WELCOME TO PAGE TWO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2006 |
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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.
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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... |
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Valley Pentecostal
Church Provides Local Food Banks With Windfall That Will Go A Long Way
To Help Those In Need This Year |
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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.
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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.
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Late Registration For Valley East
Minor Hockey Association Will Be Held Saturday & Sunday -
September 8 & 9, 2006 |
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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.
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V.E.M.H.A. BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
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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
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Tykes |
4 - 6 year olds |
Cathy Giffen |
Novice |
7 - 8 year olds |
Chris Fillator |
Atom |
9 - 10 year olds |
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Peewee |
11 - 12 year olds |
Cory Brunatti |
Bantam |
13 - 14 year olds |
Guy Gervais |
Midget |
15 - 17 year olds |
Guy Gervais |
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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. |
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Valley East Ladies' Slo-Pitch
League Plays Every Monday and Wednesday Evening At Centennial Fields
In Hanmer |
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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:
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Valley East Cobras 'AAA' Midget
Team Gearing Up For A Great Season - Looking For Fan Support |
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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.
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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:
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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. |
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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) |
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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.
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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. |
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Beswick Denture
Clinic Provides Education As Well As Patient Service |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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 |
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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
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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. |
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Long
Distance Calling???? Interested in Voice Over Internet Technology??? Need Your
Computer Repaired??? |
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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.
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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.
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HANMER VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE
PHONE: (705) 524-7006
www.kirwan.ca
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Robert
Kirwan Believes In The Golden Rule of Politics… “Know Your
People!” |
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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”!
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CITY OF GREATER SUDBURY
OFFICIAL
ELECTION SITE |
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READERS MAY SUBMIT THEIR OWN
COMMENTS ON THE UPCOMING MUNICIPAL ELECTION BY CLICKING ON THE EMAIL
BUTTON BELOW
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WELCOME TO PAGE TWO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2006 |
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