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Oitwo Weekly Times, Wednesday, December 13, 2000 FROM PARLIAMENT HILL Alex Shepherd Christmas, traditionally, brings out the best, and yes, even sometimes the worst in people. For those of us who have memories of being with family family - a favorite aunt, uncle, grandparent - or receiving a toy we really wanted, or going and getting the tree (that was either nailed or tied to the wall), watching our mothers bake into the early hours of the morning, wrapping wrapping gifts, or staring at an old ornament, Christmas is a special special time of reflection, sharing memories and sharing with others what we have. We also know, all too well, that for some Christmas can be a time of loneliness, despair, depression, arguments arguments and family violence. But Christmas is what we make it. Sure media has romanticized this Christian celebration with images of beautiful people, heartwarming heartwarming stories, gatherings of friends and family and an abundance of food on every table. Well we can't all hâve Christmases that meet advertiser's advertiser's standards, however, we can all reach out to someone when they need help getting through the season. In some ways Canada reflects this time of year. Many Canadians are living in a period where they are seizing seizing opportunity, creating prosperity and living a good life. But 1 know and so do all of you, that not everyone is taking taking part in this country's success success story. Not everyone is reaping the benefits of our economic strength. Far too many people are not getting a fair shot at being the best they can be. We still have serious social problems which have to be addressed. Too many children live in poverty, too many people people need adequate healthcare, pharmaceuticals' and home- care. Basically I see myself as a fiscal conservative but as a small-1 liberal. Let me explain. One of the greatest achievements of the government government I have been a part of is the way we managed Canada's finances. Seven years ago Canadians were faced with a disastrous $42 billion deficit. Canadians worked to get rid of it and people in Durham made their sacrifices and showed their discipline as well as anyone else in Canada. Collectively we are a success story. On the other hand we want prosperity and opportunities for all. Our surplus must be used to benefit all Canadians. It has to be shared with those who are less fortunate. Money has to be spent on children so they get a good start in life. We have to invest in people, people, universities, healthcare, ORONO MUSIC CENTRE 5551 MAIN STREET, ORONO oud'W pri< at trices TEL: 905-985-6118 NEWCASTLE FUNERAL HOME Family owned and operated by Carl Good, Funeral Director, and Joyce Kufta 386 Mill St. S., Newcastle 987-3964 www.newcastlefuneralhome.com "Caring for our Community " Alzheimer Society The gift of memories through touch training, all in an effort to develop our knowledge-based economy. All of these initiatives initiatives will create the kind of Canada our parents and their parents before them worked so hard to pass on to us. You and I all know that someone next door, down the street or a block away who came to Canada from some place else and worked to make a good life. That's what we have to do now. I'm honoured that the people people in this great urban, rural and agricultural riding gave me their support and havç the confidence in me to serve a third mandate as their representative. representative. I want to continue to develop and promote the values values that have made the great Canadian family. The values that many share this time of year. Oshawa: For almost a year, Alzheimer Society of Durham Region has been collecting hand-knitted bears from volunteers across the region. The Bear Knitting program provides people with Alzheimer Disease and relat- * ed dementia with a connection connection to their past. One that brings them comfort as the disease progresses. For people with dementia, activities that Involve their senses, particularly touch can stimulate memories long forgotten. The bears also provide provide a means for others to connect with someone with dementia who may be nonverbal nonverbal or confused. Throughout the holiday season, Alzheimer Durham will be distributing the bears to «people with Alzheimer Disease in long-term care facilities. Alzheimer Durham would like to thank all of the volunteers who have donated their time and materials to create these special gifts. The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region provides support for caregivers of people people with Alzheimer Disease and related dementia. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer Disease and related related dementia and their caregivers. caregivers. . Use one Blue Box'lor 'Fibres" Newspapers, Inserts, Flyers, Magazines, Catalogues,-Junk Mail, Envelopes, Paperback Books, Greeting Cards & Wrapping Paper, and Telephone Books. Use a second Blue Box for 'Containers" Glass Bottles & Jars, Metal Food & Beverage Containers, Aluminum Pie Plates, and all Plastic Containers with a nurfiber "1" inside the recycling symbol. ^ , ] "'j i '<*■ » " are flattened and bundled on top of or beside your Blue Boxes. Keep on Santa's "Good List"this year by using two Blue Boxes All I want for Christmas is a second Blue Box... Blue Boxes can be purchased for just $4 Call the Region of Durham's Recycling Centre at 1-800-667-5671 Please Recycle Right!