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HOPE hosts support meetings for local LGBTTTIQQA youth Local youth seeking information and answers to their questions about sexual orientation can find HOPE-- a non-profit agency offering a youth support group in Halton Hills. HOPE (Halton Organization for Pride & Education) is a volunteer-run charitable organization with no core funding. "We run completely on volunteer donations, talent and time," said HOPE board chair Elizabeth Barnett. "We offer social support and events, a sense of community, youth groups, mature adult groups, and Positive Space Training." HOPE serves the LGBTTTIQQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Two-Spirited, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, Asexual) community in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. "One in four people identify as being non-straight, and, as 25% of the population, the LGBTQ community represents a significant proportion of our society," said Barnett. "HOPE is about tearing down walls of hatred and building up healthy and positive relationships and communities. We promote understanding, diversity, inclusivity, self-acceptance and positive self-esteem." HOPE aims to create social support networks and services for the LGBTQ community while also providing educational opportunities for the non-LGBTQ community. Since January, HOPE began offering "Colouring Outside the Lines" youth groups in Halton Hills in addition to its Burlington and Oakville groups. All LGBTQ youth ages 14 to 24 are welcome said Barnett. "LGBTQ youth are often marginalized at school and at home, with family and with friends. HOPE's youth groups offer a safe environment to meet up, spend some time, learn a little, and enjoy themselves!" said Barnett. HOPE facilitators plan activities such as discussing queer-themed literature or movies, craft nights, and games nights, along with allowing for time to chat and socialize with like-minded peers. "Our youth groups are youth-directed," said Barnett. "We invite the youth to help plan the groups, ask for guest speakers, etc." All of the groups meet on Tuesday night, 7-9 p.m. In Halton Hills, the group meets on the second Tuesday of every month (June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13). But youth are also welcome to attend any of Halton meetings; Oakville meets on the first Tuesday of each month and Burlington meets on the last Tuesday. For locations of the meetings or more information, please email info@haltonpride.org For more information on HOPE go to www.haltonpride.org 15 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, June 9, 2011 Life is meant to be shared... Hear every word! There are many options in hearing healthcare today. As a privately owned and operated clinic, we offer the same prices as the chains with several additional benefits: t Hearing health care that is patient... you will not be rushed. t Your concerns will be listened to so we can accurately decide on your specific needs. t You will be greeted by name, treated with respect and remembered at your next appointment. t Your appointment will be with the same person each time you come for care. t Home visits and evening hours are available (by appointment). t We go above and beyond to listen, follow up, and answer all your concerns to make sure you are well taken care of. t Our pricing is straightforward so you know exactly what you are paying for, with options to suit every budget. The government grants and other contribution details will be thoroughly explained. You will enjoy your time spent at Hearing Sciences. There is a difference. Choose your hearing healthcare wisely! Significant changes in hearing instrument technology have occurred over the last 3 years. If you have not listened to the new digital technology recently, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Come in and try the actual hearing aids. This is the best technology available today. Listen and judge for yourself! Call for an appointment 905-877-0099 Vendors are wanted for Canada Day in the Glen Vendors are wanted for the Canada Day in the Glen on Friday, July 1. Handcrafted items are preferred and cost for a booth is $50. Charitable booth spaces are also available at no charge. Info: Jacqui Vaccaro, 905-8737443 or vaccaro@cogeco.ca Also, the annual Canada Day Duck Race will be held at 4 p.m. on the Credit River in Glen Williams. The race is hosted by and will support the OFSAA-champion Georgetown District High School swim team. Tickets will be on sale during the last couple weekends in June at Metro (Georgetown South), Georgetown Real Canadian SuperStore, Georgetown Farmers Market, Classic Car Show, Prestons, and from any swim team member. MAY & JUNE ONLY COMPLIMENTARY Hearing Test ($60 value, Age 55+) COMPLIMENTARY Batteries (2 boxes/year for the first year--$120 value) Erotic Desires ADULT VIDEOS, NOVELTIES, SMOKING ACCESSORIES, TOYS & MORE COMPLIMENTARY Remote Control and Personal Microphone--for use in cars, restaurants, places of worship ($400 value) BUY 2 GET 1 FREE WE CARRY ALL BRAND NAMES! Enquire about Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties DVD'S LATEST NEW RELEASE DVD'S. from $3.99 FLESH LIGHT June Special CALL TODAY: Magda Zielisnski Hearing Instrument Specialist Dr. Janice Cockburn, AuD., Reg. CASLPO Doctor of Audiology 905-877-0099 $78.95 REGULAR $98.95 * '#4+0) 5%+'0%'5 Aud iolog y and Hear i ng A id Cent re 211 Guelph Street, Suite 1 Georgetown (In the M&M plaza, across from Winners) COUPON VALID TILL JUNE 30, 2011 130 GUELPH STREET, GEORGETOWN 905-877-7456