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THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012 THE NEW TANNER 7 GRAPEVINE Calling green thumbs You'll have to get up early for the best deals at the annual Acton Horticultural Society's plant sale September 19 ­ in past years eager shoppers have showed up before the opening to try and snag the best plants. This year, the sale has moved to the parking lot of Bethel Church because the Society "didn't want the Town to take a big chunk" of the expected $5,000 in proceeds, according to Society pastpresident Audrey Lee who said the church charges $25 while the Town wants $300 to rent its parking lot near the Hide House. The sale is the Society's only fundraiser and p r o ce e d s p a y f o r g u es t speakers, for maintenance and plants in the Acton gardens the Society looks after, including Mac's Place on Main Street at the Rotary Garden, the grass garden at the Acton library, and for the annual $400 bursary it provides to an Acton High School grad studying agriculture or horticulture at college or university. Downtown eyesore For seven years, the former Subway Restaurant near the corner of Mill and Elgin Streets has sat vacant ­ an eyesore that at one point had bed sheets covering the windows, in a downtown that the BIA (Business Improvement Area) works hard to keep clean and maintained. At a recent BIA meeting the Town's Economic Development Officer, Doug Penrice said while it is "very frustrating" and inspection by bylaw staff found no violations, and the owner has "no interest" in any improvements, even window decorating, offered free by the BIA. Marking four decades Father Bob Bulbrook's 40 years in the Priesthood will be celebrated at a Mass at St. Joseph Patron of Canada Church at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Following the service, all are welcome to an open house at the Acton Town Hall Centre from 5 to 8 p.m. Father Bulbrook is beloved by his congregation and by the many Acton organizations and groups he supports including the Acton Ministerial Association and Royal Canada Legion ­ he is Padre of Acton's Branch 197. This summer after 13 years in Acton, Father Bulbrook transfers to a new parish in a small village in Southern Ontario. School year The Ministry of Education's stamp of approval means the 2012-2013 calendar of the Halton District School Board includes a September 4 start date to the next school year. With 196 instructional days between September 4 and June 30, 2012, there are seven Professional Activity (PA) Days. The calendars of the Halton public and Catholic school boards are aligned, a move that saved the over $75,000 in bussing costs. Mother's Day Jazz If mom likes jazz, check out the Halton Museum on Sunday afternoon when The George Grossman Quartet will perform in the Alexander Barn in the final concert of the jazz series at the Museum, located at Kelso Conservation Area in Milton. Road Safety Week May 14 to 21 is Canada Road Safety Week, a national campaign to make Canada's roads the safest in the world. Sponsored by Transport Canada and endorsed by police, the campaign is part of "Road Safety Strategy 2015. Halton police say the deterioration in road safety is fuelled by aggressive driving, impaired driving, distracted driving and not using seatbelts. Dutiful donors Six first-timers were among the 62 people at the Acton blood donor clinic on Monday. With seven referrals, Canadian Blood Services collected 55 units of blood. The next Acton clinic is June 14 at the Acton Legion. To make an appointment to give the gift of life call 1-888-236 -6283. MUSICAL MEMORIES: The horns were hot when Little Caesar and the Consuls took to the stage for a rock and roll revival hosted the Heritage Acton on Saturday to raise money for the Town Hall Centre elevator project. ­ Ted Tyler photo Safety is top prioroty at McKenzie-Smith Bennett To the Editor, Safety in our community is a top priority for all of us. At McKenzie-Smith Bennett, we have paid particular emphasis this spring, as there have been three incidents in town involving our students. Fortunately, no student has suffered any longterm physical affects. I think it's important to clarify that one child was knocked down in the unguarded crossing area at the north end of the school, by a truck that was illegally parked. Luckily, she was able to get up and walk safely home. Her parents did seek medical advice, and we are very glad that she was able to return to school for her next day. The other two students were hit in other areas of our community. One was on his bicycle, and was able to continue on his way to school. The other student suffered head injuries when she ran out into the street near her home and was struck by a truck. Her injuries were much more serious, but fortunately, she is happily back at school now. We've responded by asking the Town to be vigilant helping us monitor traffic safety and safe parking on Acton Boulevard. We've had discussions with our transportation providers. Halton Police Constable Laurel Barnett provided recent safety training to all students. We regularly talk about safe practices in our morning announcements and regularly in our monthly newsletters. Teachers provide reminders and hold discussions about safety in their classrooms. We have met with the Town, the Transportation Company, the Police, the School Board and Parents to gather information, brainstorm possible solutions and action plans. A report will be shared with the stakeholders when it is complete. It is unfortunate to learn that some parents are parking illegally, as this creates an unsafe environment. Your recent article describes a situation where Mr. Cunningham spoke to me in the office about a situation that happened between his son and other boys at a recent community dance. The father visited the office after the boys exchanged words on their way home after school. The information reported in the paper indicates that he was ticketed on Mill Street. We do appreciate that people visiting the school need a place to park, and we encourage visitors, if nothing is available in our lots, to park where it is allowed on nearby streets. We ask for parents' help: Regularly talk about personal safety with your children Review rules for crossing roads, and where and how to safely cross Remind students on bikes, scooters and skateboards to follow safety rules and wear helmets and safety gear. Drivers ­ please drive carefully, watching out for children at all times. Please avoid the school areas during busy times and use side streets for parking in designated areas only. The safety of children in our community is everyone's responsibility. Our MSB motto, "Together...We Are A Success Story" reminds us that to successfully ensure a safe environment ­ we all must work together. Sincerely, Sharon French Principal Community Sustainability Forum To the Editor, Imagine Halton Hills and help shape its future. On behalf of Mayor Rick Bonnette, you are invited to attend a community Sustainability Forum to share your hopes and dreams for what Halton Hills should look and feel like over the next 50 years. Your input is critical to ensuring that the residents of Halton Hills will continue to enjoy an outstanding quality of life, and that our businesses and neighbourhoods thrive. Your hopes and dreams will help prepare a Community Sustainability Strategy. This Strategy will provide a "blueprint" that leads us to a more sustainable future. Space is limited. RSVP your attendance by May 18, contacting the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@haltonhills.ca or 905-873-2601, ext. 2289. The Sustainability Forum is Wednes- day, May 30, from 3p to 8 p.m.) at MoldMasters SportsPlex, Georgetown. For more information visit http://haltonhills.ca/ initiatives/Sustainability-Strategy.php Regards, Damian Szybalski, M.Sc.Pl., MCIP, RPP Sustainability Coordinator Planning, Development & Sustainability Department Halton Hills, ON