Photos: CCFC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On June 20, the Christian Children's Fund of Canada officially opened their new head office in Markham. CHEV Radio was there.

Mary Ann Quagliara and Brenda Burns from the Markham Board of Trade

CCFC supporters Sanaty Nantogra, Dianne Proctor and Mr. Proctor

CCFC Chief Executive Officer Bruce Herzog

Markham Councillor Alex Chiu

Press Release: Concern about Markham pesticides up sharply

For Immediate Release
June 20, 2007


Markham, ON – Four out of five Markham residents (79%) say lawn pesticides threaten children’s health, a new poll has found.

The survey, released today, shows a dramatic increase in public concern over the use of toxic lawn chemicals. Polling done in 2005 found only 67% of residents saw pesticides as a threat to children.


"In just two years the number of Markham citizens concerned about these chemicals has grown significantly," said Gideon Forman, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. "Doctors hope Markham council will listen to the vast majority of town residents and pass a strong pesticide bylaw."

The poll found growing support for pesticide restrictions. A phase-out of pesticides on private property is supported by 76% of residents. In 2005, the figure was 73%.


Today’s poll also found:

79% of Markham residents say pesticides pose a threat to the environment.
82% of Markham residents support a phase-out of pesticides in public parks.


"We’re not surprised concern about pesticides in Markham is growing," said Bruce Turner of the Canadian Cancer Society. "When there is a potential harm to human health, the threat alone should compel us to act on the side of caution."

The poll was conducted by Oracle Poll Research, a national polling firm. A total of 500 randomly selected residents of Markham, Ontario were interviewed. The margin of error is +/- 4.4%, 19/20 times.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Canadian Cancer Society, (905) 770-1144
Canadian Assoc of Physicians for the Environment, (416) 306-2273

Sports Report

Gold Cup (Soccer): USA 2 Canada 1

MLB: Los Angeles 8 Toronto 4

CFL (pre-season): Montreal 34 Toronto 26

EOBA: Markham 9 Port Hope 4

Press Release: Hockey Greats and Magnotta Golf For Lyme Disease

For Immediate Release:

Hockey Greats and Magnotta Golf For Lyme Disease

It's a devastating illness that more and more people are getting but
few people know about, including our doctors. It's called Lyme disease.

Rossana Magnotta wants to change all that. Her husband Gabe, founder of
Magnotta Wines, has been devastated by it and is now confined to a
wheelchair. So she has set out to raise money and raise awareness. The
True North Golf Tournament on Monday was designed to do both.

At the press conference before the tournament, Elvira Caria started
things off by showing a trailer for a movie now in production. Called
"Under Our Skin", it provided a brief glimpse into the many aspects of this
disease, how it is spread, how it effects the body and how politicians
and the medical profession are dealing with it. Perhaps it would be
better to say, not dealing with it.

"If I seem bitter, angry and scared, it is because I am," said Rossana,
as she began her comments after the video. She went on to describe how
this illness has devastated so many lives, including her family's, and
yet it is being ignored by doctors and politicians in Ontario, in fact
across the country.

On hand to answer questions were Jim Wilson, president of the Canadian
Lyme Foundation, Katherine Teasdale, a former race car driver and
Stephanie Smith, all of whom are suffering from the illness. Their symptoms
varied, part of what makes the disease difficult to diagnose by the
uninformed, but a strong sense of frustration was common to all,
frustration with a medical system that doesn't want to listen.

The celebrity golfers, hockey greats Johnny Bower, Darryl Sittler, Dale
Hawerchuck and Rick Vaive, listened attentively, shocked to realize
how vulnerable they are to catching the disease. Anyone who spends time
outdoors is susceptible. That includes golfers.

The tournament culminated with dinner, attended by Gabe, where a cheque
for $30,000 was awarded to the Canadian Lyme Foundation to further
their efforts to raise awareness and bring about a change in testing
procedures. "The tests used in Canada are unlikely to identify Lyme", said
Jim Wilson, "it is one of the things we need to change. There are much
better tests available."

This event also served as the launch of Magnotta’s long-term campaign
to support the cause. The maverick winery has released a 2006 Cabernet
Sauvignon Special Reserve VQA with proceeds going directly to support
the Canadian Lyme Foundation. 


If you are interested in more information on this important topic (and
you should be) or to make a donation visit www.canlyme.com. You might
also want to purchase a bottle of wine at your local Magnotta outlet.

Sports Report

MLB: Toronto 12 Los Angeles 1

IBL: Toronto 12 Hamilton 10

TBA: Newmarket 14 Vaughan 1

- ER

Press Release: Parade, Party, Fireworks & More

MARKHAM, ON ~ From morning to night on Canada Day – Canada's 140th birthday – there's something for everyone at the Markham celebrations.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate Sunday, July 1st in Markham with a day-long free program for the community.

The day begins with a Citizenship Court at the Civic Centre at 9:30 a.m., with Markham recognizing the many people who have chosen to make Markham their home in Canada. The seniors luncheon takes place at Le Parc.

The focus shifts to Milne Park with an afternoon and evening of events.

• 3 to 6 p.m. ~ free children's activities -- crafts, face painting, jumping castle
• 4 p.m. ~ People's Parade from Markville Shopping Centre to Milne Park
• 4:30 p.m. ~ Flag Raising Ceremony and singing of O Canada
• 5 p.m. to dusk ~ Entertainment, food and displays

Canada Day in Markham will end with a dazzling display of light, colour and sound with fireworks planned for dusk at 9:30 p.m. in the skies over Milne Park.

A special feature of the 2007 Canada Day celebration was a poster contest, open to young people throughout the community. Winner was William Yan from E.T. Crowle Public School. Finalists were: Noam Sussman, Thornlea S.S.; Rohail Sultan, Coppard Glen P.S.; Sylvia Chan, Unionville H.S.; Calvin Chan, Stonebridge P.S.; Anmoldeep Rupra, Ellen Fairclough P.S.; Eva Fok from Unionville High School and honourable mention to Thishani Kanagarajah, Ellen Fairclough P.S.

The main event sponsor is Bell Canada. This Celebrate Markham event is funded by the Town of Markham.

Press Release: Markham Fire & Emergency Services to Participate in the 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down

MARKHAM, ON ~ Markham Fire & Emergency Services will be participating in the 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down, being held the week of June 17-23, 2007. The Stand Down, which involves firefighters across North America, is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section of the IAFC.

"We are looking forward to having our more than 200 Markham fire personnel participate in the Safety Stand Down," said Markham Fire Chief Don McClean. Safety Stand Down raises awareness of firefighter safety – a key part of everyday life in the fire service and an important part of Markham's wellness focus.

The goal of the Stand Down is to better prepare firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for their daily duties by calling attention to safety practices, proper training and usage of equipment through activities and discussion. Every firefighter and EMT should respond and return home safely from each emergency situation they respond to.

This year, the Stand Down will take place in communities across North America, as well as internationally. With interest coming from places such as Saudi Arabia, it is clear that safety is on the minds of people around the globe. Markham recognizes that this event is imperative to the wellbeing of first responders and is taking action to improve their safety.

In 2006, 105 firefighters, across North America, died in the line of duty. Already this year, 44 have been lost. The purpose of the Safety Stand Down is to reduce these deaths and injuries by calling attention to safety practices and improving them. Stand downs have been used by the military for years to correct issues that have been identified as a problem throughout the ranks.

Because accidents can happen responding to and from emergencies, all Markham firefighters will be reviewing seatbelt and traffic safety during lectures while on shift this week.