The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, December 23, 1998 Pace 4 Elle Canadian Statesman Former Publishers and Partners Rev. John M. Climie and W. R. Climie 1854 -1878 M. A. James, 1878 -1935 • Norman S. B. James, 1919 -1929 G. Elena James, 1929 - 1947 • Dr. George W. James, 1919 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited Also Publishers of The ClaringtonICourtice Independent P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanvillc, Ontario L1C 3K9 •623-3303 HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 623-6161 lnternet-statesman@ocna.org Publications Mail Registration No. 07637 For 144 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Rick James Plant Manager - Rick Patterson Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Supervisor - Ralph Rozema, Tim Bowers, Kevin Britton, Suzanne Christie, Sharon Cole, Laurens Kaldeway, Barb Patterson, Sean Pickard, Tyler Sellick, Jim Snoek, James Stephenson, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Laverne Morrison Editorial Brad Kelly, Jennifer Stone Office Tel: 905 Fax: 905- Supervisor - Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford, Libby Smithson Editorials In the Spirit Of the Season As wc relied on this Christmas of 1998, wc arc struck by the generosity that arises. In our travels, over the last lew weeks, we have reported on dozens of food and toy drive projects ranging ranging from a modest collection among members of a school classroom to elaborate campaigns involving dozens of volunteers. It's pretty clear that the message of giving is getting through. Our own Christmas toy drive here at James Publishing may have set a record for contributions. And, such generosity is evident everywhere. But, the spirit of giving is not a practice that needs to be confined to those days surrounding December 25th. For those who felt good about giving to the various Christmas campaigns, wc have some welcome news. You can continue that effort into the new year and still feel good. Moreover, you don't have to donate only gifts of cash, toys, food or other festive fare. You can also give of yourself by volunteering time to the numerous youth and children's organizations. By helping at churches, schools, seniors' programs and in countless other areas. Wc know of few organizations which cannot use the help of dedicated volunteers. And it's one way of extending the essence of Christmas into the new year. Although you don't have to walk around decked out in holly and ivy in 1999, there are other aspects of the season that can be extended into the coming year. If you like spending more time with family, singing, baking, giving gifts, lighting candles, stoking fireplaces, decorating your home, attending church, and doing all of the other things that accompany our Christmas customs, why wait until Christmas of 1999 arrives? One of the important aspects of Christmas is the possibility possibility of using its light to illuminate the year ahead. For those of us who observe Christmas traditions, nothing can quite match the spirit of the season. Indeed, Christmas should be special. But, it can also inspire us in the months ahead. Wc might turn to no less an expert on Christmas than Charles Dickens to gain further insight on this subject. In his tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, we note that the notorious notorious miser did not merely learn to celebrate Christmas and then spend the other 364 days of the year as a ruthless ruthless man of business. He also did good works in the offseason, offseason, serving as almost a second father for Tiny Tim and generally becoming a man of goodwill. And that is , Why, it was said of old Ebenezer that he knew how to keep Christmas better than anyone. So, let us try to extend the spirit of goodwill we experience experience at Christmas beyond the time when the leftover turkey runs out or the decorations are put away. Every day cannot be Christmas. But the ideals of the season can certainly be practised throughout the year. And so, we wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and (of equal importance) a happy new year! Highway Spending Would Save Lives According to the Canadian Automobile Association, all that is needed to save 247 lives per year on Canadian highways is money. Specifically, the CAA says the infusion of $17.4 billion billion into the highway system would save lives. The association also estimates that 16,000 injuries would be prevented by bringing roads up to the standards standards we require today. As well, Canadians would save $22 billion in travel time and $2.9 billion in reduced vehicle operating costs. They'd also burn 236 million fewer litres of fuel. The CAA acknowledges that health care is another federal government priority, but CAA President Brian Hunt pointed out that the health and safety of Canadians is "directly linked to the condition of our roadways." In other words, if some of those 16,000 injuries could be eliminated each year, there would be less of a burden on the health care system. Certainly, the need to upgrade our highways is obvious obvious to anyone who travels in the Greater Toronto Area. In many cities and towns of the GTA, the road network hasn't changed much in decades, while subdivisions have grown rapidly and the burden of traffic has increased in leaps and bounds. This may very well contribute contribute to complaints such as road rage, the running of red lights, excessive speeding and all the other perils of highway travel. And, while the CAA may wish to sec the system upgraded to the tune of $17.4 billion, it has overlooked another possibility. Perhaps some of that money might be spent on public transit, so that Canadians' dependence on the automobile might be reduced. North Americans will rely on their cars for the foreseeable foreseeable future. But, it would be nice if they also had a choice of adequate public transit. The Year of Older Persons The International Year of Older Persons is almost here. During 1999, a special effort will be made to recognize recognize the contributions made by older adults to the world. In a society that has been described as worshipping youth, it's refreshing to see such recognition. Of course, it is impossible to place all older adults in the same category, since the term includes such a wide range of people. It includes, for example, the younger and recently-retired folks with considerable time and energy at their disposal. But, it also includes elderly persons persons who struggle against poverty and illness. Indeed, it seems to us that the label "older adults" could hardly encompass a wider range of people. It might include people who work 60 hours a week and can run a marathon. It might include individuals whose advanced age and poor health makes them dependent on round- the-clock care. Since there is no exact definition of who is an "older person," the International Year of Older Persons must defy categories and stereotypes. With tens of thousands of baby boomers edging towards the slums of "older adults," the Year of Older Persons could not have come at a heller time. CUDDLY CATS - Tanya Galea and Shawn Healey cuddle Contessa and Varushka, six-month-old Siberian Tigers from Orono's Jungle Cat World. Because they are hand-raised, by staff at the Zoo, the tigers are as friendly friendly as typical house pets. Seen and Heard BIRDS OF A FEATHER -- The Tory MPPs who represent represent Durham Region have given themselves a nickname. nickname. They're called the "Blue Jays" because blue is the color of their political party and because each of the MPPs first names begins with a J. The five "Blue Jays" are: Janet Ecker, (Durham West); Jim Flaherty, (Durham Centre); Julia Munro, (Durham York); John O'Toole, (Durham East) and Jerry Ouellette, (Oshawa). Talk about party solidarity! SHAKESPEARE RETURNS TO THE PARKS -- The Driftwood Theatre Group advises us that they'll be five years old next season and will be presenting Shakespeare's Twelfth Night in local parks. The summer season (complete with lawn-chairs, bug spray and picnic baskets) will run from July 16 to August 8th. The company company notes that 1999 is the 435th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth. They're holding a party for him on April 23. The group will also perform an original play by Steven Burley in February. IT'S GT TRANSIT -- We understand that the former GO Transit system will be re-named GT Transit in reference reference to the Greater Toronto Area which the trains and buses will be serving. It seems to us that GO originally stood for "Government of Ontario." Queen's Park has, as you know, turned over responsibility for GO Transit to municipalities. Let's hope they don't have to re-paint the buses and trains to change one letter. LIGHTS FANTASTIC -- Many of our readers have remarked on the increase in the number of Christmas lights that arc blazing away in our neighbourhoods these evenings. It seems as though the lights are better than ever. And the technology appears to have improved. There are not just the brightly-colored lights of yesteryear, yesteryear, but also the white candle-style lighting, the icicle- type lights, and lots more! Best of all is the fact that some of the more spectacular light displays have handy dropoff dropoff boxes for donations of toys, gifts and even cash. That makes the display even more heart-warming. Why not check out the lights for yourself in the next few days? But, be cautious and patient in those neighbourhoods where there are particularly spectacular displays. They always attract a lot of vehicles and the driving can be bumper-to-bumper. NEITHER,SNOW NOR SLEET -- You've got to admire the St. Paul's volunteers who put on the outdoor "living nativity." This year's weather included bitter cold on Sunday night, which meant the participants needed the sort of thick mittens and gloves seldom seen in Bethlehem. On Monday night, it was warm enough. But umbrellas were advisable, since there was a steady drizzle. drizzle. The only thing left is snow, which may be falling on Tuesday evening when the final presentation takes place. (We're writing this Tuesday morning and aren't sure what the conditions will be.) In any event, the actors in the pageant deserve a vote of thanks for helping the Christmas story come alive. And for putting up with the weather. Letter to The Editor UNICEF Collection | May Reach $1 Million; To the Editor: At this festive holiday season, UNICEF Ontario wishes to thank all thq members of the community for making this an outstanding outstanding year for UNICEF? and thus for children. [ A special thank you to Ontario teachers, the driv-; ing force behind the Hallowe'en orange boX school program for. 43 years. This year, during a difficult difficult time, teachers once again distributed boxes and taught students about their world and children's rights and responsibilities. Along with parents, they empow? ered children to act as glob-: al citizens to ensure a belief future for other children: Community organizations! youth groups, businesses and media also provided invaluable support. As coiii counts are still arriving, we anticipate reaching our tar? get of almost $1 million - an outstanding achieve? ment! Our thanks also to the many people and corporations, corporations, who through the purchase purchase of UNICEF cards and gifts, share this holiday season with children around the globe. Many volunteers, groups, merchants merchants and corporations also help sell UNICEF cards. Collectively, these sales indicate another goal will be reached - approximately approximately $1.4 million will be- directed to the world's most underserved children; Education, immunization, safe water, sanitation and improved nutrition will all flow from these funds. Through your support, millions of children will be helped around the world. Our thanks to all. Sincerely, Laura Ludwin Provincial Chairperson, by Rick James Jingle Bells, Jingles Bells, Okay, it's time for my annual Christmas column. But, before we dig in, I did want to mention how amazed I was with the results of this year's Toy Drive. Our front office was filled with toys for all ages. Everything from dolls to hockey sticks to games was turned over to the Salvation Army last Friday for distribution to needy families. Someone left a cheque for $50. Another person brought in two brand new pair of skates valued at $80 each. I have to wonder wonder if there isn't a very interesting story behind that donation. There were so many really great gifts that will bring smiles to lots of wide-eyed children this Christmas. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Okay, lime for the column. Happy Holidays and we'll see you in the new year. *44*44* 'Twas the night before Christmas, when I searched through the house For an IMac computer with a green-coloured mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care In the hopes they'd be stuffed with disks of software. 444444* The children were wrestling, whacking each other's heads Maverick sought shelter beneath their bunk beds. And Kim on her cell phone, and I on my Mac Had just settled down for a scotch-filled night cap. 4**4444 When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I dropped my Glen Livet, who cares what's the matter. Refill my glass quick, it might be a neighbour, Seeking warmth and good cheer and all of my liquor. 4*4444* Away to the window 1 flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters, hit my head on the sash. These windows won't open, someone painted them shut I can tell this intruder will be a pain in the butt. ******* The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Looked blurred through my dog's nose-prints on the window, I can tell it's a group, I can just see their features, It looks like a bunch of really mad teachers, ******* When what to my wondering eyes should appear Not my friends from the school, nor eight liny reindeer, It's a group led by Bill, his last name is Gales, His software performs like really dull skates. I knew in a moment it must be the man, The glasses, the greed, the lack of a tan. He wants to know why I don't like his Windows I reply with five fingers in front of my big nose. *444*44 More rapid than eagles his programmers came, To silence the critics who threaten his fame. "How dare you suggest that Mac is the best, You may like your Apple, but we own the rest." 4*44*44 They came by the thousands to help out their boss, The group that believes they'll never need DOS. So many programmers, I've never seen this before. To produce good programs, Microsoft obviously needs more. 444444* With a box full of books and Bill Gates himself, They enter the house, manuals line every shelf My Mac is so easy, the book is six pages. It's meant to be used by kids of all ages. *44**44 "It must be a toy, it can't be for real, Your IMac is coloured a shade of green teal. PCs must be confusing for kids and their Mommies Here's two more copies of Windows for Dummies." 4*44444 "Click Start to Shut Down," they chant and they say, "We know it won't work, but try plug and play." In the spirit of Christmas, of frankincense and myrrh I ask them to quit, they reply, "Are you sure?" 4*44444 He sprang to his iimo, to his team threw some cash And away they all flew just as Windows did crash. But, I heard him exclaim as his monitor faded, Send your money in now, it's time you upgraded. 4*44444 All those old games there's no point in saving, You'll have to buy new for Windows' RAM craving There's just one thing more for my tale of megabyte Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. ******* IHwttf (2/lnMntao and 'ÎVaftfit} Ttctv tyem front' /R(e6, 'font, "Wotyan, Wdtanda and DtavvtieA.