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BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard
SCUGOG: Port Perry's hospital has received $375,000 worth of funding from Durham Region and Scugog Township, which will be put to use updating the aging rooms and fixtures used by patients in the Inpatient Nursing Unit.

At a recent Scugog Township council meeting, Regional Councilor Bobbie Drew announced that the Region of Durham has agreed to put up $187,500 towards renovations in Port Perry Hospital's outdated patient rooms. As per the 2014 budget, this figure will be matched by Scugog Township over the next five years.

"The spaces inside the Hospital will be refreshed and re-configured, to allow for more private rooms, accessibility, a new quiet room, and a patient kitchen," said Regional Councilor Drew. "Upgrades will also be made the electrical and gas lines in the patient-rooms, such as those used for oxygen and equipment."

Lakeridge Health Corporation, represented by CEO Kevin Empey, made a presentation in June of 2012 to inform Regional Council of the upcoming projects for all of the partner hospitals within LH Corp - including an amount for extensive work at the Port Perry Hospital.

The Port Perry Hospital Foundation originally requested a pledge from Scugog Township of $350,000 over five years. Regionl Councilor Drew then explained to Kevin Empey, CEO of Lakeridge Health Corporation, that the sum would be equal to over three per cent on Scugog's tax levy.

Regional Councilor Bobbie Drew explained, "We entered into negotiations with Lakeridge Health Corporation and the Region, which resulted in the Township matching the Region's portion."

According to Regional Councilor Drew, the funds for Scugog's pledge will be from the Commercial Fill Revenue Account, with no effect on the tax bill
This announcement, alongside the recently renovated and expanded Port Perry Medical Associates building across the street, is truly a boon for the Port Perry Hospital, the residents of Scugog at large and the future industrial, commercial and residential development.

"The Port Perry Hospital has felt very threatened in the past 15 years or so," said Regional Councilor Drew. "This show of cooperation between Scugog Township, Lakeridge Health, and the Hospital Foundation is a sign of the continuing viability of our hospital, and the positive light it shines on Scugog."

The Port Perry Hospital Foundation has begun their private donor campaign, and is expected to launch a public fundraising effort this fall. "The design phase has been signed off and the money has been approved, I foresee construction in the near future," said Regional Councilor Drew.

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DEBBIE DICKIE Special to The Standard
UXBRIDGE: Local youth Joel Speers (pictured above), was one of seven exceptional young people from across the province honoured Wednesday, May 14, at Queen’s Park in Toronto, as recipients of The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers for 2014 presented by The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers is an honour presented annually by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario for outstanding contributions by young volunteers in the province of Ontario.

The medal is part of the Canadian honours system. It was created in 1998 to recognize the outstanding contributions of young people between the ages of 15 and 24, to improve the quality of life in Ontario and internationally through volunteer activities.

By honouring outstanding contributions made by youth volunteers, this award recognizes exceptional young people as role models. Up to 10 recipients are chosen each year by an independent advisory council made up of seven members appointed by the lieutenant governor on the advice of the premier.

Joel joins a group of only 127 people who have received this prestigious award since its inception.

Joel’s nominators, Nancy Hannah and Debbie Dickie of the Uxbridge Fair Board are so very thrilled that Joel received this award in this very special 150th anniversary year of our Fall Fair.

We are also very grateful to everyone who wrote beautiful supporting letters, contributed pictures and shared treasured stories of Joel’s selfless volunteerism to complete our nomination package.

Nancy and I were told by a member of the selection committee that everything you included provided them with a well rounded picture of the exceptional person Joel is and was a strong part of the deciding factor in awarding Joel this prestigious award.

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BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard
SCUGOG: The safety of medical marijuana growers in Scugog will soon be a priority to the Township and Durham Regional Police Service, according to councillors.

A decision was made to advise the DRPS of medical marijuana applications sent to the Scugog Township, at council's meeting on the evening of Monday, May 12.

Whether or not the grower's application is refused or accepted by Health Canada – Mayor Chuck Mercier believes it is important to notify local law enforcement, for the safety of all Scugog residents.

"I like to compare medical marijuana to the gun-registry and alcohol licensing," said Mayor Mercier. "We notify the police and any local groups involved, to gather their thoughts and comments – and let the DRPS know that an individual will have a commodity in their home."

With multiple applications for medical marijuana facilities in Scugog in the last three months, Mayor Mercier believes that working with local law enforcement is an important measure against potential break-ins, robbery, and other associated crimes.

"We're seeing more and more of these applications, and most come with an extensive security plan," said Mayor Mercier. "Still, this crop is very valuable – both locally and internationally. With marijuana a major factor in crime syndicates, we need to keep our screens and filters in place to maintain safety."

In recognition of recent changes in Medical Marijuana laws by Health Canada, Scugog Township is engaging in an effort to stay ahead of the curve.

"We need to face the fact that we have, and are going to have, such sites in Scugog," said Ward 1 Councillor Larry Corrigan. "It's important to work closely with all parties involved."

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DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard
UXBRIDGE: After a pair of recent venue changes, the Uxbridge Cruise In appears to have finally found a permanent home at Elgin Park, where the festivities will officially get underway this Thursday evening.

Aside from a new venue this year, after being held in the past at the former Dominion Auto building and later at Uxbridge Arena, there is also a new partner for the event, with the Bonner Boys coming on board this year.

For Bonner Boys President Bret Meyers, partnering with the group that has presented the Thursday night car show for the past decade was a natural fit for the organization.

"A lot of the Bonner Boys are passionate car guys, and we wanted to do our part to make the Uxbridge Cruise In an even better better event, hopefully for many years to come," Mr. Meyers told The Standard. "This event is a great thing for the town, and is a really positive event that brings a lot of people into Uxbridge, we want to make sure this event not only survives, but thrives and become the best car show in Durham Region."

Recent upgrades to Elgin Park, including expanded paving will make it easier to navigate for classic car enthusiasts. As well, the move to Elgin Park will allow for greater community involvement with the event.

"Having the show here at Elgin Park gives the Lions Club an opportunity to open their food booth for some more days, and get some more funds and exposure for their group. It really will be a community event, just as Rob Holtby and Bruce Statton envisioned when they started it ten years ago," added Mr. Meyers.

From its humble beginnings, organizers see nothing but growth on the horizon for the show with the expanded space at Elgin Park.

"We had more cars than space at the arena," said organizer Jim Hird. "Elgin Park should solve that problem. The township has been very supportive of our efforts, and we see nothing but positives going forward."

Gates will open for the Uxbridge Cruise In via the Elgin Park Dr. entrance to the park every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. sharp, with the show running until dusk.

In other local classic car cruise-in news, the Cruisin' Classics Car Club opened their 2014 season last week at Emmanuel Community Church, located at 1680 Reach St., in Port Perry from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Club hosts shows every Tuesday night until August 26, weather permitting ,and is open to vehicles 1989 and older.

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BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard
SCUGOG: As Scugog Township continues to move towards construction of an expanded Water Pollution Control Plant, the Region of Durham maintains that the surrounding ecosystem will remain protected.

In an e-mail to The Standard, a spokesperson with the Region stated that the new facility will not affect the current lagoons, which serve as a vital habitat for many species of plants and wildlife.

"We heard some feedback from residents who are concerned that the lagoons are being replaced, as they provide an ecosystem for wildlife," said Melissa Bies Communications Co-ordinator for the Region's Works Department. "The lagoons themselves are not being replaced, they will stay as they are and be used for overflows once the plant is built."

The current lagoon-based plant was constructed in 1971, and recently Scugog Councillors approved a site plan for a expanded Water Pollution Control Plant on Scugog Line 8 - which will increase sewage capacity by nearly 50 per cent.

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DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard
UXBRIDGE: In the hopes of engaging the community in talking about mental health issues, a pair of local ladies appeared before council this week to explain an upcoming event in Uxbridge.

Logan O'Connor and Carly Foster appeared before council at their meeting on the morning of Monday, May 12, to explain the details of the upcoming Trail Walk for Mental Health, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 25, on the Countryside Preserve Trail, starting at 1 p.m.

As they explained, proceeds from the Walk will go towards the Mood Disorder Society of Canada, and as well: the event will hopefully engage the community in a more open dialogue about mental health issues.

"This town has faced its share of fallback from mental health, with some deaths associated with it," Ms. O'Connor said. "Hopefully, we can reduce the stigma about mental health and get people talking."

Both women explained that they have battled depression in their lives, with Ms. O'Connor being diagnosed as a teenager, while Ms. Foster was only diagnosed recently.

Councillors voted unanimously to support the Trail Wak for Mental Health, and close off a portion of the Countryside Preserve parking lot for the event.

Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor commended the pair for their work as well as sharing their own stories.

"It takes pretty strong women to come forward and talk about this," commented Mayor O'Connor. "It wasn't that long ago that this type of thing was hidden away and people didn't want to talk about it."

The organizers are hopeful for a strong turnout, and to continue the Walk as an annual event in the township.

"We hope this is the first year of many, and hopefully get people talking and empower those who are suffering," said Ms. O'Connor.

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BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard
SCUGOG: Scugog Township will welcome a special visitor next month, in the hopes of fostering further friendship between China and Durham Region.

At a Council meeting on Monday, May 12, Mayor Chuck Mercier announced that Mr. Fang Li, the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China, will tour various sites around Scugog Township on June 9.

With further details forthcoming, the agenda currently holds a walking tour of Port Perry's historic downtown, and a visit to Scugog's countryside and agricultural industry.

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BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard
SCUGOG: The Port Perry Lions Club is in decline through membership and funding, and has asked Scugog Township councillors for their support.

Long-time Lions Club member Rob Rice made a deputation to Scugog councillors on Monday, May 5, explaining that the volunteer service club has hit dire straits. "Our Lions Club is down to about thirteen members. Membership in service organizations in is decline across the board, ours has been here for 77 years," said Mr. Rice.

He went on to explain that the Lions have been renting the Latcham Centre on Water St. for last few years, and pay $1,500 annually out of their membership dues, to hold their bi-weekly meetings. Being located in the heart of Port Perry is vital to the club's spirit, according to Mr. Rice, but is no longer affordable due to dwindling membership.

"The money we spend on rent is money that won't go to wheelchairs or other things to help people," said Mr. Rice.

The Lions questioned Scugog's policy for a $300 security deposit in case damages occur, calling the retainer offensive in light of the Lions' long standing service and good-willed nature.

"In 77 years, we haven't done anything wrong. If we don't have the faith and respect of the council, there wont be a Lions Club," said Mr. Rice. "Community spirit is in decline, and I choose not to sit by and watch it."

Lions Club members who were present requested that councilors consider giving the group a period of free or subsidized rent, as is done for some other not-for-profit organizations – or help them to find a more affordable solution.

Mayor Chuck Mercier will schedule a meeting with influential Lions Club of Port Perry members, and hopes to find a solution that abides by regulation and allows the organization to increase membership and flourish.

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BENJAMIN PRIEBE The Standard
SCUGOG: Just hours before the Ontario Liberal Party released it's new budget plan, which triggered a vote of non-confidence from the Ontario NDP and began a race to the polls - Durham MPP John O'Toole held a meeting to speak on the budget, on Friday, May 2.

"This [budget] is already very left-leaning, the Liberals expect a balanced budget by 2018 - but there are no details on how they'll make it happen," said MPP O'Toole.

The key points of the presentation, led by financial advisors from Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants and Brian Callery of The Callery Group, covered numerous topics, including public transit, Kathleen Wynne's new pension plan, and pay for government-sector employees.

The resounding message of the Progressive Conservative's presentation was "even if we're in a slowly growing economic period, we remain $12 Billion underwater. There's too much focus on fixing past mistakes, and not enough on moving forward," according to MPP O'Toole.

Historically-increasing wages for public-sector employees was one of the hot issues adressed by the party - who held firm that wages should be examined, to allow for money to be put towards Ontario's increasing $12 Billion deficit.

"The CEO of Ontario Power Generation makes $1.5 Million per year, and he doesn't even get his hands dirty," said MPP O'Toole. "It's time to realize that Ontario has one of the highest unemployment rates, while government workers suck up every extra dime."

MPP O'Toole stressed that government workers should have their wages frozen, not slashed, and that the higher eschelons of management need reassesment.

The budget meeting also addressed growing concerns around the expanded Canada Pension Plan, which the Liberal Party will put into place as a mandatory contribution on pay cheques.

"Since modern companies outsource and contract their work, no one is paying into C.P.P. and there's a huge amount of legacy pensioners," said MPP O'Toole. "If you're under 30-years-old, this new payroll-tax is going to kill you by forcing you to pay for your parent's generation."

In regards to the recent disparity among large manufacturing companies becoming 'top-heavy', MPP O'Toole said "Everyone gripes about corporations taking too much, and getting too many tax breaks - keep in mind that if car manufcaturer doesn't have a reserve of cash, they'll lay off everyone at the first sniff of a downturn. We need to strengthen our companies, and bear through it until we can stop the outsourcing."

On a more local scale, MPP O'Toole said he is concerned about Provincial downloading onto municipalities in Durham, while money is spent in the Region of York. In the future, he expressed concern for youth who can't afford University, and the career options that may not be available to them without educational support.

"People can't pay their taxes when they don't have any money and make minimun-wage," said MPP O'Toole. "It's time to stop squeezing everyone dry, and the invest in getting our young people in on the ground-floor for the growing technology, software and arts markets."

In closing, the budget group explained that while they don't have all the answers, they definitely have a lot of questions for the Liberal Party.

An emergency Provincial election has been scheduled for June 12, and will determine which political party gains power, and inherets the current issues facing Ontarians.

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DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard
UXBRIDGE: The fourth annual Uxbridge Prayer Breakfast returns next week with organizers hoping to continue to bring together municipal leaders, emergency service professionals, education and business leader, service clubs and neighbours in the community.

The Prayer Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at Mill Run Golf and Country Club, with doors opening at 6:45 a.m., and breakfast being served at 7 a.m.

This year, the guest speaker will be Uxbridge's own Don Simmonds. For the past four years, Mr. Simmonds has served as CEO of Crossroads Television and has earned the reputation of a serial entrepreneur through his involvement with over 20 new business ventures over the past 30 years.

As well, Mr. Simmonds is highly active in the community, and serves as Head Coach of the Uxbridge SS Tigers Varisty Hockey program.

The morning will also feature the music of Redemption, a talented local band.
Tickets for the Prayer Breakfast are $15 per person, and can be purchased at Blue Heron Books or Brian J. Evans Financial Services. For more information on the event, e-mail uxbridgeprayerbreakfast@gmail.com.