|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
 |
|
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
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
