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For Don Lycett and I, it was off to Thickson Woods and Meadows lakefront in east Whitby early Saturday morning. morning. It was the first organized event of the year sponsored by the Thickson Woods Land Trust. The Woods has an acreage of some 16 acres while the abutting Meadows is of 8.5 acres. The Land Trust has been active in assembling the property property dating back to the mid- 1980s when they purchased a devastated forested area for $150,000. A further fund has been raised to assure that the woods will never be a burden to its guardians in the future. Since that period, all eyes have been on the 8.5 acre meadow area located to the. north of the woods. The meadows also abuts a natural ravine in the south-east corner. corner. A dream came true for the Foundation in February 2002 being the purchase of the Meadows 8.5 acres at a price of $540,394. As of February 3rd, a balance balance of $331,563 exists relating relating to this recent purchase. It is a creditable accomplishment accomplishment for the Thickson Woods Nature Reserve and the group of volunteers who successfully faced their challenge. challenge. It's everything from birds to wild flowers in Thickson Woods and Meadows and worth a visit at almost anytime anytime of the year. On Saturday, it was breakfast breakfast along with birds in the bush and meadows--a fundraising event. The area is open to the general general public with parking on an east/west street off Thickson Road south of 401. Looking into the future to Saturday, September 13--it's the "Birds, Butterflies and Beaver Nature Festival" It's for kids of age to a hundred. An all day nature program, tours and events, lunch and more. Further information could be obtained by phoning 905- 725-2116. Spring Book Sale The Clarington Museum's annual book sale will be held at the Clarke Museum Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We have a variety variety of books including children, children, mystery, romance, and non-fiction, which will be sold at rock bottom prices. There is a great selection of books so here is your chance Jaworski Continued from page 2 the reasons--envy, symbolic hatred of Americas ethical 'looseness', retaliation for past 'wrongs', and so on--America is being targeted by terrorists. Not Canada. This isn't to say that we shouldn't step up and help our southern neighbour and longtime longtime friend and ally. But it is to say that U.S. jitters are not enough to cause a loss of civil liberties in Canada. This, too, should speak against the U.S. 'prescription' for an ill that we don't really suffer from. Finally, consider also the fact that our crime fighting resources are expended on silly things like busting kids who smoke marijuana. Having been smoked for centuries, marijuana marijuana is linked to exactly zero direct deaths, is non-addictive (though, like nail biting, can be habit forming), and has some proven medically beneficial effects (like stimulating hunger for chemotherapy patients, and fighting nausea for those who to pick up your summer reading reading material at a low cost. This event is a fundraiser for the museum and your support support is appreciated. The Clarke Museum is at the Kirby exit of Hwy 35/115. For more information or to make a donation of books, please call the Museum Office at (905) 623-2734. take AIDS or Cancer related pills). Granted, marijuana is not bubble gum and lollipops, and I don't want to be misconstrued misconstrued as saying that it is all fun and games. Still, in a world of scarce resources, we are better off expending those resources on education, health care, or preventing violent crimes and property thefts rather than busting a couple of flower kids holding up 'peace' signs and their Doritos. And that is the point--we have limited resources, spending spending it here means we can't spend it there. There are choices choices to be made. Approximating Big Brother more closely in order to make the U.S. State Department feel a little bit better better seems like we would lose a whole lot and gain but a little. As I see it, perhaps we should release a report on resource allocation and openly air our concerns about the U.S. ' War on Drugs, suggesting that they follow Canada's lead, decriminalize marijuana, and pass the law enforcement savings savings onto their citizens. IlllfOrono Weekly Times, Wednesday, May 7,2003 -3 25th Wedding Anniversary Dick & Janet Rutherford Family and friends of Dick and Janet Rutherford are invited to a celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary. A reception will be held Saturday, May 10th, 2003 from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at the West Chalet of the Oshawa Ski Club Best wishes only ~ hope to see you there! Wilcox Road Continued from front winter months. ATV users from destinations west of the highway highway use this tunnel to cross the highway, drive up the road's steep easterly embankment onto Wilcox Road and into the forest. Camiella and the Wilcox Road residents feel the closure of this tunnel will force trail users to take their ATVs into the forest on trailers, rather than riding them in on the public road. Councillor Robinson, expressing his anxiety in finding a solution to the problem stated at Monday's Genreral Purpose and Administration committee meeting that he feltthe Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) should take some responsibilty for the dillemma since they are benefit ing from the sale of trail permits sold to the bikers and ATV user. While the GRCA is working with all intersted parties to try and resolve this issue, Mr. Rob Franklin, Authority Planner said that unfortunately their jurisdiction jurisdiction on Wilcox Road is resticted by the fact it is a Municipal Road and therefore a municipal law enforcement issue. A task force has been set up to deal with a similar situation in the Burketon area where ATVs are driving private property. This task force is comprised of representatives the municipalities municipalities involved, police, residents and trail users. Inspector Tom Cameron of Claringtons's Police station stated Monday the finding of this task force will help them deal with the issues on Wilcox Road. That combined combined with the aquisition of two ATV's for the local police station, station, will help them aleviate the conflict in the area he feels. Turkey Continued from front and the interior littered with glass shards. Families along the Newtonville run were notified by phone that the bus was out of commission. Most students were driven by parents to morning classes. By Monday afternoon the bus was repaired and back in service. Rural drivers are usually alert for wildlife, as was this bus driver. "I've seen coyotes cross the road, but a turkey you don't expect." LM ~ HAPPENINGS ~ Wednesday, May 7 Orono Horticultural Society BUFFET LUNCHEON - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Orono United Church. Advance tickets $8. Call Dini 983-5311 or Lorna 983-5608. Wednesday. Mav 7-7 p.m, Orono Figure Skating Club Annual General Meeting at Orono Arena upstairs. Mav 8.9.10 M1 _ "The Outsiders" presented by St. Stephen's Secondary School, Bowmanville at 7 p.m. Tickets $8 adults and $5 students. For ticket reservations call 905-623-3990. Friday. Mav 9-7 p.m. Community Euchre Party - St. Saviour's Parish Hall, Orono. Admission $ 10/person. Refreshments/Door Prizes/Participant Prizes. For info call Shelley Molica 905-987-9856. KendaUJntted Church LUNCHEON -11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets call Jean Hoy or Joan Blackburn. Also this day the Kendal United Church BAKE SALE being held at the Kendal Orange Lodge at 12 noon preceeding the PENNY SALE held by the Lodge that evening. Thursday. I^tiy 13 Newcastle Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale - 5 p.m. out front at Newcastle Community Hall. Spring Show and Speaker Mina Clapperson 7:30 in the Centennial Room. Wednesday. May 14 St. Saviour's Church Buffet Style SALAD LUNCH (12 noon till 2 p.m.) and SALAD SUPPER (6 p.m.) in the church hall on Mill Street. Tickets $10 ($5 children 5-12 years). Call Charles Gray 987-5591 or Beryl Clark 983-5591. Thursday. IMlay IS Orono Horticultural Society Spring Show and Plant Sale - 7:30 p.m. Orono United Church.; Güest Speaker Peter Keeping Topic: "Growing Clematis in Canada; Plant Sale (perennials, annuals herbs) church parkinglot 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Mav 21 Big Brothers & Sisters of Clarington 'Annual General Meeting' - 7-9 p.m. at Big I Brothers and Sisters of Clarington House, 23 Scugog St., Bowmanville. Everyone welcome. Wednesday. Mav 21 - 7 iMlh Monica Rose Fashions - presented by Newcastle UCW. 1 ickcts $10. Call Jane 905-983- 6312 or Thelma 905-987-2223. Dessert, coffee and door prizes. Wednesday. Mav 21st - 7:30 p.m. Clarington EastFood Bank Annual Meeting - St. George's Hall, Edward St., Newcastle. More volunteers needed. For more inlb call 905-987-4551.