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2 - Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, July 2,2003 > éiUi Uh 'Subscriptions $29.91 + $2.09 GST = $32.00 per year. Publications Mail Registration No. 09301 • Agreement No. 40012366 Publishing 48 issues annually at the office of publication. "We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) toward our mailing costs. " Orono Weekly Times 5310 Main Street, P.O. Box 209, Orono, Ontario LOB 1M0. Email: oronotimes@speedline.ca • Phone/Fax 905-983-5301 Publisher/Editor Margaret Zwart The Orono Weekly Times welcomes letters to the editor on subjects of interest to our readers. Opinions expressed to the editor and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily necessarily reflect the opinions of the Orono Weekly times. Letters must be signed and contain the address and phone number of the writer. Any letter considered unsuitable will not be acknowledged or returned. We reserve the right to edit for length, libel and slander. If your retail or classified ad appears for the first time, please check carefully. Notice of an ^error must be given before the next issue goes to print. The Orono Weekly Times will not be responsible for the loss or damage of such items. Canada Day in a sleepy village With Canada Day falling on a Tuesday this year, we had no choice but to come in and work on the Holiday, in order to get the paper, such as it is, out on time. It seemed that all but a few people had left town for the extended weekend. If it weren't for the big town hall meeting two weeks ago, affirming that Orono is very much alive, one could easily have mistaken the village for a sleepy little town yesterday. The days of Orono Canada Day celebrations--the last one being held in 2001, are quickly fading into the past. The Orono festivities focused on community involvement lead by the Calithumpian parade followed by activities in the Orono Park for all ages. The festivities were not elaborate, elaborate, but most enjoyable including a band concert, ball games, and children's activities--all held at the nicest park by far in the entire Region. With all the enthusiasm displayed at the recent Town Hall meeting regarding the future of Orono, it's too bad this village no longer has a community Canada Day celebration. celebration. On the list of items mentioned at that Town Hall meeting meeting that people did not want to see this village lose, were such things as the school, library, post office, newspaper, and stores. Ironically, the former Canada Day celebrations were not mentioned. Canada Day in Orono does not have to fade into memory. memory. With a handful of willing workers, the event could be resurrected quite nicely. A committee is being assembled for the 2004 Orono Canada Day celebrations. Please leave your name at the Orono Weekly Times office if you are eager to participate. With all the community spirit displayed at the Town Hall meeting, there is no reason for Orono to be a sleepy little village. www.dolighan.com My favourite things Canada and the United States share a lot including the first week of July to celebrate celebrate their country and heritage. heritage. As should be the case, there are many things that are distinctly Canadian and some are being written about in the papers. Although I feel I am assimilating assimilating into Canadian culture, there are a few things I miss about my home - New York, First and foremost is the ocean. I grew up on Long Island and spent many hours in the salt spray. The first time I saw Lake Ontario it did remind me of the expanse of the ocean but nothing beats having the salt and white sand sticking your body after a day at the seaside. seaside. Outdoor showers are a given and we have one here just for the memory. While sailing with friends a few years ago on Lake Ontario, I jumped in to cool off. After swimming about 30 feet away the captain announced to me to be careful of lampreys lampreys - something I didn't know about. The entire group on board, all Canadians, started describing describing them as I frantically swam back towards the boat - safely. For some reason lampreys seem more frightening frightening than what I've encountered in the Atlantic. Food products are mentioned mentioned quite often when people people discuss what they miss about there original home. I am no different - Dunkin Donuts coffee over Tim Horton's and Milky Ways over Coffee Crisps. I am now spoiled by immediate access to fresh eggs and grain-fed beef from neighbours neighbours but still miss a real Nathan's hot dog with onions and dim sun brunch on Sundays in Chinatown. On the other side, everyone who visits us from America usually leaves with maple syrup and peamcal bacon. Poutine has still not made inroads in the States - at least not with my crowd. I remember hearing on the radio the following 'How can you tell a Canadian?' and the answer was, 'Someone who looks American but is really nice!' I have to say there is some truth to that but I have met many people who were pleasantly surprised by how welcoming New Yorkers can be. Just like you have Don Cherry, we have more than our fair share of arrogant arrogant celebrities and even though I hate to admit it, I do miss their ravings at times. The good news is 1 can now get my fix on satellite satellite when necessary and have acquired a certain fondness for Coach's Corner. I ended my professional career working for the Public Broadcasting System in the States and thought it was usually superior to most of the offerings available on other stations. Since that time, cable has come into the picture with lots of quality quality alternatives but you have always had the CBG and be proud. What I still don't get is why CBC doesn't make itself available to the States - there would be an audience and probably a better understanding understanding of our neighbour to the north. Happy Canada Day and Happy Fourth of July to all!