Wednesday April 28, 1999 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER A7 CO M M ENT I f p a s s i o n i s t h e s o u l o f s p o r t . . . k e e p r u n n in g Odino Soligo and Wayne Gretzky don't, at first glance, seem to have much to do with one another. But listening and reading and crying along with all the other saps watch ing Gretzky this past week, I could n't help but think of Odino. Odino Soligo doesn't weave down the ice with magical grace or manage to astonish everyone with his playing ability, but he's every bit like the world's greatest hockey player in one respect: pas sion. I remember thinking that Gretzky had said oflce that God had given him the remarkable talent that put him in the top of the heap time and time again. But after a moment he changed his mind and said it wasn't the gift of talent he was handed - it was passion. And that's what makes an unremark able guy like Odino so remarkable: his undying infectious passion for life and all it offers. I met him last weekend on assign ment where I bounced around in a 4 X 4 with a lunatic photographer bent on get ting the ultimate "shot" - and if he had to stop, screeching to a halt in the middle of an expressway in Hamilton of all places and bound out of the Jeep leaving me wondering just where we'd end up as he leaned way over a bridge to catch a group of runners, so be it. Let me tell you, you take your life in your hands with these guys, you really do. "You'd better do your belt up tight. I'm known to get a bit crazy," he growled as we lurched down the road in quest of the perfect shot. And if you've ever been on assignment with a photog rapher, there's always a better shot. So I did my belt up really tight and settled back, resigned. We caught sight of Odino, the inspi rational leader of the pack just rounding the bend at the start of a grueling 50 km trail run up the Niagara Escarpment. Odino didn't look as though he was fac ing what was a tough slog up a tortuous path. Even before the race, he was calm. A mile into the race, the guy was actual ly smiling. As he chatted before the race, he was unfailingly polite. He laughed about the miles he clocked the year before. In 1998, this remarkable man did 19 races - an astonishing 3,000 kilometres in one season. Odino, by the way, is 78 years old. Last year, his favourite race was a 100-miler in the Northwest Territories, the Midnight Sun Marathon which starts at midnight and goes for almost 14 hours. He loved doing that one. He explains his reasons for going out there with people 10, 20 years younger than he and participating in a grueling sport. He explains it all in one word: pas sion. He experiences the pain, the weari ness and yet he finishes every race he enters - the smaller ones that are on dirt roads; the tougher ones that go through bush late at night. As he says, his brain wants to do it forever and never gets enough, even as his body cries out for relief. Last weekend, as this crazed photog rapher stopped near the runner's aid sta tion to catch the indefatigable Odino as he sipped some water, the remarkable runner said he will continue to do it as long as he can. He smiled a huge smile, at the aid sta tion as the camera clicked and spoke of this constant battle between what his brain wants - running and more running - and his body. And until he gets that resolved, he said with a shrug, he isn't about to stop. He explained the great personal satis faction he has in entering the time and length of every race he has ever entered in his diary the following day. The satis faction is there, in his eyes as he speaks of the pride in entering all the race infor mation. Here is a 78,-year-old Ultra marathon competitor with a passion that equals the greatest hockey player who ever lived. While Gretzky's brain may indeed want more and more hockey, his body has finally thrown in the towel. The time was right. But as for Odino, I can't imagine any time being right to quit what he loves. It'll happen, the same way it happened for the great Gretzky. But for the moment, I'm just going to enjoy watch ing him have fun. Sikhs celebrate 300th anniversary of religion Letters to the Editor This month, the Sikhs have reached the 300th anniver sary of the divine moment in human history that saw the creation of the Khalsa Panth. This event will be celebrated with great pomp and show by the Sikhs all over the world. The following notes are an attempt to throw some light into the background of the Sikhs, their faith, and this unparalleled event. Sikhism, one of the youngest amongst the world religions is essentially a practical religion and a way of life. It originated with Guru Nanak (1469-1539 AD) who was succeeded by nine other Prophets - Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708 AD) being tenth and the last Prophet. It is a distinctive monotheistic faith envision ing One Supreme God who is the Creator also. Sikhism proclaims human equality and futility of caste, colour, sex, and race prejudice. It respects all reli gions and promotes tolerance, peaceful co-existence, freedom of speech, and choice of religion. It stresses worship of One God and living a highly spiritual life based on practical principles established and practiced by the Gurus in their own lives. CREATION OF KHALSA PANTH - BAPTISM SACRAMENT Guru Nanak initiated the institutional evolution of Sikhism which reached its culmination on the Vaisakhi day of the year 1699 AD, when Guru Gobind Singh, through the sacrament of the nectar (amrit), baptized the first five followers at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India, and gave a distinct identity to the Sikhs. After being baptized, a Sikh must wear the five K's, which have become the basic tenets of the Sikh form. Five K's as translated are unshorn hair, steel bangle, comb, underpants and the kirpan. Associated with the creation of the Khalsa are also our logo, the Khanda, and the most distinguishing feature of Sikh men, the Turban. FIVE K'S 1. KES (Hair): Represents simplicity of life, saintli ness, wisdom, and devotion to God. Christ, Moses, Socrates, and Plato are some of the Prophets-philoso- phers who also personified this symbol. 2. KANGHA (Wooden comb): Signifies physical and mental cleanliness. It refers to the notion that one should comb one's mind to keep it free from impurities. 3. KIRPAN (Miniature sword): Is the sword of knowledge that cuts root of ego. It is the visible sign of an intensely sensitive soul. Throughout his writings, the tenth Guru uses the symbol of Kirpan for sovereign power of God which controls the destiny of the whole creation. 4. KARA (Steel bangle): Refers to ethics, a symbol of responsibility. It acts as a handcuff to remind the Sikhs not to misuse the hands and never commit a sin. T h e b e a r i s b a c k ! Murron's Cabinetree would like to thank everyone who expressed concern and outrage over the theft of our bear on April 23rd. We are happy to report that the police were able to track down the perpetrators of this 'grizzly' deed, and secured his safe return to the store on Sunday afternoon. According to the young man who 'borrowed' him, the bear went to a party on Friday night then spent a quiet Saturday recuperating before making his way home, with the help of the police, on Sunday. No charges will be laid, in the hope that this young man has learned a valuable lesson. The thought of him having a criminal record because of this 'prank' would have been...'unbearable'. Murray Famcombe Murron's Cabinetree 5. KACHA (Short breeches): Refers to sexual morality and is meant as a constant reminder of fideli ty- OUR SYMBOL The KHANDA Just as the cross is a Christian symbol and the Star of David a Jewish one, the "Khanda" symbolizes the Sikh faith. The symbol is rooted in Sikh history and reflects certain fundamental concepts of the faith. The symbol derives its name from the double-edged sword (the Khanda) at the heart of the logo. The Khanda remains a potent metaphor of Divine Knowledge, its sharp edges separating Truth and Falsehood. The circle around the Khanda is the "Chakra." The circle, representing perfection, symbolizes God who is Eternal, without beginning or end. The Sikh seeks Divine Knowledge so as to achieve union with God in order for the two to become one. The two swords are the traditional "Kirpans," and they symbolize the twin concepts of "meeri" and "peeri" -- temporal and spiritual responsibility. These concepts jointly occupy a central place in Sikh theolo gy that places equal emphasis on the spiritual aspiration of the individual and the duty of the individual to soci ety. Individual action is to be governed by Godliness, but the practice of religion must revolve around service to others, particularly the poor and oppressed. TURBAN The turban, a symbol of royalty, is an ancient and universal form of headgear worn in various forms and has become the single most recognized feature of the Sikh men. Sikhs take care of their unshorn hair (one of the 5 K's) by tying them in a knot and covering with a turban. Thus, the turban is a part of the Sikh attire. Piara Singh Roshan Oakville Sikh Cultural Association O A K V IL L E 8 4 5 - 6 6 0 1 NOTICE RE PART OF LOTS 11 AND 12. CONCESSION 1. SOUTH OF DUNDAS STREET TAKE NOTICE THAT I The Council for the Corporation of the Town of Oakville at its meeting of April 19,1999 declared certain surplus. These lands are described as follows: Part of Lots 11 and 12, Concession 1, Sooth of Dundas Street, Tbwn of Oakville, Regional Mnnicinalitv of Halton, designated as Parts 24 ,25 and 28, on Plan 20R-12814. 2. This notice is in compliance with the Town's By-law 1995-71. 3 Copy of Reference Plan 20R-12814 showing the lands to be sold is available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk at the address shown below, by appointment by calling 845-6601, extension 4178 during normal business hours (8:30 a m. to 4:30 p.m.). Judith M uncaster Town Clerk The Corporation of the Town of Oakville 1225 Trafalgar Road Oakville, Ontario L6J5A6 NOTICE RE PART OF SINCLAIR ROAD (UNOPENED) AND ONE FOOT RESERVE LYING SOUTH EASTERLY OF WYECROFT ROAD TAKE NOTICE THAT: 1 The Council for the Corporation of the Town of Oakville at its meeting of April 19, 1999 declared certain lanHc surplus. These lands are described as follows: All of Sinclair Road and one foot reserve lying south easterly of the south easterly limit o f Wyecroft Road as shown on Registered Plan 949, Tbwn of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton. 2. This notice is in compliance with the Town's By-law 1995- 71. 3 Copy of Registered Plan 949 showing the lands to be sold is available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk at the address shown below, by appointment by calling 845-6601, extension 4178 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Judith M uncaster Town Clerk The Corporation o f the Town of Oakville 1225 Trafalgar Road Oakville, Ontario L6J5A6 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF OAKVILLE QUOTATION Q -15-99 FOR THE SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF TWO (2) LARGE FORMAT PLOTTERS QUOTATION Q -17-99 FOR THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR AND EQUIPMENT TO INSPECT, CLEAN, AND RE-LAMP TRAFFIC SIGNAL HEADS/ACCESSORIES SEALED Quotations on forms provided will be received by the Purchasing Department, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 5A6 until 12:00 noon, local time on MONDAY, MAY 10,1999 Specifications, quotation forms and quotation envelopes are available on or after Friday, April 30, 1999 and may be obtained from the Town of Oakville Purchasing Department, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario L6J 5A6 Telephone 905-338-4197. The Town of Oakville reserves the right to reject any or all quotations and the highest or lowest as the case may be will not necessarily be accepted. R.J. Coumoyer, C.I.M., P.Mgr, Director, Purchasing and Office Services R O A D C L O S U R E B Y - L A W By-law 1999-050 Closure of Part of North Service Road West for all Purposes TAKE NOTICE THAT: 1. The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Oakville proposes to pass a by-law pursuant to Section 297 of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter M .45 in order to close and stop up for ail purposes, part of North Service Road West, legally described as; Part of Lot 25, Concession 2, South of Dundas Street, Town of Oakville, Regional Municipality of Halton, being all of Part 2 on Plan EX-112, save and except therefrom Parts 1 and 2 on Plan 20R-12100. 2. Pursuant to Section 300 of the Municipal Act, R.S.O . 1990, Chapter M .45, before passing this by-law, Council or a Committee thereof, will hear in person or by his counsel, solicitor or agent, any person who claims that his lands will be prejudicially affected by this by-law, provided that such person makes application in writing to the undersigned on or before May 7 ,1999 , at 4:30 p.m. This matter will be heard at the Council Meeting of May 17,1999, commencing at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville. Copies of Plan EX-112 and Reference Plan 20R-12100 showing the subject lands are available for inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk, at the address shown below, during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Judith Muncaster, Town Clerk 1225 Trafalgar Rd, P.O. Box 310, Oakville, Ontario L6J5A6 r law t o st o p u p * h d CLOSE AND OTHERWISE OCSPOSE O f PART OF A PU0UC hflGHMAY. (NORTH SERVICE ROAD PART 2 P1AN EX-112 C o u n c il & S t a n d in g C o m m it t e e M e e t in g Monday, May 3,1999 Counc il M eeting Counc il C ham bers 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 10, 1999 Planning & Development Council C ounc il C ham bers 7 :30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11,1999 - Community Serv ices Committee 7:30 p.m. - O akv ille Room Administrative Serv ices Comm. 7:30 p.m. - Bronte Room Monday, May 17,1999 Counc il M eeting Counc il C ham bers 7:30 p.m. C o u n c il & C o m m it t e e T o u c h t o n e P h o n e L in e 8 1 5 -5 9 5 9