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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, November 20, 2015 | 6 Stand Up! (to bullying). That's the motto of the 2015 Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (Nov. 16-21). The message is never more resonant as the world, too, is standing up against terrorism, evidenced by the global condemnation of the brutal slaying of more than 100 in Paris just one week ago today. The people in France are mourning, but are not succumbing to fearfulness. Bringing the important message home to Oakville this week for youths not to be fearful, to appreciate differences and to reach out to others, were two inspirational gures -- Smiley , a St. John's Ambulance therapy dog, and Scarlett Lavalley , a Grade 8 essential skills student at Holy Family School. The story ran in yesterday's Oakville Beaver . It's online at www.insidehalton/oakville-on. Both the student and 13-year-old golden retriever have challenges. Both have turned that around to impact others, positively. Smiley lived in a puppy mill two years before he was rescued by Joanne George of Stouffville. He was among nine dogs rescued, but the only one not adopted because he'd been born with no eyes. George said other dogs during his early years bit Smiley and stole his food because he could not see. He was tough to adopt out because of the extra care he would require. Once home with George, Smiley would hide in corners and under tables and was fearful of other dogs. A loving, supportive home turned things around for him. Today, Smiley feels with his heart and uses all his other senses to make the best of life. He is now an inspiration, as well as a YouTube sensation (search Smiley The Wonder Dog) because of his resilience. For six years, he has been visiting hospitals and retirement homes, using his loving, gentle and calming demeanour to comfort others. He also does school visits in his community and participates in the Stouffville library's children's reading program, sitting next to children to ease their nerves as they read aloud. Scarlett wanted to invite Smiley and his owner to Holy Family School after watching his YouTube videos. Thanks to her mom, Lisa Lavalley, and her school, it happened this week. Scarlett's mom said her daughter was inspired by the dog's story and wanted to share it with others, especially her classmates from the Essential Skills class. "As my daughter Scarlett explained to me `Smiley is happy and accepting for who he is, no need to be sorry for him... He is an inspiration,'" said Lisa. Principal Josey Guerin said Smiley's visit was welltimed for Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. "Life is full of challenges and we all have challenges and I think we have to decide, are we going to just succumb to challenges or are we going to rise above? Smiley obviously has risen above and brought so much joy and happiness to people." Guerin said he was proud as usually shy Scarlett spoke to the school about Smiley because students in her class often have issues with self-con dence and he said it was incredible to see Scarlett's courage. George said she's glad Smiley was able to show "kids who feel different and a little out of place" that being different isn't a bad thing. Never be afraid to be yourself, to stand up and speak up and to reach out -- there are people there who will support you. Parents and teachers are an excellent place to turn. Just ask Smiley and Scarlett. Stand Up Editorial D O Y O U S E E I T "Connected to your Community" ? Do you see it? The arms, the face... the two eyes and O-shaped mouth? Oakville's Bill Dercho said he came upon this tree just off the path in the Neyagawa ravine, between Upper Middle Road and Dundas Street, during a fall colour walk. "The tree looks like a perfect scary Halloween `Sleepy Hollow' candidate, said the Oakville Beaver reader, who added he was rst attracted to the tree by a chattering squirrel discarding walnut shells onto the forest oor. | submitted photo 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington ON L7L 5Z1 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 53 | Number 93 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Director of Distribution Letter to the Editor CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Way to go, Let's Rake, thanks for the effort I commend Let's Rake. It takes time and effort to better a community, and its approach of education and raising awareness is appreciated. That's how change starts. I personally believe we could be doing better to be more environmentally responsible, and switching back to raking rather than using blowers would not only be better for our physical health, but an environmentally friendly choice. People have busy lives; yes, some might hire companies that are going to use leaf blowers anyway. However, perhaps the efforts of this group might help convince individuals to choose companies that rake leaves rather than blow them? Making good environmental choices can be challenging in the context of our modern world. I appreciate those who make the effort to remind us of the positive impact our choices make. Thanks again to the group. Erika Ristok, Oakville Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association The proposed leaf blower ban should already be covered under existing bylaws regarding noise outside in the neighbourhood; barking dogs, singing too loud, noisy kids. Yes? I say create a culture: speak to your neighbours. Talk to those directly who are making the noise. Doesn't this make sense? Do we really need to have more laws? Another ban? Can't you just talk to those making the noise? Many leaf blowers also serve as leaf vacuums and these are important to the environment, as the resulting shredded leaves can be We need to create a culture, not more laws used as nutrient-rich garden mulch. The proposed ban is a slippery slope. Next year, it will be another power tool ban. It seems like some people want to ban everything that makes noise. These are expensive hand tools that make every homeowners life easier. I agree, they should be used with neighbours in mind. Bear in mind that many households are dual earners. They only have time to do their yardwork evenings and weekends. Bernard German, Oakville Proud Official Media Sponsor For: The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington ON L7L 5Z1 or via email to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline.