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THE NEW TANNERTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2009 7 GRAPEVINE with Mike OLeary The Way I See It BRUNCH BUFFET: The Kinette Club of Acton hosted their monthly brunch at the Acton Com- munity Centre last Sunday. The brunch is held the last Sunday of every month and a portion of the proceeds from each Brunch is given to the participating volunteer group, this brunch helped support the Acton Scouts. - Traci Gardner photo. I had a very enjoyable after- noon last Sunday. MYAC (Mayor s Youth Action Committee) put on a variety show for a packed house at the Starlight Caf downtown. Judging from what I saw and heard we have a lot of very talented young people in our town. So by now you might be asking yourself So what is MYAC and what is an old fogey like me doing hang- ing out with a bunch of teenagers? The Mayors Youth Action Committee was formed 12 years ago, its a volunteer group for young people between 13 and 18. Their goal is to support and recognize their peers and to ensure that young voices are heard in town. They act as an advocate for youth issues with Town Council and staff. Being a town committee gives them access to a whole host of decision makers who can influence town recreational policies. Along the way, from what I saw and heard, they have a substantial amount of fun and, for the most part, enjoy each others company. Regular readers will know that I have always maintained that 99% of the kids in our town are great. Unfortunately its often the 1% who get all the publicity. As adults we may not appreciate their music, may not like the way they dress or interact with each other, or may be intimidated as they wander through town in groups large and small. As a child of the 60s, I re- member many people thought Rock and Roll was going to be the end of Society as they knew it. I vividly remember the looks adults gave me when I proudly strolled the streets of Etobicoke in jeans. My mother was horri- fied when I bought them. Only motorcycle gangs or farmers wear those things, she huffed. We hung out with friends just like the kids do today. We were probably too loud when we met in restaurants. I do re- member that I laughed out loud a lot more back then than I did as I got older. Believe it or not I even had shoulder length hair when I was at Ryerson. Some- where I think I have a picture, but my Mom burnt most of them. So whats really changed? Not much. MYAC is a group of approx 25 kids from both Acton and Georgetown. They meet once a month at the Civic Centre not only to discuss concerns specific to young people but also to plan future activities. The coffee house afternoon last Sunday is but one example. There were, I think, 10 separ- ate acts ranging from vocals, to piano, guitar solos and duets and even a magic act by a young man names Ibtihaj who is in grade 7. For obvious reasons I cant use last names with minors. In a way, last Sunday was a nostalgic trip for me. I can still remember hanging out in the coffee houses of Yorkville and listening to unknown acts like Ian and Sylvia and Gordon Lightfoot. The only real difference is that todays kids clap at the end of each act while we would snap our fingers to show appre- ciation. To be honest, I always thought snapping fingers was a stupid way to show appre- ciation, but, it was the cool thing to do. So I followed the crowd sound familiar? The Starlight Cafntertain- ment and bookings were all organized by MYAC member Kat, a delightful young lady who is obviously full of ener- gy. Another MYAC member Zulaa acted as MC. They both did a supurb job as did all the performers. I was thinking at the time how difficult it had to be to perform for an audi- ence of your peers with them being up close and personal. Cangratulations to all. I would be remiss if I didnt make special mention of a young lady, Amanda, who per- formed a Beatles song which made me feel a bit included. To those seated around me, I apologize for attempting to sing along. Also, the talent and stage presence of Robin was enjoyable. The only thing mis- sing was a motorized twirly on top of your beanie! Good job buddy! So friends the next time your kid is whining that theres nothing to do in this town, tell them about MYAC. In fact, dont wait, tell them tonight. For more information on all MYAC has to offer, Call Adam at 905-873-2601 Lo- cal 2285. Theres lots to do in Halton Hills, it just takes the courage to volunteer your time. Take the first step Call Adam. MYAC Rocks Community leadership Applications for the 2009 4-H Greenbelt Youth Forum are be- ing accepted until March 1, 2009. The program brings together rural and urban high school stu- dents from within the Greenbelt for discussion, workshops, guest speakers and tours, exploring issues such as environmental stewardship, preservation, land use planning, and local food. Applications are available at www.4-hontario.ca/greenbelt. aspx or by calling (519) 824- 0101. A $75 fee covers cost of rooms, food, resources, and bus tours. Youth in agriculture Theres still time to apply for the Canadian International Farm Show 2009 Youth in Agriculture Bursaries. Two deserving students will be presented with $2500 bur- saries. The students must be currently in their first year of an agricultural related program at an accredited Canadian univer- sity or college and must show academic achievement, give reason for their financial need, and be under the age of 30 on Jan. 1, 2009. For more info go to www.jfao. on.ca/scholarships. Applications will be received until March 6. Solar fair On Saturday, March 7, the Halton Residential Solar Pro- ject will host a Solar Fair at the Halton Regional Centre. From 9am to 10am, speakers will give an overview of residential solar energy applications as well as the costs and benefits. Between 10am and 12pm, homeowners will be able to speak with vend- ors of solar energy technologies, view vendors displays, and talk to a financial advisor about the financial strategies and incen- tives that are associated with installing solar energy equip- ment. All are welcome and free to attend. For more information, visit http://halton.ourpower.ca or call 905-901-3501. Tutors needed. Volunteer tutors are urgently needed to assist adults with their reading, comprehension, writ- ing, math, or basic computer skills. Would you like to give something back to your com- munity? Can you volunteer 3hrs per week for six months? N o e x p e r i e n c e n e e d e d training provided. For more in- formation visit www.literacynh. org or call 905-873-2200. Free tax clinics You may be eligible to have a Chartered Accountant fill out your tax return for free. This offer is open to low-income people with a total household income less than $25,000 with dependents or less than $17,000 without dependents. To find out about open clinic locations, please visit the Institute web- site at www.icao.on.ca and look under Serving the Public for Free CA Tax Clinics. Clear meters Remember to regularly check you natural gas meter, pressure regulator and appliance exhaust vents to ensure they are clear of snow and ice. If necessary us a broom or car brush to gently clear snow or ice around the me- ter, regulator or vents. Do not use sharp objects or force, such as kicking or hitting, to remove the snow or ice. If snow or ice build-up on nat- ural gas meters and regulators cannot be gently removed with a broom or car brush, call your gas company for assistance. Three weeks Three weeks and a day until the first day of spring! But whos counting. Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of lent is again holding ecumencial services at non each Wednesday. Each year the service swings to a different church. This year the services will be held at St. Josephs Pa- tron of Canada Catholic Church on Church St. The churches take turn providing a noon hour lunch each week during lent. There is a free will collectio which goes tot he Acton Miniserial Association which sponsers the lenten servi- ces. Everyone is welcome. math mean you knew what factors of math were? I am fairly confident that I dont have to phone a friend to find the answers for Family Feud or if they had a new version of the Newly- wed Game even though we are now a few years beyond newlywed but I know for certain if I was in the Cash Cab I would be taking the Game shows.... Continued from page 6 T.T.C. and Lord help me if I was ever on Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader because with todays education standards I dont know if I could do it. I think Im fairly smart, but Im sure my exiting line would be, I am Angela Tyler. I know a lot, but I am not smarter than a fifth grader.now a days Hopefully though I would be going home with at least $25,000.