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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 THE NEW TANNER 11 GRAPEVINE Distributed to every home in Acton and area as well as adjoining communities. 373 Queen Street East, Unit 1 Acton, Ontario L7J 2N2 email: thenewtanner@on.aibn.com Mike OLeary Angela Tyler Rebecca Ring Publisher Editorial Ted Tyler Hartley Coles Editorial Contributors Advertising and Circulation Composing Marie Shadbolt Bruce Cargill Danielle McIsaac By Angela Tyler (519) 853-0051 Fax: (519) 853-0052 Every effort will be made to see advertising copy, neatly presented, is correctly printed. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or omissions in advertising, but will gladly reprint without charge that part of an advertisement in which an error may occur provided a claim is made within five days of publication. All articles, advertisements and graphic artwork appearing in The New Tanner is copyrighted. Any usage, reproduction or publication of these items, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher of The New Tanner is a copyright infringement and subject to legal action. One of the refrains I often hear is about how we have to educate our kids in schools to be more environmentally responsible. Its too late for us, they say. Adults are too set in their ways to change. Weve got to teach the children! What a cop-out. So not only are we leaving our children with a legacy of global warming and other environmental challenges, but well leave it up to them to fix the problems we created? Sorry, but thats fundamentally unfair. It also sets us all up for failure. Children do what we do, not what we say. If we dont change our ways first, what incentive do children have to behave more responsibly? This isnt to say that we couldnt be doing a better job with teaching them in school to be more environmentally aware. But doing that isnt just about pointing to things in a book. Its about doing things differently together. Its about changing behaviors. Even before kids get to the classroom, look at how they get there. Every year it seems there are new alarming statistics about childhood obesity. More and more, we hear about how kids are becoming increasingly house- bound and sedentary. Yet we fail to connect these problems with the line-ups of SUVs and minivans several blocks long outside schools every morning and every afternoon. Chauffeuring our children to and fro not only denies them an oppor- tunity to exercise, pollutes our air and adds to global warming, it further removes them from the natural world. We dont respect things that we dont understand. And its very hard to understand something without experiencing it. At the risk of sounding very old fashioned and very old, when I was young I walked to school. When I got older, I rode a bicycle. So did everyone else. Its a great way to get exercise and experience the outdoors. Theres nothing like walking to help you get to know your community. And not just the people, but the plants and the trees, the animals, the weather and the seasons. Reconnecting our children with nature in their everyday lives is the first step in an environmental education. That means getting children outside into the world to experience it first-hand, rather than through TVs, com- puters or on YouTube. Im not saying that there isnt a place for technology to help us understand the world. After all, Ive spent 40 years trying to educate people through television. In fact, one of my favourite new tools is an addition to Google Earth called Google Sky. For years, Ive been a fan of Google Earth as a tool to help people understand jut how small our world really is and how connected we all are. Google Sky adds a new dimension, as now you can turn the lens around and look at whats out there. Its really an interactive chart of the heavens, the stars and the planets that lets us explore the universe and ultimately better understand our place in it. But as fascinating as it is, nothing can replace the real experiences we have outdoors, peering through a telescope into the night sky. Or digging in a garden. Or exploring a swamp, a forest or a tide pool. If we want our children to be more environmentally responsible, we have to show them why they should be. We have to emulate the right behaviors and teach them why environmental sustainability is so important. So yes, this means we need more school-yard gardens, better outdoor education curriculums, more field trips and more sustainable schools. But it also means we need more exercise. More cycling and more plain old walking. We have to get our kids outside more to play and explore the wonders of nature, so that they will come to understand it better. This isnt just up to kids or teachers. Its up to parents. Its up to school boards. Its up to all of us to ensure that were not telling our children one thing and doing another. Anything else and were not just lying to them. Were lying to ourselves. The trailers for the carnival work- ers are back at the park and that only means one thing its Fall Fair weekend, something Ive been looking forward to. I can proudly say I have never missed one of our fairs in my life. I have a lot of great memories of them. Over the years, I have prob- ably walked 100 miles on the fair grounds enjoying everything from the agricultural side to the amuse- ment side. When I was young, Saturday af- ternoons my family and I would get together and have family time at the fair. This is when we experienced the traditional and looked at the homecraft division, horses, cattle, and the poultry barn. There are lots of great things about our fair. Yet, growing up, there was one event that was the thing that you had to do. At school, all the kids would be talking for a week in advance about going to the fair on Friday night. Some may have gone for the rides; however, the majority were going because it was the night we would find out who would become the new Miss Acton Fall Fair. The old arena would be packed. Some nights it would be standing room only. Even the bleachers would be full. Before I was in high school or even the later elementary years, I remember going to Miss Acton and watching the high school girls compete. In my eyes they were so glamorous. They donned stylish evening wear and were the equiva- lent of a super model, only the Acton version. Twenty or 30 years ago entering Miss Acton Fall Fair was something and there would always seem to be at least 20 young ladies in the competition. The competition sometimes felt like it took forever to discover the winner. We would have to wait through a variety show entertain- ment. Some nights it might have been close to midnight before we found out who won. The lucky lady not only had her tiara and royal robe, she was also awarded a bevy of presents from local merchants to congratulate her on her win. When you entered the seating area, there was a display cabinet with all the fabulous presents for the new Queen. Sometimes, though, it wasnt always possible to make it to the end of the evening to see who won. That was when Saturday morning became very important. Prior to the parade, the talk about town was always the same question, Do you know who won Miss Acton? Before you knew it, tongues were wagging the winners name. Then, as you watched the parade, there she was with her Royal Court. On the top of the back seat of a convert- ible, Miss Acton and the runners up would be, tiaras properly in place, waving the royal wave, and smiling like glamorous models. Times are a little different now. Lately there doesnt seem to be as many gals entering the competition. Now on Saturday mornings I dont usually recognize the name of the winner. Yet, one thing that hasnt changed - its seeing Miss Acton or her first official engagement in the parade smiling and waving, still tired from the night before and maybe even a little taken back that she will be representing our town for the next year of her reign. Miss Acton Contest always a highlight FLATTENED: Fridays quick rain and wind shower proved that Mother Nature was still Queen. There was lots of damage to area trees which keep Halton Hills Hydro and emergency services busy. This tree in front of Glenlea Plaza was split in half during the storm. - Angela Tyler photo Science Matters By David Suzukiby David Suzuki with Faisal Moola Respect for nature starts at home To the editor, Re: Soccer Club Head Says Story Wrong (September 6th) The North Peel Halton Soccer League has in fact now awarded the B-U16 title to Caledon, fol- lowing the disgraceful end to their match against Bolton August 26 in Acton. This was done on or before the day The New Tanner printed Mr. Watsons letter, something he either knew or ought to have known, as president of that league. The score was 2-2 with less than two minutes from extra time when the referee was forced to abandon the match due to increasing vocal abuse and eventually threats against game officials, precipitated by of all things a dropped-ball restart near centre field after a near-fight on the field after which one of Boltons best players narrowly escaped a sending-off. Verbal threats to the young assistant referee on the players bench side could be heard on the opposite side of the field, at which time the referee ran over and immediately whistled to abandon the match. Further details of the ugly melee that followed were fully disclosed to the editor but withheld from the story in preference to highlighting the positive efforts of Acton teams in the weekend tournament; in the anticipation North Peel Halton and the Acton Soccer Club would respond decisively and positively to these events. Caledon did earn the champion- ship by virtue of their composure, their inspired comeback effort and their admirable season-long team character. Bolton, in contrast, is a club known for some time to have serious internal disciplinary problems extending to their rep soccer program, which has earned numerous sendings-off in South Region play. Forfeit is a venerable English word whose use is not restricted to judges and sports league bu- reaucrats. By their behaviour the visitor directly caused the match to be abandoned and forfeited claim to any share in the championship. Any other decision than that taken by North Peel Halton in this case would be inconceivable. Earlier this season, Acton play- ers were physically threatened by Bolton players, for which no disciplinary action has been taken; expressions of concern by parents and others to the Acton Soccer Club regarding a long history of similar unruly behaviour been received with limited enthusiasm. A better response to the story would have expressed regret such concerns were not responded to in a timely or effective manner, and assurances that coaches, referees but above all young players would not have there participation in the Beauti- ful Game marred by hostility and fear. Leagues and clubs do have the needed powers, and it is long past time that the legal and ethical implications of incidents like this can be safely forgotten. Yours truly, Charles Tysoe (The writer is an Ontario Soccer Association Class Three referee) To the editor, Re: Class list frustration The Acton area public schools would like to take this opportunity to respond to the letter published in The Tanner regarding the posting of class lists before the school year starts. It isnt hard to understand the frustration Mrs. McCauley ex- pressed in her letter. We know how anxious everyone is about his or her childs class placement. And we know how important it is to make good decisions about class fit. In late spring, teachers meet to discuss students strengths and needs, and to consider in what ways we can best support each child. That is also when we look at the school organization that has been given to each school by the Board in terms of; staffing, class sizes, split grades and special education resources. But, It is not until very late in August that class lists and teacher assignments are firmed up. Sometimes teachers change schools during the summer. Students move away and others register. Class organizations continually change to reflect these factors. Managing class sizes, match- ing student learning styles with a specific (sometimes newly-hired) teacher and effective uses of Spe- cial Education resources are some of the considerations still in play late into the summer. It would be unfair, and equally, if not more frustrating to parents and stu- dents to expect a specific class or teacher, only to have those ex- pectations change in September. At Robert Little and McKen- zie-Smith Bennett, we think of ourselves as being in partnership with our communities. We want to ensure that parents and students continue to share ideas and con- cerns with us as this is a vital part of our growth together as learning communities. Please feel free to contact your respective school administrator when you have con- cerns or ideas that can help us work together to ensure student success. We are committed to every student. We would also like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a very safe, happy and successful school year! Sincerely, Sharon French (Principal MSB), Bob Tadman (Principal Robert Little). Caledon are league champs, Bolton forfeited by actions Principals understand frustration Piano Honours Lili Paradi received top honours in grade one piano and Szyliva Paradi got a pass in grade five piano in the Music Festival music results, John Hriblijan informed The New Tanner. Vendors Wanted Vendors wanted for the fall Mom- to-Mom Sale. To be held at St. Albans Church, Acton, 19 St. Albans Drive Acton, on Saturday September 29, 2007 from 9am- 12 noon. Childrens and infants toys, games, books, clothes, cribs, strollers, high chairs and playpens for sale. For info call Susanne at 519-853-0390. Help for Resumes Halton Hills Public Library will be holding a Resume Critique Day on October 10 between 1-4 p.m. A Career Information Specialist from The Centre for Skills Development & Training will be at the George- town Branch, 9 Church Street for a one hour consultation. You will receive immediate feedback while learning how to develop a targeted and effective resume. Its free and space limited. Call 905-702-7311 x 109 to book an appointment. New Manager Grapevine has been told that Tan- ners Pub and Grill has been sold and managers Clark Somerville and sister Trish will be leaving. Word is that John McGrath, former owner and manager, will be managing the business again. Cribbage League Dobbie Frizzell stopped in to remind Grapevine that the Acton Mens Industrial Cribbage League is starting again on Thursday, October 11. The league starts on October 11 and runs through to April of 2008 at the Acton Legion on Wright Ave. One doesnt have to be a Legion member to play in the league. Fur- ther information is available from Dobbie at 519-853-2021. Appreciation Night Acton Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society is hosting a volun- teer appreciation night for all CCS volunteers in the Acton/Wellington county/Guelph unit on Tuesday, October 2 at the Acton Legion. CCS hopes volunteers can join them for a three course dinner and entertain- ment! If you would like to attend please call the Guelph Unit office at 519-824-4261. Calendars on Sale Acton Firefighter Associations unique calendar will be on sale at the Acton Fall Fair next to the Fire Fighters food booth. Proceeds from the $10 cost all goes to Camp Bucko, a burn camp for kids in On- tario. The calendar is also available at Giant Tigers department store and other local locations. Celebrating Year One Acton Employment Resources Centre at 45 Mill St. is celebrating its one year anniversary and is ex- tending an invitation for people to drop in for refreshments between 1 and 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27 to meet the staff. Big Response Halton Hills Fire Services had an outstanding response to their recruitment. Over 130 applications were received for the 12 part-time positions up for grabs. Of those, 45 people in Acton are vying for two spots at Station 1 (Acton). Program Night Acton High School parents are invited to attend Grade 9 Program Night this Thursday, Sept 13 from 7 8:45 p.m. Parents will hear from the admin, school council and stu- dents council and then follow their son or daughters timetable to learn more about course curriculum as well as assessment and evaluation practices. Acclaim Volunteers Acclaim Healths Hospice Orien- tation Program, for new volunteers, begins on Thursday, Sept 27 and continues every Thursday until No- vember 29 (10 days) from 1 4 p.m. Volunteers will receive education on supporting individuals in the com- munity who are living at home with a life threatening illness. Volunteers provide emotional support and friendship, outings, caregiver relief for family members, crisis support and bereavement follow-up support. This training is free of charge and open to both men and women. For more information or to register, call Acclaim Health Volunteer Services: 905-827-8800 ex. 2313 or 2318. WELCOME VETS: Branch 197 of the Royal Canadian Legion welcomed 16 veterans from Sunnybook Hospital at the branch on Sunday where they were feted by legion members and assembled for a group photo before they left. Submitted photo. Whats Your Beef? Put it in a letter to the Editor! Deadline is Tuesday at noon.