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Il: Orono Weekly Tim»», Wednesday, March 1, 2000 ) Clubs & Organizations What do Tim Allen, actor and star of the TV series "Home Improvement,"William Bennett, former Premier of B.C., Napoleon Hill, author of 'Think and Grow Rich," Walter Schirra and John Young, both U.S. Astronauts, Billie Jean King, tennis pro and Wimbledon champion, and Tracy Wilson, TV commentator commentator and Canadian Bronz Medalist in Ice Dancing have.in common? At one time in their lives, all were members of Toastmasters International. They represent only a few among the well-known personalities personalities or people like you and I who have benefitted from the Toastmasters program. program. Toastmasters will not promise you fame and/or riches, but it will give you confidence in yourself and in your ability to reach your goals, whatever they may be. TM Vanessa Hughes chaired the meeting of Bowmanville Toastmasters on Tuesday, February 22nd, which was highlighted by the formal induction of two new members, Glenda Baker and Richard Gagnon. The Table Topics Master Irene Konzelmann offered a medley medley of topics for the impromptu impromptu speeches such as : Laughter has no foreign accent," "Unusual uses for empty cardboard boxes," and "You can stroke people with words." The vision of raking in riches with an English- speaking pet rewarded guest and fellow Toastmaster from the EDS Club, Phil Wingate, with the Table Topics Trophy. "Practice, Practice, Practice," a speech based on personal experience in preparing for and surviving interviews, earned TM MaryAnn Maye the Best Speaker Trophy. TM Jeff Claringbold was voted as the Best Evaluator. Bowmanville Toastmasters meet on Tuesdays at the Ontario Power Generation Darlington Information Centre, Bowmanville, at 7:30 p.m. Guests are always welcome. welcome. For more information, please call MaryAnn Maye 983-9845 or Irene Konzelmann 983-9423. Newcastle Lions news The regular meeting of the Newcastle Lions Club was held on Feb.23,2000, in the Lions Room at the Newcastle Community Hall. President Dick acted as Chairman and welcomed 34 members and guest, Captain Don Saunders, a member of the Canadian Military Engineers, and son of Padre David Saunders. Chosen for Membérs ■ Who's Who was Lion Harold Burke, a former member of the Bowmanville Lions and one of our newer members, first saw the light of day on April 13, 1946 in Ottawa. The family moved to Hull Que. in 1950, quit school at 16 years of age, did odd jobs, worked as a bartender and returned to school at 18. Worked for a time at an automobile dealership, and then joined the OPP, was posted to the Newcastle • detachment where he worked on traffic, drugs, and photo radar until the provincial government discontinued discontinued it, retiring in July 1999. Harold's mother lives in Ottawa, and he has brother and two sisters. Lion Harold enjoys curling, hunting and fishing in his leisure time. The guest speakers, Mr. Dave Skan and Mr. Paul Haynes were introduced by Lion Ron Moffatt. The local Scout Leaders, thanked the club for the invitation and went, on to update the audience on the state of Scouting in ~ Newcastle . What scouting - is all about is to make children children good and upright citizens citizens with a duty to God, Country and one's self. Scouting was chartered in Canada in 1921 with 69 ' groups receiving their charter, charter, with their motto being "be prepared". Scouting became Co-Ed here in January 1999. The leaders are proud to have- the Lions as their sponsor and in appreciation presented the club with an appreciation award for over 50 years of sponsorship. The speakers were thanked by Lion Francis Jose. A letter was read from BIA Chairman, Ron Hope on the progress of the Parkett, the application for the grant from the federal Federal budget big on tax cuts income tax earners see their tax rate drop Bowmanville Toastmasters In the words of M.P. Alex Shepherd, the 2000 Federal Budget, "is a downpayment for the future, it puts more money into the pockets of Canadians." Shepherd was speaking at a Clarington Board of Trade, post budget breakfast, held Tuesday morning at the Garnet Rickard Centre. Shepherd outlined highlights highlights of what he termed 'a good news budget' presented by Finance Minister Paul Martin, on Monday, February 28th. "Unemployment is the lowest it has been for 24 years,' stated Shepherd, "allowing government to loosen the purse strings. "This budget provides a minimum of $58 billion in cumulative tax relief to Canadians over the next five years," Martin said in his prepared prepared remarks. "With this budget, less money will be going to Ottawa," said Newcastle Accountant, Mark Hendrix. "You should see a heavy duty increase in the standard of living," living," he stated. Although Hendrix felt this budget was actually very .good, he wished they had paid off more of the deficit, rather than finding " more ways to spend money. "Basically, with this budget, Ottawa drains less money out of this area," he stated. The deficit currently stands at $576 billion. Shepherd called Martin's decision to fully restore indexation indexation to the personal income tax system, 'a brave move'. Since the mid-1980's, personal personal tax exemptions have been loosing ground due to inflation. Canadians will be able to earn more income tax-free, and more of their income will be taxed at lower rates. An additional $2.5 billion will be provided to low and middle income families with children, in increased Canada government has passed the first stage and is optimistic the next stage will be completed completed by the end of April. The Chamber of Commerce are hosting a video dance on Saturday March 18th at the Community Hall. The proceedings proceedings are targeted for the Parkette. Ron asked the Lions for their support at this dance. District Governor, Robert Taylor will be making making his official visit at the next meeting on March 8 and a all Lions will be on hand to hear his message. Child Tax Benefits. Maximum benefits for a first child will be increased to $2,400 by the year 2004, up from the current $ 1,805 per year allowed.. MPP John O'Toole commended commended Shepherd on his government's government's budget. "It's a move in the right direction," ' he said. "I'm prepared to work with you to see Health Care and Post Secondary Education get a primary boost/' O'Toole stated. An additional $2.5 billion will be transferred to the provinces over four years, through, the Canada Health and Social Transfer, with that money intended for post sec- ondaiy education and health care. "Different governments of all stripes in all provinces have been putting off this day of reckoning," said Shepherd. "There, are ways to solve health care that have nothing to do with money," .he stated. The health care system is old and out dated, "it lacks up-to- date technology," Shepherd stated. "We do not administer health care system directly, that is why we can't change * it," he added. Over, the next five years, middle will from 26% to 23%. Canadians will now be able to earn $8,000 before paying any taxes. Canadian universities will receive $900 million over five years for 2,000 new research chairs. Tax exemption on scholarships and bursaries raised from $500 to $3,000. The budged has allowed a 50% reduction of capital gains tax arising from donation of ecologically sensitive lands. Martin says this budget will make the most important change to the Canadian tax system in more than a decade. When asked during the question period, what his government government was going to do about the high fuel prices? Shepherd replied that it was time Canadians began looking into alternative fuels, and reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. RECYCLE IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE 983-5301 45» 7\ W ft A Orono Coventry Ca fe Full Menu Main Street., Orono, Ontario • 983-9009 ) The Clarington Concert panel presents A Benefit Band Concert for THE ORONO BANDSTAND (to be constructed in the spring of this year) 1 d Sunday, March 5th • 2 p.m. Orono Town Hall - ADMISSION IS FREE - Donations will be gratefully accepted. Charitable Receipts for donations of $20 or more will be issued upon request.