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News/A3 Making her mark in broadcasting CLARINCTON'S AWARD-WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1854 Sports/B1 Just wait 'til next year Durham still blowing smoke Province smoking ban likely won't derail Region plan BY CARLY FOSTER Staff Writer DURHAM - The throne speech promise of a provincewide smoking ban probably won't affect the Re-' gion's plans. Specific details on the Province's plans were lacking Thursday, with the speech only saying a smoking ban in public and work places would be in place in three years. Durham's smoking bylaw is scheduled to come into effect June 1, 2004, and the Region is "working toward" that, said Glendene Collins, a spokesman for the health department. department. "Whether or not it will impact impact us, we'll have to wait to see how the provincewide ban unfolds," she said. 'It depends on how the Province writes the legislation, depending on how restrictive or not theirs is.' Glendene Collins With the exception of racetracks, racetracks, casinos and bingo halls - which can have up to a 50 per cent smoking - all public and work places must be smoke- free under Durham's ban. That includes restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and recreation facilities. With no specifics available, there's plenty of room to speculate speculate gambling facilities could also be included, Ms. Collins said. "It depends on how the Province writes the legislation, legislation, depending on how restrictive restrictive or not theirs is," she said. "Until (then)... we're proceeding proceeding with ours as written and as approved." Catholic board Grade 9s top the average BY DANIELLE MILLEY Staff Writer CLARINGTON - The results results of the Grade 9 EQAO math test are positive for the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Claring- ton Catholic District School Board. The number of students who achieved at or above the provincial average of Level 3 ('B') on the academic test increased increased four per cent from the previous year, while'the results for applied remained constant. "We are making a steady increase," increase," said John Mackle, superintendent superintendent of schools. The academic results increased increased from 59 per cent in 2001-02 to 63 per cent in 2002- 03. The tests are written as part of the curriculum so students taking math first semester write it in January while the students taking math second semester write it in June. The superintendent was pleased at one specific improvement improvement in particular. "It's good to see the increase in the academic (results)," Mr. Mackle said. . See ACADEMIC page A10 Girls just love to dance Two Courtice teens have championship moves Hug a porcupine today Anti-bullying message theme of play BY DANIELLE MILLEY Staff Writer BOWMANVILLE - Using colourful characters and catchy songs, the Rarnbow Man Theatre Company taught local elementary children a valuable lesson. The musical 'How to Hug a Porcupine' was performed for more than 1,000 local elementary elementary students recently at Bow- manville High School. The children's show carries with it an anti-bullying message message and teaches children that just because someone is different different doesn't mean they should be treated badly or feared. Using a forest setting, the audience is introduced to Bullfrog Bullfrog (played by Abe Drennan), Porcupine (Jessica Edgar), Mr. Rainbow (Dave Drennan), Monarch (May Wilkinson) and Great Blue Heron (Kevin Thomas). Bullfrog is overconfident and a bully. He calls Porcupine a "walking pin cushion" and tells her to leave the forest. But, Bullfrog is a character difficult to dislike. He is funny and full of energy, bounding around the stage and even venturing venturing into the audience. The children in the audience laugh at his wacky behaviour. Monarch, the beautiful butterfly butterfly is timid and although she doesn't call Porcupine names, she does hide from her the first time she encounters the big brown creature. See STUDENTS page A11 BY DANIELLE MILLEY Staff Writer DURHAM - Sophia Oliveira-Lenson has been danc-' ing almost as long as she's been walking. The 13-year-old Courtice resident's years of hard work paid off in a big way the weekend weekend of Nov. 15 and 16 when she look first place in a invitation- only dance competition. Sophia danced away with the See DANCING page A10 INDEX Editorial Page A4 Sports B1 Classified B6 GIVE US A CALL General Walter Passarella/ Statesman Abe Drennan plays the bully, Bullfrog, in 'How to hug a porcupine,' performed at Bowmanville High School. photo 905-579-4400 Distribution 905-579-4407 Meet the rookie trustee and councillor General FAX 905-579-2238 Newsroom FAX ..... 905-579-1809 durhamregion.com W-x •SERVICE ONTARIO'S DRIVE CLEAN • PARTS MON., WED., FRI. 7:30 am - 6:00 pm TUES. & THURS. 7:30 am - 8 pm SAT. 9 am - 4 pm ACCREDITED TEST & REPAIR FACILITY o A it ul lii iul min k of lliu I'rmlmv uf Onliiriii used mulvv llvvnvv. Whitby - Oshawa 1110 DUNDAS. ST. E. WHITBY, I.CK'Al. tOIIS) 666-1772 ï-ioivDM. www.honda1.com Cathy Abraham Adrian Foster Ron Pietroniro/ Statesman photo Jason Liebregts/ Statesman photo Roads. New Chews. CHEVROLET Oldsmobile BODY & PAINT SHOP Chev Olds & IIWY. *2 d / mffii k / noY "> (V. 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