Supporting the Arts Community
As part of its ongoing commitment to the arts community, Council approved funding in the amount of $2,000 to assist the York Region Newspaper Group in their efforts to organize their Celebration of the Arts event being held on Saturday, October 22, 2005. The event, now in its fifth year, helps raise money for educational bursaries awarded to young artists from York Region. The Celebration of the Arts program goal is to make a positive difference in the community by encouraging aspiring and talented artists to realize their dreams. The comprehensive program involves an application process, as well as adjudication events where artists compete for scholarships in the categories of dance, opera, theatre, instrumental and popular music, as well as vocals. The gift from Richmond Hill will allow the Town to become a popular benefactor, establishing a bursary in the Town's name, which will be awarded on behalf of the Municipality to a deserving young artist. The Town also supports the arts locally through a number of other programs, including the seasonal film festival, Studio Tour & Art Sale and Heritage Village day, to name a few. Council is pleased to support arts programs, as they contribute o the quality of life in communities, enriching the experiences of citizens, as well as providing opportunities for artistic expression. Contact Mayor William F. Bell at (905) 771-8800, ext. 3123, or Debra Weller, Chair, Celebration of the Arts event for the York Region Newspaper Group at (905) 294-2200 (From Committee of the Whole Meeting held on Monday, September 19, 2005; New Business).
Character Community Day Proclaimed
Council proclaimed Wednesday, October 19, 2005 as Character Community Day in and for the Town of Richmond Hill. Character Community Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and benefits demonstrating and fostering good character provides business, education, community groups and families. It also affords the opportunity to focus on character development and the ability to develop practical means for building good character. By raising awareness of the importance of good character with an annual Character Community Day, the Town of Richmond Hill emphasizes the importance of implementing positive character attributes into the daily actions of individuals and groups who live and work in York Region. Richmond Hill Council declared the Town a Character Community in May 2002. The Town has since held various events to promote its involvement with the Character Community initiative, including donating 11 street signs to Alexander Mackenzie High School in support of their Character Matters program and holding a "Living with Character" contest. The Town also launched the program for staff in October 2004. The launch featured a video, slideshow and an information session, as well as a visit from former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain and Character Community Program supporter, Wendel Clark. Character Community Day will also be celebrated in many other municipalities throughout the Region. Contact Robert Prowse, Director, Council Support Services/Town Clerk, at (905) 771-2511 (From Committee of the Whole Meeting held on Monday, September 19, 2005; Agenda Item No. 10).
The next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. and the next Council meeting is Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers.
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