Mayor turns children's author was the first major hurdle he had to deal By LISA TALLYN with as a newly-elected mayor. Staff Writer "The hospital defined me politically," A children's book started by Halton said Bonnette. Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette back when Local illustrator Tamara Talbot did the he was a student at Robert Little Pub- illustrations for the book and Nancy Kolic School is being launched next month vacs, another local resident is the book's with his proceeds going to the George- editor. town District Hospital Foundation. "It's a real Halton Hills effort," said The Incredible Adventures of Goon Sha- Bonnette. roon is a children's eBook writThe first two chapters are ten by Bonnette about a gentle the actual story Bonnette giant's exciting adventures handed in back in Grade 6. and how he created many of Along with additional chapEarth's natural wonders and ters, a rabbit has been added to geographical features. the book. A rabbit is Bonnette's Everyone is invited to come trademark. out to the launch of the eBook "He plays some really cute Tuesday, Nov. 9 at The Club at roles in it," said the mayor. North Halton, 363 Maple Ave. Halton Hills is mentioned in W. An open house will be held the book, he added. from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with Goon Sharoon is the hero RICK a presentation at 7:30 p.m. in the story and takes "this BONNETTE The evening will include guest incredible journey around the speakers, readings from the world." eBook, refreshments and the unveiling of The colourful eBook is perfect for the main character "Goon Sharoon". school-aged children because it meshes Copies of the eBook can be purchased a fun tale with knowledge of places all there, or at www.eBookGuides4Life.com around the world. The main character is on or after Nov. 9. charming, never scary, has an appetite Bonnette created the character and for cherry pies and is a little daft when it wrote the story as a Grade 6 assignment. comes to using his brains. "My mother kept the story and she Bonnette dedicated the book to his used to tease me about it," said Bon- mother Madeleine, who died last year. nette. "We are thrilled that Mayor Bonnette She gave him back the assignment 20 has chosen to ePublish this terrific chilyears ago and in 1997 Bonnette revised it dren's eBook as a fundraising opporand added some more chapters. tunity for Georgetown Hospital," said He thought it was pretty good, and re- Hospital Foundation Chair Laurent Thiviews from local kids whose parents read bault. "We are lucky to have such an exit to them were glowing so he tried to get ceptional hospital in our own backyard it published, but wasn't successful then. and community support like this is what "My bubble burst very quickly," said keeps the hospital strong." the mayor. The Georgetown Hospital Foundation So he put the book on the back burner is currently raising money to purchase a until he attended an opening for local Critical Care ventilator, blood gas analyzbusiness eBookGuides4Life.com and er a glidescope for difficult intubations met ePublishers Christine Maiorano and and other equipment for its surgical proLori King who were excited to publish gram, in-patient care and diagnostic imthe book. aging. "It's something I've always wanted to "I don't know how many books were do," said Bonnette, who decided he want- going to sell, but for very little cost a lot ed the book to be a fundraiser for the hos- can go towards our hospital and our kids pital. He said the threat of the closure of can have a learning experience as well as the obstetrics department at the hospital some fun," said Bonnette. Winter is Coming! Are you Ready? Install a High Efficiency COLEMAN FURNACE & cash in on the rebates! 5 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, October 21, 2010 FOR AS LOW AS INSTALLED $ 1,882 1967 00*!! 43 2010 *Limited Time Offer. See store for details **OAC DON'T PAY `TIL FEB. 2011!! ** years Fireplace, Heating & Air Conditioning Sales & Service 118 Guelph St. Georgetown (at Maple) APPLEBY SYSTEMS 905-877-8990 FULL PARTS & SERVICE 6 YEARS IN A ROW Favourite Furnace & Air Conditioner Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5; Saturday 11-4; Appointments available after hours upon request www.applebysystems.ca Ross McDuff Your Voice in Ward 4 HAPPY 1ST ANNIVERSARY JEREMY! I Love you more than ever. I look forward to the many years ahead together. Love Tracy xo "Spaces live. Let me help you live well in yours." Catherine Brazeau, Interior style consultant 905.877.0296 www.haughtonbrazeau.com Complete renovation management, colour harmonizing, furniture & accessories selection, lighting advice... and much more! Let's start creating your dream! To learn more about my vision for our community, visit my website www.voterossmcduff.ca