Neighbours Nov 28

8/13/2019 Neighbours Nov 28

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The end of November can be one ofthe dullest and darkest times of theyear. The days are short, the nightslong and most think its still just a bitto early to for Christmas chatter.

But dont delay your holidayplanning for too long. We spoke tocatering expert Tami Collins fromSteel Grill about why getting a headstart on your holiday planning canhelp keep your festivities stress-freeand focused on whats really impor-tant: family and friends. From whatto consider when putting together

a holiday menu to how to stay calmwhen entertaining dozens of guests,

let Collins be your go-to gu ru for get-ting through the Christmas season.She shares her holiday hosting tips

with readers on Page 6.Theres nothing like a little contro-

versy to get people talking, and whowouldve thought a community SantaClaus parade would cause such aseasonal squabble.

The Hyde Park Santa Claus paradehas been around for ve years, buthas faced repeated backlash fromorganizers from the City of Londonparade who say there just isnt roomin the city for two Santa Clauseparades. Hyde Park thinks otherwise.The parade is ballooning in popularity

and gives local families a fun alterna-tive to the downtown spectacle. Wecaught up with organizers to talkabout the parades past, its futureand what people can expect thisSaturday.

This edition of LFP Neighbours alsofeatures information on two local highschool productions: Blood Brothers,put on by the students at St. ThomasAquinas, and the Little Mermaid Jr.,produced by students at Oakridge.Both sets of students have beenpouring their blood, sweat and tears

into their respective performancesand promise to deliver an evening offun entertainment for the whole fam-

ily. To nd ou t more about the playsand how you can get tickets, checkout Page 4.

As always, our goal each week withLFP Neighbours is to keep our read-ers connected to the community thatmatters to them. From local newsstories, to features on new business-es and neighbours who are making adifference in the community, we striveto keep readers engaged. To do thiswe need your help. Planning a localevent? Have a neat story idea? Orknow somebody who deserves recog-

nition? Reach out. Send us an emailat [email protected]

Serving Byron, Oakridge, River Bend and Hyde Park

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BRENT BOLESNeighbours

Having spent three and a half decadesin the carpet and ooring business, JimDeacon doesnt stay in it because its easy.

Its not a fun business. Its very difficult.But when youve got good staff you try tohave fun, he said. Its what I want to do.

Deacon, owner of Deacon Flooring on

Hyde Park, sticks to the business sideof things but can point out dedicatedcolleagues who have spent their livesripping up carpet and installing ooringwhile sacricing their bodies in theprocess.

He tried doing the instillations oncewhen he was young but found himself in asticky situation he said he ended the daycovered in glue and learned his lesson.

Coming out of high school, Deacon knewthat despite having the grades, he wasntinterested in going to university. Therewere unspoken words of Im not doingthat, he recalls of conversations with hisfather.

So instead he marched to a store inArgyle mall and asked for a job. As luckwould have it, they were in need of a carpetsalesmen and Deacon lled the spot.

He honed his craft at other localsuppliers and later as a manufacturer roadrepresentative before opening his ownshop in February 2000.

The rst year, our sales were$300,000, he said, adding that theyvesince grown to in excess of $2.3 million.

He credits his success to some simpleadvice his father once gave him. He said,dont do anything less in your clientshome than you would want in your own.And if he does make a mistake? If I messup, Ill x it.

Deacon said the ooring industry is acompetitive one where it can be difficult tobalance the customers needs and budget.

But despite the challenges, hes enjoyedthe industry enough to make it a careerand doesnt hesitate to point out hisfavourite parts.

Its actually two pronged: the staff rela-tionships that you cultivate and cherish .. . and the customer relationships thatyou build, he said.

Hes also built a relationship withthe community, sponsoring soccerand hockey teams and donatingto schools. Im happy to do that.I love doing that, man, he said.London West has been wonderful

to Deacon Flooring.

Outside of work he cherishes familyrelationships. His 15-year-old son hasbeen the voice of Deacons radio presencesince he was a baby. James has done mycommercials since he was one year old,saying da-da.

Though he loves the job, he said one ofthe most challenging aspects comes whenhe has to collect from people who cantafford to pay their bills.

I get gooned a lot because Im too nice,but my clients are important to me, hesaid.

Despite having proven his ability togrow the business, Deacon has a uniquebusiness plan going forward.

No growth. Protect and keep what youhave, he said. You have to, nowadays,keep your eye on the plate . . . If you want togrow, dont forget what got you there.

2 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2013 NEIGHBOURS

JIMDEACON

Owner of Deacon Flooring got his start in industryworking as carpet salesmanGetting oored

Deacon Flooing1900 Hyde Park Road, London

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Based on the 1844 novella, The CorsicanBrothers, by Alexandre Dumas, set inLondon, England, Blood Brothers is the taleof two twins separated at birth that grow upon opposite ends of the social spectrum.One becomes a wealthy councilor, the othernds himself unemployed and in prison.While the play sounds dark, student pro-ducers Kabeer Garba, Gr. 12, and BenettChenery, Gr. 11, insist it has its lighter mo-ments.Id call it a dramedy its funny at thestart but less and less so as the play goeson, said Garba.The production is totally run by the stu-dents, though staff members are respon-sible for supervision and selecting the play.

The tech theatre class runs the lights andsound and the cast in entirely made up ofstudents.One of the biggest challenges the playposed for the young actors? Mastering thefamous Liverpool accent.We all had to learn Liverpool accents,Chenery said. It was easier for some buthard for others. I didnt struggle, but I knowa lot of people who did.Gr. 12 student Matt Lee landed his rst leadrole in this years production. Hes playingEdward, the twin who winds up wealthy.I was ecstatic over the past few years Ionly got minor roles. This is a completelynew experience for me, he said. It comeswith such an adrenaline rush.

THEATRE:High school students took lead role in upcoming productions

Students hit the stage

YOUR SCHOOLS

Jake Schindler and Ma tt Lee rehearse for S TA's upcoming

Blood Bro thers produc tion.

Looking for a fun way to keep your family entertained?Why not check out some of the upcoming local secondary school productions. The students at St. Thomas Aquinas and Oakridge secondary schools

have been rehearsing all fall for their upcoming plays. Both are almost entirely run by students and the content is appropriate for families.LFP Neighbours caught up with the production teams from both schools to nd out what people can expect from the performances this fall.

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T r istan Cotte r, Ben McV ittie and Abi Kir ton r ehear se f or the Litt le Mermaid Jr at Oakr idg e secondar y school.

Turning this beloved Disney lm into afull-edge on-stage production has meanta busy semester for Oakridges musicaltheatre class. Students have been rehears-ing every afternoon since September.After putting on Rent in 2011, Oakridgewanted to produce a more family-orientedplay that would appeal to elementary-agedstudents.We wanted something a little lighter thisyear, said Todd Lafraniere, the musicteacher at Oakridge and the plays pro-ducer. This is geared towards a youngeraudience.The play follows the same storyline as theDisney hit. A young mermaid with a beauti-ful singing voice swaps her vocal chordsand mermaid n for a set of legs aftercatching a glimpse of a handsome youngprince.

Megan Macpherson landed the role ofFlounder, Ariels trusty sh sidekick. Shewas delighted when she found out lastspring that Oakridge would be performingthe Little Mermaid and is thrilled to be apart of the production.Its high school students bringing to lifeone of the most beloved Disney lms ofall time, she said. Theres something foreveryone. Its really a family show.While staff members oversee the produc-tion, Oakridge students run just abouteverything. The musical theatre class act,sing and dance in the play. The tech classwill be controlling the lighting and thesounds. And the sports and event market-ing class is reaching out to advertisers forthe plays program and collecting sponsors.The community is just fantastic, Lafra-niere said.


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athleteweekof the

About Matt: When head coach PeterLegge is asked to point out the differencemaker for his squad, he doesnt hesitate inpointing to Matt DeCicco.

I think he threw almost 40 touchdownpasses, ran a bunch more.We put him on defense for basically onegame, he led us in tackles, caused twofumbles and had an interception.Hes the guy, said Legge.

DeCicco performed like a polishedveteran even though he didnt exactly havemuch experience to draw on. He was a widereceiver last year and just started playingquarterback this fall.

We all kicked ourselves. By the time wewere a game or two in we were thinkinggeez, we should have done this last year,said Legge. Hes just a smart, athleticfootball player. There was no question hewas the guy.

DeCicco said his background catchingpasses made the transition to throwingthem a little easier.

I know what I expected of myself lastyear as a receiver so I expected that of myreceivers this year to nd the open spotsand run the right routes, he said, sittingaround the discarded gear in the lockerroom.

His lone game on defense came in the di-vision nal against Catholic Central, wherehe helped hold the Crusaders to 13 points.

I wish I played there most of the year,he laughed.

DeCicco graduates this year and said heis in talks with a few schools. He isnt surewhere hes headed yet, but plans to keepplaying in the future.

thequote

He's just a smart,athletic football player.There was no questionhe was the guy."

Peter Legge,~ St. Thomas Aquinas head coach

Do you know anexceptional athlete?

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FOOTBALL:Flames already looking to next season after heartbreaking lossin London District division championship

YOUR SPORTS


When the Saint Thomas Aquinas footballseason came to an end on a cold and windyNovember night, the squad had fallen short ofits own lofty objectives.

The goal every year is to win the citychampionship, said head coach Peter Legge.

That dream was extinguished when theCatholic Central Crusaders beat the Flames13-7 during the London District divisionchampionship on Nov. 13.They were veryphysical and big and had an excellent runninggame and we came up a bit short, Legge saidof a Crusaders team that rolled into the nalaveraging more than 40 points a game.

Despite falling short of the city crown,by almost any other standards the Flamesshould be celebrating a successful season.

The squad nished 4-1 on the year with ahigh-powered offence that nished second inthe league in scoring. Their defence helpedthe squad put up double-digit victories inevery win.

All this came after losing key players tograduation last year. The 2012 team won

the city championship behind quarterbackand former TVRA outstanding player JesseMcNair, who now dons the purple and whitefor the Mustangs.

Players credit the smooth transition to thehelp they got on the sidelines.

We have great coaches at the schoolso they really knew what they were talkingabout. So it was mostly them. The players just listen to them. We get the fundamentals

down and just go on from there, said currentquarterback Matt DeCicco.

The team will have to adjust again next yearas more veterans hang up their helmets.

Were going to lose most of our leader-ship class bu t that happens every year, saidLegge.

Besides DeCicco himself, that also includesleading receiver Hunter Tilden and linemenJake Helm.Hes probably the best lineman

in the city so hes a big help up f ront, saidDeCicco.With the sting of defeat still fresh, Legge

eagerly has his sights set on next year.I think theres no doubt about it we have

to get in the gym, we have to get strongerand thats going to be a big priority for us,he said. Were denitely going to be a teamthats going to be working very hard in the offseason in the weight room.

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Quarterback Matt DeCicco stands beside St. Thomas Aquinas head football coach Peter Legge in anempty locker room after the season e nded in a 13-7 loss to Catholic Central.

still sweet

Season cutshort, but


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FUNDRAISER: Banting students raise money for Canadian Diabetes Association

Whether youre a seasoned host orfacing the daunting task of preparingyour rst Christmas turkey th is year,having your friends and family over for

the holidays can be overwhelming. Butit can also be inc redibly rewarding if youplan ahead. Follow these holiday hostingtips to keep this years gathering fun andstress-free.

MEALS Arguably the focal point of any holiday

gathering is the Christmas feast.Try to plan your holiday meal around

the number of guests, who your guestsare, and many you have coming to yourevent, said Tami Collins, owner of SteelGrill catering services. Elegant, forkfriendly meals are easy and less formal.

When it comes to the menu do yourbest to accommodate any dietary issuesyour guests have.

Often you can incorporate a dish intothe meal planning that is health and

delicious as well as accommodating,she said.Flip through your favourite cookbooks,

holiday magazines or browse online foodblogs through websites like Pinterest toget some tasty inspiration.

DCORHave a fun when getting your home

holiday ready this year. Decorating is not

meant to be a daunting, time-consumingtask. Try to enjoy it and keep yourChristmas decorations in line with yourpersonal tastes.

Less is best, Collins said. Simpleand elegant never loses style. You canchange a look with fresh owers andgreens, some blingy or gold ribbon, andtwinkling lights.

Remember, fresh greens not onlymake your home look festive, they makeit smell great too.

PLAN AHEADThe earlier you begin planning the

party, the less stress you're likely to feelas a host. Certain items for the party, likedecorations and certain snacks and bev-erages, have no expiration dates, so buysuch items well in advance of the party.This leads to one less task to tackle inthe weeks and days leading up to theparty. Planning early also affords youample time to coordinate with guests

and decide who will be responsible forcertain party tasks. Planning a party atthe last minute can be stressful, so if youknow you will be handling hosting dutiesthis holiday season, start preparing forthe party as soon as possible.

HIRE A CLEANING SERVICEOne of the more difficult parts of holi-

day hosting is cleaning the house before

guests arrive. A thorough house clean-ing can take up a substantial amount oftime, which tends to be hard to comeby during the holiday season. To avoid a

late night cleaning session or the needto spend a valuable weekend afternoonhard at work around the house, hire acleaning service to come and clean yourhouse in the days before the party. Suchservices can clean your home in a frac-tion of the time it might take you to doso on your own, and this removes one ofthe more time-consuming and arduoustasks from your to-do list

FOCUS ON FRIENDS & FAMILYI keep calm by remembering what

is important to me: good service andgood ood, said Collins. Keeping yourentertaining and meal planning simpleallows you to enjoy your special timewith guests and family.

If playing host and chef is too over-whelming, dont feel ashamed calling in

help. Catering services, like Steel Grill,offer high quality good and top-notchservice.

It gives the host a chance to be aguest at their own party, Collins said.But if catering is not your style, try tokeep it simple by having your childrenhelp with serving throughout the event.Make it a family affair.

Hundreds of students from SirFrederick Banting secondary schooltook to the streets earlier this monthto raise money for an illness that af-fects 2.4 million Canadians and to payhomage to the man who made life forthese people possible.

Nearly 7% of Canadians will bediagnosed with diabetes in theirlifetime.

To raise money and awarenessabout this all-to-common ailment,staff and students at Banting spent aweek fundraising. They held a cloth-ing drive, students paid to park in theteachers' parking lot, and there werepopcorn and T-shirt sales all weeklong, plus a raffle for London Knigh tstickets.

The fundraising ended with a dia-

betes walk. The entire school bravedthe frigid cold on Nov. 14 to marchalong Wonderland Rd. Proceeds weredonated to the Canadian DiabetesAssociation.

Banting is so close to my heart.Diabetes is so close to my heart, sothis event is really important, said Gr.12 student organizer Emily McDonald.

Banting secondary school has

special relationship with diabetesbecause the school was named afterSir Frederick Banting, the Canadiandoctor credited with discoveringinsulin.

It was while he was working inLondon as a general practitioner inOctober 1920 that Banting discovered

insulin. The Banting House at 443Adelaide St. N is thought to be theplace where he was rst struck withthe idea that led to the discovery ofinsulin. The building is currently hometo the London branch of the CanadianDiabetes Association.

Paying dues to namesakeStudents get ready to depart on the diabaetes walk.

Students head up Wonderland Rd. as part of Banting secondaryschools diabetes walk.

HOLIDAYS: Simplicity is key to stress-free hosting

Holiday hosting101

BANTINGTIMELINE

Sir Frederick GrantBanting is born inAlliston, Ontario.

Nov. 14, 1891

1916Banting enlists in the CanadianArmy Medical Corps after

graduating with a medical degreefrom the Un iversity of Toronto.

He is awarded to MilitaryCross for heroism.

1919

1920 While living in London,Banting wakes up a 2 a.m. witha breakthrough idea that leads

to the discovery of insulin.

Banting and John James Rickard Macleod receivethe Nobel Prize in medicine. Banting is on ly

32 years old, making him the youngest Nobellaureate in the area of physiology and medicine.

1923

1934Knighted byKing George V

Banting dies inNewfoundland.Feb. 21, 1941

1989The ame of hope is lit outside ofthe Banting House on Adelaide

St. N as a tribute to Bantingand diabetes victims.

Banting is votedthe fourth Greatest

Canadian.2004


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YOUR NEIGHBOUR


When Rachelle Coleman steppedinto her role as director of the North-west London Resource Centre in early2012, she had her work cut out forher.

When I came here there wasntprogramming running, she said. Westarted from ground zero.

In the time since, the group hasrefocused around three pillars: youthengagement, community develop-ment and providing access to emer-gency services.

That means providing unique andengaging events for the citys north-west residents.

On Nov. 1, the group held a Pumpkin

Retirement Party where people cameout and smashed their pumpkins in acomposter.

Its an event to bring children,youth and families together for theday after (Halloween), said Coleman.People denitely are having fun withit.

This summer the resource centrehired six girls to canvass the neigh-bourhood and create a mural thatreected the community. The paintingstands almost 40 feet tall on the sideof the Medway arena.

It was a massive project but agreat way to get them to be activemembers of their community, shesaid.

Theyre also one of four areaneighbourhoods that hire about 12

students called the Dynamic Dozen to perform ash mobs at daycaresand public events like the prideparade.

Youll see them just breaking itdown on the side of the road some-times too, she said.

The programming represents asignicant change in culture fromwhen Coleman started, but she saysits been a team effort.

Everybody thats here has beenso passionate about making thatchange, she said.

That includes not just the membersof her organization but the commu-nity as a whole.

From the day I started here, peoplewere so welcoming, said Coleman.Its such a supportive neighbour-

hood, we really wouldnt be able tosupport youth without such greatsupporters standing beside us.

Coleman came to London fromSarnia several years ago. She studiedchild and youth work at Lambton Col-lege before going to Kings UniversityCollege for childhood and socialinstitutions.

Her educational background ledher into working at schools with highneeds students and in home counsel-ing.

I think that the experiences haveabsolutely helped me in workinghere.

But it wasnt until moving to Lon-don that she took an interest in com-munity development projects like theNorthwest London Resource Centre.

I didnt know (community devel-opment) existed before I moved toLondon, she said.

Still, its an adjustment shes en- joyed making.

Working with people on a neigh-bourhood level, in their space is sucha unique experience. Not every city orneighbourhood has that.

Colemans already started thinkingabout what events the group can addto help the community ourish. Thelast two years have been hectic forColeman and her team but seeing theimpact they make is her inspiration.

It makes the craziness worth-while.

ORGANIZATION: Northwest London Resource Centre focuses on getting people active in their community

Coleman digs'craziness' of

communitydevelopmentRachelle Coleman, director of theNorthwest London Resource Centre,stands beside a wall of appreciation inthe groups main office.

DESSERT:Cookies are the perfect tastytreat for any age

of the week

RECIPE

Oatmeal Peanut ButterCookies

from AllRecipes.com

Preparation Instructions1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).2. In a large bowl, cream together shortening, margarine,

brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.Beat in the eggs one at a time until well blended. Combinethe our, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture.Mix in the oats un til just combined. Drop by teaspoonfulsonto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven,or until ju st light brown. Don't over-bake.Cool and store in an airtight container.

Sooooo soft and chewy...try it, you won't regret it.

Ingredients 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup margarine, softened 1 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup white sugar 1 cup peanut butter

2 eggs 1 1/2 cups all-purpose our 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup quick-cooking oats

Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 15 minutes, ready in 1 hourI Makes 4 dozen

PoinsettiaAlthough poinsettias are most often as-

sociated with the holiday season, they areactually tropical plants. Native to Mexicoand Central America, poinsettias can thriveduring the holiday season and even lastlong after the holidays have come andgone.

While many associate poinsettias withtheir bright red leaves, its owers are actu-ally the tiny yellow blooms in the middle ofthe leaves.

Theyre great for adding a burst ofcolour, Denison said.

Instructions:During the day keep plant in direct sunlight,but make sure the plant receives ampledarkness at night. Poinsettias bloom inresponse to shortening daylight hours.Keep the soil moist, but dont over water.Misting the plant can help retain humidity.

CyclamenThis owering plant features brightly

coloured upswept petals and marbled blue-green leaves, making it a unique addition toyour seasonal greenery.

Native to Europe, the MediterraneanBasin and Somalia, cyclamen is now usedregulary in North American homes duringthe holidays, because of its white, pink andred owers.

You typically nd these around Christ-mas time, said Crystal Denison from VanHoriks Greenhouses and Garden Centre.

These plants are low maintenance andare often discarded by owners in latewinter when it comes time to refresh theirseasonal dcor.

Instructions:Keep in direct sunlight.Does not require a lot of watering, butshould never be completely dry.

Christmas CactusThe cactus certainly isnt the

plant that springs to mind when one thinksof Christmas, but its a popular choiceduring the holidays, says Denison.

Its low maintenance and long lifespanmake it a hit with those who like consis-tency.

We have people who come in and sayweve had our cactus since 1960, Denisonsaid.

Native to the coastal mountains of south-east Brazil, the Christmas cactus has long,thin leaves and brightly coloured owersthat hang downwards. Flowers come in avariety of colours ranging from red andwhite, to pink and yellow.

Instructions:Keep in direct sunlight.Does not require a lot of watering, butshould never be completely dry.

GROWING: Indoor plants allow those withgreen thumbs to stay busy during the winter

Plenty of waysto ward off thewinter greys

YOUR HOME

Poinsettia

Christmas trees arent theonly winter greenery you canbring into your home for theholidays. There are plenty ofother indoor plants that canadd a festive touch to your

interior dcor. Whether you likea traditional poinsettia or wantto try a brightly coloured cycla-men, these winter indoor plantsare all easy to care for andrequire little to no maintenance.

ChristmasCactus

Cyclamen


8/12


Community Ofce240Commissioners Rd W (at Knights Hill Rd), Unit 106

London, ON N6J 1Y1Phone: 519-657-3120| Fax: 519-657-0368 | Email: [email protected]

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WEST LONDON

A fresh face at city hall, Coun. MattBrown receives regular applause fromcolleagues and residents alike forhis dedication to Ward 7 and Lon-don. Last year, when scandal swirledaround Mayor Joe Fontana, Brownscouncil colleagues considered tempo-rarily installing his as mayor. While nosuch move occurred, his name is stillregularly thrown out as a candidatefor Londons top job. LFP Neighbourscaught up with Brown this week totalk about the upcoming mayoralrace, the budget and his connectionto the Hyde Park Santa Claus parade.

You've been a major support-er of the Hyde Park Christmasparade, but in the past othershave criticized the neighbour-hood for holding its own pa-rade when the city hosts onedowntown each year. Why do you think it's important for in-dividual communities to hosttheir own holiday events?

A: Northwest London is one of thefastest growing areas in our city and as neighbourhoods develop, its natu-ral for residents to create their owntraditions. In 2008-2009, before I waselected to city council, my wife Andrea and I spent 12 months volunteeringwith 140 other Londoners represent-ing all 42 planning districts acrossthe city as members of the London strengthening neighbourhoods task

force. At the end of the year we devel-oped the London strengthening neigh-bourhoods strategy, which is seen as a best practice across Ontario and isnow a driving force when it comes to planning decisions and neighbour-hood policy development here inLondon. The strategy understandsthat the heart and essence of everycity and community are its neighbour-hoods. Resident-led neighbourhoodtraditions like Northwest London Cel-ebrates Canada, the Hyde Park SantaClaus Parade, the NorWest OptimistBike Rodeo, the North West LondonResource Centre Pumpkin RetirementParty and others help bind a commu-nity together. Strong neighbourhoodscontribute to the quality of life foreveryone and have a positive impacton the city as a whole.

Hyde Park is the only commu-nity in London that holds anindependent parade. What do you think that says about theneighbourhood?

A: I think this says there are manycaring, committed volunteers willingto give their time and talent to create something special and enhance thequality of life for the community.There are so many neighbourhood tra-ditions, festivals and events that take place in London, including lightingof the lights in Victoria Park, WortleyVillages Gathering on the Green andHalloween parade, several Canada

Day celebrations and various summerfestivals organized across the city toname just a few. The Hyde Park SantaClaus Parade is organized by volun-teers from the Hyde Park Lions andthe NorWest Optimist Clubs. Thereis no cost to enter a oat, the paradehas a budget of under $2,000, an audience of several thousand and theoats are made up of local schools,churches, businesses, teams, service groups and clubs. The target audienceis children aged toddler to ten and theevent takes place in the morning to accommodate naptime for younger spectators and participants. If you attend this year, the parade will departSherwood Forest Mall on Nov. 30 at 10 a.m., proceed up Gainsborough Rd. and nish just West of Hyde Park Rd.You will see neighbourhood children and community members on theoats and thousands of parents, rela-tives and community members linedup along Gainsborough Road watchingthem. Its a fantastic budding tradition and its open for all Londoners.

At the police services boardmeeting last month, youspoke out about a proposedincrease to the London policebudget. Police were asking fora 4.2% increase, an additional$3.8 million to the existing$90.5 million budget. Whatwere your reasons for oppos-ing the increase?

A: Over a four-year period, from 2009to 2012, budgets associated with

programs and services run by the Cityof London increased at an average annual rate of 0.1%. Over the same period of time, our boards and com-missions, including the London PoliceService Board, increased annually on average by 4.4%. These kinds of in-creases are twice the rate of ination and by denition are not sustainable. As chair of the audit committee, I cantell you that the city has engaged PwC as our outsourced internal auditor andthey have identied millions of dollarsin savings and efficiencies that willreduce pressures on future budgets inthe years to come. Over the past year,I have been encouraging our boards and commissions, organizations that are independently run by autonomousboards, to work with PwC as well. It

stands to reason that if the City ofLondon can recognize savings, ef-ciencies and cost avoidance throughthis process so too should our com-munity partners. To date, the LondonPublic Library, the Middlesex LondonHealth Unit, the London MiddlesexHousing Corporation, the LondonTransit Commission and the LondonConvention Centre have all engagedPwC. "I am pleased that the LondonPolice Service Board has recentlydecided to do so as well."

Earlier this month you votedno to a request from Middle-sex Centre asking council forexpanded access to London'ssewer system in order toaccommodate a 184-homedevelopment in Arva. Sixother councillors joined youin nixing the plan, which hasbeen sent to city staffers toprepare a report. Why don't you think allowing MiddlesexCentre increase access toLondon's sewers is a goodidea?

A: The question of whether or not theCity of London has enough capacityto do this has already been answered

in the affirmative. The larger questionis, what are the unintended conse-quences and the potential opportu-nity costs associated with allowing something like this to happen? Inits simplest form, it comes down to supply and demand. 184 homes builtin Arva represent approximately 25%of all single-family homes built overthe course of an average year herein London. If these 184 homes werebuilt in areas already identied for growth within Londons urban growthboundary the City would collect justover 4 million dollars in DevelopmentCharges. Development Charges payfor the costs associated with a grow-ing City including things like roads,infrastructure, emergency services, garbage and recycling pick up, parks,community centres, libraries andmore. As well, and on an annual basis,

if the 184 homes were built in Londonthe City would collect approximately$500,000 annually in property tax.Over a 10-year period, the opportunitycost associated with this decisioncould be in the neighbourhood of tenmillion dollars in lost revenue to theCity of London.

Your name has been floatingaround as a viable candidatefor mayor over the past yearby council insiders and critics.With the election just aroundthe corner, do you have anyplans to run for the top job?

A: We are not quite three years into a four-year term and, as a sittingmember of council, Im continuing tofocus on the job I have been elected to

do. There is still a lot of work ahead particularly with the upcoming 2014budget which, considering the chal-lenges related to the growing deferredinfrastructure maintenance gap, may prove to be our most difficult to date.

MUNICIPAL POLITICS: Rookie Coun. Matt Brown believes strong neighbourhoodsreap big rewards for city

mayoral bid

YOUR POLITICS

Brownmum on

Matt Brown is staying quiet about whether or not he plans to run for mayor during next year's municipal election.

Your library opens the door to a lifetime of oppor tunities.This holiday season, give the gift that enriches lives andhelps each member of our community reach their potential.

DONATE TODAY:

www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/donate519-661-5100 x5460

more than ever.

You matter

Community Event?Story idea?Interesting Neighbour?News, tips & press [email protected]


9/12


Adam Kreek had been rowing acrossthe Atlantic Ocean one stroke at a timefor 73 days when his boat capsized in theBermuda Triangle.

It was absolutely terrifying, he re-called.

Its an adventure the keynote speakershared with the London Rowing Club fortheir Celebration of Rowing evening onNovember 23.

I think its important that we set biggoals in our lives, said Kreek.

Kreek estimates he was about 10days short of his goal of crossing the

Atlantic when the boat he was rowing withthree friends ipped earlier this year.

From an emotional standpoint, Im veryhappy with the outcome. I still think wefailed but Im very pleased with what weaccomplished.

The celebration marked a return homefor Kreek, 32, who rst learned to paddlewith the club as a teenager before goingon to a decorated career in the sport.

He won a gold medal at the BeijingOlympics in 2008 as part of Canadaseight man rowing squad before attemptinghis trans-Atlantic journey.

This (club) is what planted the seed forthe next dozen years of my life.

The event, which included a meet and

greet for Kreeks teenage fans, along witha silent auction, was meant to raise moneyfor the organization.

The nals numbers arent tallied butorganizers say about 160 people attendedand they expect to surpass $10,000 onthe night.

The group hasnt been able to capital-ize on their traditional fundraiser a raceon the Thames since 2006 because ofproblems with the Springbank Dam.

Training moved to Fanshawe in the wakeof the issues and membership droppedfrom about 400 to 100 said vice presidentRick Vantfoort.

The club went for a real struggle nan-cially, said Vantfoort.

But off the water problems havestabilized and athletic success led to theorganization being named the club of theyear by Row Ontario.

This has been a banner year for us, hesaid.

Vantfoort said that night was an oppor-tunity to celebrate that success and exciteclub members about the future.

Knowing what weve done in the pastmakes you want to keep going, he said.

Vantfoort hopes that in the comingyears the club can give back and be morevisible in supporting London through char-ity events.

Thats another great value to instill inyour youth rowers as well that theresmore than rowing out there, he said.

Its a sentiment Kreek supports.Little rowing clubs and sports clubs like

this, I believe, are pillars of communities.Theyre what hold us together. They bringmeaning and purpose, said Kreek. Im abig believer in that community aspect ofsport.

Adam Kreek showsoff the gold medal

he won at the BeijingOlympics to someof London's young

rowers. Kreek was thekeynote speaker at

the London RowingClub's Celebration of

Rowing event.


One stroke

at a time

OLYMPIAN: Gold medal rower says little rowing clubs are pillars of community

SPIRITUALITY: American-born pastor takes helm at West Park Church

Olympic gold medalist Adam Kreek speaks to aspiring rowers before the LondonRowing Club's Celebration of Rowing event.

YOUR COMMUNITY

YOUR NEIGHBOUR

Theres a new pastor in Hyde Park.American Christian leader, author

and international speaker CharlesStone, 58, took over as lead pastorat West Park Church on Sunday. He

arrived in London earlier this fall f romIllinois where he pastored at the GingerCreek Community Church, just outsideof Chicago.

Im really excited Gods let me dothis, Stone said about the new posi-tion.

South of the border Stone is an es-tablished Christian author and founderof Stonewell Ministries, an organiza-tion dedicated to helping pastorsworldwide through speaking tours,coaching, writing and consulting.

Born in Atlanta, Ga, Stone had justnished an undergraduate degree inengineering and was on his way to lawschool when at age 23, he switchedgears completely.

I had a distinct sense in my heartthat God wanted me to give my life to

working with the ministry, he said.He sat on it for two weeks, makingsure it wasnt just a phase, and thendecided to tell his family hed be enroll-ing in seminary school, not law school.

They were supportive and Stone neverlooked back. Hes dedicated the last 35years of his life to helping others ndmeaning in their lives through Christ.

I love seeing that spiritual light

inside folks come on, Stone said.When youre serving from your sweetspot, thats the only thing thats goingto satisfy.

Hes pastored at churches all overthe United States and through hisorganization, Stonewell Ministries, hashelped ministers and pastors all overthe world deal with the daily stressesand realities that come with being aspiritual leader.

I have a heart of pastors, he said.A lot of them have fallen off the grid.Theyre broken down and beat up. Iwanted to create a vehicle for pastorsto be emotionally happy.

He also has a deep interest in thebrain and is currently working on amasters degree in the neuroscienceof leadership online through the Neuro

Leadership Institute.His interest in the mind stems fromhis 27-year-old daughter who was bornwith a brain tumor and has undergonesix brain surgeries in her young life.

Stone says hes excited to discovermore about Western Universitys Brainand Mind Institute, which is a majorhub for neuroscience research in NorthAmerica.

Hes also excited to learn about Ca-nadian culture and the city of London.One of his goals as pastor at West Parkis to turn the church into a force forgood in the community by collabo-rating with other organizations andstakeholders.

I think theres a great opportunityto work together to solve some of thecommunitys problems, he said. Youcant do it alone.

But for now Stones rst priority islearning the ins and outs of his congre-gation at West Park.

I want to learn and to listen, Stonesaid. We want to be a place the com-munity can look to and connect Godand the bible to day to day living.

West Park Church

995 Gainsborough Rd.Belongs to the Fellowship ofEvangelical Baptists, a conservativeBaptist association with500 churches in Canada.

A man of both God and science

Charles Stone stands in front of the fountain inside West Park Church.

THEN NOWThe Pump House

P hotos cour tes y of local histor ian Ken McT aggar tW or ker s f r om the Electric Street Railw a y Compan y sit in a boat on the T hames Riv er in 1897. T his photo is f acing w est w ith the pump house in the backg r ound. T oda y the w ater along the T hames Riv er is much low er , due to the br oken Spr ing bank Dam making it dif ficult to ev en access the bank.


10/12


11/12


AROUND

Residents watch the snow making machines at Boler Mountain. Despite the crazysnowfall, Boler remained closed on Sunday.

the hood

Bra ve res iden ts en jo y a le isure l y Sun

da y

s tro l l in Spr ing ban k Par k desp i te t he

sno w.

Glenn Staceyshovels snow offhis Griffith St roo

fSunday afternoon,after spending sixhours shovelinghis driveway.

Grade 12studentsEmma Kowal,Shannon Fisherand Kenny Grenierget pumped upwith face paintduring Bantingsecondary schoolsdiabetes walkon Nov. 14.

A snowplow trucks along Riverside Dr. Sunday afternoon after nearly 70 cm of snow walloped the west endSaturday night and Sunday morning.

Gr ade 10 students Katie Bow er ing and Jamie V allance car r y a banner dur ing Banting secondary schools diabetes w alk on Nov . 14.

Ron Sc h i ves p lo ws h is sno w b l

o wer t hro ug h a c h un k o f sno w w

h i le c le ar ing h is

Gr i f f i t h S tree t dr i ve w a y S und a y

.

Brian Webster flexes in frontof the Ford Flex he managed

to navigate through a snowy bankSunday afternoon.


12/12


Just off Hwy. #4,1 mileSouth of Blyth I 519-523-4595 I theoldmill.cafacebook.com/OldMillFashions

Friday,

November 29thOpen from 9am-8pm

With savings up to

50% off plusNO tax storewide

50Y E A R SOF FASHION EXPERTISE

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A DESTINATION FOR WORLDCLASS FASHIONS,SPORTSWEAR AND ACCESSORIES IN ALL THE HIGH FASHIONBRANDS. THE OLD MILL ALSO SPECIALIZES IN LEATHERS &WOOL FASHIONED FROM THEIR OWN TANNERIES.

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Neighbours Nov 28