Sunday December 24, 2006. Late afternoon...

We are about to conclude our 25th Annual Share A Christmas Program.

The staff and volunteers who ran phase two of our program have done an exceptional job getting toys to those families who needed them for their children.

Thank you.

B.M.

Sunday December 24, 2006.

I continue to say, were it not for our volunteers, public, private and corporate sector partners and sponsors, hundreds of kids in this community and beyond, would not have enjoyed the Christmas they will receive tomorrow.

We all agree, I'm sure, that some of the Christmas Spirit we receive, is attributable to helping struggling families provide a dignified Christmas for their children.

Share A Christmas makes us feel magically buoyant, if you haven't felt this, we will be back next year and more opportunities will be made available.

This is our last day of toy distribution and the line-up is starting.

The rain has stopped. The clouds have disappeared, revealing very sunny skies. Despite the weather tomorrow, sunny or not, the kids and families in our 25th Annual Share A Christmas Program will have a bigger, better, bolder and brighter Christmas.

B.M.

Saturday December 23, 2006.

People have been lined up outside, some with their children, most of the day, waiting to pick up their Christmas Toys. This is Phase 2 of our program. Yesterday we delivered: turkey, ham, potatoes, carrots, apples, turnip, cake, bread, milk, toys and non perishables. Today and tomorrow is committed to toys only.

At least it's not raining.

B.M.

Friday December 22, 2006.

The misery of an all night rain was defeated by the copious amount of jollification brought here, by about 400 volunteers, all of whom helped to deliver the Christmas Miracle to over 600 of our neighbours who have fallen on hard times.

The force of desire from our volunteers, was so profound that, when brought to bear on their subject (Share A Christmas deliveries), they could have animated a lifeless universe. Without these volunteers, our 25th annual Share A Christmas would be absolutely impossible. We are deeply grateful to all of them. Words from me, simply fail to express our appreciation.

A big applause to: the officers at 55 Division of the Toronto Police Services for their traffic control and to their Superintendent who took the time to attend our program; to the Fire Hall next door to us, who allowed us to trample all over their parking lot; the fine folks and shoppers at Loblaws Victoria Park Market; the CHUMCity Christmas Wish; the students from Malvern Collegiate; and "last but not least" the staff and board of management of our community centre. A complete list of all to whom we owe our appreciation, will appear in a January issue of the Beach Metro News.

Oh, and before I forget, a great big hug and a Very Merry Christmas to the Parking Authority Officer who ticketed one of our volunteers as they were taking toys from their car to the home of a teary eyed and appreciative mom.

And now, an additional two days of toy distribution to look forward to..................

Merry Christmas

B.M.

Friday December 22, 2006.

"Dear Mr. Murdoch:

How does Santa reach all the kids in the world in just one night?

Merry Christmas from your friend Billy."

Well Billy, Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, as he travels east to west . This works out to 822.6 visits per second. Based on the world's population of children Santa has less than 1/10,000th of a second to park, hop out of the sleigh, jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left, get back up the chimney, get back into the sleigh and move on to the next house. Assuming that each of these 91.8 million stops are evenly distributed around the earth we are now talking about .78 miles per household, a total trip of 75½ million miles. Santa’s  sleigh is carrying 321,300 tons, not counting Santa. On land, conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 pounds. Even granting that "flying reindeer"  could pull TEN TIMES the normal amount, he cannot do the job with eight, or even nine. He would need 214,200 reindeer. This increases the payload (not even counting the weight of the sleigh) - to 353,430 tons. Again, for comparison - this is four times the weight of the ship the "Queen Elizabeth". 353,000 tons traveling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance - this will heat the reindeer up in the same fashion as spacecraft re-entering the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer will absorb 14.3 QUINTILLION joules of energy. The secret Santa uses has to do with his ability to warping the space/time continuum, and the principles of morphing, and that my little friend is a subject for another day.

Merry Christmas Billy,

B.M.

Thursday December 21, 2006.

How does Santa know where children live and what gifts they want?

Well everyone knows that!

He relies on a strategically placed, multigrid, digital antenna and satellite system that picks up electro magnetic signals from children's brains.

All of us know that he uses magnetoencephalography, which uses a squid ( a super conducting quantum interference device) to detect minute magnetic fields generated by the crackle of brain activity. Sophisticated signal processing methods are then used by Santa to filter the data and ascertain who the children are, where they live, and how they have behaved. This data is transferred to an onboard sleigh guidance system, which uses a computer to plan the most efficient route of delivery.

B.M.

Tuesday December 19, 2006.

Momentarily changing the subject from Share A Christmas, to the year as it is about to draw to a close, it's time for the Community Centre 55 unscientific community poll! Please provide your name and email address, so I can communicate with you. Send your votes to bob.murdoch@hotmail.com

And the categories are..............

Monday December 18, 2006.

Our professional reading of Dickens A Christmas Carol was the gift of a perfect evening. A very special thanks to our professional actors who ignited our imaginations during the reading: Anne Butler; Anne Tager Page; Dan MacDonald; Sean Mulcahy; and to our very own Beach Carolers- Denise Britton; Margaret Namath; Karen Quinn; Heather Britton; Liz Pennington; Suzanne Kapur; Jerry Britton; Jim Pennington; and Bob Carver. Proceeds from the event will help us provide Christmas to over 600 of our neighbours who have fallen on hard times. Dickens would have been proud!

B.M.

Wednesday December 13, 2006.

If you don't want to create a new and fabulous Christmas tradition for yourself or your family, and be reminded about the true meaning of the season, then don't read this.

B.M.

Monday December 11, 2006.

We have over 600 families this year in our Share A Christmas Program and we need your help. Cash helps us buy fresh foods. Please consider making a donation 416.691.1113 ext 25.

B.M.

Wednesday December 6, 2006.

Changing the subject momentarily from Christmas to this- " if you can't live by the rules at home, don't join a gang. "

And now back to Share A Christmas-we need your help.

B.M.

Tuesday December 5, 2006.

Wow, the 12 Cheers of Christmas Pub Night is filling up fast-if you want in, better call now-416.691.1113.

Monday December 4, 2006.

We really need your tax deductible donations to help us buy fresh foods for the kids and their families in our Share A Christmas Program. There is no silence, like that of a child going hungry, especially at Christmas. There is only 18 days left. We deliver our program on Friday December 22, 2006.

NEWS FLASH>>>Again, my dentist, the venerable Dr. Gerry Lin, just took a moment from fixing one of Santa's reindeer's crowns, and is sending us a bunch of dental care kits and by-the-way he says Rudolph has a bit of an over bite and he fixed that too!

Please note-the Dental Care Kits are for humans, not reindeers, we'd never fit the brushes in our mouths and their tooth paste tastes like hay! Says Dr. Lin "that's the way they like it."

B.M.

Thursday November 30, 2006.

Hey-read this and buy the stuff here-a perfect Christmas Gift!

B.M.

Wednesday November 29, 2006.

If you are shopping at Loblaws Victoria Park Market our Share-A-Christmas non-perishable food containers are in their lobby and we sure could use some of the following:

B.M.

Monday November 27, 2006.

From our Abbey Road Studio's In London, we wish you and your's a Happy Christmas!

Saturday November 25, 2006.
Ted Reeve Arena...

The fine folks from Fitzgerald's Public House ( bar/restaurant ) started, what we hope is the first annual Hamper Hockey Tournament. Peter Bernard holds a wad of Christmas cash ( front row to the left of the fine young man in the yellow pull- over ). A big Hamper hug to Peter, Lisa Fullerton, Shane Ryan, Keith Latimer and the Loughlin Family for all of their help, and they get the Hamper Hoof Print of Approval too!

B.M.

Thursday November 23, 2006.

At this point in our Share A Christmas Campaign, the numbers of needy families is up and donations are down. Please help! Here and here.

B.M.

Wednesday November 22, 2006.

"I have endeavored in this Ghostly little book, to raise a Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it."

Their faithful Friend and Servant

C.D.
December 1843

Professional reading performance of CHARLES DICKENS A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Saturday December 16, 06 at The Church of St John the Baptist, Norway Anglican Church of Canada 470 Woodbine Avenue Toronto. A magical evening-don't miss it! Full details here

Don't miss this one. To avoid disappointment-get your tickets now! You'll be hooked and it will become a family tradition.

Bob Murdoch

Tuesday November 21, 2006.

It suddenly occurred to me, that there may be a few people left in the world, who may not know who Hamper is. Hamper is our corporate reindeer mascot.

 
Bob Murdoch

 

Monday November 20, 2006.

This one gets the Hamper Hoof Print of Approval!

Well...here's some kids who know the true meaning of Christmas. Being filled with the Spirit of Christmas all year long, these kids saved their money to help lessen the seasonal burden of some other family. The kids-Merek, Lyndon, Madeleine and Delainey, hereinafter referred to as the "angels" took their savings to a local grocery store. With the assistance of their parents-Susan and Michael, the angels purchased $600 worth of food and transported the products to Community Centre 55. The angels were assisted by "angels in training" Tanis and Roxhanne and Kevin. The angels decided, rather than purchase gifts for each other and their family and friends this year, it would be better to devote themselves to the welfare of some other family who had fallen on hard times.

A big Hamper Hug to these angels and a very Merry Christmas!

Bob Murdoch

Monday November 13, 2006.

On Sunday November 12, 2006, Community Centre 55, with a group of great volunteers, ran our first Christmas Parade.The parade started at Kingston Road and Victoria Park, traveled west along Kingston Road to Walter Street, turned north on Walter Street and marched through a residential neighbourhood. Sources estimated we had over 5,000 people watching our home-made floats and singing along with our bands.

I was particularly interested in watching the Malvern Collegiate Marching Band and their cheerleaders. I attended Malvern in the late 60"s and early 70's. Malvern had one of the best band's in the City of Toronto during those years. I always missed their performances. The band performed during the half time intermissions at our football games, during which I was with the team ( as a player ) and confined at half time in the locker rooms, where the coaches delivered their revelations of the game and their aspirations for the second half. So this year I was really looking forward to hearing the band. Such enthusiasm concealed from me, the reality of my parade position. I was driving float Number 1 and Malvern was a considerable distance behind me and I missed them again!

(Another great Beach Metro photo by Jon Muldoon)

Bob Murdoch

Monday November 6, 2006.

"IT'S GO TIME!"- Santa, Hamper, a Toy Soldier, Elves, Politicians, the Son's of Beaches, me- the Bagpiper, the Press, and a whole bunch of folks joined us at the Fade In Cafe today to kick off our annual Share A Christmas Campaign.

It will be a big one and we need a ton of help!

Bob Murdoch

Tuesday October 17, 2006.

The 2006 edition of our Christmas Pewter Ornaments :

The last two, in the collection of limited edition Beach pewter ornaments will be going on sale soon. This year the ornaments will be: The Fox Theatre and the "GOOF". A number of merchants on Queen Street and Kingston Road will be selling the ornaments or you can pick up your copy at Community Centre 55 (97 Main) or the Beach Metro News office (2196 Gerrard St. E.). Watch for details.

Bob Murdoch

Saturday October 14, 2006.

You know when you have selected the right person, when a tear comes to their eye. More than once.

You know when you selected the right person, when their humility is not broken as the opportunity to be bold, or brash or to be a braggart presents itself.

You know when you have selected the right person, when the community needs to thank you and you sit quietly, gracefully, respectfully and patiently while allowing them to convey their appreciation to you, even though it is unnecessary. Helping people is second nature to you, and to be rewarded, well, it is simply embarrassing.

In the Millennium Garden, at 1pm today, among a gathering of his family, friends, flowers and in a squall of hail coming off of Lake Ontario, David Breech was inducted into the ranks of Beach Citizens of the Year as the 2006 recipient. He is the right person.

It's been said of all Beach Citizens of the Year that, they "won" the honour. They didn't win anything. You win a turkey in a raffle, or cash and cars in a lottery. You earn the Citizen of the Year the hard way. It's earned by years of hard work that is seldom recognized. You sustain a devotion to the welfare of others or some causes that need to be championed.

Thomas Neal who is a friend of Community Centre 55's and a local business man who gives back to his community, sponsored the 12"X12" polished black granite tile that bears David's name and that tile is now number 6 on the Millennium Walk of Fame.

As for David, well he now has more work to do and a big responsibility. By virtue of his title, "David Breech, Beach Citizen of the Year 2006", he is required to serve as the Chairperson of the Beach Citizen of the Year Committee until his successor is appointed in 2007, and he will surely do this with the same enthusiasm and care common to all of the Beach Citizens of the Year.

Mirror photo/Alessandro Garofalo

Bob Murdoch

Thursday October 12, 2006.

We didn't want to do it, but we had to. We cancelled our annual Halloween Screamatorium Program.

The Screamatorium takes approximately 3 days to transform our Community Centre from a multi purpose facility into a "nut house". We operate the program for 2 days and we need 2 days to recover the facility. All of our day children's programs are licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. We have significant licensing restrictions. The Screamatorium and the licensed children's programs simply can not occupy the same space and time.

The Screamatorium requires significant storage to warehouse our: props; costumes; electric chair; severed heads, hands, legs and feet; tomb stones; the hanged man apparatus; and the ever so popular dance of the skeletons exhibit etc. We have run out of room and need the storage for our children's program. In fact our children's programs are generally operating at capacity with a waiting list.

Prudential Properties Plus has been a long time supporter of our Screamatorium and felt it provided a safe alternative to kids, rather than 'trick or treating' in the streets. We are very grateful to Prudential for their commitment to us, and delighted to announce that their sponsorship is now directed to our annual reading of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. The proceeds from which help sponsor our 25th annual Share A Christmas.

Bob Murdoch

Wednesday October 11, 2006.

The Beach Business Improvement Association ( BIA ) just presented Community Centre 55 with a donation.

They felt embarrassed that the donation did not live up to their fundraising expectations. My response was, "you just bought 16 turkey's for our 25th annual Share A Christmas".

The donation doesn't seem that insignificant now, does it?

Every donation is valued by us and we sincerely appreciate the hard work of the BIA and their members. This is a perfect example of community and business, working together to improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods.

Bob Murdoch

Tuesday October 3, 2006.

What people are saying about Community Centre 55:

"I as usual was proud to be a part of such a well run organization!!" KK

Bob Murdoch

Monday October 2, 2006.

An Hour of Power on Saturday September 30, 2006.

When the power of their tenacity of purpose was brought to bear to establish Community Centre 55 in 1975, did these founding board members expect what we have now become? Combined with a similar spirit of persistence from the members of future boards, they, together established and developed one of the best community centre's in the City of Toronto, and that is what Board members and our politicians agreed on as they returned here, to their place, some returning after a 30 year absence.

Our 30th anniversary party was an hour of power. We were honoured and privileged by the attendance of: a Board Chair who penned our incorporation in 1975; a Board Chair who put the organization's building blocks in place in 1980; a Board Chair from 1982 who knew the value of long term community development; two board chairs who devoted 12 years or more of their lives to the continued development of Centre 55; our Deputy Mayor Sandra Bussin; Michael Prue our MPP and Maria Minna our MP; and a bunch of hard core Community Centre 55 volunteers and members of our current board.

Throughout our 30 years, the combined positive power of these people, interacting with others, produced some kind of human synergy. This is a phenomenon when people act together using different but complementary skills. This effect produces a sum that is greater than the whole of its parts. In other words, 1+1 doesn't equal 2 . It surpasses 2. They far exceeded the anticipated outcome. Their intent? To establish and develop a community centre in an old police station. The result? They exceeded their goal to have a community centre and established a centre of the community.

If a hallmark of mental health is altruism, then Community Centre 55, its volunteers and its relationship with the Beach community is an indication of a very healthy organization in a vibrant community. The paradigm of placing others before oneself is a Community Centre 55 virtue. This is a big part of our historical development and this is one of the reasons for our success. Our volunteer board members, from 1975 and onward, focused their attention on motivating others who want to do good without reward. The litmus test? Over 2,300 volunteers, almost 90 hours per week in a 7 day per week operation, programs that are either very close to capacity, at capacity or have waiting lists.

During our hour of celebration, our Deputy Mayor Sandra Bussin helped to plant two trees in front of our centre and delivered a poignant message on behalf of Mayor Miller. Our MP Maria Minna brought the Canadian flag from the Peace Tower in Ottawa to fly from our flag pole and our MPP Michael Prue brought provincial greetings and congratulations. Previous board members reflected on the challenges they faced and their victories. We shook hands, hugged each other, recalled fond memories, eat cake, drank coffee and then went back to work!

It was a great hour!

Bob Murdoch

Thursday September 21, 2006.

There is a really great article written by Sheila Blinoff of the Beach Metro News about Community Centre 55. You can find it here...

I look forward to reconnecting with the people from the past this Saturday at our 30th anniversary party. It was they, who served as the anvil, upon which Community Centre 55 pounded out its identity. We are grateful to each and everyone of them. Said pounding continues....

Bob Murdoch

What people are saying about Community Centre 55: "...excellent ( children's ) program with a long waiting list!" G. L.

Tuesday September 12, 2006.

This morning a group of 8 judges met to debate which of the 7 nominees would be recognized as the Beach Citizen of the Year for 2006.

It was a spirited debate to say the least. Every nominee has made significant contributions to our community.

David Breech was selected as the 2006 Beach Citizen of the Year.

Bob Murdoch

Monday September 11, 2006.

Our 911 Remembrance was very well attended.

Some remembered the friends and family they lost in the collapse of the World Trade Towers. One person lost her mother.

A fireman lamented and expressed, on behalf of the Firefighters, Police Officers and other Emergency Services Personnel, how frustrating it was to watch such a cataclysmic event on television and the Herculean attempts to rescue and recover people. "It was difficult to deny our compulsion to offer help. This is what we do. Our brothers and sisters were there and we couldn't get to Ground Zero, New York was closed. All we could do is watch and feel hopeless."

Bob Murdoch

Tuesday September 5, 2006.

GRP ( Graffiti Removal Program )

Saturday June 24, 2006.

Slobberfest-a Dog Day Afternoon!

Hundreds of people and their dogs attended our first Annual Slobberfest and enjoyed a full day of events designed for their 'pooches'.

Slobberfest began with our Packathon Parade lead by Sarah our official Slobberfest Bag Piper. Believe it or not, all the dogs in attendance loved the pipes!  Throughout the day participants had the opportunity to: "Ask the VET" questions and enter their dogs in our "Pack"Party competitions, which included a variety of contests: the pet/owner look-a-like; the softest pet coat; the best pet trick; the longest tail; "Ed's Scoop" K9 ice cream eating; retrieving game; and bobbing for hot dogs. Who's Walking Who entertained the crowd with some great demonstrations of canine agility and obedience. We had the opportunity to speak with the Toronto Police Services Canine Unit and others got more insights about their pets from our Animal Communicator and Pet Psychic followed by a delightful Fashion Show.

Slobberfest was capitalized by crowning the King and Queen of Slobberfest and people shopped the "Dog Pound" vendors Market Place.

Here's a sample opinion from a Slobberfest enthusiast:

"I volunteered for an exhibitor at Slobberfest, and must let you know how pleased I was with Slobberfest. The venue was a great choice; it was nice to have a day-long breeze, grass underfoot, and lots of available shade. Things were very well organized; we received our exhibitor's envelope when we arrived, there was no fumbling around, we were immediately and congenially accommodated with a request to alter our location slightly (due to a downhill slope at the original location that might have made our display table unstable), and volunteers dropped by all day to visit and check how things were going. I was unable to watch the exhibitions but could hear the commentary, and they sounded like great fun. A volunteer came by around mid-day and told us about the vendor's questionnaire, which was a very good thing as I had not looked in the envelope. Slobberfest, from my point of view, was a very good experience. I do hope that you will hold Slobberfest again next year, I'll definitely be there! "

Sincerely,
D.S.
Jasmine Avenue

Another test of our success, is when people attend to study and take photographs of our lay out, sponsors and contributors. Thanks for the compliment!

See you next year in a brand new location for a bigger, better, bolder and brighter Slobberfest.

Bob Murdoch

Sunday April 16, 2006.

The Toronto Beach(es) Lions Club Easter Parade.

What a beautiful day it was!

This year, Community Centre 55 was given the honour and the privilege to lead the Easter Parade. Our truck was finely decorated with Spring Flowers, Hamper towered over the truck cab and we were accompanied by the Scarborough Pipe Band.

40,000 people attended the parade and the Lions Club, as usual, organized a stellar performance.

Bob Murdoch

Saturday April 8, 2006.

The Easter Bunny visits Community Centre 55.

Wow-60 kids enjoyed a fabulous fluffy pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny. The kids got to colour and hunt for eggs and everyone got a high 5 from the "Bun" himself and Hamper. A special thanks to Kris Marles for organizing a great Easter Breakfast and thanks to our sponsors- Lynn Berryman and Russ Marles at Coldwell Banker, and our Teen Drop in participants for making the placements and all of the volunteers that helped make this event so warm and fuzzy.

Bob Murdoch

Wednesday March 15, 2006.

Mats Sundin ROCKS!

Leafs 5-Boston 4

A simple and selfless act of generosity on the part of Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Mats Sundin last night at the Air Canada Centre, has the very real potential of changing the lives of a group of Community Centre 55 kids.

Mats donated his ACC Box to Community Centre 55, and he not only treated our kids to some great NHL action, he threw in the pop, popcorn, pizza, pucks, T Shirts, and then during the game, and to the delight of our kids, Mats put one past Boston's Goalie Tim Thomas and wait there's more-Carlton the Maple Leafs Bear dropped by to shake paws. It doesn't get better than that!

Our kids reported that the "Leafs throttled Boston and ( now speaking about Mat's as their newly acquired and close personal friend ) Matty rocked!"  Our kids cheered the Leafs non-stop. A few kids claimed last nights victory on behalf of Community Centre 55.

Mat's actions, especially during March Break, will produce a positive, life long memory for kids and their families who could not afford to attend a Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Game.

It's the Mat's of this world who can make a difference in the life of a young person without breaking a sweat!  We remain appreciative and grateful to him for extending this rare opportunity and privilege to Community Centre 55's kids.

Bob Murdoch

Wednesday February 16, 2006.

Attempted Armed Robbery

At approximately 9:00pm, on Wednesday February 15, 2006, a staff member of Community Centre 55, was preparing to close the Community Centre for the evening. Two masked men entered the Community Centre through the front main entrance. They locked the main door behind them. The assailants attacked our staff, taped him to a chair, beat him and held a knife to his throat.  The assailant's were unsuccessful in their robbery attempt. Our charity does not have much money, and if and when we do, we deposit it in a bank where it belongs!

If you have any information about this serious crime, please call Crime Stoppers. If your tip leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a cash reward. You will never have to give your name, testify in court and Crime Stoppers doesn’t have call display. Call Crime Stoppers locally at 416-222-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS Thank you.

Bob Murdoch

Saturday January 21, 2006.

Hamper's Christmas Convocation

The Bachelor's (B.C.), Master's (M.C.), Philosophiae Doctor's of Christmas ( PhDC ), and awards to Freshman were conferred upon qualifying students at our annual Hamper's Christmas Convocation at the Beach Alliance Atlantis Theatre on Saturday January 21, 2006.

The Bachelor's and Master's of Christmas is an undergraduate and graduate degree recognizing those who have achieved, with distinction, all of the terms, conditions and other imperatives of Hamper’s Christmas Academy and have consequently, by decree of the Academy Directors, earned the prestigious Bachelor of Christmas (B.C.) and Master's of Christmas ( M.C. ) and are entitled to use the post nominal letters B.C. and M.C. on all occasions when the use of such letters is customary.

The Philosophiae Doctor's of Christmas (Ph.D.C.) are entitled to use the post nominal letters Ph.D.C. on all occasions when the use of such letters is customary. This is the highest of academic achievement.  Their rare devotion and refined qualities of citizenship are reflected. Accompanying this degree is the responsibility to keep Christmas well, to lead by example and to continue the secret work of ensuring the magic of the Christmas miracle for as long as it is needed.

All degrees are awarded by virtue of the authority vested in the Academy Board of Directors of the Universita Committeeatum of Hamper’s Christmas Acadium, and conferred upon those who have earned the required number of credits in their respective course of study.

EX HIS MURIS SANCTIS DOCTI  EGREDIUNTUR

Through these hallowed halls leave the enlightened!

Bob Murdoch

Wednesday January 18, 2006.

Beaches-East York Invitational Federal Candidates Debate

Marilyn Churley ( NDP ), Peter Conroy ( PC ), Jim Harris ( GREEN ) and Maria Minna ( Liberal ) participated in a spirited debate to a 'standing room only' audience at Kimberley Junior Public School on Wednesday January 18, 2006.

Well over 300 people attended this meeting and it certainly validated the interest and need for local candidates debates. Community Centre 55 has a long and respected history of running dignified and well organized debates and we are happy to be collaborating with the Beach Metro News on these productions. Special thanks to Christina Blizzard of the Toronto Sun for moderating the evening.

Bob Murdoch