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Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Orono Weekly Times - 3 EFW Continued from front U.S. based company contracted by the Region to design, build and operate garbage incinerator. "Should we have paid $35,000 or $36,000 for some tents just because maybe the prime minister might show up? I guess not," Anderson stated. He however said he would not apologize for the food, the speakers, or the furniture, "and I certainly won't apologize for having handicapped parking," Anderson stated. According to documents released through the freedom of information request, the air conditioned tents cost $28,000, the food $11,000 and furniture for the event cost $12,000. There were also take-away gifts for the 175 invited guests of stamped chocolates which cost $1,500 and souvenir mini shovels which cost $5,100. "My residents and I are appalled at the lack of sensitivity and the extravagance of an event for the invited few," stated Clarington Regional Councillor Willie Woo. He said he would support the call for an inquiry into the cost of the event because he along with many residents of Clarington and the Region would like to know how the cost of the ceremony ballooned to the price it did. Mayor Adrian Foster told fellow Regional Councillors they had no idea how damaging and difficult this whole issue has been for Clarington Councillors. At last Monday's Local band The Stone Sparrows - Oliver Ward, Sam Balson, Megan Patrick and James Gorry - entertained the crowds waiting for the CP Holiday Train at the Scugog St. crossing Monday evening. Clarington Council Meeting, Councillor Ron Hooper asked the three Regional councillors to let their colleagues know how angry the public are about the expense of the groundbreaking ceremony. Clarington councillors are doing clean-up duty in regards to the ceremony, according to Hooper. "We are left to clean up the mess," he stated. "It was way over the top as far as I'm concerned, and the people out there are not happy," Hooper said. Foster said he would not support the motion for an inquiry without an amendment requesting staff to create policies and procedures for future groundbreaking ceremonies. According to the Region's Finance Commissioner, Jim Clapp, the budget for the groundbreaking ceremony was in the overall EFW budget approved by councillors in 2009. "This is the biggest project we have done in years," stated Anderson. "It is going to be recognized by people around Canada, the U.S. and Europe, it is that simple. So I apologize but his inquiry is not needed. Oshawa Councillor Nancy Diamond said she would support the motion as it was a matter of accountability, not a pro or anti incineration issue. "People understand this was an unnecessary party that cost a lot of money and they want us to tell them how did this happen and is it going to happen again," she stated. Diamond wanted to know what the real cost for policing EFW see page 4 Donations always appreciated at the C l a r i ng t o n E a s t Food Bank 905-987-1418 *Sorry, we are unable to accept expired food. ~ Happenings ~ Thursday, December 1, 2011 - Blood Donor Clinic, 3:30-7:00pm, Rebekah Lodge, 124 Church St., Orono. Book online @ www.blood.ca or call 1-888-263-6283. Friday, December 2, 2011 - Orono Town Hall Christmas Carol Sing Along, 6:30-8:00pm, with Orono & Kirby School Choirs. Coffee & dessert provided by the Pathfinders $5. Saturday, December 3, 2011 - Breakfast With Santa, 9:00-11:30am, Orono Town Hall. Pancake Breakfast, Free gift from Santa, Photos by Stutts Pharmacy. Tickets at the door. Saturday, December 3, 2011 - St. Francis of Assisi C.W.L. Bazaar, 10:30am-2pm, 214 King Ave. E., Newcastle. Penny table, baked goods, white elephant, country store, homemade lunch. Saturday, December 3, 2011 - Heather Rebekah Lodge Annual Bazaar, 11am-2pm, 124 Church Street, Orono. Crafts, Bake table, Nearly new, Penny sale & Tea room. Light lunch $5. Saturday, December 3, 2011 - Christmas in Kendal, 4-7pm, Kendal Community Centre. Tree lighting, Santa Claus, Canteen. Entertainment: Mike Pollard, Bonnie Wilson, Kirby School. Saturday, December 3, 2011 - Country Christmas Concert & Dance, 8pm-1am, Orono Arena, Angie Austin, Mike Pollard, Larry Adams & Friends. Advance tickets $10. 905-983-9526. Sunday, December 4, 2011 - Breakfast with Santa, 4 to 7 pm, Kendal Orange Lodge Hall. $6 Sunday, December 11, 2011 - St. Saviour's Church Annual Heritage Dinner, Carol 5:30pm; Dinner 6pm. Tickets $12 Adults; 6-12yrs. $6. Call 905-983-6091 or 905-983-9642. Thursday, December 15, 2011 - Christmas Carol Sing with the Orono United Church Sunday School Children. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday December 18, 2011 - The Birth of Jesus in Song by Orono United Church Sunday School. 10:30 a.m.