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The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 5, 2006 - 9 Ward 3 councillor honoured for service Long-time Ward 3 Councillor Keith Bird was honoured with a long-standing service award by the Province of Ontario last week -- and Town of Oakville council this week. The provincial awards, handed out April 27, recognize the dedication of municipally-elected officials in central Ontario. "Our goal of stronger communities can only be accomplished in partnership with municipalities," said Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Gerretsen. "I am honoured to present these long-standing service awards in recognition of the contributions and dedication of our municipal officials and to thank them for helping shape Ontario communities we can all be proud of," said Gerretsen. Long-standing service awards were introduced by the Ontario government in 2004 to recognize municipally-elected officials with at least 25 years of service. Recipients representing municipalities in central Ontario received their awards at the Central Ontario Municipal Conference in Richmond Hill. Bird has 10 terms as an Oakville municipal politician under his belt. He has served southeast Oakville as both a regional and town councillor for 26 years. In the 2003 municipal election he campaigned on his proven commitment and demonstrated ability. Bird has not yet announced whether he intends on seeking re-election in the upcoming November 2006 municipal election. Candidates were able to declare their candidacy as of Jan. 1 and have until the end of September to do so. Bird, 64, retired in 1992 from the position of regional manager with international, multi-billion dollar auto parts manufacturer, TRW. He made his home in Oakville in 1969. Born in St. Catharines, Bird has Direct environmental fund The Community Foundation of Oakville (CFO) is launching a new initiative -- the Oakville Environmental Fund ­ Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at The United Way, 466 Speers Rd., Suite 200. This is a first step in the CFO's new granting program to support local environmental initiatives that will: preserve and enhance the natural beauty of local lands, parks, rivers and shorelines; protect native species of plants and wildlife; and, promote environmentally friendly lifestyles that reduce energy and water consumption. Launched with financial support from the Town of Oakville, the CFO will begin making grants this fall. Monday's meeting will help define the environmental priorities in Oakville. To pre-register contact hkorol@thecfo.org or call 905-845-7841. in INSTANT LENNOX REBATES OR NO PAYMENT, NO INTEREST FOR ONE FULL YEAR O.A.C. Saveup 1000 to $ .00 BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER 21 Seer Air Conditioner G61V Furnace HONOURING A VETERAN: Ward 3 Councillor Keith Bird receiving a recognition from Mayor Ann Mulvale for the Ontario award he picked up Thursday, April 27 for his long service as a municipally-elected official. served on a number of committees including the Halton Region Police Services Board, and the Halton Region Conservation Authority. Bird's wife, Gail, has been a successful real estate agent in Oakville. The couple has two children, a son, Stephen, and a daughter, Elaine. The veteran Oakville town and regional councillor was among numerous award recipients including: Toronto Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Aurora Mayor Tim Jones; Tiny Township Mayor Robert Klug; Newmarket Mayor Tom Taylor; Newmarket Councillor Dave Kerwin, Newmarket; and, Uxbridge Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor. · Call For FREE In-Home Estimate H.V.A.C. SYSTEMS HEATING · AIR CONDITIONING · FIREPLACES 905-845-4009 1040 Speers Rd. Oakville www.atlantisair.com · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · DORNDORF · BIRKENSTOCK · RIEKER · FIN COMFORT · SALAMANDER · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · R O H D E · M E P H I S T O · D O R N D O R F · B I R K E N S T O C K · R I E K E R · F I N C O M F O RT · S A L A M A N D E R · R O H D E · M E P H I S T O Spring Savings at Ingeborg Shoes Famous European Brand Names All Under One Roof Made in Germany · Tradition since 1774 · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · DORNDORF · BIRKENSTOCK · RIEKER · FIN COMFORT · SALAMANDER · ROHDE · M E P H I S T O Spot! Since 1952 & New calendar for schools has four PD days The Halton public board's school year calendar for 2006-07 was given the okay this week with the proviso the provincial government could make changes to the number of staff professional activity/professional development days, which in turn could affect student early release days. The number of PA/PD days remains at four province-wide. A recommendation to go to six days is on hold. For 2006-07 the Halton public board's PA/PD days are scheduled for Oct. 6, Dec. 8, Feb. 2 and June 29. Save 25% Bottle o removerf spot each ordwith er! FREE! Birko-flor $ 79.95 Fantastic Warehouse Savings with Many Styles, from INGEBORG'S WAREHOUSE 1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGA Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 to 5 Sun. 11 to 4 (905) 823-7415