WELCOME TO PAGE TWO
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2006

Return to Front Page Turn to Page Three
  

Coping With Change Is All A Matter of Going With The Flow

Editorial by Robert Kirwan




   One of the things you learn as you grow older and more experience from living on this planet is that no matter what you are involved in, life has a way of throwing obstacles at you. 
  
   Just when you start to get comfortable with a person, a place or a situation, something comes along to change it. A friend moves away. A child graduates and takes a job in another city or gets married. Unexpected expenses arise which force you to use savings that were set aside for a vacation. You get laid off from work. Or, you become ill.
  
   Our ability to cope with change and disruption determines, to a great degree, our peace, happiness and contentment in life. But how do we develop this ability to cope with change? 
  

   Despite the fact that philosophers have grappled with this question for centuries, I recently watched a show on television where a California surfer summed up the best answer I’ve ever heard in four simple words: "Go with the flow."
  
   The Californian explained, "It’s like surfing. You can’t organize the ocean. Waves just happen. You ride them where they take you, then you paddle back out there and catch the next one. Sure, you’re always hoping for the perfect wave, but mostly you just take them the way they come."
  
   Perhaps the surfer has the answer we have all been looking for. Perhaps “Going With The Flow” is the secret to happiness.
  
   Life is nothing more than a series of events - both good and bad. No matter how good your organizational skills are or how well you have planned for all eventualities, there will always be life-influencing factors over which you have no control. The truly successful person expects the unexpected, and is prepared to make adjustments should the need arise, as it almost always does.
  
   That doesn’t mean you don’t keep trying to make your plans and dreams come true. It just means that when things don’t go according to plan, you just work around them and then move on. As the surfer said, "You ride them where they take you, then you paddle back out there and catch the next one."
  
   We all realize that some obstacles are easier to take than others. Missing a baseball game because of rain is easier to take than the sudden death of a family member. But the principle is the same. "You ride the wave where it takes you, and then you paddle back out there and catch the next wave, always searching for the perfect ride." In other words, you work around the obstacle the best you can and then you move on with your life. Talk to anyone who has lost a loved one, or been faced with a devastating illness or accident and they will tell you that this is the only way to survive. You have to get back out there and get on with your life. 

   People have often commented on my ability to remain calm under difficult circumstances. I merely tell them that the secret is to keep your planning to a minimum. If I have to get to Sudbury , I will plan on taking the shortest route along Hwy 69N. But, if for some reason I am forced to take a detour through Garson or Rayside-Balfour , I have learned to simply enjoy the ride. I will eventually get to Sudbury . It may take a little longer, and the road may be a little bumpier, but I will get there. Complaining about it won’t make it any better. I have also learned over the years that when I am forced to take a detour, I usually encounter some very worthwhile life-experiences along the way that I would have missed had it not been for taking the detour. As weird as it sounds, I actually look forward to the unexpected. It’s like opening a Christmas present - you never know what you are going to find.
 
   As we get set to begin another school year, the focus is on how to provide our children with the kind of education that will enable them to live a useful and productive life. Perhaps the key to success for all young people is to learn early in life to “Go with the flow.”  They must be taught to accept change, not as something to be feared, but to cope with it by enjoying the ride and moving on with life in a new direction.

   In order to help our children unlock their future, it will become necessary for teachers, parents and grandparents to learn this lesson first. This year, let’s all make a commitment to “Go With The Flow” whenever we are faced with obstacles and challenges. Ride the wave wherever it takes you, then paddle back out there and catch the next one.

ROBERT KIRWAN'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
For a complete selection of stories and editorials that will help you to reflect upon life's priorities, inspiring you to take on the daily challenges you face very day...
  
Valley East Ringette Association Registrations Expected To Reach Record Levels
The Valley East Ringette Association began taking registrations for the 2006-2007 season on Saturday, August 26 at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. Early indications show that this will be one of the largest enrolments ever.

In the photo above, Line Stone is shown discussing sweater sizes with one of the families that was registering early. In the background, Carole Pelland helps another parent register her child.

REGISTRATION FEES FOR 2006 - 2007 SEASON

Bunnie $100 + $25 (pants - optional)
Novice, Petite, Tween, Junior, Belle $250 + $25 (pants)
Open $200 + $25 (pants)
The registration fee includes all ice charges throughout the year for regular practices, games and playoffs. There will be no additional fees during the year.
  

AGE GROUPS

BUNNIE born any time in 1999 or later
NOVICE born any time in 1997 or 1998
PETITE born any time in 1995 or 1996
TWEEN born any time in 1993 or 1994
JUNIOR born any time in 1991 or 1992
BELLE born any time in 1988, 1989, or 1990
OPEN born anytime in 1987 or earlier (must be 19 or older)
Pre-season conditioning is being offered again this year. This is a great opportunity to get back on the ice and renew some of your skating abilities. Conditioning sessions are split into two groups based upon age. Bunnies (7 and under) are not eligible for conditioning.

Each group will have seven one-hour sessions on the ice. Cost for conditioning is $45.00.

The first conditioning session will begin in mid or late September.

If you have any questions about registration or conditioning please contact Carole at 897-4011 or Line at 969-2462.

   

Another Year Gets Under Way For Valley East Minor Hockey With Registrations At The Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre

The weekend of August 25 - 27 marked the official beginning of the fall and winter sports season in Valley East as hundreds of boys and girls were registered for minor hockey, minor ringette, figure skating, power skating and Canskate programs. Above we see Dan Ross helping a father with the registration form while other volunteers from the organization compile the information and collect the fees provided.

Dan is the new Parent Communication Rep. He will be taking care of the bulletin boards at arenas and the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. He will also be coordinating news and events through the Valley Vision and the Valley East Today Weekly Online News Magazine. If coaches have anything to submit during the season, such as special individual or team accomplishments or team fund raising endeavours, you are to contact Dan via email at ccentra@bellnet.ca

For the second year, Lynda Flintoff, shown in the photo on the left, used modern technology to assist in keeping track of the registrants.

"With so many people registering over the next couple of weeks, it just makes sense to enter all of the data on the computer as it comes in during registration days," Linda explained. "That way we can always have a pretty good idea of how many children we have in each division and it makes it much easier to organize the teams afterwards.

The organization holds two tournaments during the season. The first is the weekend of December 1 to 3 for Peewee, Bantam and Midget teams. The second is February 9 to 11 for Tykes, Novice and Atoms.

This season all teams must have a certified coach and trainer. This is an N.O.H.A. ruling and must be followed in order for insurance to be valid. Therefore, anyone behind the bench must be carded. This year the V.E.M.H.A. Board has decided to send all staff members to the "Speak Out Clinic". The cost of the coaches and trainers clinics is being covered by the Board which will submit a refund upon presentation of a valid receipt.

Parents are also reminded that mouth guards are mandatory and must not be translucent or clear in colour.

V.E.M.H.A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Bob Bellerose 969-2273
1st Vice President Ken Desjardins 969-3954
2nd Vice President Bruce Vaillancourt 969-7380
Secretary Lynda Flintoff 969-6444
Treasurer Mike Burns 969-0360
Equipment Manager Angele Bellemare 562-3625
Tournament Chair Brian Berdusco 969-4536
Sponsorships Darrell Paquette 969-2942
Referee-In-Chief Dan Draper 897-4960
Timekeepers Michael Bellerose 969-2273
Parent/Communication Rep Dan Ross 969-3227
Ways and Means Gates Poitras 969-5057

CONVENORS

Tykes 4 - 6 year olds Cathy Giffen
Novice 7 - 8 year olds Chris Fillator
Atom 9 - 10 year olds  
Peewee 11 - 12 year olds Cory Brunatti
Bantam 13 - 14 year olds Guy Gervais
Midget 15 - 17 year olds Guy Gervais

Tentative Ice Times For 2006-2007 Season

Tykes Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Novice Saturday and Sunday
Atoms Monday, Saturday and Sunday
Peewee Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Plus practice times)
Bantam Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (Plus practice times)
Midget Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (Plus practice times)
PLEASE NOTE: From Peewee up there is an additional cost for practices. This is above the cost of registration and will be determined by your team.
     
Valley East Ladies' Slo-Pitch League Plays Every Monday and Wednesday Evening At Centennial Fields In Hanmer

T.B.A. GIRLS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A GOOD PLAYOFF RUN

To View Some of the other teams

  

VALLEY EAST COBRAS AAA MIDGETS
2006-2007 TEAM TRYOUT SCHEDULE

General Manager, Dave Stone, and Treasurer Leo Burns take a few minutes to relax and enjoy a round of golf during the Annual Valley East Cobras 'AAA' Midget Golf Tournament held on August 19 at the Clearview Golf Club. 

The next seven or eight months will find Dave involved in a very hectic schedule as he takes on the responsibilities of managing a 'AAA' hockey club playing in the Great North Midget League.

Indeed, Treasurer Leo Burns will also be busy as he keeps everyone on track to balance the books and pay the expenses.

This year's edition includes the following staff:

Head Coach: Joe Williams

Assistant Coaches: Randi Condi, Steve Richardson, and Jeff  Walker

Goalie Coach: John Sauve

Trainers: Reg Gagnon & Andrew Villeneuve

We caught up with Assistant Coach, Steve Richardson at the golf tournament to get his early feelings about the club.

"I'm happy with what I saw during the first weeks of training camp," Richardson explained. "We're heading into the grind session now, preparing for a couple of exhibition games and that will help us finalize many of our decisions.

Richardson said he was pleased to see the core of last year's squad back. "That gives me a good 8 to 10 players who will form the nucleus of the team and leaves a good 8 to 10 spots up for grabs. I'm sure we will put a very competitive team on the ice this year - a team that the fans will like to come out and support.

For Hilda Kingsley, seated, and Gabby Laberge, the golf tournament held on August 19 signaled that they were right back into the thick of things for another season of fund-raising and behind the scenes organization. 

Hilda and Gabby put in countless hours organizing special events, handling ticket sales during games, and helping making sure that the players and coaching staff can focus on putting a good product on the ice.

The Valley East Cobras 'AAA' Midgets are the highest level of hockey in the community. This year we will be posting the schedule on Valley East Today and also on the community bulletin board at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre.

Let's encourage all residents to pack the arena for all of the home games and show you support for this great hockey team.

ICE TIME SCHEDULE FOR COBRAS

The following are the dates and times for the training camp on-ice sessions for the Valley East obras Midget 'AAA' club. Members of the public are welcome to come out and watch the try-outs and get a first hand look at the new club.

Monday, Aug. 21,           8:00pm - 9:30pm              Raymond Plourde Arena

Tuesday, Aug. 22,           8:00pm - 9:30pm              Raymond Plourde Arena

Thursday, Aug. 24          8:00pm – 9:30pm             Raymond Plourde Arena

Friday, Aug. 25,              8:00pm – 9:30pm             Raymond Plourde Arena

Monday, Aug. 28            8:00pm – 9:30pm             Raymond Plourde Arena

Tuesday, Aug. 29            8:00pm – 9:30pm             Raymond Plourde Arena

Wednesday, Aug. 30       8:00pm – 9:30pm             Raymond Plourde Arena

Thursday, Aug. 31          8:00pm – 9:30pm             Raymond Plourde Arena

Friday, Sept. 1                8:00pm – 10:30pm            Raymond Plourde Arena

                                         Possible game

Sunday, Sept. 3               2:00pm – 4:30pm             Raymond plourde Arena

                                         Possible game

Tuesday, Sept. 5             9:00pm – 10:30pm            Raymond Plourde Arena

                                                   Regular season

Thursday, Sept. 7            9:00pm – 10:30pm            Raymond Plourde Arena

Tuesday, Sept. 12           9:00pm – 10:30pm            Raymond Plourde Arena

Wednesday, Sept. 13      9:00pm – 10:30pm            Capreol 1 (old side)

All try-outs are $15.00 for 1 1/2 hours

Players from outside Valley East must have proper releases.

For more info call: Dave Stone 897-6641 General Manager

  

Combination Locks Now Available At Sixteen Different Locations In The Community Each Week.

You Could Qualify For A Trip To Cuba!

Valley East Lions' Charity Days
Want to send you and a guest on an all inclusive
Trip for 2 to CUBA!!!!
(+$500 in spending cash)

As was announced in The Vision Paper on July 5, from now until September 9th, 2006, a number of Valley East businesses, merchants and organizations will be giving random combination codes to their valued customers.  There are 5000 codes available.

There are 16 combination locks located in various stores/businesses. If you receive an envelope containing a random combination, please bring it to those locations where locks are located. If your combination opens one of the locks, CONGRATULATIONS! You've made it one step closer...

On September 9th, 2006, all lucky winning combination holders (remember there's only a maximum of 16 people who will make it this far!) will be invited to the Centennial Arena as part of our Valley East Lions' Charity Days festivities. (In the event that nobody opens any of the 16 locks, non-winning combinations, which will be retained by the vendors, will be put into a drum, and a winner will be drawn from there.

At the Valley East Lions' Charity Days, each person will be given another random combination code, one of which will open the treasure chest containing a TRIP FOR TWO TO CUBA!!!

Please support your local businesses and come out to try the combinations. If you have any questions, contact Marcel Servais at 969-5898.

Proceeds from this draw will benefit Palliative Care.

Locations of Combination Locks from August 24 - 30
Petal Pushers The Cash Store
Hanmer Bargain Outlet Popcorn Video
Valley View Cleaners Suzanne's Sub
Hilltop Video & Used Books Just For You Cards & Gifts
Vacuum & Home Care Appliances Jetty's Variety
Valley Plaza Barber Shop Dairy Queen - Val Caron
Hanmer Home Hardware Treasure Den
Val Caron Equipment & Rental Loeb
Locations of Combination Locks from September 1 to 4
Eva Lanctot Tasse Automobiles
Caza Auto Parts Neil's Independent
Remax Crown Realty Desjardins' Food Basics
Hanmer Home Hardware Curves
Chico's Bowl Western Valley Auto
Valley Plaza Pharmacy Loeb
Caisse Populaire St. Jacques Hanmer Medical Pharmacy
Suzanne's Subs Valley East Today
Try out your combinations on the locks located at the above sites. If your combination opens the lock, you are one of the finalists in the Trip To Cuba Contest.

EARLY QUALIFIERS

The following people have already opened locks at various locations and qualify for the grand prize of a trip to Cuba.
Sylvie Courchesne Lisa Fournier
Roxanne Charette Helene Belisle
Kevin Villeneuve

EXCELLENT

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY

FORMERLY KNOWN AS
THE CAPREOL FRESHMART
(Enter here for more photos)

Store Has Been Established Since 1929

Serving a population of over 4000 people

Future growth from nearby mining venture

The only supermarket in town

Potential sales of over $100,000 per week

Successful applicant must have

  • a vast knowledge of the grocery industry;

  • a minimum of 5 - 10 years experience in grocery business;

  • a minimum of $150,000 of investment capital

If you are interested in this opportunity to own and operate your own grocery franchise contact

Mr. Val Mazzuca

by phone: (705) 858-1116
by pager: (705) 671-7715
or by

  
Doug & Linda Beswick Featured On The Cover of International Magazine For Oxyfresh
Doug and Linda Beswick have risen to success as Master Directors with Oxyfresh. They are responsible for the rapid growth of this organization in Ontario and indeed right across Canada. They were featured on the cover of the company's international magazine.

Long-time residents of Hanmer, Doug and Linda Beswick, were featured on the cover of a recent issue of the company's international magazine, Oxyfresh Visions.

The magazine is sent out around the world to representatives of this Multi-Level Marketing company. The Beswicks were recognized for their accomplishments with the company. 

In particular, they have helped Oxyfresh establish a strong presence throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada

Doug is also the owner of Beswick Denture Clinic at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre and on Barrydowne Road in Sudbury

Linda is a Registered Nurse who also runs a Footcare Clinic at both sites.

The Beswicks have always been interested in giving back to their community - a community in which they have lived and raised their family. For example, when the Sudbury District Health Unit comes to the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre for their Annual Flu Clinic, Doug and Linda have gladly offered the use of their facility for the day long event, which this year will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2006.

If you would like to find out more about Beswick Denture Clinic or the Beswick Footcare Clinic, simply go to their comprehensive web site at the following link>>>>

INTERESTED IN WORKING DURING THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS?

GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE FOR DETAILS

ENTER

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT 
HANMER HOME HARDWARE
(Located in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre)

Customer Representatives Needed
Working In The Paint Dept. & On The Floor
Must Enjoy Working With The Public
Contact Mike Lemieux at 969-7000
or See Him In Person at the Store

PART-TIME BABYSITTER
 Part-time babysitter required starting September for 2 children in my own
home in Hanmer area (Laurence Street). 
Candidate must be responsible, reliable, and enjoy being around children.  
They must also provide their own transportation to my residence, 
however a ride home can be arranged.
Required hours will be:
Some weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and sometimes until 10 p.m.  
Some weekends but only during the day.  
Please contact Christine at 969-3814 or 
by e-mail shanzel@sympatico.ca

KOREA WAR VETERANS

The Korea Veterans Unit 19 Sudbury is always looking for New Members and if there is anyone out there who served in the Korean War we would be glad to welcome them into the Unit. Anyone interested can call Harold Payne at 969-4367 or George Haskin at geeoh@sympatico.ca 522-0562.

The next meeting of the Korea Veterans is on 27 Sep 06 at Branch 76 Royal Canadian Legion 1553 Weller St Sudbury
 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

PLASTIC SURGERY...
  
A middle-aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked "Is my time up?".

God said, "No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live".

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a facelift, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair color. Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it.

After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was hit and killed by an ambulance.

Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn't you pull me from out of the path of the ambulance?"

God replied, "I didn't recognize you".
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES...
  
I was testing the children in my Sunday school class to see if they understood the concept of getting to heaven.
 
I asked them, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into Heaven?"
 
"NO!" the children answered.
 
"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?"
 
Again, the answer was, "NO!"
 
By now I was starting to smile. Hey, this was fun!
 
"Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my husband, would that get me into Heaven?" I asked them again.
 
Again, they all answered, "NO!"
 
I was just bursting with pride for them.
 
Well, I continued, "then how can I get into Heaven?"
 
A five-year-old boy shouted out,
 
"YOU GOTTA BE DEAD."
DID I READ THAT SIGN RIGHT?

In an office:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER...... PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE , BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK)

In an airport:
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS ABOVE ESCALATOR 

       
Long Distance Calling????  Interested in Voice Over Internet Technology??? Need Your Computer Repaired???
Edgar Lajambe, is a 30-year old life-long resident of Hanmer. His passion for computers and information technology goes back to a high school co-op placement he had in 1994 with a company called the AMS Group. When he graduated from St. Charles College he discovered that there were a lot of people who kept coming to him for computer repairs and consulting, so he formed his own company, Valley Computers & Consulting.

   When VoIP (Voice over Internet Technology) was first introduced to Sudbury , Edgar saw this as the future of communication and immediately jumped on board; studying everything there is to know about the technology. As a result, he formed another division of his company, called VCCNet.ca Internet Solutions, which deals with long-distance discount calling and the use of the internet for communication purposes.

   Edgar has joined forces with another locally owned firm, Infocom Canada Business Consultants Inc. which operates Valley East Today, a marketing & public relations company which publishes a community web site and weekly online news magazine.

    “The cost of long distance calling has always been a detriment to people living in the north,” Edgar explained when asked why he feels so strongly about the communication services he now provides to the community. “I know so many of my friends and acquaintances who have children or parents living in other parts of Ontario . They would love the chance to talk to them more often by phone, but long distance charges really cut into the budget; especially for seniors who would love to talk to grandchildren, or parents who have children away at university or college.”

   “Once people find out how easy it is to switch over to my plan, and they realize that there is absolutely no risk or long-term commitment – that all they get is the freedom to talk on the phone to anyone in Ontario for as long as they want for one low price of $15.95 a month, they are sold,” Edgar went on.

   Edgar also repairs and programs individual computers for both commercial and residential use. You can drop in and see him at his office in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, or he will come directly to your home or office.

   Whatever you are looking for, give Edgar a call at 670-4039 or you can go to his web site at www.vccnet.ca and see how he can meet your needs.  

  
ELECTION 2006

PREPARING FOR THE 2006 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The next municipal election for the City of Greater Sudbury will take place on Tuesday, November 13, 2006. 

A lot of things happen during a four-year term. Some are good and some are bad. However, every decision that is made by our municipal council has a direct impact on the lives of people living in Valley East and Capreol.

Please note that Candidates have until 5:00 p.m. on September 29, 2006 to file their completed nomination form. 

It hoped that anyone who is serious about standing for election will declare his/her intention as soon as possible so that we have enough time to fully understand their individual platforms.

HANMER VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE
PHONE: (705) 524-7006
www.kirwan.ca

ROBERT KIRWAN Responds To Questions Submitted By Constituents During Election Campaign

If you have a question for Robert, just drop it off at his office or give him a call.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK...

Whenever we call City Hall or our Councillors about problems we get the run-around and if anything is done it takes forever. How are you going to be any different?

ANSWER

   I’ve been told that politicians should never promise anything during an election campaign, but I am going to disregard that advice because there is one thing I am not afraid of promising if I am elected to represent Ward 6 – Hanmer & Val Therese as Councillor.

   The promise I make to all constituents of Ward 6 is that when I am required to intervene on your behalf with respect to a lack of service being provided, the only words I want to hear from City Managers are, “I will take care of it right away.”

   “I will look into it.” is no longer going to be an acceptable response from City Managers. As representative of the residents of Ward 6 – Hanmer & Val Therese, I will be the one ultimately held responsible for ensuring that my constituents receive the highest quality of service and satisfaction. If there is something bothering you and if it appears as if this is something that is a municipal responsibility, then there is only one thing I want to hear at the other end of the line when I make that phone call on your behalf. “I WILL TAKE CARE OF IT RIGHT AWAY!”

   People at City Hall will soon understand that when Robert Kirwan receives a complaint, Robert Kirwan LOOKS INTO IT FIRST before calling.  I don’t just complain for the sake of complaining. That means that there is no need for anyone else to LOOK INTO IT. When I have to make a call I will be expecting action. I will expect that the matter will be TAKEN CARE OF RIGHT AWAY! And if it isn’t taken care of right away, there will be hell to pay at the next Council Meeting.

   The one thing I am finding as I speak to the thousands of concerned residents during my election campaign is that the issues facing the people of Ward 6 – Hanmer & Val Therese are no different from the issues facing other municipalities in the City of Greater Sudbury . Our playgrounds have rusty equipment with grass that is poorly trimmed buildings filled with graffiti. The ditches along the highways are filled with long grass and look ragged to visitors. Our roads are drastically in need of repair. Our taxes are too high for the services we are receiving. The City spends money trying to promote a healthy community and then charges user fees that discourage people from participating in recreational organizations. We have dangerous intersections that are in need of additional stop signs. The list goes on and on.

   What bothers me most is that I don’t see much of anything being done to rectify these problems. It seems pretty simple. If playground equipment is rusty, you paint it. If the grass needs to be trimmed, you cut it. If you have a dangerous intersection, you put up a stop sign. If the ditches are ragged, you cut and rake them. If user fees are too high, you reduce them and increase the participation level. You don’t spend the money on advertising to tell people how much they should be doing to improve their health when everything is in disrepair around us.

   I fully realize that these problems are not the fault of the front-line city workers. The problem begins at a much higher level where policy is developed and budgets are established. As City Councillor, I accept that the ultimate responsibility rests with me, as the representative of Ward 6 – Hanmer & Val Therese, and with all of the other Councillors and the Mayor.

   With a Kirwan on Council, staff had better get used to the fact that there are only eight words I want to hear when I call about a problem being faced by one of my constituents. And I will not be happy until I hear those eight words. The new motto for City Hall from now on will be: “I WILL TAKE CARE OF IT RIGHT AWAY!”

LAST WEEK YOU ASKED...

Are you in favour of charging University Students $135 for a City of Greater Sudbury Bus pass that they won't use?

ANSWER

The short answer: ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!

All three of my sons attended Laurentian University. I even attended Laurentian University in the early 1970's. We all travelled by car or in car pools with other students. The current policy of charging every full-time student enrolled at Laurentian University for their own Universal Bus Pass is totally UNFAIR and as far as I am concerned is nothing more than a tax-grab. 

Let me explain. 

First of all, there are approximately 6000 students who will be charged $135 for a transit pass this year. This pass will give them unlimited use of the City buses during the school year. That is a good deal if you use the buses. However, using the transit system is not practical for many students, especially those students who are pressed for time due to a variety of commitments from part-time jobs, family responsibilities, school assignments, recreational associations, etc. For example, a student living in one of the suburbs of Valley East must often walk quite a way to a bus stop along the highway. On good days, when there is no need to carry a lot of books and supplies, this is not so bad. However, on inclement days it is not recommended. Then, you have to take a transfer at the bus depot downtown in order to get out to the university. The whole process must be reversed when coming home. The trip home will often be after dark in the winter which means a long walk back to your home in unpredictable weather.

For students who do absolutely nothing else (no part-time jobs; no research projects with classmates; no recreational activities, etc.) using the bus system may be fine. Nevertheless, on the days when you have a single one-hour class scheduled at 10:00 a.m. for example, you will have to take the bus from Valley East no later than 8:00 a.m. (if one happens to be going by at that time). If you can catch a bus right after your class, you should be getting off the bus back at your original stop at around 1:00 p.m. (if one is coming back to the Valley around the time you arrive downtown). This means that you will have to leave your house as early as 7:30 a.m. and get back home some time around 1:30 p.m. for a one hour class that runs from 10:00  to 11:00 a.m. 

If you drive a car to school, you will leave your home at about 9:15 a.m. and be back home again by 12:45 a.m. Taking the bus means an extra three hours or more of your time - time that is precious in the life of a busy university student trying to juggle responsibilities.

This says nothing about the fact that when you drive your car you must pay for gasoline plus a parking pass of $160 a year on top of the $135 Universal Bus Pass that is now charged on top of your tuition.

This is just one example of how the City Councillors are out of touch with their constituents. And let us not forget that on the current City Council there are SEVEN - that's right SEVEN - Councillors who live in outlying municipalities and should have known better than to endorse a policy which would penalize students living in their Wards. Councillors cannot simply advise that taking public transit is better for the environment. Most students just cannot afford to take a bus to school because of their other time commitments. It is not a matter of money. It is a matter of time and the scheduling of buses.

The one question that should have been asked is, "What happens if all of the students decide to take the bus?"

The answer is simple. DISASTER!!!

With 6000 students holding bus passes, if all of the students decided that for a whole week they would all take the bus to school, the City Transit system would collapse. It would be impossible to handle the load and there would be utter chaos in the city, especially at the downtown terminal. Classes would be missed; vehicle traffic would be interrupted because of the overflow of students on the city streets; regular adult passengers would have their travel interrupted and the City would lose thousands of dollars in regular fares. It would be a disaster! 

If I am elected to City Council in November, there is no way that I will approve of this policy for the 2007-2008 school year. I don't mind selling passes at a reduced rate for students who need to use the bus to get to school, but I am absolutely against forcing all students to pay. I know I would have been very upset if my own children were forced to pay for bus passes that they could not use.

Thank you for your question.

 
CITY OF GREATER SUDBURY 
OFFICIAL ELECTION SITE

READERS MAY SUBMIT THEIR OWN COMMENTS ON THE UPCOMING MUNICIPAL ELECTION BY CLICKING ON THE EMAIL BUTTON BELOW

  

MEET

OUR

SPONSORS

The Valley East Today Weekly Online News Magazine and Community Web Site are being made available free of charge to local residents through the support provided by the following businesses and organizations. 

You are encouraged to take time to visit their web sites, which can be linked by clicking on each of the individual names listed below. 

On behalf of all who are enjoying the feature articles on this newsletter, we express our deepest gratitude to our sponsors.

FROM THE HANMER VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE
Beswick Denture Clinic
Hart Department Store
VCCNet.ca Internet Solutions
Sole Mates Family Footwear
Desjardins' Food Basics
Pet Palace
The Source by Circuit City
Hanmer Home Hardware
Stan Thomas Solicitor
Drs. Dunlop & Labrecque Optometrists
Lou's Shoe Repair
Valley Plaza Barber Shop
Glamorous You
The Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre


FROM VAL CARON
Hanson Family Dentistry
Heatwave Tanning Salon
Fantastic Floors

Independent Energy Services

FROM VAL THERESE
Ron Gladu Photos
 
FROM HANMER
Masciangelo Motors
 
FROM CAPREOL
Drago Men's Wear
 
FROM SUDBURY
Reliable Security

Sole Mates Family Footwear
Masciangelo Motors
Sudbury Rent-A-Home
O'Malley's Rent-A-Pub

ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

If you are looking for a business in Hanmer or Val Caron, you should be able to find it on the Online Business Directory.  
  

 WELCOME TO PAGE TWO
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2006

Return to Front Page Turn to Page Three
 
 

Published by
INFOCOM CANADA BUSINESS CONSULTANTS INC.
Robert Kirwan, President & C.E.O.
4456 Noel Crescent, Val Therese ON P3P 1S8
Phone: (705) 969-7215    
EMAIL   rkirwan@infocomcanada.com