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iTMryui | âwel I ** scar*! aiMzwaj Page 2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, December 30, 199S Bits and Pieces SUCCESSFUL FEAST -- Hats off to all the folks who made possible the community Christmas feast in Newcastle last Friday, Dee. 25th. In a letter appearing on our editorial page, Willie Woo and Donna Metcalf give a more complete account of the afternoon. However, the highlights include participation by over 200 people and plenty of good food, entertainment, and good company. It should be noted that this was not intended as an event for people unable to provide their own Christmas festivities. It was simply an outpouring of community spirit and goodwill that was open to anyone, anyone, without categories. The concept worked so well that they're planning a similar feast in 1999. THANK YOU, EVERYONE -- Our thanks to all those who dropped off candies, home-baking and other treats over the holidays. For a new year's resolution, we should resolve to keep a record of those who send us Christmas treats, so that they can be suitably named and recognized. We hesitate to name anybody because we know someone will be overlooked. Anyhow, thank you to all. We also thank the donors for our Statesman Toy Drive who were so generous this month. ONE SECTION IN TODAY'S STATESMAN -- In view of the Christmas holidays, we've had about one day to put together the edition of The Statesman you arc reading today. Consequently, it's one section only. The Independent will be published one day early. That's on December 31st, in view of the New Year's holiday on January 1. Our offices will be closed January 1st, for New Year's Day. But, by next Monday, with the closing of the holiday season, we will be back to what we laughingly refer to as normal. CORRESPONDENCE IN THE INDEPENDENT -- In view of some tight deadlines, it appears as though some of our usual correspondence will not fit in this edition of The Statesman. You'll find the news from Solina and Blackstock in The Independent on Thursday. ORONO IS "DOWN IN THE DELTA" -- You may recall that a movie being shot in the Orono area last summer required the transformation of The Acres restaurant into a southern-style eatery featuring just chicken and owned by Uncle Earl. That movie, entitled Down in the Delta, has now been released. However, we don't think it's being offered on any local screens. You may, however, catch it in the Toronto cinemas. It would be interesting to see some of the local scenery on the big screen. They Read ZZ 4 ZZ Life The official unveiling of the trendy Clarington Public Library T-shirts comes just in time lor Christmas. The public can purchase the shirts at any branch at a price of $ 10 for adults or $8 lor youth sizes. Colours are royal blue with white lettering or white with blue. Shirts depict a happy reader, along with the words "Read4Life@CPL." The Library Board members displayed the new shirts at their meeting last week. Above (left to right) arc Rick Morrison, Phyllis Baker, Brenda Carrigan, Don Peebles, Craig Brown, Steve Goodchild, Clarington Councillor Jane Rowe and Cathy McKcevcr. MRP Reflects on Events of Past Year From page 1 O'Toole says education restructuring was perhaps one area where his government government could accept some criticism. "It's been one of the more important changes, and we failed to communicate communicate it respectfully and in a consultative way. It's been a difficult change for everyone everyone involved," the MPP admits. But lie adds the changes were a long time coming. "One government docs not invent all these changes. The last government started this," lie says. "When you take all the changes in education, it's been a tremendous transition transition to everyone but at the end of the day, what you have is a high quality education education system for everyone," says O'Toole. Property re-assessment has also been a hot topic for the provincial government during the past year. Tax bills sent in 1998 reflected "Actual Value Assessment," which meant dramatic tax changes for many properties in the province, especially those paying taxes based on very old assessments. A number of changes to the property lax legislation have been put in place to help work out bugs in the legislation, legislation, says O'Toole. "Is it perfect? No, it's not perfect. We didn't get it right the first time, and arguably, we didn't get it right the second time. But the government has responded to concerns," he says. On a personal level, O'Toole says lie's proud of his position as Chair of the General Government Committee. "The chair lias a tremendous tremendous opportunity to add amendments (to legislation) ... to be there and have a role in making appropriate amendments to legislation, I quite enjoy that role," says the MPP. Also important to O'Toole is his role among his constituents. "I have a commitment to being the best constituency office, a conduit to the offices of power," he says, adding he encourages people people from the community to visit his King Street office. "I'm available in as many ways as I can be," lie says. In the up-coming year, O'Toole says lie doesn't think the province will bring forward many new changes. "It'll be steady as she goes. We'll manage the changes (already implemented) implemented) and respond where necessary," lie forecasts. As for when a provincial election will be called, O'Toole says it depends on a number of factors. "The election has to be called before June of 2000," says O'Toole. "If the economy shows signs of weakening, I think there'll be an election in '99. But it will probably be later than sooner. There are many factors," factors," lie says. "My best guesstimate is the election will be after June of 1999," he predicts. Local Resident Elected as School Board Chairperson From page 1 tcred environment for our children and all our staff in the challenging times ahead." Director of Education Don Folz says, "In a lime when changes in education education arc having a significant significant impact, leadership is the single most important element in creating and maintaining a successful and progressive Catholic school system. Those who know Caroline realize that it is her strength and commitment commitment to Catholic education education that make her an effective leader. That strength has helped her become one of the most respected school board leaders in the region." Brendan Moher, a Peterborough trustee, was elected Vice-Chair of the Board. HELP WANTED PAPER CARRIER REQUIRED The available Statesman route is , fc§= Route #29 - BOWMANVILLE - Flett, Nelson, Southway Dr., Orchardview Blvd., Liberty - Approximately 29 papers * WHAT WILL YOU BE PAID? $ 10e per paper * $ You don't have to collect from customers.and papers will be s> delivered to your home. PLUS... If you deliver (or an entire month with no complaints from customers, you will receive an extra week's pay as a tipi If you would like to take advantage of this great business opportunity, please phone 623-3303. ŒIj e Canadian Ü>tate£man $ $ $ $ $ 62 King Street West, Bowmanville (905) 623-3303 52-1SC MUNICIPALITY HOLDS LEVEE -- Everyone is invited to join Mayor Diane Harare and members of Clarington Council for the annual Mayor's Levee. It takes place on Sunday, January 3, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Clarington Beech Centre, located at 26 Beech Avc., Bowmanvillc. This is also your opportunity opportunity to tour the centre which serves as the focal point of seniors' programs in -the municipality. The public is welcome to drop by and meet the municipality's mayor, councillors and staff. Light refreshments are usually served. BIG YEAR FOR ROTARY CLUB -- The first meeting meeting of the Bowmanville Rotary Club took place almost 75 years ago, on January 11th, 1924. That means Rotarians will be observing their 75th anniversary in 1999, with a number of special events planned. The celebration of the Bowmanvillc Rotary Club's Charter Night will be on Friday, March 26th. Cartoonist and writer Ben Wicks will be the guest speaker for that occasion. 900TH ANNIVERSARY -- Yes, you read that correctly. correctly. St. John Ambulance is observing its 900th anniversary in 1999. Not everyone is aware that the organization traces its roots back to a religious order which helped pilgrims visiting the Holy Land about 1,000 years ago. No doubt, local branches will have special events planned for the coming year. PROGRAMS FOR 50-PLUS -- The Movin' and Groovin' group will be launching its winter program of tai-chi, fitness, line-dancing and sit-and-bc-fit activities soon. An advertisement in the classifieds provides further further details. We understand that the registration is Friday, January 8th, from 9 a.m. to four p.m. at the Clarington Beech Centre. Line Dancers in Newcastle and Orono may register on the day of their first class. See the classified pages for further phone numbers and details. Don't Miss a Single Issue Catch all the news, sports and advertising that make up our community. Category 1 Sub. G.S.T, Total Subscribers who wish to pick up their own subscription at our offices alter per year 11 a.m. Wednesday. You will be given a card to present each week when you pick up your Statesman. $25 $1.75 $26.75 Category 2 Subscribers within Canada $30 $2.10 $32.10 Category 3 Subscribers outside of Canada $100 $7.00 $107.00 Subscription Order Form Name:. Address:. New Q or. Renewal [] Postal Code:. Telephone No.:. Please pay by cheque, VISA, MasterCard, or money order. V1SA/MC Number:. . Expiry Date: _ naotatt P.O. Box 190,62 King Slreel West, Bowmanville, Ontario, I.1C3K9 Second Class Mail Permit No. 1561 j®É -- §§i, r-V ;i ® ..V December 10th to January 11th 1999 GM Card Points Accepted GM Employee & Eligible Relatives Discount in Effect PLENTY OF INVENTORY TO CHOOSE FROM!! n cc m *d CC *d CC Townlin J5 Hwy. 1/2 |pj £ o tE a o O Hwy. 401