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Volume 64, Number 40 GST Included Wednesday, Octpber 11, 2000 Serving Kendal, Kirby, Leskard, Newcastle, Newton ville, Orono, Starkville and Tyrone since 1937 An official opening exercise was held Saturday morning for the Newcastle Millennium Parkette. The Parkette which was a collaborative collaborative effort between many Newcastle Community Groups, was partially supported by a Federal Government Millennium grant. The Parkette boasts a gazebo (not yet completed), interlocking brick paths, and a water fountain. Taking part in the ribbon cutting ceremony were: M.C. Rob McArthur, Councillor John Mutton, Rev. Rob Brouwer, BIA Representative Judy Hope, Councillor Charlie Trim, Mayor Diane Harare, Dick Lovekin representing the Federal Government and Community Hall Representative Breriton Rickard. Happenings . X ORONO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The Society is sponsoring a Royal Winter Fair Bus Trip, Thurs-rNovember 2. For reservations phone Lorna 983- 5608 * ORONO UNITED CHURCH The Church is holding a Roast Beef Dinner, Sat., October 21 at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets: Donna Scott 983-5026 or June & Laverne Heard 983-5169. NEWTONVILLE UNITED CHURCH The Church is holding a Dinner Theatre at the Church, Sat., November 4th and Fri-, November 10th. For tickets call 786- 2286 or 786-2969. NEWCASTLE UNITED CHURCH Newcastle United Church is having a Golden Harvest Bazaar on October 21,2000 from 11 a.'m. to 2 p.m., Church ^Sunday School Hall. For more i n ' Friends of the Rutherford Trail would like to remind the community of the get together planned for this Wednesday evening in the Orono Town Flail. 'The Friends' have been meeting with Clarington Staff, and have devised a conceptual plan for the Rutherford'Trail, situated in the ravine west of the downtown core. The (Original (Original Friends are seeking new Friends to join them in whatever whatever capacity. The entire trail network surrounding Orono village is seen as an integral piece to this village's future survival. "Development is going to cottie," says Tracy Osmond. "We could develop sewers or tourism," he said. "With the sewers, comes the people who move in and out of the community." community." Osmond envisions a tourism industry focused on outdoor activities such as hiking hiking and horticulture. Whatever your vision, come out and meet : your neighbours, share a coffee, and ideas this Wednesday, October 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Hospital restructuring on hold Despite their best efforts, hospital directors received no immediate relief for the crisis they are facing. At the end of a very lengthy meeting, no commitment for a partnership, partnership, or a financial contribution contribution was forthcoming from Durham Regional Councii. Councillors felt generally the Lake Ridge Health Board Members, Bev Oda, Bruce Cliff and Brian Lemon, were talking to the wrong level of government. The three members appeared before Regional Council at their regular meeting meeting on Wednesday, looking for a partnership, and a financial financial commitment to the $409.5 million restructuring plan to upgrade and expand the six hospital sites in the Region. Under the current Provincial funding formula, the Province will provide $215.6 million, leaving $193 million to be raised by the community. The Hospital Foundations have committed^» to raise $93 million towards rebuilding, so, Lake Ridge Flealth Board of Directors have asked the Region of Durham to contribute the outstanding outstanding $100 million. Many councillors saw the request as a further example of provincial downloading. "We shouldn't get sucked down that vortex," stated Ajax Mayor Steve Parish. "The Region of Durham is not the major funder of hospitals." hospitals." • Scugog's Mayor Moffat said,, property tax has had nothing to do with hospital funding in the past. "It's not right," he said, "poorer communities communities are not going to receive better health care, « and rich communities, because they have deeper pockets will." The .Provincial Ministry of Health will commit to a (continued page 14)