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14- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 3, 1998 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Help is there for youth in need, local officials say From page 1 extensive safety net in Durham for those who find themselves in tough circumstances. "We have the food bank, we have the shelters in Oshawa. Local churches I spoke with told me that no one would ever be turned away 1f they needed help of any kind," said Mayor Moffatt. "I know the folks of this township, and if someone comes for help they will get it. It's all in place, but if the teens don't take advantage of it... well, what can yo y2" Mayor Moffatt went one step further, pledging workers at the township will make sure people are connected with the services they require. "If someone -- anyone -- needs help because they are homeless or hungry, or for any reason, they can walk in to the township offices and before they leave we will put them in contact with the appropriate agency," he vowed. "They will get help." Ward 2 Councillor Ken Carruthers told Mrs. Hill at the council meeting that he would look into the matter. And despite having reservations about a homeless crisis in Scugog, he is meeting with church and community groups Wednesday morning to find out whether they see a problem and, if so, what can be done. Councillor Carruthers is taking a cautious approach to the matter. a problem exists, the social service 1s aware of it." Rev. David Shearman of the Blackstock and Nestleton United Churches said all the local churches are ready and willing to help. oo "I' know that all the churches in the township are in constant communication and are always ready to help a teen, or anyone else who needs help," he said. "If we cannot provide the help, we will find out who can." In researching this story the Star found pamphlets and information to help teens and others at elementary schools, the high school, the police station and the township offices. They included a Youth Services Guide which lists nine numbers to call for emergency shelter, 10 numbers for food banks, and almost 100 phone numbers for any kind of help that relates to youth, many with toll free numbers. The mens' hostel in Oshawa reports that it is doing a brisk business, but has not been full. If it were, a spokesman said, other arrangements would be found for anyone seeking shelter. Local police do admit that they have been plagued lately by so-called "crash houses", both in town and in the surrounding area, and they are trying to deal with them. The crash house is usually rented by one or two youths and becomes a temporary home for young people who don't want to go home for a variety of he said. serious doubts about whether a "(Mrs. Hill) said herself that some of these teens have he added. "Well, with every social service and every kind of government help there also comes a certain amount of authority. If these young people have problems at home then that is a matter for social services, but it is up to us to make gure that if "We have to have a social conscience in these matters, but I must say I have problem of the scope Mrs. Hill told us about exists," a problem with authority," reasons. The eviction of one group of youths from such a residence in Caesarea two years ago resulted in the almost total destruction of the apartment by young people at a "going away" party. Anyone needing assistance will find it by calling Information Scugog at 985-8461 or The Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. Township looks to province for help with costs From page 1 Snowmobile. licence stickers cost $15 annually, and this money goes directly into the general revenue coffers of the provincial government. Scugog councillors feel that some of the licence fee money should be turned over to municipali- ties when their fire depart- ments respond to an emer- gency involving snowmobiles. They decided to send a letter to Durham East MPP John O'Toole requesting the financial assistance, but they're not -C- tt with your Ko Wg Bat Ba « SWEETHEART MENU e ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE e A CHANCE TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES! Join us for an unforgettable evening special someone! The Winchester Arms 189 North Street, Port Perry 985-1323 000000000000 0000000000 confident the province will see the township's point of view. The provincial government contributes to fire department costs involving vehicle accidents on highways, but doesn't pay anything if snowmo- biles create an emergency situation. "It might take 10 years (for the province to change the law), but we might as well start now," said Mayor Doug Moffatt, not- ing that Durham taxpay- ers will have to pay the police costs associated with the incidents. NAANNRANRNANINANNANNANNAANY) § TREAT YOUR ' % q By On Jan. 15, the depart- ment's cost was $6,660; it was $2,260 on Jan. 16 and $5,590 on Jan. 20. DEPARTMENT BUD- GET: Also on Monday, the Township fire committee got its first look at the 1998 budget for the fire department, which pro- jects a slight increase of $3,000. Last year, fire services in Scugog cost $632,421. The 1998 draft budget calls for spending of $635,415. With the township fac- ing a serious financial shortfall in 1998 due to loss of provincial grants and changes in assess- ment calculation, council- lors asked Chief Miller to try to pare 10 per cent from the budget, or about $60,000. In making this request of Chief Miller, they stressed that any cuts must come from discre- tionary budget items (such as a new sign for Station 2 in Caesarea) and not in areas that would in any way jeopardize public safe- ty or the department's ability to provide essential services to the community. Chief Miller replied Whether you've been in love for 20 minutes or 60 years, CAPTURE THE ROMANCE... the WATER STREET studio LOVER'S SPECIAL all this month - $59.95 includes your portrait sitting plus one 8x10 portrait of your choice call 985-0071 for your appointment that the 1998 budget is very lean as it stands now, and he strongly doubts he can find another ten per cent to cut. He said budget cuts last year were "really close to the border line" on public safety. Fire committee chair David Dietlein agreed the budget is "pretty tight" now, but he believes the department should take another look and try to find more cuts. "There may be only $5,000 that can be cut," he said. "But let's take a look at it." Can you help? The Kidney Foundation of Canada - Central Ontario Branch, is holding its annual fundraising initiative, the March Drive Campaign. They need 100 volun- teers to canvas their neighborhoods in the Port Perry area. Interested individuals will be assigned a street near their home and will have the entire month of March to canvass approx- imately 25 homes. For more information, please call Lesley Marshall at (416) 445- 0373 or toll-free 1-800- 387-4474. EMERALD Lares * RELAXED DINING » Don'tiorget your Valenung NFA UREA RIC ATRL RAE A Reseivatons fi WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY EVENING Dining Specials... watch for them right here weekly!