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2 - Orono Weekly Times Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Inspiring the next generation We have had a lot of parades come through this town over the years, but the Stanley Cup parade that wound through Orono last Thursday was second to none. In terms of shear numbers, the Olympic Torch Parade that came through town in January drew more spectators, but those numbers were bolstered by bus loads of local school kids brought in to watch the action. The actual Olympic Torch and the Olympic spirit the torch symbolizes were the stars of that parade, especially since no one knew the people who were selected to be torch bearers in the village. July 8, 2010, Bryan Bickell Day, was a hot one, so most of the crowd gathered on the west side of the street -- the shady side -- to wait for the parade. On this day, it was Bryan Bickell, the Stanley Cup, and the village's hockey legacy that were on parade. Orono's stars of the past and present were all celebrated. The players were fetted as much as the Cup itself, from the Orono Orphans -- representing Orono's rich sports legacy -- to the young hockey teams of today, including the 2009-2010 Newcastle Stars Novice International Silver Stick champions, and the Orono Leafs Juveniles O.M.H.A. champions. It was so touching to see Bryan's tears on Thursday, when the emotional reality hit him. It truly takes a village to raise a child. No one achieves success on their own, and so it was appropriate that Bryan became overwhelmed with emotion and broke down when he thanked the people who helped him along the way. In particular, Bryan thanked the Orono Amatuer Athletic Association and the many volunteers who helped him achieve his dream of becoming a professional hockey player. Bryan's hockey career began in the Orono Arena where as a small child he took skating lessons. From there he learned to play hockey and he progressed through the ranks until, in 2004, the Chicago Blackhawks picked him in the NHL Entry Draft. Bryan played most of this season with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League -- the Blackhawks farm team. But he was called up for 16 regular-season games with the Blackhawks this year, and four playoff games during the first and second round. Many people helped Bryan get to where he is today, including his family, his extended family, and the volunteers who coached him along the way. There is no way to account for all the time and effort that goes into encouraging kids in their pursuits, sports or otherwise. Helping them find their feet and then encouraging them to take the necessary chances, pick them up when they fall, helping them learn from their mistakes. It is all part of growing up, and the many people who help along the way are all part of a community. The scene at the Orono Arena Thursday afternoon was wonderful to watch. Bryan made a point of spending time with his youngest fans. After the speeches and presentations, he took the Stanley Cup and posed with a number of local children's hockey teams. It is the dream of every young kid playing hockey to make it to the big leagues, to be good enough to play in the NHL. Playing on a Stanley Cup winning team is almost too much to hope for. Bryan not only realised his dream, but he shared it with the people -- and especially the children -- of Orono. Most hockey fans in the GTA are supporters of a NHL team that holds the record of the longest run without a Stanley Cup victory. It's been 43 years since the Toronto Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup. With the NHL team in our market putting in a mediocre season year after year, no one could blame the local kids for thinking the Stanley Cup was way beyond reach. No wonder the the kids in the Orono Arena Thursday were awestruck. Most of them didn't even dare touch the Cup, they had to be encouraged to nestle right up to it for their photos. There was more than enough genuine awe and admiration to go around on Thursday, and Bryan was so very generous with his time. Some remarked aloud that this may well be the only time the Stanley Cup will ever come to Orono (unless Chicago wins again next year). Yet there were many young children in the arena who saw for themselves that the dream of winning the Stanley Cup is achievable. Who knows what greatness is yet to come, thanks to Bryan's inspiration. In 1995, the NHL began a tradition of putting the Stanley Cup on tour for the summer and letting members of the Stanley Cup Championship team, players and management, have the Cup for 24 hours. Even though Bryan played only a few play-off games for the Blackhawks, he got his 24 hours with the Cup, and he graciously shared a large part of that day with us. It is a day we will not soon forget. No one's saving Grace? Why should we even try to help... We took in a kitten a couple of weeks ago that was just tossed aside like a piece of garbage at the Orono Arena. We kept her in hopes of finding a new home for her; unfortunately, we were not able to, so on Monday we asked the Clarington Animal Shelter for their help. What a mistake that was. When I told them the story of what happened to "Grace", she looked at me and glared "Yeah, everybody's got a story"; when I explained that it is not my cat, she replied "No, it is never the person's cat." She told me that because we tried to help by taking her in, giving her food, and trying to find her a home that she was now our cat. When I asked her "What are we supposed to do, leave a kitten out there to fend for itself?" her reply was "yes." The only thing she would do was put my name on the waiting list and would call when a spot opened up. This is the thanks you get for trying to help... I thought they were supposed to be here to help! T. Dennis Orono Policy Statement on land use. The Province of Ontario is currently conducting a fiveyear review of its Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), which dates back to 2005. Under the Planning Act, land use decisions made by municipalities, the Province, the Ontario Municipal Board, and other authorities must be consistent with the PPS. This means the policy statement guides municipalities preparing official plans and land use by-laws. The input the province O'TOOLE see page 10 Have Your Say on Communities of the Future What should Ontario's future communities look like? How do we protect agricultural land and prevent urban sprawl? How do we improve access to public transit and provide a good mix of housing for Ontario families? How do we create the infrastructure and planning policies that will attract jobs and businesses? These are the kinds of questions that can be addressed in the Provincial