December 11, 2007 – The holiday season is a favorite time for everyone, however as merry spirits reach an all time high so does mass consumerism, an increase in the generation of waste and a rise in energy consumption. Does this mean that eco-friendly practices should be abandoned during this time of year, or should we banish the holiday season all together? Fortunately drastic measures need not to be taken as we can celebrate throughout the month of December and into the New Year minimizing our environmental footprint in the freshly fallen snow, by embracing these few easy eco-friendly tips:
The truth about trees:
Real or plastic, the Christmas tree debate continues. Whatever your preference may be there are eco-friendly options for whatever type of tree you choose.
Instead of tossing your potted tree to the curb with the rest of your holiday trash, consider giving back to mother earth by replanting it! If this is not an option, Christmas trees can be donated to the parks department, or contact your community recycling to see if they have a tree recycling program. The trees collected by the program are chipped into mulch which is used in green spaces around the surrounding areas. Keeping trees out of our garbage extends the life of landfills, reduces greenhouse gas, and produces a valuable resource.
If you have an artificial tree, make sure to use it again, or donate it to someone else. Artificial trees that are thrown out will remain in a landfill for centuries after disposal.
Let there be light:
Instead of using incandescent bulbs to decorate your tree and home choose LEDs (light-emitting diodes). They're more expensive but last much longer and use 80% to 90% less power than conventional mini-bulbs. LEDs stay cool to the touch, so they won't singe the tree--or your child's fingers
Another way to conserve electricity is to turn off the lights and burn candles instead. Choose soy, vegetable wax or beeswax--all renewable, biodegradable materials--over paraffin-wax candles, which are petroleum based.
Deck the halls with real holly:
Instead of spending money on artificial Christmas decorations that won't biodegrade, let nature decorate your home. House decorations can be made from organic, recycled and scrap materials. Try popcorn, dough, cinnamon sticks, bows, gingerbread, holly, seasonal berries, ivy and evergreen branches. Once you have finished with them, you can put them in the composter.
Give the Gift of Green:
Instead of buying material presents, give gifts of kind instead. Homemade gift certificates offering services such as babysitting, dog walking or other much appreciative services not only reduce waste, but are able to be personalized to the receivers needs. Homemade gifts are another excellent eco-option!
If you must buy, consider buying a green gift that will help the receiver embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle. For some green gift ideas visit www.enviromomonline.com
Recycle your unwanted presents.
Unfortunately everyone receives at least one unwanted gift at Christmas. Recycle your unwanted presents to charities, local hospitals, hospices or shelters.
Reduce Holiday Waste
Wrapping Ideas for Gifts: As pretty as wrapping paper and greeting cards may be, there are many great eco-friendly options available that you may want to consider.
Re-use wrapping paper or gift bags that were given to you.
Make your own wrapping paper from newspapers, magazines, or by using fabric. Scarves, Aprons and other clothing items can wrap your gift with a gift!
Use cloth bags instead of paper/plastic ones. Loblaws sell an assortment of gift giving bags in a variety of shapes and sizes for a low price.
Although cards are a great way to spread holiday cheer, consider sending an e-card to reduce the amount of waste generated from paper versions. OR make your own homemade cards, by recycling cards sent to your last year! Paper cards that are sent to you can also be used to make gorgeous Christmas displays and ornaments.
Green Party Etiquette:
Buy Local Produce.
Supporting local farmers is a great way to show holiday spirit. With the best selection of baked goods, organic meats and free range eggs, you traditional holiday dishes will be tastier than ever! 10 million turkeys are eaten every Christmas. Organic turkeys not only have been reared in humane conditions, but they taste better too! Not only will you be rewarded with the taste of chemical-free food, but you will be helping the environment by aiding in the reduction in food miles and CO2 emissions, and reduced dependence on oil. Also make sure to bring your own shopping bags!
Avoid disposable plates and cutlery. Instead use regular dinner plates and silverware. Although this is slightly less convenient, the environment will thank you!
Carpool with other friends and family members to holiday parties. The holiday season is the most sociable time of year, however putting around the party circuit does not have to mean emitting unnecessary carbons into the air. Carpool with other party go-ers, or better yet take the TTC.
Be battery wise.
Families can get through a lot of batteries, particularly at Christmas. Batteries contain toxic chemicals, don't biodegrade and are difficult to recycle. Instead use rechargeable ones or try the new AA size USB rechargeable batteries. By opening the cap and plugging into a USB connector, you can recharge them pretty much anywhere there's a USB socket and you will never have to search for a charger again.
If you have any eco-friendly holiday tips, please e-mail us and we’ll share them with the readers of SayItCornell.com. Let’s work together to keep our community healthy and green throughout the holiday season and into the New Year!
August 2, 2007 – Toy-maker Fisher-Price is recalling 83 types of toys – including the popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters – because their paint contains excessive amounts of lead. The worldwide recall being announced Thursday involves 967,000 plastic preschool toys:
33662 Elmo Light Up Musical Pal, 33663 Ernie Light Up Musical Pal, 33664 Big Bird Light Up Musical Pal, 34658 Elmo Stacking Rings, 39038 Elmo Tub Sub, 39054 Sesame Street Shape Sorter, 87946 Elmo Keyboard, 90267 Ernie Splashin' Fun Trike, 90609 Elmo Collectible, 90611 Cookie Collectible, 90612 Zoe Collectible, 90613 Ernie Collectible, 90614 Big Bird Collectible, 90745 Construction Playset, 93068 Elmo Boom Box, 93107 Action Fire Engine, 93307 Press N Go Elmo, 93308 Rev & Go Cookie Monster, 93492 Cookie Saxophone, 93493 Elmo's Guitar, 93615 Splash Tub Puzzle, 93780 Music And Lights Phone, B7554 Count To Beat Elmo, B7888 Shake, Giggle & Roll, B7987 Elmo in the Giggle Box, B7989 Silly Parts Talking Elmo, B9620 Dora's Talking House, C6908 Dora, Backpack, Perrito Figure Pack, C6909 Diego Figure Pack, C6910 Swiper Figure Pack, C6911 Boots, Tico Figure Pack, G3825 Dora Talking Vamonos Van, G5112 Sing With Elmo's Greatest Hits, G9717 Giggle Doodler, H2943 Grow with Me Elmo Sprinkler, H3343 Cousin Daisy, H3344 Birthday Dora, H5569 Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Cookie, Ernie), H5570 Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Zoe, Big Bird), H4187 Dora Figures in Tube, H4628 Water Fun Tote, H8236 Dora 3 Pack Figures in Tube, H8237 Blue 3 Pack Figures in Tube, H8238 Sponge Bob 3 Pack Figures in Tube, H9124 Chef Dora, H9125 Bedtime Dora, H9186 Giggle Grabber Ernie, H9188 Giggle Grabber Oscar the Grouch, J0338 Diego Talking Field Journal, J0343 Go Diego Go Antarctic Rescue, J0344 Go Diego Go Deep Sea Rescue, J0345 Go Diego Go Mountain Rescue, J0346 Go Diego Go Talking Rescue 4 X 4, J5935 Giggle Grabber Soccer Elmo, J5936 Giggle Grabber Chef Cookie Monster, J6537 Sesame Street Giggle Toolbelt, J6762 Queen Mami, J6763 Royal Boots and Tico, J6765 Prince Diego, J7983 Sesame Street Tub Pots & Pans, J9518 Sesame Street Giggle Drill, J9692 Dora's Talking Pony Place, K0617 Twins Nursery, K3414 Diego - Talking Gadget Belt, K3571 Go Diego Go Mobile Rescue Unit, K3580 Fairytale Adventure Dora, K4139 Go Diego Go Dinosaur Rescue, K4140 Toucan Motorcycle Rescue, L0305 Dora Figure, L3194 Surprise Inside Diego Eggs, L3215 Sesame Street Elmo Jack-In-The-Box, L3488 Sesame Street Birthday Figure Pack, L3507 Sesame Street - Super Boom Box, L5202 Birthday Dora, L5813 Diego Tub Trike, L8905 Pablo & Pals, M0351 Dora Figures Dora & Kitty, M0352 Dora Figures Diego & Bear, M0524 Go Diego Go Talking Gadget, M0527 Sesame Street Giggle Doodler, M0732 Dora's Talking House, M2051 Let's Go Rescue Center, M2052 Fairytale Castle
Fisher-Price and the commission issued statements saying parents should keep suspect toys away from children and contact the company. Owners of a recalled toy can exchange it for a voucher for another product of the same value.
To see pictures of the recalled toys, visit Mattel.com. For more information, call Mattel's recall hot line at 1.800.916.4498.
July 24, 2007 – The Region of York has sent out conflicting reports of when outdoor water use is permitted. Those reports are not for the Town of Markham, as our water is not taken from wells or Lake Simcoe.
Town of Markham water is, however, restricted. Lawn watering is only permitted on odd days for odd numbered street addresses and on even days for even numbered street addresses. Residents may water lawns from 6:00am to 9:00am or 6:00 pm to 9:00pm only. Commercial properties can water their properties for three hours between midnight and 6:00am only. For more information, please call 905.477.5530.
July 4, 2007 – The mandatory Stage 2 Outdoor Water Use Ban has been removed for the Towns of Aurora, Newmarket, the community of Oak Ridges in the Town of Richmond Hill and the community of Maple in the City of Vaughan.
The Regional Municipality of York would like to thank residents for their cooperation and strongly encourages residents to continue to conserve their outdoor water use.
A voluntary Stage 1 Outdoor Water Use Advisory is now in effect for all nine municipalities in York Region.
WHAT IS A STAGE 1 OUTDOOR WATER USE ADVISORY? A Stage 1 Outdoor Water Use Advisory is voluntary. It requests all residents to refrain from using municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or permanent irrigation system for the purposes of watering lawns or gardens, washing vehicles, sidewalks or driveways, and filling or topping up swimming pools. A Stage 1 Advisory is issued when water reservoir levels decline to approximately 70 per cent.
WHAT IS A STAGE 2 OUTDOOR WATER USE BAN? A Stage 2 Outdoor Water Use Ban is mandatory and is enforceable through municipal by-laws. It states no person shall use municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or permanent irrigation system for the purposes of watering lawns or gardens, washing vehicles, sidewalks or driveways, and filling or topping up swimming pools. A Stage 2 Ban is issued when water reservoir levels decline to 50 per cent. Residents can be fined up to $5,000 for violating their municipality's by-law.
For more up-to-date information on outdoor water use in Markham and York Region, please visitwww.york.ca >>
Markham By-Law #105-95 (13 kb/3 pages) is in effect from June 1 to September 30 of each year. The By-Law instructs owners and occupants of properties to comply with the following schedule of lawn watering and other outdoor water use. Compliance with this By-Law is necessary to ensure that sufficient water is available for essential uses and emergency services such as fire fighting. Of Note: These watering restrictions do not apply to newly-laid sod until two months after is has been laid.
In cases of extreme drought, a total lawn watering and car washing ban can be imposed according to the direction of the Town of Markham.
All properties in Markham should follow this process when watering their properties: Residential: Even Address Numbers Even days of the month only, 6am – 9am and 6pm – 9pm Residential: Odd Address Numbers Odd days of the month only, 6am – 9am and 6pm – 9pm Industrial, Commercial, & Institutional: Even Address Numbers Even days of the month only, for 3hrs between midnight – 6am Industrial, Commercial, & Institutional: Odd Address Numbers Odd days of the month only, for 3hrs between midnight – 6am
Water System Statistics: 32.7 Million cubic metres water consumption (2006) $1.5838 per cubic metre combined water and wastewater rate (2007) $522.65 yearly household average water/wastewater bill (at an average 409 cubic meters/year) 919+ km watermains 786+ km sanitary sewer mains 65,000+ residential service connections 1,900+ commercial/industrial service connections 7,100+ hydrants 8,800+ valve chambers 11,500+ manholes
June 27, 2007 – Markham has passed a bylaw regulating the non-essential use of pesticides in the Town. It will come into effect January 1, 2008.
"With the passage of this bylaw, Markham has taken another major step in environmental protection," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "By regulating the non-essential use of pesticides, we will help protect our physical environment and the health of the Town's residents."
"Environmental sustainability is one of the key focus areas for this Council. In addition to passing this pesticide bylaw, we have an aggressive new waste diversion target, are planning tree planting initiatives and supporting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in all new developments," said Mayor Scarpitti.
"After wide consultation with residents, Council has put together an excellent pesticide bylaw," said Councillor and Environmental Issues Committee Chair, Erin Shapero. "This law is a victory for every child in Markham who likes to roll on the grass or play ball with their friends. It's also a victory for family pets and for our drinking water. It shows Markham Council is taking real, positive steps to protect the environment and citizens' health."
Markham will undertake a public education program to inform residents and businesses about the bylaw and how to maintain healthy lawns and gardens without pesticides. It will focus on gaining property owner's co-operation, acceptance of new maintenance practises/standards of appearance, and motivation to "do the right thing".
While the new bylaw does not permit application of pesticides within the Town of Markham, it does identify a list of low impact pest control products that can be used such as a soap, dormant or horticultural oil and corn gluten meal. The bylaw also identifies a number of situations where pesticides can be used. These include: to disinfect swimming pools, to purify water, to control termites, to control a health hazard and on farms.
Golf courses and lawn bowling greens are permitted to use pesticides only under the direction of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Accredited Agent and will be required to submit their records annually to the Town for review.
Bylaw enforcement and fine options will be presented in a separate report to Markham Council this fall.
Pesticides and the Health of Our Children ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY JIM PAPPAS, CORNELL RESIDENT
June 4, 2007 – A few days ago I was walking by one of the homes in Markham's Cornell Community and noticed that a neighbour had their sprinkler turned on. Some of the local kids were enjoying a wonderful afternoon of fun and frolic under a shower of water. Normally this would be a pleasant scene and something that our community constantly strives to achieve but...
I was taken aback by this idealic picture aware that the well-meaning neighbour had sprayed his lawn with pesticides close to a week before – the lawn care company had posted the mandatory signs stating that people should stay off of the lawn for the required number of days until the pesticides wash away. I was concerned that the children were running around barefoot on that wet grass, thus absorbing extremely harmful toxins into their skin. I did not say anything at the time deciding it was not my business to impose my views, but rather felt that writing this article would reach a broader audience instead.
Pesticides and other environmental toxins cause cancer. This is not a theory but a fact. Dr. Samuel Epstein, M.D., Professor Emeritus and Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition states that 80 to 90 per cent of human cancer is caused by environmental toxins. An especially disturbing statistic, brought forward by the Cancer Society, was the stratospheric rise in the incidence of cancer in young children! The only way that children can develop cancer at such a young age is through exposure to high levels of environmental toxins (like pesticides), either directly through the environment or through an expectant mother’s placenta.
Spraying pesticides on your property does not mean that your neighbouring properties are not at risk. I know of at least one incident where a child and his friends became physically ill directly as a result of his neighbour spraying pesticides – the kids were playing ball in the back lane. You may ask yourself, what about the weeds? There are ways to reduce the number of weeds on your lawn, safely. The Town of Markham posts natural methods for weed control on their website. Moreover, even if you have to pick a few weeds to protect the health of children, why wouldn’t you? I spend about one or two hours per month pulling weeds, but every time I do, I know that I am making this a better place for my children (and those of my neighbours). What about you? Are you willing to make our environment a better place to live?
Markham is on the verge of passing a No Pesticides bylaw similar to other neighbouring communities (better late than never). Our Town Councillors have listened to the countless studies linking pesticides to cancer. Neighbours, I urge you not to wait for Markham to pass this long overdue bylaw. Consider that the health of our kids – inclusive of all the kids in our community, the region and beyond – rests on whether or not you choose to spray pesticides.
Road Closure Notice during the Canadian Open July 26–29 MARKHAM.CA >>
July 26, 2007 – The following road restrictions will take place to accomodate The Canadian Open between July 26 – July 29, 2007.
Warden Avenue Closure
Warden Avenue will be closed between Elgin Mills Road and Major Mackenzie Drive, except for access to parking.
Spectator Parking
Parking will be located on the Angus Glen Golf Club property and can be accessed from Warden Avenue. When accessing the parking lot, please note: in the mornings, lot access to northbound traffic only; in the afternoons, lot access to southbound traffic only. There will be a $10 daily charge.
Passenger Drop-off
When dropping off passengers at the Canadian Open, please use the Kennedy Road entrance to Angus Glen Golf Club. For more information please call 905.887.0090.
Shania Got Her Fairy Wings SHEILA WILSON, MOTHER INSPIRED
July 20, 2007 – Shania Johnston passed away peacefully at home on Thursday morning at 8am. She was surrounded by her loving family, Shayne, Karen, and little sister Shannon.
If anyone would like to call Shania and leave a message on her answering machine, dial 905.201.8998 (daytime only please).
"I think she would like that," wrote Shayne in his last heartfelt online diary entry.
Elgin Mills Chapel and Visitation Centre
1591 Elgin Mills Road East,
Richmond Hill
(south east corner of Elgin Mills and Leslie Street) Viewing: Saturday, July 21, 6pm–9pm 2nd Viewing: Sunday, July 22, 12noon–2pm Service: Sunday, July 22, 2pm
Flowers are welcome.
Shania Johnston was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (a cancer of the nervous system) in June 2006, and saccumbed to her disease on July 19, 2007. To make a donation to Shania's Sunflower of Hope for Neuroblastoma Research, please visit any Canada Trust, Account #5212832. All proceeds go to The James Fund for Neuroblastoma. Your ongoing support for Shania's cause are always appreciated – believe.
Our hearts are with the family during this devastating loss. We will never forget you, Shania Johnston.
Above: burst fence in Cornell, Markham after the storm on April 23, 2007
April 24, 2007 – Those short and intense minutes on April 23rd, 2007 were a terrifying experience for anyone under the age of six, and probably pretty cool to everyone else. But, with winds that reached a reported 100kph, it wasn't so cool to some others – it was costly instead. The storm that swept through Southern Ontario, including Markham, caused a visible amount of damage to widespread residential and commercial properties. In Markham alone, pockets of the Town were left without power hours after the tornado-like winds had ceased.
Above: a downed street sign Middle: backyard fences knocked down Bottom: chimney cover blown half a block away
In the community of Cornell, the damage was evident – trees and fences were knocked down, eavestroughs were blown blocks away, and rooftops lost their shingles. Previously downed street signs were also moved some distance away.
David Caldarelli, a resident in Cornell, reported, "It ripped a large sheet-metal chimney cover off a home from five or six houses away, bashed against my eavestrough, and then landed in my backyard."
This event, combined with last June's funnel cloud (that never touched ground), calls for a few safety tips to consider if you are ever faced with this type of natural disaster:
If you're outdoors, take shelter immediately Don't wait to see if it's there or get a look at it – it might be too late. Head to the lower areas of a sturdy building or the basement of your home, and get under a stairway or strong table. If you don't have a basement, try someplace in the ground floor centre, like a bathroom or a closet. If you're in an apartment, seek the lower floors, and avoid elevators and windows. And stay away from buildings that have high overhang roofs, like supermarkets.
Keep away from doors, walls and windows Debris from doors and walls can cause serious injury. Flying glass also carries a severe hazard.
Watch out for debris Everything from tree branches to furniture and glass can be airborne in a tornado. And something as small as a stick can become a lethal projectile when it hits you with the force of the winds.
After it's over Be sure of where you are. A tornado can damage homes or structures, and leave them vulnerable to collapse, fires, or both. Beware of downed power lines that could still be active.
We were lucky. Our already weakened (new) fence gate buckled under the pressure of the winds. In this minute aftermath, however, we could all learn to exercise our ability to get out there and talk to our neighbours – their chimney or fence could have ended up in your backyard after all! This was definitely a memorable spring day in Markham, April 23, 2007. Not quite classed as a tornado this time, sure, but it never hurts to be prepared... and to get to know your neighbours!
April 8, 2007 – When the phone rang just after 1pm on Easter Sunday, we knew that the magic of Easter for a little boy was in our hands – the hope that our 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt was scheduled for a day later than advertised online was clear in Boris Alexandrov's voice. Exhausting our collective online search for another Easter Egg Hunt in Markham and coming up empty, SayItCornell.com decided to invite Unionville's little Stephen and his family to White's Hill Park (Cornell Village, Markham) for a private Egg Hunt. What else could we do? We were just glad we were able to take part!
After 'a call to the Easter Bunny,' the stage was set and 5-yr-old Stephen happily collected his eggs around trees, in the grass, on the hills, and behind benches (see photo) while hollering with sheer excitement at every find! His bucket stash of mini eggs, leaves, twigs, and grass led him to a bigger prize, but truthfully, the biggest prize was ours. Planning and managing the Cornell Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday kept us from enjoying the best part of the event – watching the little children's faces...
Boris (dad), Olga (mom), and Stephen, thank YOU for this unexpected holiday treat! Happy Easter!
February 28, 2007 – The Seniors' Hall of Fame Awards recognize older persons who have made a long term, unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community. If you live in Markham and know of a deserving Markham resident, age 60 or older, who has lived in Markham for 10 or more years, tell us about them!
March 12, 2007 – Believe it or not, we took the day off on Sunday (the whole day off, gasp!) and we headed for the zoo! What a treat it was to see all the animals in the bright sunlight again! The butterflies were fluttering in the Conservation Pavillion, the gorillas and orangutans were active, the wild cats were basking in the sun, and even the usually docile python lifted his head and gave us a nod. And the three-year-old favourite?? The discovery of 'echo' in the Indian Rhinoceros Pavillion! Yup, it certainly feels like spring is approaching and everything is coming alive again. A sure hit for all ages during March Break, a visit to the Toronto Zoo is only a stone's throw away from East Markham.For more information about the Toronto Zoo, please visit their website >>
Up next: playdates and baking cookies... well, we will leave the baking to Laura Buckley! Somehow, it always turns out right the way she does it!
March 1, 2007 – The Varley Art Gallery is celebrating it's 10th Anniversary and they would like you to join in the fun with a contest open to all York Region students from Kindergarden to Grade 12.
The Varley art à la carte program presents ART – TAKE PART!!
How does art play part in your everyday life? Look at their online gallery and choose a work of art that inspires you.
Make your artistic response by creating a 2- or 3-dimensional work
or by writing your response in literary form.
Competition Guidelines and Rules:
York Region Schools are invited to enter the 10th Anniversary Art Competition. Students are asked to view chosen works from the online gallery and make their heartfelt responses, visual or literary, in French or English.
Entries will be judged on: Originality and creativity Confident handling of materials Boldness and impact
There will be 6 categories: Kindergarten Primary Junior Intermediate Grades 9-10 Grades 11-12
Three prizes will be awarded in each category with art materials for all the winners. The top entry in each category also wins items for their school to support art teaching ($40 value). A prize award ceremony and exhibition will be held at the Varley Gallery in June 2007. Bonus: Participating schools will receive a 25% discount voucher for our School Programs for groups of 50 or more students, valid for programs between May-December 2007.
Congratulations to Chippenham & Kenilworth in Cornell
February 28, 2007 – We knew it then and now it's confirmed! Back on December 9, 2006, we took a stroll through the streets of the affectionately dubbed 'Upper Village' in Cornell. We proclaimed then that Chippenham Lane (amongst others) would receive mention at the very least for the Lighten Up! Markham Contest – and they won Best Lit Street! Representatives of the new street winner will receive permanent commemorative street signs. And that's not all! For the Best Lit House, 1 Kenilworth Gate of Grand Cornell won with 1-yr Family Memberships to the Varley Art Gallery and the Markham Museum. Congratulations to all the winners!
February 9, 2007 – The great season of love is just around the corner – just five days away (gasp!). What are YOU doing with your honey? Is it a romantic dinner for two, a dozen long-stemmed roses for her, a box of chocolates, or will you take the plunge and propose marriage on the biggest night of the year for love and commitment?
If you are single, do you stay home and watch a rented DVD? Hopefully not! Valentines is for showing love and admiration to a special someone – it could be your grandma, your best friend, even yourself! Why not? Buy yourself that box of chocolate and just splurge on flowers too (they don't have to be the long-stemmed variety either)! If you want to go that extra mile, go and browse a selection of adornments at your local Jeweller. You may as well enjoy the treats that Valentine's brings! Chocolates sure sound good to me (every day of the year)!
February 2, 2007 – Do you know someone who has demonstrated positive character attributes in their home, school, work, or community? Why not nominate them for one of the following awards?
Business / Organization of Character Character Advocate Award Citizen of Character Award Community of Character Award School of Character Award Educator of Character Award The Wendel Clark Pursuing Victory With Honour Award Pursuing Culture With Character Award Character Hero Award
For details about each Award and for more information about online/mail/fax nominations, please visit the Character Community website.
Nomination deadline is February 28, 2007. All nominees will be recognized at the York Region 2007 Character Awards on March 29, 2007 at the Markham Theatre for Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham.
Get out there and nominate someone you feel is deserving of one of these awards.
January 17, 2007 – It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Wait a minute!? Gotcha! Did you look out your window earlier this week to be greeted by pelting snow, rain, and ice rain? You will likely have a blanket of ice covering the north side of your house too, like we do, and you may have noted the powdery white landscape – excitedly – fresh from not so long ago. Most of Cornell and the rest of Markham was shut down on Monday, the schools were only half full, and most people didn't make it to work at all... The next day was a little better and life is slowly getting back on track. Am I really the only one who is shocked by this 'sudden' turn in weather? Temperatures below freezing? What's that?
What did you do on your Monday 'day off' (maybe Tuesday too!)? Were you brave enough to head out and shovel the snow, er, ice? or did you grab your toboggan from the garage and make for the hills? If you haven't thought to brush up on Snow Shovelling Safety, maybe you should, but if you are just starting to think about having some winter fun this late in the season, see Markham's Ice Skating Schedule below. Winter is finally here (yeah, I'm still in shock) and it's time to get your skates on! Please visit our Sports page for Markham's Ice Skating Schedule.
Leaving us completely in awe, it's a
great photo but, again, we couldn't help but think that our own winter has been extreme this year – extremely MILD, that is! What are we doing sitting at 9ºC – 12ºC in January?? It's just wrong... Guess we will just have to skate indoors for a little while longer, at least until Mother Nature decides it's winter in Markham.
Happy New Year Cornell and Markham CLICK ON THE SNOWMAN >>
January 2, 2007 – Wishing everyone all the best for the New Year. May it bring you and your families peace, health, happiness, and prosperity.
The SayItCornell.com Team hopes for a positive year as we continue to bring you news, business, and events coverage for Cornell and Markham. Happy New Year!
December 9, 2006 – The weather has turned mild again making it a perfect opportunity to get out and see the festive lights brightening our Cornell neighbourhood – in particular, take an evening stroll through the dubbed "Upper Village" (the new Mattamy/Ballantry phase). Where we once thought that no spirit could outdo what we have experienced in Cornell Village before, to our very delight, new residential streets Cornwall Drive and Chippenham Lane (seen above) have managed to outshine us all! But don't take our word for it! Even these images don't tell it like it is meant to be experienced! If the Town of Markham will host another Lighten Up! Markham contest this year, these homes and streets will at the very least receive a mention! WOW!
Even days of the month only, 6am – 9am and 6pm – 9pm 
Entries will be judged on:
January 17, 2007 – It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Wait a minute!? Gotcha! Did you look out your window earlier this week to be greeted by pelting snow, rain, and ice rain? You will likely have a blanket of ice covering the north side of your house too, like we do, and you may have noted the powdery white landscape – excitedly – fresh from not so long ago. Most of Cornell and the rest of Markham was shut down on Monday, the schools were only half full, and most people didn't make it to work at all... The next day was a little better and life is slowly getting back on track. Am I really the only one who is shocked by this 'sudden' turn in weather? Temperatures below freezing? What's that?
