The Standard Newspaper January 9th, 2014 by The Standard Newspaper

Vol. 10 No. 2

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER COVERING NORTH DURHAM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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Polar Plungers prepare for icy Scugog dip BLAKE WOLFE The Standard

SCUGOG: While it would be a strange sight any other time of year, visitors to Port Perry’s Palmer Park on Feb. 8 can expect to see friendly polar bears and brave souls in various costumes waiting to jump into the frigid waters of Lake Scugog. Now in its seventh year, the Auxiliary To Lakeridge Health Port Perry’s Polar Plunge returns next month and once again promises to deliver a dose of frosty fun for a good cause. This year, the plunge will move to the afternoon from the morning, a change which Auxiliary member Barb Brady said will hopefully result in more spectators. “We’re hoping to get a big crowd this year,” said Ms. Brady of the time change. Each year, an average of 37 brave plungers don their best costumes and take the mid-winter dip. According to the auxiliary, more than $76,000 has been raised this way since the event started in 2008, benefitting Lakeridge Health Port Perry through the purchase of new hospital equipment. The organizers - which include Ms. Brady, Yvonne Duhig, Marilyn Lauricella, Mary Jane Inglis, Ruth Spearing, Joyce Rice, Mag Brown, Anne Wright and Wendy Welfle - hope to make this year’s plunge the best yet as they raise funds toward a $350,000 pledge to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation’s ‘Your Hospital, Your Future’ campaign for improvements to the hospital’s patient wing. As in previous years, teams of plungers will have their turn in the frosty waters of Lake Scugog, followed by a warm up - this year, in hot tubs - and an awards ceremony following the plunge will be held at the Latcham Centre, with various titles up for grabs. Plungers won’t have to worry about plugging their noses, either. According to Ms. Brady, a number of participants last year noted a strong smell after decaying matter on the lake bottom was disturbed during the 2013 plunge. This year, said Ms. Brady, the TrentSevern Waterway will assist by placing a tarp along the lake bottom before the first plunge takes place. T U R N TO PAG E 4

ON ELGIN POND: Joel (left), and Thomas Eng (right), pass the puck on the frozen Elgin Pond, on Saturday, Jan. 4. Amid a couple slips and falls, little Joel brought his A-game to the improvised rinks in Uxbridge. Many families and friends were seen braving the chill for the love of hockey and skating. BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard

Changes proposed for Uxbridge Music Hall DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

UXBRIDGE: A change is in the air at the historic Uxbridge Music Hall, as the hall’s board recently requested relaxed policies in the hopes of attracting more shows to the venue. Music Hall Board member Frank Chown appeared before council at their meeting on the morning of Monday, Jan. 6 to discuss proposed changes to the event policy at the historic performing arts centre. “More stringent requirements were passed in 2008 after incidents at youth concerts at the music hall,” explained Mr. Chown. “We thought that adding police presence would solve the problem, but it ended up having the adverse conse-

quence of having no concerts booked at the hall. All it did was make it uneconomic to have a concert at all with the added $350 expense for pay-duty police officers.” Mr. Chown added that on the rare occasion there has been a concert at the Music Hall over the past five years, police presence has been limited to outside the hall, not inside where incidents occurred in the past. As well, the policy has been limited to youth events, when according to Mr. Chown, adult events could potentially pose even more of a risk. “We want to encourage use of the hall amongst youth,” added Mr. Chown. “There are a lot of talented young people in this town, many of whom got their start performing at the T U R N TO PAG E 5 Music Hall.”

2 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

Lakeridge Health Port Perry seeks volunteers SCUGOG: Lakeridge Health’s Port Perry site is recruiting volunteers for both weekday and weekend volunteer shifts. “We’re looking for folks who are warm, friendly and enjoy helping others,” says Helena Finn-Vickers, Manager of Volunteer Resources, Lakeridge Health. “Experience isn’t a requirement as we offer training and support.” Volunteers provide valuable support

to families receiving care at Lakeridge Health. Opportunities are available throughout the hospital, including in the gift shop. Profits from the volunteer-run gift shop help fund new medical equipment and projects that benefit local families. To learn more or to apply, visit www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca or contact the volunteer resources team at 905-576-8711 ext. 3680.

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The voice of North Durham

Thursday, January 9, 2014 • 3

New Year, new babies in 2014

Nikala and Michael Baynes of Oakwood welcomed Sydney Baynes (pictured here) on Jan. 1 at 2:10 a.m., the couple’s third child who was born at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. At Lakeridge Health Port Perry, parents Cody Llewelyn and Hollie Clarke welcomed Neveah Clarke just after 12:30 a.m. that morning. The two girls were the first babies of 2014 in Durham Region.

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Election nomination period opens NORTH DURHAM: With 2014 municipal elections set to take place across the province on Oct. 27, nominations for various elected seats are now open. The nomination period runs from now until Sept. 12, when papers must be filed by candidates no later than 2 p.m. In both Scugog and Uxbridge, there are five ward councillor seats in addition to that of the Regional Councillor and Mayor, as well as a trustee representing each municipality on the Durham District School Board. A single trustee will be elected to represent Scugog, Uxbridge and Brock on the Durham Catholic District School Board. One trustee for each school board will also be elected to repre-

sent French-speaking voters of Durham. This year will also mark the first time that Durham voters will elect a Regional Chair, following a much-debated motion to make the position one directly elected by residents. Current Regional Chair Roger Anderson has maintained the position since 1997. The next term of office will last from Dec. 1 until Nov. 30, 2018. For those interested in nomination, election information packages are available at both Scugog and Uxbridge municipal offices. Watch The Standard throughout 2014 for updates and additional information leading up to election night.

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Gift card program extended to Durham DURHAM: Following the Province’s Food Gift Card Program announcement on Dec. 30, Durham expressed interest in participating in this initiative, which provided financial assistance to eligible Toronto residents, as a result of the loss of perishable food due to prolonged power outages. In order to participate, the Province required Durham Region, through its local hydro utilities, to supply data related to the number of customers who were without power for at least 48 hours. Local hydro providers confirmed that there were 13,529 customers without power for 48 hours or more locally. Durham shared this information with the

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Province and in return is receiving 1,882 $50 gift cards for distribution. While the Province has formally stated that this provincial initiative cannot provide gift cards to everyone who lost power, we are thankful for the opportunity to offer some assistance to those facing the greatest need. Locally, the 1,882 cards provided by the Province will be able to assist approximately 700 families and 482 individuals. Applications for Provincial Food Gift Cards will be accepted by phone, starting on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. Eligible residents should call 1-888-721-0622 to apply.

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4 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

Plenty of fun for all at Feb. 8 plunge F RO M PAG E 1

Spectators won’t be bored either, with snacks such as hot chocolate and popcorn available, as well as a fish pond for young anglers. However, that won’t be all. “We have a few surprises in store for everyone,” said Ms. Brady.

For those who wish to help and stay dry, donations can be made on-line via the Auxiliary’s page on Canadahelps.org. To sign up, pick up a brochure at Camille’s Corner Gift Shop in Lakeridge Health Port Perry or Camille’s Closet at 115 Perry St., or e-mail auxiliary.polarplunge@gmail.com.

BRAVING THE COLD: (From left) Polar Plunge organizers Marilyn Lauricella, Yvonne Duhig, Mary Jane Inglis and Barb Brady size up the conditions on Lake Scugog in anticipation of the Auxiliary to Lakeridge Health Port Perry’s annual Polar Plunge fundraiser, taking place Feb. 8.

Work on Scugog water projects continuing through in 2014 BLAKE WOLFE The Standard

Durham Region Public Works crews are pictured here drilling test wells along Shirley Rd. last fall, the site of a new municipal well. Work on the well and the expanded Port Perry wastewater facility continue this year. SUBMITTED PHOTO

SCUGOG: Work on two major water projects in Scugog Township are moving ahead. According to Rich Tindall, Manager of Engineering Planning and Studies with the Durham Region Public Works department, test wells drilled in anticipation of a new municipal well, planned for a tract of land along Shirley Rd. in the township’s southern end, have been installed and samples collected to assess the viability of the water source. Analysis of the samples will take place over the winter, he added. “The Region has completed the installation of the exploratory wells in the Shirley Rd. area,” said Mr. Tindall, “and we are currently undertaking field testing that will allow us to determine the local water quality and the available quantity. We will need to assess the test results over the winter to better clarify whether the Shirley Rd. area is suitable for the development of a mu-

nicipal well supply.” In addition to the new well, plans for the Port Perry wastewater plant upgrade are progressing, after an environmental assessment for the project was approved by the Ministry of the Environment in November. At a meeting of the Port Perry Secondary Plan Steering Committee held in early November, Mr. Tindall provided the committee with an update on the project, which will be tendered for construction in mid-2014 and completed in 2016, according to the minutes of the presentation. Mr. Tindall’s presentation also outlined the requirement for new pumping stations to service the Castle Harbour neighbourhood as well as the employment lands in Port Perry’s west end. A pumping station on Water St. will be included in an asset evaluation study, he noted, as the station lies on lands that may be redeveloped as part of the ongoing waterfront revitalization.

Sidewalk talk returns to Scugog council BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard

Come celebrate with this amazing Lady…

Stella Harrison turns 80!! Date: Saturday January 18th Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm Location: Port Perry United Church 294 Queen St. Port Perry Best wishes only, no gifts. A light lunch will be served throughout the event along with tea, coﬀee and cake. We hope to see you there!

Residents of Scugog Township can look forward to having many more of their sidewalks repaired and replaced during the next four years, at a possible cost in excess of $283,000. In order to combat rising insurance costs, the township has also decided to remove some heavily damaged sections of sidewalk from seven streets. On December 16, Scugog council saw to a report from the Public Works and Parks Department regarding the inspection of sidewalks around the township. This inspection, the first of its kind in five years, aims to bring Scugog up to Provincial Minimum Safety Standards, which it has fallen short of recently. This project will consume

the majority of the $100,000 2014 sidewalk maintenance budget, and the budgets of years to come. While 112 locations in the township were deemed a tripping hazard, these have already been repaired with a concrete grinder, at an approximate cost of $3,000. However, much work still lies ahead, with over 1,000 metres of sidewalk from five major streets being replaced, with a price tag of $160,000. The streets identified in the report are Greenbank Ave., North St., Jeffery St., Perry St., and Reach St. from Old Simcoe Rd. to Simcoe St. Scugog residents will be saying goodbye to seven sections of sidewalk in the downtown core of Port Perry, as 744 metres of sidewalk will be removed from Caleb,

Bay, Cochrane, Major, Sexton, and Shanly Streets. These sections of sidewalk have been deemed so damaged that the only option is to remove the sidewalk and replace it with sod, at an estimated cost of $40,000. The sections of sidewalk are not being replaced due to the existence of a sidewalk on the other side of the road, and a replacement cost of over $200,000. The staff report asked that 493 sidewalk stones be removed and reconstructed, an effort estimated to cost over $120,000. Township staff hope to have all sidewalk deficiencies dealt with within the next four years, and plan to delegate the next four year’s maintenance budgets to these issues.

The voice of North Durham

Thursday, January 9, 2014 • 5

Music Hall board seeks to draw more performances to venue F RO M PAG E 1

Mayor Gerri Lynn O’Connor responded by admitting that councils is “guilty of having the pendulum swing from one end to the other.” The Mayor also made a point of ensuring that any policy should be inclusive of the entire community. “We should be treating everybody fairly,” said Mayor O’Connor. “Just because you’re a rock band, you shouldn’t have to pay more of a deposit than a symphony.” Ward 2 Councillor Pat Molloy agreed with Mayor O’Connor’s pitch that there should be one policy for all users. “We can’t be arbitrary, and have to have a policy that’s consistent for everybody,” commented Councillor Molloy, who

also pitched the idea of hiring a private security firm as an alternative to police officers as a means of keeping costs down for promoters, while ensuring safety of all attendees and that there is no vandalism done to the Music Hall. Mr. Chown later pitched an idea to council that would see the Music Hall board craft a list of potential volunteers to act as front of house staff for all events at the Music Hall, and monitor the Hall during shows. Ward 1 Councillor Bev Northeast lauded the suggestion. “It’s a brilliant idea, and very professional. It’s similar to what you find at the theatres in Lindsay and Peterborough,” said Councillor Northeast, who later expressed concerns over the scope

of responsibility for volunteers. The report from the Music Hall Board was received for information by council, and councillors were asked to forward their concerns over the changes in event booking policy at the Music Hall to Township CAO Ingrid Svelnis, who will meet with the board in February to present the concerns, and report back to council. Ms. Svelnis noted the positive role the Music Hall has had on youth in the community over the years, and its important role in the development of burgeoning performing careers amongst local young people. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm amongst youth in the community to make use of this facility,” added Ms. Svelnis.

A ‘Heart to Heart’ in Uxbridge UXBRIDGE: A new business will be opening up shop in the ‘heart’ of Uxbridge later this month. The Grand Opening of the Heart to Heart Healing Centre located at 26 Brock St. West, in downtown Uxbridge will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 2 until 4 p.m., featuring a ribbon cutting by Ward 4 Councillor Jacob Mantle. As well, cake and refreshments will be available to all in attendance, and tours of the Centre will available for all the community to come and enjoy. The Heart to Heart Healing Centre is comprised of volunteers from many of the different churches in the community and is affiliated

with the International Association of Healing Rooms (IAHR) which has healing rooms in countries around the world. Prayer is made available at certain opening hours for anyone who would like healing in body, soul and spirit. Heart to Heart is set up in much the same way as a physician’s office/ walk-in clinic with healing rooms to ensure privacy for prayer, by a team of three or four people. The Heart to Heart Healing Centre is a not-for-profit association approved as a Charity in Ontario, and more information can be found on their web site at www.hearttohearthealingcentre.com.

‘SNOW’ PROBLEM: Public Works crews were out in full force across Scugog and Uxbridge on Monday morning (including this plow in front of the Scugog municipal offices), following the wallop of winter weather that descended on much of the GTA over the weekend. BLAKE WOLFE The Standard

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6 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

BLACKSTOCK by Joyce Kelly

EPSOM & UTICA by Shari Kerry Happy New Year Everyone! Sunday services are back at Epsom United Church, 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Epsom/Utica United church is looking for someone to volunteer to look after renting the churches. I have found that my days are very busy with my family, and I just cannot devote enough time to it and keep everything

in check. I sent in my resignation at the beginning of December, and finished at the end of last year. If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact Paul Fraser, Elaine Lush or anyone on the board. The first Utica Hall board meeting of 2014 will take place on January 21, at 8 p.m. in the hall basement. We are always

looking for new directors, and fresh ideas. In the last few weeks, I have received no e-mails or phone calls about news in our community. Because I am not always able to make it to church each week, I need your help in keeping this column running. Please call me, 905-852-6887 or e-mail me, gandskerry@andrewswireless. net with your news.

SEAGRAVE by Robin Drew and Jean Short We have entered a new year and it looks like an old fashioned winter. Lots of snow for the sledders, both motorized and non-motorized, and great for the outdoor rinks. Happy Birthday Greetings go out to Lori Cannon, Ross Short - Dec. 20, Don Beacock - Dec. 29 and Betty Lou Beacock - Jan 1. and Robin Drew - Jan 5. Sympathy from the Seagrave Community to Cathy, Karen, Connie and Krista, daughters of Judy Carr. Judy passed away on Dec. 29, at her home in Lindsay. Her Celebration of Life took place at the Stoddard Funeral home on Jan. 3. The Carr family lived in Seagrave for many years. Thanks to Rev. Newton Reed for being the guest speaker at the Dec. 29 Service. We were honoured to have Wendy Hughs and Len Someville perform Still, an awesome duet! This Sun-

day, Jan. 5, The choir performed ‘A Spiritual Christmas’ under the superb direction of Joan Lee. It is great to see the choir is growing! Bible Jeopardy Contestants for next week are Avery Puckrin and Tara Taylor. Rev Paul, we hope that you haven’t suffered any ill effects from your slip on the ice! Children - please bring your Teddy Bears to Sunday School next week. Coming Events: Jan. 11 - 8:30 a.m. Seagrave Men’s Group Breakfast. All men are welcome. Jan 12 - 9:15 a.m. Church Service, with a 10:15 a.m. Coffee Hour hosted by the congregation. Please bring finger foods! If you have any news for this column, please contact mrsdruske@hotmail.com or grammiejean2010@hotmail.com or call us at 905-985-9921.

SUNDERLAND by Denise Wilson As we reflect on this Christmas holiday 2013, we will all remember the ice storm. Most all of us in the country surcopy vived just fine, because maybe it was not quite so bad, but I like to think that we survived mostly because we are accustomed to coping better than some city folks. We did not have to contend with traffic lights being out because we have so few, the snowy roads were not much of an issue be-

cause most of our roads are country roads and rougher to begin with, and as far as heat and power go many of us come prepared by having back up resources, like wood stoves and generators. So we did just fine and we were able to look out and appreciate the incredible beauty of the landscape crusted in ice diamonds and pristine white snow. We had the winter wonderland that we had

SCUGOG ISLAND by Jeanne C Le Saux-Ball Welcome to 2014 and Happy New Year to all. Hope everyone had a very nice Holiday and now, back to the grind! Offices on the First Nation have resumed being open, and programs for the community will resume. Community members check your events calendars to see what is happening. Call to worship was called by Rev. Michelle Hofman, a warm welcome went out to all who attended the service, Epiphany Year A. Thank you to Cheryl and Jan for providing the refreshments following the Service. Please make sure to submit your reports to Elizabeth by January 15, for the Annual report. Happy Belated Birthday wishes to all those who had Birthdays over the holidays! Happy birthday to the following: John Johnson Ashleigh Mc Court on Jan. 5, James Needham, Jesse Charles, Jan. 9, Lily Ewing on Jan. 10, and to Trish Clifford on Jan. 5. Happy Birthday to anyone I may have missed. I can be reached by phone at 905-985-7662, or by e-mail at jc.lesaux@me.com.

dreamed of for Christmas. The most exciting news has been the return to hockey after a bit of a break for the holidays. Two of our Brock Wild teams went to a Silver Stick in Wasaga Beach this past week end and the Midgets played very well but lost in the final. The Bantam team won it all and so they now go on in a few weeks. The final game was very exciting as they led the scoring 2 to 1 and then

in the final minutes an opposing player threw his stick and Brock got to have a penalty shot. Cameron Jackson made the crowd roar with a beautiful goal, to make the final score 3 to 1! It is such a thrill to see our players play so beautifully. As we reflect on the end of a year and the beginning of another, let us all wish one another a healthy and happy New year, 2014.

What an old fashioned type of winter these days with cold and blustery winds. Our community was saddened over the holiday season with the passing of Keith Goble, who was of Yelverton, but a great friend to this community. A large crowd attended the visitation at the Rcc Centre. Sympathy is extended to his sons Brian and Laura of Blackstock and Bob and Jami of Michigan as well as his many relatives and friends. Glad to report that Dolly Lee is making steady improvement as a patient in Oshawa Stroke Centre following her stroke in December. Routines for most activities will be returning to the regular times now that we are in the New Year. With the cancellation of school buses on Monday morning, school routines will be delayed.

PRINCE ALBERT by Pat Boyd The annual Vic Sparrow luncheon will take place on Sunday, January 12, immediately following the Port Perry church service. This is a soup luncheon with donations collected benefiting Community Outreach of the Pastoral charge. Tuesday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m. will be a Panel meeting in the Fellowship room. Sunday, January 26, there will be the annual meeting following the service. We will enjoy a potluck lunch prior to the meeting. Please remember your plates and cutlery. If you wish to make any changes to the Worship assistants list, please contact the church office with your instructions. The Prince Albert community send their condolences to Catherine Daigle, Helen Chalifoux, and Beth Willes and their families and especially to Grant and Eva Hunter, with the passing of Grant’s sister Esther Craighead.

ZEPHYR & SANDFORD by Pat Asling Here we are, a week into 2014, and it appears as if we are following where 2013 left off with Yo-Yo weather, from one extreme to the other. Those my age will well remember this used to be the norm! The ice-storm and other discomforts didn’t prevent local families from gathering over Christmas and New Years for several days of celebrating togetherness. George Moore and Trevor Cox both travelled from Alberta to be with family. Most families had one and usually two gatherings with the attendant food and fellowship. Before Christmas, several of the congregation met at Zephyr to view the movie ‘The Nativity’ which brought home forcefully the kind of difficult journey Mary and Joseph were force to make from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Rev. Diane traveled there with her mother a couple

of years ago and verified that what we were seeing was for real. Our Christmas Eve services were well attended with very special music at both churches. At Zephyr, Travis Smalley, accompanied by brother Brent, along with a new quartette consisting of David DeJong, Mary Dube and Joan and Rodney Sine provided the music. At Sandford the choir, along with special guest Louise Mann, accompanied by sister, Carol Gibson, enthralled all who heard. Kudos to those individuals and groups raising funds from Danny Moore such as the young lady from Uxbridge High and a lady from PACE who has written a children’s books and is donating the proceeds. The fund started by Sandford church is also growing, as is the one at the bank. Danny has been able to spend time at

home over the holidays and there is optimism about his rehabilitation. A new video series started last week at Sandford entitled ‘The System belongs to God’. There are three more in the series, Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. The Zephyr UCW will meet Thursday, Jan. 9, 1:30 p.m. and the Sandford group meets Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m. for our annual pot-luck lunch at the church. On Feb. 5, the group will also be serving at the Souper Lunch at Uxbridge Presbyterian church. Volunteers needed. Zephyr council will meet Jan. 16th; Sandford does not meet this month. On Jan. 22, there will be a movie afternoon at Zephyr, 1 p.m. The movie is called ‘Help’. All are welcome to attend. The book Club meets Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Mark your calendars - the Pancake Supper is Mar. 4, Sandford Hall.

Mon to Sat 7am to 10pm Sunday 8am to 8pm

The of North Durham Yourvoice Community Owned Newspaper

Thursday, October January 9, Thursday, 18,2014 2012 •• 77

To list your church events contact Christopher at 905-985-6985

SCUGOG ISLAND UNITED CHURCH

19100 Island Road, Port Perry A warm welcome to all 905-985-4094 SUNDAY, January 12 10 a.m. Morning Service

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 1710 Scugog Street, Port Perry Father Peter Lackmanec MASS SATURDAY - 5 p.m. SUNDAY - 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For Mass through the week call the Parish at 905-985-7071

ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 319 Queen Street, Port Perry Pastor Robert Kennedy 905-985-3881 www.stjohnsportperry.com SUNDAY, January 12 Service at 10 a.m. Sunday School and Nursery Care Available All are warmly welcome

PORT PERRY BAPTIST CHURCH

2210 Hwy. 7A (at Island Rd.) 905-985-8681 www.portperrybaptist.ca Rev. Jim Clemens, Sr. Pastor Join us for worship this week:

SUNDAY SERVICES 9:15 a.m. Sunday school for all ages 10:30 a.m. Worship 6:30 p.m. Worship Nursery Care and Jr. Church is available A warm welcome to all

Greenbank United Church has begun its process of securing a new Music Director. For more information on the job description and contact sources, please refer to the Greenbank United Church web site, or call Karl Higeli at 905-985-9643. On January 5, 2014 was the sacrament of infant baptism of Brynn Marie Smith, daughter of Holly and Graham Smith; niece of Lee-Ann Smith and Kathy Weatherup; granddaughter of Ted and Wilma Smith and Allan and Lois Baker, with Rev. Paul officiating. Lee-Ann of Cold Lake, Alberta has spent three weeks with parents Ted and Wilma Smith till January 7. ‘Make a Difference’ was sung beautifully by Kara Phillips. Thank you to the Evening U.C.W. for coffee and muffins before service; thanks to the greeters Ken and Marilyn White-Dec.30,

and Mark and Carla Puckrin-Jan. 5. To be on the 2014 church greeters list (or to have your name removed), please call Shirley Lee 985-8926 a.s.a.p. Please submit your annual reports to Valerie Hunter so they may be organized for Annual Meetings in February. Women’s Bible Study Group Mondays starting Jan. 6, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the church. Contact Margaret Ann 985-7701. Sincere sympathy to Steve and Cheryl Quantrill, Kelly and Hillary with the passing of Steve’s mother Dorothy Quantrill of Beaverton. Sympathy also to Wes Lane and family with the passing of his wife Joan (nee Real), a former Greenbanker in her early years. May both families be supported with love of friends in their loss. Please call with your news by Sunday evening 6 p.m.Mary Jean-905-985-0535.

www.thestandardnewspaper.ca

14460 Simcoe St., Port Perry newsongportperry.ca Sunday, January 12, 10 a.m. Nursery and Sunday School (Anglican Network in Canada) All are Welcome. (905) 982-2064 or newsongadmin@powergate.ca

PORT PERRY and PRINCE ALBERT UNITED CHURCHES

Rev. Elaine Hall - Rev. Don Willmer 905-985-2801 SUNDAY, January 12 Port Perry United Church 294 Queen St., Port Perry 9:50 a.m. Morning Worship Prince Albert United Church 23 Jeffrey St., Prince Albert 11:30 a.m. Morning Worship Nursery Care and Sunday School Available • www.portperryunited.com

20 First Avenue Pastor Kirby Constable 905-852-6213 www.trinityuxbridge.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO

On Feb. 15, Greenbank welcomes rockabilly legends the ‘Royal Crowns’ and the ‘Millwinders’ to the Greenbank Hall. Tickets are $20 each and available if you phone Adam at 905-982-0626 or Larry at 905-985-3723 or Barb at 905-985-3903. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Greenbank Lions meet on Jan. 15 at the hall at 7 p.m. for their first meeting in the new year. Visitors are welcome to come and suggest new community projects. On Jan. 25, the Greenbank Folk Music Society presents Juno Award Nominee Jeremy Fisher to the Greenbank Centennial Hall. For tickets phone 905-985-8351. The Greenbank Hall and Park Board annual meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Hall. The Music Director Search Committee at

70 Toronto St. North Uxbridge Father John Duffy Mass Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday 9 and 11 a.m. Confessions Saturday 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. For Mass through the week call office 905-852-6944

UXBRIDGE TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

THANK YOU!: Milley Adam says ‘thanks’ to all who helped out and donated to the recent Santa Paws pet fundraiser, held over the holiday season. Donations of pet food, cat litter and toys will go to help local animals in need.

GREENBANK by Mary Jean Till

SACRED HEART ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Join us on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. A contemporary worship experience in a relaxed environment.

Staff: Dr. Fred Penney, Lead Pastor Scott Manuel, Youth Pastor Brenna Cruickshank, Children’s Ministry Director 1680 Reach Street. - 905-985-4441 website: www.emmanuelcc.ca Emmanuel Community Church: ‘Reaching up to God; Reaching out to our Community,’

ANGLICAN CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION

(Anglican Church of Canada)

Rev. John Anderson

266 North St., Port Perry Phone: 905-985-7278 ascension@powergate.ca www.ascensionportperry.com All Saints Sunday and Memorial Service Sunday, January 12 Baptism of the Lord 10 a.m. Holy Communion

Sunday, January 12 SUNDAY WORSHIP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL 10 a.m. COME and BE ENGAGED by the GOOD NEWS

VICTORY CHRISTIAN CENTRE 593 Alma St., Port Perry,

Ontario 905-985-1346 Rev John Benschop vccpp@powergate.ca www.victorychristiancentre.net Tuesday Youth Meeting and “HEARTBEAT” after school program started in September Friday - 7:30 p.m. Prayer Revival Join us Sunday Mornings at 10 a.m. Prayer 10:30 a.m. Celebration Service SOMETHING FOR ALL AGES

Sunday School and Nursery available

HOPE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Hope Church

Pastor Bernhard VanderVlis SUNDAYS at 10 a.m. Mid-week programs for youth and adults! 14480 Old Simcoe Rd. (Between 7A and Prince Albert) 905-985-9307 hopechurch@powergate.ca www.hopeforportperry.ca

A PLACE OF HOPE!

Rev. Paul Moorhouse 905-985-7766

revpaul@andrewswireless.net www.greenbankchurch.com

SUNDAY, January 12 Greenbank (Hwy 12, minutes. N. of Pt. Perry) 11 a.m. Service

Seagrave (in the beautiful hamlet of Seagrave) 9:15 a.m. Service

Everyone is Welcome Children’s Time with Services

8 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

EDITORIAL ‘Tis the season If there’s only one thing that unites each and every Canadian - and at times, it does feel that way - it’s the weather in this country. Especially it’s bad weather. No wonder. It brings out the best and worst in each of us, and with the last few weeks, there’s been a lot of both brought out in millions of people - particularly in southern Ontario and the Maritimes, where a season marked this year by seldom-heard terms such as ‘frost quakes’ and ‘polar vortexes’ is only a few weeks old. Alongside the frustration caused by transportation delays, the foot of brown snow left at the end of the driveway by the plow and the sheer seasonal realities of cold temperatures, there’s stories of neighbours helping neighbours clearing that same headache-inducing bank of snowplow debris, and kids drawn out of winter hibernation away from the television/computer/iPad to make the most of a snowfall. The bad weather also has the tendency to bring out the not-sosmart side of humanity, be it passing a snowplow on a two-lane road or, if you’re the acting Mayor of Toronto, contemplating a call to the Canadian Armed Forces to assist with the post ice-storm clean up. While many parts of the GTA were badly hit and many left without power (North Durham being spared the brunt), it still sounds like an unnecessary request. If a state of emergency wasn’t called during the storm or in the immediate aftermath as thousands spent Christmas in the dark, why later? What happened in Calgary earlier this summer was an emergency. Cleaning up icy branches may be costly and time-consuming, but a matter worthy of the Army’s assistance it is not. It all brings to mind another time-honoured tradition - complaining about weather we know is inevitable and not being prepared for its consequences. How many months until spring?

Your opinion matters Send us an e-mail to bwolfe@thestandardnewspaper.ca or a letter to: The Standard, 94A Water St., Port Perry ON L9L 1J2

Salvation Army says thanks for toy and food drive support To the Editor, The Salvation Army committee would like to thank the local businesses/residents and organizations that donated toys and food to their toy/food drive and the generous donations to assist us with our programming for 2014. This year, we received special attention from the Kinsmen Club of Uxbridge who held a special auction to raise funds, and from the younger residents of Uxbridge, the Sparks who donated gifts for the children, and the local 4H club who assisted the youth registered with the Salvation Army & our local Fire Dept., who is always there when we need them. Also, thanks to TCG, Pine Grove Church, Glen Major Church, and Sandford UCW, and the knitting group in Sandford for the lovely hand knit

socks, Township Staff: and Washworx for their assistance with sleeping bags for campers; Staples for their assistance with our back to school back pack program; and Molly Maid for their generous donations of food for our hampers. Also, the Uxbridge Toy Drive for their generous donation of toys and a thank you to those who adopted a family and made their Christmas very special. Again this year the generous support of the Roxy Kids who bought, packed and gave a special gift to the teens. A special thank you to Zehrs for allowing us to set up our Christmas Kettle again this year and of course the general public that volunteered for our Kettle at Zehrs, and those who showed their support through donating to the Kettle. And thanks to M &M Meats who also put out a Kettle again this year to show their support for those less fortunate. Without the very generous businesses

and residents of Uxbridge, we would not be able to assist in the many different areas of work the local Salvation Army is involved with at this time. The Uxbridge Salvation Army Unit is run by volunteers so every donation goes towards our programming here locally and all donations stay in Uxbridge to assist local families. The Salvation Army committee worked hard to give everyone a special Christmas as well as continuing with their special worth while programs throughout the year and with Uxbridge’s generosity we will be able to assist more residents and continue with all of our programs. Thank you, Uxbridge. Bev Northeast Chair of the Salvation Army Uxbridge Unit

94A Water Street, Port Perry, ON L9L 1J2 | Phone: 905-985-6985 | E-mail: bwolfe@thestandardnewspaper.ca 2012 CCNA

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The voice of North Durham

NEWS & OPINION

Uxbridge man killed in crash UXBRIDGE: In a tragic ending to 2013, a 19-year-old Uxbridge man was killed as a result of a two-vehicle collision on Toronto St. near Elgin Park Dr. on the night of Sunday, Dec. 29. According to Durham Regional Police, shortly after 11:30 p.m., officers from the North Division were called to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a silver Volkswagen and a white Mitsubishi SUV. Witnesses reported seeing the silver Volkswagen travelling northbound on Toronto St. South. The Volkswagen appeared to be attempting to pass another northbound vehicle when it lost control and entered into the southbound lanes and was struck on the passenger side by the Mitsubishi SUV. The driver of the Volkswagen had no vital signs at the scene and was transported to Uxbridge Cottage Hospital,

where he was pronounced dead. The driver and passenger of the SUV were not injured in the collision. The name of the deceased is not being released at this time. Members of the DRPS Traffic Services Branch, Collision Investigation Unit, attended the scene to conduct an investigation. The roadway was closed for several hours while evidence was collected. Investigators have determined that alcohol and drugs were a factor in this collision. Anyone with information about this incident or witnessed this collision is asked to call Detective Constable A. Ouellette of the Traffic Services Branch at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5272. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

Theft charges for Scugog man SCUGOG: Durham police have charged a 53-year-old Scugog man with stealing more than $300,000 from a joint bank account he shared with his uncle. In May 2013, Durham police said a 90-year-old Oshawa man reported to police that his life savings had been stolen from his bank account by his nephew. The victim shared the account with the nephew and says he had intended the money to be the nephew’s inheritance. The accused emptied the bank account and ended contact with

the victim, who then reported the theft to police. A 53-year-old Scugog man has been charged with theft over $5,000. Police have not released his name.

Police would like to remind the public, especially seniors, to be careful about whom they give access to their money, even relatives. There are other financial options that better protect your funds if you are trying to set aside money for inheritance. Contact your bank or financial advisor for assistance. Anyone with any new information about this incident is asked to call Det. Tate of the Central East Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 2717.

Staying in touch... JOHN O’TOOLE MPP

Happy New Year! I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy New Year. You are cordially invited to my annual Durham Riding New Year’s Levee on January 12, 2014. The levee takes place at the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre at 62 Temperance Street in Bowmanville. Hours are 12: 30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to welcome the New Year as we meet friends and neighbours, enjoy some live music, and enjoy light refreshments. New White Paper for building great cities Last month, our PC Official Opposition Caucus released its final white paper in our “Paths to Prosperity” Series. As always, your feedback is encouraged. Cities are important hubs for enterprise and creativity as well as engines of economic growth, centres for jobs, and places in which all citizens can enjoy a high quality of life. This must be the driving principle behind building effective Ontario cities. Our white paper offers 16 key policies. One of these is a revamped provincial transit agency to be in charge of planning and operation of what will become a truly regional system. Our white paper calls for transferring operations of TTC subways and light rail transit to GO Transit, and uploading major highways in the GTA and Ottawa region. Our plan for transit and transportation improvements is not imposing any new taxation such as the gasoline tax proposed by the McGuinty/Wynne government. We are calling for the creation of an Ontario Transportation Trust to fund new subway and highway expansions. The Trust should get revenue from a portion of economic growth, selling surplus lands and buildings owned by the Province of Ontario, pension fund investment, and the commercialization of land along highway corridors and above subway stations. Besides proposals to attract employers and help the unemployed get back

The sweet sound of silence It’s the dawn of a new year here at The Standard. I consider it a privledge to be able to inform and entertain our great readers, and tell the stories that makes North Durham the crown jewel of Durham Region. But, there are always a few who manage to cast a dark shadow on what transpires in and around North Durham, and truth be told, many couldn’t even locate Uxbridge or Port Perry on a map. So, carrying on a tradition that started last year, I’m taking a vow of silence in 2014 with many of these people and it’s with hesitant pleasure that I bring to you ‘The People I’m Not Talking to in 2014.’ Again this year, I must start with a brief side note. There are very few original ideas, and this column is a take on a concept originally done annually by famed New York City columnist Jimmy Breslin. I hope I can once again do the concept justice this year. So, without further ado, here are the people I’m not talking to this year... Whoever drives the Durham Region Transit bus in North Durham is the first person I have no desire to speak with. This isn’t because buses are the automotive equivalent to a lumbering moose, rather it stems from an unfortunate encounter on the final day of 2013. As I was leaving the scene of an accident on Simcoe

Thursday, January 9, 2014 • 9

St. just south of Port Perry - my least favourite part of my job by the way - I quickly had to pull over to make way for an ambulance with its lights flashing approaching the scene. But, you know who had better things to do than follow the law and get out of the way for an emergency vehicle? That’s right - a Durham Region Transit bus that lumbered along with the sirens and lights of the ambulance lighting up its rearview mirror. Transit isn’t the only issue I have with Durham Region, as once again over the prolonged holiday break, I drove past Regional Headquarters at the corner of Rossland Rd. and Garden St. in Whitby on Christmas Day to see the building lit up as though it was a typical workday. I get it. People that work there don’t pay the hydro bills taxpayers do - and for their disregard not only for the environment, but also for the wallets of the people of Durham, I won’t be talking to any staff member at the Region who left their lights on before leaving for the holidays. But, all the lights left on still can’t compare to the misdeeds of Ontario Premier Kathleen McWynnty sorry, Wynne - from the more and more astronomical costs of gas plant cancellations, to gas tax hikes, to her blantant disregard for traffic laws in that ad where she was running - presumably away from any responsiblity for anything - the Premier won’t be hearing from me

to work, our white paper on cities lays out substantive policy proposals to target at risk youth. Specifically we’re proposing to partner provincially funded construction projects in our cities with local high schools in order to expose more youth to good careers in skilled trades. Our white paper on Building Great Cities also outlines policy measures to break traffic gridlock by uploading and expanding major highways, making housing more affordable, and caring for our most vulnerable. Your comments on provincial issues are always welcome. I can be reached at 1-800-661-2433 or (905) 697-1501 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org. Time to end Drive Clean Too little and too late are the words that come to mind in describing the provincial government’s announcement on a reduction in the fees for Drive Clean testing. As of April of 2014, the fees for the test will be reduced from $35 to $30. Ontario’s Auditor General pointed out that the Drive Clean fees were being taken illegally from the pockets of taxpayers because the program is not supposed to generate profits for the government. In fact, the provincial government made about $19 million from the program. Clearly, the government is only trying to save face by giving some of that money back. What the vast majority of Ontario drivers want is the elimination of Drive Clean altogether. Drive Clean was set up as a temporary program with the very specific purpose of reducing vehicle emissions that contribute to smog until advances in fuel efficiency and standards caught up. Ontarians know that advances in technology and improved fuel standards have rendered the program redundant. It’s time for Drive Clean to be scrapped.

Up All Knight

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard @darrylknight83

at all in 2014. If I weren’t so frightened of him, I would have Dog the Bounty Hunter go after Wynne for her repeated thefts from Ontario taxpayers. But, seriously have you seen Dog lately? With his purple skin and bright yellow hair, he looks like the lovechild of Grimace and a troll doll. Sorry brah, I’m too scared to talk to you this year. Lastly, I won’t be talking to people who make a point of telling me they don’t read the paper (or any local paper for that matter). Recently, at an Uxbridge Minor Hockey amalgamation meeting, a parent stood up and complained about being uninformed about the proceedings. However, she added (almost with pride) that she doesn’t read any local papers. So, if you are following along, she was upset that she doesn’t know what’s going on in the community, but takes no steps to inform herself. If you insist on making a fool of yourself like this publicly, don’t expect me to talk to you in 2014. For everybody else, have a happy New Year, and I’m looking forward to chatting with you this year.

10 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

Scugog crossing guard blowing the whistle on road dangers

Local crossing guard Maurice Midgley is pictured here crossing students of RH Cornish Public School on a recent afternoon. The crossing guard, along with Durham police, have noted safety issues at the crossing on Hwy. 7A. BLAKE WOLFE The Standard

SCUGOG: Twice every weekday from September to June, Port Perry resident Maurice Mid-

gley braves every form of weather, greets local residents of all ages with a smile and, more often than not, notes another close call with traffic on

NORTH DURHAM Wednesdays from January 8 until April 16 Community Soup Lunch in Uxbridge, from 12 - 1:30pm at the Presbyterian Church on Toronto St. S. Donate as you are able to support The Loaves and Fishes Foodbank, and North House. The lunches are provided by North House, local churches, and community groups. Sunday, January 12 Cannington Historical Society General Meeting, 2 p.m., at the Canadian Legion Hall, Peace Street, Cannington. Program: Glenn McKnight, Executive Producer, “Oshawa War of 1812 Project,” will speak on Canadian Heritage Moments- How an Idea Goes From Concept to Production. Of particular interest to students with an interest in media arts and video production. More information at 705-432-3136. Wednesday, January 15 Brain Injury Association of Durham Region Support Group Meeting - ‘Income Support,’ presented by Jeff Chartier and Elizabeth Persaud. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 850 King St. W (unit 24), Oshawa. Call 905-723-2732 or 1-866-354-4464 to arrange transportation. Thursday, January 16 The Uxbridge Geneology Group will meet at 7 p.m., in the Lower Hall of Uxbridge Public Library. Guest speaker will be local author and noted historian Allan McGillivray. His topic will be “ Famous Characters/ Families of Uxbridge Past.” All welcome. Admission is $2 and includes 50/50 draw. Every Wednesday and Thursday * Play Group Drop-in at Blackstock Co-op Nursery School, Blackstock Rec Centre, 9:30 am - 11:15 am., snack, drink and craft provided, $4 non-members, $3 members, 50¢ each additional child, 905-986-4585. Every Monday * Euchre, 8 p.m., Tyrone Orange Hall, year round, info: 905263-2592. * Latcham Centre, Senior’s Shuffleboard Club, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., drop in all seniors welcome. * Just For Today Al-Anon Family Group meet Port Perry

a busy roadway. Crossing students from nearby schools R.H. Cornish PS and Immaculate Conception CS, Mr. Midgley has worked as

a crossing guard in Port Perry for four years, starting at the Hwy. 7A crossing between Old Simcoe Rd. and Ash St. last September after crossing students at Simcoe St. and Reach St. And with the return to classes after the Christmas break, the local school crossing guard, along with the Durham Region Police Service, is reaching out to motorists in the community to be more aware of school crossings, after noting numerous instances of cars stopping too late or in some cases, traveling through the red light at his crossing. Cst. Sue Kelly, traffic coordinator for the DRPS’ 15 Division, said that the safety issues were brought to her attention by Mr. Midgley several weeks ago. Attending the crossing on multiple occasions, she said that she has seen many of the same problems Mr. Midgley describes almost every day. “We’ve got cars flying right through the intersection,” said Cst. Kelly,

United Church basement, 8 p.m., info 905-728-1020. * Uxbridge Legion Pipes and Drums welcomes new members and offers free lessons for both, Uxbridge Legion, 109 Franklin St., Uxbridge 8 p.m. info: Alex 905-649-1620. * 1st Port Perry Sparks, Prince Albert Hall, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., 905-985-1422. * 4th Port Perry Brownies, Scugog Island Hall, girls 7 and 8-year-olds, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., 905-985-4240. * 3rd Port Perry Guides, Port Perry United Church, 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m., 905-985-6174. * Pineridge Chorus of Sweet Adelines rehearsal, 7:15 p.m., Uxbridge Music Hall, 905-852-6327 Every Tuesday * Victory Christian Centre (Revolution) youth group, ages 12 and up,7:30 p.m., info: 905-985-1346. * Teen Zumba, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m., Uxpool, ages - 13 - 18, 905-8527831, camps@town.uxbridge.on.ca * Mish Mash Dance Class, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m., ages 9 - 12, 905-8527831 camps@town.uxbridge.on.ca * Bridge and, regular and bid, 1 p.m., Latcham Centre, Port Perry Seniors. * Sunderland Legion, Bingo, 7 p.m. * TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Port Perry United Church, 6-8 p.m., info 905-985-9454. * Euchre, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Blackstock, year round, sponsored by the Cartwright Seniors. * Men’s Promise Keepers, 7 a.m., Emmanuel Community Church, Reach St., Port Perry (across from arena). * The Port Perry Artists’ Association meets upstairs at Vos’ 7 p.m. * Durham Hospice Bereavement Support Group, 7-9 p.m., 14 Brock St. E., Uxbridge, free, all welcome, call Athanas 905-8524461 to register. * Port Perry Senior’s Gentle Exercise, 10:30 a.m., Latcham Centre, 905-985-4086. * Brock Township Public Library, Beaverton Branch, Fall Storytime, 10:30 a.m., three to six-year-olds. * North Durham Community Bible Study (interdenominational) meeting, 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m., Baptist church, 231 Brock St., W. Every Wednesday * #41 Port Perry Army Cadets training night, 6:30 - 9 p.m., Port Perry High School, info: www.41portperryrcacc.com * Port Perry Senior’s Chorus, 12:30 p.m., Latcham Centre, Gord Emmerson 905-982-8745.

as a vehicle stopped in the middle of the intersection backed up behind the line. “If I wasn’t here, he probably would have just gone right through.” While the need for driver awareness and student safety is an issue for all school crossings, Cst. Kelly noted that this particular crossing is notable for its location on a major roadway and proximity to two elementary schools, making it among the busiest in the community. According to Mr. Midgley, between 150 and 200 children use the crossing during both his morning and afternoon shifts. In addition to foot traffic, several buses from the nearby schools, including nearly a dozen from RH Cornish alone, must travel through the area at the same time each day. The safety issues at the crossing aren’t entirely due to drivers themselves, however. Cst. Kelly noted that in addition to the roadway being one of the major - and therefore busiest - routes through Scugog, there are issues

with traffic signal timing that often see cars getting a green light while Mr. Midgley is crossing students. Mr. Midgley also noted that the crossing, which is marked on the road but does not currently have a sign, is located directly underneath the traffic signals, which makes it next to impossible to quickly glance up and see the colour of the light. While Cst. Kelly said that the DRPS is investigating the possibility of having lit signage installed near the crossing, such requests must wind their way “through the proper channels” (in this case, the provincial Ministry of Transportation) before approval, hence the need for increased driver awareness in the meantime. “Maurice does a wonderful job,” said Cst. Kelly, “but when you’ve got so many kids crossing the street and cars coming from every direction, it can be dangerous.” “I don’t babysit the kids,” said Mr. Midgley. “I babysit the drivers.”

* North House and Community Churches Soup Lunch, until March, 12 - 1:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s-Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Uxbridge. * Divorce Care Support Group, 7 p.m. starting Oct. 12 for 6 weeks, Emmanuel Community Church, 905-985-4441. * Beginning Oct. 12, six week journey into The Gospel of John, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Emmanuel Community Church 1680 Reach St. 905-985-4441. * Handicapable Ministry’, Trinity United Church, 20 First Ave., Uxbridge 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. All special needs women and men are welcome, info 905-852-6213. * North Durham Concert Band meets 7 p.m., R.H.Cornish School, new members welcome. * West Shore Village progressive and refreshments, 905-9858660. * Port Perry Senior’s Watercolours, 11:30 a.m., Latcham Centre, (must purchase own supplies), 905-473-5405. * Port Perry Senior’s Crafts and Wood-carving, 9 a.m., Latcham Centre, Gord Emmerson 905-982-8745. * Join IODE Women Who Make A Difference IODE, Susie Sorabji Chapter will meet in the evening during the fall, women of all ages are invited to attend and learn about volunteer work with IODE. * Brownies, Nestleton Community Centre 6:15 - 7:30 p.m., call Debra 905-986-1803. * AA Meeting, 8 p.m. Port Perry Goodtide Group, (speaker meeting, family, friends welcome) Port Perry United Church (basement) 294 Queen St., 905-728-1020. * Scugog Duplicate Bridge Club games 1 p.m. afternoon, Prince Albert Community Centre, info: Leslie 905-982-1084. * Brock Township Public Library, Cannington Branch, Fall Storytime 11 a.m., three to six-year-olds. * Brock Township Public Library, Sunderland Branch, Fall Storytime 2:15 p.m., three to six-year-olds. * Scugog Shuffleboard Club, Blackstock arena, 9:45 a.m. to noon and 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m., info: 905-986-5530.

Items for Happenings? Let us know. bwolfe@thestandardnewspaper.ca North Durham Happenings is a community service of The Standard reserved for Charitable and Non-Profit events. We endeavour to run all eligible items in the order which they are received.

The voice of North Durham

Thursday, January 9, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 11

Walk Softly Geoff carpentier

The secret lives of pine cones Many species of coniferous trees produce cones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pines (of course), firs, hemlocks, spruce, cedars and larches to name a few. Alders, which are not coniferous trees at all, produce fruiting bodies that mimic the cones of coniferous trees in appearance and function and like many conifers, these are carried on the tree throughout the winter. Essentially, a cone is a woody stem upon which the male and female reproductive organs of the tree are located. These organs are arranged spirally around this stem to form the cone shaped cluster. Each species of tree carries two types of cones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one male and one female â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each different structurally. Female cones usually develop singly and form terminally or laterally on the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new growth, while male cones develop in clusters at the base of the new spring growth and are generally inconspicuous. Both male and female cones take 2-3 years to form. Female cones tend to persist throughout the season and sometimes beyond, while male cones usually disintegrate soon after releasing their pollen. The female cone is essentially an armoured seed protector, but many forms of wildlife have learned how to harvest the shielded seeds for food. Red Squirrels are masters at collecting unripened cones. Often, particularly in North Durham, one can see and hear them snipping the cones off the trees with their sharp teeth and then racing down the tree to collect them for storage in a winter hiding place, called a midden. Often these piles can be found in odd places and can contain hundreds of cones. Left alone, many trees sprout from unattended cone stashes and this is an important dispersal seed method for trees. Many birds explore the nooks and crannies of the cones as they try to either pry the seeds loose or find minute insects hiding amongst the scales. One group of birds, the crossbills, have evolved such that they have curved bills that overlap and are designed specifically to twist the seeds out of the protective scales on the cones. Since crossbills are totally reliant on finding cones for survival, and since many trees do not produce cones every year, these finches have also taken to a nomadic lifestyle, where they wander the continent, literally, searching for good cone crops. Once they find them, they stay and feed, sometimes for months, nesting wherever they find food. This nesting behaviour is also unique as most birds have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;home rangeâ&#x20AC;? where they will nest and then they look for food to feed themselves and their young, but the crossbills (and many other finches that feed on cones) simply keep moving until they find food and then stop to nest. How these birds find these important stands of cone-bearing trees and how they communicate this information to others of their species in the vastness of Canada is a mystery that likely will never be solved! Oh yeah, when dry, cones can make great fire starters for your campfire, but be cautious indoors as they often have a lot of sap in them that can gum up your chimney. So as you enjoy this winter season, take a look at the trees around you and maybe you will see a crossbill prying seeds off a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pineâ&#x20AC;? cone! Geoff Carpentier is a published author, expedition guide and environmental consultant. Visit Geoff on-line at www.avocetnatureservices.com and on Facebook.

CADETSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; AND COUNCIL HONOUR THE PAST: Local members of Port Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #41 Army Cadets Corps recently presented Mayor Chuck Mercier and Council with a framed display of historical documents BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard and badges commemorating the local 41st Cadetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 115th anniversary.

Public Notice 2014 Municipal Election Nominations and Candidate Campaigns The Municipal Elections Act, 1996, as amended, provides that every person who proposes to be a candidate for the Office of Regional Chair in the 2014 Municipal Election to be held on Monday, October 27, 2014 shall file a Nomination Paper with the Regional Clerk. The Municipal Elections Act further provides that a candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s election campaign period for the Office of Regional Chair begins on the day he/she files a nomination for the office. No contributions shall be made to or accepted by or on behalf of the candidate and no expenses may be incurred by or on behalf of a candidate prior to filing the prescribed Nomination Paper with the Regional Clerk. Money, goods and services given to and accepted by or on behalf of a person for his/her election campaign are contributions. Take notice that nominations will be received by the Regional Clerk for the municipal election to be held on October 27, 2014 for the Office of Regional Chair. Nominations for the Office of Regional Chair of the Regional Municipality of Durham must be filed in the Office of the Regional Clerk, 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, ON L1N 6A3. Nomination Procedure: 1.

The prescribed Nomination Paper may be obtained and filed in the Office of the Regional Clerk:

Ă&#x160;

UĂ&#x160;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;`>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;vĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x2022;>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă¤ÂŁ{Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;-iÂŤĂ&#x152;iÂ&#x201C;LiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;ÂŁÂŁ]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă¤ÂŁ{Ă&#x160;Ă&#x153;Â&#x2026;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;,i}Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;>Â?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160; Clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office is open (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) UĂ&#x160;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Â?>Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x17E;]Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;`>Ă&#x17E;]Ă&#x160;-iÂŤĂ&#x152;iÂ&#x201C;LiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;ÂŁĂ&#x201C;]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă¤ÂŁ{Ă&#x160;`Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ă&#x160; 2. Ă&#x160; 3.

The Nomination Paper shall be accompanied by a filing fee in the amount of $200.00 in cash, certified cheque or money order, payable to The Regional Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x2C6;ÂŤ>Â?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2026;>Â&#x201C;]Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;LĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x160; iLÂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;]Ă&#x160;6Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;>Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;V>Ă&#x20AC;`Â°Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160; The onus is on the candidate for election to an office to file a bona fide Nomination Paper.

For further information, please contact:

iLĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;iÂ&#x2DC; ,i}Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;>Â?Ă&#x160; Â?iĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2030;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160; i}Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Â?>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;ViĂ&#x192; clerks@durham.ca ,i}Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;>Â?Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x2C6;ÂŤ>Â?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2026;>Â&#x201C; Ă&#x2C6;Ă¤xĂ&#x160;,Â&#x153;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â?>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;,Â&#x153;>`Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;]Ă&#x160;*"Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D; Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3 Phone Number: 905-668-7711, extension, 2100 Dated this 9th day of December, 2013. If you require this information in an accessible format please contact the Regional

Â?iĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2030;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160; i}Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Â?>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;ViĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;>Ă&#x160;iÂ&#x201C;>Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;VÂ?iĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;Ă&#x192;J`Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2026;>Â&#x201C;Â°V>Ă&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;LĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;iÂ?iphone at 905-668-7711, extension 2100.

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The voice of North Durham

THE STANDARD ON WHEELS

Start your engines for the Canadian Motorsports Expo J. WALLY NESBITT Special to The Standard

There is finally a glimmer of light at the end of the racing off-season tunnel, as in less than a month the Canadian racing season will unofficially begin with the Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. ‘Canada’s Ultimate Racing Show’ runs February 7 - 9, and for this eighth annual edition, the CME will move to the 100,000 square-foot Hall 5 at Toronto’s International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport. The Canadian Motorsports Expo is loosely defined as a racing Trade

Show, with vendors, car builders and suppliers catering to competitors and their crews. But the CME is even more geared towards the racing fan with attractions of interest aimed at spectators from virtually every imaginable motorsport discipline. Headlining the 2014 CME guest list is new Childress Racing recruit Ryan Newman, who will be onstage Saturday, February 8. One day later, another former Childress racer Mike ‘the Gun Slinger’ Skinner, will be answering questions and signing autographs for the NASCAR faithful. While these Sprint Cup stars are the featured visi-

tors, the Canadian NASCAR family will also be well represented by 2013 Canadian Tire Series champion Scott Steckly and a gaggle of his NCATS cohorts. At the opposite end of the stock car racing spectrum will be the ‘Yesterday’s Speedways’ display, featuring oval track mounts such as Don Beiderman’s Oxford 250 race winning Nova and Ted Hogan’s #7 Modified, all from the glory days of short track competition. And somewhere in between is the Saturday evening presentation of the First Annual Short Track Night of Champions, recognizing

the achievements of oval track drivers from across the province. Also making an inaugural CME appearance will be a Hot Rod and Kustom Kar exhibit, joining automotive displays ranging from Targa Newfoundland to the Drag Racing Corral and on to the CASC-Ontario Regional road racing scene. Work is on-going to further fill the 2014 Canadian Motorsports Expo calendar. Fans can keep abreast of news and developments, and download discount admission coupons, on the CME website, at http:// www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

Avoid the crash course while driving this winter

No matter where you intend to drive this winter, take your time getting there and be prepared for an unplanned roadside stop, says Western Canada’s largest network of insurance brokers. From coast to coast, winter brings an increase in accident claims, adds Denise Lang, regional vice president at Western Financial Group, a company providing car, property, and life insurance to more than 790,000 customers. Whether it’s driving in heavy rain during the darker days, a trip up to the cold climates of a local ski hill, or getting to work on a snow day, the winter season spells trouble for motorists. “The number of accidents goes up in the winter, especially after the first snowfall which typically accounts for the highest number of collisions,” Lang continued. “After a few months of summer road trips, people forget to take the necessary precautions for winter driving. Planning ahead and taking the time to make sure you know what to do in winter conditions is paramount for your safety, which is

also our number one concern.” On average, customer claims can go up more than a third during the winter months compared to the rest of the year, according to industry data. However, there are some simple steps to avoid a winter collision during subpar driving conditions, says Lang. Some of her top tips include: increase your following distance; focus your attention as far ahead as possible to anticipate lane changes, turns and curves; avoid passing other vehicles; slow down and allow extra time to get to your destination. With a career in claims spanning more than two decades, one of the main things Lang has learned is that motorists are completely unprepared for being stranded roadside – a situation made worse in winter. Drivers should dress for the elements and have a winter emergency kit, she points out. “People have a garage-togarage mentality in terms of going from their house to their destination. The normal story I hear is people just throwing on a pair of shoes and a light jacket before getting in

their car,” Lang continued. “Even in the city if you get in an accident or have car problems, a two-walk block or multiple-hour wait for assistance could jeopardize your personal health and safety.” Among Lang’s list of must-haves in your car are: fully charged cell phone, flashlight, first-aid kit, blanket, shovel and sand, emergency food pack, booster cables, warning light or road flares, and extra windshield fluid. And if the unforeseen should happen, Lang stresses that motorists should safeguard themselves if they get out of their car. “I strongly encourage everyone if their car is driveable, to pull off to a safe place and to use caution when they get out for assessing the damage. By lingering in moving traffic, you risk causing another accident or being seriously hurt by a passing vehicle,” she warns. More tips on safe winter driving and car insurance can be found at www.westernfinancialgroup.ca. Courtesy of News Canada

Thursday, January 9, 2014 • 13

DRPS releases final 2013 RIDE statistics The Durham Regional Police Service has completed the final week of the Festive R.I.D.E. campaign and an additional five people were charged on New Year’s Eve. The total number of motorists charged in 2013 was 107, which is down from 132 in 2012. The extreme weather conditions, including ice, snow and high winds, hampered the efforts of the R.I.D.E. team. In 2012, 13,545 drivers in total were stopped; whereas, this year, only 7,062 were stopped. The final results for the 2013 Festive R.I.D.E. are (2012 totals in brackets): 7062 – (13,545) Vehicles were stopped by R.I.D.E. 566 – (425) People were given Roadside Breath Tests 107 – (132) People were charged with Drinking and Driving Offences 144 – (177) Criminal Code Charges were laid against the 107 people charged 90 – (102) People received “3 Day Suspensions” for registering a “WARN” 1 5 – ( 6 ) Nov i c e Drivers with a BAC ove r z e r o r e c e i ve d a 24hr Licence Suspension 42 – (40) G1 G2 / Young Driver License Holder Breaches of No Alcohol Condition 19 – (9) Additional

Criminal Charges

Code laid

172 – (264) Charges of various Highway Traffic Act offences A complete list of those charged with Impaired/ Exceed/Refuse will be posted on the DRPS web site this week, at www.drps. ca under What’s New. Note: Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, anyone charged with a drinking and driving criminal offence will have his or her driver’s licence suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days, even if they are not the registered owner of the motor vehicle. Durham Regional Police would like to advise all motorists that drinking and driving will not be tolerated on our streets and to please choose an option such as public transit, taxi, or designated driver. The R.I.D.E. program continues throughout the year, so please don’t drink and drive.

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14 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

ROTARY AWARENESS MONTH “Service above Self ” Although each member joins Rotary for their own particular reason, the common goal is to give back and make our community, country and world a better place in which to live. Since 1979, Rotary International has championed the campaign against polio by inoculating 22 billion children world-wide. The “End Polio Now” initiative has reduced the number of reported cases from 350,000 to 35 annually. The struggle continues on a daily basis when new cases are reported and as the preventative program is carried out. A look at the Rotary club of Port Perry: Projects (locally): As a club, a number of significant local projects have been supported. Some of the larger contributions have been to the public library renovations, Lakeridge Health (Port Perry) endoscopy suite, the boardwalk thru rotary environment park and program funding at Durham College and UOIT. Bursaries are awarded each year to the Port Perry High School, Cartwright High School and the Kent Farndale Gallery. A new bursury was established this year for Scugog students attending UOIT. A similar bursary is planned for Scugog students attending Durham College. Support was given toward the completion of the mosaic artwork and renovations to reflection park. Camp Scugog is a facility on the shore

of Lake Scugog where under privileged children and single mothers can attend for a period of time, to experience country life to that of the city. The camp requires updating and constant maintenance. Port Perry, as a sweat equity project, has taken on the task to help renovate the out cabins at a rate of one to two a year in support of the Rotary club of Toronto. The literacy program is two fold. Upward of 200 dictionaries are distributed to the Grade 4 students in Scugog as their own personal reference book. The second part is in partnership with the Durham District School Board, Mississauga First Nation of Scugog Island, RCMP and the OPP to participation in a program to provide books and information to reserves in northern Ontario. These books are written by native authors and reflect the beliefs and culture of the first nation people. These books are delivered by the RCMP and the OPP forces. DDSB students meet at the Mississauga First Nation community centre to interact with first nation elders, Skype with students from northern Ontario reserves and learn of First Nation traditions and culture. “Partners in service” is a program that receives requests for financial aide to support someone in need. Generally, this person resides in the Durham area and the request is usually to purchase equipment to help the individual lead as nor-

Dr. Cottrell, Dr. Hardy, Dr. Isenberg, Dr. Banfield and the staff of

Port Perry Dental Centre 238 Queen Street, Downtown Port Perry 905-985-8451

mal a life as possible. As a Rotary club, we consider all requests on an individual basis and decide if our budget allows us to support a particular project. Seniors Christmas dinner: This is the jewel of all the projects the club supports. Proceeds from the golf tournament fund this annual event. Upward of 250 seniors, along with servers from local groups and businesses, enjoy a full Christmas homestyle dinner including a visit from Santa, pre-dinner music by the Port Perry High School, with after dinner entertainment by a local music group. Projects (national): Monetary support was sent to Slave Lake, Alberta, after a devastating fire in 2011 which left one third of their town destroyed. Monies were also sent to Lac Megantic to help with the disaster relief. Projects (international): On an annual basis, the end polio now campaign is supported by the club and the by club members. Shelter box: A program that provides temporary shelter for 10 people in a disaster area. Each shelter box contains a tent, cook stove and utensils, children’s activity supplies, drop cloth, rope, basic tools, blankets, ponchos, water container and purification tablets. Port Perry has participated in this program for the earthquake in Haiti, floods in Pakistan and more recently the devastating ty-

Proud to support

phoon that hit the Philippin Rift Valley (Kenya): In with a number of other Ca ry clubs, Port Perry is invo Rift Valley water and sanit The purpose is to construct tre concrete tanks. To date have been built to collect a runoff rainwater. Now 2 have relatively clean water waterborne diseases and an for improved hygiene. This financial commitment. Cornerstone orphanage cated in the southern part orphanage is run under th organization dksha. Port with three other clubs in ou supported the drilling of t holes, a retaining/security w ter filtration system. - Courtesy of Terry Coyn

The voice of North Durham

nes. n cooperation anadian Rotaolved with the tation project. t 10 cubic mee, 3,000 tanks and store roof 28,000 people with reduced n opportunity s is a five year

e (India): Loof India, this he social help t Perry, along ur district, has two well borewall and a wa-

Thursday, January October9,3,2014 2013 •• 15 15

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE

PORT PERRY ROTARY CLUB SOUTHGATE

Dr. Miroslava Smochko D.D.S

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Thank you to Rotarians, who for a century in Canada, have put Service Above Self

“Great things happen when good people come together” -Paul Harris, Rotary Founder

Erin O’Toole, MP Rotarian (Courtice)

To see Erin’s statement on Rotary in the House of Commons, please visit: http://erinotoolemp.ca/videos/

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16 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

THE LARGEST LOCAL SPORTS COVERAGE IN DURHAM REGION

Bruins claw their way to win over Merchants DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

After falling to the Clarington Eagles by a score of 9-2 at home on Friday, Jan. 3, the Uxbridge Bruins got back into the win column with a 4-3 victory over the Merchants in Little Britain on Saturday, Jan. 4. Justin Dube and Matt Pollard netted Uxbridge’s goals on Friday night as Clarington soared to a 9-2 victory. However, the team got great contributions from several local products the next night as they rebounded with a 4-3 win in Little Britain. Less than two minutes into the action, Uxbridge native Liam Blais converted a pass from Carter Vahey into a powerplay goal to give Uxbridge and early 1-0 lead. The Merchants would even the score almost five minutes later on a powerplay goal from Nate Hughes, but Zephyr’s ‘Dynamite’ Dylan Locke would respond four minutes later with his fifth goal of the season to restore Uxbridge’s lead. Less than two minutes later, Blais’ second powerplay goal of the evening gave the Bruins a 3-1 lead at the end of the first period. COJHL leading scorer Kurtis Moore brought the Merchants to within one goal when he notched a powerplay goal with just under eight minutes to play in the second period. But, a trio of Uxbridge SS students would restore a two-goal lead for the Bruins just over four minutes later when Jason Simmonds and Paul Henderson assisted on Keegan McCarthy’s third goal of the campaign. A goal from Terry Snoddon late in the third period rounded out the scoring as Uxbridge prevailed by a final score of 4-3 and moved five points ahead of the fourth place Port Perry MoJacks in the COJHL standings. Uxbridge Minor Hockey grad Cody Northover was sensational in net, turning aside 20 shots to pick up his eighth win of the 2013-14 season. Loose Pucks: - The Bruins have added a new player to the den. In late December, the team signed forward Conner Miller, a Stouffville native who netted two goals and two assists in 25 games with the Junior ‘A’ Stouffville Spirit prior to joining the Bruins. “I’ve known Conner from his days playing ‘AAA’ with the Markham Waxers, and he’s a spark plug that doesn’t stop moving his feet, and brings some real energy to our lineup,” Bruins Head Coach Geoff Hodgkinson told The Standard. - This weekend, the Bruins will host the Port Perry MoJacks in the final regular season ‘Battle of North Durham’ in Uxbridge for this season on Friday, Jan. 10 at 7:45 p.m. On Sunday, Jan. 12, the Bruins will hit the road looking for revenge against the Clarington Eagles when the teams square off in Bowmanville at 6:50 p.m.

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Uxbridge Bruins goalie Cody Northover stops Clarington’s Brad Down, while Jeremy Toupin ties up his man in front of the net during the third period of Uxbridge’s home loss to the Eagles on Friday, Jan. 3. The Bruins would rebound on Saturday, Jan. 4, skating to a 4-3 in Little Britain. This weekend, the Port Perry MoJacks make their final appearance of the season in Uxbridge for a 7:45 p.m. ‘Battle of North Durham’ on Friday, Jan. 10. DYNAMIC DESIGNS Special to The Standard

MoJacks melt the Ice in weekend tilt DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

A three-point weekend for the Port Perry MoJacks kept the team in line for the COJHL’s fourth and final playoff spot. After downing Georgina by a score of 5-1 in Friday, Jan. 3, the MoJacks fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Little Britain Merchants at Scugog Arena on Sunday, Jan. 5. However, Head Coach Jon Campbell was left looking for more when he spoke with The Standard. “I look at it, not that we got three points, but that we gave up two. We can’t give up points to teams behind us in the standings.” The MoJacks sit fourth in the six-team COJHL, with 26 points, two ahead of Little Britain for the

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the scoring for Port Perry as they cruised to a 5-1 victory with Drew Siydock turning aside 25 shots from the ice between the pipes for the MoJacks. The team returned to Scugog Arena on Sunday, Jan. 5 for a hotly contested match-up with the surging Little Britain Merchants. A powerplay goal from Terry Snoddon just over seven minutes into the action gave the Merchants an early lead. However, almost four minutes later, Eric MacDonald fired a shot from the point that found the back of the net to tie the game. Brodie Myers and Piorkowski assisted on the powerplay goal. T U R N TO PAG E 1 8

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league’s final playoff spot. Facing off against the COJHL cellar-dwelling Georgina Ice on Friday night, Conner Shingler gave the MoJacks a 1-0 lead just 28 seconds into the game, assisted by Logan Evans. Midway through the period, Ryan Bernardes would put the MoJacks ahead by a score of 2-0, with assists credited to Eric MacDonald and Ryan Nichols. Before a goal from former MoJack Brandon Basler cut Port Perry’s lead to 2-1 after 20 minutes of play. Evans restored the MoJacks’ twogoal lead near the mid-point of the second period, with Shingler and Cody Gibson chipping in assists. A pair of third period goals from Konrad Piorkowski rounded out

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The voice of North Durham

NORTH DURHAM SPORTS

Thursday, January 9, 2014 • 17

Thompson family books their ticket to Senior Regionals ROB STEELE Special to The Standard

Port Perry’s Rob Thompson skipped his team of Willie Beaton, Peter Duivesteyn, and Bob Byers to a B-Side win at the OCA Senior Men zones competition this weekend at the Sutton Curling Club. In the six team event, Thompson beat John Bell from Unionville in their first game to put them against Port Perry’s Don Beaton, who had a first round bye. The game was tied through eight ends, but Thompson took a four in the ninth end to seal the victory. Thompson would lose the A-Final to Jim Theodorf from Oshawa but would get a second chance to qualify in the B-Final against John Bell again, who beat Don Beaton in the B-Semis. Team Thompson would do it again handing Bell his second loss and booking their spot at Senior Regionals in Uxbridge the weekend of January 18. Rob Thompson won’t be the only Thompson family member at Regionals, as he will be joined by wife Debbie who qualified through Senior Women’s play. Debbie plays for Mary Chilvers’ Oshawa based team which also has Port Perry’s Kelly Evans on the team. The team is looking to build on their strong showing at Provincials last season. Another Port Perry resident is of to Senior Women’s Regionals. Carol Jack-

son who plays vice for Guelph’s Suzanne Frick won A-Side at their zone playdown held at the K-W Granite. Uxbridge’s Jim Bell earns spot at Provincials Uxbridge’s Jim Bell earned his spot at the Provincials of the Fairfield Marriott Challenge this weekend at the West Northumberland Curling Club in Cobourg. His team of Bruce Jefferson at vice, Rob Ruskin at second, and Peter Holland at lead, beat Jeff Clark from WNCC in the B-Side final to book their spot at Provincials at the Trenton and Brighton Curling Clubs starting Friday, January 17. Port Perry’s Glenn Evans team of Terry Golphin, Shawn Parish and Brian Murphy won their first game, but unfortunately lost their next two, knocking them out of the competition on Sunday morning. Jim Bell will be busy this month as he also skipped his Unionville mens team to an A-side win at the Intermediates zones before Christmas at the the Uxbridge Curling Club. The Regionals will be held in Lindsay on January 25. Team Murphy Wins Holiday Fun Spiel The Port Perry Club was host to a family Holiday Fun Spiel on December 28. Brian Murphy team were the overall winners with 32 3/4 points. Henk Klei and his team came second with 31 1/4 points and third place was Chuck Oliver

SHEET MUSIC: There was a full slate of curling at the Uxbridge Curling Club on Saturday, Jan. 4 as teams from across the province gathered for a special bonspiel at the club. BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard with 30 1/4. Charlene Shepherd was delighted with the 50/50 cash pool of $95. Congratulations to all the winners. Cannington’s Beddows off to Men’s Provincials Congratulations to Shannon Beddows, John Bolton, Terry Jenkins and Dave Farr. They are off to the Mens Provincial Tankard to be held in Smiths

Falls later this month. In a regional that included favourites John Epping and Mark Kean, the Beddows squad came to play and surprised the field earning one of the two provincial spots. up for grabs at the Lakefield Curling Club. Team Beddows’ season started in September as members of the Port Perry fall competitive league.

A Proposal for bringing kid’s hockey together in Uxbridge If you have a child playing in the UYHA, NDGHA, or the UMHA Come and hear the real facts ~ Decide for yourself!!

VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS: It was a ‘Battle of North Durham’ recently as SA Cawker PS (above) won the DEAA Junior Girls volleyball championship over Quaker Village PS. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

A joint Amalgamation Committee with members from each association will be holding another information meeting followed by a vote.

Sunday, January 12th Uxbridge Community Centre Information session: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Special meeting and Amalgamation vote: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm PLEASE CHECK YOUR INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATION’S WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS

UMHA (REP) : http://uxbridgeminorhockey.ca/ UYHA (HOUSE LEAGUE) : http://www.uyha.ca/ NDGHA (GIRLS) : http://northdurhamblades.ca/

18 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

NORTH DURHAM SPORTS

The Standard

Midget Predators shut out Stars in ‘Battle of North Durham’ DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

Matt Winnitoy ties up Jon Neill in front of Uxbridge Midget Stars goalie Jake Wilson, while Predators forward Chris Polito awaits an opportunity to strike during Port Perry’s 3-0 win in Lakeshore League action at Uxbridge Arena on Saturday, Jan. 4. DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

The Port Perry Midget Predators travelled across Lakeridge Rd. to square off against the Ron Noble Insurance Uxbridge Stars Midgets in the final meeting of the 2013-14 season between the North Durham rivals on Saturday, Jan. 4, with Port Perry skating to a 3-0 win. Chris Polito opened the scoring with just over five minutes remaining in the opening period, when he picked off a pass and raced into the offensive zone, eventually netting a shorthanded goal on a well-placed backhand shot. Less than two minutes later, with the Predators enjoying a two-man advantage, Jon Neill’s point shot snuck through traffic to give Port Perry 2-0 at the end of the first period, with Jesse Menzies and Liam Schweda picking up assists on the play. Both sides battled penalty problems in the second period, but Uxbridge goalie Jake Wilson and his Predators counterpart Jason Pilakowski rose to the occasion, making several acrobatic saves throughout the middle frame. Just seconds into the third period, Schweda won the opening face-off back to defenceman Josh Turner who chipped the puck ahead to a charging Neill, who powered into the offensive zone with a full head of steam, and split the defence before netting his second of the night to round out the scoring.

MoJacks hang on to COJHL’s final playoff spot despite loss F RO M PAG E 1 6

With just under five minutes to play in the first period, Kurtis Moore blasted a one-timer past Siydock to give Little Britain a 2-1 lead. The MoJacks swarmed the Merchants early in the second period in search of the equalizer, and with just over six minutes to play in the middle frame, Nichols was rewarded for his efforts when he slammed in a rebound during a scramble in front of Merchants goalie Garrett Haden to knot the game 2-2. However, the lead was short-lived as, just two minutes later, Nate Hughes raced past a pair of MoJack defend-

ers to a loose puck and after his initial shot was denied, gathered his own rebound and pounded the puck past Siydock to restore the Merchants’ one-goal lead. The MoJacks refused to go away quietly, and consistently pressured the Merchants throughout the early stages of the third period. With just under nine minutes played in the third, Myers fought through heavy traffic in front of the net to slip in a rebound and tie the game 3-3, with Kyle Powell and Bernardes assisting on the powerplay marker. Powell nearly gave the MoJacks the lead less than two minutes later, but Haden made a spectacular pad save on the breakaway to keep the game knotted.

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The tide would turn late in the game, with the Merchants launching a frenzied attack, but the stellar play of Siydock combined with great penalty killing efforts from Shingler, Gibson, Piorkowski and Owen Bateman kept the Merchants off the scoreboard, and after sixty minutes of play, the game headed to overtime. Despite great scoring chances for both sides in the extra frame, overtime solved nothing and the game would head to a shootout to determine a victor. Powell’s goal was the lone score for Port Perry in the shootout, as Moore and Riley Jenkins lit the lamp for Little Britain as they prevailed by a final score of 4-3. Following the game, Merchants Head Coach Rob Louttit noted that every game down the stretch will have huge implications with the Merchants, MoJacks and Uxbridge Bruins all jockeying for the final two playoff spots. “Every game is big now, and we are hanging in there, and hopefully we can keep the pressure on those teams ahead of us in the standings,” Louttit told The Standard. Louttit would also praise the discipline of the MoJacks, and credited their composed play as part of what makes Port Perry a difficult opponent. “To win against them, you have to stay disciplined against the MoJacks because they’re really good at going to the line and not crossing it.” Loose Pucks: - MoJacks forward Lucas Clark was named the COJHL’s Player of the Month for December. The 16-year-old Port Perry native found his stride in December, recording points in six of the eight games the MoJacks played. “Lucas has come a long way through some early-season growing pains. Lately, he’s taken some minutes that would’ve gone to Lee Taylor if he weren’t injured and he’s done well. It’s a great accomplishment for a 16-year-old player to win this league’s Player of the Month award,” commented Campbell. - The MoJacks will once again square off against a team of alumni in the annual MoJacks vs. Scugog Hockey League charity game at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Scugog Arena with all money raised going to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation. - This weekend, the MoJacks make their final regular season trip to Uxbridge for a ‘Battle of North Durham’ at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. Then, on Sunday, Jan. 12, the Georgina Ice visit Scugog Arena for a 6:50 p.m. tilt with the MoJacks.

The voice of North Durham

Thursday, January 9, 2014 • 19

Shagg’s clips Port Perry Dental 8-3 TARA FREW Special to The Standard

In the Tyke division, Shagg’s beat Port Perry Dental 8–3. Shagg’s goalie was Matthew Seeney. Shagg’s goals were by Kailyn Seguin (3), Cooper Bird (2), Cameron Cuzzilla, Adam Goble and Scott Honey. Assists were from Trey Bailey, Adam Goble and Nicholas Savor. Jacob Sider was in net for Port Perry Dental. Tanner Scott (2) and Calvin Koenig scored while Callum LePage made two assists. W.O. Insurance won against Canadian Tire 3-2. W.O. Insurance’s goalie was Lucas Braband. Owen Belfry, Brady McPhail and Cameron Saller scored while Brodie Bell, Owen Griffin and Cameron Saller each made an assist. Canadian Tire had Jenson Heinen between the pipes. Evan Hussey and Alex Mills each scored a goal for Canadian Tire. In the Novice division, Eco Water took JF Construction 6-1. Adam Frew was in net for Eco Water. Eco Water goals were by TJ Pomeroy (3), Zeke Bailey (2) and Leah Seeney. Assists were by Dylan Hopmans (2), Abbey Moase, Leah Seeney and Cameron Yeo. JF Construction had Joshua Christian in net and the single goal came from Jonathan Acker assisted by Cole Smith. Krown Rust and MakeA-Wish tied 5-5. Brodie Holmes was the goalie for Krown Rust. Jacob Buch-

anan (3) and Daymond Clark (2) scored the goals while Daymond Clark (2), Toni Boadway, Alex Newhook and Jacob Buchanan made assists. MakeA-Wish goalie was Aaron Waters. Brett Hanley (4) and Abbygale Bird scored the goals. Assists were by Dallas King, Brett Hanley and Abbygale Bird. In the Atom division this week, Urban Landscape beat Low & Low 4 to 3. Urban Landscape goalie was Joshua Ormiston. Goals were made by Owen Booker (2), Karrah Mulligan and Carson Nozdryn. Owen Booker made one assist. Low & Low’s goalie was Scott Leslie. Goals for Low & Low came from Jesse Gaudet (2), and Shannon Arney. Shannon Arney made one assist as well. Cochrane Tree Service was defeated by Buck’s Construx with a final score of 4 to 1. Buck’s Construx had goals from Owen Seguin (2), Simon Peters and Kyler Cavan. Owen Seguin and Bradley Reid each had an assist. Cochrane Tree Service’s goal was by Jack Farrugia. Practicar beat Red Ribbon Restaurant 5-3 this week in the Peewee division. Practicar’s goalie was Owen Maisonneuve. Goals for Practicar were made by Dylan Tobin (2), Declan McDowell (2) and Troy Larmer. Assists were from Joshua Bolsonello and Dylan Tobin. Red Ribbon Restaurant’s goalie was Darren Bell. Hannah Buchanan, Kadin

MEGA DONATION FROM MEGALORE: Local charitable organization The Megalore Group recently donated $200 to Operation Scugog’s Christmas food drive, money raised from Megalore’s recent 50/60s fundraiser dance. Pictured here (from left) are Jim Doucette, John Neufeld, Kathryn Gundry, Lynne BLAKE WOLFE The Standard Doucette, Karen Henkelman and Dave Robinson. Martin and Nolan Savage scored while Lane Horton made two assists. Later Practicar came up short against Denault Contracting with a final score of 6-2. Denault Contracting had Josh Ormiston in net. Goals were by Zachary Vanderboor (3), Benjamin Sargent and Kain MacIver. Robbie Boadway and Benjamin Sargent each made an assist. Practicar’s goalie was Owen Maisonneuve. Declan McDowell and Troy Larmer each scored with Larmer also making an assist. Omnific Design beat All Flags Shell 3-2. Omnific Design had Mitchel White in net. Goals were by Clay Larmer, Jacob Lee and Nathan Silcock. Assists were from Nathan

GOING WILD: The Bantam Brock Wild are moving on to the International Silver Stick Finals in Sarnia later this month after claiming the championship at a recent qualifier tournament in Wasaga Beach. SUBMITTED PHOTO Silcock (2) and Mackenzie Mercier. All Flags Shell’s goalie was Dylan Steward. Dishawn Steward scored two goals and Jordan Bolzon made an assist. Omnific Design

played a second game later beating Luchka 8 to 2. Mitchel White continued his work in net. Jacob Lee (4), Mike Hill (2) and Nathan Silcock (2) scored goals. Assists were by Na-

than Silcock (4) and Jacob Lee. Luchka’s goalie was Connor Owttrim. Ryan McCourt scored two goals and assists were by Deiji DeLuca-Whiteman, Sean Gay and Carter Lamb.

Regional Council approves water and sewer rates for 2014 NORTH DURHAM: Durham Regional Council today approved the 2014 water and sanitary sewer user rates, with a combined increase of 6.3 per cent, or $50.12 per year for the average Durham Region household. “Our water is worth it—no other Regional service has a greater impact on our everyday life than the delivery of clean, safe drinking water, and the proper treatment of wastewater to protect the local envi-

ronment,” said Roger Anderson, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “With these user rates, Durham Regional Council has ensured the Region of Durham will continue to provide a safe, reliable service in a very cost-effective way. Municipal drinking water is delivered to the tap for less than a penny a glass.” Effective Jan. 1, 2014, water rates will increase by 8.9 per cent, and sanitary sewer user rates will

increase by four per cent. Water and sewer user rate increases are necessary to provide for the maintenance and repair of aging infrastructure, to cover inflationary increases in operating costs and to complete capital improvements required to comply with legislation to ensure safe and reliable water and wastewater treatment programs. “Durham residents are doing their part to reduce the amount of water they consume and keep

their water bills low. However, user rate increases are necessary to support the entire system needed to supply water and treat sanitary sewage safely and efficiently now and in the future, as the population and demand grows,” said Cliff Curtis, Commissioner of Works. “We encourage residents to continue practising water conservation— with lower demand, we’re able to prolong and optimize the use of our existing services.”

“When compared with other household costs—such as electricity, Internet or television— water and sewer rates remain one of the lowest expenses,” said Jim Clapp, Commissioner of Finance. “Plus, accurate billing practices mean residents pay for what they actually use.” For information about water efficiency, visit www.durham.ca/ waterefficiency. For information about water billing, visit www. durham.ca/waterbilling.

20 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

New Warrant Officer for Port Perry Cadets SCUGOG: Port Perry’s new top cadet has been appointed. Port Perry #41 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps has appointed Port Perry’s own Cadet Master Warrant Officer Logan Stoneburg as its 107th Cadet Leader on Dec. 11, during the units’ annual barrack room dinner. Master Warrant Officer Stoneburg replaces Chief Warrant Officer Liam Bailie in the position of Regimental Sergeant Major who has recently reached his nineteenth birthday and mandatory retirement age of the cadet program after serving seven years as a cadet. The ceremony was attended by Chief Warrant Officer Sandor Gyuk, Base Chief Warrant Officer of Canadian Forces Base Trenton. The position of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) is the highest appointment a cadet can achieve in the army cadet program. The RSM answers only to the unit Commanding Officer (CO). The incumbent is responsible to the CO for the drill, dress and deportment of all cadets in the unit. An RSM must be able to show the example of everything that is expected of a cadet and hold a high level of integrity. In order to attain the RSM position, a cadet has shown a high level of dedication and commitment to the unit and carries a level of deportment that is above reproach.

Candidates for RSM must have shown an above average level in the area’s of loyalty, leadership, instructional ability, communication and all area’s of study in the army cadet program. Candidates who meet the prerequisites and are deemed by the CO to be suitable to be considered for the RSM position must face a merit review board. The review board consists of serving and retired Canadian Forces members, local dignitaries and the unit Commanding Officer. Over the fall season of 2013, three senior cadets faced the merit review board answering questions about leadership, cadet policies and making decisions on predetermined scenarios. The review board questions are also compared with their files and notes on their experiences and qualifications as a cadet. “All three candidates are strong leaders and it was a difficult decision to pick one among the three to lead the corps” said #41’s Commanding Officer Captain Craig Jacob. MWO Stoneburg joined cadets in January of 2009 at the age of 12. During the past five years MWO Stoneburg was in regular attendance of corps training. During the summers from 2009 to 2011 he spent a combined 11 weeks at CFB Borden attending cadet summer training in the

Outgoing Port Perry Cadets Chief Warrant Ofﬁcer Liam Bailie (left) passed the torch to his replacement, Master Warrant Ofﬁcer Logan Stoneburg at a recent ceremony. SUBMITTED PHOTO two week General Training Course, three week Basic Leadership Course and six week Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course. In the summer of 2012 he traveled to the Rocky Mountain National Army Cadet Training Centre in Alberta to attend the Army Cadet Leadership and Challenge Course. In the summer of 2013 he participated in the cadet International Exchange program where he traveled to Wales to participate in training with the United Kingdom military and cadets. MWO Stoneburg currently lives in Port Perry and attends Port Perry High School. The cadet program has become his

passion during his extra curricular hours and receives strong support from his parents at home. The Commanding Officer of #41 RC(Army)CC invites all members of the Scugog Community to the March Commanding Officers parade on Mar. 5 at 9:45 p.m., where MWO Stoneburg will receive his promotion in rank to Chief Warrant Officer, the highest rank a cadet can attain. MWO Stoneburgs tenure as the Regimental Sergeant Major is expected to last until September of 2015 when he will reach his nineteenth birthday and his mandatory retirement age.

Annual bird count numbers down from last year UXBRIDGE: This year’s ice storm made it difficult for birds and birders in the Annual Uxbridge Christmas Bird Count. Forty-five species of birds were seen, down from 53 last year and 5,644 individuals down from 8,367 last year. With ice on the tree branches, birds stayed in the bush and bird watchers driving the roads didn’t see as many as those out walking - or should I say sliding - along forest trails which had a thin cover of snow over ice. Canada Geese were way down and crowded into a few open ponds. No redpolls, siskins, crossbills or grosbeaks at the feeders this year. Bird

feeders had to be brought in and warmed up to melt the ice on perches and restocked after the freeze but many left them empty or frozen over. Most birds seen in order of abundance include Snow Buntings, Black -capped Chickadee, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, and Mourning Dove. The most exciting birds which were spotted included the Snowy Owl, which was part of an invasion into southern Ontario from the north. Another new bird for the count was the Merlin, a falcon some may remember as having nested and attacked birds at feeders near Toronto St. this year.

Thanks go out again for all the birders travelling from near and far who braved the weather in the field, to those who counted from home at their feeders, to Mark Stabb and Caroline Schultz for opening their home for our tally up and potluck and Kim Adams who input the data. Final results and more details on Beaverton’s Bird Count too will be available for members in their newsletter at www.northdurhamnatureclub.com and later on the Audubon, website at http://netapp.audubon. org/cbcobservation/. Finally, Derek Connelly at dconn50@powergate.ca or 905-852-5432.

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Thursday, January 9, 2014 • 23

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IN MEMORIAM

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DON SHEEHEY March 19, 1935 – January 14, 2011 The tears in our eyes We can wipe away The ache in our hearts Will always stay

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CARD OF THANKS THE FAMILY OF BERYL BOND would like to acknowledge family and our many friends for their support during this difﬁcult time with mom’s passing on Christmas Day. Thanks to all the caring staff at the Port Perry Villa, the Community Nursing Home and the Port Perry Hospital. A very special thank you to mom’s dedicated PSW’s for their care and loving support. The family would also like to thank the Staff at the Wagg Funeral Home and the kind words spoken by Michelle Hofman and James Duncan. Thanks for the beautiful ﬂowers and the memorial donations on mom’s behalf.

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Casual Activity Aide Port Perry Villa is currently recruiting for a Casual Activity Aide. The position provides resident programming in the home to an independent senior population. The successful candidate must have an education in Activation, Recreation or equivalent and experience providing programming in a Retirement Home. The successful candidate must be enthusiastic, able to motivate people and able to work as a team as well as independently, and must be available for all shifts. Please respond with resume to Kim Owen, kowen@regallc.com

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24 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

To solve the Kids Sudoku Puzzle every number from 1-6 must appear in: Each vertical columns, Each horizontal row and each 2 x 3 boxes. No number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

To solve a Sudoku puzzle every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: Each of the nine vertical columns, Each of the nine horizontal rows, Each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember no number can occur more than one in any row; column or box. Copyright © 2008 Knight Features/Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate

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Solutions to Coffee Break on Page 23 LOOKING GOOD By Luke Paul Bryan ACROSS

1 Some custard pastries 6 Jeweled crown 11 “___ got high hopes ...” (song lyric) 14 Bounce at the pool hall 15 Brother of Simon and Theodore 16 “Who ___ to judge?” 17 Everyday 19 Major ATM manufacturer 20 Now’s partner 21 More challenging 23 Cattle motivator 26 One of the TV Bradys 28 Catch a second airing of 29 Occupational suffix 30 Marine mayday 32 Portend, as ill 33 Far from cloud nine 34 Kangaroo’s pouch 38 Venezuelan river in an Enya song 40 Fishes of the perch family 43 It may be on a door 45 Rio 2016 org. 46 Headliner 48 The end of the world? 49 R-V filler 50 Concealed, or the last word in a Proust title 52 They outrank pvts. 55 Bartender’s measure 56 “Do I have a volunteer?” 58 Cockney’s challenge 60 British rule in India, once 61 Considerable bit of money 66 Commercial word with “Cone” or “Cat” 67 Georgia of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” 68 “Jurassic Park” mosquito preserver 69 Summer on the Seine 70 “Hey, long time ___” 71 French WWI fighter planes

DOWN

1 Org. that fines for

Horoscope Column

by Joan Ann Evelyn | 905-725-9179 | www.astroconsultation.com ARIES (March 20-April 19): You will be forced to be more resourceful and self-reliant in 2014. Pay close attention to personal and joint finances and learn to handle your money in a more cost effective manner.

LIBRA (Sept. 22-Oct. 23): Do not let fear or financial insecurity run your life. If you handle money well, you can improve your financial situation in 2014. Make a budget and stick to it. Rearrange financial priorities.

TAURUS (April 19-May 20): Your challenges in 2014 center around partnerships. Whether business or personal, you must take great responsibility for your one-to-one relationships. If single, you may be ready to commit to a partner.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 22): As the New Year begins, you should create new goals, find yourself and establish a new identity. As you gain more confidence in 2014, you will become more realistic and sure of yourself.

GEMINI (May 20-June 21): You could change jobs or professions in 2014. If you do not change jobs, be prepared for greater responsibility at work. Look after your physical body. Eat right and get regular daily exercise. CANCER (June 21-July 22): You must develop your own inner forces of love and creativity this year. Some Cancers will turn a hobby into a business. Make sure you set aside time for recreational and fun activities.

obscenities 2 Chinese philosopher ___- tze 3 Adirondack chair feature 4 Desert drifter 5 Emissions consequence 6 Animal with a thick hide 7 Health problem 8 Actress Gardner 9 Having money to burn 10 Words after “bend” or “lend” 11 Like a fairly good-looking man 12 Introduced performers 13 “Yes ___, Bob!”

44 18 Overworked horse 46 22 Counter, as an argument 47 23 Monetary unit of Mexico 51 24 What a startled horse 53 might do 54 25 Man in the street 55 27 Hard cheese from Holland 57 31 Uttered with contempt 59 34 Stereotypical tattoo 62 35 Didn’t just pass 63 36 Boxer’s supports 64 37 Rage relative 65 39 Character Elaine in “Taxi” 41 “Tiller” opening g.e.42 ,lait H ear

Beneficiary Limited in number Walk-up dweller Free Words on the spine Hog’s home A Stooge Rubik of cube fame Apr. workhorses “For example” abbrs. Pro hoops org. Flanders on “The Simpsons” 52-wk. periods

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 2014, situations that no longer work can leave your life. People, who supported you in the past, may no longer be able to do so. Doing service or humanitarian work will give your life greater value. CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 19): Take on a leadership position in a club or organization or become a team leader at work in 2014. Old friends may leave your life to make room for new ones who better fit with your new lifestyle.

LEO (July 22-Aug. 22): There is a possibility that Leos could move this year. If they do not move, they could fix-up or renovate their AQUARIUS (Jan. 19-Feb. 19): Your chalcurrent place of residence. Other Leos may lenge in 2014 is to learn to handle work, have to deal with a pressing family problem. responsibility and power in the world. You will be highly organized, business oriented and well aware of your personal obligations. VIRGO (Aug. 22-Sept. 22): You must develop your mental skills and learn to PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If you dropped communicate more effectively. This is an out of college before finishing your degree, excellent year to improve your speaking this is an excellent year to complete it. and writing skills and go out into the com- Enrol in a subject you enjoy or pursue highmunity and network. Drive with caution. er education as a means to professional advancement.

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161 Queen Street, Port Perry 905-985-1022

Award Winning Fish & Chips

Crochet spoken here!

The voice of North Durham

Thursday, January 9, 2014 • 25

Repeats and regression on the bill for the worst movies of 2013 The hazard of being a film critic is that most of the films you see over the course of the year are bad. On average, one might see 275 to 300 films, and of those, perhaps 50 to 60 are going to be brilliant to very good. The rest are not-so-hot to dreadful. What criteria brings a film to the ten worst list? First and foremost is obviously the story, the manner in which it was made, who made it, the acting and then all the rest. Some films on the list for this year have stunning cinematography and some impressive effects, but they still stink. I am particularly hard on filmmakers who are revered and make a terrible film because I think they should know better. Budget makes a difference too, because a one hundred million dollar film has no business being terrible. For instance, my choice as the worst film of the year, Terence Malick’s To the Wonder is the worst case of artistic masturbation I have seen since Crash (1995) from David Cronenberg. Malick has made great films - Badlands, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line, and The New Land - so the man knows how to make a great film. But ‘To the Wonder’ is a mess of a picture, with beautiful cinematography but no story, no characters, and his actors, good actors are given nothing to do. I do not know how the man still gets budgets for his films, good amounts of money, but he does. Consider M. Night Shymalan, who fourteen years ago gave us The Sixth Sense, a near perfect film, with that extraordinary twist ending. In the years since he has given us one great film, that being Signs, and the rest, The Village, which was a cheat, and The Happening, which was just bad. This year, it was the father and son starring in After Earth, which was truly dreadful with some of the worst special effects seen in a big budget film. What has happened to this director? Unbreakable had a lot of good things in it, screamed for a franchise, but he did not

Foote Prints

by John Foote go that route. It seems he cannot make a decent film, and After Earth might ruin him. I mean, how many big budget disasters will they take before writing one off? Though this will not make me popular with my daughter, I hated Oz the Great and Powerful, which was not only bad, but really unnecessary. It seemed to me nothing more than a film made to beat the makers of the

impressive musical, Wicked to the punch, and was not very good to boot. I did not buy James Franco as the Great and Powerful Oz, nor the ladies portraying the witches. And poor Mila Kunis, who thinks to be wicked is to snarl and spit her lines out like venom before screaming away on her broom? Um, OK, but Margaret Hamilton, the original witch in the classic 1939 film, was truly wicked, the stuff of nightmares. Kick Ass 2 was surprisingly irresponsible. The first film worked with its black humour, but this one does not, at all, and I so love Hit Girl. I wanted to like Man of Steel, I really did. I love the Superman leg-

end, and admire that Richard Donner gave the 1978 film a quasireligious undertone. This new one does no such thing, focusing a lot of the story on Krypton, and then giving us a relationship between Lois Lane and Superman that is all very premature. Kent does not even work at the Daily Planet yet! And then after ruining building after building, Superman ends the fight with a move that he could have done at any time, but didn’t. More fun to see all that destruction first I guess? The effects were breathtaking, the story sucked, and Superman did not inspire the awe that Christo-

pher Reeve did. A Good Day to Die Hard was another sequel to the popular Die Hard that never should have been made. Not sure why it was, but this time we have Bruce Wiillis fighting crime in Russia with his son. Yep, I kid you not. Jobs, the biography of genius Steve Jobs who quite frankly changed the world we live in during his lifetime, and to portray this genius they cast Ashton Kutcher, who believe it or not, ain’t no genius. There is no intellect in his eyes, he does not for a moment radiate any sort of intelligence as Jobs did when speaking. They done the man wrong with this, truly wrong.

BELIEVE IT?

Do I even need to mention Grudge Match, with Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro? Sort of Rocky Vs. Raging Bull, forty years later? Do we really need to see old guys ham it up and punch each other out? I sure could have lived happier without seeing this. What has become of De Niro, the one time acting God?? Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters was simply stupid, too stupid for words. Finally, Scary Movie 5. Like we needed the previous three sequels? The first one was admittedly very funny, but the rest is just more of the same thing, spoofing more recent films. Bad, bad, bad, but do we expect anything less from this franchise?

How do Canadians know if it’s true (or not)? They turn to the trusted source: Newspapers in print, online, tablet and phone. And, research finds that they trust the ads there too – more than those in any other medium. Be where Canadians look.

26 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard

PARIS IN THE LIBRARY: Adriyanna Zimmermann presents her show, ‘The Parisian,’ at the Kent Farndale Gallery, inside the Scugog Memorial Public Library. Zimmerman uses a unique process of applying ink from her photographs of Paris, France to canvasses to create an abstract image. The Parisian will be on display until Jan. 30. BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard

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An upcoming production of Eldorado will bring Robert Service’s Yukon to Port Perry. In the aftermath of holiday-making, you may be tempted to hunker down and not venture far, but a fascinating show about life in the Yukon may be just the thing to draw you out. On Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11, local actor and director Conrad Boyce brings his unique show titled ‘Eldorado: A Night in the KIondike’ to the Anglican Church of the Ascension for two nights only, when audiences will learn to be grateful for mild central Ontario winters. Eldorado is a one-man show, developed by Boyce, that features the quintessentially Canadian work of poet Robert W. Service, the “Bard of the Yukon.” Interspersing Service’s poetry with a lively, and often impro-

vised, ‘conversation’ between a wordly wise prospector and a newcomer to the gold-digging world of the Yukon, Boyce educates and enlightens as much as he entertains. We learn of the very real hardships the prospectors faced around the turn of the century, and we hear Service’s words bringing that wild and woolly world to life (for example, have you ever heard of ‘ice worms’, much less contemplated drinking them?) While Service’s tales of the Klondike Gold Rush, such as ‘The Cremation of Sam McGee’, first gained him fame and fortune, he was also an ambulance driver at the front during World War I, and his ‘Rhymes of a Red Cross Man’ remains one of the best-selling books of poetry in literary history. For 35 years, Boyce has special-

ized in interpreting Service’s ballads, which are alternately hilarious and movingly dramatic. Boyce has brought Service’s verse stories to life in concert halls and classrooms around the world, from Arizona to Service’s native Scotland, and for fans on the lawn of Service’s own cabin in Dawson City. Port Perry will now have the chance to share in the talent of these two unique men (Service and Boyce) through this program presented by ‘Arts at the Ascension,’ an initiative to bring the arts alive in the downtown Port Perry area by using the Anglican Church of the Ascension as an arts hub. The show begins at 7:30 and tickets are $20 at the door or in advance from the Ascension at 266 North Street, 905-985-7278. Refreshments included.

Theatre 3x60 calls for youth participants

FROZEN Thur. Jan. 9 Fri. Jan. 10 Sat. Jan. 11 Sun. Jan. 12

9:20pm

Find gold as Eldorado comes to Port Perry

6:45pm 6:45pm

Theatre 3x60 is announcing the launch of its Youth Ensemble program, a non-musical theatre, creative company for youth (14 – 21 years) with an emphasis on stagecraft, play writing, process and performance. During the program, ensemble members will build writing, collaboration, production and performance skills through the exploration of contemporary and classic texts; development of original new work; and public performances. A variety of dramatic forms will be covered including choral dramatization, movement and theatre clown. Theatre 3x60 is a not for profit theatre company,

founded by Joan Etienne and Carey Nicholson, to enrich lives in Durham through theatre, on and offstage. The company’s mandate is to encourage the development of new work, artists and audiences through the company’s projects and partnerships. Theatre 3x60’s first production, Vimy, by Vern Thiessen featured a predominantly youth cast and recently finished a successful run. In addition to fully realized productions, Theatre 3x60 will offer staged readings, workshops and work with other community partners to increase accessibility to theatre across Durham. The first Theatre 3x60 Youth Ensemble will run

from mid-January to early May with sessions taking place twice weekly in downtown Port Perry. Program sessions will be led by Ms. Etienne, former head of the Arts department and Drama teacher at Donald A. Wilson Secondary School, and Ms. Nicholson, an independent theatre practitioner and instructor who has been actively involved in area theatre for the past 12 years. The program coordinator is Theatre 3x60’s production manager, Peter Stovin-McDonald, a graduate of Ryerson University’s performance production program. The Theatre 3x60 Youth Ensemble is open to all youth in Durham region and there is no fee to par-

ticipate; however, space is limited to 20 participants. All prospective participants must successfully complete an application form and, upon acceptance, will be required to commit to all sessions and to sign a participation contract. The Theatre 3x60 Youth Ensemble is now accepting participants for January to May 2014. Deadline for applications is January 10. Program start date is Wednesday, January 22. For full information on Theatre 3x60 and Youth Ensemble details, including application form, visit www.theatre3x60.ca, or contact the company by e-mail at info@theatre3x60.ca.

The voice of North Durham

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28 • Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Standard