www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 13, 2006 - 19 Big Sister is a new friend Young Natalie is happy to have a new friend that understands her, teaches her new things, and gives her the opportunity to change up her daily routine from time to time. This new friend is Angie Smith, Natalie's `Big Sister' who was introduced to her by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton. Big Brothers Big Sisters, a United Way of Oakville member agency, offers matching programs for boys and girls ages 6-14 who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation, low self-confidence or who may be lacking familial supports. It also provides Homework Helpers, In-school Mentoring, sexual abuse prevention, and camp and recreation programs. Angie enjoys spending time with Natalie, who is in Grade 3, at least once a week who works hard to support the family. Her mother often doesn't have the time or resources to do as many activities with her children as she'd like to, so that's where Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton comes in. "I like going shopping with Angie and [I like going] to other Big Sister things so I can see other kids my age and play sports and games with them," said Natalie. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton provides support to many children like Natalie and their families, but it is challenging making sure there are enough Big Brothers and Big Sisters to go around. There is still a significant demand for this service in the Halton area Natalie's two brothers are still on a waiting list for Big Brothers. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton is funded by individual and corporate donors, and United Way of Oakville. This year, United Way of Oakville's Community Impact Fund goal is $2.25 million. To learn more about how United Way builds community through its member agencies and other initiatives, call 905-845-5571 or visit www.uwoakville.org. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, please call 905- 339-2355 or visit them online at www.bbbshalton.ca. -- Submitted by the United Way of Oakville SALE CASH ONLY · DISCONTINUED MODELS AND COLOURS · SECONDS CLEARANCE for three hours. "I was new to the area and I wanted to look for a way to get involved in the community in a social capacity," said Smith. "Thankfully, I was matched up with Natalie. I take great pleasure in hopefully being able to bring some excitement to her life, and teach her many of the life lessons I have learned, while still letting her just be a kid." Natalie, like many children who are paired up with a Big Brother or Big Sister, comes from a one-parent household, with a mother BRAND NAMES KITCHEN & BATHROOM FAUCETS BATHROOM FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES FINAL SALES OTMH alumni reunion Oct. 15 Calling all OakvilleTrafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) Alumni for the annual OTMH Alumni Reunion scheduled to take place on Sunday, Oct. 15 between 2-4 p.m. at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. This annual gathering attracts more than 100 retirees and has become a tradition not to be missed. Retired OTMH staff and medical staff will be gathering at the hospital to renew acquaintances, share fond memories and learn about exciting developments at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Halton Healthcare Services since last year's get-together. If you, or someone you know, retired from OTMH after working at the hospital part-time or full-time for over five years then the committee would like to hear from you. The reunion will take place in the hospital's dining room from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. Call the Oakville Hospital Foundation at 905-338-4642 for additional information or to register for this popular event. SAT. OCTOBER 14th UNTIL SUN. OCTOBER 22nd 151 CARLINGVIEW DRIVE UNIT 11 REXDALE (AT REAR) 416-675-3434 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM If you care about your library, join the Oakville Public Library Board! Town Council will be seeking 9 qualified volunteers to serve for a four-year term of office on the Oakville Public Library Board, beginning in January 2007. Each Board member is required to contribute approximately 10 hours per month, including attendance at regular monthly meetings and other library-related events. Board member responsibilities include planning, advocacy, securing adequate resources, and reporting to governing officials and the general public. As per the Ontario Public Libraries Act, board members must be Canadian citizens, 18 years of age, and a resident of Oakville. Interested applicants are invited to attend the October meeting of the Oakville Public Library Board on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 7:30pm at the Central Branch Board Room, 120 Navy St. More information about the Oakville Public Library and its Board can be found at www.opl.on.ca/About.php. For further information feel free to contact Eleanor James, Library CEO and/or Trish Sousadias, Executive Assistant at 905-815-2029. European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" Applications must be received at the Town Clerk's Office by November 1, 2006. Applications can be filled in online or downloaded from www.oakville.ca/advisory.asp. Applications can also be obtained from the Town Clerk's Department in Town Hall. 905.849.0266