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6 - Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, December 23, 1998 Community Christmas concert one more example that our gov- ernment is prepared make changes to provide equitable support for areas like Durham. This season is a wonderful time for families to gather, cel- ebrate and be thankful. It is also a time to give gifts to others. Those who may be hungry, in need of help, old and perhaps alone and people who are in hospitals should also be a part of our reflections at this time of year. I encourage everyone to take time to share with some- one less fortunate. The greatest gift we can give in this busy world is our time. From my family to yours, may the light of hope be in your life always. May you have a generous and joyful Christmas Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Orono Forest/Meadow Walk You are welcome to join with the Oak Ridges Trail Association for a walk in the former Forestry lands, Linton and Buntings Trails, on Sunday, December 27th commencing at 10 a.m. A moderate pace for two hours starting from the parking lot at the end of Station Street on O'Chonski Road. Further info: Roy Forrester. leader. 905-983-5147. The mitten tree was a contribution of the Kirby United Church Sunday School class to the Community Christmas Concert last Friday. The mittens on the tree were donated by concert goers, and were later donated to Bethesda House and the Children's Aid. The mitten tree story was told by Stephanie Rutherford. Gathered around the mitten tree from left to right are: Krista, Kaitlin and Kendra Lowery, Brendan and Jeremy Johnson and Stephanie Rutherford. The violin featured heavily at the Community Christmas Concert at the Town Hall last Friday. Laurie Mitchell and 15 of her violin students per- formed the first several num- bers, and accompanied on all the audience numbers. Later in the program, Zeke Mazurek played two tantalizing numbers Staying in Touch by John O'Toole, MPP This session of the Ontario Legislative Assembly ended on Friday, December 18th at 12:10 a.m.. It was rather a controver- sial ending to what has been a very long session. The opposi- tion (Liberal & NDP) under- standably wanted to debate the supply bill and the McLean/Thompson wrongful dismissal settlement. It is important to understand that many members of the govern- ment made it clear that they were' not supportive of the McLean/Thompson decision. On the other hand, the govern- ment had a number of other important pieces of legislation that it wanted to move forward with and, therefore, allowing for public hearings to take place during the winter break. At the end of every session there is always a bulge of unfinished business. The three party House Leaders will try to work out an agreement about which legislation illH proceed on his violin. Group performances were given by the Orono United Church Junior and Senior Choirs, the Kirby United Church Sunday School and the Scouting Sections who led the audience in a number of carols. Solo performances were given and what bills. will go forward for more public input. Usually, policy anc[ politics clash and often the process is not very productive. The Premier announced late on Friday that the House is adjourned (pro- rogued) until March 1999, or at the cal] of the government. However, I an very disappoint- ed that a number of important pieces of legislation have been lost because of a procedural quarrel. The Legislature has spent a significant amount of time on a num ber of bills in first and second reading as well as public hearings and now these bills are lost. Democracy and our parliamentary process is a fragile balance, but it is bet- ter than any alternative I have heard about. The committee on "The International Year of Older Persons" (IYOP) has been by Kathy Guselle who sang 'I Wonder as I Wonder, Janie Dodds singing 'Silver Bells' and Rev. Mervyn Russell with 'O Holy Night'. Refreshments and a time of socializing followed this fine concert; a sampling of the com- munities talents. meeting for the past month. This United Nations resolution has received support from most levels of government. The Canadian government l'as established a Coordinating Committee and Ontario has set aside some $2.6 million dollars to support community events across the province. My riding is represented by Annabelle Sissons, Harold Hamnmond, Mavis Carlton, Sheri Jackson, Sally Barrie, Kent Farndale and Doug Farndale. This committee is reaching out to the entire community to develop ways to celebrate 1999 as, "the year of older persons". I encourage church groups, service clubs and community groups to con- tact any member of the com- mittee as soon as possible to see how they can become involved. If you want informa- tion, please call my constituen- cy office at 697-1501 or 1-800- 661-2433. Projects or applica- tions must be submitted before January 29, 1999. The Children's Aid Society of Durham Region will receive approximately $2.5 million in additional funds to ensure that children are'being protected, that front line workers as well as foster-care families, are rec- ognized and.case management services are enhanced. Durham Region has been traditionally under funded and this is just Mewz# Glau#nas & Alappy~~, AVett /eas from Lisa's Locks Esthetics by Denise ORONO, 983-5256