I recognize the valuable service that the several community associations in Ward 3 provide to residents. An example is the Altona West Community Association (AWCA) who celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2002. AWCA is a non-profit ratepayers group, representing over 750 homes in west Pickering. AWCA is comprised of a dedicated group of volunteers that continually strive to support residents and make their neighbourhood a great place to live. Working with the City of Pickering, various developers and other groups, AWCA ensures that community interests are properly represented. They also organize social activities to bring their neighbourhood together and publish newsletters. For more information, visit their website at awcahome.com. Other community associations in Ward 3 include:
For more information on these and other associations, contact the City Clerk's office.
On Saturday May 27th, 2006 I attended the "Arts Without Borders" presentation, Roots & Drums. The evening was a multi-cultural event featuring music and dance of the world, and represented the diverse communities of our region. The specific objective of the event was to raise aware of the Durham West Arts Centre and raise funds for the project. It also demonstrated support for the performing arts to all levels of government.
For more than 25 years the Pickering Carib-Canadian Cultural Association (PCCCA) has been fostering good inter-community relationships, promoting affordable housing, fighting racism and discrimination through education, addressing employment issues and inequities, fostering a sense of pride among youth, gaining a better understanding of the political, educational and judicial systems and developing a sense of fulfillment through social and cultural activities. PCCCA draws members primarily from Pickering and Durham and though their members are predominantly of Caribbean background, membership is open to everyone. They are a very sociable group as is evidenced by their many activities such as games nights, bus trips, pot lucks, bowling, family picnics, dances, Caribbean night, and adult and children's Christmas parties. PCCCA also sponsors indoor/outdoor soccer, sponsors a foster child and provides bursaries to post secondary students. Congratulations to the PCCCA on 25 years in the community! Contact Information:
For information on the PineRidge Arts Council, visit their website at: pineridgearts.org/membership.html.
A recent invaluable addition to our community arts scene is the Durham West Arts Centre (DWAC), which was incorporated in 2003 as a not-for-profit arts organization with the aim of establishing a permanent arts centre in Durham. DWAC is funded as a two year pilot project by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the City of Pickering and the Town of Ajax. Other contributing partners are the PineRidge Arts Council, the Rotary Club of Pickering and the Durham District School Board. DWAC's most recent shows have included: Music and Dance of the World - An Arts Extravaganza in September, The Thomsons of Durham: Tom Thomson's Family Heritage from April to September, A Profile of Durham Artists in November and early December, and Calling Forth Student Talents the 2nd annual exhibition of the works of Grade 7 and 8 and Secondary School students in Ajax-Pickering which runs from December 5th to January 12th. DWAC also partnered with Ontario Power Generation, Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and Veteran Affairs Canada to organize a province wide tribute for our veterans in this the 'Year of the Veteran'. Reading and Remembrance: a Provincial Project had 35,000 school children in 110 schools across Ontario finding innovative ways to read Lt. John McCrae's famous poem "In Flanders Fields" simultaneously on November 11th. In Pickering, members of Council joined students in the readings. Contact Information:
In June, I had the great pleasure of attending 856 "Pickering Kinsmen" air cadet squadron's 4th Annual Review at the Pickering Recreation Complex. Over 110 of Pickering's air cadets put on an excellent program, demonstrating a high degree of proficiency in precision drill, military band music, first aid, flying techniques and leadership skills. The local sponsor is the Kinsmen and Kinette Club of Pickering. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the air cadet movement and are looking for a program full of educational, exciting and fun activities for young men and women between 12 and 19; the Air Cadets may be of interest. The program is free and for more information about 856 Pickering Air Cadet Squadron call 905-626-8856 and leave a message or contact the unit's Commanding Officer, Major Colette Blight at 905-427-7628. © 2002-2010 - All Rights Reserved.
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