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Donations are Ice Pad - vTy ' ;'fg| Welcomed Opens f â2m RQsjff'g SX 43/XVkWo u' l Sp Séc«B, pg* 1 Christmas Tree Care Sec, 1, pg 10 Clarington's Community Newspaper Since 1854 • A James Publishing Community Newspaper Wednesday, December 16, 1998 144th Year Issue 50 700 + 50 G.S.T. = 750 Smoke Detectors Aferfec/ Families to Bjaze Fire Destroys Apartment Building by Jennifer Stone Staff Writer TOTAL DEVASTATION - Damage is estimated at $180,000. after • fire ripped through this Highway Two apartment building early Monday morning. Two families who lived in the Maple Grove build ing may have working smoke detectors to thank for s.aving their lives. Donations for the families'arc being accepted.at Bob's Towing at Holt Road and Highway Two. ; : . Newlyweds Seek Apology Over Service at Rec. by Michelle Wyton Staff Writer A former Bowmanvillc resident is looking for an apology and some compensation compensation after his wedding wedding reception was tainted by dust and dirt at the Garnet B. Rickard Complex. "The day before, when we went to decorate, everything was a complete mess, with dust and dirt everywhere," James Terry told councillors Monday night. "We were assured that by the time we arrived for the reception it would be taken care of, but it never was." "I stand before you as a very angry young man, asking that you solve this problem for us," lie added. "I feel wc deserve a written written apology and a monetary monetary refund in this situa tion." Mr. Terry detailed to Clarington Council a number number of problems he and his wife, Colleen, encountered when they arrived at the hall on Sept. 19. These included a lack of air conditioning, conditioning, dirty bathrooms and floors, pizza boxes in the hallway, children running running around and no microphone microphone set up as requested. "One of these children found their way across the train of my wife's wedding gown, leaving footprints behind," he said. "Wc were not impressed." Since the incident, Mr. Terry has spoken with employees at the complex and in the community services department but has been unable to get an apology or compensation. "Wc were told that refunds arc not given because it is bard to know how much to give back. Instead, our compensation was a one-month facility pass for the Garnet B. Rickard Complex or the Courtice Community Centre," he said. "We paid close to $800 to use that facility and I think that the pass is an unacceptable reimbursement for our ruined night." Although there have been been a few concerns brought to the attention of community services staff in the past, Community Services Director Joe Cnruana said there have been no major complaints about the facility, "We have heard some concerns and they have been dealt with," he said. "Unfortunately, this gentleman gentleman felt the need to come to council with the issue. It's kind of an internal internal matter and we're trying to deal with it internally." The matter has been referred back to staff for appropriate action and Mayor Diane Hamrc apologized apologized to the' Tcrrys on. behalf of the corporation. "I do sincerely apologise," apologise," she said. "We will deal with the matter and you will hear from us." "It's unfortunate that it went this far and that the Continued on page 2 An electrical problem is being blamed for a fire that demolished the home of two families early Monday morning. The Clarington Fire Department was called to the building at 2194 Highway 2 in Maple Grove at about 4:30 a.m. Deputy Fire Chief Bill Hesson says the fire started in the attic and spread quickly. "It's total devastation," he says of the building. The building held three apartments, though one was vacant at the time of the fire. Two families managed to escape the blaze. Madeline Kemp shared one apartment with her husband, husband, Brent Gilliland, and her six-year-old daughter. The other apartment was occupied by Kemp's sister, Trina, and Trina's four- year-old son. The boy was not home at the time of the fire. As of Tuesday, Kemp says her family was recovering recovering from the shock of losing their home. "We're pretty good now. It was kind of rough yesterday yesterday (Monday)," says Kemp, who, along with her husband and daughter, is currently staying with relatives. relatives. She says her daughter daughter has seen the wreckage of their former home. "She's not too bad. She never saw any of it (the fire) -- we took her to my mother-in-law's right away. But we took her out (to the fire scene) today (Tuesday). She cried," says Kemp. Hesson credits smoke detectors with keeping the residents from injury or even death. "Probably without the working smoke detectors we'd have a fatality on our hands, but everybody made it out just fine," he says. Kemp agrees they were pretty lucky. "We all got out, and are in good health," she says. "You can replace furniture; you can't replace people's lives." Woman by Jennifer Stone Staff Writer Durham Regional Police are seeking two men after an attempted armed robbery last week in Bowmanvillc. A 25-year-old woman was at the rear of t.he IGA store at 225 King Street East last Thursday when she was approached by, two men. One man carried a handgun handgun and demanded money. When she told them her purse was empty, they fled the scene. One suspect is described as male, white, about 5'4" to 5'5" tall, with a small build. He is thought to be in his early 20s. He was wearing a blue or black toque, a handkerchief on his face, a dark, bulky three-quarter three-quarter length coat, and dark ;pants. He is described as "being soft-spoken. The second suspect is also described as a white male, wearing a toque and a dark coat, Neighbours Rally to Help Local businesses and neighbours are rallying to help two families whose homes were destroyed by fire. Just hours after news of the fire on Highway 2 spread through the area, Marion Hockney and her family got involved and_ set aside sonie space at their business, Bob's Towing on Holt Road, to collect donations for the families. "These people are our neighbours and friends," said Mrs. Hockney. "The response from the community community has been tremendous. tremendous. Donations started coming in almost immediately." immediately." "We're collecting anything anything and everything people people can give to help the families," she added. A wide range of items is needed, including warm clothing, furniture and bedding. "It's so close to Christmas and these people people have lost everything, including Christmas gifts," said Mrs. Hockney. Each family has one child, so clothing and toys are needed for them as well. One is a four-year- old boy and the other a six-year-old girl. "The little girl got out with just the pyjamas on her back," she added. "All of their belongings were destroyed in the fire." Donations can be dropped off at Bob's Towing, 2366 Holt Road, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. To drop off donations after hours, call 623-1703. "We'll make arrangements arrangements to collect the donations donations whenever they can be brought in," said Mrs. Continued on page 2 MOUSE PADS • MUGS • PLATES • JIG SAW PUZZLES • CANDLES • CALENDARS • SPORTS CARDS • PLACE MATS t? c USEES ■r-nrmsi ■marore foto source' 1 31 KING STREET WEST, DOWNTOWN B0WMANVILLE 623-2568 SNOWGLOBES • CLOCKS • FRIDGE MAGNETS • KEY CHAINS • PHOTO BUTTONS • MAGNETIC CAR SIGNS • MOUSE PADS 25th 25 lh LAa^j Shop the Rest Buy from the Best! gHTJIMTflJ rtitimc ■iwiaaw. mmsmmmZx Your Incut Genera/ Motors dealer for the past 25 years. ,.25thl 166 King St. E. • rzsth [Aumnujl Xolophone 623-3396 lAint s Pub COMPANY LIMITED Printing Professionals Since 1854 Telephone: 623-3303 62 King St. Wost Bowmanvillc Bowmanville's Movers for50 Years. 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