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10 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday May 6, 2006 KEEPING SENIORS INFORMED Our LivingWell Events are Open to the Public Letter to the Editor Special Events for May Formal Tea & Vintage Hat Show Thurs., May 11 ­ 2:45-4:00 Sock Hop Thurs., May 18 ­ 4:00-5:00 Cooking with George Thurs., May 25 ­ 2:00-3:30 In praise of dandelions Ah, what a beautiful day. The birds are singing. The trees are in bud. Shoppers are looking to buy dandelion seeds...What!?!?! Yes, you read that correctly: dandelion seeds. I've worked in garden centres for the past 10 years and this is the first time I've ever had anyone ask for this: Dentdu-lion (tooth of the lion) seeds. I am impressed. You see, I have always wondered why it is that we have such a hate-on for dandelions and finally I have found someone who shares my opinion. I'm sure that it goes without saying that this man was from a different country but regardless, we both share an appreciation for this poor maligned flower and yes, it is a flower. In order to justify our relentless pursuit of this poor plant we have invented a name to describe all of the plants and flowers which we don't find favour with. We call them `weeds' in order to justify our thoughtless genocide of these, weak, defenseless and tasty plants. A weed is just a flower you don't like. They are not a species of plant. Did I say tasty? Well of course I did. This could be a bit dodgy given our proclivity for spraying every sort of toxic chemical on our lawns, but the leaves of the dandelion plant can be used in any recipe calling for spinach and they are excellent in an omelette with feta, onions and olive oil. I've made them in Greece many times and they are fabulous. Try it! On second thought, perhaps you shouldn't try it. Chances are, you spread chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides on your lawn. These probably taste quite bad and they're toxic to boot, so you'll just have to take my word for it. Actually, the funny thing is that all of these things you are doing to your lawn are actually the perfect procedure for creating the ideal dandelion patch. You keep the grass short which eliminates any competition for sunlight. The fertilizers add lots of nitrogen which encourages their growth. The herbicides kill off many of the weaker `weeds' leaving the most robust dandelions to reproduce and the pesticides eliminate any potential predator from their growing environment. It's dandelion heaven really unless you consider the fact that their pretty yellow heads are lopped off before they are able to go to seed. That's a bit of a setback. So, the lesson is, if you want dandelions, keep doing what you are doing. If you don't want dandelions, keep doing what you are doing. Either way will work. Alternately, we could jump off the bandwagon, stop poisoning the groundwater and see the little yellow flower for what it is: a pretty, tasty bit of nature. Bon appetit. NERRAD EVORGLENS Delmanor Glen Abbey is Oakville's premier retirement residence for active adults. We emphasize independence and individuality in a community environment that promotes an active mind and a sound body. In short, we believe in LivingWell and we'd like you to join us.All the events are free of charge. Just call Margaret Milley at 905-469-3232 to reserve your spot or to book a tour. TM 1459 Nottinghill Gate just south of Upper Middle, west of Dorval 905.469.3232 reducereuserecycle Career satisfaction high for Niagara College laser technology grad Ryan Glaves can't say he always had a passion for working with lasers. But once he heard about Niagara College's new programs in photonics, and the potential career opportunities, he was keen to enrol. In fact, Glaves, who graduated with never had to look for employment ­ employers have come Glaves is well on his way to achieving his career goals in this burgeoning high-tech industry. Glaves turned to Niagara College after realizing university wasn't for him. "It was large classes, with no practical experience whatsoever, and job prospects were slim to none," he says of his two years in a university science program. "I like going into labs and getting my hands on equipment and building things." program, and learning of the shortage of skilled people, Glaves realized photonics was an industry in which he could build a rewarding career. "I chose something where I was guaranteed good job placement and where I could specialize and grow professionally." Niagara College is, in fact, at the forefront of creating the is only one of two colleges offering photonics education in him out, offering ever-more attractive positions. His most recent is a move into management as the Applications and Ontario. Glaves has never had to look for employment ­ employers have come looking for him. Glaves credits Niagara with giving him many of the skills effectively with salespeople and customers, working both independently and in a team, and being productive in a highpressure environment, where multi-tasking is crucial. "At college you're learning those skills in a practical environment, just like industry," says Glaves. "You don't even realize all the things you've learned until you start applying them in your career. You hit the job running." Glaves has his professional sights set on becoming a not too far off," he says. in management, in an industry that can be compared with computer technology in its potential for revolutionary growth and evolution. LASERS Photonics Engineering Technician Apply today! Ask us about scholarships! Glaves admits that when he started the course he didn't know that much about photonics ­ the technology of harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy for many different applications, from lasers to life sciences. "When I started I wasn't too sure about it, but as I learned more I began to enjoy what I was learning, and I worked harder." the specialized skills they teach in this program," he says. "It made us very valuable." niagaracollege.ca 905-735-2211 ext. 7559