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"A Family Tradition for 131 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 30, 1997 - 7 I FTTERS What is it about Port Perry? To the Editor: There is just something about this town called Port Perry that makes me keep coming back. Is it the closeness to the highway? No. What about the night life and the the- aters? No. Maybe one of the rea- sons is the fact people here actually remember what Is very precious to me: my name. At the gas station, at the grocery store, wher- ever I go, people seem real- ly happy to see me. I become more than a cus- tomer, but I feel more like a friend. Maybe it's the different seasons and how they are celebrated. Let's look at Contest winner is delighted To the Editor: As recipient of sec- ond prize in the Star's Home Decorating Award competition, I wish to thank you and your selection commit- tee very much. It is such a pleasure at this time of year to share with others, even in decorating of one's home and to be a prize winner is a bonus. Once again thank you and may I and Bob extend a Merry Christmas to you and Christmas: It's almost dangerous to go to the large malls in nearby cities at that time of year, for Just trying to find a place to park is taking your life In your hands. But here as you actually stroll down the street you can hear off in the distance a group of people singing carols. Even though it's cold, they're all wrapped up in costumes and they actually seem to be enjoy- ing themselves. As you enter one of the beautifully decorated shops the first thing you smell is the apple cider brewing in the corner, free for the taking. Yes, the shops are busy, but there is just something that happens to me, that allows me to enjoy my time. Now I'm beginning to have the answer to my question. The reason I'm back living in Scugog for the third time, is for the simple fact the people here make me feel like a some- body: the days of yesteryear don't seem so far behind after all. Residents of his fine town, be proud of who you are, and as you progress, never forget what made you so special that brought a person named Dan back. Dan Statham, Port Perry Ball player thanks local association To the Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank Port Perry and District Minor Softball Association, not only for the generous gift I received before I left for New Zealand, but the chance I have been given to play softball in another country. Past and present mem- bers of the Port Perry Minor Softball Association have watched and assisted me through the various age groups, and for that I am grateful. Some of the immediate people I would like to thank include: Wayne Venning, Bob Vander Slagt, Ron Redman, Jim and Jean Rankin, Mike Tobin and Dave Kay. It 1s because of these indi- viduals that I now have the chance to represent Canada to the best of my ability in New Zealand. In conclusion, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. Todd Smart, New Zealand A special thanks to teachers To the Editor: On Dec. 18 I was one of the proud parents seated in the audience at the P.P.H.S. commencement. After all of the presentations of diplomas, awards, and special recognitions, I felt that there was something missing. Although it was alluded to in the address by Sandra Riches and by the Valedictorians (Janet and Paul man- aged to draw more than a few tears), there should be a special acknowledge- ment to all of the teachers, school trustees, and other participants in our school system who have gone that extra mile to help bring these kids to where they are today. To all of you, a heartfelt note of thanks. When you see graduating students hugging their teachers and the proud glow on the faces of the teachers, you must accept that the schools are an 'extended family' and a micro-society which will continue to grow and which will determine the future. Although that future may be based on the success or failure of businesses, that success or failure will be based on the resources available: the product of our educa- tional system. When the World Wide Web was born, over 25 years ago, it evolved from a need for better communication. It was expensive and not particularly cost effective, but money was found. Now, it's one of the largest businesses in the world, as well as a major social factor. That money was well spent (let's not get into a debate about the electronic society). : If we continue to allow our educa- tional system (Bill 160 may be law, but, it can still be amended) to be turned into a downsized (reduction in staff and representation at the trustee level) mega-corporation (consolidation of boards) run by orders in council (as opposed to free vote by elected repre- sentatives, orders in council were developed as a means of handling emer- gencies) and run at a local level by school community councils (selected by a very fuzzy electoral system) with a goal of bringing a product to market in a cost-effective manner, then surely we miss the original point of our educa- tional system (at the public/high school level) which is not to produce graduates with a legislated set of skills and abili- ties but rather to develop in the poten- tial and desire (Janet and Paul used the example of coach Lombardi) to move forward and to achieve their per- sonal best, their own dreams. Whether that move forward is to university or college, to a trade, to the work force, or, on the social side, to community involvement from politics to the little theatre, the choice must be theirs (the graduates). If our educational system requires change, it can not be achieved by legis- lating massive surgery, but, rather by treatment of the problem areas and a process of evolution and bio-engineer- ing (schools are not factories filled with machines. They are living organ- isms) to adjust to the social and eco- nomic needs of our times and our best guess as to what the future may bring (in 20 or 30 years, when the grads are seated in the audience at their chil- dren's commencement, the term "global economy" will be an antiquated phrase). Again, a special thank you to all of the teachers who through the years have participated in the sculpting of the young adults (they ain't kids no more) who crossed that stage and were given their wings. Bill Holtby, Port Perry your staff and a con- tinued successful Happy New Year. Joan Hull, Prince Albert You can fax 985-3708 listening, Mr. Harris? Music program is essential From previous page gram were cut from the curriculum. Music is defi- nitely an integral part of a well-rounded education. I make no apologies for my impassioned plea on behalf of a very large number of anxious people whose lives would be affected negatively. Are you To the Editor: We thank you for allow- ing us this opportunity to wish the very best to all our friends in Port Perry especially our softball and hockey friends, our neigh- bors and to everyone at the hospital and Medical Associates. Thanks also to former M. Leitch, Port Perry patients and those who have sent us Christmas greetings here in the U.S. Special best wishes to O.D.A. President Jack Cottrell, Patsy and family who are helping put Port Perry on the professional map this year. We miss you all and hope that blessings Greetings to friends north of the border continue in your personal lives, as well as in Scugog. Continued thanks to The Star for keeping us up to date with everyday community life at your usual high standards. Dr. Gordon Jones, Allynne, Andrea, Chris and Tim, Meadville, Pa. | by J. Peter Hvidsten © 1997 - A YEAR OF HIGHS AND LOWS As we come to the end of yet another year, it is a good time to al pause and reflect on events which framed the past 365 days. Gr In this last issue of the Port Perry Star for 1997 you will find a pull-out section outlining the news and events of the community, in both pictures and words, capsulating a year of ups... downs and surprises. | believe 1997 was a good year for the majority, although there are always a few unexpected and tra- gic events which tend take the shine off an otherwise memorable year. . Some of my picks as the main highlights of the year include the following: David & Goliath: Ken and Carol Irvine resigned from operating the XL station when Sunoco took over, but shortly after they opened their new Suny's Gas Bar, Sunoco folded its tent and left town. ~ Flying South: Bill and Paula Lishman announced their intention to purchase property in Clarington to move their business after running into too many obsta- cles in Scugog Township. Far Sighted: After two years of tense negotiations, Port Perry and Uxbridge hospitals successfully merged and hired Guy Kirvan as their new CEO. - Behind Bars: Bank robber Mitcheil 'Micky' McArthur was found guilty of the Bank of Montreal rob- bery and Shooting of five area residents, including two police officers, | ee Hair Brains: Robberies, break-ins and vandalism. continued to be a problem throughout the year, desp- ite police laying 150 charges in January and making many more arrests throughout the year. ©. Proud Day: Trevor Szewarda was handed the keys to a new $35,000 van as a gift after numerous fundraising events planned for him by the community over the past two years, ST Fighting Mad: Ontario teachers went on a two- week strike to show their opposition to the govern- out of class. Fast Food: Port Perry continued to urbanize with the opening of a Dairy Queen franchise and the soon to be open Wendy's burger chain, and Tim Horton's Donut shop, amid rumors of MacDonalds still to come. employees continued to despite a postal strike by 8s Canada. : After years of tough economic conditions, the local economy began to improve, put- ting smiles on the faces of both business owners and Stand Tall: Local postal keep the mail moving locally, post office workers from acro None Too Soon: consumers, Acting Like Kids: Friction between the Scugog Chamber of Commerce and local MP Alex Shepherd over the distribution of Canadian flags at the Santa Claus parade was fought out in the pages of the news- paper instead of face to face. Time For Change: Councillor Doug Moffatt defeated nine-year veteran Mayor Howard Hall in his bid for a fourth term as Mayor of Scugog, in what was the major surprise of the election. These are just a few of my notable highlights, for a complete outline see pages 11 to 15. 'ment's Bill 160, leaving parents scrambling and kids RRA a cL LIAS i REI OS RT RE