Milton Villager Magazine
Volume 1, Issue 6 - March 2013 Community based magazine that focuses on local news and events www.MiltonVillager.com
15,000 copies of each issue are distributed in Milton - more than 14,000 by Canada Post, and 1000 to local businesses If you would like to advertise in Milton Villager Magazine email aaron@miltonvillager.com or call 416-993-6077 Publisher - Rick Di Lorenzo, rick@dilorenzo.com Photographers - Ann Kornuta, Denise Cooperwhite Reporters - Stuart Service, Laura Steiner, Anshul Sharma, Jenifer Sim, Tania MacWilliam and Elizabeth Kogan Cover Photo Mary-Anne Scaturchio-Selwa Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily that of the publisher and no liability is assumed for omissions or errors Follow us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/MiltonVillager
Celebrate Move More, Milton Month in March! Goal: 85,000 activity minutes community-wide
Join the active revolution! Get involved in Milton's third annual Move More, Milton month. Try something new on your own or with a group and challenge yourself to nd creative ways to be more active. Register and track your progress online at www.MoveMoreMilton.ca.
Free!
Move More, Milton! is a community-wide Work-it-out in March! campaign that encourages Milton residents and employees to be more active more often and as a result healthier!
Why Move More?
Include daily activity in your routine to: • Benet your overall health • Maximize your mood • Connect with your community • Have fun!
Celebrate Move More, Milton Month by trying a variety of group tness/aquat classes and cardio/ weight room workouts: • Work It Wednesdays: Milton Sports Centre • Free Fitness Fridays: Milton Leisure Centre For schedules, visit www.milton.ca or call 905-875-5393, ext. 2600.
2-for-1 Swim/Skate Coupon
Code: MMM13
Use this coupon for 2-for-1 admission when you bring a friend to drop-in swimming or skating at the Milton Sports Centre or Leisure Centre. Schedules are available at milton.ca.
www.MoveMoreMilton.ca
Valid March 1 - 31, 2013. Coupon has no cash value.
905-875-5393, ext. 2600
Aut ism
by Anshul Sharma | Photos by Ann Kornuta
T
ucked under the majestic beauty of the escarpment was a rabbit hole to a magical land. Inspired by the tale of Alice in Wonderland, Mary-Anne Scaturchio-Selwa organized a fund-raiser tea party to help raise awareness of autism and funds for organizations such as Autism Ontario and National Service Dogs for Autism. This is a cause dear to Mary-Anne’s heart as she has taught American Sign Language to a few autistic children in Milton. The community gathered in support on Jan. 27 at the Italian Canadian Club in Milton. Attendees joined the “Mad Hatter’s” table to share in a cup of steeped tea and a variety of treats. Some guests even adorned their hair with pins and fascinators in the spirit of the fairytale-inspired event. A silent auction and raffle contributed to fund-raising proceeds. Up for grabs were custom baskets filled with products from Epicure, photography packages, men’s grooming products, gift cards and certificates and artwork donated by local artists. They also made a dent in the process of someone obtaining a service dog, which we all know can be quite expensive. People like Mary-Anne are an inspiration to anyone looking to be more involved in his or her community. Donating your time to a cause close to your heart not only makes you feel great, but it also helps those in need. However,
you don’t need to host a fund-raiser to make a difference in someone’s life. Small gestures of kindness, such as holding a door open or wishing someone a good morning, could turn his or her day around. This is how our growing community can retain its small-town charm.
Mary-Anne felt the event was a success and hopes to continue raising much-needed funds and awareness. “The annual event went phenomenal,” she said. “A lot of awareness was raised and [there] will definitely be an event next year.”
Milton Villager
Mary-Anne Scaturchio-Selwa
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Fundraiser Tea Party for
By Stuart Service | Photos by Ann Kornuta
Milton audience slaughtered by three top
GTA comics Many people in the audience of about 180 people did their best to stay out of the sightline of Burlington comedian Ben Guyatt (www.benguyatt.com), who proved capable of eviscerating any heckler with his quick wit and decades of improv experience
M
ore than 180 people tread a fine line between fun and fear when improv virtuoso Ben Guyatt took the stage to MC the Milton Optimist Club’s Comedy Night on Feb. 9. With no prepared material, Guyatt, the producer and host of the nationally televised show Comedy at Club 54, went straight to the dignitaries in the crowd. He rooted out Milton Councillors Colin Best and Rick Di Lorenzo and Mayor Gord Krantz, who all made the mistake of standing up. “You don’t have to keep standing. You’re making me nervous. You could have a gun for Christ’s sake—it’s Milton after all,” Guyatt said. The squirming continued as Guyatt asked the mayor, “Tell me right now, in front of all these potential votes, who is the better councillor? Mr. Rogers (best) or the biker guy (Di Lorenzo)?” “Who was a better councillor?” Krantz replied. “Me.” “Mr. Slick,” Guyatt said. “You dodged the question: Which one of these guys . . . come on, be honest.” Fortunately for Krantz, the mayor was spared from answering the slippery question when Guyatt found a new target. “You won’t answer? The public will. You,” Guyatt pointed to a man in the front row. “I’m not from here,” the man replied. “Where are you from?”
“Waterdown.” “Waterdown? What the hell? You just in town for supplies?” Guyatt asked. “What do you think of electricity? Pretty neat, eh?” Joining Guyatt were seasoned veteran comics Paul McCallum from Guelph and David Tsonos from Toronto. When it came down to booking the opening acts for the Feb. 9 event, organizer Stephen Gardonyi put that responsibility in Guyatt’s hands. “For improv, I think Ben Guyatt is the best in Canada,” Gardonyi said. “The comedic talent (McCallum and Tsonos) also comes from Ben. I trust him—he’s got 30 years in the business.” Gardonyi, the immediate past president of the Milton Optimist Club, said many of his Optimist colleagues turned into pessimists when he put forward the idea of bringing a night of uncensored comedy to town. “Some of the members thought I was going to destroy our club if I do this event,” Gardonyi said. However, following the success of 2012’s inaugural Milton Comedy Night, Gardonyi is confident he’s created an event that will continue to be an annual tradition. “We wanted to do something different,” he said. “This is really far out there.” Money raised at the Optimist Club’s Comedy Night will go toward various youth projects and organizations, including Halton Food for Thought and The Deck Youth Centre in Milton.
Guelph comedian Paul McCallum (www.themuleholes.com) says he is living proof that riding the short bus sometimes ends well
Toronto comic David Tsonos (www.davidtsonos.com) said that Milton Mayor Gord Krantz would “have to do a lot to get in the news,” adding that even if Krantz were to declare that he’s setting his entire town on fire, it still wouldn’t be enough to bump Toronto Mayor Rob Ford off the front page
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Comedians Paul McCallum and David Tsonos
Milton District Hospital Foundation says
Thank you 6 | Milton Villager
Dave and Donna Geall hosts of the Annual Magical Lights of Milton By Laura Steiner | Photos by Ann Kornuta
I
n 2012, the town of Milton had raised $160,000 for the Milton District Hospital Foundation (MDHF). On Thursday, February 7, the MDHF showed their appreciation for the town’s efforts with a thank you presentation. Each group was invited up to the front of the room, presented with a certificate, and then invited to have their photo taken with Board Chair Brian Penman and Mayor Gord Krantz. The money was raised through third-party fund-raisers. “In other words, someone in the community has an idea, and they go forward with that idea. And direct the results of that idea (funds) to the hospital,” explained Penman to the audience. These events are all in addition to the MDHF’s own fund-raising events, such as the annual gala happening April 27, 2013. The recognition included individuals as well as groups. Groups represented included the Milton Old Stars, Milton Haunted House, La Rose Bakery, Muslim Association of Milton, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Canada and Ned Devines. Individuals who were acknowledged included the Scotiabank Game Changer Angelo Posteraro and a few Little Leaders, including Vivien Zujko. Little Leaders is a program that sees kids raising money for the hospital, either through fund-raising efforts, such as a lemonade
stand, or by simply donating their birthday money. “When you have a community that is like Milton, so in touch with this hospital, and there’s such a connection between your efforts, your heart, and this hospital, [and people contribute] $160,000—you have no idea what this means,” Penman told the audience. Among the other individuals recognized were Marg Saliba and Samantha Attew. They were the two women behind the hugely successful Black and White PJ Party. Held last November at the Teatro Conference Centre, the party raised $10,000 for the foundation. The evening included dinner, provided by Chef Horst, and games that cost participants either $1 or $2 each. It was also the source of some teasing from Brian Penman, as it was a women-only event. “I wasn’t invited, but I volunteered to do the photography,” he quipped. “I like to get things done, but I don’t like to get recognized, as is with most women,” Saliba said of the honour. She was joined for the photo by Teatro’s Director of Sales and Marketing Tiffany and Chef Horst. Scattered throughout the presentation were hints of future fund-raising efforts. In August 2011, Health Minister Deb Matthews announced the provincial government would okay the expansion. The expansion will see a new emergency room and an expanded maternity unit as well as room for up to 70 new beds.
Milton Villager
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Dave Del Papa and Joe Auger of Milton Oldsters Hockey Club
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Canada
Muslim Association of Milton
8 | Milton Villager
By Laura Steiner
MiltonGreen Drinks:
Chat about the environment in a casual atmosphere
T
he Green Drinks concept started with a couple of guys in the United Kingdom in 1990. They visited a North London pub and met with friends who shared their interest in the environment; they pushed some tables together and “Green Drinks” began. According to the official website (greendrinks.org), “The spirit of Green Drinks is that anyone can come.” The movement is now active in 571 cities worldwide, including Milton. The Milton “Green Drinks” event took place on February 20, 2013, at RAD Brothers. It was held in cooperation with the environmental groups PROTECT (Protect our Water and Environmental Resources) and the Halton Peel Biodiversity Network. This was the second event; the groups alternate between restaurants in Georgetown and Milton. “People who are interested in green issues come by and just chat. It’s a very casual atmosphere,” said Milton Green President Jim Steeves. For example, there are those concerned in Milton Heights with development planned for the area. “They were quite concerned over the condo tower they want to go right in the middle of the wetlands,” he added. The interview touched on power generation and where to get additional electricity. There was a wind turbine
demonstration a couple of years ago that resulted in quite a bit of discussion about placing a turbine on top of the Milton Sports Centre, but it never materialized. And it was one of the quieter wind turbines—“People only heard it when it started up.” Milton is also home to a solar power collective that lets people support solar power through investments. Steeves admitted that both technologies are in their infancies. “But they’re out there,” he said. Milton Green started six years ago in response to the idea of putting a waste-to-energy incinerator at the Halton Region Waste facility. The incinerator never materialized, but the group became active with several other initiatives, including in the areas of waste disposal and education. The education series has included sessions on urban sprawl featuring Councillors Zeeshan Hamid and Colin Best. “They came and addressed some of our concerns on that,” Steeves remarked. The education series is free to the public. Milton Green’s achievements have included a town-wide Green Cart Program and raising awareness of regional issues, such as water and roads. They are also active in waste management at town special events, such as Canada Day at the Fairgrounds. To learn more about Milton Green, please visit miltongreen.org. They use the twitter handle @ MiltonGreenON.
Easter events at Milton Mall help give back to the community
E
By Jenifer Sim
Milton Villager
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aster is early this year and the Easter Bunny will arrive at his home at Milton Mall on Saturday, March 9th and will be there until Saturday, March 30th. When the mall began doing Easter Bunny photos in 2010, the goal was to do more than just set up an area where parents could purchase photos of their children with the Easter Bunny. Instead, Milton Mall wanted to partner with a local organization to create something that was unique in appearance and could also benefit the community. Escarpment View Public School was a perfect fit as it had parents who were able to supply the mall with manpower to set-up and tear down the display and was also in need of funds for school supplies. The landscaping materials that were used at the set were donated to the school by the mall once Easter was over and the school then used them as silent auction items. This partnership continued in 2011 and 2012. Escarpment View Public School is on board again in 2013 and has brought a new partner in to provide the landscaping. Arbor Garden Centre and Nursery has generously agreed to provide the mall with landscaping for the set and Milton Mall will once again be making a donation to the school in appreciation of their assistance. With the landscaping end of things all taken care of, the mall decided to add another component to the Easter promotion and raise funds for another community partner. New this year is a gift with donation promotion that will run during all of the hours that the Easter Bunny is at the mall. Customers are encouraged to stop by the table next to the Eco-Easter set and make a $5 donation to the Oakville and Milton District Humane Society (OHMS). With every donation, they will receive an adorable plush bunny plus the chance to win a $500 gift card. The goal is to raise $2,000 for the OMHS. The gift with donation program is open to everyone, not just those coming out for Easter Bunny photos. “We are so excited to be part of the March Bunny event at The Milton Mall. We receive no government funding to investigate and prosecute animal abuse, cruelty and neglect, to care for sick and injured homeless animals and to find loving, forever homes for these orphan animals however long it takes. Without the support of our community partners like the Milton Mall we would not be able to change the lives of so many homeless animals in great need of our help!� explained Brenda Dushko, Manager, Fund Development and Communications at the Oakville Milton Humane Society. For a complete listing of the hours that the Easter Bunny will be at the mall, please visit www.miltonmall.com and click on Easter under Mall Events. For more information about the OMHS, please visit their site at www.omhs.ca.
EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS Saturday, March 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th ....... 11 am to 4 pm Sunday, March 10th, 17th & 24th .................. 12 noon to 4 pm Monday, March 11th - Friday, March 15th ... 10 am to 4 pm Thursday, March 28th ....................................... 5 to 8 pm Photo Packages starting at $10. Visit miltonmall.com and click on Easter Bunny under Mall Events for more details, and pricing. Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com
10 | Milton Villager
By Elizabeth Kogan, Photos by Denise Cooperwhite
Knox Presbyterian Celebration of Music
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t may have been a cold day on February 3, 2013, but inside Knox Presbyterian Church it was anything but. The Milton Villager sat down with Pastor Howard Sullivan to talk about the Knox Celebration of Music initiative. The story behind the initiative is deeply gripping and highly compelling. The year was 2010 and the church, built in 1890, was celebrating its 120th anniversary. The decision had been made to refurbish the building’s interior, what Pastor Sullivan described as “a sprucing up.” The original restoration plans included painting and new carpeting. As a prudent course of action, an engineering firm was hired to ensure that the building was structurally sound. The report from the engineering firm delivered grim news: The building was, in fact, structurally unsound. As Pastor Sullivan explained, it is no exaggeration to say that a small miracle had kept the roof ’s sanctuary intact. The doors to the church sanctuary were closed and remained that way for two years. During the ongoing restoration, which was made possible by a dedicated and committed group of people, the members of the church met in the basement of the church’s Christian education centre.
On June 22, 2012, the doors to the church were triumphantly reopened. Knox Presbyterian has decided to join with our community in joyful celebration to commemorate the reopening of the sanctuary. The festivities that took place on February 3, 2013, were a touching testament to the church members’ commitment to such an undertaking. The church welcomed the Milton Music Teachers’ Association and its diligent students, the Milton Youth Musicians, to its sanctuary with open arms. By providing a venue that is affordable, the church is able to encourage young people to pursue the arts and, hence, to keep faithful to the ministry’s priorities of sharing and collaboration. There will be a total of five concerts for the series, the first of which was held on February 3, 2013. Some of the proceeds from the first concert will be used to pay for the sanctuary’s restoration and also will be applied toward a scholarship fund for the students of the Milton Music Teachers’ Association. The church’s restoration fundraising committee, key leaders being Gail Tummon, Elaine Martin, Marsha Waldie, Marilyn Turner, Andra Jensen, Brian Chapman, Lise Simmons, Jennifer Williamson and Amber Bozek, have done tremendous work to make the church’s restoration dream into a vibrant reality.
Pastor Sullivan addressed the attentive audience at the start of the concert. His eloquent words about the sincere desire and goal of the congregation to restore the church’s sanctuary struck a chord as we could all plainly see that the sanctuary had been beautifully restored and was now, once again, a welcome beacon for the community. The Milton Music Teachers’ Association, which comprises Betty-Ann Burgoyne, Joyce Silverthorne, Victoria Kosnova, Jenny Vodarek, Kathy Graham, Judy Hunter, Caroline Arthur, Valeri Kosnov, Elaine Rusk, Chris Cracknell and Roxana Toews, and its students were welcomed, as were their precious gifts in music.
As the final chords of the piano sounded and the delightful concert concluded, Pastor Sullivan once again took the podium for his closing remarks. He reminded us of a simple yet powerful truth: Music is the language that crosses all barriers and transcends culture, race and religion. Only through music can we give and receive the gift of communicating through our hearts and also make the world a better and more beautiful place. In our town of Milton, we witnessed the collaboration of the church and the Milton Music Teachers’ Association sharing together toward their respective goals. To conclude the day’s event, the Milton Music Teachers’ Association, as well as the MC, were presented with stunning colourful flowers as a token of appreciation for an afternoon of musical hope and joy at Knox Presbyterian Church.
The event organizers-Elaine Martin, Marsha Waldie, Marilyn Turner, Andra Jensen, Gail Tummon and Pastor Howard Sullivan
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Pastor Howard Sullivan welcoming all guests and participants
Kasidy Xu-Vocal accompanied by Jenny Vodarek
Simran Singh
Rachel Lacroix and Colin Gillis on the piano
Milton Villager
The concert MC, Norma Luyben, then took to the podium and introduced the students. One-by-one, the young artists glided effortlessly to the podium and, with serious faces set in deep concentration, performed their musical craft with pride and confidence. Like a “well-oiled machine,” Luyben aptly remarked, and the audience laughed politely. We could feel the beauty of their innocence and hope expressed through sweet singing voices, the piano, the saxophone, the guitar and the violin. Marvelous renditions of classical and modern composers and pop music filled the air. There is nothing more poignant and touching than young people joining together and bringing their talents to life. Although it was a grey day outside, we could see glimmers of sunlight coming through the stained glass windows of the church, making the sanctuary appear even more radiant.
It Takes a Village 12 | Milton Villager
Community raises mental health awareness
by Tania MacWilliam
O
ne in five Canadians is diagnosed with mental illness, which makes it more common than cancer and diabetes. Many more cases of mental illness go undiagnosed because of the fear of judgment and rejection.
Sometimes sufferers of mental illness resort to suicide. This was the heartbreaking circumstance surrounding the recent suicide of 16-year-old Amber Regis, a local teen who struggled with depression. Terri Naccarato, a friend of the family, organized an afternoon dessert soirée fund-raiser at the Teatro Conference and Event Centre on Feb. 3 to help Amber’s grieving family rebuild their lives after their tragic loss.
Saddened by local suicides over the years and having been impacted by family and friend’s depression, Terri felt compelled to do something to address the major issues leading to suicide. “I had to do something,” she said. “This cannot be the only answer for a teen when they are struggling. We need to bring awareness to this horrible illness and bring the community together.”
The event, titled In Celebration of Amber’s Life: Bringing
Awareness to Teen Depression/Suicide, featured a number of speakers who shared information about mental health and resources for Halton residents coping with mental illness. Terri rallied local talent and business owners to donate time, talent, services and prizes for a silent auction, raffle and door prizes.
Among those who donated their talents were magician/ illusionist Tyler Fergus and teen singers Dylan D’Alessandro, Gavin McLeod and Lateisha Justino. Aestheticians from Allegra Organic Spa & Boutique were on-site, offering manicures to attendees between speakers and performances. The goal of the event was to educate the community about depression and mental illness and to help remove the stigma that so often prevents people from seeking help.
“People are afraid to talk about [mental illness] because they feel that they are going to be stigmatized,” Tammy Whelen, a mental health educator with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), shared at the event. “They don’t want people at their job to know that they might deal with depression or schizophrenia because maybe they’ll get
“Many people are frightened by what they don’t understand. The more we understand mental illness, the less likely we are to stigmatize sufferers,” Tammy said. “Who’s to say that someone who’s diagnosed with a mental illness, like depression, or schizophrenia, or bipolar, or anxiety disorder, cannot live a mentally healthy life?” she said. They can, she adds, by access community resources. One of the things mental health professionals say we must understand is that mental illness is complicated. There is no one cause. “Mental illness is the result of a complex interplay of genetics, biology, personality and environmental factors,” Wendy Caron, a social worker with Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services, explained to listeners. “And 49 percent of people with mental illness do not seek treatment.” Wendy’s sister suffered from anxiety and depression and ultimately took her own life. She believes that the more we talk about it, the more likely people are to reach out for help and find an alternative to suicide. There was a time when breast cancer was just a whisper on people’s lips. Now we wear pink ribbons and buy pink appliances and run for the cure every October, Wendy says. The same attention must be given to mental illness. “We need not whisper when we say, ‘I have mental illness. I have depression,’” she said. Becky, a teen facilitator with Lighthouse, a peer support program for grieving children, youth and their families, shared the story of her own sister’s battle with depression and why it’s so hard to understand mental illness. “It’s not like cancer or tuberculosis or any other kind of physical disease because it’s something you can’t see,” she shared. “She really pushed through and she really tried. And for three years she really gave it her all, but in the end, she took her life when she was 17 years old.”
“I think that the people who organized this today are just so great for doing this kind of thing in memory of Amber,” Becky said. “I really wish something like this happened in Oakville, where I’m from, because I know what I needed when [my sister] died was just a sense of community, caring, well-being. Just knowing that there were lots of people who were going to listen to me and understand and care.” But how do we begin to support those who experience such painful losses, especially children who have lost siblings, parents and other loved ones? The answer is by helping them seek programs that will connect them with peers who are going through the same thing.
Melissa Hedman-Baker, clinical director of Lighthouse, says that it’s very common for grieving children to feel like nobody understands them, especially with their peers at school. “At the Lighthouse, they are amongst others who understand what it’s like,” she shared. “Even if the circumstances surrounding the death are different.” As the speeches came to a close, handmade bookmarks were passed out by some teens from one of the programs run by Woodview.
“Each of these bookmarks have an individual message of hope from a kid that knows what it’s like to be depressed to another kid somewhere who may be struggling,” Wendy shared. Wendy directed her final words to the supporters of the Regis family:
“How does someone move on from this kind of loss?” she began. “With the support of friends and family and community. Your cards, your visits, your casseroles, your ongoing support is what’s going to help this family come out of their darkness.” The event was well received by attendees who engaged with speakers, requesting more information on how to best support teens in their community. “The only thing missing was more people,” said Hunter Foster, a local teen who attended the event.
“I learned a lot, and I wish there were more teens and youth there,” he said.
Not only was the event intended to educate the community, but to be a show of support for the Regis family. While
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She says we have to look in the mirror and realize the problem starts with us. We’re stigmatizing people when we label them.
The reality is that people do commit suicide. And as much as people are uncomfortable talking about mental illness, they are also uncomfortable talking about suicide.
Milton Villager
fired. Maybe their coworkers will bully them. Maybe their wife will leave them. These are all things that cross people’s mind. And it shouldn’t be that way.”
many people were not able to attend, they showed support in other ways, and these gestures let the family know they are not alone.
“The community support is overwhelming,” Tara Regis, Amber’s mother, said. “We are so grateful for the love, prayers, words, gifts and events that our family, friends and community have blessed us with. Honestly, there are no words strong enough to share our appreciation. Thank you just does not do it justice.” Despite the Regis family’s tragic loss, they are able to reflect positively on Amber’s life and are proud of the person she was.
“Even in death we feel that Amber has brought amazing people into our lives that we may never have had the chance to meet otherwise,” Tara said.
14 | Milton Villager
She hopes that the event in Amber’s name will bring greater awareness to the issue of teen depression and promote open dialogue and trust between parents and their kids. “We are hoping to be able to work with the community in the future to share Amber’s life and establish further supports for teens in the community who may be struggling with similar issues,” she said.
Loved ones described Amber as compassionate, intelligent and athletic. She went above and beyond to help her friends through tough times and brought a smile to the face of everyone she touched. “She was a supportive friend, a fun-loving and protective big sister and an amazingly strong daughter who made us proud,” Tara said.
Here is some information from the CMHA about mental illness: Fast Facts: Mental Illness • Mental illnesses are chronic diseases, but the symptoms are not always active. With support and treatment, the disease can go into remission. • The first step in treatment is a proper assessment. After diagnosis is made, a team of mental health professionals can provide a combination of medication, counselling, support and training. • Family involvement in treatment and community support is important for the full recovery of those with mental health issues. Fast Facts: Suicide • Suicide is about escape, not death. • Most people who consider suicide are not determined to die. They are undecided, so they may take risks and leave it to someone else to save them. • Warning signs are a way of asking for help. They can be very subtle or very obvious. Some of the signs include the following: • sudden change in behaviour, for better or worse • withdrawal from friends or activities
• increased use of alcohol or drugs • mood swings, emotional outbursts, high level of irritability or aggression • conflicting feelings or a sense of shame about being gay or straight • feelings of hopelessness • preoccupation with death • giving away valued possessions • talking, writing or drawing about suicide Please remember that there is no all-encompassing list of warning signs. The main idea is to watch for out-of-character behaviour and sudden shifts in attitude or actions. What you can do • You can’t stop someone from committing suicide—only they can. • You can help them reconsider and seek other solutions. • Listen and take them seriously. Don’t judge. • You may be asked to keep these thoughts or plans secret. Don’t. • Talking openly about suicide does not increase the risk. • Help them see positive things about the future. • Help them seek resources. • Understand you can’t solve their problems, but your sympathy and support can help. Resources There are many local resources to help you or a loved one suffering through depression and mental illness. Please keep this page handy in case of future need. Support groups Equilibrium Peer support group for suffers of depression or bipolar disorder Located in Georgetown and Oakville More information and monthly meeting schedule can be found at www.equilibrium-oakville.com Lighthouse Peer support groups for grieving children, teenagers and their caregivers Located in Oakville More information can be found at www.grievingchildrenlighthouse.org Crisis lines COAST Crisis Outreach and Support Team Available 24/7 for those with mental health concerns who are 16 or older 1-877-825-9011 or for life-threatening emergencies, call 911 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Emergency Shelter Safe Beds Program Short-term support program, available 24/7, for ages 16 and up who are experiencing a mental health crisis 905-849-8443 Halton Women’s Place Milton and Burlington Intake: 905-332-1200 For an extensive list of mental health resources in Halton, please visit www.cmhahrb.ca/Resources.html
Rotary Club and Tim Hortons team
up for charity gala
T
he Milton Rotary Club and Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation are teaming up to send children to camp through a Casablancathemed, Moroccan-inspired dinner gala on March 23.
Carlanna and Diego Sdao, two former teachers who became Milton Tim Hortons operators more than 20 years ago, are always looking for the right candidates to send to camp.
The 7:00 p.m. dinner at Piper’s Heath Golf Club will feature many young speakers sharing stories of how their lives have been enhanced through Camp Day experiences.
“We both come from teaching backgrounds,” Carlanna said. “We know what the need is in our town and that’s what we do it for.”
Camp Day is an annual charitable Tim Hortons’tradition that takes place every June when every franchise in Canada donates 24 hours of all coffee sales to send two kids to camp on behalf of each coffee shop location.
The Sdaos take Camp Day a step further by galvanizing their workforce through various reward competitions. Their employees are put into groups and incentivized based on which team and which store brings in the most cash for Camp Day.
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The Milton Rotary Club’s Community Service Director Jan Mowbray and local Tim Hortons franchisees Carlanna and Diego Sdao are preparing to host a Casablanca-themed gala on March 23. Tickets are available for purchase online at www. miltonrotaryclub.com. Proceeds raised at the gala, which is taking place at Piper’s Heath Golf Club, will go to the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and Milton Rotary projects. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
“When you motivate your staff that way, they’ll go crazy,” Carlanna said, adding that each store is competing for many prizes, including the much-coveted day off with pay. “I do this every year because we both strongly believe in the foundation and what it does,” she said. Milton Rotary Club Gala Chair, Jan Mowbray, an active volunteer with many organizations in town, said she’s happy the Sdaos, two fellow “Rotarians,” are among the beneficiaries of the annual Rotary gala event. Mowbray said she can always depend on the generosity of the Sdaos for refreshment donations for various local events. “They always say ‘yes,’” Mowbray said. “They’re tremendously supportive of everything that goes on in the community.” By Stuart Service
ROTARY CLUB OF MILTON PRESENTS
Annual Spring Gala and Fundraiser
Gala proceeds to the Tim Horton’s Children’s Foundation & Milton Rotary projects
At Rick’s Café Americain (Piper’s Heath Golf Club) 5501 Trafalgar Rd, Milton
MENU Antipasto Bar Served dinner Essaouira salad with snapper medallions * Grilled baby chicken, couscous with chick peas, kefta & onions, orange glazed carrots * Rosewater & mint marinated peaches with ice cream
LIVE AUCTION! Conducted by well-known auto-media personality,
Jim Kenzie Racing car experience; Gourmet dinner prepared in your home; Truckload of Gravel & more Other prizes include lunches with Halton personalities, gift cards, travel dollars, gift baskets, jewelry & many more items, unique & different
March 23, 2013 Doors open: 6:30pm
You ar e dress to encouraged to the some ide era—Here ar e as from the film
Sponsorship opportunities available. Prize donations welcome. Email: jan@janmowbray.ca
Tickets $85 per person
For tickets, contact Margaret Hamilton: 905-878-4094 or buy tickets online at www.miltonrotaryclub.com
MANICURES I PEDICURES I GEL NAILS I WAXING EYELASH EXTENSIONS I FACIALS THE NAIL SPA WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THE NEWEST ADDITION TO OUR TEAM, MARIA BODAI
Go Globe Trotting this March Break!
30% OFF REGULAR PRICED SERVICES WITH MARIA
WITH THIS AD. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTION.
MANICURE, PEDICURE & 45 MIN FACIAL
$99
JUST
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DAILY SPECIALS!
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MONDAY, MARCH 11th - FRIDAY, MARCH 15th Discover your world through crafts, entertainment and snacks from fifteen different countries, daily from 10 am to 12 noon. Open to children ages 4 to 12. Please note that parents must remain with their children. Supplies are limited to the first 200 children.
THE NAIL SPA
335 MAIN ST. EAST, MILTON
905.878.6050 www.miltonnailspa.ca
For a schedule of events, visit miltonmall.com and click on March Break under Mall Events. Corner of Ontario and Main miltonmall.com