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Since then, the Grade 10 student at Thomhill’s St. Eliz- abeth Catholic High School has continued his singing career. Five thousand copies of his recording of I] Divo’s Celebration of the Arts is the braincth of York Region Media Group publisher Ian Proudfoot. He was honoured last weekend by the Markham Arts Council for the event's contribution to cultural life in York. Shortly after competing in Celebration of the Arts, Mr. Panetta participated in the CNE’s Rising Star competi- tion and won first place. Mr. Panetta, who has been singing since age five, earned first place in the vocal intermediate category plus a $1,500 bursary after he per- formed Michael Bublé’s ver; sion of Fever. He has saved the money and plans to put it towards music education or training. Most importantly, the 2006 event he competed in gave the young baritone con- fidence in his ability. “It helped me realize I have something I can use for good to entertain people. It was a foot in the door,” he said. BY SIMONE JOSEPH Staff Writer The Celebration of the Arts talent competition marked a turning point in Daniel Panetta's life. Concerts, recitals, trade shows, receptions, art shows and parties have all While inviting downtown merchants, he has been encouraged by the response, including proposals to rent the building or offer spin-off business to events. Mr. French hopes that changes June 25. that raised $300,000 last fall, naming rights, the town’s vol- untary assistance agreement, development charges and park trust funds. Mayor Wayne Emmerson said last fall he was surprised by the lack of interest in the project from the entertain- ment community. Most of money in place for Nineteen on Park Competition turning point for Panetta All breed professional grooming in a relaxed stress-free atmosphere From page 1. Elimination judging begins July 11 at Newmarket Theatre. A limited humber of live audition opportuni- ties will be held at the theatre Thursday. (The semifinals are in July and the finals in August). The competition will be complete by Labour Day â€"â€" With files from David Fleischer Mr. Panetta also had another piece of advice: “Never give up. No matter what, give it your all". The deadline for enter- ing the competition is next weekend. The 16-year-old has advice for young people considing entering the Celebration of the Arts competition: “Do it. It will be the greatest thing of your life. It will open your eyes to different kinds of art. You will gain a new respect for art in general," he said. Mr. Panetta, a Maple resi- dent, has been signed to a contract with 3PK Plasma Productions. Farley Flex, of Canadian Idol fame, is part of that management team. He will be recording a demo CD and hopes it results in a recording contract. Mama were distributed to families of troops serving in the Canadian forces in Afghanistan. The June 25 meeting goes from 7:30 to 9 pm. in the council cham- bers at Main Street and Sandiford Drive. RSVP by June 20 by calling 905-640â€"1910,ext 292. “I wonder if people know what kind of a gem they have?" the former Ottawa resident said. The redevelopment of the centre and adjoining Civic Square and Memorial Park, all a few metres from his home, are exciting. “With the price of gas, people aren’t going to be traveling as much," said Mr. French, who expects resi- dents to look for hometown activity more than before. been suggested. > Go to yorkregion.com for more information. 2006 2005 2005 2003 F150 Lariat Ranger Edge F150 Crewcab F150 Supercab Tink Ribbonfigutique v . . ~r 'Certified Ma§tg§t ’Tittings ' Professionaffir‘" f; 5786 Main St, Stouffville www.blllhoustonford.com 905-640-4541 if you or your child suffers from LEARNING DISABILITIES then attending this free symposium may be the most important thing you do this year. You will discover the true cause of these conditions and natural solutions and options you can use right away to overcome them. Many children and adults with ADD and Dyslexia have seen significant improvement without medication. Dr. Turner is an international speaker and lecturer who has been featured on the Dini Petty Show, National News, Canada AM, CFTO News, Marilyn Denis CITYUNE and Riley Live. He will present a free symposium on Thurs. June 19th at 7:30 pm at the Stouffville Health Centre, 6219 Main Street. Call 905-640-4440 to reserve your seats today! Stouffville Sun-Tribune I Saturday, lune I4, 2008 STAFF PHOTO/JIM MASON The restoration of 19 Civic Ave. into an arts centre is expected to be complete next spring. You can take part in plan- ning for the openâ€" ing at a meeting June 25.