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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 27, 2008 - 3 SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER AWARD PRESENTATION: Tristen Naylor is presented his Public Service Award of Excellence by Nicole Jaulvin, president of the Canada Public Service Agency, left, and Robert Greenhill, president of the Canadian International Development Agency. summer sale Stay OTHS alumnus youngest recipient of Public Service Award of Excellence By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER JULY 2008 Twenty-three-year-old Oakville Trafalgar High School (OTHS) alumnus Tristen Naylor was awarded with the Public Service Award of Excellence, last week. Naylor, who's been working with the Government of Canada in the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for only three years, is the youngest person to ever receive the award. "It's just flattering to receive an award after only three years," said Naylor. "It's because of the remarkable people with whom I work." The award recognizes public service employees who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in serving Canadians. Naylor's accomplishments prove he is not lacking in excellence or leadership abilities. He is the brains behind the International Development Think Tank Watch, an online magazine that has grown beyond all expectations, with an estimated readership of 1,000 people. "There is a wealth of information on the Internet, yet it's impossible to read it all," explained Naylor, noting that the magazine offers readers a quick abstract of the best research material regarding international development. "The International Development Think Tank Watch continually surveys the wealth of cuttingedge research on international development topics coming from a variety of prominent organizations throughout the world. The Think Tank Watch synthesizes and presents this research in a brief and approachable way so that subscribers can easily stay on top of the latest in development research," he added. Aside from developing the magazine, Naylor has also taken part in numerous initiatives within the agency. Naylor's job sometimes requires him to travel throughout Canada. He takes this opportunity to stop at high schools and talk to the students about his job and the research field. "This is a truly rewarding part of my job," said Naylor. "I was actually in Oakville last month and I visited Oakville Trafalgar." Before moving to study political science at the University of Ottawa, Naylor was an active member of the Oakville community. "I did volunteering with the Waterfront Festival and youth drop-in centers," he said. The 23-year-old was also the Youth Ambassador of the Canadian Landmines Foundation, which aims to clear the land in heavily mined countries. Naylor also volunteered with the Rotary Club of Oakville-Trafalgar, where he participated in a number of their fundraising and awareness raising initiatives. In October he will be going to Oxford, England, as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar for the Rotary Club of Oakville-Trafalgar to study for a Masters degree in global governance and diplomacy. The co-op program at the University of Ottawa enabled Naylor to do a placement with the government. He has been working with the government ever since. The Public Service Award is presented in eight categories: Outstanding Career, Management Excellence, Innovation, Excellence in Citizenfocused Service Delivery, Employment Equity and Diversity, Official Languages, Youth and Exemplary Contribution under Extra-ordinary Circumstances. Naylor was awarded with the Public Service Award in the youth category. 2008 ASK THE EXPERT by Gloria Rinaldi Q: I've just bought a new house and I'm overwhelmed by all I have to do. Where do I begin so that it all comes together ? A: A beautiful home doesn't have to happen overnight. It can, and sometimes should evolve. Successful decorating begins by developing a "master plan' with the help of your interior decorator. Begin by listing your priorities ­ what room or rooms do you want to complete first. Secondly, determine your budget and time limitations. Thirdly, work with your decorator to establish a colour scheme and the overall feeling you wish to create throughout your home. Evaluate your present furnishings and decide what you would like to keep, replace or update. Start keeping a list of items you would like to purchase over a period of time. Once this basic groundwork has been laid, you can begin to tackle your priorities one by one. Creating your personal master plan will save you time and money, and will make decorating your home a real joy. If you have any questions, please email them to: grinaldi@rogers.com Classic Car Show July 3 The Town of Oakville will host the Classic Car Show on Thursday, July 3 at the Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors. Participants will show off their automotive gems at the event, which runs from 6-9 p.m. "The Classic Car Show is a great way to see many treasured vehicles of the past -- maybe even take a trip down memory lane," said Nancy Beddoe, manager of seniors services for the Town of Oakville. The Classic Car Show will be in the Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors parking lot. There will also be a barbecue and refreshments for sale, as music from the 50s fills the air. The Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre is located at 1565 Old Lakeshore Rd., on the corner of Third Line and Lakeshore Road.