SGC Admin "thoughts", News and views

FYI: Durham Region Council: Water/Sewer Rates to go up?

Will our water/sewer rates raise because of our efficiency? 

sparks of blue water Stock Photo - 8350670

FYI: Regional Council (Durham Region) were to meet December 14 to deal with a proposal to raise water/sewer rates by a combined 6.4% in 2012 (although I am not sure about the math as you will see in the breakdown). The increase is broken into an 8.3 per cent increase in water rates and 4.6 for sewer rates. The total works out to be about $47:00 a year. And it won’t stop there, as the Region is anticipating increases between 7 and 9 % a year until 2016. 

According to a Whitby this week staff report, it has been noted that water consumption has been dropping steadily since the year 2000. The reason for the decline is largely due to water efficient fixtures and appliances. 

Interesting that our efficiency is going to cost us in the long run… will the same be said for our efficiency in our use of electricity? 

I am unversed as to how much it costs to take care of a population, so it really is not my place to say how this situation should be handled. But I do hope that costs have first been cut in area’s that are not needed before they have been passed on to the general public. 

We welcome your thoughts on this post, along with any updated information you may wish to add. 

Source: Whitby this week: December 9 Edition.

SGC Admin News and views

Good News…. Whitby Block Parent Programme is saved…. ☺

Whitby Block Parent Programme has been saved…. ☺

Free Clip Art Block Parent : My Home with Clipping Path Stock Photo

Recently we posted an FYI story about the Whitby based block parent programme and the challenges it was facing including the imminent closure of the programme. 

But thanks to Andrea Kennedy the programme will live on. Andrea, a Whitby resident for two years obviously has a big heart and is committed to her community.. as she states

Whitby was a community that I wanted to be a part of because I believed it was a place where I could raise my family with good values and be surrounded by people who believed in the same things I did.

Andrea has kindly stepped into the position of chairwoman for the programme, the lack of anyone willing to step up to this position and declining public interest in the programme were the reasons cited for closure of the programme. 

The Block Parent programme promotes safer communities through the help of  volunteers who place signs in their windows offering assistance to children, seniors and others in need. The programme has been existence in Whitby since 1976. 

A huge thank you to Andrea for taking on this role, helping to save a very important community public volunteer service. And thanks to all those who volunteer their time and open up theirs homes to assist others. 

Miracles really do happen….

Merry Christmas Everyone…. ☺

source: Whitby this week: December 9 2011 Edition.

 

 

SGC Admin News and views

Latest Sightings: Chelsea Update

From the Editor: From our inbox to you:

Latest Update Re: Chelsea, From Janet team Chelsea:

A lady from Ajax has called to say that she believes she has seenChelsea

twice in the last month in southAjax. The first sighting was about a month ago, and she then saw the dog again about 2 weeks ago. The dog was seen on the south side ofLakeview Blvdacross fromParadisePark, in the green space area near the water. There is a small thicket of trees and when she tried to approach the Bernese with her dog she said the dog appeared nervous and ran in an erratic manner, trying to hide in the trees.

She did not notice a collar. Both times that she saw this dog she said there was no one else nearby or in the area and stated that the dog appeared alone. She saw the dog both times in the late afternoon and on the one occasion she was about 50 feet from the Berner when it appeared panicked and ran. She stated that about two weeks ago there was a large dog with a loud deep bark that barked continuously throughout the night, which was unusual for that area. She reports this Berner to be a ”little wild looking”.

She describes the dog as big with a white chest, not fat, but very tall. She said it was very furry, but was definitely not in show condition. She is familiar with the Bernese breed and believes that this isChelsea. She stated that the dog that she saw looks like the dog on the poster based on the marking.

A group of us have been spending a lot of time inAjaxstomping fields and green space

since the 2 calls same in, in early November, with possible sightings ofChelseanorth of the 401, in theSalemand Lakeridge road areas. It is disappointing since we have spent much time in that general area, yet we did not see her.

Since the last sighting was 2 weeks ago, it is impossible to know if she is still in the area or has branched out yet again.

We would very much appreciate it if you can keep your eyes focused on theAjaxarea and spread the word if you have any friends or family living in theAjaxarea. Please advise them that we are available 24/7 and call us immediately if they have any information or a sighting. Hopefully, we will get another sighting soon. C’monChelsea, lets get you home for Christmas where you belong.

Thanks to all of you,

Janet

If you see Chelsea:

• Immediately call 905-706-2635 or 905-666-4676

• Remain calm – projecting a calm energy is very important

• DO NOT face her square on – instead have your body on an angle so you are not in a threatening position

• You can try to lure her with treats, speak quietly, slowly and calmly in order to create curiosity in her rather than excitement

• Allow her to come to you – if she moves away then keep your distance but try and keep her in your sights.

• Please do NOT chase or tackleChelsea, we do not want her to be subjected to any further trauma and we do not want any harm to come to her or you.


SGC Admin Events: Present and Upcoming

Djembe lessons with Julie Ditta January 2012

Wow… have you ever wanted to learn the Djembe? Well, if you have, check out this upcoming 8 week course with Julie Ditta. 
Dragon, the symbol of 2012, playing magic drums Stock Photo - 11133160
Recreational Djembe Lessons for Adults

Designed for adults, this is an eight-week introductory course for beginners on the West African djembe. Learn basic technique, handing and some simple rhythms. Explore the art of improvised drumming in a group, have fun and try something new. No previous  experience necessary.

                            New session begin January 19
                     Thursdays Nights 

                                              7:00 – 8:00 pm

                   24 Nordic Court Whitby

                     $95.00
Drums are available to borrow for $10.00 a session.

To register, call Julie Ditta – 905-666-8238
or e-mail
  j.ditta@rogers.com

SGC Admin Events: Present and Upcoming

FYI: The Tranquil Garden News

From the Editor: From our inbox to you…… Go to The Tranquil Garden Retreat’s website to view their calendar of Events…. (they always have a lot going on… ☺)

Ahhhh....... ☺

 

What’s Happening
The week of December 12th – 17th

 

If you ever think: “I wish things were different” then you should seriously consider

 re-evaluating the life you live. If you want something in your life to change

 then you must change things in your life.  We are all capable of such change with 

knowledge, desire and a support system…

Do you need support?  Are you longing for a community of like minded people to learn and share with?  Do you desire something different in your life…

WELCOME to The Tranquil Garden – where our entire purpose is as a resource for the people of the Durham Region to gather together to learn, share, heal, grow and prosper.  We offer meeting/gathering space, products, services, events, workshops and weekend retreats focused on well-being and personal development. We are a place where knowledge is gained and desire is cultivated…

“To create the life you want, you must first understand how you 

created the life you have.  The choices that we make have 

consequences to our mental, emotional and physical health.”

Diane Catherine Henderson 

As you learned last week, some of the things that we can share right now include:

In 2012, we have an exciting new line up of Service Providers that we will be introducing you to over the next several weeks.  Before the New Year, we will have a new website full of interesting information and a calendar of events well into the summer that is focused on helping you to create and maintain balance, harmony and tranquillity in your life.

We have created well-defined  purpose for each level of the “house”.  For example, the entire lower level of the Centre will be a Day Spa offering professional aesthetics and pampering 7 days a week.  The main floor will be focused entirely on gathering people together for networking, business, well-being and personal development to create a powerful 2012.  The upper level will be dedicated to energy work, well-being and spirituality.

We have officially launching our new series of weekend retreat workshops hosted by The Tranquil Garden: Reconnecting to Self, Power of Manifesting and Living Your Vision

Our 2012 Tranquil Garden Community Membership  – renewal discounts, new benefits and so much more.  This is a really great gift idea for someone who needs a sanctuary of well being in their life… for December only, membership is less than $1 a day!

 

For our last week before closing for the holidays we encourage you to check out the  events calendar for some great activities:

  1. Monday – Power of Manifesting study group starts at either 1pm or 7pm.  There are 3 spaces left.  Cost $20 for 3 weeks of class.  Must have CD’s.  Contact Jenny to register and get the download
  2. Tuesday – Guided Meditation & Chakra Balancing, 7-9pm, $25 for 1 session or $80 for 4 sessions (must be used in 90 days)
  3. Wednesday – Crystal Bowl Energy Circle, 7-9pm, $20 for 1 person or $35 for 2 people.  this class has a maximum of 10 people so please pre-register 
  4. Wednesday – Your Broker Connection hosts Own Your Own Home in 4 Years

If you are looking for a great family activity to share over the holidays …  then we have a recommendation.  Our friends at Risa Production present Snow White at Whitby Centennial Theatre from December 27 through to January 7th.  Professional, all singing, all dancing and laugh-out-loud comedy.  Adult tickets $25, Seniors $22 and $15 for kids under 13.  Order your tickets online. Enjoy getting ready for the holiday season!

 

We wish you an exciting holiday season.  take time to enjoy your family and appreciate the gifts bestowed upon you.  Here is to the most amazing New Year ahead of each and every one of us.  We are looking forward to seeing you in January!

 

Traci & Jenny
Visionaries of The Tranquil Garden