WELCOME TO PAGE TWO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2006

    

The Secret To A Happy Family – Treat Each Other Like Strangers

Editorial by Robert Kirwan

   Isn’t life strange? We put so much effort into our jobs, even though we realize that if we died tomorrow, we would be replaced and forgotten in a matter of days. We go out of our way to show kindness to strangers and casual acquaintances, even though we know that they could care less if they ever saw us again.

  
We know the family we would leave behind if we died would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Yet, we pour so much more of ourselves into our jobs, our friends and casual acquaintances. We wouldn’t dream of yelling in a disrespectful manner to a stranger, but we don’t give it a second thought when dealing with a loved one such as a child, a spouse or a parent.

   Over the years I have often watched with interest how parents treat friends of their children. The friend spills milk on the floor and the parent makes light of the accident and quickly wipes the liquid up with a paper towel. However, if his/her own child spills the milk on the floor, the parent often acts in a much different manner, complete with a scolding and stern lecture on being so careless.

   I think back to my own life experiences and wonder how often I sent the wrong message to my own sons. There must have been times when they felt that I valued and cared for strangers more than my own flesh and blood. Naturally I would never verbally express that sentiment. But, nonetheless, my actions must have said it loud and clear.

  I am going to share a little story with you, but, if you are a parent, I would suggest you read this at a time when your children are still awake. Otherwise, I am sure you will want to rush right over to their bed, wake them up and give them a big hug.

  
"One day Jane was rushing through the shopping centre when she bumped into a stranger as he passed by.

  
"Oh, excuse me," was Jane’s reply.

   "Please excuse me too," said the stranger. "I wasn’t even watching out for you."
 

  
Jane and the stranger were very polite and even said good-bye as they went along on their way. Later that day, back at home, Jane was cooking the evening meal. Jane’s daughter stood quietly, very still beside her. When Jane turned around, she nearly knocked the little girl down.

  
"Move out of the way," Jane said with a frown, not realizing how harshly she had spoken to the young girl, who walked away, her little heart broken.

  
That night, while Jane lay in bed, God’s voice spoke to her. "While dealing with a stranger, you used common courtesy, but why were you so quick to abuse your own daughter. Go look on the kitchen floor and you will find some flowers by the door. Your daughter picked those pink, yellow and blue flowers and brought them to you. She stood quietly trying not to spoil the surprise and you never even saw the tears in her eyes while you were yelling at her."

  
By this time, the tears were rolling down Jane’s cheeks and she felt very small indeed. She quietly got up and knelt beside her daughter’s bed.

  
"Wake up little darling, wake up," she said. "Are these flowers you picked for me? I found them by the door."

  
The little girl grinned from ear to ear as she said, "I picked them because they’re pretty just like you. I knew you’d like them, especially the blue ones."

  
Jane could hardly hold back the emotion as she continued, "I’m sorry for the way I acted today. I shouldn’t have yelled at you that way."

  
The young girl said, "Oh, mom, that’s okay. I love you anyway."

   “I love you too," Jane whispered as she lay down beside her precious little girl. "And I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

  
The next time your child, your spouse or elderly parent does something that upsets you, hold yourself back for a minute and ask, “What would I do if you were a stranger?" Perhaps if we all took time to ask that question before we reacted in a negative manner with a loved one, we would have a much happier family.

  
Now, go and give everyone in your family a big hug and start treating them like strangers.
ROBERT KIRWAN'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
For a complete selection of stories and editorials that will help you to reflect upon life's priorities, inspiring you to take on the daily challenges you face very day...
 
Valley Pentecostal Church Provides Local Food Banks With Windfall That Will Go A Long Way To Help Those In Need This Year
Anne Unwin, on the far left, could hardly contain her joy and appreciation when she met Pastor Steve Gudrie and his family at the Valley Pentecostal Church in Hanmer this past week. Pastor Steve is shown standing at the back with his wife, Esther and their children, Curtis (in the red) and Trevor. The group is standing in front of sixteen skids of food that happened to find their way to the basement of the church. The shipment was recently received by the Valley Pentecostal Church for distribution to area food banks.

The Gudries arrived in Hanmer almost a year ago and have been extremely active in the community. Curtis is the Youth Pastor at the church and is doing remarkable work with young people of all denominations in the area. Trevor, is entering Grade 9 at Confederation Secondary School and will be playing on the Line with the Confederation Secondary School Varsity Football Chargers this year. In fact, it is a total family affair since both Steve and Curtis are assistant coaches with the team.

The Good Neighbours Valley East Food Bank, opened its doors to the public in  January 1994 when the Valley East Fire Department moved to the new fire hall on Highway 69N. Since then, Anne Unwin, Chair of the Good Neighbours Valley East Food Bank Board of Directors, has dedicated her  life to providing emergency assistance to people from all walks of life and from all age groups.

So when Pastor Steve showed her the boxes and boxes of food that his parish had arranged to have delivered to Valley Pentecostal, she was thrilled. Pastor Steve knows someone in Southern Ontario who picks up surplus food from a variety of places in the south. This food is then given free of charge to distribution points who will see to it that it gets into the hands of the needy. About three or four times a year, Valley Pentecostal Church expects to receive similar shipments which will then be distributed to local food banks and organizations for use in helping their clients.

Anne selected as much food as she could handle and it was loaded into the Valley East Food Bank Van and then transported to the Good Neighbours Food Bank. 

As Pastor Steve pointed out, "We are glad to help out in any way we can. It is always one of our goals to become as actively involved in the community as possible in order to help improve the quality of life of our neighbours. This is our mission and it should be the mission of all people. When our parish found out that all we had to do was pay for the shipping of the food in order to get it here, we decided that this was a great investment to make for our community. We are extremely happy to work with Anne and all of the other Food Banks in the area to make sure that the food gets into the hands of those who need it the most."

With over 100 people being served through the Good Neighbours Food Bank each month, Anne Unwin states that many volunteers find it difficult to understand how in a country like Canada there can be so many people in need. Food Banks have become part of a community support network that includes other organizations such as the churches, the Lion's Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Kin Club of Valley East. When a person is having a difficult time in life, and if that person cannot get support from family members, then someone has to be there to help out. 

While the Food Bank is intended to be a short term emergency assistance, there are some who are on disability pensions or on low company pensions who find it almost impossible to get through the last couple of weeks of the month until their cheques come in. That is why Good Neighbours decided to open during the last two Wednesdays every month just in case someone is in need of a few days of food to get over the difficult days.

Anne finds that the most important challenge for anyone coming to the food bank is that many find it very humiliating and their pride is terribly hurt. However, the staff is well experienced to help clients overcome their feelings and to understand that everyone needs support sometimes. That is why we are a community.

Anne is happy to help the people who come to the Good Neighbours Food Bank. But she worries about the people who have not come up with enough courage to reach out for their assistance. She fears that there are many homes where food is scarce and pride is keeping them away. If you know of anyone who needs their assistance, please give Anne a call and find out how help can be offered. Anne can be reached at 566-1283. You can also visit their web site by clicking here>>>>

If you would like to contact the Valley East Pentecostal Church, please ask to speak to Esther at 969-7940.

    

Late Registration For Valley East Minor Hockey Association Will Be Held Saturday & Sunday - September 8 & 9, 2006

Linda Flintoff will be taking late registrations for the Valley East Minor Hockey Association at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre on Friday, September 8, 2006 from 6 to 9 p.m. and again on Saturday, September 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

There will also be a table set up at the Valley East Lions Charity Days on September 9.

This is the last chance to register for Minor Hockey for the 2006-2007 season. Registration numbers are excellent so far and it appears as if this is going to be one of the largest groups in recent years.

If you have any questions, contact Linda at 969-6444.

V.E.M.H.A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Bob Bellerose 969-2273
1st Vice President Ken Desjardins 969-3954
2nd Vice President Bruce Vaillancourt 969-7380
Secretary Lynda Flintoff 969-6444
Treasurer Mike Burns 969-0360
Equipment Manager Angele Bellemare 562-3625
Tournament Chair Brian Berdusco 969-4536
Sponsorships Darrell Paquette 969-2942
Referee-In-Chief Dan Draper 897-4960
Timekeepers Michael Bellerose 969-2273
Parent/Communication Rep Dan Ross 969-3227
Ways and Means Gates Poitras 969-5057

CONVENORS

Tykes 4 - 6 year olds Cathy Giffen
Novice 7 - 8 year olds Chris Fillator
Atom 9 - 10 year olds  
Peewee 11 - 12 year olds Cory Brunatti
Bantam 13 - 14 year olds Guy Gervais
Midget 15 - 17 year olds Guy Gervais

Tentative Ice Times For 2006-2007 Season

Tykes Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Novice Saturday and Sunday
Atoms Monday, Saturday and Sunday
Peewee Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Plus practice times)
Bantam Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (Plus practice times)
Midget Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (Plus practice times)
PLEASE NOTE: From Peewee up there is an additional cost for practices. This is above the cost of registration and will be determined by your team.
     
Valley East Ladies' Slo-Pitch League Plays Every Monday and Wednesday Evening At Centennial Fields In Hanmer

Congratulations go out from both the Valley East Mens' and Ladies' Leagues to two very popular slo-pitch players: John Richer and Jasmine Pharand who were married on August 26, 2006. 

To View Some of the teams of the Ladies' League to to the following link:

  

Valley East Cobras 'AAA' Midget Team Gearing Up For A Great Season - Looking For Fan Support

The faces on the Valley East Cobras say it all during a recent exhibition game played against the North Bay Trappers. The action is furious and the competition is fierce as the Great North Midget League gets ready for the 2006-2007 season.

Josh Tomatuk waits for the puck to be centred through a sea of red jerseys during the game.

Rylan Chum is shown lifting the puck for a goal over the outstretched leg of the North Bay goaltender during a breakaway in the second period. 
 

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

The regular season schedule has been released. You can catch the first two games of the Valley East Cobras in action at home at the Ray Plourde Arena in Val Caron on the following nights:                                        

Date Time Opponent
Friday, September 8 8:20 p.m. Rayside Balfour
Saturday, September 9 8:20 p.m. North Bay
The Cobras are then out of town until their next home game on September 30. 
 

This Could Be Your Last Chance To 
Qualify For A Trip To Cuba!

Valley East Lions' Charity Days
Want to send you and a guest on an all inclusive
Trip for 2 to CUBA!!!!
(+$500 in spending cash)

On Saturday, September 9, 2006, one person will win a trip for two to Cuba plus $500 in spending money as the grand winner of the Valley East Lions' Charity Days Treasure Chest Contest.

All summer long area merchants have been giving out combination codes to customers and friends. People have been trying out these combinations on locks that have been on display throughout the community. Anyone with a combination that opened a lock became an instant qualifier for the finals which will be held on September 9. There will only be a maximum of 16 qualifiers. Proceeds from this draw will benefit Palliative Care.

200 Combination Tickets To Be Given Away By Robert Kirwan of Valley East Today on Saturday, September 9, 2006

Valley East Today will have a booth set up at the Valley East Lions Charity Days Event on Saturday, September 9, 2006. At that time, the first 200 new subscribers to the Valley East Today Online Weekly News Magazine will each be given an envelope containing a special combination. You can then go directly to the remaining locks that have not yet been opened and try them out right at Centennial Arena. If your combination works, you will have qualified for the finals. Make sure you come early Saturday morning to get one of what may be the last 200 combination envelopes available in the entire Valley.

Early qualifiers that we know about at the time of publication include: 

Sylvie Courchesne, Lisa Fournier, Roxanne Charette, Helene Belisle, and Kevin Villeneuve.

  
Beswick Denture Clinic Provides Education As Well As Patient Service 

Nicole Brunet and Doug Beswick, denturists with Beswick Denture Clinic, provide much more than denture service to their patients. They also provide valuable information and advice for denture wearers so that regardless of who they currently use as their personal denturist, they are aware of the issues and concerns that will help them get the best use and enjoyment out of their dentures.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions at Beswick Denture Clinic. 

If you have other questions or would like to find out more about Beswick Denture Clinic or the Beswick Footcare Clinic, simply go to their comprehensive web site at the following link>>>>

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q- How much does it cost for a consultation?

A - There is no charge for your initial consultation at that time  an estimate will be given for your treatment.

   

Q – How much do dentures cost?

A -  Dentures are a rehabilitation  process. It is different for everyone.  A consultation is recommended to establish the type of treatment that is right for you.

    

Q – Does my insurance cover dentures?

A – Your insurance coverage is between you and your carrier.  We will gladly fill out the appropriate paper work for you and send it to your insurance company on your behalf.  

  

Q – Do you accept payment plans?

A- Our office policy is a deposit of 1\2 is required at the beginning of treatment and the balance is due when the denture is delivered.  You can make payments for the deposit and when 1\2  is accumulated we can begin treatment and extend the appointments so that the denture done when payment is more convenient for you.

  

Q – How often should I come in and have my denture looked at?

A – An annual recall exam is highly recommended.  At that visit your denture is cleaned and polished, checked for stress cracks, ear and tear and that no teeth are getting ready to pop off.  An annual oral exam is also done to check for any irregularities such as oral cancer.  There is a fee for the exam but your insurance company may reimburse the visit if it is a covered expense.

 

Q – How often should I get new dentures?

A – The average life of dentures is approximately 7-10 years.  Depending on wear and tear. Care and condition of gums must be factored in but generally 7 –10 years. 

  

Q – How often should I get a reline?

A – Tissues shrink and change over time.  If your dentures are loose it’s important to get them checked as loose dentures can cause further problems such as bone resorption.

  

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT 
HANMER HOME HARDWARE
(Located in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre)

Customer Representatives Needed
Working In The Paint Dept. & On The Floor
Must Enjoy Working With The Public
Contact Mike Lemieux at 969-7000
or See Him In Person at the Store

KOREA WAR VETERANS

The Korea Veterans Unit 19 Sudbury is always looking for New Members and if there is anyone out there who served in the Korean War we would be glad to welcome them into the Unit. Anyone interested can call Harold Payne at 969-4367 or George Haskin at geeoh@sympatico.ca 522-0562.

The next meeting of the Korea Veterans is on 27 Sep 06 at Branch 76 Royal Canadian Legion 1553 Weller St Sudbury
 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

"A Daughter's Letter"

A mother enters her daughter's bedroom and sees a letter on the bed.
With the worst premonition she reads it, with trembling hands:

Dear Mom,
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm telling you that I eloped with my new boyfriend.  I found real passion and he is so nice, with all his piercing and tattoos and his big motorcycle.
But it's not only that mom, I'm pregnant and Ahmed said that we will be happy in his trailer in the woods.  He wants to have many more children with me and that's one of my dreams.

I've learned that marijuana doesn't hurt anyone and we'll be growing it for us and his friends, who are providing us with all the cocaine and ecstasies we may want.

In the meantime, we'll pray for science to find a cure for AIDS, so Ahmed will get better.  He deserves it.

Don't worry Mom, I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself.  Some day I'll visit for you to know your grandchildren.

Your daughter, Judith

PS: Mom, it's not true.  I'm at the neighbor's house.  I just wanted to
show you that there are worse things in life than a report
card..........  that's in my desk drawer.                            
       
Long Distance Calling????  Interested in Voice Over Internet Technology??? Need Your Computer Repaired???
Edgar Lajambe, is a 30-year old life-long resident of Hanmer. His passion for computers and information technology goes back to a high school co-op placement he had in 1994 with a company called the AMS Group. When he graduated from St. Charles College he discovered that there were a lot of people who kept coming to him for computer repairs and consulting, so he formed his own company, Valley Computers & Consulting.

   When VoIP (Voice over Internet Technology) was first introduced to Sudbury , Edgar saw this as the future of communication and immediately jumped on board; studying everything there is to know about the technology. As a result, he formed another division of his company, called VCCNet.ca Internet Solutions, which deals with long-distance discount calling and the use of the internet for communication purposes.

   Edgar has joined forces with another locally owned firm, Infocom Canada Business Consultants Inc. which operates Valley East Today, a marketing & public relations company which publishes a community web site and weekly online news magazine.

    “The cost of long distance calling has always been a detriment to people living in the north,” Edgar explained when asked why he feels so strongly about the communication services he now provides to the community. “I know so many of my friends and acquaintances who have children or parents living in other parts of Ontario . They would love the chance to talk to them more often by phone, but long distance charges really cut into the budget; especially for seniors who would love to talk to grandchildren, or parents who have children away at university or college.”

   “Once people find out how easy it is to switch over to my plan, and they realize that there is absolutely no risk or long-term commitment – that all they get is the freedom to talk on the phone to anyone in Ontario for as long as they want for one low price of $15.95 a month, they are sold,” Edgar went on.

   Edgar also repairs and programs individual computers for both commercial and residential use. You can drop in and see him at his office in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, or he will come directly to your home or office.

   Whatever you are looking for, give Edgar a call at 670-4039 or you can go to his web site at www.vccnet.ca and see how he can meet your needs.  

  
ELECTION 2006

PREPARING FOR THE 2006 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The next municipal election for the City of Greater Sudbury will take place on Tuesday, November 13, 2006. 

A lot of things happen during a four-year term. Some are good and some are bad. However, every decision that is made by our municipal council has a direct impact on the lives of people living in Valley East and Capreol.

Please note that Candidates have until 5:00 p.m. on September 29, 2006 to file their completed nomination form. 

It hoped that anyone who is serious about standing for election will declare his/her intention as soon as possible so that we have enough time to fully understand their individual platforms.

HANMER VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE
PHONE: (705) 524-7006
www.kirwan.ca

Robert Kirwan Believes In The Golden Rule of Politics… “Know Your People!” 

     There are a lot of things I intend to do if I am elected to represent the residents of Ward 6 – Hanmer and Val Therese as your Councillor for the next four years. However, there is one very important ironclad rule I have made for myself and you have my word that it will be followed if you send me to City Hall. Furthermore, I am absolutely certain that if I follow this one “Golden Rule of Politics” I will have no problem providing effective leadership and representation for my constituents.

   The Golden Rule: KNOW YOUR PEOPLE!

   Starting right now, and for as long as I am your Councillor for Ward 6 – Hanmer & Val Therese, I intend to visit every section of Hanmer & Val Therese at least once a month. I will stop at every playground. I will drive through the streets and take note of where major repairs are needed. I will observe the members of my Ward in their neighbourhoods and will stop and talk to them to get their feedback on the services they are receiving. By following this practice, I know I can learn something new every week and get the feel, touch and pulse of Ward 6.

   In fulfilling my duties as your Councillor I want to become aware of the things that need to be improved before they get worse so that I can take immediate action while there is time to fix them. I want to talk to my constituents and find out what I can do to help improve their quality of life.  Most of all, I want to be confident that when I speak at City Hall on behalf of the people of Ward 6 – Hanmer and Val Therese, I am totally aware of their needs and concerns and will be fully prepared to fight for what they truly deserve and for what they have paid for over the years with their property taxes and user fees. Valley East has a tremendous potential to become the most vibrant, thriving community within the entire City of Greater Sudbury . I intend to be an integral part of the growth and want to make a significant contribution to the future of Valley East . I truly intend to be the fuel that keeps this place growing and growing and growing.

   Another thing you can count on if you vote for me to serve as your Councillor is complete and total access to your elected representative. My office door at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre will always be open. My phone lines will be well published. My email address will be on your computer. My web site (www.kirwan.ca) will be always open. I am also looking forward to invitations to attend meetings with organizations, churches and school councils to talk to their members and get their suggestions on how the City can help them meet their needs. I do not intend to be the type of Councillor you only see at ribbon-cutting ceremonies or knocking at your door during election campaigns. I want to be part of your discussions and planning sessions. I want to know what I can do to help you become more successful in your own projects and initiatives.  And if you are the kind of person who likes to attend group meetings, you can take part in my “Town Hall Public Meetings” which I will be scheduling once a month in Ward 6.

   We have less than ten weeks before the election on November 13. I have already met thousands of you at the mall and through my involvements in the community over the past 32 years. I will meet many more of you over the next ten weeks. Those of you who know me understand full well that if Robert Kirwan is elected to represent Ward 6 – Hanmer & Val Therese, you will be getting the total package! I guarantee that great things will happen in Valley East and we will get the recognition we deserve from City Hall. With your support on November 13, I am confident that we can work together as a community to “Keep The Spirit of Valley East Alive”!

CITY OF GREATER SUDBURY 
OFFICIAL ELECTION SITE

READERS MAY SUBMIT THEIR OWN COMMENTS ON THE UPCOMING MUNICIPAL ELECTION BY CLICKING ON THE EMAIL BUTTON BELOW

  

MEET

OUR

SPONSORS

The Valley East Today Weekly Online News Magazine and Community Web Site are being made available free of charge to local residents through the support provided by the following businesses and organizations. 

You are encouraged to take time to visit their web sites, which can be linked by clicking on each of the individual names listed below. 

On behalf of all who are enjoying the feature articles on this newsletter, we express our deepest gratitude to our sponsors.

FROM THE HANMER VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE
Beswick Denture Clinic
Hart Department Store
VCCNet.ca Internet Solutions
Sole Mates Family Footwear
Desjardins' Food Basics
Pet Palace
The Source by Circuit City
Hanmer Home Hardware
Stan Thomas Solicitor
Drs. Dunlop & Labrecque Optometrists
Lou's Shoe Repair
Valley Plaza Barber Shop
Glamorous You
The Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre


FROM VAL CARON
Hanson Family Dentistry
Heatwave Tanning Salon
Fantastic Floors

Independent Energy Services

FROM VAL THERESE
Ron Gladu Photos
 
FROM HANMER
Masciangelo Motors
 
FROM CAPREOL
Drago Men's Wear
 
FROM SUDBURY
Reliable Security

Sole Mates Family Footwear
Masciangelo Motors
Sudbury Rent-A-Home
O'Malley's Rent-A-Pub

ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

If you are looking for a business in Hanmer or Val Caron, you should be able to find it on the Online Business Directory.  
  

WELCOME TO PAGE TWO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2006

 

Published by
INFOCOM CANADA BUSINESS CONSULTANTS INC.
Robert Kirwan, President & C.E.O.
4456 Noel Crescent, Val Therese ON P3P 1S8
Phone: (705) 969-7215    
EMAIL   rkirwan@infocomcanada.com