The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

PAGE 8 THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, MAY 30,2001 Pay your taxes and help hospitals? Region considers donation mechanism for property bills BY SUSAN O'NEILL Staff Writer DURHAM -- Regional politicians are considering the inclusion of a mechanism on this year's tax bills that would enable residents to make a charitable donation toward Durham's hospitals. Pickering Councillor Maurice Brenner called on his colleagues recently to approve a motion that would see Durham's eight member municipalities include a mechanism on the 2001 property lax billings for an elective contribution of one. percent of the bill toward the region's hospitals. "If a resident chooses to make an elective contribution, contribution, they're getting a credit back for a charitable contribution," contribution," lie explained. "There is a need across our region. It's become clear to me there is a way to assist." The Rouge Valley Health System _ and Lakeridgc Health Corporation had requested requested $ 100 million in funding from the Region toward toward planned expansion projects projects at health-care facilities across Durham. Council, however, turned down their request. Conn. Brenner noted while Durham residents weren't in favour of seeing the responsibility for health care added to their property tax bills, creating an opportunity opportunity for voluntary contributions contributions to local hospitals would "allow us to gauge what the mood is like in the public". He also said the Region has a wider audience than the hospital foundations, which are involved in fund-raising in communities across Durham. "We cover each and every properly in Durham Region," he said. Mayor John Mutton seconded seconded a motion by Ajax Mayor Steve Parish that suggested suggested Coun. Brenner's idea should be circulated to area municipalities for input prior to Durham council making a decision. Mayor Mutton says he thinks Coun. Brenner's idea might be a good one but before before it is approved, it should be determined how much of an administrative cost it could bring to the local municipalities. municipalities. "The local municipalities have to buy in," because they are the ones that issue the bills and receive payments, he says. Ideally, the mayor says he would. like a gauge of public interest in the idea before before it goes ahead. "I wouldn't wouldn't want our municipality to incur a lot of cost on something something that isn't going to be successful." Mayor Mutton adds, "If it's something we can pul into place without too much administrative administrative cost" then the idea would have merit. However, Clarington may be in a different position than some other communities, he suggests, because "there are so many avenues" for donating donating to Lakeridgc Health Bowmanvillc. "Everyone here has a real affinity for the Bowmanvillc Hospital in Clarington and they already know the avenues avenues for donating." Coun. Brenner reported municipalities municipalities would issue tax receipts to residents who make a donation to hospitals, noting the City of Pickering was successful in raising $500,000 toward a millennium millennium fund for its 2000 celebrations celebrations by issuing charitable receipts to donors. The issue is expected to come back to the Region at the next Durham council meeting June 13. -- Files by Jncquic Mclnncs SUMMER DAY CAMPS Ages 12-15 s 150°J et Ages 7-11 $115°°* GST *week __ GST week • Interactive Storytelling y^, • Mosaics • Hikes/Nature Walks Mask Making •Crafts * Exercises • Exercises ' • Drama are just some of the activities that will be offered during the summer. Camps are run from 8:30 a.m. til 5 p.m., Mon. to Fri. (extended hours can be arranged for a small fee) PRE-REGISTER AS CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED Children's medical information and parent consent forms will be kept on file. LAST DAY FOR REGISTRATION IS SAT. JUNE 23rd, 5 p.m. BOWMANVILLE CENTRE FOR CREATIUITY 905-697-1949 MEAT SHOPS ignite your tastebuds! £3 bîSE s-üIe, sags**--' 1J V,f See our ad in FRIDAY'S paper for more SPECIALS www.mmmeatshops.com Sale prices in effect until Fri. June 8, 2001 OSHAWA II Taunton Rd. W. at Simcoe 434-4633 OSHAWA 1300 King St. E. at Townline 571-7701 (Kingsway Village Plaza) WHITBY 1801 Blindas St. E. 436-3066 (Kendalwood Plaza) BOWMANVILLE 133 King St. E. 697-1202 In BRIEF MAY 30 2001 ADD seminar Family, parents parents or caregivers caregivers for people people dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention /Deficit Hyperac- 'tivitjf Disorder "(ADHD) are invited invited to attend one or more upcoming upcoming seminars. seminars. The seminars, seminars, to be held at the North Os- hawa Community Community Centre, 1139 Mary St. N„ Os- hawa will take place May 31 and June 5, 13, 18 and July 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. The seminars seminars will discuss management of ADD and ADHD using two different different therapies without drugs. For more information information or registration call Alan Wood- house at 905- 427-7002. Design Santa's button Santa may be ready for a summer summer break but parade committee committee members never rest. The Bow- manville Santa Claus Parade button design contest is about to begin and an extra-special design is needed needed to help the parade celebrate celebrate its 40th anniversary. Residents of Clarington are being asked to help design the button. All designs should be round and contain Santa. Submissions Submissions should be received by the committee by July 1. Designs can be mailed to The Button Design Design Contest, 89 Devondale St., Courtice, ONT, L1E2A1. For more information information call 905- 434-4699. Adopt an adult dog from your local Animal Shelter and you'll have a devoted friend for life. HE'LL WORSHIP THEGROUND YOU WALK ON, AND SNIFF IT, TOO. "Adopt an adult dog from your local humane society. They'll love you unconditionally (even when your breath is as bad as theirs). They'll comfort you. Jog with you. Be your confidant. Your sidekick. Your pal for life. All they want in return is a little love and care. And a fire hydrant now and then. So please, if you're looking for a mature relationship, then rescue an adult dog from your local shelter. He'll worship you like the saviour you really are." Sponsored by Mary Lou Naccarato, owner/manager NACC'S OFFICE WORLD Internet Lounge / Office Supplies 1 King Street West Bowmanville, 905-697-7900 Fax: 905-697-7882 http://www.naccs.com sales@naccs.com (lathi iij i !r/° j *Jiii£ QuaClty Custom l/Nsiicjm. [iSiiinioiuh, L/uLl, ■Vv^/jutu 25% offBulova and Caravelle Watches Lots of in store specials! 78 King St. W., Bowmanville 623-1933 Country Lane ^ furniture & Qifts Throws April Cornell SALE$7Z00 Tablecloths Reg. $100.00 25% OFF until /» lie 3 ni, 2001 85 King St. W., Boivmanville 697-1229 JUSTIN | L oo OPTICAL BARRY Licensed Optician Certified Contact Lens Fitter Telephone 623-3132 30 King Street West Bowmanville GREASE M0NKE/S wo 1 ® IVi' Don't Monkey Aionnil! General Automotive Repairs All Work Guaranteed Your "Drive-Clean" Centre 2196 Highway #2, Bowmanville 623-3347 Veterinary Care Courtice Pet Clinic 1500 Hwy.2 (1 km east ol Townline) COURTICE 434-4487 Since 1975" Wilson Road Veterinary Clinic 371 Wilson Rd. S. (Wilson and Olive) • OSHAWA 576-8885 Day And Evening Appointments Available B3 EH N