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PULSE Magazine is a Print & Online Magazine published 12 times a year by Caledon Media. Publisher: Rick Sargent Editor & Creative Director: Shelly Sargent Associate Editor: Mark Pavilons
CONTENTS PULSE Magazine
Page 5.
December 2009
Article ……….. Editorial Welcome to PULSE!
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……….. Relay Hits Caledon, Orangeville Olympic Torch Sparks Passion & Pride
Advertising Sales: Dave Campbell Dan Sullivan Ron Bhatia Contributors: David Barnsdale Carol Good Patti Foley David Mielke Wally Mikulski Mark Pavilons Kelley Potter Deb Robertson Elaine Uskoski ________________________ While the publisher has made every effort to ensure that advertisements and articles are correct & complete, Caledon Media cannot be liable for any loss or damages arising (directly or indirectly) from the contents of this magazine. Further, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the opinion of its Publisher or Editor.
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……….. Beating the Winter Blues How Winter’s Dark Days Impact our lives
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……….. Pulse Sports Pan Am Games in Toronto Brings Equestrian Events to Caledon in 2015
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……….. Microsoft Windows 7 What’s In it For You?
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……….. PULSE Entertainment
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……….. Keeping Up The Good Work
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……….. A Greener Caledon Green T, The Year In Review
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……….. Santa Post Office
17.
……….. Your Ticket to a Safe Ride Home
19.
……….. Dave’s Dollars & Sense
21.
……….. Events, Entertainment, Music in Caledon & Area
22.
……….. Tales from the Road Less Gravelled
All rights reserved. The contents of this magazine may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes—all other commercial use is prohibited.
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Caledon Media 210-30 Martha St., Bolton, ON L7E 5V1 P: 905-951-2899 E: info@caledonmedia.com
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www.pulsemagazine.ca 3
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Mark Pavilons is a professional journalist, newspaper and magazine editor with 25 years of experience. Currently Senior Editor of Arabella Canadian Art, Architecture & Design magazine, Mark is also a freelance writer and editor. We hope his profile of the Olympic Flame’s journey through Caledon is one of many future articles he writes for PULSE. Wally Mikulski is a local freelance writer with a passion for sport and community service. He will be looking at the state of sports in the area, beginning this month with a closer look at the Pan Am Games in Toronto, and what that means for Caledon’s Equestrian Community. Longtime Caledon resident Carol Good is a Certified Professional Facilitator and has a rich history as a volunteer. She has been working with Caledon Media since the very beginning, highlighting nonprofit & charitable work in the area. Deb Robertson is a “tour-de-force” when it comes to creativity. An accomplished actor, director, singer, songwriter, & teacher, she also has the quirkiest senses of humour we’ve seen in a long time, & we know you’ll enjoy her view from “The Road Less Gravelled.”
This Month: Founder and Practitioner of Eye Spy Health & Wellness, Elaine Uskoski provides a service which incorporates many Holistic Health Fields. This month, Elaine takes a look at the darker side of winter, and ways to minimize its effects. Kelley Potter is a self-confessed entertainment addict and makes no secret of her love of the written word. So she is a natural as the entertainment reporter for B105.5FM! Now she’s gracing the pages of PULSE with a monthly local entertainment report. David Mielke has been with FileBank for almost 20 years, advising businesses on computer technology, selling computer equipment and providing help -desk technical support. This month, David gives us an expert opinion on the new launch of Windows 7. David Barnsdale is an Investment Advisor with RBC Financial, specializing in wealth management and tax reduction strategies. His article this month gives us the heads up on a historic, onetime tax saving opportunity that will disappear on December 30th.
Print It!!
by Shelly Sargent, Editor
Print It!
Well folks, it is official. Beginning with this issue, Caledon Today - our little online news magazine - has become PULSE Magazine. PULSE is the first monthly, full colour current events magazine to serve the area and Caledon Media is very excited about this new endeavour. PULSE will issue both print and online versions (identical to each other) once a month throughout the year and each issue will feature a mix of news, current events, sports and local entertainment. We will continue to serve Caledon, but will now be increasing our coverage area to include some news & events from Orangeville, Nobleton & North Brampton as well. We want PULSE to be YOUR magazine. To that end, we have lined up a number of area contributors who will be providing us with entertaining articles and timely information each month (see centre sidebars, this page). PULSE is a free publication, and will be available at various locations throughout Caledon & surrounding area. Copies will be available on a regular basis at Just Lubes, all branches of the Caledon Public Library and Caledon Town Hall - just to name a few. We’ll be putting a list of locations on our website and adding to it as it grows. This month, we’ll also be distributing copies at the Bolton Santa Claus Parade on December 5th. For those readers who don’t want to miss a single issue of PULSE, we can make arrangements to mail your copy to you directly each month (postage & administration fee of $19.95/year (tax included) does apply). For a limited time, if you opt to have the magazine mailed to you, we’ll include a FREE Discover Caledon Shopping Card as well ($20 value)! The Discover Caledon Savings Card Program is similar to a coupon book - it allows local residents to obtain savings & incentives from participating Caledon businesses. There are currently over 60 local businesses participating in the program, offering incentives that include deals on hair care, automotive needs, dining, hardware, health & beauty, kids clothes, books and more. Visit www.pulsemagazine.ca today to find out more about subscribing. We look forward to serving the local area as we always have, and hope you enjoy each new issue of PULSE! And in closing, everyone at PULSE wants to wish you and yours the very best the festive season has to offer. Have fun, stay safe and enjoy the holiday! Happy reading! Shelly Sargent Editor PULSE Magazine
Season’s Greetings from CPL! Visit our website at www.caledon.library.on.ca to see a complete list of the Library’s programs throughout the month of December. And don’t forget that all 7 branches of the Caledon Public Library will be closed for the holidays from December 24 - 27, 2009 & from December 31, 2009 - January 1, 2010.
www.pulsemagazine.ca
Caledon Public Library www.caledon.library.on.ca 5
Relay hits Caledon, Orangeville Olympic torch sparks passion and pride
By Mark Pavilons
Caledon residents will have not one but two opportunities to show their patriotic side, during two landmark events, milestones in Canada's history books. Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame into Bolton Dec. 18 and Alton Dec. 28. Members of the public are encouraged to come out and join in the display of national pride and catch a glimpse of the legendary symbol of the Games during its journey, which culminates in the 2010Winter Olympiad in Vancouver. Caledon will take its place on the podium, being the only community among the 1,036 chosen for two torch visits, in what is the largest national Olympic Torch Relay in history. The Flame will arrive locally about mid-way through the relay's 106-day trek across the nation. The event, led by the VANOC (Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games), is presented by Coca-Cola and RBC. 6
Having the Torch visit Caledon twice is a "bit of a coup," says Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison. "Caledon has often been referred to as the 'Community of Communities,' yet we are very much a united town. To me, it seems very fitting that the spirit of the Olympics - that spirit of uniting, camaraderie and community actually describes Caledon and how our unique differences serve to connect us in our identity. It is very exciting indeed, that the Torch will visit the two ends of this town." The mayor says she's been imagining the Torch's arrival since the day it was announced in November 2008. For her, it has great meaning. "I know the Torch will remind me just how fortunate we are to live in Canada. But I have to be honest, I'll also be bursting with pride that Caledon made the map - twice - and what a wonderful opportunity for all of our residents to witness this historic event!" (Continued page 18)
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by Elaine Uskoski www.eyespyhealth.ca (905) 880-1221
Beating the Winter Blues
In writing this article, I first considered the title “Beating the Summer Blues,” since many of the folks I run into are still mumbling their disgruntlements of the summer that Southern Ontario “never really had!” Environment Canada’s weather review states that “July temperatures were well below normal with a persistent low pressure system, bringing several thunderstorms, while August brought violent summer storms with an outbreak of tornados, and heavy precipitation with rising water levels.” We experienced a small break during the first three weeks of September with “above normal-temperatures and precipitation well below the norm.” I recall that many of us raced outside to that glorious sunshine to catch up on our vitamin D supply, at that time. I also remember the immense joy that local folks started experiencing. And then our hope for a warmer fall vanished with a dark, wet, cooler month of October. Even the leaves on the trees seemed confused as we witnessed the fall colours two weeks later than normal. Halloween Eve was miserably cool as the children raced from house to house for their treats, and then we bravely braced ourselves for Daylight Savings, and our sunlight was reduced by at least four hours daily.
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Come Experience TRUE EXPERIENCE
Seasonal Affective Disorder For many, this is a difficult time, as they are faced with the adjustment of the circadian rhythms, when the sunlight exposure is reduced and our days become shorter and the dark nights much longer. And in listening to the complaints of a summer plagued with gray skies and little sunshine, forging ahead to the dark and seemingly gloomy months of a Canadian winter may seem like more than they can manage. For some, they may develop a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D., describing their feelings with terms like “Winter Depression, Winter Blues” or “Cabin Fever.”
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This disorder can be indicated by bouts of depression, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, lethargy, change in sleep patterns and cravings for sweets and starchy foods. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association “between 2% to 3% of the general population may have S.A.D. and another 15% have a less severe experience described as “Winter Blues.” It may affect some children and teenagers, but it tends to begin in people over the age of 20. The risk decreases with age, and is more common in women than in men. In the last decade, the use of anti-depressant pharmaceuticals has tripled in North America, sending a clear message that depression, in any form is not being dealt with in the healthiest manner. Although these drugs have been necessary to help many, there are also healthy lifestyle choices that can be made to ease the symptoms for those who are prone to a difficult period during the winter months.
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Can Vitamins Help?
David Kostynyk DD, BSc.
The obvious reason for the lack of feeling happy and energetic is the decrease of daily sunshine during the winter months. And nutritionally speaking, that can create a depletion of vitamin D in the body. Although this vitamin is found mainly in sunlight, it can also be found in fish and fish liver oils, beef liver, in cheese, egg yolks and vitamin D fortified milk. Vitamin D also promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphates from food. Calcium, which is also found in these foods, is essential not only to bone health but for maintaining health of the nervous system. A deficiency of calcium may cause nervousness, insomnia and irritability. Two other important vitamins found in dairy, eggs, liver and fish are B6 and B12. Vitamin B6 starts a chain reaction of enzymes, amino acids and neurotransmitters, like serotonin and tryptophan, in the brain which are known as natural antidepressants. Vitamin B12 stimulates hormone production to stabilize the sleep/wake cycle.
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Lack of these vitamins can all contribute to a chemical shift in the brain and body that can contribute to a depressed state. One can give the body the vitamins it needs by making healthier food choices and or taking a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure the brain has a good chance of moving through this darkened season feeling energized, joyful and in good health. As a first step, I suggest that one consult with their health care provider for a thorough assessment to determine if there are nutritional deficiencies and their possible causes.
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Vitamin and mineral deficienies can be caused by impaired absorption or increased excretion, so good digestive health is also important. Digestive complaints can be brought on by stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, dehydration or low fluid intake, medication and/or low levels of digestive enzymes. Be sure to look at these issues first. Increase your intake of fish. Many natural health stores like Harmony Market in Orangeville carry natural, chemical free fish. Eat red meat that is low in fat and do so in moderation. Egg yolks are healthy despite the original claims, and supply a highly useful form of good cholesterol that is used in the manufacture of adrenal hormones, which can help to reduce your body’s stress. Look for the organic and hormone-free varieties sold at your local Zehrs. Consume moderate amounts of dairy products, choosing low-fat varieties when possible. If any of the above-mentioned foods can cause an allergic reaction or you are still concerned about intake requirements, consider taking a mineral and vitamin supplement, like vitamin D, as well as calcium and B vitamins. Sangsters Health Store in Bolton carries several single and multi vitamin and mineral choices to meet your individual needs. Dosages can vary from person to person, always check with your health care provider first.
What Else Can Be Done?
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Research has shown that 15 minutes spent in sunlight or light therapy generates the body’s ability to produce the daily dose of vitamin D needed. Open the curtains in your home, and sit by a sunny window. If this winter seems to be predominantly overcast and/or your indoor work schedule prevents you enough time in daylight, consider purchasing light boxes or S.A.D. lamps, which are sold at natural health stores. They are safe to use, have no UV or dangerous after imaging. You can set aside time each day to sit in this light, or they can be set on a timer to wake you to a natural sunrise.
905-857-3813
Exercise will also help to release natural feel-good chemicals in the brain. Take advantage of the many winter sports and activities available in this area, like downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, skating on an outdoor rink or frozen pond, tobogganing, tubing or snowshoeing. Dress warm and take a brisk walk outside. If you do not have a pet, consider providing a loving home for one of the many dogs in your local shelter. The dog will not only give you a reason to take a daily walk outside, but will provide you companionship and a reprieve from those winter blues.
GUES S P ARAS UCO BU FFAL O AN D MORE
And if being outside during the cold months of winter is not for you, take up an indoor fitness class or a gym membership, play an indoor sport like tennis or squash. Make a choice that’s right for you to help prevent or move through those Winter Blues. Ontario winter is not going to go away, so unless you plan to fly south like the geese, be sure to eat right, get adequate amounts of exercise, vitamins, minerals and absorb some form of sunlight!
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301 Queen St. S., Bolton, Ontario (Behind Harvey’s)
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PULSE SPORTS
by Wally Mikulski
“Cautious optimism” recently turned into jubilation for Caledon’s equestrian community. News of the city of Toronto’s winning bid to host the 2015 Pan American games has put the Caledon Equestrian Centre into the spotlight as its official equestrian venue.
At it heart is the Caledon Equestrian Centre with five international competition rings, accommodation for nearly a thousand horses, and its latest technological enhancement: new digital signage, now providing both competitors and spectators with real-time scoring and results.
Situated in the community of Palgrave, Caledon Equestrian Centre has been host to prestigious worldclass show jumping and dressage competitions for close to a quarter of a century. Top horses and riders have previously come here to take part in Canadian Pan Am, Olympic, and World Championship selection trials. And, now they’ll be coming from across the Americas to take part in the park’s very first major international competition!
This outstanding facility has been operated by the Equestrian Management Group (EMG) in partnership with the Town of Caledon and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority since 1986.
And, what a perfect setting! Lush pastures, rolling hills & river valleys throughout Caledon signal that visitors are entering “horse country.”
Expect the group to be hard at work in coming years on further park enhancements such as additional seating, upgraded media facilities, and more. Also, look for the enhanced facilities and experience of the 2015 Pan Am games to leave an impressive and lasting legacy on our community.
Quick Pan Am Games Facts: ♦
The Pan American Games are being held July 10 -26 along with the Parapan American Games August 7 – 14, 2015.
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The games are held every four years, one year prior to the Summer Olympics and are roughly one-third the size of the Olympics. 2105 marks the 17th Pan Am Games.
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An estimated 15,000 jobs will be created in Ontario as a result of the games, which will bring over 10,000 athletes and approximately 250,000 tourists to the province.
For more on Caledon Equestrian Park and a calendar of 2010 events - visit www.equiman.com.
Jubilance as Caledon’s B105.5 Atom A Hawks win Motown Cup in Detroit by Dave Eccleston Caledon sports teams have been plagued with illness in recent weeks, and the B105.5 Atom A Hawks were no exception. So a getaway to Detroit, to participate in the Motown Cup, seemed like what was needed to rejuvenate team spirit.
And apparently the away trip was just what the doctor ordered, as the Hawks – in an awesome display of sheer determination - won the Motown Cup Tournament held from November 13 -15 in Detroit, Michigan. The final game was a nail-biter in the
3rd period, when opponents, the KV Rebels, pulled their goalie and tied the game 3-3 within moments of the games end. A shootout ensued and Ryan Eccleston scored the winning goal for the Hawks, snaring MVP status for himself at the same time. For full game details and more photos, visit www.blueprinthockey.com. Far Left: Team Captain holds the Motown Cup during a victory lap. Near Left: Some members of the team on the steps to fame at the Joe Louis Arena. Team Members: Conner Miceli, Matthew Impey, Tyler Halls, William Robinson, Connor Hardy, Jake Buth, Ryan Eccleston, Andrew Dexter, Gregory Weir, Daniel Lapiccirella, Daniel Stephen, Nicolas Eck, Kennedy Lisso, John Gadomski, Aidan Wilkie, John Miceli (AC), Dave Eccleston (HC), Colin Wilkie (M), Dave Dexter (T), and Andrew Dexter
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Microsoft’s Windows 7 Microsoft recently released their new Operating System (OS), Windows 7. From FileBank IT Solutions’ perspective (with the opportunity to evaluate the software well before its release) we are suitably impressed with the offering. Former XP users will find it a step into a 21st Century OS with a whole new look and feel and Vista users will find the OS they wanted in the first place. ♦
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Although the look may be similar to Vista, make no mistake, Win7 is truly a new OS. A few of Windows 7’s highlights are: A new Taskbar featuring pinned programs with easy-to-see icons; Mouse-over windows allowing the program to appear in preview;
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By David Mielke
What’s in it for you Sticky-notes; Transparent and ‘intelligent’ windows that will change the way you multitask in a good way; Program and File search features to quickly find what you want; Improved security that is less intrusive and provides customization; Media Player features allowing streaming from one computer to another… most of this you have to experience to appreciate but suffice to say Microsoft seems to have listened to the tidal wave of complaints about what was wrong with Vista and produced a stable, slick-looking OS that will restore our faith in the PC-based computer.
There is even the odd Mac user commenting that Win 7 just became comparable to the highly regarded Mac OS X (near blasphemy to admit).
If you are considering upgrading your OS or fresh installing Win7, as opposed to starting with a new Windows 7 based computer: 1. Ask yourself - is there a strong reason to upgrade? – E.g. unless you have specific requirements that only Win7 can supply, XP is still a fine OS. 2. Check to see that your current computer can run Windows 7 by visiting Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor site. 3. BACKUP ALL YOUR DATA! (Better yet - image the drive.) Do not assume that all will go well. 4. Have all the necessary program installation disks and/or information assembled prior to getting started. 5. Give yourself plenty of time, this is going to take a while. (You may want to get professional assistance here – Contact FITS Sales@FileBankIT.com or 416 6402874)
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How Does the Discover Caledon Program Work? 1. 2. 3.
Purchase a Discover Caledon Card (good for one full year) Check out all the local businesses offering savings, incentives or special offers to DC Card holders Use your card to save money shopping at participating local businesses
That’s all there is to it!
Alexandre Chocolat Arcadia Academy of Music A Scrapbooker’s Dream Bargain Tire Auto Centres Bolton Optometry Clinic Boss Leather C&C Floor Coverings Carlson Wagonlit Travel Carquest Club 54 Fitness DC Computers European BBQ Chicken Fine Details Bolton Flexopedic Mattress Forster’s Book Garden Kidzz Mane Society Salon Spa
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PULSE ENTERTAINMENT by Kelley Potter, Redefined Room Design 905.857.9619 or 647.208.4278 / kelleyjpotter@rogers.com
December always brings great opportunities for entertainment! It’s the month when people open their homes to friends & family and there are lots of great things happening within our community. Schools & churches are busy with holiday recitals, businesses host holiday parties & individuals try to take the time to connect with loved ones. We’ve found a few other things you might want to check out over the next month while you are out & about in your neighbourhood!
♦ Most stores begin offering extended hours on Monday, November 30th and continue to do so right up until the 23rd of December. ♦ Let’s not forget the man with the white beard will be making appearances all over the area as well! For example, the Jolly Old Elf will be making an appearance at the Kinsmen Club of Bolton’s annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 5th. ♦ Santa will also be appearing at Blackhorse Theatre as Blackhorse Village Players present “Dear Santa,” a play in which Santa tries to fulfil a child's special Christmas wish while his staff attempts to overcome a supply shortage at the North Pole. The show started in late November & runs December 4, 5,
10, 11, 12, with a matinee performance on December 6. For info visit www.blackhorse.ca.
♦ The holiday favourite A Christmas Story runs at Theatre Orangeville beginning November 26 until December 20th, based on the now classic 1983 movie, this play is fun for everyone. For information check online: www.theatreorangeville.ca. ♦ It’s Christmas Fest in Kleinburg on Sunday December 6, from 12 to 4 p.m., if you are in the mood for an especially festive shopping event. ♦ The Olympic torch will be heading through our area twice in December! Watch for it on December 18th as it passes through Bolton & then again on
December 28th, as it makes its way through Alton & then on to Orangeville.
♦ If you are a movie lover, remember that some of the biggest movies of the year will premiere over Christmas many on Christmas Day itself. After all of the presents have been opened & the turkey has been eaten, my family always goes to the movies on December 25th. It’s a great way to just wind down from all the festivities. ♦ The holiday season is also a great opportunity to get caught up on some of those series on DVD that you have fallen behind on; Lost & 24 will be starting again in January so here’s your chance to get up to date on all that has happened!
However you choose to be entertained, everyone here at Pulse wishes you magic & laughter & a safe holiday season. & most importantly, remember - no drinking if you are driving!
by Carol Good, www.goodconsulting.ca
Keeping Up The Good Work This is my first contribution to this new Caledon Media venture and when discussing the scope and scale of the publication, the editors shared that they were keen to have contributors who would write about what they were passionate about. When I pondered my possibilities, I kept coming back to the wonderful people and organizations that continue to do good work in the Town of Caledon. As we head into the holidays, I want to share some information about special activities you can support. These activities also remind us of what a special place Caledon is. The first one that comes to mind is the Achill Choral Society (www.achill.ca). They perform three concerts at Christmas – one in Orangeville, one in a fabulous church in Colgon and one in Bolton. The Society was formed over 25
years ago and performs under the direction of A. Dale Wood. For those who are curious about the name, Achill is a tiny hamlet near Hockley in Adjala Township. The program this year is described as “A joyful selection of old favourites and newfound gems, all sure to please.” Here's another opportunity to mark your calendar for some holiday fun. Headwaters Arts is involved with the 'Twas the art before Christmas' program at the Alton Mill through the month of December. You can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts directly from the artists' studios. Get the kids photos taken with the Grinch on December 5 and 6 - you could probably get yours taken too! On Sunday, December 13, two events are scheduled - a classical music performance by the Urban Flute Ensemble (tickets are $15) and then the Humber River Shakespeare Company is presenting Dickens' “A 13
Christmas Carol” at 3 p.m. This one is pay-what-you-can! This leads me to my third and final special activity I want to mention – Caledon Community Services’ annual Santa Fund. We all have the opportunity to participate by donating money, time, toys and nonperishable food. As Charles Dickens said in A Christmas Carol – “We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt and Abundance rejoices.” I want to encourage you to find out more about these organizations and how you can dig in and get involved – as the saying goes – “Life is not measured by its length but by its depth.” Here’s wishing you all the best as you prepare for a wonderful holiday season!
Green T Environmental Awareness (Green TEA) A Greener Caledon by Patti Foley
Earth Day: “Payback” Event
Cosmetics Workshop: “Saving Face”
“Yoga In The Park,” Summer 2009
Nicola Ross & the Crandall Sisters
As 2009 draws to a close, Green T Environmental Awareness looks back on another year of helping to green our Caledon community. It was a busy year, filled with speakers’ nights (now being called “Speaking Green”) and special workshops that manage to be informative and entertaining at the same time. February’s Environmental Speakers’ Night featured: Jo Coombe, VP - Bullfrog Power, who told us how to add green power back into the grid; a fair trade coffee presentation from Barb Imrie (who went on to win the title of Caledon Environmentalist of the Year); and a truly local perspective on green energy by Caledon author and actor Andrew Welch, who this fall became Green T’s newest Board member. Our April speakers’ night starred Paddy Running-Horan of Healthy Lawns Healthy People; an alternative lawn presentation by Kate Agosta; a discussion of natural skin care products by aromatherapist Carrole Blakeman; information on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) by Graham Corbett of Whole Village; and environmental updates from Town of Caledon staff including Noreen Knight, Sara Peckford and Sandra Dolson. In June Ryan Fabi from Husky Injection Molding took to the microphone to tell us how the Bolton company is implementing their mission of proactive environmental responsibility; climate change presenter Lee Norton visited us from St Catharine’s to show us “The Climate Disruption” which delved into current global climate change; and Jennifer Wright from Toronto-based firm GreenShift told us how her company is making it easy and cost effective for businesses to be environmentally responsible. With the arrival of autumn, an infamous group of local sisters packed the room with people eager to hear their take on sustainable communities. Debbe, Sarah and Sheilagh Crandall were introduced by Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison and led through an intriguing discussion by Nicola Ross, editor of Canada’s national environmental magazine, Alternatives Journal. In October we headed to the most northwestern location in Caledon that Green T had ever strayed when - in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation - Green T hosted Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence and co-author of Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life is affecting our Health,” at the beautiful SGI Caledon Centre for Culture and Education. Dr. Aviva Patel from CVC was also on hand that night, to explain how linking natural areas can improve ecosystem health. At time of writing, our November Green T speakers’ night has slated local leadership trainer Garth Schmalenberg to talk about building on sustainable communities, centering on building our capacity to engage others to get involved and make a difference; the night was also to feature a presentation about the Humber Valley Heritage Trail by long-time HVHT member Bill Wilson; and finally, Carly Ducharme from the Region of Peel’s Waste Management Division was to clarify the dos and don’ts of recycling and composting in our area. Our lineup for next year’s speakers’ series is already starting to fill up, and promises to be no less exceptional. We want to extend a warm welcome to existing and new members and invite you all to join us as we continue on our journey of environmental awareness. A $30 membership will give you free admittance to all 5 environmental speakers’ nights in 2010 plus a discount off any of our workshops and other special events. For details on membership, email patti@greentcaledon.ca or visit our website at www.greentcaledon.ca. We look forward to hearing from you today.
Rick Smith “Slow Death By Rubber Duck”
Green T Environmental Awareness (Green T) is a Caledon non-profit organization with a mission of raising environmental literacy in our community. Find out more at: www.greentcaledon.ca or email 14 Patti Foley patti@greentcaledon.ca
BOLTON 12833 Hwy #50 South Bolton, ON T (905)857-6970
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Santa's post office ready for its next million letters Since the Canadian post office began delivering Santa's mail to his special postal code – H0H 0H0 – the North Pole post office has received more than 17.4 million letters. Prepared for its next million, Santa's post office is open and ready to receive letters – and those all important wish lists – from children all around the world. The 2008 holiday season kept volunteer postal elves busy with helping Santa to answer more than 1.4 million letters, as well 63,000 emails – an increase of 40% over the year before. “Santa loves to receive mail,” says Louise Chenier, Canada Post's chief postal elf, “and a very dedicated group of postal elves – more than 11,000 of
them – are proud to help Santa with the task.” Letters are replied to in the language they are written. In 2008 that was 27 languages, including Braille, notes Chenier.
Elf Chenier reminds all of Santa's pen pals to be sure to include their return address so Santa can write back. Children can email Santa by visiting the Canada Post website: www.canadapost.ca/santascorner.
It's believed that groups of volunteer postal elves began helping Santa with his mail as far back as the early 1970s. By 1982, the grass-roots initiatives were nationalized to Canada Post employee volunteers across the country. And in 2002, Santa went high-tech with Santa's Corner on canadapost.ca, allowing children to send their letters by email if they wished. Children can write to Santa at: Santa Claus North Pole H0H 0H0 CANADA www.newscanada.com
Let’s Decorate
LET’S DECORATE 33 YOUNGE ST. W UIT 3, ALLISTON 705-434-0120
LET’S DECORATE 318 QUEEN ST. S, BOLTON 905-857-3316 16
Your Ticket to a Safe Drive Home this Holiday Season...
FREE! Operation Red Nose is an annual national campaign conducted over the holiday season to combat impaired driving. It is an active volunteer-run program that provides motorists, who have been celebrating, with a free, safe ride in their own vehicle without taking the wheel themselves.
The Primary service area will be from Albion-King Towline Road to Highway 10 from Mayfield Road to Highway 9.
A call to the program’s control centre will dispatch a team of volunteers to the pick up location. The owner and guest will be driven to their objective destination in their own vehicle.
For Pick Up (In Your Vehicle), Call:
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The program operates Thursday, Friday and Saturday November 27, 28 & Dec. 3,4,5,10,11.12. 17.18.19. & 31, from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00am.
(905)
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Torchbearers will arrive in Bolton Friday, Dec. 18 at about 3:34 p.m. The convoy, led by the RCMP, will see participants carrying the torch west on King to Regional Road 50, then south up the hill. After a brief rest stop, runners will continue south through Bolton, wrapping up at the Equity Prestige Business Park just north of Mayfield Road at roughly 4:46 p.m. Some 12,000 torchbearers were selected in a national lottery to carry the Flame. They're not necessarily running in their own communities, however. Sharon Doherty, manager of recreation development for the Town of Caledon, says it's been a fun and meticulous process. Runners will pass on the torch every 300 metres, so there will be several runners in the roughly one -hour trek through Bolton. Caledon is but a route community, so the torch will pass through town quickly, en route to formal festivities later that day in Brampton. Doherty encourages everyone - young and old - to come out and line the streets that afternoon, showing our sense of national pride. It's quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. The Town has arranged for a small celebration that afternoon and evening, at the Bolton arena, with a free public skate from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Much Music will present its on-ice video show. Members of the Bolton Skating Club will perform and there will be plenty of family activities on hand, including hot chocolate provided by MPP Sylvia Jones. Staff at the local branch of the RBC will also be pitching in during the day. Brief stop in Alton Residents will have another great opportunity to partake in Olympic spirit over the holidays, as the Flame passes through Alton Monday, Dec. 28 at 9:50 a.m. While its visit to this northern Caledon hamlet will be brief - about 10 minutes - it will provide lasting memories. Torchbearers will arrive on Highway 136 just north of Beechgrove Sideroad at about 9:50, heading north, then east on Queen, ending near the Sunoco gas station. Area Councillor Doug Beffort will be on hand that morning, to offer a few welcoming comments at Alton Public School. "It means that Caledon will be touched by the Torch and will have an opportunity to feel the excitement that is generating throughout the country as we head for the opening of the
Olympic Winter Games in our country," Beffort says. "We should feel the sense of pride and connectiveness to both the country and the Games." The councillor notes it's historic for Caledon because it means this municipality becomes connected with the activities planned for one of the biggest events in the world. "Even the few minutes of having the Flame in our municipality with be shared by millions of viewers on the Internet and may be captured by news programs at the end of the day," he notes. "We can only hope that Caledon will get another few minutes of importance in our country because it is a place filled with pride, volunteerism (the backbone of the Games) and spirit." Residents are invited to attend a two-hour celebration in Orangeville starting at around noon. More information on the program can be found by contacting the Town of Orangeville or visiting their website. Doherty noted this event is being run like a "well oiled machine," and VANOC has handled every aspect of the relay, bolstered by provincial reps, to aid municipalities in their events. It's been a smooth process and a fun one, too. "There's more fun to come on the 18th and 28th," she remarked. She's hoping for a good turnout - regardless of the weather - so residents can "catch the spirit." The Torch relay, Doherty adds, represents "an incredible opportunity to unify not only our community but all Canadians, and generating tremendous pride in our country ..." she told Caledon council recently. "This is truly history in the making," Mayor Morrison remarked. "I hope we all gain a sense of community. Yes, it's a huge world, but in the moments of celebration and in the spirit of the Games, all of a sudden, the world seems cozier. "I encourage everyone to make it out to the Torch visits. Whether you'd like to join the fun in Bolton, with the family skate and video music show, or the intimate celebrations in Alton, this is an opportunity to not only witness history, but to be part of it." Orangeville celebrates The Town of Orangeville has been selected for a Torch Relay community celebration and a task force is putting the finishing touches on the Dec. 28 celebration to entertain the region, honour Olympians, feature area sports, and highlight local talent. The two-hour celebration will begin around mid -day and more information can be found on the Town's website at www.orangeville.org. Some of the confirmed entertainers so far include:
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Chanda Gibson, a Canadian step-dancing champion, will perform on stage with several students. A children's kazoo band, composed of 30 students from the Maples Independent Country School will be part of the celebration's lineup. The Orangeville and District Snowmobile Club is turning itself into a precision snowmobile team to perform a choreographed number. The Theatre Orangeville Youth Singers will perform a special Torch Relayinspired song, "Shine Your Light Upon The World," written by Scott White of Toronto specifically for the Orangeville show. Members of The Descenders Parachute Club will put on a show as part of the finale. The Brampton Flying Club will donate a banner tow, marking the torch's arrival in Orangeville. Run Dufferin, a group of 12 marathon runners, will serve as flag bearers, directing the audience's attention to the next performance during the Torch Relay celebration. The Orangeville Chorus of Sweet Adelines will also perform.
On a related note, Jason Ruby of Orangeville will be a Torchbearer. Jason will be running in the Torch Relay on December 29 -- the day after the Olympic Flame is in Orangeville. A resident of Orangeville for 10 years, he works at Husky Injection Molding in Bolton and owns Quake Multimedia. He says it's an honour to be selected as a Torchbearer and a privilege to help carry the Flame across the country. The celebration will be free to the public. An official 30-minute segment will be provided by VANOC (Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games). Canadian choreographer Roland Kirouac has agreed to choreograph the Orangeville celebration. Kirouac has choreographed some large-scale events, such as the opening ceremonies for Skydome and for the Calgary Olympics. An area resident, Kirouac choreographed Shari Lewis’s "Lamb Chops Play Along" television series, the Wayne and Shuster Show, the Bobby Vinton Show, the Pig and Whistle, the national touring show of Garden Bros. Circus, and he owned and operated the Roland and Romaine School of Performing Arts in Toronto for many years. He was the original lead performer in the Ritz Cracker television commercial and was the artistic director for the Canadian Gymnastics Team at the Munich Summer Olympic Games.
Dave’s Dollars & Sense A historic opportunity right now: 1% Prescribed Rate Loan Strategy If you pay taxes at the highest rate, you know just how punishing Canada’s marginal tax system can be. For many Canadians, taxes are their largest annual expense. But if you have family members that earn little or no taxable income, you currently have a historic opportunity to reduce your family’s overall tax bill by making prescribed rate loans to family members. Between April 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)-prescribed interest rate on family loans dropped to a historic low of 1%, creating an unprecedented opportunity to maximize this proven, yet often overlooked strategy. The 1% loan rate can be locked in for life regardless of future rate increases. There are two ways you use this strategy: The Spousal Loan Strategy and the Family Trust Strategy. With the Spousal Loan Strategy, you
make a loan to your spouse, which is backed by a simple promissory note and loan agreement setting out the terms of the loan. Then your spouse invests the entire loan amount in their own name. This way, the income attribution rules are avoided and the entire investment income is taxed at your spouse’s lower marginal rate – reducing your family’s overall taxes. To ensure the income is taxed in your spouse’s hands – and not yours – your spouse must pay you interest at the CRAprescribed interest rate (which, as mentioned, is currently at an extremely low 1%). With the Family Trust Strategy, you establish a family trust for your younger family members (children or grandchildren). You loan money to the trust at the CRA-prescribed interest rate. The monies are then invested in the trust and all the investment income (less 1% paid to you) can be taxed in the hands of the children or grandchildren. If
by David Barnsdale they have no other income, then each child or grandchild can earn $10,000 of interest income, $20,000 of capital gains or $50,000 of Canadian public company dividend income tax-free every year. By loaning the money instead of giving it, you retain ultimate control of the funds, and the investment income can be used for their benefit (e.g. to pay for private school expenses, lessons, gifts, etc). Bear in mind the CRA-prescribed rate may be different after December 31, so ask us for the latest rate. _______________________________________________________________________________
This article is supplied by David Barnsdale, VP, an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Member CIPF. This article is for information purposes only. Please consult with a professional advisor before taking any action based on information in this article. David can be reached at 1-866-205-6536.
MARILYN CONWAY JONES Barrister and Solicitor
T. (905) 951-0504 F. (905) 951-0074 284 Queen Street South Bolton, Ontario mcjones@on.aibn.com
Bolton’s At Work & At Home Radio Station! ALL YOUR CLASSIC FAVOURITES PLUS TODAY’S HITS 105.5FM or listen online at www.radiocaledon.com 19
Events, Entertainment, Music
Caledon
Caledon
Brampton / North Peel
Bus Cancelations in Caledon: Remember to listen to B105.5FM (Bolton) and 102.7FM (Caledon) for Bus cancellations this winter. You can listen to B105.5FM online at http://stream2.netro.ca/cjfb - Or you can sign up to receive an email notifying you when buses have been cancelled. To sign up, send your name and email address to info@pulsemagazine1.com.
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 – Holiday Story Time @ Belfountain Branch of Caledon Public Library. Join us as we celebrate the upcoming holidays with stories, fun and laughter! 6:45 p.m. – 7:30 pm. Ages 6 and up. Advance Registration required.
Wednesday, December 2nd, WinterLights Winter Wonderland, Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free event with lights, music, entertainment, activities and free ref res hments . Bri ng a no nperishable food item and/or toy to contribute to the WinterLights “Stuff the Bus” food drive and Peel Regional Police's Toys for Tots campaign.
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Tuesday, December 1st, 5-7 p.m. Location: Cheltenham Veterinary centre, 13909 Hurontario St., 905-8460525 Hosting their annual photos with Santa. All proceeds go to the Caledon Animal Shelter. It is a great event as we have pigs, snakes, ferrets, dogs & cats. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
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Thursday, Dec. 10th, 2009 - Holiday Story Time @ Inglewood Branch of Caledon Public Library. Join us as we celebrate the upcoming holidays with stories, fun and laughter! 6:45 p.m. – 7:30pm. Ages 2-6 Free Drop-in \______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____
Thursday, December 17th, Caledon Senior Centre with Meals On Wheels Luncheon, at the Caledon Senior Centre, 7 Rotarian Way from 12-3 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Friday December 4th, 6-11 p.m. Caledon Senior Centre Annual Christmas Dinner & Dance at the Caledon Senior Centre, 7 Rotarian Way. Turkey & all the trimmings/Santa & Elves/Bolton Sentimental Gentlemen for music & dance. 905-951-6114 ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, December 5th, 11am. Bolton Santa Claus Parade. This year’s theme: “Songs of Christmas”! ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, December 5th, Palgrave Rotary Tree Lighting at Palgrave Station Park starting around 5:30pm. Carol singing, wagon rides and warm drinks courtesy Palgrave Rotary. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Millcroft Inn & Spa, 55 John Street, Alton presents Brunch and reading: A Charles Dickens’ CHRISTMAS CAROL Brunch featuring Andrew Welch delivering his celebrated reading of this timeless Christmas classic $47* seating starts at 12 noon Reading only tickets: $15 performance 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. For reservations call (519) 941-8111
Wednesday, December 23rd, Luncheon and Bingo Bonanza at the Caledon Senior Centre, 7 Rotarian way. Time: 10 a.m.—2:30 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, Dec 13th - 1 p.m. Grand Opening of Caledon Community Kitchen: Join Palgrave Environment Committee and Caledon Countryside Alliance on Sunday December 13th for a viewing of FOOD INC followed by refreshments and ribbon cutting celebration at 3pm. This will be a 350.org (action for climate change) event! No admission fee for movie please reserve your seat by email: palgraveenvironmentcommittee@rogers.com or call905 880 0303. Donations for refreshments welcome. Palgrave United Church 34 Pine Ave, Palgrave. Wheelchair accessible. Peel Health Certified Caledon Community Kitchen www.palgraveunited.ca ______________________________________________________________________________________________
You can see even more events taking place in Caledon and the surrounding area at www.caledontoday.com/events.
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Wednesday, December 18th, Olympic Torch Relay comes through Brampton followed by a Community Celebration at Ken Whillans Square from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Contact: Emily Miles Email: bramptontorchrelay@brampton.ca Phone: 905-874-2000 Fees: FREE ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, December 18th, Christmas Concert, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Time: From 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., A great way to get into Christmas spirit. Enjoy beautiful Christmas music performed by children's and adult choirs. Everyone is welcome. Free Parking. Refreshments will be served. Address: 10062 Bramalea Rd. Brampton. (Bramalea and Bovaird) ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, January 1, 2010: Mayor Susan Fennell and Members of Council invite all to attend the Mayor's Annual Levee at the Rose Theatre Brampton, Thursday, January 1, 2008 from 1 to 3 p.m. Hot chocolate and light refreshments will be provided. The Brampton Concert Band and the Pipes and Drums of the Lorne Scots "P e el , Duf f e ri n a n d Ha lto n Regiment" will perform.
Orangeville/Headwaters November 14th TO January 3rd Alton Mill is offering up unique, oneof-a-kind gifts just in time for the holiday from “T’was the art before Christmas”! Artists, studios, galleries, shops, museum, café and events in a magnificently restored stone mill. For details and times of all events, visit www.altonmill.ca.Gorgeous art & one -of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holidays! ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, December 28, 2009, The Achill Choral Society is delighted and honoured to have been chosen to sing the Olympic Song on Monday, December 28, 2009 when the Olympic Torch Relay arrives in Orangeville. For more information the ceremonies, v i s i t t h e w e b s i t e : www.orangeville.org
Live Bands & DJ’s
Theatre
Concerts & Live Events
The Blackhorse Village Players proudly present “Dear Santa,” a play by Norm Foster in which Santa tries to fulfil a child's special Christmas wish while his staff attempts to overcome a supply shortage at the North Pole. The show runs December 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, with a matinee performance on December 6. For information or tickets, visit www.blackhorse.ca or call 905-880-5002 ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Theatre Orangeville presents the holiday favourite A Christmas Story beginning November 26 until December 20th. Based on the now classic 1983 movie, this play is fun for everyone. For information, c h e c k o n l i n e : www.theatreorangeville.ca
Achill Choral Society performs a joyful selection of old favourites and new-found gems, sure to please all. Sunday, December 6, 2009, 3:00 p.m. at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 60 Allan Drive in Bolton ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Orangeville Community Band is holding a series of Christmas Concerts during the month of December. Hear them perform at Avalon Retirement Home Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Orangeville Mall, there will be a Christmas Concert from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They perform again at New Hope Salvation Army Church on Sunday, Dec 13 at 7:30 p.m., and hold a final holiday concert at the Lord Dufferin Centre on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
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Century Church Theatre presents Red Riding Hood Dec 5, 6 2009 at 2:00 p.m. and Dec 4, 5 2009 at 7:00 pm. Romance, music, dance, zany comedy, audience participation, this panto has a little something for everyone, ages 3-103. Century Church Theatre, Trafalgar Road & Station St., Hillsburgh, ON. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
djdolce@msn.com 416-806-0631
dj services Corporate functions Wedding Celebrations Private Functions
Caledon Townhall Players presents a Christmas Variety Show: “The Magic of Christmas”. Saturday December 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday December 6 at 2:15 p.m. Tickets- adults $5 – children free. Tickets available at the door. For more info about this show, please visit www.caledontownhallplayers.com. 21
LIVE MUSIC SERVICES www.howardlopez.com/livemusic HOWARD LOPEZ MUSIC CDs Relaxing Piano & Instrumental - Under the Piano http://howardlopez.com/downloads/ Christmas Collection - Music and Mistletoe (more than 12,000 units sold in North America) http://cdbaby.com/cd/howardlopez SOUNDSCAPE PRODUCTIONS www.soundscapeonline.com Audio & Music Production | CD & DVD Replication | Music Download Cards| Live Music Services | Event Sponsorship Agent NEW RADIO SHOW COMING SOON: www.cooksandcrooners.com The show theme song " What's Cookin'...? " has been covered by Ontario's Hottest Latin/Funk/ Jazz Band "Borealis.” Listen by visiting this link: http://www.myspace.com/borealisdc1 www.howardlopez.com/livemusic 1-866-807-6863 t 416-410-5252
Tales from the road less graveled…
For someone who has lived the majority of her adult life here in Caledon, any comparisons between home & Vegas are obvious. There aren’t any.
Welcome to the land of shock and awe! Eventually, I regained enough sensory equilibrium to notice that it is all really just a giant shopping mall.
Vegas is everything you’ve heard about and more. It is a sea of endless noise, music, lights, towers… and people everywhere. It is energy consumption at a monumental rate and consumerism run amuck. It is a peep show on one corner and a Donny & Marie billboard on the next. You tend to always feel officially disgusted yet endlessly amused.
Virtually everything one could ever imagine purchasing can be bought in this town. You can also have it shipped to your town, as one helpful salesman explained to me when I stared too long at a huge fountain on sale for $137K. I quickly learned that you have to keep moving or they think you’re there to buy - and I already have a fountain. It’s on my corner table. I think it cost fifteen bucks.
I love to travel, but on a day-to-day basis, I am the type who only leaves Caledon if I really must. I enjoy dirt roads, farmer’s markets and small shops. This Vegas excursion was out of my usual comfort zone. We had a wedding to attend and I had no shoes other than black flip flops. I also have a natural aversion to shopping, so ultimately, I left Caledon with some vague hope that the perfect shoe would miraculously appear somewhere along the way. We touched down in Vegas to an odd view of the Eiffel Tower, a castle, the great pyramid of Giza, and more neon than should be possible without a large explosion taking place.
Walking a Vegas hotel is the equivalent of walking a football field at least eleven times. Everything in Vegas is designed to keep you in the casino. No matter how many times they tell you where the bathrooms are, you are guaranteed to cross the casino at least twice before you actually find one. Many people spend their time in the casinos hoping for the big windfall. I spent most of my time looking for a reasonable pair of shoes and a bathroom - watching p e o p l e d r i nk i n g t h r e e f o o t margueritas from containers shaped like plastic skyscrapers, while wearing balloon hats. The rumor is
Season’s Greetings & Best Wishes from
Fleming Realty Inc.,
Brokerage
Sarah Fleming, Broker of Record/ Owner Prompt, Professional & Personal Service 22 416-400-6599 / sarah@sarahfleming.ca / www.sarahfleming.ca
by Deb Robertson
that many of the folks at the slots wear adult diapers to keep from losing their place and potential money. I think it is more likely because they drink an Eiffel Towers worth of booze and can never find the bathroom. They likely haven’t found the right shoes either. I eventually gave up on the shoes altogether after seeing a bra and panty set with a $750 price tag. For that price they better come with a girl actually inside them. The wedding was surprisingly elegant and lovely, and we left Vegas soon after to spend a few days in some of the most beautiful desert country imaginable – but that’s another story. Suffice to say, for my money, I’ll take Caledon. I like the pace, I love the scenery, I know where the bathrooms are and I can wear my flip flops. If I ever really needed another Vegas moment I can l turn on all the lights, turn the TV up too loud, put a marguerita in a plastic pop bottle and wear a balloon hat. But somehow I think that ‘look’ only works in Vegas - and as we all know… what happens in Vegas, thankfully, stays in Vegas.
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