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6 EDITORIAL with Frances Learment THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 Diversion, charges or the wood shed? What do you do with two young boys ­ aged 10 and 12 ­ who broke into an Acton auto repair shop and went on a wanton vandalism spree? Police initially pegged the damage at $12,000 but that could hit $50,000 as repairs are made to vehicles, equipment and trailers. The two Acton boys in question ­ nabbed on Monday after being spotted inside a trailer where they had apparently made themselves at home, eating, playing and using the facilities ­ were arrested by police, but not charged. The 10-year-old is too young to face charges ­ the minimum age for laying a charge under the Criminal Code is 12. Other than making his parents aware of what happened, "There's nothing we can do (with him)," Staff Sergeant Nick Milinowich said. The 12-year-old was diverted to the Halton Youth Justice Program, a move that police are required to consider, based on the type and severity of the crime. Instead of being charged, he will be held accountable for his actions as part of the program designed to help youth deal with the underlying issues that played a role in their criminal behaviour. To be considered for the Halton Youth Justice Program, offenders must be between 12 and 17, there must be sufficient evidence to lay a charge, and the youth in question must accept responsibility and be willing to participate in the program. Youth diverted to the program must sign a contract which may include a curfew, regular attendance at school, abiding by parental rules and discipline, restitution, counselling, drug and education abstinence and a writing assignment. Staff Sergeant Milinowich said so far this year, 87 youths in One District ­ Acton, Georgetown and Milton ­ have been diverted into the program, and historically, "most" have successfully completed their contracts. If the youth breaks the contract, charges will be laid. While no one wants to see a 12 year old marked for life because of a stupid mistake, for some of the victims of the vandalism, the diversion program may be cold comfort. BLACKBIRD BEAUTY: Acton's Katelyn Donaldson, with her yearling Blackbird, was named Halton 4-H Grand Champion Showperson at the beef show judging on Saturday. Katelyn's sister Kailey was named Miss Acton. ­ Frances Learment photo Grateful Jubilee medal recipient says thanks To the Editor, Words cannot express how thankful I am to the person or persons who submitted my name to receive The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. It was presented to me by the RI Honourable Michael Chong MP at the seniors dinner at Seniors Centre on last Thursday. I also want to thank the many people of Acton who have been there for me over the years. Dorothy Rognvaldson Looking Back Ten Years Ago · Acton Agricultural Society officials were a "little surprised" by a "very significant" drop in the number of people attending the Fall Fair, leaving the gate down $10,000 over the previous year, to $55,000. · The Acton Terry Fox Run raised $29,500 for cancer research, bringing Acton's total pledges and donations over 22 years to $435,670. Five Years Ago · There were rave reviews for the new building in Prospect Park used by the Acton Agricultural Society for the Acton Fall Fair. Officials said it was a record-breaking year financially for the Fair. · Halton police seized 5,400 marijuana plants ­ with an estimated street value of $2-million ­ from a field on the Fourth Line, east of Acton, during a joint forces eradication operation. To the Editor, I had to write in to say what a wonderful evening it was on Sunday at the Acton Town Hall for the start of this year's Absolutely Acton Speaker Series. We were treated to an evening of Blues and Boogie Woogie with Bob Baldori and Arthur Migliazza ­ both phenomenal pianists. The next upcoming event is Sunday November 25th with Praise for Acton's Speaker Series Terri-Jean Bedford "Canada's dominatrix" and Alan Young, an Osgoode Hall Law School professor. That should be an interesting Series. The series are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon in a glorious building. As with last year's series, I just sat there thinking that we have this fantastic talent/speaker in Downtown Acton. This place should be packed with a line-up out the door. Last year, the Speaker Series was fantastic and this year's line up looks great as well. I urge everyone to check this out at info@actontownhall.com and get your tickets now before you are disappointed with a sell out. Regards, Nancy Wilkes, RO Acton Optical Acton, ON Publisher Ted Tyler Editor Frances Learment Angela Tyler Distributed to every home in Acton and area, as well as adjoining communities. Every effort will be made to see advertising copy, neatly presented, is correctly printed. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or omissions in advertising, but will gladly reprint without charge that part of an advertisement in which an error may occur provided a claim is made within five days of publication. All articles, advertisements and graphic artwork appearing in The New Tanner is copyrighted. Any usage, reproduction or publication of these items, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher of The New Tanner is a copyright infringement and subject to legal action. Editorial Contributors email: thenewtanner@on.aibn.com 373 Queen Street East, Unit 1 Acton, Ontario L7J 2N2 Advertising and Circulation Marie Shadbolt (519) 853-0051 Fax: (519) 853-0052 Composing Traci Gardner, Iain Brennan Typesetting Melissa Paul