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12 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 27, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Turner Raitt ate and respect. "I think the key question is who's going to stand up for you when the election is over? After all of the speeches, and the posturing, and policy and the promises, who's going to actually stand up and fight for you every day? I think that is what I'd like people to ask themselves. Is it going to be Garth, who you may not always agree with but is always in there scraping, or is it going to be someone who was appointed by the prime minister and nobody ever voted for locally?" Continued from page 10 Continued from page 10 blogs and the 36 Town Hall meetings he's held across the region over the last two-and-a-half years. "Every technique I can find to engage people, I've tried to do it. I'm completely committed to that. I'm a big believer in grassroots democracy. I'm a big believer in people setting the agenda, not political parties." The rogue MP realizes that type of mindset is what's got him into trouble in the past, but hopes it's something Halton residents can appreci- Conservative philosophy is to give tax cuts to families so that they can better withstand hard economic times," she said. Residents' wallets have also been hurting at the gas pumps. Raitt said she thinks the government should do what it can to help, pointing out the Conservatives have already made GST cuts and are also promising to cut the diesel excise tax in half as well. On the environmental front, Raitt said the Liberals' carbon tax isn't the answer, but rather the Tory plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020 and cut air pollution in half by 2015 -- targets the party would force industry to meet by law. And when it comes to the mission in Afghanistan, Raitt voiced her support for the Canadian Forces and the prime minister's position to end the mission by 2011. For more information on Raitt, visit www.lisaraitt.ca. The Cozy Reading Program Cozy Reading is a community partnership in Halton Region that helps promote a love of books and develops literacy skills in young children. The Cozy Reading program has significant benefit to children who have had little experience being read to and for children with speech and language difficulties. For more information visit www.cozyreading.ca You can help develop literacy skills in your child. Tips for reading to Young children (prepared by the Halton Literacy Advisory Committee) · Learning begins at birth. Sing songs, tell nursery rhymes and read to your child. Read and sing in any language. Begin as soon as your baby is born. · Set aside special times each day to read to your child, such as naptime, bedtime, or after meals. · Select a place that is cozy, quiet and away from distractions. Then cuddle up together, laugh, be silly, relax and enjoy! Read with expression and enthusiasm. What children need most is a feeling of comfort about books and reading. · Read children's favourites as often as they want to hear them! Children are comforted by and learn best from repetition. · Choose books that interest your child or relate to what's happening in the child's life at the time, whether it's a family trip or a new experience such as starting school. · Allow your child to touch books, point to words and pictures and turn the pages. Read in any language. · Read to and with children....don't expect them to read. Read at a leisurely pace with pauses here and there. This gives children time to take in what they hear. · Model all kinds of reading with your children. Let them see you read the newspaper, the TV guide, recipes etc. Comment on what you are reading so that they see that reading has many purposes. · Children treasure books they own. Affordable books can be found at yard sales, thrift shops, second-hand bookstores, as well as at the public library book sales. Take advantage of the local library and plan to visit. The Centre is a registered charitable organization, that has provided programs and services for families since 1980. Our services are designed to support all families in their parenting role. We also offer early learning opportunities for children 0-6 years. SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 5, 2008 HOURS: Weekdays: Monday - Friday opening at 4 pm. Weekends: Saturday & Sunday opening at 12 noon All rides will be One Coupon only: $2.50 a Ride or 10 Rides for $20.00 COME ENJOY ALL THE FUN RIDES INCLUDE · · · · Ferris Wheel Scrambler Berry-Go-Round Merry-Go-Round · Fire Chief · Scooter Bumper Cars · Family Swinger · Bumble Bee Bob · Cliff Hanger · Orient Express (Coaster Ride) ALL RIDES 1 Coupon Only Coupons are $2 each or 10 for $15 For more information on programs, parenting and services offered by the Centre please contact us at 905-849-6366 www.op-cc.ca