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Scugog Citizen -- Tuesday, August 15, 1995 -- 7 ~z Aquarama a big splash for Easter Seals The team of 'Cool Runners' at the Rotary Aquarama for Easter Seals. From left Joe Coyle, Shella O'Reilly, Travor Chadler, Dawn Gadsden and Ward 3 councillor Ken Gadsden. Guarding the blueberries From page one orchard. He allows them to fly free for a while each morning (just so the song-birds know they are there) and the rest of the day, they are tethered on small stands between the rows of blueberry bushes. It works. The hawks and falcons are natural enemies to all song-birds "Once they know they are here, they soon look for other places to find their food," said Dirk. And Judi said the cost of bringing in the birds of prey is more than made up by crop loss prevention. ' The hawks and falcons used by Dirk and his father in this blueberry control don't kill any of the song-birds. They don't have to. Just their presence in the fields and their shrill cries are enough to send the robins and cedar wax wings on the wing to more friendly places for chow. These hawks and falcons have not been trained to hunt other birds, but Dirk points out they are natural predators and if léft on their own for a few days would soon be doing what comes naturally. The Stevens have been growing blueberries since 1982, and. last year harvested 38,000 pounds. This year's crop is even better, Judi said, some 20 per cent: better. They, have five different varieties of blueberries which mature at different times to ensure plenty of berries for pick- your own from now through to Labour Day at least. The Stevens do not wholesale berries, but rely on the pick- your-own trade for their - 4) N Medes Mek (Highway 12 at Myrtle) (NOW OPEN STORE HOURS: Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday & Sunday | L 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM business. They are pesticide and fungicide free. The hawks and falcons in the blueberry patch are popular with the pickers and Dirk spends a lot of time explaining things about these fascinating birds of prey that can fly at over 200 km/hr. "At Golden Creek Bird Farm, there are over 100 birds of prey, not to mention another 250 exotic birds such as parrots, parakeets, macaws and cockatoos. Dirk teaches courses in falconry, gives lectures and demonstrations, and uses the birds for control at airports, landfills and marinas. One of his hawks quickly solved a serious pigeon problem on the exterior of the opera house in Orillia. This is the first time he has used his birds of prey to control song-birds in the blueberry patch. They are doing a first-rate job and that puts a smile on the face of Judi Stevens. Forty riders from eight teams zipped around Lake Scugog at the Port Perry waterfront on personalized water craft (PWCs) Sunday afternoon in the third annual Aquarama hosted by the Port Perry Rotary Club. Under ideal conditions (hot sun, blue sky and "calm seas") the riders had to negotiate a tricky slalom oval course which more than tested their skill on the PWCs. The spray wag flying as riders raced against the clock and more than one was dumped into the shallow but far from chilly water of the lake. Once all the dust (sorry, spray) had settled the best time around the course was by Durham Police officer Dave Mann in 1:26.55 (no photo radar out there, obviously) The best team time was by the Scugog Chamber of Commerce fivesome of Craig Taylor, Paul Michel, Brock Reville, Mark Smith and Mike "Roofing," with a combined total of 6:53.32. An award for the "most interesting ride" went to Scott Wilson who somehow managed to tip over and get up-right again without slowing down. VISION "A Doctor of Optometry (Optometrist) is an independent primary health care provider who specializes in the @ PARA "COLORATIONS | Paint & Wallcoverings DID YOU KNOW ... Latex or Oil Paint should not be applied on damp or humid days. 84 WATER STREET, Call or Drop In Today for Details " PORT PERRY 985-3030 OBL LAURIE LYON Royal Canadian Legion Branch 419, Port Perry VICTORY DINNER DANCE 5:30 PM - COCKTAILS 7:00 PM - DINNER Including Saks, Dressed Pork. SATURDAY, AUGUST 26th, 1995 Music by 'JOE SIMPSON' Tunes and Sing-along Back to the Forties. l Tickets available at the Bar, $10. per Person All Hicks must be purchased In advance. Come out and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War wo, VE & V.J. Days! Lots of Prizes and Treats fot Everyone. ¥ Water Damage & Restoration ¥ General Carpentry & Trim Work ¥ Bathrooms ¥ Family Rooms ¥ Interior & Exterior Painting # Roofing ¥ Ceramic Tile ¥ Additions & Renovations QUALITY WORK ... GUARANTEED ' Call (905) 985-4501 ion, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as the diagnosis of related systematic conditions." Ji by Dr. Darryl Worenan And Brian Pawlin had the most money collected from sponsors-- $402. That, of course, is what Aquarama is really all about--a fund-raiser by the Rotary Club for Easter Seal children. And this year, Easter Seals will be richer by just over $5100, the highest total in the three years this event has been running. Frank Tielmans of the Rotary Club said club members are very grateful to several people for their assistance and generosity this year. The PWCs were donated by Port Perry Marina, and John Mackie and a couple of his staff were on hand to give the riders some quick tips and to make sure they were heading in the right direction from the start line. Jason Callan Music supplied the PA system and Port Perry IGA donated trophies. And the Easter Seal Families worked during. the event recording times and posting results on the "scoreboard." Mr. Tielmans said the success of Aquarama this year means the Rotary Club will host this event again in 1996. REPORT Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in North America. It affects both eyes, the average age of visual loss in the first eye is 65, with the risk of the other eye becoming involved increasing by 12% per year. About 60% of patients become legally blind in both eyes by age 70. This condition is present in 33% of the population over 75. The macula is the circular area in the centre of the retina (the living film at the back of the eye). It is responsible for fine detailed vision and colour vision, even though it represents only 10% of the total retina. In ARMD the membrane anchoring the retina to the underlying blood supply becomes thickened in the area of the macula. Thus, the macula becomes separated from its blood supply leading to a functional breakdown. Symptoms include wavy distortion of vision, trouble seeing detail in reading or roadsigns eventually leading to a blind spot in the centre of vision. Patients may have to look slightly to one side lo see an object. The peripheral retina remains intact allowing larger objects and movement to be seen. Some risk factors for ARMD include age, family history of the disease, farsightedness, fair complexion, solar radiation exposure and smoking. Treatment is limited to laser therapy for advanced cases. Low vision devices can be utilized to maximize remaining vision; vitamin supplementation may prevent the progression of the disease. Early detection through detailed ocular health exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are essential to prevent damage. As well, Dr. Workman counsels ARMD patients on possible vitamin therapy and how they can monitor their condition at home. . (Congratulations to my receptionist, Tammy, on the birth of her baby girl!) Because the emphasis is on Eyecare rather than just Eyewear ... For an eye examination please call Dr. Darryl Workman 085-1361 or come and visit us at our office 180 Mary St., Port Perry (behind the Post Office)