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sKOrono Weekly Times, Wednesday, March 26,2003 - From Around Home by Roy Forrester This past week has gone rather quickly with a considerable considerable number of activities in the outdoors. It all started with a half-day trip east to Presquile Park with Don Lycett. We felt it was time for the ducks to have made their annual appearance in abundance. The weather could not have been better--a nice bright, sunny afternoon. Indeed, there were thousands thousands of ducks present but they were out in the lake in front of the bay and comprised almost entirely of diving ducks of which the Goldeney e, Bufflehead and Scaup were the easiest to identify. 5 The distance distance was just a little bit too faraway. Our problem was the water in the bay was totally frozen over. It is in this section that i birders have a much better opportunity to make identifications. identifications. It is also here along the western shore of the bay that the puddle-ducks mix with the diving ducks making for an interesting outing. It was just not to be--and likely all due to the cold, cold winter we just survived. The ice apparently is a lot thicker this year due to recent, winter conditions. We noted that the Friends of Presquile had advertised their annual duck viewing event for the day prior to our visit. Possibly we will try it again but will phone first. Upon our return from Presquile, we viewed some of creek water flows ending up at the Orono Mill pond where the new water weir was proving to be well engineered and operat ing most efficiently. A greater flow of water can go through the tunnel with little effect of possible flooding. Attended a bush-hike organized by Murray Yeo on Saturday and while in the Yeo bush--Mrs. Yeo pointed out a green Hepatica leaf pushing through a layer of leaves and also a White Trillium leaf. Both wildflowers were on a small bank facing to the south. No doubt feeling the warmth of the sun giving new life to these two flowers. Had a phone call from Kevin Crawford of ,'New- tonville who has had a Robin pecking at one of his windows. I've heard of other such happenings but to protect my credibility, thought this was a good one for Bill Bunting and Don Lycett at the morning coffee coffee break. The answer came quickly. The bird sees its own image in the window and thinks it's another Robin entering his exclusive territory and is attempting to drive it off. It is ever so--be it birds, dogs or people. One more note for the week. The Clarington Concert Band is playing this Sunday at St. Paul's United Church in Bowmanville commencing at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8. Students and seniors are $6. The program has a little of everything with selections from "Lord of the Rings, The Lion King, Serenata, Ballet Parisian," etc. etc. For my choice it is one of the most interesting programs the band has presented. Have a good week. Fred DeVries proprietor • FREE ESTIMATES • COMPETITIVE RATES • • INSURANCE CLAIMS • FRED'S AUTOBODY (905) 623-6353 163 Baseline Road, Unit 1 Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 314 Complete Collision Repair, Restoration and Refinishing Jlv:' T IS -i sru; NEWCASTLE FUNERAL HOME Family owned and operated by Carl Good, Funeral'Director, and Joyce Kufta 386 Mill St, S., Newcastle 987-3964 www.newcastlcfuneralhomc.com "Caring for our Community" New bike brings great joy By Laura Williamson Easter Seals has given a local four-year-old boy the chance to ride like the wind. Keith Qualtrough is a four- year-old boy who suffers from Cerebral Palsy (C.P.), a paralysis paralysis that is caused by the lack of oxygen to a child's brain during or before birth. However, because C.P. has affected him in all four limbs, it is impossible for him to ride a normal bike. As Keith's mom Heather Qualtrough had said in an interview with the Orono Weekly Times "With this new bike, he is now able to experience all the same joys as any other child would get from riding their bike." Keith is absolutely thrilled to receive this new bike said his mother. He should finally be able to ride it now that the weather is changing. Heather also told us "He has ridden many laps around our living room." Keith's two brothers Billy and Gus are really looking forward to riding outside with him soon. This wonderfully adapted bike (actually trike) includes a trunk support with lap and chest belts, footplates to secure his feet to the pedals, and a detachable handle for a helper to hold, to help him Steer until . he can steer for himself with confidence. Easter Seals paid for this bike. Bill and Heather Qualtrough payed $100 towards the $2,349.00 cost of the bike. Heather said "For any of my other kids, I would pay about $100 for a bike for them, so that is how much we put forward for it. You aren't required to pay any money, but we chose to." The Qualtroughs would love to thank Easter Seals and anyone who donates to them. If anyone is still interested in donating money to Easter Seals, they can do so either online at www.easterseals.org or by calling 1-800-668-6252. "I'm not trying to push any one to donate to Easter Seals at all." Heather said. "My message is really that we want to thank people for making a difference in the quality of my sons life, and ours as well." Heather noted that we're sure we will all see Keith's excited face at one time or another, cruising around Orono with his brothers, on their bikes. Easter Seals has given a local youngster, Keith Qualtrough the chance to put the pedal to the metal for his very first time. Submitted photo w uumwuummuuuuiiniiunc-mnnnnnuuncjTnsnnnnnnnnn ^ :;5| Nifty, Nifty l/y If you see Pamela on March 28th, say... "Happy 50th r / nvp ? (il'ïïïiWïïTrnuTHi-Ti :, .riJ-i;! r ~ Happenings - Saturday. March 29th - 7 p.m. The Blacklight Puppeteers will be performing "Noah's Ark" at Orono United Church Main Hall (sponsored by Kirby Church). A great family night out for all ages. Adults $6; Students $5; Pre-schoolers Free; Family Pass $20; Vibrant music, colours, and puppets. Saturday. March 29th Reg Elliott Annual Euchre Tournament at Kendal Orange Hall 1:00 p.m. Registration 12:30 p.m. $10 per team. Cash prizes. Friday. April 4 and Saturday. April 5th Art Exhibition: Dick Morton - Oils & Don Staples - Watercolours at Orono United Church 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. April 8-8 p.m. The Wreck of the H.M.S. Speedy -presented by the Newcastle Village and District Historical Society at St George's Anglican Church, Newcastle. Guest speaker - Ed Burtt, a shipwreck finder and historian from Belleville. Call Myno Van Dyke 905-987-5482 lor more info. Saturday. April 12 Vendor's Day Sale - Ncwtonville Community Hall from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Numerous ^venders participating. ^ J