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Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday. October 2. 1996 - il A wards Ceremony Left: Diane McGregor (Courtice Secondary); Centre: Jennîfer Kerns (Clarke High School); Right: Ruth Sorley (Bowmaniville High School);1 (Deputy Chair, N-C Board of Education). 1At an award ceremony September 18, Clarke Hlgh School's Head of Co-operative Education, Mrs. Jennifer Kearns, was the recipient of the Northumberland- Clarington 1 Board of Education's Leadership in Learnlng Award. At this annual awards evening, held in Cobourg, Mrs. Kearns, along with a tearn representing each of the Board's high schools, was acknowledged for her work Staying In Touch John O'Toole, MPP Durham East The agricultural tour of four modemn farming opera- tions in Scugog on Friday September 27th was a huge success. I arn very grateful for the Durham Region Federation of Agriculture, the Scugog Chamber of Commerce and other spon- sors for organizmng this event. We- visited -the OCALA Winery operated by Irwin -and Alissa Smith, the White Feather Farms operated by the Shilings family south of port Perry, the Byersdale beef farm operated by Jim and Barbara Byers and the Vanlea Hostein dairy business oper- ated by Richard, Lawerence and Ruby- VanCamp of Blackstock. Each operation was very modern, wîth large invest- ments of money, knowledge and family commitment. As part of each business presen- tation, these families spoke of the land and the environment as their prlmary business assets., Members of the organizing the very successful "Take Our Kids To Work" pro- ject. Director of Education, Dlck Malowney, congratulated the tearn on their organization of and participation in this province wide event which provided every grade nine student in Northumberland- Clarington the opportunity to be involved for the day in business and industry with a parent, relative or other vol- unteer. Such partnership ini- provincial Legîslature, includ- ing myseif must always remember the importance of agriculture as our second largest industry on Ontario. As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham East, 1 am Yery proud to represent such a rich and diverse region of Ontario. The C.A.W. Local 222 and General Motors of Canada are conducting contract negotia- tions at this very moment. These are challenging times and no one can afford to be out of work. Having spent over 30 years as an employee of General Motors, I am watching these negotiations with more than just a casual interest. The agreement reached will have far reaching effects on not only our local economiy, but indeed other settlements- across the province. Contracting out and hours of work appear to be the main issues. We must be competitive in this global market. Those individuals at Far Right: Lillian Brode tiatives, he said, were includ- ed in his areas of emphasis for the Board and hewas delighted with the fact that 1500 students had partici- pated. Plans are under way again this year to -Take Our Kids To Work" on November 6. With last years success to build on, it is expected that once more there will be 100 percent participation by grade nine students at Clarke. very much aware that raising taxes is no longer an option. We must ail learn to rethink our priorities and work together rather than at polit- ical odds with each other. We (the Durhamn MPPs) are meet- ing with the two Durham Boards of Education on October lOth. As education is 60% of your municipal tax bill, and the Minister of Education is examining options for the future. I arn sure this will be an interest- ing meeting. SOn Thursday September 26th, 1 met with the R.H. Coumnish Public School par- ent committee along with members of Scugog Council, local s chool trustee's and interested citizens. 1 want to thank Diane Martin and the parents for their help in reaching a successful deci- sion. The highway 7A school crossing has been a safety concern for almost thirteen years. The Scugog Council took the initiative by passingý a resolution to participate An one third of the funding, the province has committed to supporting this project by one, third and, the parents have agreed to support the mid-block lights by a one third contribution. Every per- son who uses this school crossing will benefit. It is wondefful to see the spirit of cooperation at work. Without the many letters, comments in the Port Perry Star and community interest, 1 would the bargaiming table are the leaders who best know the tough choices to be made. As the province discusses changes to the Employment Standards -Act, 1 arn con-, vinced that what we need is more jobs, wîth stabîlity and securityï of e mployment rather than larger wage settlements. The United Way of Durham and Melody Homes held their lottery draw on Sunday September 29th. There were nine wonderful prizes with winners from Oshawa, Clarington and the winner, of a new home was from Peterborough. Actually, we are ail wînners when you think of the many agencies ad individuals who benefit from the United Way. Communities work best when everyone contributes a little. As 1 participate at Queen's Park, I think thatthe more we leave helping others to the responsibility of government, the less we feel a personal responsibility to help our neighbour. The MPP's from Durham met with Chairman Witty and ahl the mayors of Durham Region on Friday September 27th. We 'discussed the Ontario Works program and other imiportant provincial issues like the GTA and the Crombie, "Who does What Panel". It is very important to keep the communication open. 1 see first hand, that other municipal leaders are neyer have been able to con- vince the Minister of Transportation to assist with this projeet. Last week's decision of the Speaker of the House- to resign was somewhat of a surprise but probably the best decision under the ir- cumstances.' I believe that everyone is entitled to a -fair hearing and should nlot be executed -before -their trial. However, this week the legis- lature will elect a new speak- er on Thursday October 3rd. This is the only occasion members have a secret vote. With seVeral members from ail three parties running for the position of speaker, it will be an interesting week. As I think of how commu- nities work, I naturally reflect on team work. 1 read recent- ly that the word TEAM trans- lates into, "Together Evcryoxie Achieves More". gel/l/Iem Aýere ai iYfe S/ïnes/1 Choose From Our Book By Rainbow Invitations Or Have Us Design One Unique For You! Drop In Today!