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w w w .in si d eH A LT O N .c o m O A K V IL LE B E A V E R W ed n es d ay , J u ly 2 7, 2 01 1 6 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5571 Classified Advertising: 632-4440 Circulation: 845-9742 Open 9-5 weekdays, 5-7 for calls only Wed. to Friday, Closed weekends The Oakville Beaver Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. OPINION & LETTERS Re: Grubs getting rid of green, July 22, Oakville Beaver I, too, have shared Mr. Bennett's frustration with the wildlife destroy- ing my lawn at night searching for grubs or whatever else. However, I have always been reluctant to use pesticides, as it ends up in our air and waterways and destroys beneficial insects (e.g., bees) essential to the ecosystem. As such, I have had to adapt and rely on the measures below, all of which have proven effective: I have purchased a couple of motion-activated "Scarecrow" sprinklers. These tools are extremely effective, as they simply detect motion and suddenly shoot out water over a wide range, scaring and scattering away anything in their path. I spray nematodes on the lawn in the spring and late summer to destroy the grub population. I have also allowed clover to grow on my lawn. Not only is clover a very benefi- cial plant that feeds nitrogen into the ground, but I've learned that wildlife have a more difficult time digging through it, and are more likely to avoid it in search of easier diggings. Sometimes I also use liberal doses of cayenne pepper on affected areas, which keeps the wildlife away for a couple days. As we become more enlightened about our environment we are learning that quick and easy mod- ern conveniences such as pesticides usually have negative consequenc- es. When such conveniences are taken away from us, it is natural to be frustrated with the change we are now forced to go through. However, during such times, try to remember the positive effect of having a healthier environment. Kevin Uhlig, Oakville The Oakville Beaver is a division of NEIL OLIVER Vice President and Group Publisher of Metroland West DAVID HARVEY Regional General Manager JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief ROD JERRED Managing Editor DANIEL BAIRD Advertising Director RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director SANDY PARE Business Manager MARK DILLS Director of Production MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution SARAH MCSWEENEY Circ. Manager 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. Letter to the editorAnd so it begins... Letters to the editor 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, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: ATHENA Award THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: Recognized for Excellence by Canadian Circulation Audit Board Member Canadian Community Newspapers Association Ontario Community Newspapers Association Suburban Newspapers of America Ways to battle grubs on lawn Donate to East Africa to help out Ready to tango a third time at the ballot box? The provincial election is upon us our third elec- tion in less than 12 months. Although we won't be voting until Oct. 6 and the campaigning won't offi- cially begin until early September, candidates and their party strategists are starting to strut their fancy policy footwork, hoping to shape the debate. Over the past week, among the quietest in the year around town as summer holidays and an unusually stifling heatwave are running full throttle, there has been no lack of heat or provincial politicians in town. Premier Dalton McGuinty was here as well as Minister of Health and Long-term Care Deb Matthews... They were courting industry, health care circles and those affected by its ripple, and women's groups. This week was kicked off with a press conference yesterday as local Conservatives spoke about small business issues. However, there's only one lead who should deter- mine the direction we head when it comes to the issues, and that's you, the voter. It's still early enough to influence what gets put on the agenda, which should include issues that affect the way you live and work every day. Both the municipal election last year, and federal election last spring, focused a lot on personalities, political stripes and top level party strategy. Elections are about the people casting the ballots. Is it too much to ask that the people's priorities define the political landscape? The responsibilities of the provincial government may not be as close to home as the services run by the Town of Oakville or Region of Halton, but its influence runs deep. Consider regional transportation networks, the town's hospital, long-term care homes, schools, jobs, waterways, green energy and the correctional system. These are only a few of the areas that fall under Ontario's 30 provincial government ministries. What matters to you, your family, your community here at home? This is a crucial time to speak out. The agenda is not yet set and the political hopefuls are listening. Speak loud enough and your issue could become part of the election debate. Knowing where candidates stand on a matter will help you make a more informed decision come voting day. Let your local candidates know about your issue priorities. It's your provincial government that's being elected this fall. Now is the time to speak up and help define it. I am writing you regarding an urgent humanitarian crisis that is occurring right now. Due to severe drought, 11 million people in East Africa are going hungry and are at risk. Our federal government has increased Canadian financial support from $22.35 million to $72.35 million for humanitarian assistance in the region, and established the East Africa Drought Relief Fund. This fund will grow through the match- ing funds principle. Every dollar Canadians donate through a registered charity will be matched by the federal government. Your donation of $10 will become $20 and $200 will become $400. Please donate before Sept. 16, 2011. Join Gloria and I and go online to donate through one of the charities below. They are established and trustworthy stewards of such funds. As my mother used to say, "Many hands make light work". World Vision www.worldvision.ca CARE Canada www.care.ca World Food Programme www.wfp. org/crisis/horn-of-africa Humanitarian Coalition www. humanitariancoalition.ca Thank you for your time and help with important matter. Terence Young, Oakville MP