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6 Friday, December 2, 2016 brooklintowncrier.com The Brooklin Beat By Dan Surette Our Mayor, the Rocker What do we really know about Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell? We know he ran his lumber business for over 25 years, was a lawyer for seven, has been on council for close to 20, and been a Brooklin advocate forever. But did you also know he was once on stage with Grace Slick and the Jefferson Airplane? DS: Were you musical growing up? MM: I picked up the guitar in my early teens and used to sing in the choirs in school. My grade 3 report card said I sang out of tune. I still think that was a bit harsh. (Laughter) DS: Bob Dylan made a career out of doing that! MM: Yeah…My Dad used to play the mandolin and harmonica at home for family gatherings and Mom was trained on the piano. There was lots of music at home. DS: Do you remember the first record you bought? MM: No, but it wasn't a 78! (Laughter). But the first record I do remem- ber - I'm not sure who bought it - was called Beatlemania (the U.S. version of Meet the Beatles) and we played that thing out. Wore it out. DS: Do you remember your first concert? MM: Oh yes. It was the Jefferson Airplane at the O'Keefe Centre. It was really cool. At the end of the concert, Grace Slick asked the audience if anyone wanted to come on stage, to sit and listen to the last song, to come up. If you can imagine such a thing in this day and age, I went on stage and sat right by Grace. It was pretty cool. DS: What was your favourite concert? MM: Oh you will love this one. I saw Arlo Guthrie at Massey Hall about 10 years ago. Of all the concerts I've been to, that was the most enjoyable. He just connected with the whole audience. Unfortunately, I have the worst luck at shows as there always seems to be a guy that sits next to me that feels his job is to talk through the show. Drives me nuts but that is my luck. DS: Given the choice, would you be in the Beatles or the Rolling Stones? MM: Oh, I would be Paul. I always liked Paul. He was never too into himself and just seemed to like music in all its forms. I loved his early stuff like Wildlife, and those early Wings music. We play that stuff all the time at home. Very fresh even today. In his interviews, he acknowledges that some of his stuff is underwhelming but at the time he thought it was good. DS: Any thoughts about Woodstock? MM: I was only in my teens and was not able to attend, but when I went to university, the movie was out and the soundtrack was huge. That was in '69-'70 and everyone was playing it and it really changed things culturally. MM: They had a thing at Mosport the year or two after called Strawberry Pops or something and I went to that. It was kind of a Woodstock like thing. It was kind of wet and unpleasant. DS: If you were stranded on a desert island, what five albums would you bring with you? MM: Joni Mitchell's Blue, Sgt. Pepper's, Jennifer Warnes's Famous Blue Raincoat, almost anything from Neil Young - let's say Decade, which was a compilation album - and any Mozart. DS: So you have a classical side as well? MM: Yes, somewhat, but Mozart is a gift from the gods, that's for sure. DS: Why are arts important to you as Mayor? MM: The arts, regardless of your level of ability, are really about challenging yourself and learning and growing yourself. It's important for all of us. Isn't it cool to know your Mayor will be leading Whitby with strength and vision - while being a true rocker at heart? Mayor Don Mitchell performing in downtown Whitby earlier this year. Police Warn of Email Fraud Attempts Durham Regional Police (DRPS) would like to warn the public about a new email scam being reported by residents of Durham that demands payment for a traffic violation. Residents have received an email telling them they have committed a speed violation and lists a fine that is immediately payable. It is believed that by clicking on any link contained in the email, malware is loaded onto your device, which could damage your device or ac- cess your device's protected information. Never click a hyperlink from someone you don't know, and never provide personal information or money unless you are sure of the person or business you are dealing with. Please delete these emails. For more information or to report a scam attempt, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: www.antifraudcentr-centreantifraude.ca or call 1-888-495-8501. These warnings should be discussed with seniors or other vulnerable people who may receive emails. Anyone wishing to report a fraud in Durham Region is asked to contact Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520. Beware Counterfeit U.S. Currency Police are reminding retailers to be on the lookout for counterfeit currency as the busy holiday season arrives. Investigators generally see an increase in counterfeit U.S. money at this time of year. Merchants should be extra diligent when accepting American currency. The main notes being counterfeited are $20, $50 and $100. Although not every bill will be fraudulent, it's important to keep some tips in mind to protect yourself and your business: Serial numbers - If you think bills are counterfeit, look at the serial numbers. You should not see two bills with the exact same serial number sequence. Be cautious of customers making low dollar value purchases with large denomination American bills, or making multiple purchases, but paying for each item separately with American currency. Develop a store policy for accepting American currency. Contact police with any suspicions. Never become involved in a physical altercation with a potential suspect, your safety always comes first. You can visit the Bank of Canada website for examples of fraudulent currency and additional information. If you suspect counterfeit currency has been passed at your store or you witness someone attempting to pass fraudulent currency, please contact police right away at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 6234. If you would like more information or have general questions about fraudulent currency please contact D/Cst. Hoover at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5352. Advertising Sales Representative Needed Email resume to mulcahy42@rogers.com