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4 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, June 22, 1999 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" J 21 ond \ Ls "Ri, ee . . J PIETER CHRIS HALL/PORT PERRY STAR VISITORS: Margaret Cornish was one of a number of seniors at the Port Perry Villa who spent time with some visiting animals from the Uxbridge/Port Perry Animal Shelter last week. The shelter routinely brings a number of pets around to the Villa and schools in hopes of finding them a. good home. A birthday bash! Chamber of Commerce plans fireworks and fun for Canada Day July 1 in Port By Chris Hall Port Perry Star The Scugog Chamber of Commerce is throwing a party in honour of Canada Day July 1, and everyone is invited. While the annual celebration will be a bit more low-key than previous years, Chamber past-president Don MacLeod promises everyone will have a good time. "There'll be vendors out there selling food and other goods starting in the early afternoon," said Mr. MacLeod, not- ing that the citizenship affirmation and Port Perry Star Citizen of the Year cere- monies will not take place this year. "It's still going to be a really good day; there's going to be music at the gazebo and a few things to do. It should be a good day for everyone who comes out." And, just as daylight fades, the big show will begin, says Mr. MacLeod. "The fireworks show will start at dusk," he said, adding that they will be launched from the rear parking lot at Reid's Independent Grocers this year. The fireworks, sponsored in part by Dynamic Car Wash on Vanedward Dr. will last approximately 30 minutes. Spectators are encouraged to pick a spot early at Palmer Park to watch the show. Chamber representatives and volun- teers will make their way through the crowd with donation buckets seeking donations to help cover the cost of the fireworks show. "People will be out canvassing for donations and handing out Canadian flags," Mr. MacLeod said, adding that boaters are welcome to watch the show, as long as they keep a safe distance. "Donations from both the community and area businesses really help, we really appreciate it. "There's a lot of work that goes into the show and many people realize just how expensive it is to put on a good fire- works show. The general public has been very generous; no one really minds _ tossing in a buck or two or even more when the volunteers come around." Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Scugog Chamber of Commerce for the fireworks show before July 1 can call the Chamber office at 985-4971. Uxbridge's Fourth Art in the Park Festival takes place July 17 to 18 in scenic Elgin Park, sponsored by the Uxbridge and District Lions Club. A number of local musicians and entertainers will be performing each day. There will also be an area for Lions' Art in the Park coming up in July children to create their own works of art. Daily admission to the festival is $5 for adults; $3 for children and $15 for a family. Gates open at 10 a.m. For more information contact Lion Ed Evans at (905) 852-6913. | i | A career of caring Administrator Dorothy Imperial is retiring from her position with Scugog's Community Care after almost 20 years By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star For almost 20 years, Scugog Community Care has been a large part of Dorothy Imperial's life. Her tenure with the agency began in 1980, when she became involved as a volunteer. In September of 1988 Mrs. Imperial was employed as an assis- tant, working with administrator Elizabeth Fulford. When Mrs. Fulford took over as Executive Director of Durham Region Community Care, a position she still retains, Mrs. Imperial was hired as administrator of Scugog Community Care's Home Support Services. Now she's moving on to another phase of her life. On June 30, Mrs. Imperial will be retiring. As administrator, Mrs. Imperial has been in charge of all the service programs offered seniors by Community Care. They include meals on wheels, transportation, luncheon dates, foot care, home help and maintenance, telephone reassur- ance, friendly visiting and income tax preparation. Currently there are 163 volunteers who give of their time with Community Care. Over the years there has been an increase in every single service offered. In 1990, when Mrs. Imperial became administrator, there were only 181 clients regis- tered, and 141 volunteers to do the work. Since then, the number of volunteers has increased by 22 yet the number of clients has grown to 460. In 1990 when Mrs. Imperial began her adminis- trative work all the records were done by hand. But modern technology has taken over. Now all statis- tics are computerized. Service hours in 1990 amounted to 6,028; in 1999, the total has already reached 9,318. "Our services are being used more and more now due to hospitals discharging patients earlier after surgery or illness," said Mrs. Imperial. "And with the increase in the senior population, services have been needed more, too." Years before Mrs. Imperial took over as admin- istrator at Community Care, she had had a fond- ness for the services offered. "I liked what they had to offer to seniors and all they did for my elderly mother," she said. "I don't think anyone could have received better care." "We provide services for seniors and people with disabilities so they can remain in their homes," said Mrs. Imperial. "These people are so grateful for our help and that makes it all worthwhile." Another bonus is that many of the clients and volunteers have become good friends. Although Mrs. Imperial did not have to retire, she says she chose to. "I'm at the age now where I'd like to have time to do more things for myself and family," she said. But she's certain she will continue doing volunteer work. Currently she gives of her time at the hospital's gift shop, North-Durham Hospice, Operation Scugog, Port Perry United Church and canvasses for three agencies. And, of course, she'll be looking forward to volunteering with Community Care. When Mrs. Imperial retires Jenny Yorgason, who is currently the service co-ordinator, will be taking over administrative duties. Dorothy Imperial is retiring from her position as administrator of Scugog Community Care after almost 20 years with the local agency.