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16 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 6, 2009 www.oakvillebeaver.com A trip to witness history in the making By Quinn Durrant GRADE 12, T. A. BLAKELOCK I t wasn't really until Obama said, "My fellow citizens, I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors," in the opening of his inaugural speech that I began to realize the significance of the historical event that I was about to witness. Before going to Washington, D.C, I was constantly being told how lucky I was to be able to see the 44th Inauguration of the President of the United States. Of course, I am endlessly thankful and appreciative for the strings that needed to be pulled in order for this trip to occur, but I did- n't realize how lucky I was until I felt the shivers that took over my body when Obama began to take the presidential oath. It is still hard to imagine that an African American who is 47 years old could have ever become president and have such an enormous patriotic following, in a nation that has not always been so accepting of change or The Regional Municipality of Halton www.halton.ca Sustainable Halton...Be Involved! Halton Region is planning for growth from 2021 to 2031 through its growth management initiative, Sustainable Halton. In June 2008, the Region released a set areas in Halton. This was followed by a series of public open houses held in the City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton and Town of Oakville to receive In November 2008, Regional staff prepared a report (LPS36-08) that made available along with all other Sustainable Halton background information, are available on the Region's website at www.halton.ca/sustainablehalton. Please check the website regularly for updates to Sustainable Halton and notices for future Public Information Centres. If you would like further information on Sustainable Halton, please contact: Alana Fulford Intermediate Planner Planning Services Email: Alana.Fulford@halton.ca Robert Stribbell Planning Technician Planning Services Tel: 905-825-6000, ext. 7287 Email: Robert.Stribbell@halton.ca those who embrace it. The atmosphere around D.C at the time of the inauguration was none that anyone could imagine or capture via television. As soon as Barack Obama walked up to the stage of the Capitol Building, he was greeted and then absolute silence fell, not a sound could be heard -- no sirens, no whispers, no birds chirping or cars driving, it was as if sound didn't exist. At that point, I realized the respect, trust and expectations the American citizens have in Barack Obama's plans for positive change. At the inauguration, it was as if members of every ethnic group represented in America gathered in D.C and were able to conduct themselves in a way that displayed the ideologies of Martin Luther King to per- fection. Is this a sign that real change in America is about to occur? Following Obama's inaugural speech, the enthusiasm that the American people had for this event was unfathomable; everything from Obama shirts to Obama pins, hats, pens, watches and Obama water were readily available. The Sunday before the inauguration, the group of alumni I travelled with -- Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC) -- was addressed by General Colin Powell and a large portion of his speech was dedicated to the inspiring change and positive transition that many hope Obama is going to achieve. Even though Obama is one of the youngest presidents and was one of the least experienced senators; in the words of Colin Powell, "He has a vision, he has a plan, he has reasonable goals and he has got the American people inspired with his passion, this is the perfect formula for America's shift to success." The Regional Municipality of Halton www.halton.ca Raising Competent Teens Parents, learn how to help your teen: Business Development Centre Upcoming Business Seminars and Programs Starting a Small Business: A general overview of things to consider: resources to options. Wed., Feb. 11 ­ held at Milton Public Library (6:30 p.m. ­ 8:30 p.m.) Thurs., Mar. 5 ­ held at Oakville Public Library (6:30 p.m. ­ 8:30 p.m.) ($20/person) Tax Essentials: In partnership with Georgetown Public Library, this seminar covers topics including claimable expenses, record-keeping requirements, and issues involved Wed., Feb. 25 ­ held at Georgetown Public Library (6:00 p.m. ­ 8:30 p.m.) (No charge for this seminar. Pre-registration is required) Bookkeeping: In partnership with Burlington Public Library, this seminar will help expenses and software programs. ($20/person) Financing and Insurance for Small Business: insurance needs for small business. Tues., Mar. 10 ­ held at Halton Regional Centre, Oakville (6:30 p.m. ­ 8:30 p.m.) (No charge for this seminar. Pre-registration is required) What is Triple P? Positive Parenting P research and led by accredited practitioners relationships with your children Children and youth who grow up with positive parenting are more likely to feel good about themselves and develop to their full potential. Where: Halton Regional Centre 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville When: Registration To register for this free cancellations and rescheduling. is available upon request. 060209 Contact us for more information on these events and how to register. 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L1 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L1 060209