www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday August 26, 2006 - 7 Ensuring Oakville's ancestors rest in peace By Howard Mozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF While the Town of Oakville's ongoing grave monument restoration program is part hard work, part science, it's all about preserving safety, dignity and history. According to Supervisor of Cemetery Services, Parks and Open Space, Heather Turenne, this effort is more than simply a legal obligation to carry out, but a privilege. "Recognizing our dedication and commitment to provide a dignified resting place for loved ones within our cemeteries, as well as our legislated obligations, the Town of Oakville, Cemetery Section, has undertaken the task to begin the restoration of monuments within our `pioneer cemeteries,'" she said. The Town currently operates and maintains seven pioneer cemeteries (where there are no interment rights - graves - for sale), including Munn's, Merton, Wedgewood, St. Jude's, Oakville/St. Mary's, Bronte and Palermo. As the cemeteries' owner, the Town is also mandated by The Cemeteries Act to assume responsibility for all markers in its cemeteries. To that end, the municipality has embarked on its comprehensive restoration program. "This will be a lengthy process that will be implemented over the next number of years in order to ensure that the monuments are safe," said Turenne. Most recently, cemetery staff had to lay flat 23 upright headstones in the older section of St. Jude's Cemetery because they were leaning at unsafe angles. The reason was their foundations some of which were embedded only two feet or so had heaved as a result of temperature changes within the ground. Many of these stones were installed at a time when St. Jude's congregation members did the work, which did not meet modern standards. (The oldest grave in St. Jude's - acquired by the Town in 1979 - dates to 1811.) For example, Turenne explained, the newly poured foundations, or concrete bases, are at least four feet deep, well below the frost level. The first step in the process is simply to identify which monuments require restoration through a visual inspection and by using a resistance meter. Next, a loader is employed to gingerly lift the heavy, mainly granite stones off their bases and move them to one side. The old foundation is removed then a four-foot hole is dug. Concrete, mixed onsite, is poured (a four-inch deep form creates the visible aboveground portion) then the marker is placed back and sealed. Jim Hill, of Guelph-based Newman's Monument Restoration and Repairs said it's been his experience that most older markers LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER MONUMENTAL WORK: Carry Newton of Newman's Monument Restoration and Repairs pours concrete into a gravestone site as part of the restoration work being done at St Jude's Cemetery. Pud By Steve Nease snease@haltonsearch.com See Monumental page 14 Home is in the heart of the Erin Mills Town Centre for Sandra and Rosa NRG welcomes back Sandra Valente after brief stint in downtown Oakville's Salon Monzer, Rosa Lages joins the staff at L'Attitudes True enthusiasm for their art, caring service for their clients and superior expertise in their field are just some of the many attributes that Sandra Valente and Rosa Lages have been able to share with their new and longtime clients alike. After a brief stint at downtown Oakville's Salon Monzer, both stylists are returning to their old stomping ground which is closer to home Erin Mills Town Centre in west Mississauga (Eglinton & Erin Mills Parkway). Sandra's stylistic talent will grace NRG, one of Mississauga's top salons, while Rosa will join the staff of the prestigious L 'Attitudes, located nearby. Sandra and Rosa share a rich history in their trade. Having applied her craft in salons from Miami to New York and from France to England, Sandra feels the decision to return to NRG will be greeted with enthusiasm from her longtime clientele. "NRG is home to me. It's an environment that is comfortable and engaging but also on the cutting edge in the industry. Everything from the staff to the treatments exhibits a level of quality and professionalism that I know my clients appreciate. They are friends and help to make everyday into a special experience for me." Rosa's move to L 'Attitudes represents a new chapter in her long and distinguished career. Born in France, she began working with hair at just 17 years of age. Arriving in Canada at the age of 20, Rosa has dedicated much of her professional life to shaping and styling hair to reflect the ideals and identities of her varied and diverse client base, specializing in `updo's', the stylish lifting and sweeping of hair for special events and occasions. Rosa operated her own exclusive studio for 16 years before deciding to go into semi-retirement. "I love this business far too much to ever walk away," Rosa explains. Their positive approach is echoed in their philosophy towards their work. "Life should be about simplicity. Be natural, effortless and chic. If you know how to be simple with your hair, and with your personal style, you'll have the confidence to do anything you set your mind to." Sandra and Rosa have enjoyed the beauty of downtown Oakville and thank the Oakville community and Salon Monzer for their support. Visit Sandra Valente today at NRG in the Erin Mills Town Centre (5100 Erin Mills Parkway) or book your appointment by calling (905) 608-1480. Rosa Lages can be reached at L 'Attitudes in the same mall, and appointments can be booked by calling (905) 569-3550. They look forward to seeing you soon and assisting in all of your styling and makeover needs. Sandra Valente Erin Mills Town Centre 5100 Erin Mills Pkwy Mississauga, Ontario L5M 4Z5 Rosa Lages Erin Mills Town Centre 5100 Erin Mills Pkwy Mississauga, Ontario L5M 4Z5 NRG L'Attitudes 905-608-1480 905-569-3550