OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, September 9, 2009 · 8 Living Oakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Phone: 905-337-5560 Fax: 905-337-5571 e-mail: ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com Hartford won't let Parkinson's silence him H e once made his living communicating with people -- the media, the public, executives -- as the long-time spokesperson for Ford of Canada. Today, Oakville resident Jim Hartford, who began his career in television more than 40 years ago, has trouble communicating with his wife, five children and 12 grandchildren. "It's bitter irony," said Hartford, 71, ruefully, in a recent interview with The Oakville Beaver. Such are the ravages of Parkinson's -- a disease with which Hartford was diagnosed just two years ago. The disease that has also struck well-known actor Michael J. Fox, is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs motor skills, speech, and other functions. For Hartford, it has struck at his balance and his voice -- bitter irony for a man who made his living speaking and moved into retirement hoping to indulge his passion for golf. Today, rather than being on the links, Hartford attends support group meetings for those with Parkinson's, as well as physio at the YMCA of Oakville and speech therapy. "One time, as a joke, I spoke up and said, `You know, I wanted to say this when you were talking about that, 15 minutes ago.'" Jim Hartford, former Ford of Canada spokesperson "A couple of months ago I was unintelligible," admitted Hartford, relaxing in the yard with his wife of 51 years, Bernie, at their home. While he walks with a stoop, has lost significant weight, speaks differently and has difficulty moving about, Hartford still has a mischievous grin, quick wit, great sense of humour and remains philosophical. "I've buried five golfing buddies," he said, noting he may be slowed by the degenerative disease, but he's still enjoying life and his family. "Use it or lose it," he says about keeping active in hopes of slowing the progressive disease. He didn't retire his golf clubs willingly -- last year he signed up for golf lessons, which came to a crashing halt when he fell at the tee on the driving range and not only scored a bloody nose and cuts and bruises, but a pulled back muscle. As this summer wraps up, Hartford spoke to Jim Hartford the Beaver to bring awareness to the struggle of those with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and promote the upcoming 2009 SuperWalk for Parkinson's fundraiser to take place Sunday, Sept. 13 in Burlington. The walk involves residents from across Halton and has become the third largest walk in the Central Northern Ontario area. Last year, the local SuperWalk for Parkinson's raised $80,000 and organizers hope to repeat the success this year. The walk will take place at the Seniors Centre located on New Street -- Central Park from noon to 4 p.m. More details are available at www.superwalk.com. The event will occur over the weekend across 85 communities in Canada and is the largest fundraising event for Parkinson Society Canada. Hartford is doing his part with awareness as walking sometimes proves difficult. The Windsor native began his 40-plus year career in radio and television -- working as a news producer for CBC in Windsor -- and then moved, first to CBC in Toronto and then into corporate communications, first with a stint at John Labatt's and the last 20 years of his career with Ford. See Former page 22 Vision To be the most livable town in Canada September 21, 2009, 7 p.m. Town Hall, Council Chamber, 1225 Trafalgar Road Oakville Council and Mayor Rob Burton invite you to attend a meeting of Town Council to hear an update on Council's work to date and an overview of its plans for the year ahead, including opportunities and challenges that Oakville will be facing in future. The meeting will also be broadcast on Town TV at www.oakville.ca. Mayor's Oakville Status Report BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SAFETY It's back to school time and the Town of Oakville asks that drivers be extra careful and alert in school zones in the morning and again in the afternoon. With a new school year, children are excited and may not look both ways as they cross the street or board the bus. For information on becoming a Crossing Guard, visit www.oakville.ca or call 905-845-6601 ext. 3363 Please remember that safety comes first FALL C.O.R.E. WORKSHOP SERIES The Town of Oakville and Volunteer Halton present the fall C.O.R.E workshop series. concepts, services, or products is the new basis of leadership. Learn what it takes to develop a sustainable, inclusive culture in your organization, and how this may be just the unique "edge" you have been looking for! Upcoming Workshops Making the Connection! September 15, 2009, 1:30 4 p.m. Town Hall, Trafalgar Room Leadership has always been based on power, but in our knowledge-driven society, businesses are in competition for ideas and the power to innovate and promote new Visit www.oakville.ca/core.htm for more information.