seneca Sting. “She shot the ball
really well and we were trying
to get some ball movement and
have the defense collapse inside
and get an opportunity to shoot
the ball from 3-point range.
Sarah hit a couple of big shots
when we were stagnant on
offense. I told her to put one up
for a heat check, she hit it and
we decided to continue to get
her the ball.”
In the Three-Point shootout,
overtime was required as both
Heather Alonzo of the Seneca
Sting and Jeralyn Espiritu of
Sheridan sank 14 shots in the
final round to put the event into
extra shots. In the extra shots, it
was Espiritu who caught fire,
nailing nine threes for the victory and successful defense of her
title she claimed one year ago on
the same court. On the men’s
side, OCAA Player of the Year
Charly Spurr put on the shooting
clinic as he scored 20 points in
the final round, earning the
shootout title.
In two ball action, it was
Cambrian’s Brady Bolan and
Durham’s Jill Leistra getting it
done, winning the event with 43
points. Algoma’s Andy Haidar
and Miranda Chaimbrone finished in the runner-up position
with
29
points,
while
Redeemer’s Ian Klingenberg
and Hannah Roukema were
third with 35 points.
Between games, Boomer the
Thunderbolt had heads spinning
as he won the 11th annual
OCAA Best Mascot competition. On hand as a celebrity
guest judge was the NBA’s top
mascot, the RAPTOR!
Let’s play ball
with the Royals
Now that the hockey season is drawing to a close,
it’s time to focus on the baseball field.
Oshawa Royals Rep Rookie ball squad is staging
tryouts April 7-9 for children born in 2000. A house
league is also available to those born 2000 to 2002 not
wishing to play on a competitive level.
Further information on this format is available at
Baseballoshawa.com.
As an introduction to competitive rep ball, a pitching machineis used for the games. Practices are every
Tuesday and Sunday with the home games contested
on Thursday nights.
The team will compete in two tournaments during
the season, including an overnight experience.
Teams from Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington
and Port Hope will also be competing in the Eastern
Ontario Baseball Association (EOBA) circuit.
Tryouts are as follows:
Tuesday, April 7th 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Durham
College Diamond
Wednesday, April 8th 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Durham
College Diamond
Thursday, April 9th 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Durham
College Diamond
Final selection of the 12 player roster will be completed following the last
tryout. It is hoped that you can attend at least one
tryout, but coaches
expect players to attend a minimum of two of the
three tryout dates.
Final team roster will be announced following the
tryouts.
For more information contact Ken Babcock at
k.babcock@rogers.com or 905-436-0517 or John
McQuaid at mcquaidheating@rogers.com
APRIL 1 2009
Going out with guns blazing
In two other bouts, Mike Affainie of Ajax
Sheldon Kennedy of the host club got
be stationed in either Halifax, Nova Scotia or
things going on a positive note, stopping Adam won by a split decision over Jessie Wilcox of
Esquimalt, British Columbia.
“I was really confident coming into this McGrath of Durham Boxing in convincing Steeltown and Steven Wilcox of the same club
defeated Mohammed Abedeen of Combat
one,” chimed Rill with a huge grin. “I wanted fashion.
Tyler Tilley, also from the Motor City club, Arts.
to go in there, finish him off and end with a
blast. It was a little quicker than I anticipated. scored a unanimous decision over
Javin Regis of Combat Arts and
I thought maybe second or third round.”
The training schedule of Rill was beefed was named top fighter of the card.
up in preparation for this fight, realizing this Dave Spence of Bramalea won by
was his last bout. “I went in there with bad a unanimous decision over
intentions to finish it early and I was fortunate Oshawa’s Dustyn Perry and Brian
Stevenson of Steeltown outpointenough to be able to do that,” he adds.
The story has
Rill’s future in the armed forces was deter- ed Cody Noxin of Motor City.
been told a hunLuke Caride of Motor City
mined three months ago and it is his hope that
dred times. When
he either becomes a boatsman or a naval com- took a split decision over Sheldon
Mark Twain heard
Wilcox of Steeltown and Bradley
municator. The doors are wide open, he says.
a report about his
“I wanted to change my life and do some- Wilcox scored a unanimous decipremature death
thing I can be proud about,” says Rill. “If they sion over Oshawa’s Evan Gillard.
his well worn reacJonathan Brown of Atlas
have boxing in the navy, I will want to get
tion was, “the reports of my death are greatly exaggeratinvolved. But I don’t know if they do or not.” defeated Brandon Cook of Motor
ed!”
A five-year member of the Motor City City.
At least seven well-known NHL personalities have been
club, Rill amassed a 32-10 record on an
beset by the same experience.
amateur level, prompting him to consider,
Photo by Wally Donaldson/The Oshawa Express
Back in 1918, with World War I over, the fortunes of
“I would like to turn pro when I get out of
Frankie Rill celebrates his victory over Duke davis the Navy in four years.”
Frank and Lester Patrick were beginning to look more
during the main event of Sunday’s Motor City
promising, as skaters were returned to restock their riddled
Rill’s involvement in boxing was actuBoxing Club card. Rill will be reporting to the ally initiated while playing video games
PCHA lineups.
Canadian Navy in a month’s time.
But on July 6 the famous hockey entrepreneurs were
with his brothers. “There was this boxing
stunned when they picked up the morning paper to see a
game I really liked and I thought, ‘Man, I
By Wally Donaldson
bold headline declaring that their long-time friend, Art
should try this out and get myself in good
The Oshawa Express
Ross, had been killed in a motorcycle accident. They were
shape.’ I was overweight at the time, but I
greatly relieved the next day, however, to learn that it was
If there was one piece of Frankie Rill’s got in shape and started beating guys up.”
Arthur’s nephew, Hugh Ross, who had been suddenly
As he did with Davis the receiver of a
arsenal he wanted exposed inside the squared
taken.
circle prior to joining the Canadian Navy, it huge hit that ended the main bout in a
In 1939, the dashing Reginald “Hooley” Smith (nickwas his ability to put his best punch forward hurry.
named after the comic strip character Happy Hooligan)
“He got me right off the bat and I got a
and “go out with a blast.”
was playing out his career with the old New York
And it took all of 30 seconds for the 235 cut on my nose,” noted Davis, who came
Americans. While in Montreal, he came down with the flu.
pound. Whitby native to achieve his success into this show with 35 previous fights.
When his coach, “Red” Dutton heard of it, he put through
last Sunday afternoon by landing a crunching “The doctor thought it was broke but, I
a phone call to enquire if he would be ready for the followblow to the nose of Duke Davis in the main don’t know. I told the doctor he shouldn’t
ing match in Toronto. He asked the operator for Mr. R.J.
event of a card at LeSkratch, organized by the have stopped it but, well, he’s the doctor.”
Smith and was told that he had passed away that morning.
Davis did know what he was up against
Motor City Boxing Club.
While he was still trying to regain his composure, the operThe doctor, noting a severe cut on the nose while putting on the gloves.
ator called back. She now had the right R.J. Smith and he
Photo by Wally Donaldson/The Oshawa Express
“I knew this was his last fight so I figof Davis who made the trek from New
was on the line.
Glasgow, Nova Scotia for this bout, called a ured he’d be coming out with the big
No doubt the most publicized instance of this kind
halt to the fight and with arms raised. Rill punches. I didn’t expect it right off the bat, Cody Nixon of the Motor City Boxing Club
though,” he notes with a grin. “He caught leans into his opponent, Brian Stevenson involved Irwin “Ace” Baily. Forced into early retirement
soaked up the moment.
because of the vicious attack by Eddie Shore in 1933, he
from Steeltown during Sunday’s boxing
His focus turns to gaining his medicals and me off guard.
was still the long serving penalty timekeeper at Maple Leaf
“Good punch for him and a bad one for card in Oshawa.
reporting to the navy within the next month, to
Gardens in 1965.
me, I guess.”
Reports of my death
are exaggerated
OCAA All-Millennium athletes awarded
Durham College rolls out red carpet
A very special occasion at Durham College took place last
Friday evening as the Department of Athletics honoured the
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) All-Millennium
selections in the Upper Gallery of the Campus Recreation and
Wellness Centre.
In total, a record number of 11 OCAA All-Millennium selections were from Durham College, who will all be inducted into
the OCAA Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
in Windsor.
“Friday night was a truly memorable evening as we looked
back at 11 great careers of Durham College student-athletes,”
noted Athletic Director Ken Babcock. “It was great to have
everyone back on campus and to recognize the significant contributions of these great alumni.”
OCAA All-Millennium teams were first announced in 2000,
then recognizing teams for Volleyball and Basketball. This year,
the OCAA will recognize a total of 68 former athletes as members of the women’s fastball, soccer and badminton AllMillennium teams have been announced. These athletes will be
formally recognized and inducted into the OCAA Hall of Fame.
Women’s fastball received the most nominations with six
Durham College athletes receiving the honour, while three
women’s soccer players and two men’s soccer players also were
selected.
A complete list of inductees is listed below.
This year’s Durham College OCAA Hall of Fame inductees
are Juan Carlos Camus and O’Neil Brown for men’s soccer,
Stephanie Axford, Tammy Baker, and Tracey Weightman for
women’s soccer, as well as Leslie Balson, Laurie Castator
(Thompson), Darlene Cook (Anderson), Jill Drinkwater, Stacey
APRIL 1 2009
Fertile and Julie Hornsby for women’s fastball.
Durham College currently has 15 members in the OCAA
Hall of Fame, and this year will mark the largest induction class
for the college.
Hall of Fame profiles will also be featured on www.durhamlords.com beginning on Wednesday, April 8th, taking a look at
each inductee leading into the OCAA Hall of Fame induction
ceremony on Wednesday, April 29.
Photo supplied
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) All-Millennium selections were awarded to several athletes Friday evening in a variety of
sports from soccer to fastball.
Fifteen thousand people nearly fainted when they saw
him casually walk in on Dec. 3 to take up his usual station.
It seems a Mr. Harold Baillie, who was also nicknamed
“Ace,” had suffered a heart attack and the death was reported in the papers.
Contrariwise, the situation regarding Bobby “Boomer”
Baun was possibly the least known in hockey circles. In
1972, his friend Don Griffin, who called his hunting dog
Boomer, accidentally shot the pooch. That particular night
the Leafs had a home game and by then news had traveled
fast, and many in the Gardens thought it was their favourite
rearguard who had lost his life in this bizarre manner.
In 1976, Ken “Tubby” McAuley, served as a human
shooting galley while with the Rangers during World War
II on their badly depleted roster.
At a WHA contest in Edmonton in 1976 he was amazed
to see that he was listed in the programme that night at the
“late” Tubby McAuley.
In the 1992 NHL Official Guide and Record Book, former Maple Leaf Harry Watson’s name was singled out with
an asterisk, indicating he was deceased. At that time he was
74 and went to work every day at the Pioneer Label
Company in Markham.
A year later the Hockey News featured a headline:
“McNab still alive, living life to the Max.”
It was a retraction of a newspaper report that Max
McNab was dead. While he had been hospitalized for
angioplasties procedures the previous summer, he was fit
as a fiddle at 69. It was his son’s father-in-law who had
passed away.
The comic strip character, Pogo used to say, “I hate
death. In fact I could live forever without it.”
These seven, at least, extended their good fortunes in
doing that very thing a little longer.
NEXT WEEK: THE SPECS ARE PLAYERS WHO
WORE GLASSES
Page 13
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APRIL 1 2009
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DEATH NOTICES
ORT,
Stefana
Died suddenly at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Saturday, March 28th, 2009. Survived by her son
John. Everyone is welcome at the graveside service at Thornton Cemetery on Saturday, April
4th, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements entrusted to OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street
West (905-721-1234).
SIDDLE
Ronald Charlton Jr.
Passed suddenly on March 19, 2009. Predeceased by his loving mother, Noreen Siddle and his
brother, Robert Byron. Leaves behind his devoted father, Ron Siddle Sr. and his sisters Jane
(Jim) Crosbie and Diane (Les) Robertson, his aunt Lilian Siddle, Lois Vail and many cousins and
their families. Special thanks to Pastor Allen Crawford and Sister Barbara Grozelle for their
ongoing support. A private family service was held March 24th at Riverside Cemetery in
Lindsay, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted to McINTOSH-ANDERSON FUNERAL HOME LTD.,
152 King Street East, Oshawa (905-433-5558). On-line condolences may be made at
www.mcintosh-anderson.com.
SIDDLE
Ronald Charlton Sr.
Passed away peacefully with his family at his side, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Wednesday
March 25 in his 89th year. Predeceased by his loving wife, Noreen; sons Robert Byron and Ronald
Charlton Junior, and brothers Alan and Fred and sister, Jean. Loving father of Jane (Jim) Crosbie
and Diane (Les) Robertson. Grandfather to Sarah and Ryan, Casey and Megan. He will be fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Lilian Siddle, Lois Vail and many nieces and nephews and
their families. Special thanks to Sister Barbara Grozelle, Pastor Allen Crawford, and the doctors
and nurses of the 8th floor at the Lakeridge Health Centre. Relatives and friends payed their
respects at McINTOSH-ANDERSON FUNERAL HOME LTD., 152 King Street East, Oshawa (905433-5558) on Sunday March 29, from 2-4 p.m. A Funeral Service was held in the Chapel on
Monday March 30, 2009 at 11 a.m. Interment at Riverside Cemetery in Lindsay. Donations in
memory of Ron may be made to a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be made at
www.mcintosh-anderson.com.
HAY
Harold Allan “Hal”
Peacefully at Scarborough General Hospital on Monday March 23, 2009, in
his 78th year. Dearly beloved husband of June for 25 years. Loving father of
Susan Robins and her husband David. Proud and devoted Papa to Mitchell.
Dear brother of Howard and his wife Kathleen Hay , Betty and her husband
Ron Cook, Bonnie and her husband Eric Greene and predeceased by his sister Joy Lymer and parents Della and Robert Wilson. Fondly remembered by
his special mother Vera Wilson. Special Papa to Tyler Jarvie. Relatives and
friends payed their respects at McINTOSH-ANDERSON FUNERAL HOME LTD., 152 King Street
East, Oshawa (905-433-5558) on Thursday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A service was be held in the
chapel on Friday March 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Groveside Cemetery. Donations
made in memory of Harold to the Oshawa Hospital Foundation- Colonel R. S. McLaughlin
Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.mcintosh-anderson.com.
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APRIL 1 2009
Page 15
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APRIL 1 2009