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A column devoted to recognizing events and decisions affecting the residents of Scugog Township, and rating them with a “Thumbs Up, or Thumbs Down!” Thumbs Down to rebellious students at PPHS who took advantage of the absence of custodians to purposely trash the hallways, classrooms and washrooms at the school in the hopes of getting a few days off. There's no excuse for this type of vandalism. Grow up! Thumbs Down for yet another hike in municipal taxes this year. The estimated 3.8 per cent may There’s a mystery at Thade Mansion The new, original Canadian play by Port Perry playwright Dave Ellis, Mystery of Thade Mansion is suspense in the classic noir style of the Maltese Falcon. The production is set in Buenos Aires during the turbu- lent time of revolutionary Argentina and has an ending that is a closely guarded secret, known only by cast members, until after the curtain goes up! The Mystery of Thade Mansion takes place at Town Hall 1873 on May, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, starting at 8 p.m. There are also two matinees, on May 5 and 12, starting at 12 noon. Tickets for both productions are available at Henshall’s, 905 985-1965 or Seni en 1-866-808-2006 (toll free), to previous years, but in the past four years municipal taxes have escalated by almost 20 per cent in Scu- gog, far more than workers wages have increased. Sorry, but we can’t get excited about tax increases, no matter how small they are. It’s time to put the brakes on spending. Thumbs Up to the Scugog Visitor & Business Centre for being d the Ontario Mainstreet Accessibility Award 2006. The award is for “outstanding achievement” in promoting inclusive tourism for everyone, through the opening of an accessible visitor centre. Congratulations to Scugog Township, Chamber of Commerce and BIA. Qs Thumbs Down to local watchdog Colin Kemp for his insensitive ks last month regarding Ward 4 councillor Blair Martyn. Councillor Martyn has been absent at the council table for an extended period as he fights brain cancer, Mr. Kemp's suggestion that “it is grossly unfair to the taxpayers of Cartwright to go without representation,” is grossly unfair to a man who is literally “fighting for his life.” Thumbs Up to our two local award winning newspapers. Already this year Port Perry Star reporter Chris Hall has won two awards for writing excellence in the Sub- urban Newspapers of America competition, and last month Rik Davie of the Scugog Standard picked up a provincial award for spot news photo. Congratulations! Have an idea forThumbs? Send us your ideas to focus@observerpub.ca. Please include name and phone number for verification purposes only. The Borelians are supporters of EyeGo to the Arts — affordable theatre for secondary school students. For more information, visit www.borelians.org. Dinner theatre packages are avail- SB Dorelians & os BAR FASHION For Male and Female For appointment call 905-985-3684 Fax: 905-985-4895 TO AVOID WAITING 11 WATER STREET PORT PERRY, ONT. focus@observerpub.ca Ahoy Boaters! Do you have your Operators Card Yel? Now it’s the law! Anyone operating a powered vessel of less than 4 metres in length MUST have a Pleasure Craft Operator's Card. WHAT IS A PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD? The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is the accepted proof of competency to operate a pow- ered pleasure craft in Canada. The card is valid for life, there are no annual fees and it is made of durable PVC plastic. Current- ly, any born after April 1, 1983 must carry proof of competency when operating a powered plea- Steve Gajewski sure craft. Failure to carry proof of competency carries a fine of $250. Since September 15,2002 anyone (regardless of age) who operates a powered boat or personal watercraft that is less than 4m (13’3”) in length must carry proof of competency. After September 15, 2009, operators of all vessels must carry their proof of competency. For full details and a list of or- ganizations that have accredited ating sal courses and tests, visit the Canadian Coast Guard web site at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca or call the Boating Safety Info line at 1-800-267-6687, TAYLOR FORDER INSURANCE BROKERS LTD. ammmmme 169 North Street, Port Perry * 905-985-8416 FOCUS - APRIL 2007 9