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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 7, 2008 - 5 Bronte veteran mourns missing medals By Dennis Smith SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER An 85-year-old veteran is upset that someone stole his British Army medals when he was at the Burlington Legion recently. "I don't think they're worth very much. They'll wind up in pawn shops," said John Healey. "They have no value to anybody. It's frustrating." But the five medals stolen have sentimental value to the Bronte resident. They were taken when he was at a dinner/dance on May 23 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch African Star medal 60. Stolen items include a rare serving during the Second World Date: British Army Palestine medal, two War (1939-45) and a medal for African Star medals, a medal for serving in France and Germany. "They were taken off the table when they were in a small black box," said Healey. "It was just an opportunity for a few seconds." The medals were to be given to another Legion member to have them professionally mounted. Healey delayed contacting Halton police until Wednesday (June 4), hoping no one had stolen his medals, which he has had for about 50 years. "I'd suspected one of my friends had taken them home to safety, but he didn't know anything about it," he said. "I hope someone sees them." The Palestine medal is cast bronze with his number, rank and unit inscribed on the edge. Det.-Sgt. Dave McCartney said investigators will be following up with those dealing in war medals. "We have faith that people that legitimately trade, buy and sell these articles will contact police if they saw something under suspicious circumstances," he said. McCartney said it's not known what the thief's motivation was or if there will be attempts to sell the medals. He said this type of theft is somewhat unusual. Healey earned the medals for serving in the British Army from 1942-47. He enlisted at age 18, serving as a training instructor for two years at various locations in Britain. In 1944, he joined the 6th Airborne Division, 21st Army Group, which landed in Normandy to help secure the area for D-Day invasion forces. He said the group also served in The Battle of the Bulge (held in the German/Belgium border area) and the west bank of the Rhine River. Just after the Second World War ended, he went to Palestine with the British Army to try and keep peace and security there. He also served in the Vienna area and the Dolomite region of the Alps. Healey emigrated to Canada in 1953 and worked in the aircraft industry and tool and die making. He has lived in Bronte for 10 years. Tips on staying cool during spring heat wave Correction A humidex advisory was issued by Environment Canada early yesterday -- and as a result the town is urging residents to stay cool during the alert period by taking the necessary precautions to limit outdoor activity. Residents are urged to take advantage of Oakville's air-conditioned community centres, seniors' centres, library branches and Town Hall, or take a dip at one of its indoor or outdoor pools. You can access air-conditioned public facilities at Town Hall (8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.), Iroquois Ridge Community Centre (8 a.m.-9 p.m.), River Oaks Community Centre (8 a.m.-9 p.m.), Oakville Seniors' Centre (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), Sir John Colborne Seniors' Centre (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), Central Library (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), Glen Abbey Library (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), Iroquois Ridge Library (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), White Oaks Library (9:30 a.m.5 p.m.), Woodside Library (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.). The Glen Abbey Community Centre is also open from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., however the pool is closed for maintenance. Q.E. Park pool is also closed for maintenance. You can take a dip in the water however, at Centennial Pool, Iroquois Ridge Community Centre Pool or Brookdale pool. During heat alerts, drink lots of water, check regularly on others, stay in an air-conditioned place, if possible and go outdoors during the coolest part of the day. Avoid the sun by wearing loose-fitting clothing, hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside. For regular pool hours and locations, visit www.oakville.ca/pools.htm. For more information about heat alerts, visit www.oakville.ca and click on the Heat Alert button. A story, Southeast Oakville parents plead to keep their schools open, which appeared in the Oakville Beaver's May 23 edition, included incorrect enrolment numbers for New Central and Brantwood public schools. The correct enrolment numbers, according to the Halton District School Board, are New Central 96 and Brantwood, 122. The Oakville Beaver regrets the error. New Patients Welcome! Dear Neighbour, If you are looking for a new dental office in Oakville, I would like to welcome you to consider my practice. My office has developed a number of amenities to make you and your family feel as comfortable as possible during your time with us. Some of these amenities include satellite televisions in each of our treatment rooms so you can watch your favorite programs or you can listen to music on an IPOD with BOSE noise cancelling headphones. We also have the fabulous, new ICUITI Digital Video Personal Eyewear glasses that allow you to watch DVD's on a virtual large screen TV. We have developed a number of special amenities that have been specifically added for your children's comfort including a Playstation 3 with a 40-inch Sony Hi-Definition flat screen LCD TV in the children's section of the reception room. I have recently invested in a dental laser that can treat cavities in you or your children's teeth without the drilling sound or vibration. The Laser treatment can lead to a decrease in the amount of anesthetic that is required during the visit to treat the cavity and improve the overall dental experience for you and your child. I am very fortunate to have a caring and friendly team that are committed to your overall oral health and will make you feel welcome and respected. If you have any questions about our office, please feel free to call us at 905-827-1619. We look forward to meeting with you and creating a long-term relationship. Sincerely Your Pool Is Our Reputation *LIMITED AVAILABILITY SWIM IN JUNE FREE SALT GENERATOR WITH ALL JULY INSTALLS * Retail Value $2000 Dr. Stephen Phelan www.uniquepools.ca 905-304-4774 or 1-866-929-4774 BOOK NOW SWIM NOW SAVE NOW Dental Surgeon. Laser, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 1500 Heritage Way, Oakville, ON L6M 3H4 call 905.827.1619 to arrange an appointment Creating sensational smiles in Oakville for 15 years.