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4 - Orono Weekly Times Wednesday, May 19, 2004 vi V' -f'.rv/ : ■! I ! ' Places I've Done Time by Clifford Francis THE INSTITUTION Bob Willsher Memorial Bursary Fund receives donation All my life 1 have had some near misses with institutions •and being locked away. It almost happened again a few weeks back. The first time that it happened happened I was a kid and the old eye doctor from Bowmanville--a Bowmanville--a Mr. Burke, thought maybe the school in Brantford for the blind would be a good place for me. It didn't happen though, a pair of spectacles and I was on my way. The next incident was maybe going to Belleville to a school for the deaf. I remember remember my dad saying, "I think the little bugger is deef," but a few kicks in the arse and my hearing came back. Lots and lots of times I remember being bundled into the old car and we headed over north of Bowmanville to the training school for boys and mom sadly announcing, "here's where you're going to end up," and me doing a lot of crying and promising to turn my ways around, only to forget almost before arriving homè. Standing up in front of Judge Baxter in Bowmanville and pleading 'not guilty' to something we both knew I had done, and having the good Judge announce that I, Mr. Francis, had come within a whisker of doing time in a correctional correctional institution. It still stands out in my mind. Losing more than several loves of my life, and being driven nearly insane by having my brains drop into my trousers made me come close to ending up in Whitby at the hospital for the mentally insane. Somehow with luck and whatever else, I escaped these institutions. But a couple of weeks ago it nearly hap- No One Cares for Your Property Like... my trim Lawn & Garden „ Spring & Fall Cleanup 905-263-2772 Grass Cutting • Weed Control Fertilizing • Insect Control Shrub Pruning • Lawn Aeration Lawn Rolling • Snow Clearing Eavestrough Cleaning Landscape Design & Installation pened. A friend of mine had rediscovered rediscovered a brother he had not seen for 30 years living in a nursing home in Bowmanville. Bowmanville. On this particular day his brother was receiving some medals honouring him on his service in the merchant marines during the second world war. I was more than pleased to go and see this fine gentleman get his medals. A lot of the people at this function function honouring this gentleman were the folks from the nursing nursing home. Some of their actions filled me with great glee. One old fellow refused to sit next to another old lad because he didn't know him, only to find out they were room mates. During the ceremony, an elderly lady held up her hand and enquired about what time the cake was being served. This really filled me with glee. As soon as the ceremony was over I left the hall to go to a doctor's appointment. When I went upstairs the outside door was locked, and me being in a hurry nearly walked ' through it. A young nurse asked if she could be of help and I said, "yes, I would like to get out." She pressed the code and opened the door. I thanked her and told her I would not be back. "Please step in for a moment Sir," she said. 'No I must go, I have a doctor's appointment." "Please come in for one moment," she begged. Then I realized why. "You are a resident here are you not?" she asked. 'Whew," that was close, and I was merrily on my way and I still see her blushing with embarrassment, and no institutions yet for me. Glenda Bedard, Donna and Willy Woo (centre three) presented a cheque for $500-- the proceeds proceeds from their Clarke class reunion (for those born in 1953/54) which was held May otn at the Newcastle Town hall. The cheque will go to the Bob Willsher Memorial Bursary Fund for the student with the highest acedemic standard going into a skilled trade in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Trustees, Cathy Abraham (L) and Nancy Coffin (R) accepted accepted the cheque on behalf of the school board. O'Toole Continued from page 2 Province Places Condition on Commitment to UOÏT Ontario's Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has reaffirmed its commitment to support the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) in borrowing up to $190 million. However, the Ministry has offered this support support on the condition of a viable business plan from the university. Minister Mary Anne Chambers has also requested a report from an external examiner to confirm the viability of the business plan. I have every confidence in the business case for UOIT, having supported the university university from the beginning. However, we must ensure the academic future of several thousand students is not jeopardized jeopardized by undue delays mandated mandated by the provincial government. government. In addition, the community must advocate for completion of the entire UOIT concept including the buildings and programming in the university's plans. Ontario Leads World in E- Government Almost three-quarters of all Ontario government services services are currently available electronically. Some of these include: renewal of licence plate stickers, business registration, registration, accessing information on health topics, and seeking information required for life . events such as having a baby or preparing for retirement. Most recently, Ontario's health web site www.HealthyOntario.com was given a Webby Award as the best government/law web site in the world. (This award is described as the Internet's version of an Oscar.) While the Internet is an important tool in delivering information and certain government government services, it will never replace personalized service that can be provided to people by people. For various various reasons, some Ontarians do not have access to the internet and their needs must continue to be recognized. Others prefer one-to-one customer customer service, and I think it is important that those who prefer prefer dealing directly with a person be encouraged to continue continue to do so. - Finally, there are many special cases or complex issues that cannot be resolved online. Nothing can replace direct response from public servants who are knowledgeable knowledgeable and care about their clients. Main Street, Orono Proprietors: Gary & Carol Vreeker • Wedding Cakes • Cakes for till Occasions • Pastries - Donuts - Pies • Bretid & Buns 905-983-9779 Closed Sunday and Monday West Nile virus: Preventing bites. Wear light colours, long sleeves and long pants. Use hug repellent containing DUET and read product directions carefully. Avoid mosquito areas especially from dusk to dawn when they're most active. To learn more visit our Web site or call for a brochure. 1-877-234-434?) TTY 1-800-387-5559 www.HcalthyOiitiirio.com Fight the Bite! I'lnll I 11 III/ I/' Ht I In III III Ontario