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RONO WEEKLY TIMES GS Tlnuded Wednesday, February 25, 1998 ern K en , K y L e , Nl e, Ne e since Four area women start their own business Dialogue on unity brings many passionate views Sandra Keast, Linda Gasser, Judy Leek and Anne Grimes, graduated Thursday night from the Women and Rural Economic Development (WRED) program they started one year ago. Each of these women start- ed their own new small busi- ness with skills and strategies gleaned from the 42-week pro- gram. Linda Gasser operates Herlind Farms, a natural beef operation. Anne Grimes oper- ates Crooked Creek Perennials. Anyone who has been in town last summer has seen her work in the perennial garden between the post office and the hotel on Centre St. Sandra Keast has started a Bed and Breakfast at her home on the 8th Conc. Her first booking was to host the WRED graduation dinner. Judy Leek calls her new business White Wings. Judy makes and sells miniature flower arrangements from her home north of Orono. "Taking the course has opened so many doors," says Anne Grimes. Besides all the neat contacts she's made, tak- ing the course has taught her to believe in herself. Some of the topics covered in the course are: how to develop a complete business plan, balancing work and family, goal setting and how to deal with banks. "I've taken the course and never looked back," stated Grimes. Citizens from the Durham East provincial riding were invited to come out Wednesday night and dialogue on Canadian Unity. Some 36 citizens did show up at the Strathaven Lifecare Centre, and openly and passionately expressed their view on where they see this country going. The discussion was centered around the "Calgary Framework." The framework for discussion on Canadian unity was developed by 9 pre- miers and the leaders of the two territories, in Calgary on September 14, 1997. The framework is an effort to balance a number of princi- ples that are important to Canadians. The values that unite us and accommodate diversity are principles that beg for discussion within the framework. Durham East MPP John O'Toole, introduced the meet- ing's facilitator - John Douglas. Douglas made clear that he is a professional mediator, not a government representative. O'Toole introduced the Ontario Speaks forum (the forum for discussion) as being non partisan. He reminded the audience "that in October 1995, Canada almost suffered a seri- ous set back." "It brings to mind the phrase "Lest We Forget." "My role as an MPP is to make sure your voice is heard," stated O'Toole. The meeting was divided into three steps. Step one - Douglas asked everyone to answer the ques- tion "Where do you see the country in 5 years time?" This brought responses like: - United from sea to sea. - Leaders in world peace. - Environmentally conscious. - Fiscally on track, but politi- cally unstable. - A diverse country, working as one. All racial issues worked out. - Still struggling. The answers could have been divided into two cate- gories: dreams or realities. Many in the room shared the same basic concerns, including that they wanted a say in Canada's future. One person said they were unwilling to go through another round of appeasement, i.e. the Calgary Framework. One gen- tleman pointed out that the Americans talked like this before the civil war. There were also those that said the political leaders in Quebec should be charged with treason. There was a strong sense within the room that the Federal Government was not showing any leadership in the unity issue. One person even went so far as to call them "a bunch of wimps." The senate too was called to task for their inaction to date. In Step two of the forum, Douglas asked the question, "Does this framework (the seven steps of the declaration) move you in the direction of a Canada you want? As a simple answer to the question a show of hands was given: Yes - 7, No -8,Maybe- 15. "The framework does not (continued page 10) Arena addition gets public approval A public meeting was held on Tuesday, February 16, at the Orono Community Centre, to get public feedback regarding the proposed addition to the Arena. The addition consists of 2 dressing rooms and a meeting room to be built on the the south side of the arena. The one storey addition is estimated to cost $210,000.00. The Orono Amateur Athletic Association has motioned that construction begin once half the estimated cost of the addition has been raised. Existing and future minor sports programs will not be interrupted by the construction project. Nor will registration costs be increased to help fund the improvements. A building fund account has been set up at the Orono CIBC. An income tax receipt can be provided for donations made to this account. Ray Bester and Gord Lowery would like to hear from any individuals interested in working towards the suc- cessful completion of this pro- ject. Volume 62, Number 8 Happenings... DURHAM REGION COMMUNITY CARE The Durham Region Community Care Association invites you to attend the Official Opening of the Community Care Adult Day Program, Wednesday, March 4, 1998,1 - 5 p.m. Ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. at 20 Robert Street, Main Level, Newcastle. RSVP 905-987-3000. CLARINGTON OLDER ADULT ASSOCIATION Older Adults in Clarington are invited to join the regular Tuesday program, March 3, 1998, from 9:30 - 2:00 p.m., at the Memorial Park Community Hall, 120 Liberty Street South in Bowmanville. Play bridge or euchre from 10:00 a.m.; alternatively, enjoy a film, travelogue, games or discussions from 10:30 a.m. Square dancing: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Low cost lunch at noon and transportation for a nomi- nal fee can be arranged when ordered in advance by Monday noon. Phone Community Care at 623- 2261. CLARINGTON COPE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM The Depression Support Group meets every Wednesday morning in Bowmanville and the Stroke Support Group meets bi-weekly in Bowmanville. New members are welcome. To inquire, please call Janice Kroft, COPE Mental Health Program, 623-4123. HEARTH PLACE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE Caregiver Support Group provides an opportunity for people supporting a cancer patient to share feelings and coping strategies with others in a similar situation. Meetings are held weekly, on a drop- in basis. Hearth Place, 86 Colborne St. W., Oshawa, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 579-4833 for infor- mation. @jýijjýjiijjýijij