10 Friday, August 3, 2018brooklintowncrier.com Central Lake Ontario Conservation (CLOCA) has launched its Conservation Lands Master Plan community engagement plan, "It's My Nature," for the summer and would like to hear from users of all ages, what they love and love a little less about local conservation areas. To deliver on this goal, the Conservation Lands Master Plan will incorporate the findings of an internal program review, and municipal and visitor needs assessments. And that is where the public comes into the fold. For those 18 years and older, CLOCA is offering an online survey at www.cloca.com to have their say and provide some insight into user needs that inspire positive change. For those who complete the survey we will be conducting a draw for five free conservation area parking passes, valued at $75 each. Youth Art Competition If you are between the ages of 6 and 17, then grab your paints, brushes, crayons, coloured pencils, paper, glue and glitter for the "It's My Nature" Art Competition. Young artists are asked to think about ways they can illustrate the theme, "It's My Nature" by creating a piece of art that not only presents issues and challenges facing our conservation areas, but also communicates a message that inspires others to act. CLOCA In partnership with the Whitby Station Gallery, Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington are providing some great prizes and will collaborate on the judging of each of the award categories. Submissions will be featured in CLOCA's Conservation Lands Management Plan programs and communication products. For more details and to complete an entry form, check out our website at www.cloca.com. Conservation Youth Art Competition Opens Community Calendar Fri., Aug. 24: 4:00 - 5:00 pm (4th Friday of each month) Teen Leadership Council at Brooklin Library Whitby Library's Brooklin Branch seeks Teen Leadership Council members to share ideas & assist with special events and programs. Grade 9-12 students earn community service hours. Snacks provided. No registration required. For information, email teenservices@whitbylibrary.ca. French Family Storytime: Children and their caregivers can join Madame Sue for weekly French Family Storytime! A half hour of French stories and songs, with a dash of English! Drop in at Central Library's Children's Program Room Tuesdays: 7:25 pm: Brooklin Toastmasters Club Practice public speaking at Brooklin Community Centre & Library. Contact John Johnstone at jajhj@sympatico.ca or phone 905-683-4439 or Patricia Romano at promano257@outlook.com or phone 905-626-7055. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays Community Care Durham (CCD) Basic Foot Care at St. Thomas' Anglican Church. 905-668-6779 Mon.-Fri. CCD delivers hot or frozen meals. To order: Karen Andrews 905-668-6779 If you have a community not-for-profit event you would like included in the calendar, please email it to editorofBTC@gmail.com with the subject line "calendar." Priority will be given to Brooklin events. Some editing may occur. Region Appoints New Commissioner of Finance Durham Regional Council has confirmed the appointment of Nancy Taylor to the position of Commissioner of Finance/Treasurer for The Regional Municipality of Durham. "We are pleased to appoint Nancy Taylor to this strategic senior position; responsible for the Region's financial management and overall fiscal accountability," said Garry Cubitt, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). "Nancy Taylor has dedicated the last 25 years to providing service to the community through her work with the Municipality of Clarington, and as their Director of Finance and Treasurer since 2001. She will help to ensure our financial initiatives continue to be progressive, represent best practices, and align with our corporate strategic plan and values." Community involvement In addition to her contributions to the Municipality of Clarington, Taylor has provided her technical expertise to several associations. She has been the Chair of the Durham Municipal Insurance Pool for the last 14 years. In 2017, she was President of the Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario and in 2018 remains as Past President. Taylor's financial acumen is complemented by her Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from Brock University and CA designation. "Durham Region has a long-standing reputation for fiscal responsibility and integrity--the result of a robust and accountable framework," said Nancy Taylor, Commissioner of Finance. "It is important that our policies and practices continue to reflect the appropriate management of Regional tax dollars. I look forward to modelling and championing the Region's values, while focusing on the needs of our various stakeholders." Leads divisions The Commissioner of Finance establishes strategic plans and provides effective leadership for the Finance Department's four main divisions: Financial Services; Financial Planning and Purchasing; Business Planning, Budgets and Risk Management; Internal Audit and Administration. As chief financial officer for the Region, Durham Region Transit and the Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation, Taylor is responsible for a robust and accountable framework--one that ensures a financially sustainable corporation. She will also ensure the safekeeping of all Regional assets and long- term financial obligations, while providing sound and timely advice--to Durham Regional Council and the CAO--related to financial management and fiscal responsibility. To learn more about the Finance Department, please visit durham.ca.