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

-- L.A PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, May 8, 1984 -- 15 Reformed abuser warns teenagers of danger 4 ¥ - "Sometimes | saw things that were absolute hell," says Tom Coghill, a reformed drug abuser. Now that he's dropped former favourites like pot and hashish he's turned to ing teenagers find the God, music and help- "path that's right for them.'" He was at Port Perry High School last week. See story for details. Mother's Day coming Sunday Greenbank News by Shirley Lee Next Sunday will be Mother's Day and the UCW are in charge of the Church Service with guest speaker, Mr. Donald Simmons of Epsom. Please note this service will be at 11 o'clock. Rev. Rodgers will be attending con- ference from May 10-13. On Saturday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Simmons of Courtice were honoured by family and friends to a lovely party at the Maple Grove Christian Education Wing, to cele- brate their 40th Wedd- ing Anniversary, then on Sunday Mrs. Verna Baird and her family attended the Service of Love held at Courtice United Church after which a lovely lunch was served. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Walker of Hepworth visited with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Ianson on the weekend. Mrs. Barbara Phair and Ms. Carol Phoenix attended the Federated Women Teachers Assoc- iation of Ontario Spring Assembly held at Pem- broke on the weekend. A lovely shower for bride-to-be Brenda Leslie was held at the home of Mrs. Elaine McQuade of Port Perry Sunday afternoon with (Jreqon | o Ulen a Wear Lid. 985-8160 - 3 = PORT PERRY PLAZA STORE HOURS: Mon . Tues & Thurs 10to 6. Fri 10-9. Sat 10-5 neighbours and friends attending. Mr. Cass Minton of Mississauga spent the weekend with his par- ents Mr. and Mrs. Tom Minton and was kept busy cleaning up some of the aftermath of Monday's wind storm. Mrs. Verna Baird enjoyed a visit from Mrs. Jean Field of Hamilton on Saturday. Don't forget the lawn sale at the Community Hall on Saturday May 19 all proceeds to help our Hall Committee in their many activities. The Women's Insti- tute will hold their May meeting Wednesday 16th at 2 p.m. at the home of Mrs. Tom Minton. Mr. Bill Gra- ham will be the guest speaker. Roll call for the month is "If you could live yesterday again, what would you have done". Please phone 985-8926 if you have news. It makes your correspond- ent's job much easier. - OPEN - FRIDAY NIGHT TILL 9:00 P.M. SCUGOG BOOK EXCHANGE 175 Perry Street, Port Perry 985-8645 NEW SUMMER HOURS Mon - Thurs 1010.5 Friday 10t0 9 Saturday 930t05 (From page 1) resident who had never fallen into the drug trap the way Tom had. Drug Dangers Peter had' always lived a fairly wholesome lifestyle and despite their differences, the two became fast friends. They both had an interest in music for one thing. Tom has been playing guitar and sing- ing for the past 10 years and at one time played bass for a band named Blackstalk (named after the village in which they used to rehearse). Peter sung in the St. John's choir. They also shared a desire to help young people learn about the dangers of drugs and about the positive things life has to offer. So it was only natural that they started touring schools throughout Dur- ham Region, singing, playing guitar and talk- ing about drugs. Since last Fall, the duo have toured 20 schools in the region, most often land- ing in the classrooms of Grades 7 and 8 students. '""At that time in their lives we can have a dramatic effect on them," Tom says. "When they listen to us, they look up and idolize us. We really have a strong influence on them. It's unbelievable how a lot of them are into smoking and drink- ing and sex. The time to start talking to them is when they're young. Tough Audience But the audience at Port Perry High School last Tuesday at 2 p.m. was a little older, and a little tougher than you might see in the average Grade Seven or Eight class. And they were obviously bored with the day, looking for a diver- sion, waiting for the last class to end. And there was Tom, playing 70's drug songs on his guitar, reminisc- ing about the worst period of his life, laying on heavy warnings about the effects of drugs, booze, and cigar- ettes and handing out the "survival guide' with tips on handling self discipline, persist- ence, enthusiasm, humility, patience, dip- lomacy, compliments, honesty, dreams, happ- iness, humour, self expression, drinking, drug abuse, loneliness, pressure, health, violence, aggression, cigarettes, and relation- ships. "We hope that this guide may benefit you in the path you choose to take," the guide begins as written by Tom and Peter. "They come from our own search and personal exper- (Jreqony o Not a storewide sale, but a selection of fine spring clothing and accessories to compliment your wardrobe. Our complete line of David Barclay Clothing has been reduced for our 9th Anniversary Sale. A collection of 2 or 3 piece garments. All wool and blended suits at one extraordinary low price. Regular prices to $285.00 985-8160 SALE PRICE ... *179.99 Gregory e Men's Wear Ld. PORT PERRY PLAZA continues iences in life. These ideals are difficult to live by, but we know it is a worthwhile challenge. This guide will help you, but only if you use it." 'Asked Questions The audience was a performer's bad dream: sullen, heckl- ing, giggling and poking fun, shouting comments or pretending to be asleep, heads tucked into lumberjack coats and leather jackets in parodies of boredom. Still, Tom's enthus- iasm got to them, and by the end of the class, a few actually raised their hands to ask legitimate questions, honestly curious about the things that were discussed. "They were a tough audience, that's for sure," Tom laughed, after his '"perform- ance' was over. 'Not all groups are like that. It's just that I was tired and they were tired". Tom talked to three classes on Tuesday and Peter did a few more the next day. They have applied to the Durham Board of Education for permission to visit all the public schools in the region because up to now, their subjects have been mainly separate school students. They're starting with this region but some day hope to expand,-their field to surrounding areas, talking to as many young people as they can. When school starts again in Sept- ember they're planning on including videos set to music in their presen- tation, making it as slick and professional looking as possible. Taking Poison All this, and they're not paid for their efforts. Tom actually loses money by taking time out of his business to do it. But money isn't the reason for his interest. "I've got big dreams, I really do. To have everyone leave behind the things that are hurting them, to have them understand the dangers of drugs," he says earnestly. "I realize not everyone is going to quit drugs just because I tell them it's bad, but if there's change in just two or three people's lives, that's good. There'll be that much less pain in the world. "I took drugs and they're a poison. That's what makes you high, your body reacting to the poison. They cut the oil that's on the market now with vaseline and diesel oil. The dealers don't know or care what happens to your mind, to your body. They just want to sell you the drug." Our complete selection of Sport Coats, in all your favourite patterns and designs are reduced for this Anniversary Sale. Regular to $185.00 SALE PRICE ... 109.99 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 to 6: Friday to 9; Saturday to 5. SALE ENDS SAT., MAY 12th, 1984 ALTERATIONS EXTRA