The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Re: "Online map sets out cleanup spots in Oakville," Oakville Beaver, Friday, March 29, 2013. Spring cleanup signals start of generational paradigm shift younger generation to the concept of sustainability. Many adults have fallen into a world of economic gain and status while being naïve to its environmental effects. One does not need to look too far to witness such neglect, whether it be dumping pharmaceuticals into our lakes, rivers, and oceans or blasting apart habitats to expand our current industries. We must change the view of our Earth from simply a faucet of resources to be used in whichever way we see fit, to a spectrum of biodiversity that must be preserved. Events like the ones Oakville has employed are how we can create paradigm shifts in our future politicians, company CEOs and citizens around the globe. I urge other municipalities to implement similar events if they are not doing so already. These are excellent examples of influential and educational activities that will most definitely serve us well in the future. Let's keep Mother Nature's beauty for those who have not yet seen it. 7 | Wednesday, April 10, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights' (OCCPEHR) numerous initiatives are highly commendable and of the utmost importance. The combination of preserving our local environment while educating the public on issues surrounding biodiversity is something that should be at the forefront of our minds. I must stress the importance of exposing our Sonya Ramondino, Oakville ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL Fear helps budding journalist grow Continued from p.6 It was a battle that drew them closer in the end, she said, as her father stooped down to weed her land with his blackened machete. There were the stories of rapes and domestic abuse, told to WiLDAF's Legal Literacy Volunteers and subsequently reported to the police. In the past, the volunteers explained, domestic violence was simply swept under the rug because the laws regarding it were unknown. There is the story of Evelyn, a toddler covered in severe burns, in desperate need of treatment only available hours away from her small village. A fundraising campaign is currently underway to help Evelyn, and you can check that out here: www.indiegogo.com/projects/urgent-help-2year-old-burn-victim-evelyn-get-the-help-sheneeds. They are stories I may have read about back in Oakville, but realities I could only now partly comprehend. As much as I miss my family and the sparkling, yuppified Oakville downtown full of delicious (and sorely missed) coffee shops, there are days when I look out onto the ocean and realize there is nowhere else I'd rather be...for now. I'm making new memories, the faded photos of a future life, happy that I didn't let fear stunt my growth. You can read more about my time in Ghana at www.kelseyparsons.com The Educational Journey of a Lifetime Halton's only all-girls' school Preschool to Grade 12 Join us at our spring Open House on: Saturday, April 13th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. , 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 24th , 8:00 5:00 p.m. a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Register on our website under "Register Here for Events" Busing Available Canadian Accredited Independent Schools 1080 Linbrook Road, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2L1 · Tel: 905-845-2386 info@smls.on.ca · www.smls.on.ca Charitable Registration # 11919 1963 RR0001 APPLEBY COLLEGE SUMMER CAMPS JULY 1-AUGUST 30, 2013 DISCOVERY CAMPS (AGES 4-7) SPORTS & ADVENTURE CAMPS (AGES 7-15) ARTS & MEDIA CAMPS (AGES 7-15) SCIENCE & SUCCESS CAMPS (AGES 7-15) Appleby Camps are led by highly qualified staff and offer low camper to instructor ratios, daily swims, nutritious lunches, family events, and shows all located on our beautiful 60-acre lakeside campus in southwest Oakville. New programs include video game design, flag football, music "fun"damentals, film-making, and "wacky" science to complement our outstanding sports, adventure, arts and science camps. Young campers ages 4-7 will have a blast with our exciting weekly themes and camps designed specifically for them. Before and after camp care is available. Make us your choice for summer friendship, sports and fun! To learn more about Appleby Camps, please call (905) 845-4681 ext. 113 or visit www.appleby.on.ca/camps