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Acton/Georgetown, Friday, June 23, 2006 7 A new sign, 40 years later It began when I went looking for something. I was in the basement, and right now I can't even remember what it was I was looking for, but what's more important, is what I found. On top of the furnace ductwork, I came across a large dusty brown paper envelope. In it, I found a metal sign-- it reads "Ontario Century Farm." As I looked at the sign I was taken back 40 years, when my family was the "poster family" for the Ontario farming community. For Canada's centennial year (1967), the Ontario government decided to recognize farms still in the same family after 100 years or more. They presented a Century Farm sign to all who qualified, to be displayed at the front of the farm. Dad, being as proud of the Brown's history on the family farm as I, applied for the sign. When it arrived, the Ministry of Agriculture (located in Milton) called to say the sign was in. They also had a request-- would we pose for a photo of the first sign to publicize the program? Dad wasn't all that receptive to publicity, but their rationale was hard for him to argue. He was a dairy farmer, a registered Holstein Friesian breeder, Mom was a Women's Institute member, as well as a 4-H homemaking club leader, my sisters were both 4-H homemaking club members with provincial honours, and I was a 4-H agricultural club member. In short, we covered all their bases. It turned out to be my first `photo op' (but from the wrong side of the camera). We assembled as Milton Canadian Champion editor Roy Downs, took the photo at our front gate, with us holding the sign up against the sign post. The public never knew it, but we actually used the `4-H Member Lives Here' sign post, and simply leaned the plywood cutout calf over and held the "Ontario Century Farm" in it's place. My parents were more excited than they let on. Mom bought a dozen Champions when they were published and also purchased a glossy 8x10 from the newspaper as a memento of the event. UÄâx fÑÜ|Çzá TAXI & AIRPORT SERVICE GEORGETOWN: Ted Brown 905.873.0097 ACTON: 519.853.0024 24 Hour Taxi Service INQUIRE ABOUT OUR FLAT RATES TO OTHER MAJOR DESTINATIONS But then the publicity got outta hand. Mom received a call from her sister in the Malton area. Apparently, she saw the photo in one of their local farm newspapers. Another person called to say they'd seen it in the Holstein Friesian Journal, and the media circus came to a head when the Ontario government published it in their provincial newsletter. It was everywhere! By then, Dad was feeling like he'd become a real media celebrity-- not something he was comfortable with. Our family's "15 minutes of fame" lasted a few months and after that, the farming community pursued more dynamic celebrities. And how, you ask, did the `brand new' Ontario Century Farm sign end up in the basement? After a year outside, all the signs were a study in rust, so the ministry replaced them. Dad placed the replacement on top of the ductwork until he got around to putting it up. Seems he never did. After a couple of Halloween pranks, the sign was brought in from the road and never returned. Never returned, that is, until last weekend, when I erected again-- the original signpost with the replacement sign. Now it's located nearby the buildings, away from the temptation of vandals. After doing so, I recalled how I felt back in October of 1966-- it was a pretty good feeling. I think it's called pride. (Ted Brown can be reached at tbrown@independentfreepress.com) UÄâx fÑÜ|Çzá gtå| Toll Free: 1.866.953.0024 Servicing Georgetown, Limehouse, Acton and Surrounding Areas Thank you Gregori Osteopathy & Athletic Therapy! The golf tournament that you recently hosted raised $5050.00 for Open Door Youth Centre! We would also like to thank all the golfers who participated in the tournament, all donators to the prize and silent auction tables, as well as those who were sponsors. Open Door Youth Centre has experienced a dramatic increase in attendance recently. Thank you, Alberto Gregori, for coordinating this very successful event, and helping to keep our youth centre open! Special thank you's go out to the following: Aluminum Window Designs - Gerry Simone AMJ Campbell Inc. Carey Brabant Clipsham Limited Clublink Dr. Ron Lefebvre Fibertech Canada - Robert & Stephanie Laborie Georgetown Marketplace Georgetown Naturopathic Wellness Centre - Cathy Kuindersma Gregori Osteopathy and Athletic Therapy Implicit Marketing Inc. Julie Green Koru Food Sensitivity Testing - Nancy Britton Matthew Hill McMaster's Meat and Deli Nutrition House - Karen Nicholls Ontario Laser Rental Plastic Development Dr. Janet Pownell Winner's Merchants Inc. At your door on June 28 SUMMER GROUPS STEPPING STONES TO LITERACY: This group program focuses on developing literacy skills based on a child's needs and level. Each 4 session program provides fun, interactive learning activities led by a Speech-Language Pathologist. Step Into Sounds for 4-5 year olds- A program targeting the awareness of sounds & words. Step IntoWords for 5-6 year olds -A program focusing on developing phonemic awareness skills of emerging readers. Step Into Sounds for 6-8 year olds -A program that develops literacy skills of the early readers. MORE THAN BABY TALK: This 2 session, interactive parent and tot play-based program will introduce parents to early communication strategies and signing with their babies. EARLY COMMUNICATORS: This intensive 8 session program will focus on preschool aged children with expressive language difficulties. This goal oriented program will allow children to enjoy fun, language rich group activities. S S O A DHills R I D E of Halton SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: (Social Communication Group) Designed for Children who have been diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who already have the use of language with caregivers. This 2 week intensive program (8 sessions, Monday to Thursday) will teach skills that will enable the child to initiate and maintain interactions with other children. Groups of 4-5 children, between the ages of 4-7 will interact in the context of theme-based sessions. The program has been designed and conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive experience in ASD. Caregivers will have the opportunity to observe their children during group interactions, learn how to facilitate play interactions with feedback from our team. ... INSIDEHalton Hills in · Cycl g in k · Chic book y the es it b on do · Felt BER 2 ers, e critt 2 NUM LUME mertim plants O · Sum res & 06 · V ER 20 creatu SUMM more much · and cie en fan rs For more information, program dates and fees, contact Jennifer at (905) 877-8400 or by email: haltonspeech@bellnet.ca 211 Guelph Street, Suite 5, Georgetown Call our Centre for upcoming programs. 905-873-8400 www.haltonspeech.com Providing therapy to children and adults in Halton, Peel and Wellington Counties