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

CHICKEN ' SEAFOOD HAS A CH RISTMAS FOR YOU!t From now tii Christmas with any purchase over $6.00Oyou wiI11 receive a beautif ut CHRISTMAS POINSETTA 1017 DUNDAS ST. E. WHITBY WHITI3Y FREE PRESS, MONDAY, DECEM4BER 23, 1985 PAGE 19 Stolp and think before caling experts When the fridge is on the fritz or the spin dryer spins out, some consumers are too quick to cail in appliance repair experts. Before running up a hefty repair bil, pull out the operating manual for the malfunctioning appliance and go through aIl the troubleshooting sugges- tions, says Robert Allan of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Com- mercial Relations (MC- CR). Although con- suniers shouldn't try to do major repairs them- selves, some problems can be simple to fix, says Allan. William White of the Canadian Electronic and Appliance Service Association (CEASA) agrees many consumers pay unnecessary repair bills. "We find one in every four service calîs could have been avoided just by making a few simple checks, " says White, general manager of CEASA, an industry umbrella organization. "Maybe little Mary pulled the plug out or Johnny was playing with the dials. " If repairs are needed, caîl a service company recommended by the manufacturer or con- taàct the store where you bought the appliance and ask for advice. You may also want to get friends to recommend a repair shop. Try to find a firm that specializes in the appropriate brand. It is particu.larly im- portant to choose an authorized repair com- pany when an appliance is stili under warranty. Always explain the problemn in detail when you cali for service. "That way, hopefully, the repair person will know what tools and parts to bring," Allan says. Before booking a ser- vice caîl, find out what costs will be involved. Most repair firms charge for a home visit, regardless of whether any work is done later. Ask if the fee is based on a flat rate, mileage or travelling time. In addition to the ser- v ice cali charge, you could be asked to pay an estimate fee. Some companies will rebate this fee if you have repairs done by the firm. Ask how the company sets its actual repair rates. Do you pay by the hour or is there a flat rate? Are warranties provided on parts or service? When possible, get estimates in writing before work begins. If an appliance or part bas to '«go to the shop"' for repairs, an estimate usually can't be provided on the spot. In that case, get a receipt for the articles being Seo page 20 Sounds of Christm'as Roland Hill conduets the Whitby Brass Band at the group's annual Christmas Concert eveliflg at Heydenshore Pavillon. 1 Free Press Staff Photo Promi page 16 Contribution boosts bursary fu'd dedication program. Dr. Rod McArthur em- phasized the importan- ce of helping Durhami students who are in financial need, to enable them to complete their course of study. Dr. Peter Zakarow of- ficially thanked the Durham-Ontario Dental generosity, and ex- pressed the belief that this gift will encourage other organizations, companies, and in- dividuals to contribute to the College~s bursary program. He stated that at the present time only haîf of the requests received for bursary He outlined the new dedication program whereby gifts are recognized by plaques placed on a special College building, area, lab, or classroomn. The initial response to the dedication prograrnibas been excellent. mèý- op