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ince I served as a volunteer with the ClockTowerTheatre Association from 1995 through 2007. I honestly felt the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville owed me and my colleagues something, even a letter of thanks. However, for whatever reason, since no memo of appreciation, written or ver- bal has been forthcoming, I decided Saturday to take the law into my own hands. I borrbwed a brick from the Nineteen on the Park job site in downtown Stoufiville. While I won't dwell on the importance of my prize, there's a scant possibility this age-old chunk of baked clay could be the missing hinge between a century- old movie house and a brand new arts centre. I’ll run the risk If this all sounds like a get-even soliloquy, you're right group members did every- thing expected of them, even to digging into pockets and purses. for membership money. Not to mention the fact they raised thousands of dollars to cover request- ed, but rejected, planning proposals. Like the committee never existed. Twelve years of ser- vice down the drain. So what do we have? Only a shell, a fragile skele- tal structure requiring eight steel props to hold it up. Rightly or wrongly I keep hoping the ghosts of the former home of the Stan- ley Theatre will, some night soon, whip up winds of suf- ficient strength to knock the wretched remains to the ground. For that's where it belongs. And that's what I've always contended, even though most committee cohorts felt differently. Stan fresh. I once argued. This way, the area’s artsy folk could have a building that suited their needs and the town could save a hunk of cash. But no. there’s always of a segment of populace that Politicians erred at Nineteen on Park Clock Tower theatre The result? Total dismiss- Rightly or wrongly I keep hoping the ghosts of the former home of the Stanley Theatre will, some night soon, whip up winds of sufficient strength to knock the wretched remains to the ground. sees irreplaceable beauty in something old. Despite the fact a major overhaul usu- ally proves impractical. The other option to a favoured new structure on the Civic Avenue site could have been a blended addi- tion to the Lebovic Centre, already a hive of activity with plenty of parking. ‘ Unfortunately, our politi- cians, already pressured to do something. bowed to the whims of a vocal minority. So we have what you see: an ugly, decrepit building. grossly undersized for a community bursting at the I call K it tunnel vision. You’ll call it sour grapes. No, I’m not a member of the Start-Up Team. And I feel sorry for those who are: chairperson Harry French, Councilor Susanne Hil- ton, Iane Bishop, Eric But- ton, Dorie Billich, Brenda McGowan, Nancy Mathe- son, Elizabeth Plashkes, Kym Pyke, Bob Stover and Kathi Wood. All good people with the needs of the town in tow. Unfortunately, the parameters in Which they're forced to work are so small, their hands are virtually tied. History may prove me wrong. This downtown ugly duckling may emerge as a graceful swan. Roaming Around This former bowling alley, market place and movie theatre may some day shine like a priceless gem. Colourful productions may light up the stage six nights a week and audienc- es may flock to the site from kilometres around. Ihope However, on this occa- sion, I wish council had momentarily forgotten the past and concentrated on the future. That's where the life of our town lies. Regardless, I retain in my ‘room of memories' one Stanley Theatre brick. It looks as forlorn as its brittle counterparts scatâ€" tered about a site some still regard as sacred. Iim Thomas is a Stouffm’lle resident who has written for area newspapers for more than 50 years. with Iim Thomas WW WMMSPMTS‘ bum “In-” bwummmn MWWWN anti-me “lawn-1m- Simâ€"Tribune WWW A‘P‘ W's MA“ mm m- mow WW9 Loueo's' M 8. I DEATS' "WW HAL-IMP Olde Tyme Picnic Saturday July 26 Join us for a FREE fam- ily day at the park that includes a swim, games and relays at the out- door pool, live music in the park, art activities, old fashioned relays and games in the park, face painting, storytelling, games and puzzles for adults and youth. As a part of our fundraising, you can discover the "pitchburst" machine. An updated version of the dunk tank. Soak or get soaked. its all good fun for a good cause. In support of Drowning Prevention Day Bring your toonies. .. 2‘5 Pom. Memorial Park Great tions tc mer camp sc Island Adventt Julv 28. now 1 Summer Camp Monday, July let 1:30 pm “Racing Stripes” Vlusoum Rated PG Free Admission “Joshua” â€" Annie’s younger brother ASun-HAM-noon Pllgrlnngctothemmalayas A film screening as a spiritual journey with Victor Demko Thursday, Aug. 21 12:00-4:45 pm Cost $47.25 Preregistration js required. Great new addi- tions to our sum- mer camp schedule. An lsIand Adventure, starting July 28, now features an EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW. Pirates Cove, starting August 11, now features a visit from a REAL PIRATE, ahoy matey! Summer Chess Camp Sundays, July 6 - August 24 1:00-2:00 pm Age 7+ Pre-registration is required. This is YOUR Museum. . . Come lend a hand at the Car Show! Do you like antique cars? Do you enjoy contributing in your community? The Museum is look- ing for volunteers to help at the BBQ. the Tea Garden or at the admissions gate durâ€" ing our 35th Annual SwujfviUe Sunâ€"'Ifibune I Thursday, luly 17, 2008 ' Interestcd in learning or improving chess skills??? Whitehread’s Art Camp July 28 - August 1 at the Library August 11 - 15 at the Lemonville Community Centre Ages 8â€"11 Cost $130/child Pre-registration is required! h‘mkhnld Scavenger Hunt loin us as Exhibitors from across southern Ontario display their prized antique classic cars. Food available in the Tea Room or hot off Thank you everyone who participated in the June is Recreation and Parks month scaven- ger hunt. Many people enjoyed both locations for the hunt and we had a record number of submissions. Winners have been contacted to pick up their prizes at the Leisure Centre. Scavenger hunt forms are still available at the Leisure Centre, should you want to explore the community in a fun ways 35th Annual Antique 8: Classic Car Show Sunday, August 10, 2008 11:00am â€" 4:00pm Program Read at leisure and for pleasure with a bonus of earning fantastic prizes! Call or visit the Library for details Laugh Out Loud Summer Reading