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If you haven't gotten around to making summer vacation plans, or it’s just not in the cards this year, you might be the perfect candidate for a summer “staycation”. Instead of spending lots of money on airfare and expensive hotels, you can take advantage of the attractions our area has to offer that you never get a chance to enjoy. Being under less stress, and not spending so much money, can allow for more relaxation while creating quality time for you and your family. A staycation might be just the vacation you need. Get ready to Rumble The two day event brings sights, sounds and smells of Scugog's biggest and best Truck and Tractor Pull. Itwill be heading your way on July 6th and 7th in Blackstock. Bring the family along to see the areo’s best vintage, modified and pro stock tractors and hot stock trucks compete in this exciting event. Make sure you mark your calendar to enjoy the show. Please see our ad on page to the left. Experience the Culture and Traditions of our Native Brothers The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation are proud fo announce their upcoming 16th Annual Traditional Pow Wow, taking place on July 21st & 22nd 2012. Come and join us for a weekend. This year’s theme is “Honouring Residential School Survivors”. This event promises to be one of the most colourful and exciting events of the season featuring a beautiful display of traditional drumming and dancing. Enjoy over 40 different food and craft vendors offering delicious, traditional food and beautiful handmade items. Grand entry takes place both days at noon, a sight not to be missed. For more information please contact Alison @ (905) 985-3337. Everyone is invited to join us in our celebration. Remember this is a drug and alcohol free event and no pets are allowed. We hope to see you there! Miigwetch! Please see our ad on page to the left. Thumbs Thumbs Down - we're a little late with this one, but the ongoing abuse of hotel upgrades and expensive Pine services used by Durham's MP Bev Oda, deserves “two thumbs down’. More than once she’s been called to task for her flagrant spending of the taxpayers money, only repaying them when she’s been caught. Sorry, but “it slipped my mind” just doesn’t cut it. Seems our MP is out of touch with reality! Thumbs Down - more than a few people have sug- gested a “thumbs down” for the destruction of Orie ‘sledding hill’ at the corner of Old Simcoe and MacDonald Streets. One reader says the loss of a place for wholesome, outdoor winter fun for youngsters is unfortunate. “You never know what you got, until it’s gone,” he quotes, from a popular Joni Mitchell song. We agree, the loss of the sledding hill is unfortunate - but, the Board of Education does own the property and the school needs more parking. Thumbs Up to councils, staff and volunteers from Scu- gog and Uxbridge for finally putting their “heads 3 together” to work on a mutually beneficial project. Traditionally competitive rivals in all aspects of community life from sports to education, it’s nice to see the two townships join hands to promote and support the construction of a much needed new animal shelter. We're sure all ‘paws’ will be grateful. Thumbs Down - at the risk of being labeled ‘prude and out of touch with the times,’ we're giving a itunes down’ to Oshawa FM 94.9 “The Rock” for their billboard at the corner of the Lakeridge Road and Ashburn Rd. The sign advertises “It's about Rockin’ Your Ass Off’ in huge bold lettering. While it’s a catchy slogan for the audience they are trying to attract, we're sure there are many parents with young children don't appreciate it. Just an ‘old guy’ sayin’. Thumbs Down - Scugog’s annual battle with potholes got underway last month, repairing craters left (Poona by the spring breakup. That’s the good news! But at least one local resident wants to give a ‘thumbs down’ for not tamping down the mounds of sticky asphalt — leaving the job of packing it down to motorists who end up with the oily, black mixture on their tires, wheel wells and paint. Thumbs Up - to Scugog Township residents for helping to raise $4,574 last month at a free yard sale for 3 Sick Kids Hospital. The Wielinga family appreci- ated the support and asked that we give this car- ing community “two thumbs up.” Consider it done! FOCUS - JUNE 2012 19 12-05-22 11:16 AM