Ashburn and Area News by Florence Ashton We are now approaching a very busy season of the year with Christmas near at hand, and all the lovely Christmas activities to share in. As we each prepare for the Christmas season, may we be ever mindful of the true meaning of Christmas. Above all, let us keep Christ in Christmas. The annual church school Christmas party was held last Sun- day with about seventy people in at- tendance. We were pleased to have Linda Blumbergs from Bowman- ville as our guest soloist, as she ac- companied herself on the autoharp. Linda sang several songs, all of which she composed herself, as well as giving her testimony. Barbara Porter led us in a carol sing. Everyone enjoyed lunch, as we shared in a happy time together around the Christmas tree. Rev. McEntyre chose as his ser- PAW budget gets the go Whitby Council has given sanction to their part of the 1987 Pickering, Ajax, Whitby Animal Control (PAW) Committee budget. Under the budget, which is about 30 percent higher than that of last year, the three municipalities will share the costs of operating the Thickson Road Animal Shelter on a pro-rata basis. Pickering, with the highest population of 47,755 will pay the highest amount, or $85,347. Whitby, with a population of 45,185 will pay $81,325 and Ajax, whose population is 35,721 will contribute the remain- ing $66,525. A staff report indicated the budget increase was due primarily to an in- crease in salaries, wages and benefits. This year, the committee paid out $121,500 in salaries but has budgeted $181,597 to cover salaries for the forthcoming year. Provision has been made for one additional full time animal attendant starting January 1, and one summer student to assist at the pound during June, July and August. The budget has also included provisions for salary increased in the salaries and wages of present employees. Substantial interior renovations were carried out at the pound dur- ing this year, including a complete facelift of the office and reSeption area. The 1987 program has been reduced, however, provision has been made for the application of vinyl or aluminum siding to the facia of the pound and the exterior walls of the outdoor kennels. The an- ticipated cost for this is $7,500, but the committee pointed out this will reduce future exterior maintenance costs. The three municipalities took over the operation of the Thickson Shelter at the beginning of this year after they failed to reach an agree- ment with the Ontario Humane Society which had operated the ser- vice for the three towns for many years. When put back out to tender recently, it was found that the most economically viable alternative for PAW was to continue the self- operation, . On January 1, 1987, your Canada - Pension Plan will change. These changes put your Plan on a solid, long-term financial foundation. It's important to know what .. benefits are available because your Plan provides you and/or your fam- ily with a basic level of earnings protection when you retire, become disabled, or die. You will, however, have to apply for the benefits when you believe you are eligible. The information that follows highlights the major improvements. It'sgood news! Fi mnancing a better tomorrow New financing arrangements will make and keep your Plan more secure than ever. Right now you and your employer each contribute 1.8% of your earnings up to a maximum amount. Each year until 1991, the contribution rate will rise by 0.2% and from there until 2011 by 0.15%. If you make the maximum contribution, you will pay about $26 more in 1987. Increased disability benefits 1fyouqualifyfor disability benefits monthly nt will now be significantly . Forexample, the maximum disability pension in 1987 will increase from $487 to more than $635 per ps well, anyone entering or returning to the work force will have disability e after contributing in 2 of the last 3 years, in - which contributions could have been made. Survivor benefits ] coniinue on remairiage If you receive survivor benefits, they will now continue even if you remarry. If you remarried and had your survivor benefit discontinued, you can have your _ benefit reinstated. Splitting pension credits if your marriage ends in divorce, each spouse will be entitled to one half the "pension credits" you earned together. After January 1, 1987, the credits can also be divided if your marriage or com- mon-law relationship ends in separation. A wider choice of retirement options Alter January 1st, you can begin receiving your CPP pension as early as age 60. You could qualify even if you are not fully retired. If you begin your pension before age 65, ur benefits will be less because you will ave contributed less and will get the bene- fits for a longer period of time. Or, if you choose not to start your pen- sion until after age 65, (up to age 7), your monthly benefits will be greater. Your pension would normally be pay- able the month after your 65th birthday. For _ each month between that date and when your pension begins, your benefit will be adjusted by 0.5%. This adjustment will apply for as long as you receive the benefit. I'd like to know more about my new - Canada Pension Plan. Please send me the 'good news' ------ -- in English) in French[J about CANADA PENSION PLAN Address Bay lS a ata Changing ghon the bin. oe [Retirement Pension [Disability Pension [J Death & Survivor Benefits (JPension Credit Splitting [JFlexible Retirement (Financing your CPP LE all din Canada Sharing your pension When youand ypurspouse receive your CPP retirement pensions, the benefits you've both earned during your life together can be shared if either of you makes this request. ln "CANADA PENSION PLAN is changing for the better. | Additional benefits r dependent children the past, dependent children were lim- ited to one flat-rate benefit, even ithoth gar ents had paid into the Plan and died or became disabled. Should the same happen now, your children would be entitled to double bene- fits. Improved 'Combined' benefits Ifyouareentitled toa com- bination of survivor and disability benefits, the maximum monthly amount you could receive will now be greater. As for combined survivor and retire- ment benefits, these will now be more gen- erously awarded to those who qualify. Building on a solid foundation Being financially prepared for the future is a responsibility we all share. Your new Canada Pension Plan now gives you a stronger foundation. It's a sound base, and it's up to you to build on this foundation. - It's never too soon, or too late, to begin building for your future. We hope you'll start today. You may need further information to better understand these changes. For booklets about your Canada Pension Plan, call the toll- free number below or fill out the coupon and mail it to: CPP-INFO P.O. Box 5400 Postal Station "D" Scarborough, Ontario M1R 5E8 1-800-387-8600 In Toronto, 973-6868 ----=1 Name Province Postal Code 02 PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, December 9, 1986 -- 19 mon title last Sunday morning 'How Christ Comes. ia the Sign of the Sacreaments and the Bible." A very meaningful sermon as we ap- proach the Christmas season. The 'Bible is a unique way in which Christ comes to us today. The scrip- tures were read by Bill Gardner and Ross Batten. Linda Blumbergs again favoured us with two lovely selections. 'Whom Do You Lean On?" and "God's Love in Action." Also sharing with us events in her life which have brought her closer to God. Next Sunday, December 14th is - White Gift Sunday, when we remember those who are less for- tunate than we are. Everyone is in- vited to join together at Burns Church on Christmas Eve for the beautiful Candlelighting Service, at 8 o'clock. Anyone who would enjoy an old fashioned hayride, you are asked to meet at Ashburn General Store on Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30 for a fun-filled evening of carolling. Bundle up warm and bring your children and enjoy a hayride around Don't forget to keep Christ in Christmas the community while your favourite carols. Hot chocolate and cookies after at the Community Centre. The annual Christmas concert at the Community Centre will be held on Friday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m. There will be skits, music, a sing-a-long, and a visit from Santa. Everyone is invited. Seniors who would like a ride to the concert should contact one of the board members. Ted and Rose Heron visited on Sunday with Doris and Bill McCandless of Scarborough. Doug and Florence Ashton and son Ron accompanied by Joanne Woudstra were priviledged to see the beautiful Living Christmas Tree at People's Church, Toronto last Sunday, while several others in the area enjoyed the Living Christmas Tree at the Presbyterian Church at Lindsay. At time of writing, Nellie Hopkins is a patient in Oshawa General Hospital. Best wishes from your many friends, Nellie, for a speedy recovery. Horticultural Society by Margaret Davis Brooklin Horticultural Society held its Annual Business Meeting and election of officers for 1987 on Wednesday, November 26th, at the Brooklin United Church. The hall was decorated in the Christmas theme, and the tables were beautiful with floral ar- rangements in red wicker baskets. At 7:00 p.m. fifty-five members and guests enjoyed dessert and coffee. A show of Christmas arrangements and door swags added to the Christmas feeling. The guests were entertained with the thrilling music of harpist Lori Gemmell. Lori, a Whitby resident, is presently studying music at the University of Toronto. : Awards were presented to the highest point winners in the flower shows throughout the year. First prize winner Audrey Young, second prize went to Mary Housego and third to Dorothy Barter. The Socie- ty established a new award this year for excellence in vegetable garden- ing in memory of the late Fred Daw, an avid gardener and former Board member. The lovely brass tray was won by Audrey Young and VALMED HEALTH SERVICES INC. M | FOOTCARE (J Professional Staff Treat Corns * Calluses Bunions Ingrown * Overgrown Toenails Footsoaks and Massage = PRIVATE | For Day or Evening Appointments Call 433-1494 presented by Lois Daw. Moyra Grif- fin was awarded the silver bowl emblematic of most points won by . a novice arranger. The plaque for enrolling most members was presented to Penny Hosken by Dorothy and Earl Sandford, the donors. The Society honoured former President Ken Brown with a Horticultural Service certificate for meritorious service in the field of Horticulture, and also presented him with a Past Presidents' pin. The new Executive for 1987 was installed by Valerie Hundert: Past President -- Ken Brown, President -- Betty Van Buuren, 1st Vice Presi- dent -- Veronica Colangelo, 2nd Vice President -- Joan Brak, Secretary -- Ken Brown, Treasurer -- Margaret Davis, Auditors -- Alan Downey and Audrey Young, Direc- tors -- Bill Burgess, Carol Catton, Penny Hosken, Jane Hughes, John McKinney, Dianne Rothnie, Maryann Shingler, and Aldine Wick. Our Annual Report reflects a very successful 65th Anniversary year. The official opening of the revamped Grass Park, the culmina- tion of much dedication and hard work by our members, was the highlight. ! Our first meeting in 1987 will be Wednesday, January 28th, at 8:00 p.m. Brooklin United Church. Do come out and join in gardening for pleasure and learning. WHITBY-0SHAWA HONDA 1110 Dundas St. East - Whitby, Ont. SALES - SERVICE - LEASING NEW & USED CARS Call ... 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