Created & Published by Observer Publishing of Port Perry
188 Mary Street - Unit 201 Port Perry, Ontario - L9L 1A2
Phone 905-985-8585 email: focus@focusonscugog.com

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LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

MARCH 2010

‘Thumbs Down’ to your ‘Thumbs Down’
Dear Peter
I have to give a “Thumbs Down” to the “Thumbs Down” you gave to the HST in the February issue of Focus on Scugog. You labelled the addition of the 8% PST to some items currently not subject to the tax a “money grab”.
You’ve “Focussed” (pardon the pun) only on the negative aspects, while ignoring the positive aspects of these tax changes.
For instance, you neglected to mention the $1000 in transition payments going to millions of families, the permanent cut in Ontario’s income tax rate, and the sales tax credits going to low-income Ontarians that comes with the HST. Sounds like we’ll be grabbing a lot of money ourselves!
Then there are the cost savings associated with reduced paperwork and PST paid on inputs, which economists and tax experts say will help businesses create nearly 600,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.
I think that deserves a “Thumbs Up”.
Aeneas Lane
Port Perry

Gala organizers thrilled with support
Dear Editor:
The GS Mission Team representing both the Unitied Churches of Greenbank and Seagrave would like to thank everyone for their support at our Guatemala Gala last month.
We had a wonderful turnout - just over 300 people attended. We are all completely blown away by the enthusiasm and support from the community toward our upcoming mission to remote Guatemala to work with the charitable organization ‘Loving Arms’.
The gala raised more than $16,600 toward our efforts to help the indiginous peoples of Guatemala become self sustaining.
We would like to extend our thanks to our church families in Greenbank and Seagrave for their ongoing support, to the Scugog community for their generosity, to the local media who see the importance of what we are doing and to Focus on Scugog for helping us promote our team and our mission.

Many thanks, many blessings,
Juli Conard-Myers
Greenbank

FEBRUARY 2010

Seniors benefit from generosity
Dear Editor
Once again Joan and I would like to thank you for supporting the Community Gift Giving Program. This year we were able to ensure that every resident at the Port Perry Nursing Home received a memorable gift for Christmas Day as well as all the residents in the Port Perry Villa.
Your support and generous contribution has made such a difference. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for participating in this program. We can say that we are very proud to be apart of such a giving and caring community. I am very blessed to be a Port Perry citizen.
Joan and I wish everyone health and happiness throughout 2010.
Sincerely,
Jillian Howsam
and Joan Elliott
Port Perry

DECEMBER 2009

A ‘thumbs up’ to our local teenagers
A ‘big’ thumbs up to the two teens who were celebrating ‘Halloween for the Homeless’ this year and a big thank you for inviting me to participate. 
When two obviously older kids showed up at my door on Halloween around 8 p.m. I had my plain chips and coffee crisps at the ready... imagine my delight that these two ‘teen angels’ were selflessly giving their time to collect canned and dried goods for the less fortunate. 
I only hope they had a chance to enjoy the festivities later that evening.  I for one, was choked up with pride and appreciation at being part of such a wonderful town where we have managed to pass the sense of fellowship, kindness and giving onto our young. 
Great job you two.  I only regret that I forgot to give them candy!
Karen Gallinger
Port Perry

Proud Cartwright Public School teacher
Dear Editor,
In this time of economic recession and new flu viruses, I thought I would share some sunshine!
I have been meaning to write this letter for a little while now. As a teacher and coach at Cartwright Central Public School for the last 5 years, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing kids.
Recently, I have run into many former Cartwright students in the community. Be it at their part time job or just on the street. I have to say that I am very impressed by their respect, politeness, confidence and integrity.
These, now young adults, always take the time to chat with me and tell me about their lives and future endeavours. These kids are our future and I am proud to have been part of the “village” that helped raise them. I couldn’t be prouder of our Cartwright grads and I know that my colleagues feel the same. Keep making us proud Coyotes!
Mike Stanley
Port Perry

The little run that did...
Dear Editor,
Many runners may not have heard of the Port Perry Half Marathon, but that didn’t stop the organizers of this grassroots run to challenge their participants and the Canadian sport industry by providing Canada’s first indirect and direct Carbon Neutral Run.
This little country run is proud to be the first International Race certified by ReSport (Council for Responsible Sport) an international environmental organization governing for an ethical sport industry.
Some of our initiatives were; wooden handmade race medals, vegetable dyed bamboo t-shirts, handmade paper race bibs with embedded native seeds, an extensive recycling program, carpooling program and a plastic bottle ban.
These initiatives saved the planet 8,472 km, 7.22 tonnes of CO2e; which is equivalent of travelling by car from Port Perry, Canada to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
The race day garbage weighed half an ounce per person; approximately the weight of two loonies.
This Eco-Run provided our runners with a carbon-neutral footrace demonstrating to the world that one little run can make a difference one light step at a time.
Angela Connolly,
Race Director,

SEPTEMBER 2009

Yard sale raised more than $6,000.00
Dear Peter,
Sorry it has taken so long to give you an update on our fourth annual ‘Sick Kids’ free yard sale totals. As you know the yard sale supports the David Wielinga Memorial Fund, in memory of our son David, who died from cancer in 2006.
  We returned recently from the Sick Kids annual Sarcoma Symposium where we were finally able to present a cheque in the amount of $6,774.35, the proceeds raised from the yard sale, to Dr. David Malkin, the Senior research scientist for Rhabdomyosarcoma research. It’s this research that the money from David’s Foundation fund is used. The actual money was sent back in May, following the yard sale, so this was just the official presentation.
  I have attached a picture taken of our family presenting the cheque to Dr. Malkin. Dr. Malkin was David’s oncology doctor while he was at Sick Kids. He is also the senior research scientist that David’s foundation supports.
  Not only did we want to share with the town of Port Perry the final total of this year’s yard sale, but wanted to put a “face” on where that money is going.
  As a family, we are extremely grateful to our generous community for supporting the research done at Sick Kids. We really wanted the community to be able to see where their dollars are going.
  Thank you so much,
 Henry, Linda & William Wielinga
Scugog Island

AUGUST 2009

Please don’t judge by looks alone...
Dear Editor
I just wanted to respond to your ‘Thumbs Down‘ in the July 2009 issue, regarding parking spaces for disabled individuals.
You stated that you’ve seen drivers park there with no sign of any impairment. Please don’t judge by looks alone. I too have a parking permit due to my cardiac condition. Class III heart failure on the inside (plus a pacemaker/defibrillator), but I look pretty darn good still (even at 50+!!!) on the outside.
No I don’t use a cane... or a walker. But on a humid day... or a cold blustery day, a few steps can do me in. Also, some days are good and some days aren’t but I don’t stay inside and dwell on it. Those parking spaces are a God-send to everyone with a disability, be it visible or not.
Yes there are people that abuse the system, but please, please don’t judge a person just by the spring in their step!
Love your magazine... Helen Peel’s article was particularly interesting due to old family connections! Keep up the good work!
Deb Hetherington-Lake
Blackstock, ON

Not all people are visibly handicapped
Dear Editor
  I was very disappointed with your ‘Thumbs Down’ for people who use the handicap parking .
I don’t know if you are aware of this but some people who use these spots are not visibly handicapped, but are no less impaired. Consider the person who has a bad heart, or has had major heart surgery, (as did my husband) or breathing problems (Asthma or COPE ) which prevents them from walking a long distance or carrying their packages any distance.
My sister has had a stroke and tries very hard not to limp, she sometimes needs her cane and other times does not as she has good days and bad days.
I don’t feel it is anybody’s business as to who parks there as long as they have a valid parking permit for handicap parking.
Gisele Gould
Seagrave

EDITOR’S NOTE:
It’s our hope readers of “Thumbs” understand, in no way was there any intention to slight anyone with any type of disability, visible or not visible. We are very sensitive to this issue and apologize to anyone who felt the remark was not as clear as it could have been. The point of our comment, which we stand by, was to draw awareness to the misuse of these accessible parking spaces by non-legitimate persons. Included are those who do not have a valid handicap parking permit, and use the spaces for their convenience to make a quick run into the post office or a store. We’ve all seen them... they know who they are... and should be ashamed.

JULY 2009

Articles in Focus are timely and interesting
Hi Folks
Talk about timing!
On Friday May 29th I witnessed - and heard, they are loud - a pair of Sandhill Cranes fly over my end of town.
I was wondering if they were there as part of the Operation Migration efforts and how that effort was going. Then, there in the June Focus on Scugog was a story (Mr. Duff goes to Washington) answering my questions. Nice to see their efforts rewarded at that level.
On Sunday May 31st I was taking a few pictures along the waterfront and took a picture of the Dragon Flies racing canoe and the passenger ship Woodman.
At the time, I wondered about the dragon boat races and how the Woodman tours were going.
Once again, there in the June Focus on Scugog were the answers in stories about each. More success.
Just to let you know the articles are, as ever, timely. Keep them coming.
Skip Pothier
Port Perry

Great reaction to story on senior golfer
Dear Focus,
Thank you so much for the wonderful story Jonathan van Bilsen did on our friend Terry MacDonald (Swingin’ Senior) in the June issue of Focus on Scugog. She was thrilled. In just a few days of the story coming out in the magazine, Terry has had several people congratulate her.
We have received numerous comments on how well the story was written. We will be sure to let you know when she gets her 5th hole-in-one!
Thanks once again,
Nancy Thompson, Joan Cowdy,
Bill, & Rosemary Spencer
Port Perry

JUNE 2009

Veterinarians thanked for care of family pet
Dear Editor
We have recently lost our beloved pet, Bentley, a wonderful little Lhasa Apso. For ten years Bentley was an important part of our family and we miss him dearly.
We would like to thank the staff of Scugog Animal Hospital for all they did over these last difficult months in an attempt to make Bentley comfortable. The quality of the care they game him was equaled only by their warm and expert approach.
We must never forget to thank our veterinarians and their staff for all they do. These are the people who take such good care of our pets... and their owners.
Sincerely
Marc, Michael and
Mary Ann Versage
Port Perry

Former resident recalls ‘the last train’
Dear Peter
I have just experienced the most exciting thing on your website: focusonscugog.com - which I never knew existed.
On the first page it shows the train we used to refer to as the old “Nip & Tuck”. It also states that the last excursion of the train was 70 years ago and guess what - I WAS ON IT FOR THIS LAST EXCURSION !!!
I remember it very vividly. It was the most exciting thing that had happened to me up to that point in my life - I was ten years old. Everybody from school travelled to Toronto to see the King and Queen (George 6th and Queen Elizabeth - the present queen’s Mother). 
I have been overwhelmed for the last half hour. I remember sitting on someone’s shoulder to get a good look and was overcome by the beauty of the “young” queen and her handsome husband. I never forgot the exact place where we watched the spectacle. It was at the CNE grounds  on the lakeshore right where my friends and I did the water ski show at the exhibition many, many years later.
I just can’t believe I was on such a sentimental trip. What a wonderful nostalgic memory. 
I still have some contact with some old, but not forgotten Port Perry friends, from high school days such as Gord Goode, Ted Griffen, Wes Jackson, Marylin (Griffen) Hillier, Doug Hillier and Norm Aldred who I was buddies with at one time. I am sure they will get a kick out of my comments. They were great days of innocence (mixed with a little “hellery”). 
Again, many thanks.
Best regards
Jim Hood
Youngstown, NY

MAY 2009

Yard sale raises funds for cancer research
Dear Editor
I enjoy reading Focus on Scugog each time it comes out.  Particularly as it relates to local persons and events.
On Saturday, May 23 I will be hosting a free Yard Sale at my house on Scugog Island.  This will be the fourth annual sale in support of the Sick Kids Foundation - specifically the David Wielinga Memorial Fund in support of Rhabdomyosarcoma Research. 
My son David had this cancer from 2003 until his passing in 2006. To put things in perspective - each year there are approximately 100,000 new cancer diagnosis. Of this approximately one percent (about 900) are childhood cancers. Of this 900 about 10 percent are sarcoma’s (Terry Fox had a sarcoma). Out of this 90 about eight to 10 are Rhabdomyosarcoma. 
Because of the small number of people developing Rhabdomyosarcoma, there is not a lot of funding for research available, so every dollar is important. 
Beginning in 2006 and each year since, I have had a yard sale to raise funds for this research. In 2006 we raised $1,900, 2007 was $2,700 and in 2008 was $4,400. This year’s goal is $5,000. 
At the yard sale there are no prices on anything, although we do appreciate a donation for the items. The proceeds are sent to Sick Kids.
We are running out of items and, as in past years, are requesting that anyone who has something they can donate to the yard sale to contact us (905-985-6715).
If you don’t have anything to donate - come on out and help us with this important fund raising event at 2903 Pine Point Rd., Scugog Island.
Henry Wielinga
Scugog Island

Photos needed for Greenbank Public School 100th
Dear Peter,
We would like to let your readers know that Greenbank Public School is going to be having their 100th Anniversary Reunion on Saturday, October 24, 2009.
The celebration is going to be held at the school from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. and a social/pub night from 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 at the Greenbank Hall. Everyone is welcome.
100 year anniversary clothing, mugs and recipe books will be on hand for sale. Registration and pre-order forms will be available at the beginning of May at various locations.
We need photographs relating to the school for our event. If you have any photographs, you can call Gail Sheridan at 905-985-1956 or Diane Lewis at 905-985-1529. You can also e-mail photos to gps.photos@sympatico.ca. This is an important celebration for our special school.
Hope to see everyone there.
Gail Sheridan
Greenbank Public School
100th Anniversary Committee

Legion Ladies Auxiliary holding fundraiser
Dear Editor
On Saturday May 23 at 8:00 p.m. the Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Port Perry will be hosting a Dance and Silent Auction fundraiser at the Port Perry Legion Branch 419.
The Legion Ladies Auxiliary needs your help to continue to support our veterans and troops. Knowing that they are fighting for us and allowing us to live in this country in peace means all the more reason to help out.
The cost is $10 per person to enjoy a night of dancing, good times and to help a great auxiliary out. We are asking for any gift donations from local merchants and individuals to help benefit this fundraiser. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
We would like to thank everyone in advance for your support. Hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Jill Howsam
on Behalf of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary

Article profiled ‘society’ in positive light
Dear Peter and Scott,
Thank you so much for the generous article about the work of the Greenbank Folk Music Society. We are overwhelmed by the excellent piece written by Scott Mercer. It profiles the club in an accurate and positive light and we are grateful for the recognition.
Thanks as well Peter for the great photos – hope the cover didn’t scare any small children!
Your magazine once again points out how lucky we are to live in Scugog Township and brings welcome attention to the “world beyond the hype” that is found in our own local communities.
Many thanks for your support and your great magazine!!
Mogens Galberg
and the members of the
Greenbank Folk Music Society

Well deserved article on Folk Music Society
Hello Peter.
That was a magnificent and well deserved article about the Greenbank Folk Music Society. Sixteen years of providing live “Roots” music in one of Ontario’s most perfect venues, what an accomplishment. Perhaps this should be on the Mayor’s honour roll should I have that term correct.
The tireless work that Mogens, Rene and Cathy have done for the Society have been rewarded by the outstanding musicians performing at Greenbank. Other musicians, aware of our reputation ask if they can perform at Greenbank.
But the most important component of the Society are the folks who come to the Saturday shows, they are the best.
Thanks Focus!
Don Mitchell
Port Perry

Enjoyed reading about Dr. David Archer
Dear Sir
It was exciting for me to read the March Focus on Scugog story of “This Old House.” Dr. David Archer was my dad’s uncle and the doctor who brought me into the world.
I have included an article that tells of Dr. Archer’s father-in-law, Daniel Dinnon Dyer (my great grandfather) who lived in Port Perry at the time he was killed at the Raglan railway crossing, in 1900. Dr. Archer was called to attend to Mr. Dyer after the accident. (article not reprinted)
I thought you might like to read the story of Mr. Dyer’s fatal accident and his connection to Dr. David Archer.
Looking forward to every Focus magazine.
Sincerely
Katherine Dyer Beevor
Port Perry

APRIL 2009

Mail Carriers are not guilty by association
To the Editor:
My name isn’t important, but I believe the story I’m about to tell is. I live in this small rural town close to a huge bustling city. In the city people move at a much faster pace than we do and rarely take time to know their community, let alone their neighbour.

In saying that, how in the world would they get to know their postman or woman? I guess they simply don’t. It is too bad because most mail carriers are wonderful, caring, honest community minded individuals who really are dedicated to the job they do.

It is unfortunate that in every walk of life a “bad apple” turns up and this person for whatever reason makes a mistake and because it is a small town that we live in, all hell breaks loose. Neighbours talk over their fences, on the internet or their assortment of phones and the indiscretion is published in the paper and discussed in coffee shops and on the main street.

In the blink of an eye every mail person is tarred with the same brush. These kind gentle souls feel embarrassment and think their integrity is in question, even their religious belief.
How sad - how very very sad!

These are the people who for years have delivered your mail, your packages, your newspapers. These are the same people who return your keys when you leave them in a community mail box. They return your wallets, your purses and sometimes they even return your children.

These are the same people who stand outside in weather; freezing cold, sleet, rain, blizzard, snowstorms, temperatures so cold you won’t let your dog out. These are the people who stop to help someone in trouble on the back roads, who have chased your sheep and goats, helped round up your cattle and brought you bread and milk from town when you’ve been under the weather. God bless their kindness.

Now my friend, these folks are under the gun of public scrutiny. Please, please do not judge. This is Canada - you are innocent until proven guilty and thank God you are not, I repeat not guilty by association.

Remember all the small daily kindness these mail carriers have performed for you over the years. Do not hang a sign of mistrust on each one of these your friends and neighbours. Instead stand up for what is right and proper, smile and say thanks you for their trouble. Take their hand and shake it firmly, let them know you believe and trust in what they do for you.

Do they make mistakes of course they do but never, never do they deliberately try to deceive their customers.

In closing let me tell all carriers and post office personal - carry on, well done.

Doreen Kendall
Utica, Ontario

Local health care givers are the best
Dear Peter,
Following a recent health scare, I thought it fitting to express my appreciation to our local medical personnel.

A huge thumbs up to our ambulance service and Lakeridge Health, Port Perry for their assistance early Sunday morning March 8 and most of the remainder of that day.

Thanks so much to the ambulance attendants, emergency nurses, support staff, including lab and x-ray technicians and the two physicians on call. There may be some that I missed, but you will know who you are.

In addition an honourable mention to Lakeridge Health, Oshawa for their prompt CT scan and Ambu-trans for speedy transportation.

We are very fortunate to have Port Perry Lakeridge services available. Collectively we must fight constantly and hard to maintain this benefit for our future generations.

I would also like to thank my family and friends for all their support and the quick “circle of the wagons.”

On another topic, I’d like to give Focus on Scugog a ‘thumbs up’ and kudos to the staff for your portrayal of Scugog Township in the magazine. We look forward to delivery every month!

Peter Vanderheul
Port Perry

Kids for Kids concert an amazing success
Hi Peter,
Thank you so much for the fabulous write-up about our Kids for Kids concert in the February Focus on Scugog. You gave us much larger coverage than I had anticipated and I really appreciate you doing that!

I got my Focus in the mail on Tuesday and the next day when I was going around town handing out posters for the event, everyone knew who I was because of that article! I really believe that the article made a difference for the pre-sale of my tickets.

The concert was an amazing success, raising $3,100 for the SickKids Foundation! Once again, many thanks from myself and from the SickKids Foundation.

Mallory McGrath
Port Perry

MARCH 2009

Sam’s brother Ray died in a tragic accident
Hi Peter
After reading your very interesting article about
Remembering Sam McLaughlin in the January issue of Focus on Scugog, it got me to thinking.
I’m sure many people did not know that Samuel had a brother named Ray who was a good friend of my father. I remember a day, in approximately 1940, when the sad news came to my family that Sam’s brother had been accidentally killed.
Apparently Ray was out in the field blasting out tree stumps to clear the land for spring planting when he was killed by an explosion.
Ray’s farm was on the east side of Simcoe St. where all the new homes have been built in the past couple of years.
Just thought you might enjoy this small memory about the McLaughlin family from my past.
Marion Lee
Port Perry

Enjoys local stories and coverage of history
Dear Peter and staff,
Thank you for showing the world what a great place Scugog Township is. The quality of your photography - especially the cover pictures - is excellent. The subjects are clear (in focus) and the colour is fantastic.
Also thanks for focusing on our history with your articles on the grand houses built by the founders of Scugog Township. I especially like the articles about homes that remain lived in, having been restored or maintained.
My biggest thanks goes to you for your support of the volunteer groups who try to make a difference in the quality of life in this community. On behalf of the Heart & Stroke team, thank you for your articles about survivors and your ad page which generated a donation to our ‘Person to Person’ campaign in Scugog Township.
Judy Anderson
Port Perry

FEBRUARY 2009

Chamber clarifies status of Santa parade
Dear Peter,
Recently in the December 2008 Focus, in the “thumbs” section it was noted that the Port Perry Lions Club was “jumping in to save the annual Santa Claus Parade after the Scugog Chamber of Commerce announced earlier this year it wanted to get out of the “event business.”
The Scugog Chamber of Commerce would like to make a note that the Chamber was indeed the lead organization for the 2008 Santa Claus parade and all that it entails in terms of financial, insurance and organizational commitments.
We are extremely pleased that the Lions Club joined up with the chamber to assist in the “building” of our parade and bringing to the parade a support that is unparalleled in the non-profit organizations.
We are looking forward to continuing the partnership with the Lions Club for future Port Perry Santa Claus Parades as there is always strength and support in numbers.
Tony Janssen
President
Scugog Chamber of Commerce
Editor’s Note - Thanks for the update Tony. The information we based our comments on came from earlier news articles. Happy to hear the Chamber has retained the lead role in the Santa Claus Parade.

JANUARY 2009

Rotary completes $100,000 pledge to hospital foundation
Hi Peter,
Focus on Scugog is always helpful in publicizing Rotary events and milestones, and we hope you’ll consider this letter for inclusion in your next issue.
Within record time, the Rotary Club of Port Perry was able to present Port Perry Hospital Foundation president Doug Brown and executive director, Cindy Lister with the final installment of a $100,000 pledge to Lakeridge Health, Port Perry in December 2008.
The club had originally committed to a five year pledge of funds, which has taken just about half that time to complete.
Rotary Club president Karl Herder, credits community support of the club’s fundraisers as helping significantly to exceed original expectations. “Businesses and local residents are really committed to supporting our events, which are two great reasons we’re able to forward this final cheque so much earlier than anticipated,” Mr. Herder said.
We’d like to give a ‘Thumbs Up’ to the community for their generous support of our fundraisers and activities throughout the year.
Deborah L. McEachern
Rotarian
Port Perry

P.S. I would also like to give a ‘Thumbs Up’ to all of you at Focus! You definitely use your publishing skills and talents very well, which reflects in every issue I’ve ever received. The magazine is never in the door more than an hour before I’m cozying into a great read!
Congratulations and best wishes for 2009 and another year of “good local news” in a great publication.
Editor’s Note - Thanks for the kind words Deb, and a great big congratulations to the members of the Rotary Club for their generous donation to our Port Perry Hospital.

DECEMBER 2008

Dear Editor
What a pleasure it was to read the article about Nellie Schurman and her family, “A Young Girl’s Gift”, in the October issue of Focus on Scugog.
The volunteers at Windreach Farm were blessed with meeting Nellie for the first time this year when she began riding with the D.T.R.A. program. All our riders are so very special to us but in this article, Christina Coughlin captured the essence of Nellie and her family perfectly.
I can’t thank her enough for giving everyone the chance to read about someone who is a joy to all who meet her. Her smile and personality - the best!
I truly hope that Christina keeps up with her career in journalism and writing such wonderful stories like the one she wrote abut “our miracle girl, Nellie.”
Keep up the good work, Focus on Scugog. You’re doing a fantastic job of keeping the Durham folks up-to-date on everything happening in the area.
Yours truly
Linda L. Brown
Volunteer for Durham
Therapeutic Riding Assoc.
and Windreach Farm
Editor’s Note - Thanks Linda, we couldn’t agree more about how special Nellie is and how accurately Christina captured her inspiring story.

Clarifies misconceptions of Canadian Navy
Dear Sir
I enjoy reading the many stories in your magazine, including the one about Mr. Smitherman’s service in the Navy in wartime. However, please allow me to help clarify some of the terminology you landlubbers invariably use regarding Canada’s proud navy.
To begin with, it certainly was not a “merchant” navy. It was a fighting navy. The merchant fleet Cunard, White line, etc) consisted of large bulky and slow moving freighters or if you wish, container ships, used to transport goods from war material to food and fuel for the war effort and to feed the people of the British Isles as well as the gathering armies.
The navy on the other hand used much smaller, but highly maneuverable and fast ships armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes etc., used to attack Nazi forces such as U Boats and surface raiders. And they sure did.
When war broke out in 1939, Canada owned a grand total of six ships capable of sea duties. Our protection would have been provided by the large British Navy. With the declaration of war, the British were busy elsewhere and Canada had to come of age in a hurry.
Our small shipyards could not build large ships, but they certainly could produce small ones and they sure did. Hundreds of them. Some of those early ships didn’t even have guns to defend themselves against the U Boats. They actually sailed with the convoys with carved wooden shapes mounted on their decks to look like guns in case of being spotted by the enemy. The real guns were installed in Britain once they got there.
By the time the war ended in 1945, Canada with a populations of 11 million, boasted more than one million men and women in the Armed Forces, a contribution no other country could match. Our navy consisted of more than 400 ships, including aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, frigates and large numbers of little Corvettes where life at sea, for Mr. Smitherman and his shipmates, was never ending misery.
They lived jammed in like sardines, poorly fed, forever cold, we, tired and yes lots of time hungry. So please, show as much respect as you can to these old timers because they gave their all so the rest could be free.
I was too young to serve during the war, but joined in 1949 and served ten years in the Navy. I have a lot of respect for the wartime servicemen. Our ships are called HMCS, meaning Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship. They are usually named after cities, rivers etc.
Thank you for letting me point out some of the lesser known facts about our glorious navy.
Sincerely
Rene Bouffard
Port Perry
Editor’s Note: Wow, thanks for the clarification Rene. That certainly helps us old ‘landlubbers’ understand Canada’s contribution to the war much better.

Fond memories of Port Perry Cadet Corp
Dear Editor
First of all let me say thanks for including dad and mom’s anniversary (Don and Stella Asling) in your recent “thumbs up” column. They had a wonderful celebration, (70th anniversary) with many friends and family.
Your article about the Port Perry Cadet Corp brought back fond memories. I understand the situation is different now but when I was a student in PPHS everybody had to participate in cadets, unless you had a medical certificate.
Grant McDonald, principal for most of my years there, was always out there and I suppose some of his enthusiasm must have rubbed off on the students.
I do recall the ceremonies that were held in the gym each Armistice Day so that each and every student was made aware of battles fought that had paved the way to our continued freedom and peace. Being a cadet brought that home to us every week, not just once a year.
Pat Asling
Uxbridge
Editor’s Note: Thanks Pat, for your thoughts and memories about your days in the Port Perry Cadet Corp.

Animal cruelty should not be tolerated
Dear Editor:
Since this is my first time writing, I must start by saying congratulations on the Focus on Scugog publication. I’m not living in Scugog anymore, but my parents save them for me, they are a “treasure.”
That said, the purpose of my email is to bring attention to a disgraceful act of animal cruelty taking place at a Scugog Island farm, as reported in the Toronto Star (November 8, 2008). This one would go in “Thumbs Down” to say the least.
It is extremely important that incidents of this nature are not permitted to continue. If the perpetrator of this travesty doesn’t have the decency to clean up his act for the sake of his livestock, perhaps shining the national and local spotlight on this will help save these animals from intolerable conditions.
Drew Jones
Toronto
(former Scugog resident)
Editor’s Note: It’s always nice to hear from our readers and former residents. We couldn’t agree more that this article casts a blight on this great community we are so proud of. ‘Thumbs Down’ indeed!

NOVEMBER 2008

Community events & activities need support
Hi Peter
Thanks for the great article on Nelly!
It is amazing how many people read the Focus within a few minutes of having it delivered. We have received several phone calls complimenting the story. The feeling people are coming away with is ‘wow’ what an amazing child... you must be very proud and Nelly is showing the benefits of doing her best and being positive, instead of self pity and the ‘why me’ syndrome.
Thanks again, we are very happy and proud of the article. Christina did a great job and took excellent pictures.
Sincerely
Bonnie Schurman
Port Perry
Editor’s Note - Nelly is very special. Thanks for letting us share her inspiring story with our readers.

Making Christmas a little brighter for elderly
Dear Editor
Once again work is underway for the Community Gift Giving Program, which will ensure every resident at Port Perry Community Nursing Home receives a gift this Christmas.
There are currently 107 residents that will hopefully be receiving a Christmas Gift this season. Unfortunately we can not do it alone. We need the support of the community. Please keep in mind that some of the residents do not have any family and the gift they receive from you may be the only Christmas gift they receive.
We are appealing to the public again for support. Please join us in this wonderful program to ensure that each resident will have a gift to open this festive season.
If you wish to participate in the gift program this year, we would ask you to send a cheque made out to “Community Gift Giving Program”, to the attention of Jill Howsam, P.O. Box 225, Port Perry, L9L 1A3 and you will be sent a receipt for your donation, although it is not tax deductible. If you prefer the personal touch, we would be happy to drop by and give you a receipt in person.
Just a reminder. Each gift is valued at $20.00 and will be wrapped with a card attached “from you” so that they know who the generous individual was that made their Christmas a special one. All gifts will be delivered prior to Christmas.
Anyone requiring additional information can contact Jill at 905-985-2253.
Jillian Howsam
Joan Elliott
Port Perry

Super Pet Calendar ready in time for Christmas
Dear Editor
As you probably already know, the 2009 Super Pet Calendars are now available and I was hoping you will help us inform everyone that they are now available for sale.
This year’s Super Pet Calendar will be sold for $10 each and all the money from the sales of the calendars will be donated to the Uxbridge/Scugog Animal Shelter.
The calendars are available at the local animal shelter at 1360 Reach St., pet stores and most veterinary offices and dog groomers in Port Perry and Uxbridge.
This is the fifth and best calendar yet, with 387 entries. It would make a great Christmas gift for animal lovers and help the shelter at the same time.
This year we hope to raise $10,000.00 this year for the Uxbridge/Scugog Animal Shelter, so we will need the support of everyone.
Thanks for your help.
Kathy Dudley
Port Perry
Editor’s Note: Congratulations Kathy. We hope the community gets behind you and supports the animal shelter by purchasing one of these beautiful full colour calendars.

OCTOBER 2008

COMMUNITY EVENTS NEED SUPPORT
Dear Sir:
Once more the summer season comes to a close with the round of agricultural fairs, and it’s nice to look back over the year and reflect on the wealth of activities that are available for us to enjoy.
The Santa Claus Parade, Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival, Canada Day Fireworks, the plays, shows, music, movies and plays put on in Palmer Park, Highlands of Durham Games, local agricultural fairs, just to mention a few.
These activities are made possible by groups of dedicated volunteers and enrich our community on so many levels - social, cultural and charitable. The only way this diverse and interesting mix of activities can continue is with the support from the local population.
It would be a pity to lose these activities for future generations, so please give your support whenever you can in the form of gate money or donations, or by volunteering to help with any of the groups seeking help.
Thank you to all those that make these activities possible and I hope that we are able to continue to enjoy them.
Timothy Ison
Port Perry

FOCUS PROVIDES SERVICE TO COMMUNITY
Dear Editor:
I would like to compliment Focus on Scugog for your service to the community. Yes, service!
Focus on Scugog is not just a published product, news, stories or a way for advertisiers to reach the local community. Focus on Scugog is a service to our community.
Families who have lived here for generations are recognized for their importance to the heritage of our place, their stories told, yet the impact is not just gratification for them.
Your coverage of attractions such as Northwood Zoo fill us all in on what to expect when we visit, which many will do now that you’ve done a feature, and the attraction benefits with more visitors.
Your Lake Scugog conference coverage was informative, attractive and relevent. But what is the true overarching benefit that Focus on Scugog provides that no other publication does? A better community.
All of the newer families who read Focus on Scugog are better able to join in, understand our history, feel welcomed - they’re now “in the know.” Families that have been here forever find out who and what is new in town, how those new people are adding to our community, and they are less likely to feel invaded or crowded out. You’re not just preserving history but helping us to take our heritage and be a great community.
Thanks.
Marion Myers
Port Perry

RECEIVED POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM ARTICLE
Hi Peter,
Just wanted to thank you for doing such a nice job of the ad for the fundraising concert for St. John’s Presbyterian Church in “What’s Up Scugog?”. Also, a really good article about the Lake Scugog Historical Society tour booklet “Scugog Experience.”
Bill Minors, of Books Galore & More usually emails me about every two weeks to ask for 10 more tour booklets to sell, but today I had a frantic call to say he had sold out and needed 25 more as soon as possible.
This was all due to you and Focus on Scugog! Thank you so much for publishing such a great magazine.
Lucy Stubbs
Port Perry

SEPTEMBER 2008

READER GIVES HIS 'THUMBS DOWN'
Dear Focus
I’d like to give a big “Thumbs Down’ to the horrible, slow service at the beer store. Long line ups are a constant reminder of how not to run a business. As a resident of Port Perry for nine years I have watched our beer store become a place not to shop.
What ever happened? The service is not acceptable. Maybe the monopoly that owns and controls the beer store deems this customer service.
There is always a line up, and attitude to go with the lack of service. The slow service has forced me to shop out of town.
Mark Stone
Port Perry
P.S. On the ‘Thumbs Up’ side, did you know that the local MacDonalds has an employee pick up all the litter along their lot and the boulevard on Simcoe Street every day? It’s great to see.

ENJOYED ARTILCE ABOUT DEB BURTON
Dear Editor
I just finished reading Marjorie Fleming’s article about the fabulous Deb Burton! What a great subject choice. Deb is truly someone you look forward to seeing.
She has been taking care of the “theatre crowd” after our performances for years, and she usually has our drinks in front of us as we sit down. She must have memorized the usual drinks for everyone in this town!
I hope Deb remains a fixture for many years to come.
Joanne Norman
Port Perry
P.S. I love your magazine.

DISAGREES WITH PESTICIDES REMARKS
Dear Editor
I read the remarks about the use of pesticides with some interest, although I do not agree. In my opinion,used properly, these items have a place.
I am sure most people are aware that agricultural land, golf courses, parks etc. are exempted from usage restrictions.
Perhaps not so commonly understood is that provincial and municipal governments have no authority to restrict the sale and distribution of these items.
The sale and distribution of approved pesticides is under federal jurisdiction and lower levels of government may not legislate in federal areas of jurisdiction.
A superior court has ruled that municipal governments can probably restrict their usage but even that has not been yet tested.
W.Hanna
Port Perry

MOTHER SAVES ALL COPIES OF FOCUS
Hi Peter
Just wanted you to know we love the “Focus” magazine for the “Thumbs,” your historical articles and also “Changing Faces” is always a sure read!
I am a descendent of some of the original settlers of this area, the Reader family on Scugog Island and the Dowson Clan of Port Perry.
I remember the days when you were able to recognize everyone you met and you had to behave since everyone knew your parents! Ahhhh the good old days.
I appreciate the old pics of the creamery where my grandfather, my dad and even my mom worked.
My mom saves all copies of Focus because she has memories of all the articles and recalls details that are probably more in depth than most would really want to know!
Sharalyn Campbell
Blackstock
P.S. As you can see even our dog Tucker enjoys the Focus on Scugog magazine.

FABULOUS STORY ABOUT DEVON SMITH
Hi Christina
I just wanted to pass along my congratulations to you for the fabulous story you wrote about Devon Smith in the August issue of Focus on Scugog.
It was such a heartwarming article to read about his life and successes in our community. Devon is a true example of a valued citizen in Port Perry, just like his parents!
Excellent job Christina!
Kristyn Chambers
Port Perry

CAN'T BELIEVE RESPONSE FROM ARTICLE
Hello Peter & Marjorie
I just wanted to thank you for the awesome article about myself in your Focus on Scugog magazine. If you ever wondered how many people read the Focus, well wonder no more - just about everyone.
I can’t believe the response from the public. Everyone coming into the Jester’s have been congratulating me and saying what a wonderful story, how amusing, how deserving, how well laid out.
I’ve even signed autographs on some magazines and other have mailed copies to overseas relatives, who met me while visiting in Port Perry. You’ve gone National!
Our friend and customer, Don, even went so far as to tip me $110, so that he could be my biggest tipper.
Marjorie, I don’t think you ever imagined that your
story could touch so many people. Well done and congratulations to you.
Your friend and server with a smile.
Debbie (Burton)
Port Perry

LOVED DEVON'S GREAT, REAL LIFE STORY
Dear Editor
I just wanted to write and say what a fabulous job you did on the article about Devon Smith.
Unless you get the chance to spend time with Devon and learn what is behind that great big smile, you truly do not get the full sense of his enormous personality and the chance to see all that he is able to do.
Personally, I was brought to tears, tears of happiness, to see in print such a great, real life story. Devon and his parents are an important part of Port Perry and give back far more then they receive. In my opinion, they deserve to be celebrated.
Thank you Focus for giving us fair coverage and a closer look into our community!!
Sheri Smith
Port Perry

AUGUST 2008

PESTICIDES - STOP THE FOOLISHNESS
To The Editor
As we walk our dog through the neighbourhoods of beautiful Port Perry trying to avoid the toxic smell of sprayed lawns, we cannot help but wonder - “what the hell are people thinking?”
These pesticides have been implicated by the Canadian Cancer Society and have a direct link to certain cancers and are especially dangerous to those most vulnerable, our precious children. The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, thanks the leadership of the Provincial Government for Bill 64 looks forward to pesticide free communities.
What more proof do you need folks?
Do you honestly believe that the weeds you spray and the bugs killed this year will not be back next year, when the purchasing and spraying of these products will NOT be allowed!!
We will all have to figure it out in the very near future, why not start right now!
How about we all go out and buy a weed remover and get the kids off the couch and outside to pull some weeds. They will feel as though they have contributed to their households and communities and will be better humans in the future for having done so. They will learn a new skill and appreciate their environment.
We can’t just talk to kids about saving the planet; we have to begin to show them how! Children learn what they live!
Stop the foolishness and when the weed person comes a calling, tell them you have already taken care of it!
Bob Dale and Adele Evans
Port Perry, Ontario