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Vv 34 - "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2001 'their level of French, are French lessons at the library The Co-operative pre- school French spring ses- sion will run for eight weeks on at the Uxbridge library, Thursdays from April 5 to May 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. for ages three to six. The purpose of this group is to expose children (and parents) to French in the early years to facilitate later learning. Songs, games and simplistic French stories will be used. Parents, | dies | got game 'Thesela regardless of encouraged to contribute to the program by researching and bringing resources. Participating will depend on your com- fort level, keeping in mind a willingness to participate instills a sense of case for young children to attempt new ideas and/or re- enforce present knowl- edge. RAL SLA RANA * 4 § GE BPs : a oy & td RTT TYOR REPRESENTATIVE RES. (905) 986-4600 IT'S WORTH THE DRIVE UP HWY. 35 SC UGOG FIT TY ANCIAL _ SERVICES INC. ___[T"S WORTH THE DRIVE TO PORT PERRY! CGUARANTEEDZINVESTMENTIS aver eo Annual Rates © GIC 4.500% 4.800% 4.950% 5.150% RRSP 4.500% 4.800% 4.950% 5.150% 5.300% 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 5.300% 1 YEAR CASHABLE 4.300% AFTER 120 DAYS MINIMUM $1,000. Rates Effective 1403/01 - Subject fo change without notice 250 Queen Street, Port Perry 985-3832 1-888-595-4413 (next to Shoppers Drug Mart Assochieh Wit Serving Scugod Jol. over 25 years _ SHEPHERD & POWELL | ee CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ir SUWMEE [ Home prices on the rise in February The average selling price of a single family dwelling in Durham Region in February was $185,116. This represents a 2.98 per cent increase from January's $179,758 and also is a 5.07 per cent increase over $176,176 recorded in February last year. Durham Region Real Estate Board President, Brett Puckrin also announced that sales increased to 594 up 55.5 per cent from 382 in January but was a decrease of 3.4 per cent from 615 sales reported in February 2000. The total active listings on the multiple listing service was 1,769, up 16.9 per cent from 1,513 in January and 25.7 per cent from 1,407 recorded February last year. "For all the talk about a slowing economy, the housing market in Durham Region seemed to remain relatively strong. With the expected interest rate reductions being announced, and higher levels of inventory than we have seen for a while, it is anticipated that the residential real estate market in Durham Region will continue at a reason- able pace," said Mr. Puckrin. Homes sold in Durham Region were on the market for a record average of 33 days and sold on an average of 98 per cent, list to sale price ratio. Durham, Region is still the fastest selling market in the GTA. Further housing statistics in Durham Region are avail- able oh the Durham Region Real Estate Board web site at www.durhamrealestate.org. Having more interest free loan funds available to plant crops this spring has to be viewed with mixed emotions, says Jack Wilkinson, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. He was reacting to an announcement earlier this week by federal agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief, that the maximum interest free loan a farmer can have to plant crops this spring has been increased to $50,000 from $20,000. "It's great the federal government is prepared to make this money available. It not only acknowledges the realities of increased input costs, but also the lack of cash in the hands of farmers as a result of devastatingly low returns from the past two years harvests," Mr. Wilkinson said. - "Many farmers will use this program, but we must remember it is a repayable loan and the interest free Larger loans a mixed blessing, says OFA aspect on a $50,000 loan over a six month period would be a benefit of approximately $2,000 per farmer," he said. "This amount, while helpful, certainly doesn't replace the need for the $900 million we requested." At a meeting of provincial and federal ministers of agriculture earlier this week, the provincial ministers of agriculture collectively called on the federal govern- ment to provide $1 billion as its share of the additional safety net support, and the provinces would contribute- $500 million. "The Federal Cabinet needs to reconsider its deci- sion of adding only $500 million," Mr. Wilkinson says. Mr. Lyle Vanclief, Minister of Agriculture and. Agri- Food Canada, announced an additional $500 million at the beginning of this month when farmers and their organizations had been calling for $900 million. -RSlice Pizza ig rte 3 items, 2 pop hiHenry > Sweet Snacks PIZZA, SUBS '&WINGS ZI CRULER "Chill Out" with a 20-14 Shco Pizzo With 3 tems, 3 pop 50] [Oh[Henry : Sweet Snacks 1247-120 5lice Pizza with 3 items, 4 hop 2-28 Slice Pizza with 3 items, 6 pop dh Henry eo Sweet Snacks