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The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 17, 2006 - 15 Canada gains 30 citizens Continued from page 13 "On behalf of everyone here, I would like to say thank-you for choosing Canada," said Morrow, who recognized that some left countries of strife and endured a difficult road to make a new home in Canada. "We are very, very proud of each and every one of you." The 30 citizens were called to the front of the room to receive their citizenships and congratulations from a panel that included Morrow, Garth Turner's Chief of Staff Esther Shaye on behalf of the Halton MP, Burlington MP Mike Wallace's wife Caroline, Councilor Marc Grant, Mayor Ann Mulvale and representatives from Bronte Creek Provincial Park and the Halton Multicultural Council, which cosponsored the event. After receiving their congratulations, Rajinder, Navneet and their seven-year-old daughter, Gurleen Sohal cheered and embraced, Canadian flags and citizenships in hand. "It's special because we are Canadians as of today, and we are very proud of that," said Rajinder. "Four years ago, it was a big step for us to leave India and this is another big step." The Sohal family moved to Canada because of its reputation for peace and its acceptance of diversity, and chose Oakville because one of Navneet's cousins had already immigrated here. "We've been looking forward to today for a very, very long time," said Rajinder. "Today is very exciting for us." "It's special because we are Canadians as of today, and we are very proud of that." Rajinder Sohal That seemed to be the consensus Wednesday. "It's a really good feeling," said Nicola Chambers, a native of Jamaica, who moved to Oakville six years ago and accepted her Canadian citizenship along with her six-year-old son, Nicholas. "We wanted to come to Canada mostly for my children ­ it's a safe country and a solid future for them," she said, adding that her husband received his Canadian citizenship last year and her youngest son, Mathew, was born here. "I think it's a very special day. I particularly wanted my son to experience the ceremony as an integration into the society," she said. "Not to forget where we came from, but to feel a part of the country. I want him also to understand and appreciate the diversity of Canada." A right to vote and the ability to enter and leave Canada freely with a passport were a few of the perks Chambers said she'd been waiting for. As for Craig, the South African native who now identifies himself as "a crazy Canuck," that waiting process ­ it took him six and a half years to get his citizenship ­ is part of what made Wednesday so significant. "I like the process ­ it's taken a bunch of years, but if it was easy, it wouldn't be as special," he said, standing next to his equally proud fiancée, Claire Arthur, who he met in Oakville. While he said leaving South Africa was difficult, his worries faded as soon as he landed. "When I first arrived and I got off the plane, someone from immigration said, `Welcome,'" he said, smiling. "That people could welcome me to this country without even knowing me was amazing. For me, that's a very Canadian thing." BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER SWEARING IN: Nicholas Chambers, 6, from Jamaica raises his hand during the swearing in portion of the recent citizenship ceremony at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Community fireworks display What has become a bit of a tradition at River Oaks Community Church on the Victoria Day Long Weekend to foster some great community spirit is taking place again this year. Beginning at approximately 9:45 pm on Sunday, May 21 River Oaks Church is inviting the community to come and set off their fireworks at their property. In the interests of families with school aged children, the fireworks display will take place on Sunday evening instead of on the traditional holiday Monday. This will be the eleventh year of people in the community coming together and contributing fireworks to a fun evening for the whole family. This Community Fireworks Display encourages everyone to get involved and fosters great community spirit. Our tried and true strategy is simple: every family that attends brings a few fireworks to add to the pot. Instead of a lot of small, backyard displays of colour and light, we'll light them all together for a fantastic display of radiance and music. Also, a small display of fireworks will be provided by the church to further add to the show. For safety's sake, all fireworks are to be handed to the volunteers from River Oaks Community Church before the show. Then, get comfy with your family and friends on the lawn (we'd suggest bringing a blanket or some lawn chairs), relax and enjoy the show! We encourage you to take this great opportunity to get to know your neighbours ­ and we all know that watching fireworks is way more fun when you're with friends anyways! Obviously, the success of this event depends on you, so show your interest: Grab some fireworks and sparklers, bring a lawn chair or two ... meet your neighbours and have a great time. Parking is limited, so either come early, or, if you can, walk! River Oaks Community Church is located at the corner of Munn's Ave. E. and Sixth Line (between Upper Middle Road and Dundas ­ just north of the River Oaks Recreation Center). The display will start at dusk (approximately 9:45 p.m.) and will run as long as there are fireworks to set off - rain or shine . 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