Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette: I'd like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the groups and volunteers who worked so hard for our ninth annual Kids' Fishing Day at Heber Down Conservation Area this past Saturday-another record-setting day. A great crowd of kids and parents alike came out to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather and take part in a fun-filled day of fishing and outdoor activities.

There was no cost for the event, and children were able to take part in many activities, including conservation, wetland and trapping displays, lure-making, face-painting, a casting competition, fish identification and a free lunch.

Many groups and organizations gave their time and effort to this special day. I'd like to thank Ducks Unlimited; CLOCA; OFAH; Zone E; Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire; Muskies Canada; MNR, Aurora district; Ontario Sporting Dog Association; Ontario Deerhound Association; Oshawa Community Health; South Oshawa Teen Council; Durham Regional Police; Pickering Rod and Gun Club; Lindsay Trappers Council; Valu-Mart Lindsay; Emm's Sports; Hawgtown Bassmasters; Eastview Boys and Girls Club; Simcoe Hall Settlement House; South Central Ontario Big Game Association; WT Hawkins; OPG; Calvary Baptist Church; and the Oshawa Professional Firefighters Association as well as Westmount Kiwanis for all their help, along with Doug and Roli for doing the fish fry-and yes, Mr. O'Toole did show up. While Norm Monaghan's tireless work and dedication were greatly missed this year, he will never be forgotten.

As always, a special thanks goes out to Walter Oster and the Toronto Sportsmen's Show, who, year after year, contribute to the success of kids' fishing days’ right across Ontario.

I'd like to quote Sandra Sweet from Simcoe Hall Settlement House:

"It is a challenge to develop and instill appreciation for the environment in a child who has not experienced nature. How can we expect young people to respect and protect the future of our natural resources when they're not exactly sure what those natural resources are?"

Thanks again to everyone who made this experience possible for the children of our community.