22 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 10, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Fair shone light on solar power Solar panels, solar water heaters, and more were on display last Saturday at Halton's first Solar Fair, held at the Halton Regional Centre. About 200 people attended the fair, organized by the Halton Environmental Network. The event was part of a series of meetings for the Halton Residential Solar Project (HRSP), a project which is facilitating the installation of solar systems on homes throughout Halton. The Solar Fair included vendors of solar electricity (PV) systems, solar thermal (hot water) systems, and also home energy advisors. Grants for homeowners are currently available from NRCan's ecoENERGY program, for solar thermal retrofits done in conjunction with a qualified home energy audit. Guest speaker Ken Traynor, coordinator of the West Toronto Initiative for Solar Energy (WISE), emphasized the value of investing in solar energy technology at this point in time. "With rising energy prices and solar vendors introducing some enticing long-term funding options, the technology is becoming accessible to the average homeowner," said Traynor. In the WISE project, solar systems were installed at 86 homes in Toronto in 2007 reportedly operating very successfully, even during last year's snowy winter. "It's great to see so many people interested in doing something about climate change," said Lisa Seiler, Project Coordinator for the HRSP. "Solar systems help homeowners reduce their use of nonrenewable energy sources. We're here to help people take those concrete steps to change their energy source and hopefully reduce their energy use." Funding for the event was provided by Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program. The Halton Residential Solar Project continues to the end of 2009. For more information, visit RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER http://halton.ourpower.ca, or call SOLAR FAIR: Six-year-old Christina Bethune looks at the long solar heating 905-827-5989. tubes from Goldwater Solar Services as company CEO Aaron Goldwater looks on. LIMITED SEATS BOOK NOW! New B W DATE loc ! Just R k of Ticket elease s d! h 4 tu a l n An NE Region needs parents for on-line survey Calling all parents -- your feedback is needed. In an effort to better assess how parents utilize websites for parenting information and resources, Halton Region is asking parents and caregivers to complete a short online survey at www.halton.ca/parentingsuvrey. The Region is interested in the types of parenting topics and resources parents would like available online, as well as which formats parents find most useful when searching for parenting information. The survey takes about five minutes to complete, and those who participate will be entered into a draw to win one of four prizes, including passes to the movies and local conservation parks. Data collected will help the Region in the redesign of its parenting website. JOIN FOR A ONE-OF-A-KIND INTRODUCTION TO RETIREMENT! Mississauga Living Arts Centre Sunday, October 19, 2008 9:30am - 4:30pm reveryoungnews.com/retirement Healthy Aging You are too young to y g g: retire your body. Garry Lapenskie, Instructor in School of Kinesiology presents a humourous and engaging session on the aging process and the importance of keeping physically active. Eat Well For Life: How to make healthy eating a lifestyle, with a focus on foods that promote longevity and prevention. Madeline Greey, author and nutritional consultant will present essential nutritional information for mature bodies. Customizing Your Own Retirement g Plan: Developing a strategy that is right for you. Keynote speaker Gerald Bramm is a regular Forever Young Columnist and Senior Partner at consulting firm Gray Matters. Speaker Gary Lapenskie peaker Guest S Special ER GRETZKY! WALT EAR AT LAST with H y, g y , will discuss his experience in dealing with hearing loss and the importance of getting a hearing test. Speaker Madeline Greey Keynote y Gerald Bramm Get $5 OFF regular $20 admission! Quote promo code: FY101 Admission fee provides attendance to all the above seminars, program, on-site demonstrations and loot bag. Seating is limited so book today! BERTIN STABLES Fall and Winter Lessons and Christmas Camps Now Booking · Weekday Lessons 4/$107 or $35/Lesson · Saturday at Farm 10am-3pm $40 (Children 5-12 yrs.) For sponsorship and marketing opportunities, call (905) 815-0017 ext. 421 Sponsored by: *Agenda Subject to Change Partner: www.bertinstables.com (905) 827-4678www.bertinstables.com