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Simon Harmgardt wins junior citizen awardBy Dominik KurekHalton and the Halton Regional Policebrother, my sister and me that volunteeringOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFService for distribution.is our moral and civic duty and I just foundFor three years he has been performingvolunteering a fun and rewarding experi-Who knew that juggling and fixing bikeshis 30-minute STOP (Simons Tour Ofence, he said.could get someone recognized as a philan-Positivity) stunt juggling shows at non-Simon said he enjoys doing it becausethropist, but it has done just that forprofit events. He is the co-founder and co-he meets new people, learns new skills andOakvilles Simon Harmgardt.president of TOLES (Teens Organizingputs smiles on peoples faces.Except when the 17-year-old jugglesLocal Entertainment for Seniors) and in sixSimon plans to continue doing his vol-balls and knives and fixes bikes, hes gotyears has participated in 60 variety shows.unteer work. Hes also collecting used bikesothers on his mind. As a result of his selflessHe is an executive member on thefor his Life Cycle program and asks anyonework, he was named one of 12 recipients ofOntario Ministry of Citizenship andwho could make a donation to contact himthe 2010 Ontario Junior Citizen of the YearImmigration Youth Advisory Committee by e-mail at simonharmgardt@gmail.com.Award.Change the World. Oakville also had three other nomineesSimon is also the second Harmgardt toHe has spent five years on, and is cur-for the award this year. The other youthswin the award, as his older sister, Julie, wonrently the chair of, the Oakville Youthare Jessica Allingham, Garrett Holmes andthe award back in 2007.Advisory Committee (OYAC) and is a mem-Aedan Smith.Its a big honour and its very hum-ber of Blakelocks Principals AdvisoryIts wonderful that young people arebling, said mother Irene, of the secondCommittee. recognized because so often in society peo-win. Our whole family is very proud of allHe is part of other clubs at the school, isple find the bad things about youth. Youthof our kids and Im so thankful theyre soa Minister of the Word at his church andcan have a bad connotation, but its notexcited and giving of their time. They real-was a Parliamentary Page, representingtrue. I believe most of our youth are won-ly enjoy volunteering because thats a valu-Oakville in 2007, in the Ontario Legislaturederful young people, Irene said.able life skill and I think it will serve themat Queens Park.The awards are co-ordinated annually bywell in the future because it makes every-He was also the YMCA of Oakvillesthe Ontario Community Newspapersthing worthwhile.Youth Peace Medallion recipient in 2010.Association (OCNA), of which The OakvilleSimon is a T. A. Blakelock High SchoolI was so excited to find out and it wasBeaver is a member. student and he has been involved with asuch a huge honour to win, Simon said ofThe individuals are nominated by peoplenumber of volunteer programs. He spenthis win. I wish all the kids who volunteerin the community.three years with Life Cycle, during whichcould get recognized in such a positiveAs a recipient, Harmgardt and his fami-time he fixed 145 bicycles, 35 of which haveway.ly will be invited to attend an awards cere-been shipped to poor people in theSimon said he and his siblings get moti-mony in the spring. Winners receive aDominican Republic and 110 have beenvated to volunteer by their parents.plaque and lapel pin citing their accom-NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters ofMy parents have always taught myplishments and a cash reward.Simon HarmgardtHelping You MakeSmart DecisionsAbout Your Moneywith Leigh-Ann Allaire-Perrault of Benjamin Moore & CityLineThursday, February 17, 2011St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre1280 Dundas Street West7-9pm. Tickets $20Peter WatsonRichard BennDanielle LavigneHeather Milne-HallTo purchase tickets please call: 905.257.2061220 Randall Street Downtown Oakville478 Dundas St. W., at Neyagawa, Oakville905-257-2061 Phone: 905.842.2100MON-FRI: 8-7, SAT: 9-6, SUN: 11-5Painters Placewww.paintersplace.caNext Seminar in MarchPAINT WALLCOVERINGS IN-HOME AND IN-STORE COLOUR CONSULTATIONS3 Wednesday, January 26, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.oakvillebeaver.com