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YA | a 3 & ¥ 5 2 wl 3 Be ey : 4 Parsi BCR a Wi ; Topsy-turvy month for December may have been a topsy-turvy month for retail sales in Port Perry, but a survey by the Star of several local businesses indicated that generally speaking, merchants are satisfied with the pre- Christmas spending. Almost all the local merchants surveyed said their sales volume for the month of December would equal or exceed that of 1978, but they also indicated that inflation and other factors will eat into their profit margins this year. There was almost unani- mous agreement that the first two weeks of December were slower than usual for retail sales in this area, and a variety of reasons were given for this. "A lot of shoppers seemed to be just checking out the market-place during the first couple of weeks of Decem- ber," said one merchant. "But that is not really unusual." THE WEATHER Another local businessman said the unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of snow during December "didn't do much to put people in the mood for Christmas shopping." And the good weather made it easier for people to travel to shopping centres in the larger areas." A couple of local business people noted that the gener- ally tight economic times and political uncertainty had an effect on consumer spend- ing, and prompted many of the large retail chains to hold Gloves, boots, retail sales sales right up until Christ- mas. "It was definitely a buyer's market this Christ- mas," said one local businessman. The warm temperatures and lack of snow also hurt those businesses which carry items for the winter season. snowmobile accessories, shovels, snow blowers, and products for winterizing the family car and home all suffered this December. However, once winter does hit the area (and it will) retailers will no doubt make up for the lost sales last month. Most retailers said that business picked up consider- ably during the final week before Christmas and added that the December 24 shop- ping day 'really helped" retail sales. Others noted that staying open during the evenings prior to Christmas brought out a lot of shoppers, and those merchants who were open evenings said they were glad they did. If there was a common trend noted by the retailers surveyed by the Star, it was that shoppers were generally selective in their purchases, and were quite prepared to spend top dollars for top quality merchandise. Prac- tical, long lasting items for the home were popular this Christmas, according to several retailers. And it seems that some shoppers were hedging on their Christmas buying, as more than one merchant noted that the days right after Christmas proved good (Turn to page 6) Lost control of vehicle, youth dies Xmas day A young Port Perry area man was killed Christmas Day when the half ton truck he was driving went off the road and struck a tree about four miles south of Prince Albert. William Jennings, 19, of R.R.4 Port Perry was south- bound on Simcoe Street, when his truck apparently went out of control on an icy section of the road. The truck crossed the road, went down an embankment and struck a tree on the east side of the road. The accident occurred about 7:30 p.m. Christmas Day and Jenning, who was alone at the time, died of multiple injuries. Firemen from the Port Perry department were called to the scene of the accident. and had to use the "jaws of life" to cut the victim free from the wreck- age of the truck which was badly damaged. Vol. 114 No. 6 Wednesday, January 3, 1980 28 Pages Hard to believe that the above photo was taken on January 1, 1980, but such is the case. The Star commissioned Jan and Dennis Towns to pose for this picture under sunny skies, but not too warm temperatures [4 degrees celcius] to illus- Proail trate the lack of snow so far this winter. Although it has been cold enough to freeze over Lake Scugog, few are venturing forth on the thin skim of ice. And for the snowmobilers and skiers it has been a disastrous winter. But it's not over yet! A review of 1979 news events JANUARY For the second time in many months, Scugog Township Roads Department Township causing total property loss of A pe ak - RY oe Wh Ts Bi ona SEE Se a eT Re ba « . ATRL S RAT TE ribo olen re, is ~ SHR »" Lm Sewn tT im Si NCA C nb roe xX A V ) As of January 1, 1979, the legal drinking age in Ontario went up from 18 to 19 years. A survey among Port Perry merchants 'made by the Star indicates Christmas sales were up in December, 1978, and most merchants were satisfied with their retail sales. Scugog Township's newest 1979 citizen was Jammie Sanderson, born January 2, at Port Perry Hospital and is the first daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Sanderson, R.R. 1, Ashburn. Four cars went through Lake Scugog ice over the weekend, but fortunately there were no injuries or drownings in connection with the incidents. Scugog Council has refused to endorse proposals seeking to stop the proliferation of topless bars and restaurants in Ontario. Scugog Mayor Jerry Taylor helped mark the opening of Durham Region's new police office in Port Perry. While working on one of the cars that went through the Lake Scugog ice earlier during the month, one of the scuba divers, Glenn Payne from Newmarket failed to come to the surface after his life-line had slipped loose. Scugog Township council will push ahead with its efforts to expand the Port Perry Hydro system into surrounding areas including Prince Albert. budget for 1979 has been set at slightly over $1 million. $537,000 is covered by provincial subsidy. FEBRUARY Durham Region's 250 outside workers voted to accept a contract offer which will give them a 6.75 percent increase this year and a seven per cent increase in the second year. A Scugog Township resident was among 17 people from across Durham Region arrested on narcotics charges. Figures released by Ontario Fire Marshall's office show that during 1977 there were 22 reportable fires in Scugog $113,660. Nearly 300 snowmobilers braved the cold for 100 miles, and crippled children benefitted to $20,000 raised through pledges. Durham Region council voted in favour of elections being held every three years instead of the present two year period. Durham Region Council jumped into the "great kitchen debate' and voted to endorse a resolution from Uxbridge Township which asks that community centres, church groups and charitable organizations be exempted from certain regulations under the Health Act. Port Perry Minor Hockey got a much urn to page 8)