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The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday February 17, 2007 - 23 Oakville's precious Oak tree Planted by a squirrel in the forest 250+ years ago, it grew from the size of a toothpick to this majestic mammoth tree 5.15m in circumference. Its lowest branch is 8m up and its height is 8 storey. The tree stands alone in the way of `progress' an eight lane highway #25 Bronte Rd. This quiet giant landmark is a historic living monument, a survivor and an example to us all. A little nut that held its ground. White Oak of Hope I am the tree that calls to thee, From ages now long past. I am the one from time long sung. A beauty that does last! Build the road of living life. Pave it deep with care. Plow down the minds of those who wish, My death and bring despair. For we are all connected. Life intertwines as one, Let me lift my branches boldly To feel the power of the sun. May all the children gather In my blanket of the shade And read the words of happiness About the day that I was saved. A poem by Linda M. Kolodziej The ghosts that walk the streets of Oakville Continued from Page 10 remained in the building. Then all the doors and windows were checked and locked. "When all the work was done, we all grabbed a drink, sat down and began to shoot the breeze," recalled one of the men. Then all of a sudden they heard the door go bang! Startled, they looked at each other, the one man said, "Didn't someone lock the door?" "I did," responded another in the group. Silence followed. Next that all heard the sound of footsteps going up the stairs. In twos they got up and walked upstairs and began searching the whole building, but found no one. An Oakville transit driver who worked at the Club for eleven years remembers similar incidents on several occasions. the doors and windows. Then I would commence to do the cleaning. "One night at about 2am I was down in the women's locker room, when I heard the door band. The hair stuck out on the back of my neck. I listened, and heard the sound of footsteps, thump, thump, thump, leading up the stairs to the lounge. I picked up a piece of wood, and walked upstairs, holding my breath. I searched the place from top to bottom but found absolutely nothing. "After this happened, I would check the door at night, and it would continue to happen," he said. Halton police were called by another cleaner to investigate the strange noises at the Oakville Club, but to no avail. The mystery of the night stalker remains unsolved. Taken from "Boo Too, Ghosts of Oakville and Haunted Halton. Stories collected by Joyce Burnell, Oakville Historical Society The book Ghosts of Oakville inspired the Oakville Historical Society to organize historic ghost walks through downtown Oakville. Further information may be obtained by calling (905) 844-2695. Maple Syrup Festival 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Red House, Coronation Park Encouraging Oakville's Creativity Since 1965 The Oakville Art Society's first home was located in the original farmhouse that once stood on the grounds of Coronation Park. Forty-two years later, The Oakville Art Society's experienced instructors continue to offer a wide variety of programs. From beginner to advanced, you're sure to find a class best suited for your skill level and busy schedule. *Visit our gallery on site. For more information: w w w. O n t a r i o P a r k s . c o m 9 0 5 - 8 2 7 - 6 9 11 The Oakville Art Society 560 Bronte Road 827-5711 www.oakvilleartsociety.com Office Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Sat. 11a.m. to 4p.m.