durhamregion.com 4 The Citizen September 18, 2014 Tim Whittaker - Publisher Joanne Burghardt - Editor-in-Chief Mike Johnston - Managing Editor Fred Eismont - Director of Advertising Eddie Kolodziejcak - Classified Advertising Manager Abe Fakhourie - Distribution Manager Lillian Hook - Office Manager Cheryl Haines - Composing Manager PH 905-579-4400 CLASSIFIEDS 905-576-9335 GENERAL FAX 905-576-9335 NEWS FAX 905-579-1809 865 Farewell St., Oshawa ON L1H 7L5 Member: Ontario Press Council, OCNA, CCNA, SNA. All content copyright A Metroland Media Group Ltd. Publication thecitizen Back to school: let the lessons begin This is always a great time of year to rekindle one's love of learning. History always held a certain fascination for me. I have no trouble envisioning a different time and way of life. An era of days gone by when merchants and farmers, the business owners of the day, would congregate around the hitching post to discuss issues of great importance. The Brooklin area began to develop in the early 1820s. True growth followed once the flour mill on the Lynde Creek, potentially the first business in town, was built by the Campbell brothers in 1840. Housing developments began to arrive in the late 1950s with the original Meadowcrest neighbourhood, still commonly referred to as "the subdivision." In the midst of all this development stands the business area, which continues to be the heart of the community. Businesses have expanded over the years; residential growth and advanced technology have paved the way for innovative and creative business options and solutions. The downtown core continues to develop with shops and restaurants; and home-based businesses have increased exponentially. A small business owner once said the key to their success was relevance -- embracing change to grow and prosper. Taking a page from their book, the Whitby Chamber of Commerce continues to learn and grow from members to deliver an enhanced member experience. To ensure relevancy, Brooklin businesses are invited to attend a roundtable on Monday, Sept. 22 at the Brooklin Community Centre and Library. The Chamber hopes to gain further insight into the challenges facing Brooklin businesses and determine how to best support a thriving business community. Roundtable outcomes will help frame a longer term strategy to cultivate growth and prosperity in Brooklin, Whitby and across Durham Region. Further information can be found at www.whitbychamber.org. We are lucky enough to learn from our history; more importantly, we have an opportunity to make it. -- Tracy Hanson is CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and a Brooklin resident TRACY HAnson Business It's harvest time in Brooklin BROOKLIN -- The annual Harvest Festival brought out the crowds on Sept. 13, despite the rainy weather. Above, Brandt Maas got his face painted by Diana Hamilton. At left, dancers from the Pride of Stewart Highland Dancers kicked up their heels. Below, Helen Labine looked over Michelle MacLean's produce from the harvest. For more than a decade, Grass Park, in downtown Brooklin, has been the home to the festival, which brings together community groups, businesses and residents, to showcase what the local community has to offer. The festival is put on by Group 74 and the Town of Whitby. Jason Liebregts / MetroLand