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The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, January 12,1994 Week in Review m by Laura J. Richards ; Baskets full of dried flowers in a variety of colors from silvery white to bold blue delight the eyes of visitors to Maria Kordas-Fraser's home on Lakeshorc Road, south of Newton- villc. The walls of her and her husband's home arc decorated with some of her dried flower arrangements, and the space where she works is a show-case of the materials she uses. Pinned onto large, wood beams in a room adjoining her kitchen are many dried buds of European roses, s.talice and other flowers. In large baskets baskets next to sliding doors overlooking à deck and the backyard, are more dried flowers. A potpourri of colors, blossom shapes and textures await the hands of a willing artist. This is the room where Maria's creativity releases itself and where she is comfortable. "Five or six years ago, I noticed in some of the flower shops the dried flower wreaths," Maria recalled. She thought they were pretty and decided that she would like to try her hand at doing the same. "I bought a few packages of seeds and, during the first summer, everything everything planted came up." She figures she uses about one-half an acre for her flowers. Since ordering her first batch of seeds, Maria has learned that you just > The amazing array of dried flowers hanging from every nook and çranny in Maria Kordas-Fraser's work space immediately tells you this is an artist's home. From the European roses hanging one-by-one near the ceiling, dill blooms above the fireplace and bunches of dried strawflowers or German statice gathered into wicker baskets, Maria's Maria's space is uniquely her own. Showing some of the dried flowers she uses in her arrangements is Maria, who lives near Port Granby, along Lakeshorc Road. THE NORTHUMBERLAND AM Y AND NEWCASTLE /" BOARD OF EDUCATION BOWMANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT FOR GRADE 8 STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS Thursday, January 20th, 1994 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. ~ Open House - Meet the Teachers ~ ~ Refreshments ~ GRADE 9 PROGRAM PRESENTATION IN GET MORE FOR LESS! MAYTAG NEW! WASHERS AND DRYERS HURRY IN GET $60-$80 IN EXTRA FEATURES... AT NO EXTRA COSTI For the best selection of quality MAYTAG appliances NEW! Washers (inc.WatorSavors) NEW! Dryers (Gas and Electric) Dishwashers Stoves (Gas and Electric) Refrigerators (10 Yoar Limited Warranty) Ælè: PRESENT THIS AD FORA FREE ' 1 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY SAVE WITH CASH & CARRY sales DOMESTIC MAYTAG service 22 Slovonson Fid. S, (cornor of King) Oshawa 436-9969 can't always trust llower colors to be the same as what is shown on the package. "You don't always get what you want. Sometimes you take your chances." However, Maria says she trusts the seed companies to send her the seeds she wants. That's because, with mailorder mailorder seed companies, the buyer is able to specify the type of flowers wanted and the colors needed. Maria prefers the deep rose, pinks, whites and sky blues for her arrangements. arrangements. At the beginning of her hobby, Marie Marie began her seeds in her home. Now, with the help of a friend who owns a greenhouse outside of Bowmanville, the process is becoming more sophisticated. sophisticated. In fact, this year, she is hoping to sow her seeds in plug trays. Once the seeds are in the ground, Maria keeps a close eye on them. But that is an easy part. Maria loves to spend time in her gardens with either her European roses or with the other flowers. While her children like to help with the transplanting of the flowers in the spring, Maria likes to harvest the flowers herself. "I know what I am looking for," she explained. After the harvesting, the next part of the process is to dry the flowers. "I do it the 19th Century way -- I hang them up," Maria explained. "Some people use a silica gel, but you have to use a lot of it. While she admits to losing some of her crop to mould, she has found the old-fashioned way of doing things also has advantages. One of these includes includes the cost. After the first harvest, she dried the flowers in her home. But, when it was found that her husband and children were affected by the pollen released by the flowers, she moved this part of the operation to her father's bam just across the yard, "In the bam, there is no sunlight and the bam boards allow for air circulation, circulation, yet the flowers are protected from the other elements," she noted. Maria says she usually picks some blossoms just prior to full bloom, so she does not lose the optimum look she is striving for. When dried, these blooms' petals don't pull away from the flower, which can lead to an unappealing look, she noted. Usually, "it takes' a month to a month and a half to dry. I like to leave them alone during that time," she says. Picking the flowers in July means that she can begin working with , the,- , dried flowers in September dr.. Octo- .l ber. Flowers are not the only parts of her craft that she grows. Thanks to a failed scheme to grow grapes to make! wine, she also has a ready supply of grapevines to form into wreaths. "Pretty much everything I make, I grow," Maria noted. When she gets down to actually working on her craft, she keeps a selection selection of dried flowers near her, her glue gun heated up and ready to go. "I don't wire anything," she said. While everything is as natural as she can get it, she does admit to spray- painting some of her German Statice to burgundy and green colors. Recently, Maria has begun taking her flowers to craft sales. In December, she was able to display display her flowers at the Visual Arts Centre during the pre-Christmas Arts Festival. She said she sold about three- quarters of her dried flower crop there. She was "simply amazed" with the response to her dried flowers. But shows are not her only activity in the winter. Planning her next summer summer crop is also on her mind. When visited on Friday afternoon, Jan. 10, as the snow was thickly flying around the house, Maria talked about the seeds she has already selected for her 1994 crop. With a seed catalogue in hand, she looked up flower names and quoted prices for some of the more plants. Without a doubt, one could say Marie can't wait for the spring to come, so she can get back to gardening. gardening. Advisor Named to Study Waterfront A letter from Waterfront Regeneration Regeneration Trust Commissioner David Crombic states L.R.L. (Ric) Symmcs has been named as an independent advisor advisor in regards to the St. Maiys proposed proposed waterfront development in Bowmanville. Mr. Crombie states in his letter: Symmcs will provide advice and will "identify the issues and stakeholders associated with St. Marys land use proposals on the Clarington Waterfront; Waterfront; assemble relevant information concerning those land uses, and assist the parties in generating options and alternatives to resolve the issues; and, facilitate discussions leading to agreement agreement amongst the stakeholders on how best to balance environmental, economic and community interests on this part of Clarington's waterfront." Crombie stated Symmcs has 26 years of experience and "many years as an active member and policy adviser adviser to several environmental and citi- zens organizations in Ontario." Symmcs was die Chair of tho Shoreline Regeneration Work Group of the Royal Commission on the Future Future of the Toronto Waterfront. He has also carried out a series of assignments assignments for the Commission and Trust since 1991. Mayor Blasts "KGB Attitude » From Page One that he "has spies" throughout the municipal building. "That is absolutely disgusting," Mayor Hamre said. "That is an insult insult to our excellent staff. "I hope the public reads about that, because they need to know," she said. Another issue she touched on was the fact that two date books are kept -- "one by my secretary and another by me." This way, the secretary secretary knows where she can be found Mayor Surrenders Town Credit Card From Page One Planning Director Frank Wu. She has since found out that elected officials in other municipalities municipalities have the staff pick up the tab instead. instead. However, she counters that idea with the question: "Why should I hide what I do?" Mayor Hamre stated she is honest honest to a fault In fact, she has been "teased" by other municipalities' council members for her council's diligence to making sure the charges on the card are legitimate. Mayor Hamre stated many deals have been discussed and formalized over luncheon or dinner meetings with a variety of people. However, she did not treat the usage usage of the credit card lightly, Mayor Hamre said. She made sure there was "a serious serious intention to make a commitment (to the municipality)" on the part of an individual or company before taking someone to lunch or dinner. On other occasions, the credit card has been used to take regional councillors to lunch after planning meetings. The mayor stated the councillors rotate paying for lunches, lunches, so she would not have to pay for her lunch for at least seven meetings. meetings. In addressing a remark made in the local press by a councillor who stated the council is not a loan agency, agency, Mayor Hamre pointed out: "By taking away the staff credit cards, you are asking them to do business on their own cards." , : She rioted that this would mean die staff members would probably have to pay interest charges on the cards because the process to reimburse reimburse is not quick. When she finished her 50-minute remarks on the use of her credit card and the mileage issue, Mayor Hamre Hamre was told by Councillor Ken Hooper that she was out of order in her remairks. Mayor Hamre noted she had checked with the clerk prior to the meeting to "make sure I was (acting) (acting) within my rights." any minute ot the day, Mayor Hamre Hamre stated. The two date books are not designed designed to get more money out of the municipality for travel expenses, she said. "I only get two cheques from the municipality -- my pay cheque and my mileage cheque," she added. Mayor Hamre reprimanded an individual individual councillor, but did not name the person, for talking to the press when he should be talking with her about the problems he is having. After being elected to the mayoralty, mayoralty, Mayor Hamre sought to ensure ensure that this individual councillor would not have an axe to grind against her. "I have tried in every way to be accessible to everyone," she said. "Please accept your responsibility responsibility in this matter too," Mayor Hamre said, in a remark that was obviously addressed to all of the coiincillors. Afterwards, Councillor Mary Novak told the mayor: "You've disappointed disappointed me." The trust that Councillor Novak had hoped she would find within the council isn't there, she said. "We didn't create this atmosphere," atmosphere," she added. Speaking on the lack of leadership leadership from the mayor, Councillor Novak Novak said: "It's missing. Do something something about it." Councillor David Scott would rather see all the disagreements set aside. "I have worked with a number of chief executive officers and I have never seen anyone treated as you have been treated," he told the mayor. mayor. He added the behind-the-scenes feuds have been "counterproductive." "counterproductive." In other words, he sees the wrangling wrangling at council to be "a tempest in a teapot." "Let's have no more notice of motions extended and never dealt with. "Instead, let's talk about the official official plan and put our energies and resources to other areas." "We can all do a lot better when we do it all together," Councillor Scott said finally. Councillor John O'Toole took up Councillor Novak's torch and said that he too has felt isolated. However, like Councillor Scott, he "would like to get back on track." After all was said and retold, Councillor Hooper asked that the treasurer look into an item in a mileage mileage report on Aug. 6,1993. He wants to know why the Mayor Mayor claimed mileage to a special meeting of the hydro commission on a day \yJien the commission did not meet, he said. with Elizabeth Belanger-Linkletter CTC It is that time of the year when our province becomes a "Winter Wonderland"l Many of us enjoy all that the winter has to offer, but, there are those of us who think at this time also of more temperate climates and wonderlands. We will review some of those areas in the next few columns. If you are young at heart and a free spirit then may I suggest the 'Most Magical Place in the World'. Our family, along with many others I am sure, make a yearly trek to this wonderful place during the holidays. There is truly something for everyone, everyone, from the very young to Grandma and Papa. The accommodations and restaurants range from modest to the luxurious and can fit any budget, Airfare, Car rental and lodgings can bo prebooked through your travel agent; who also will have a wealth of information to give you on yoùr destination, destination, Prices will vary according to when you travel. Every year something new is added and you can travel from a 'small world after all' to Japan and Africa all in the same week, with a visit to the future thrown in for good measure. Along with the traditional attractions, shopping is becoming one of the newer sports in this area with attractive prices that can be found from all locations. My daughter daughter and I closed more than one mall on our expeditions! Most everyone will have guessed that I have been speaking of Mickey's Worldl When you fly into the area the letters MCO will appear on your ticket which signify the Orlando airport, but ... to our granddaughter granddaughter Courtney, these letters mean only Mickey and Company. If you have travel tips that you want to share in this column, call, Blessings Travel Centre. Remember, when you think of Travel, Think of Blessings Travel Centre Vanstone Mill 623-0005 FABRICLAND FROM OUR SPECIAL SELECTION BUY ONE METRE OF FABRIC AT OUR ORIGINAL REG. PRICE AND GET ANOTHER 2 METRES FREE of equal or lesser value. (FULL METRES ONLY) McCALL'S Patterns Buy 1 at Mfr. Sugg. Ret. Price 2 FREE Al^S^eclal^Imjte^^resentstockonl^^^^ of equal or lesser value NO LIMIT 1801 DUNDAS ST. E WHITBY (Kendalwood Plaza) 721-9152 600 GRANDVIEW ST. S. OSHAWA (Grandview and Bloor St.) 436-7589