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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 19, 2007 - 15 Hunt uncovers 80 heritage trees Continued from page 1 tory in it." As the report begins, "To you, it may just look like a big oak tree but to us, it is history, our history." The oak tree is not only on the school property, it's also painted in the lobby and used in the school's logo. For their efforts in writing the story about their tree, the Grade 6 class received a photo of the oak and an engraved pen, along with congratulations from Mayor Rob Burton and president of Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, Liz Benneian. The tree hunt was organized to celebrate the community's heritage and favourite trees, a joint effort of the Town and Oakvillegreen that saw 80 nominations put forward. "As a result of your efforts, we have recorded 80 heritage trees," Benneian said. She noted the trees nominated are "potential sources for seed collection, and will become the parents and grandparents of Oakville's future urban forest." Burton nominated a tree, and while he didn't win, the mayor was congratulated with a photo of his favourite tree. He applauded the efforts of Oakville residents to find and highlight what he called "the crown jewels of Oakville's urban forest." Other award recipients included Gladys Speers P.S. students Miranda and Philip Ingram, whose backyard silver maple won for `Most kid-friendly tree.' Take a look at the tree and you'll see why. To call its additions a tree house would be an understatement. "There's a sand box on the side, so we dig in it. We swing on the swings," said 11-year-old Miranda, pointing out the tree's various uses, designed by her father, Peter. "We enjoy sliding on the slide too, and our dog really enjoys sleeping under it." Added 7-year-old Philip, "I don't weigh a lot, so when I hit the bottom bump of the slide, I THIS WEEKEND ONLY SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER OCTOBER, 19, 20 & 21ST BENJAMIN MOORE COLLECTIONTM ­ TIMELESS BEAUTY, LASTING QUALITY. KID-FRIENDLY TREE: Miranda and Philip Ingram demonstrate why their backyard tree won the Most kid-friendly tree category. go off." The add-ons to the tree aren't the only reason the kids enjoy it. "The tree is really big, it's really high," said Philip. "We can see the whole backyard from it. "We put nuts inside it so the squirrels pick at it," added the Grade 2 student. The Ingram kids were excited to find out they won the award, not only because their tree was recognized. "We felt really excited, especially since we were told that the mayor was going to be here," said Miranda. "We think that he's going to be a really good mayor." A slew of other awards were given out Monday, including for best White Oak, Sugar Maple, largest circumference and more. Donna Sheppard picked up three awards ­ for photos of an Eastern white pine in the Bronte cemetery and a Shabark hickory in Wildwoods park, and for nominating a Swamp white Oak on Dorval Drive. For a complete list of Great Heritage Tree Hunt winners, visit www.oakville.ca/nr07oct16_1.htm. save 3.79L $ 5 F602 F319 F310 F333 save $ VIP CUSTOMERS 7 School system orientation for newcomers Parents new to the Canadian education system are invited to attend an orientation session to help them make informed decisions about their children's education. The sessions are hosted by the Halton District School Board in partnership with the Halton Multicultural Council. Language interpreters are available at each of the sessions. Various community agencies will also be present to provide related information to assist parents new to the Canadian education system. There are two sessions remaining in Oakville. The first is Thursday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at T.A. Blakelock High School, located at 1160 Rebecca St. The final seminar will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at White Oaks Secondary School, located at 1330 Montclair Dr. Ask about our V.I.P. Program. See our Website for Details Readers Choice WInner 11 years in a row Painters you! Place 2 Locations to serve 478 Dundas St. West (Dominion Plaza) Neyagawa & Dundas Oakville 905-257-2061 www.paintersplace.ca 5636 Glen Erin Dr. (the Longo's Plaza) Mississauga 905-858-1708