The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Musician finds success south of the border By TED BROWN Staff Writer Back in 2008, Georgetown resident Dan Talevski found overnight success after he recorded some songs on YouTube, sparking a number of offers to record south of the border. Since being noticed in 2008, he was offered a major record deal with Interscope Records in California and decided to take that route instead of the original plan of signing with The Heavyweights under an independent deal. He has since spent time in the studio recording songs in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Toronto. As well as writing for other artists. "I co-wrote two hit songs with VicPark Productions, a Toronto based team which saw major radio and TV airplay," said Talevski, "Bubble Gum and Headlights were performed by Aleesia that hit top 40 radio in late 2009 and early 2010 in Canada." "I decided not to go through with the independent deal I was offered in Boston in 2008," said Talevski, "I did come out of that experience with three great demo tracks which would later be of assistance when I met Jimmy Iovine, president of Interscope Records, four months later." Since that time, Talevski has spent the majority of the past two and a half years in the U.S. "In March of 2008, major producer Polow Da Don messaged me on MySpace saying he thought I had huge talent and wanted to fly me to LA to meet Jimmy Iovine, president of Interscope Records," said Talevski. "I didn't believe it at first but in less than 24 hours I 29 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, January 27, 2011 Dan Talevski performs in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Dan Talevski was unpacking in a Hollywood hotel, then in a limo being driven to Jimmy Iovine's mansion." In 2008 Talevski recorded the majority of his material in Atlanta, Georgia, but in early 2009 he came home to record 10 tracks in Toronto. Throughout 2009-10 he has been recording in Los Angeles, California, wrapping up the recording process and preparing for his first single release. "I've been very fortunate to record with some of the best producers in pop music today," said Talevski. In early 2009 Talevski was introduced to 3Street Management consisting of Cj Huyer (from the pop group 3Deep), and Howie Dorough (current member of the Backstreet Boys). "We connected right away and I felt they were a perfect team to be my management," said Talevski, "Having one manager in Canada and one in the U.S. is the ideal situation for me." Since then, Talevski has been doing his share of traveling across both the U.S.and Canada. Last summer, he opened for the Backstreet Boys "This Is Us" tour on their Canadian leg August 6 in Vancouver and ending August 16 in Montreal. Since his big YouTube break in 2008, Talevski has experienced a whirlwind of experiences, causing him to re-evaluate where his is going with his career. "I definitely see myself performing my new material all over Canada and the U.S. in the coming months," said Talevski, "I hope to even make it to Europe to perform for my fans there. The great part of having online success is you gain fans all over the world, rather than just one country. In years to come I would love to headline my own tour and have a Billboard #1, in my perfect world." In spite of the fact he's living in LA, Talevski says he has lots of support back at home. "I have the best support system at home," said Talevski , "My family and friends have been nothing but supportive throughout this long process. I've come a long way from singing on the computer to now performing in front of thousands. I've been so blessed throughout all of this and I want to say a huge thank you for all the support in Georgetown." Brrr, it's cold! Halton Hills crossing guard Ed Ryan at the Delrex/ Maple intersection was one of the many crossing guards in town that had to endure the bitter, cold weather earlier this week. Photo by Ted Brown Scouting group is seeking memorabilia for party In celebration of 100 years of Scouting in Halton Hills, the North Halton Gilwell Scout Group of 1st Acton, 1st Georgetown and 2nd and 4th Georgetown are inviting the entire town to Cedarvale Park in Georgetown on Saturday, June 25, 2011. There will be food, fun and something for everyone in the whole family. Come learn about the history of Scouting in this area, view displays, participate in events, watch youth practising traditional Scout craft and see what Scouting is up to today. To make this exciting event a reality the Group is looking for anyone interested in helping with the organization and planning of the event and for donations (or loans) of any Scouting memorabilia. If you have any photos, articles, or old Scouting badges, campfire blankets, uniforms or accessories from days gone, or if you are able to volunteer some of your time to help organize this event please contact Helmut Reinhardt, 905-873-8060 or email kreinhardt3@cogeco.ca or Ron Boyd, 416-988-8049 or email rwboyd@ orionsweb.net Three churches compile memoirs of seniors The Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Acton received a federal New Horizon's for Seniors Grant for a three-denominational, intergenerational memoir pilot project. The purpose was to capture the life stories and spiritual heritage of the elders in each of the churches involved which includes Bethel Christian Reformed Church, The Parish of Saint Joseph, Patron of Canada,Catholic Church and the Churchill Community Church-- all in the Acton area. Three generations were involved in the interviewing, sharing and writing of the stories. An anthology for each church was compiled and shared at a multi-church picnic celebration. Additional interdenominational and intergenerational activities followed to solidify the "One Community" program theme. Student and senior participants and the community at large were invited to the Annual Community English Christmas Tea in December where Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong spoke, and received copies of the anthologies. Three local churches recently celebrated the conclusion of a threedenominational, intergenerational memoir project at Churchill Community's annual English Christmas Tea. Special guest for the event was Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong (far right), who received copies of anthologies. From left, Rev. John Bedell, minister at Churchill, Nora Zylstra-Savage, project leader, Katelyn Hicks, Pastor Ray Vander Kooi, senior pastor at Bethel Church, and Lauren Druif. Photo by Jon Borgstrom