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10 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 23, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com No reason for idling buses Downtown Oakville celebrates town's 150th anniversary Downtown Oakville and its historic harbour may be a jewel in the crown of Oakville, but how many residents really know the history? There's no better time to find out than this year, which is the town's 150th anniversary and many areas of town have planned special celebrations to take place on Sunday, May 27 ­ the town's actual incorporation date 150 years ago. Ward 3 -- which includes Downtown Oakville -- will host an anniversary party on Sunday, May 27. It will start at 1:30 p.m. in the Towne Square on Lakeshore Road and continue at Lakeside Park near historic Erchless Estate at Oakville Museum. There will be a parade, food, music, games, and a commemorative tree planting. The Downtown Oakville BIA is sponsoring the Halton Regional Police Pipe and Drum Band "Celtic Connection" from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Towne Square. Many downtown businesses will be displaying pictures of Oakville's beginnings, courtesy of the Oakville Historical Society. For example, in 1835 The Medical Hall at 182 Lakeshore Rd. E., now home to the To Set a Table shop, was once a pharmacy and medical practice for over 98 years. Erchless Estate was the family home of Oakville founder Col. William Chisholm. All anniversary celebrations for Downtown Oakville will take place on Oakville's incorporation date of Sunday. For information about the downtown celebration visit www.oakvilledowntown.com. For information about all anniversary celebrations visit www.oakville.ca. Continued from page 7 Every morning when I walk my dog along Monastery, we pass a bus that is idling for at least five to 10 minutes depending on the day. When the weather is warm, I do not believe that the bus should be running while the driver waits to begin his route. There is no need for the bus to have its engine on. It is disappointing to see that the Town of Oakville and Oakville Transit have not taken steps to reduce their impact on the environment and the taxpayers' dollars. KIMBERLY JONES Annual book sale supports Oakville Literacy Council For seven years, it's been a popular attraction at Hopedale Mall ­ the Oakville Literacy Council Used Book Sale. This year's sale begins Thursday, and runs through Saturday. The book sale is the Council's biggest fundraiser and this year it hopes to top the $8,000 it raised last year. "Proceeds from the sale fund our learning program," says Council President Bernie Martenson. "We help local adults who want to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Our program is free, and we rely heavily on the book sale for a portion of the funds we need to operate." The sale is organized and staffed by volunteers. "We have thousands of books, and you can't beat the prices," says Gabrielle Garcia, co-chair of the organizing committee. "Children's books and adult pocketbooks are $1, and most of the others are $2." "Our Council offers one-on-one tutoring, which really works well for the students," she says. "All the volunteers know that the Council helps real people meet their goals," she says. "We're just happy to be involved." For more information about the Oakville Literacy Council, call 905469-8528, or visit www.oakvilleliteracy.ca.