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

Thumbs

MARCH 2010
Thumbs Up - One of our readers submitted this great suggestions for the ‘Thumbs’ column this month. She says, “Thumbs Up” to Al Fulford of the Boardwalk Cafe and John Mackie of Port Perry Marina for flooding and maintaining the wonderful outdoor skating rinks at the lakefront, in front of the marina. A great recreational facility that is being well used and enjoyed by people of all ages. We heartily agree. Great work guys!

Thumbs Up - to Angela Connolly for organizing the “Fund Run for Haiti” a few weeks back to help the people of Haiti, who were devastated by a shattering earthquake in January. A total of 155 caring people turned up raising an impressive $7,263 through donations. The money was to be forwarded to “Feed The Children,” to help the children left homeless and injured during the quake.

Thumbs Down - With the lack of snow this winter, once again we’re getting calls to give a ‘thumbs down’ to dog owners who fail to ‘stoop and scoop’. We agree, so here goes. To all the lazy, inconsiderate dog owners... pick up your dog’s s--t so we don’t have to step in it or pick it off our lawns in the spring. Oh, that felt good!

Thumbs Up - While on the same topic of Haiti, we would be remiss not to give a big ‘thumbs up’ to Dr. Tony Brown and Dr. Paul Puckrin, who left their comfortable medical practices in Port Perry to lend a hand to the thousands of Haitians left injured, starving and homeless following the massive quake. We salute these caring Port Perry residents for providing care in a time of need.

Thumbs Up - to Port Perry High School graduate David Stewart who was recently honoured by being selected to represent the Sprott School of Business at the John Molson Undergrauate Case Competition in Montreal. David was one of four students from Sprott competing against students from 20 universities and business schools from around the world in an extensive week long challenge.

Thumbs Up - A big ‘thumbs up’ for the quick action taken by Kim Brady, Brian Trimble and Lona Williams in saving the life of fellow employee Ken Middleton last month. The trio came to Ken’s rescue after a sudden heart attack, administering CPR and using the portable defibrillator unit to keep him alive until emergency crews could take over.

Thumbs Down - Need to speak to your local banker... well that’s easier said than done. Calling all four banks at 2 p.m. on a recent Friday, each phone was answered by an electronic operator who listed an assortment of options and services at the bank. It’s not much better trying to get hold of someone at the Scugog Township office which has also opted to remove real people from answering the phones. Oh for the good old days when phone calls were answered by a ‘live’ body. “Hello! Are you listening?”

FEBRUARY 2010
Thumbs Up - to students from Port Perry High School who have once again been selected to receive the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Youth Achievement in cultural heritage. The award recognizes exceptional groups of young heritage volunteers. In 2008 another group of PPHS students received a similar award from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Congratulations to the teachers and students for this prestigious honour.

Thumbs Down - Since it is less than five months before the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) comes into effect, on behalf of all consumers, we’d like to give a big ‘thumbs down’ to this government money grab. The predictions that savings to manufacturers will translate into savings for you and me at the cash register ring hollow. If you thought the price of essentials like electricity, home heating fuels and gas for your vehicle are high now... just wait.

Thumbs Up - What a wonderful display of Canadian flags on the east side of Wagg’s Funeral Home... and what a great way to pay tribute to Canada’s brave men and women. Myles O’Riordan is to be commended for this patriotic display of flags, one representing each Canadian soldier who has died while serving in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan. Unfortunately the flags number 138.

Thumbs Up - There’s a few hardy souls behind the scenes of the local Polar Plunge that need to be recognized. Kelly Patterson, Steve Short and Brian Dowson are the guys who cut open the lake and keep it free of ice flows for the event. This year they braved the -17C temperatures to cut away 14” of ice the day before the event and another 1.5” just a few hours before the first participant made the plunge. Thumbs Up guys for your part in this great event!

JANUARY 2010
Thumbs Down - to local business owners and staff who use the valuable customer parking spaces in front of their stores, or neighbouring merchants storefronts to park their vehicles for lengthy periods. Parking along Queen St. is designed to provide convenient parking for customers, not store owners. There’s plenty of parking at the rear of stores. Use them!

Thumbs Up - Couldn’t help but notice throughout December that Durham Transit has chosen to not only wish the community Happy Holidays, but also Merry Christmas on their front-of-bus signage. We’re thrilled that this agency has not bowed to the pressure from self-interest groups in recent years to abandon Merry Christmas altogether.

Thumbs Up - For the past couple of years we’ve been urging the Federal Government to refurbish the aging post office building in downtown Port Perry. Well finally we can give them a thumbs up for work they’ve recently undertaken. Windows have been repainted, dangerous brickwork fixed, front door replaced and the rusty roof repaired. The building once more is a credit to the downtown.

Thumbs Down - to the individual responsible for shooting one of Port Perry’s, “Operation Migration” whooping cranes. The bird was the only female whooping crane to have successfully hatched and raise a wild chick in the organization’s nine year history. A $2,500 reward has been offered to find those responsible. Whooping cranes are critically endangered species.

Thumbs Up - We know there are hundreds of generous
people in Scugog, especially around Christmas that step up when the need is the greatest. Individuals, small business people and corporations all seem to dig a little deeper to help bring some joy to the holiday season for those less fortunate. Such was the case here at Focus last month when a senior man struggled to climb two flights of stairs to anonymously donate $100 to help make sure seniors in the nursing home received a gift this Christmas. We thank everyone and extend ‘two thumbs up’ for your generosity.

DECEMBER 2009
Thumbs Down - we can’t help it... we’re giving a thumbs down to that monstrous 215,000 sq. ft. Walmart in north Oshawa this month. Why anyone would want to get lost shopping in a store the size of two and a half football fields is beyond me. Thankfully that store isn’t an example of what is planned for the west entrance to Port Perry, where a Walmart store a mere 117,000 sq. ft. is proposed. If and when it gets built is anyone’s guess.

Thumbs Up - Although we’re already hearing discontent regarding the town’s new ‘roundabout’ at the intersection of Water and North St., we think it’s a great idea. Naysayers will always find fault with something new, but this turning circle should improve traffic flow at this intersection. If there is a concern, it would have to be whether huge tractor-trailers and snow plows will be able to circumvent what appears to be a fairly narrow circle. I guess only time will tell.

Thumbs Up - Although it’s become a yearly tradition, we feel compelled to point out the generosity of Dana Smith, who each year donates upwards of $2,500 to the hospital through sales of her “Christmas Angel” ornaments. Over the past eight years Dana has donated more than $25,000 to the Port Perry Hospital through this program. Congratulations Dana... ho, ho, ho!!!

Thumbs Up - It would be pretty hard not to give “two thumbs up” to local triathlete George Hewitt, who successfully completed a gruelling “Ironman Triathlon” a few weeks ago in Florida. George not only completed the course, but placed 137th out of more than 2,400 competitors from around the world. There’s only one word to express the achievement. “Amazing!” I’m sure we speak for all residents of Scugog when we say, “we’re proud of your accomplishment George.”

NOVEMBER 2009
Thumbs Down - to the new electronic message board in front of the Scugog Arena. This sign with its flashing messages appears to be inconsistant and unfair (although probably legal) with rules regulating local businesses signs. For a township that controls the business community as stringently as it does, this new sign with it’s running and flashing messages sends out the wrong message to the hard working business owners.

Thumbs Up - to the Port Perry Snowmobile Club for being named the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs outstanding club of the year and walking away with the President’s Award. The club was recognized for exceptional success in trail development, permit sales and safety programs and more. The Port Perry club was formed in 1979 and celebrates 40 years of service to the community beginning next year. A well deserved honour!

Thumbs Down - to the idea of removing the boat launch at Port Perry Marina during the waterfront revitalization. Surely the talented designers of this plan can figure out how to incorporate a walkway past the marina without removing the launch. A boat launch is an essential part of this lakefront marina and it would be a shame to see it removed. Mr. Mackey, is a great supporter of community events and deserves to be treated more fairly.

Thumbs Up - to the dozens of volunteers, who included seniors, school students and children of all ages who scoured both sides of the causeway, collecting 24 bags of garbage, including 10 bags of recyclables last month. It’s unfortunate that the people who created the unsightly mess couldn’t be apprehended and charged for dumping garbage beside our beautiful lake.

Thumbs Down - On the suggestion of one of our faithful readers, this month we’re giving a thumbs down to the drivers of big rigs motoring through Port Perry along 7A Hwy. who use their very noisy engine brakes all hours of the day and night. Residents along this busy stretch of highway, who are often awakened by this noisy braking system, would certainly appreciate a little consideration and a good night’s sleep.

Thumbs Up - to local artist Pamela Meacher who was awarded “Gold” as Best Illustrator in the 2009 Moonbeach Children’s Book Awards. The awards are designed to honour the year’s best children’s books, authors and illustrators. Pamela, who specializes in watercolours, won the award for her work on Emily’s Perils and Poisons, a book about a young girl, Emily, who comes across poisonous plants and learns about the bad and good they can do. Congratulations Pam!

OCTOBER 2009
Thumbs Up - to the designers and builders of the new Port Perry Villa retirement home, which is taking shape at 15987 Simcoe St., near the north end of town. The building’s exterior is advancing to its final stages and when completed will be a credit to the builders and the owners. The attention to exterior detail makes this building a welcome addition to this end of the town.

Thumbs Up - What a great idea. Bump outs (or whatever they are called) at the four corners of Queen and Perry St. The addition of these extended sidewalks will make it much safer and shorter for pedestrians to cross these busy streets and as an added bonus will prevent motorists from parking too close to the corners.
A good idea that is long overdue.

Thumbs Up - While on the subject of streets, the new re-alignment of John St. south, near Scugog St. (7A), should also remove some confusion. Eliminating the dangerous ‘Y’ intersection at Perry St and Wilbur Ave., is a good one. The new configuration, which cuts off the curve, is a welcome change.

Thumbs Down - to the author of a letter signed “Canadian” that we received this past month suggesting the portrait of the “old limey queen” at the post office be burned and that all members of the “royal freaks” be sprayed with wax and put into a museum. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but no one should hide behind a pseudonym if they really feel strongly about a subject.

Thumbs Up - to Rick Johns, from Frame FX for taking the initiative to help out our ‘cash-strapped’ Canada Post by replacing the old, faded picture of Queen Elizabeth II at the Port Perry post office. Rick donated and hung a framed copy of the Queen in the front lobby after a suggestion from this column that the outdated photo should be replaced. Congratulations and thanks Rick.

Thumbs Down - to those responsible for using the laneway between Summit Dr. and Cedar Grove Dr. in Caesarea as their personal trash bin, leaving behind all types of garbage. Although this right-of-way belongs to the township it is not their responsibility to pick up garbage from the public access. We would be negligent not to give a thumbs up to some local residents who try to maintain this laneway and keep it clean.

Thumbs Up - to Scugog’s ambassador and world class town crier Bill McKee who brightened the pages of the Toronto Star last month with his big smile and colourful town crier outfit. The Star did a feature piece on Bill, who holds the North American town crier title. Congrats Bill... you looked great.

SEPTEMBER 2009
Thumbs Up - to our energetic and hard working MP John O’Toole, for his recent appointment to the position of
‘opposition critic’ for the Ministry of Government Services in Ontario’s new shadow cabinet. The shadow cabinet was put together by new Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak. John is well known in Scugog and is a tireless worker for his party. Congrats John.

Thumbs Down - to a recent decision by council to charge business owners and employees along North St. a parking fee to use the township parking lot at the rear of their establishments. Property owners have always provided free parking for staff and customers in the downtown, so it’s hard to understand why the township feels compelled to charge. This will only encourage staff to find free parking elsewhere, clogging already conjested lots. Free parking is essential if we are to maintain a healthy commercial sector.

Thumbs Up - to John Mackey on reaching 25 years in business along Port Perry’s lakefront. When John purchased Port Perry Marina it was a run-down building sitting on a sinking dock. Since then, with the township’s help, he’s built up his business and provided a valuable service to the community. Hope we see you there for a long time to come John. Congratulations. Your operation is a credit to the town.

Thumbs Down - to whoever should have been responsible for making sure the goose poop was cleaned before the Rotary Aquarama last month. Rotarians raked and cleaned for an hour before their event, but there was still mounds of droppings making the lakefront an eyesore. What a disgusting site. This beautiful public park should be cleaned of this mess every morning before residents and tourist begin to arrive. If the township is going to promote Palmer Park as a great public asset, they should at least make sure the park is cleared daily of this mess.

AUGUST 2009
Thumbs Up - Nice to see the Township reacted quickly at our lakefront ball diamonds after a woman was struck in the head by a foul ball recently. The installation of high netting to avoid any more unfortunate accidents is a good first step towards providing adequate protection at this location. We’d hate to see the lakefront diamonds, which are so unique to this community moved, when surrounding the diamonds with higher nets would be a quick and reasonable solution.

Thumbs Down - to smokers who congregate nearby exits and entrances to public buildings, stores etc., creating a toxic barrier of blue smoke as they expel pungent second-hand smoke into the surrounding air. Persons entering or exiting these areas are forced to suck in a lung full of fresh air before closing down their breathing system, to make their way through the foul odour.

Thumbs Up - to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island for their ambitious plans for the future of the Great Blue Heron Casino. Although plans are in their infancy, it appears the new facility, proposed for a new site south of the existing facility will be much larger. And while not a frequent user ourselves, we’re sure the news will be welcomed by the thousands of people who flock there every week.

Thumbs Down - to the Feds in charge of Canada Post for their lack of attention at the local post office. It’s wonderful to walk into the front lobby and be greeted by a portrait of Queen Elizabeth, but it’s time this faded, outdated 1977 image was replaced. The picture on our Canadian currency has been changed to reflect the Queen as she looks today - it’s time those regulating the post office update and replace this embarrassing portrait with a more recent image.

Thumbs Down - to the thieves that cut down a tree to remove water monitoring equipment at the north end of Lake Scugog last month. The equipment, owned by Kawartha Conservation Authority, was used to monitor water levels and flows around Lake Scugog. The equipment which is only used for scientific purposes has no re-sale value.

Thumbs Down - Sadly we have to report yet another act of vandalism at Pine Grove Cemetery in Prince Albert. While not near as severe as the 79 gravestones that were toppled a year ago, vandals slipped into the cemetery by cover of dark, turning over five stones, as well as destroying solar lights and flower baskets. Thumbs down to the cowardly thugs. We hope the long arm of the law finds them.

Thumbs Up - Ending on a positive note we would be remiss not to congratulate Shannon and Aurora, their staff and volunteers at Scugog Shores Museuem for the two fantastic days they provided for area pooches. The annual Dog Days held at the museum ground was outstanding and if the crowds were any indication, one of the best ever. We’re giving a big ‘two paws up’ for a job well done.

JULY 2009
Thumbs Down - to people who insist on abusing the use of parking spaces reserved for disabled individuals. Twice in the past month we’ve seen drivers park in spaces marked with the familiar blue logo, then exit their vehicle and proceed to their destination showing no sign of anya disability. It leaves us wondering how many healthy persons are abusing the disabled parking permits. They just don’t seem to get it!

Thumbs Up - to the new children’s playground and splash pad near the Kinsmen Beach in Palmer Park. What an amazing facility for our community. Can’t say we’ve seen anything better in any town the size of Port Perry. There may be critics who disagree with the hefty price tag for the ‘children’s play area’, but this facility should serve the needs of the community for years to come. Well done! Just wish we were younger.

Thumbs Down - to the new 13 percent Ontario Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), coming one year from this month. This new blended PST/GST will cover a range of services previously exempt from the sales tax, such as gasoline, heating fuel, fast food, magazines, taxi fares, dry cleaning and new homes costing over $400,000. With the current state of the economy, this is not the time for the government to snatch more from the public purse with an unnecessary tax grab!

Thumbs Up - to the Baagwating Community Association for their generous donation of $29,000 to the Scugog Lake Stewards. The funding will enable the SLS to begin the “Milfoil Weevil Project” in Lake Scugog this summer. The one year pilot project will help determine the effectiveness of using microscopic weevils to help combat the invasive exotic water plant, Eurasian Watermilfoil.

Thumbs Down - to the deplorable state of the boardwalk dock in front of the Latcham Centre along the lakefront. The boardwalk, now blocked off with pylons and yellow tape, has been a safety hazard for the past couple of summers. We realize this great feature of the waterfront is scheduled for redevelopment as part of the waterfront project, but it really needs immediate attention.

Thumbs Up - to Deb Proctor, the retiring executive director of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of North Durham. Deb’s dedication to the agency and her passion to help youth over the past six plus years has been instrumental in almost doubling the youth being helped. She will be sorely missed at the helm of the agency by everyone she worked along side. Good luck and thanks Deb. Lakeridge Health will only be better because you are on their team.

Thumbs Down - this one comes from a reader who suggests we give Tim Horton’s in Port Perry a ‘thumbs down’ for serving refill customers by pouring coffee in a paper cup - transferring it into the refillable cup and then throwing out the paper cup the drink was made in.  These customers might be getting the 10 percent discount, but it negates Tim’s intended purpose of helping reduce waste by using refillable cups.

JUNE 2009
Thumbs Up - to another Scugog school. This time it’s the small but vibrant Cartwright High School that deserves kudos. The school was recently ranked as the top secondary school in Durham Region by the Fraser Institute. Congratulations to the students and staff for their achievement. And did you know, that the school, located in Blackstock, is the smallest high school in the region.

Thumbs Down - to the designers of our newly paved and curbed Paxton St., who in their wisdom have narrowed the width of the last few feet before the intersections with bump-outs. At least two drivers have reported mounting the curb with their car, not realizing the pavement narrows just before the intersection. Bad enough for motorists, but imagine the frustration for snow removal. Bad plan!!!

Thumbs up - to the gals at Ooh, La La and Over Her Shoulder who held an overwhelming successful food drive for the local animal shelter. Debi and Sandy were shocked by the amount of food dropped off at their store during their Panties, Purses and Pooches promo last month. And of course all the animals at the shelter give ‘four furry paws up’ for the generosity of the Scugog community.

Thumbs Down - to Durham Region for closing down the Port Perry garbage transfer station on the Saturday following Easter Friday. Since almost every business in town was open, why close the dump? Especially on a long-weekend when residents typically do a spring cleaning of their garages and yards. It’s no wonder people get frustrated and dump garbage in ditches, especially after loading trucks and trailers with garbage only to find the gates closed.

MAY 2009
Thumbs Up - lets start off this month with a ‘big thumbs up’ to the players and coaching staff of the Port Perry Peewee AE Predators hockey team who brought home the Ontario Championship last month. Playing in the final game of the series, the young lads defeated their rival by a score of 5-0, to bring home the gold. So, were the boys happy to win? The answer is no... they were ecstatic! Congratulations guys.

Thumbs Down - to Tim Horton’s for the inconsistent pricing for a cup of java, depending on where you happen to be. Did you know purchasing a large coffee will set you back a few cents more here in Scugog than if you happen to be in Newmarket or Aurora where you can pick up the same morning eye opener for four cents less? The same coffee you pay $1.49 for here, (that’s really $1.50 unless you wait for a penny change) costs $1.45 over there! C’mon Tim, get your act together and give us Scugog addicts a break.

Thumbs Down - to the agonizingly slow signal lights at the corner of Queen and Simcoe St. Drivers heading east or west require plenty of patience when stopped at this light which seems like it will never change. Surely someone can set this light to switch a little quicker, especially when there is no traffic heading north or south... pleeeeease!!!!

Thumbs Up - While on the subject of Canada’s favourite coffee chain, we would be remiss not to give credit where credit is due. At least one Scugog Township resident has benefitted from the companies “roll up the rim” contest this year - other than a free coffee or donut. Ken Fraser of Scugog rolled up his rim last month and was the surprised winner of a 2009 Toyota Venza. It’s too bad they didn’t award a GM product as a prize - but congratulations Ken... and thanks Tim!

Thumbs Up - to the teaching staff and students at Immaculate Conception Catholic School. The Port Perry school was among very few in the province to receive the top rating of the Fraser Institutes report card on elementary schools. We agree with principal Margaret Geer who suggests the school deserves “a round of applause for a job well done.” We simply say - “bravo to all concerned and take a bow.”

Thumbs Down - to Durham Region for closing down the Port Perry garbage dump, (transfer station) on the Saturday following Easter Friday. Since almost every business in town was open, why close the dump? Especially on a long-weekend when residents typically do a spring cleaning of their garages and yards. We saw numerous vehicles pull away in disgust, including us.

APRIL 2009
Thumbs Up - to local animal advocate Kathy Dudley on the success of her most recent “Super Pet Calendar,” which this year raised more than $10,000 for the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter. In the past five years, Cathy’s “pet project” has raised a whopping $38,000 for the shelter, which is used to neuter, spay and help cover veterinarian costs for the animals at the shelter. Two paws up for Kathy.

Thumbs Down - to any bus driver who would consider getting into a school bus with alcohol on their breath, let alone with their level over the legal blood-alcohol limit. Thankfully last month an alert citizen helped to avert a potential lethal situation by calling the police after seeing a bus driver about to begin his school bus route under the influence of alcohol. So a thumbs up to the alert citizen - and two thumbs down to the impaired driver.

Thumbs Down - this ‘thumbs down’ comes from a disgruntled Port Perry Beer Store patron who feels the store is consistently understaffed. Following are his comments. “The wait times to the counter is unbelievable! Come on guys, do consistent long line ups not mean anything? In this current economy, customer service is more important than ever... oops I forgot... the beer store has an almost virtual monopoly on selling beer with the exception of LCBO.”

MARCH 2009
Thumbs Up - to the progressive thinking members of Scugog council who last month took a bold step with its offer to purchase Port Perry’s historic 1873 grain elevator. We know the $1 million plus expenditure will not be met with joy by many, but too bad. Purchasing this valuable piece of lakefront real estate took guts, but it was the right thing to do. The future of this property is now in good hands.

Thumbs Down - to the silly idea initiated by Scugog’s bylaw enforcement department to purchase a bicycle to patrol the township’s streets. Surely, if our ‘community cops’ want to “mingle with the public and be more accessible” (their words not ours) all they need to do is get out of their office, or truck, and saunter up the street. We see the $400 investment in this pilot project as both a waste of time and money. Why not just send them out on foot to meet, greet and mingle with the townsfolk?

Thumbs Up - Wow! A big thumbs up to the Provincial and Federal government for jumping on board Scugog’s waterfront revitalization project with $3.5 million dollars each in funding. With the township’s equal commitment, that brings $10.5 million to the table for a make-over of the Port Perry waterfront lands. It’s almost like winning the lottery without buying a ticket. It doesn’t get better than that!

Thumbs Down - to drivers and passengers of vehicles who use our streets for their personal garbage container. It just ticks us off to see live cigarettes thrown out of a car window, or fast food containers, coffee cups and other assorted junk strewn along the side of the road. It’s hard to imagine these same people dispose of their waste on their own driveways or property. Smarten up! Bag your garbage and dispose of it properly.

Thumbs Down - to the latest round of announcements from hospital brass, threatening that some services at our local hospital could be in jeopardy - again. Year after year the community is forced to mount a fight to retain all its important services. Loss of a service, be it maternity or emergency department, could be the catalyst that leads to some of our doctors leaving. Get vocal, be prepared!

Thumbs Down - to pet owners who do not “stoop and scoop” when their dogs defecate while out for a walk. With the snow slowly disappearing it’s becoming all too common to see ‘droppings’ on sidewalks, lawns and in parks. And surely, owners should have the decency to clean up their dogs ‘doo doo’ in the cemetery.

Thumbs Down - to inconsiderate motorists who insist on parking in front of the Wagg Funeral Home despite signs posted indicating a funeral service in progress. A short walk from behind the post office to run in for cigarettes, snacks or booze is not too much to ask. We hope people haven’t gotten so insensitive that they no longer take time to show respect for those who are in grieving.

FEBRUARY 2009
Thumbs Up - to all the brave souls who took part in this year’s polar plunge into Lake Scugog in January. Braving bitter cold temperatures, 34 fools... sorry, I meant participants laughed, ran, splashed and immersed themselves in the frigid water... all for the good of the community. Congrats to the Hospital Auxiliary and all those who took part... you’re a lot braver than the hundreds who watched from shore.

Thumbs Up - a giant ‘thumbs up’ to the township roads crews and independent snow removal contractors who have helped to keep Scugog’s streets and driveways cleared for residents this winter. Faced with record snowfalls, drifting snow and freezing rain, many have worked day-long and throughout the night, while most of us were huddled in warm beds, to make sure our roads were safe. Thanks guys!!!

Thumbs Down - to the media, especially the national media for all the doom and gloom about our sagging economy. The last thing small retailers, in towns like Port Perry need, is the constant barrage of detrimental reporting about layoffs, store closings, etc. Yes, times are tougher than we all would like to see, but it’s time to help the situation by laying off all the negatives. There are plenty of good times ahead... we just have to be positive and patient.

Thumbs Up - Never thought I’d say thanks to a tax increase, but a thumbs up to Mayor Marilyn Pearce and members of council for recognizing the significance of the current economic situation and acting responsibly. By utilizing a portion of its $1.3 million Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund grant to cut tax increases to local property owners, this years projected 3.9 percent tax increase will be reduced to about 2.7 percent. So thanks for the break!

Thumbs Up and congratulations to a couple of local residents who have recently taken over the small community newspaper in Little Britain. Tony Janssen, of Port Perry Print, has teamed up with Jeff Reid, former owner of the local Independent grocery store to purchase “CAPS”. The monthly publication has been servicing the Little Britain area for 11 years. Good luck to Tony and Jeff on this exciting enterprise.

Thumbs Down to the slow response in removing huge piles of snow from Port Perry’s business district last month. Many merchants and residents felt four days after the storm was far too long. We expect the snow removal budget is already being strained, but the safety of residents walking and driving along Queen St. and the detrimental effect to local businesses, who are already struggling, warranted quicker action.

Thumbs Down to anyone who leaves their vehicle parked at the gas pumps at Pioneer while they go in to pick up a coffee at the local Tim’s dispensary... all the while blocking others at the pumps from leaving. Then, as you sit there waiting impatiently, the guilty one stares you down, like they’re daring you to say anything when they return. I could scream!

JANUARY 2009
Thumbs Up - to young Matthew Morison who won gold in the giant slalom at Limone Piemonte, Italy during the FIS World Cup snowboarding competition in December. Focus readers may remember Matt from a story we featured on this upcoming snowboarding champ last winter. Congratulations Matt. We know there’s a lot more podiums in your future.

Thumbs Down - to those responsible for stealing six expensive metal portable ‘sign frames’ before Christmas from the Port Perry Artists’ Association. The signs, which were placed along roadsides to provide directions to the group’s annual Art Show at Ocala Winery, were stolen by some unknown thieves who have yet to be apprehended. The PPAA would love to have the frames, valued at $800, returned.

Thumbs Up - and congratulations to one of Scugog Township’s longest serving firefighters. Deputy Chief Rob Gonnermann was honoured last month by Scugog Township Mayor Marilyn Pearce for his 30 years of service with the local fire department. A number of other firefighters were also honoured for shorter terms, but congratulations to all.

Thumbs Down - Despite all the publicity surrounding drinking and driving during the Christmas season, it appears the message is not getting through. Durham Regional Police are reporting an unusually high number of people charged with driving while intoxicated this year. By mid-December more than 100 drivers, stopped at roadside RIDE checkpoints, have been charged for driving with alcohol levels above the accepted level. Thumbs down to those who continue this practice.

Thumbs Up - to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Baagwating Community Association for their overwhelming generosity to Scugog Township and communities throughout the area. In December the BCA handed out almost $200,000 in financial help to a variety of organizations. On the receiving end of a huge $100,000 gift was the Scugog Memorial Library, to be used for a planned expansion of the Water St. facility. Scugog is indeed blessed to have such a generous benefactor within it’s midst. A big thanks!