The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

2 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, April 21, 1992 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Oil change, filter and lubrication, while you wait We know you're busy, so we've set up a fast oil change and lubrication service. Drive in and while you're having a coffee, we'll change the oil and filter using genuine GM engine oil and an AC oil filter and lubricate your car. You'll be on your way in 30 minutes. _-- [i] ve The expert choice. if you drive a fuel-injected GM car... Ne ---- p; 0, = -- ER ; Tiare e \ RN ees A friendly tip from the technicians at PHILP PONTIAC BUICK that will make your car run like new again. Let us check your spark plugs and plug wires. Check and clean the throttle body and the air cleaner element and electronically check the injection system and spark timing and readjust the base idle speed if necessary. All parts replaced by genuine GM Parts - The Expert Choice. 3 cylinder........c..... 39.95 4 cvlinder......c.cc.... 49.95 6 cylinder.............. 59.95 8 cylinder..............69.95 10% off tune-up parts me The expert choice. These prices in effect until the end of April 1992, for GM cars and light duty trucks. Offer does not apply with other discounts Service Hours 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday REIL, 1 PONTIAC BUICK LIMITED 10 Vanedward Drive, Port Perry 985-8474 Residents fighting mad over post office closure | By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star With accusations of Canada Post "railroading" the residents of Blackstock, a small but vocal group attended a public meet- ing to protest the closing of their post office. : Canada Post called the April 14 meeting to inform the resi- dents of its plan to shut the Blackstock Post Office and move it to a local retail outlet. It will be completed by mid-June. Despite numerous letters and the public meeting, the resi- dents of the area refuse to ac- cept the fact that the post office is being closed. They came out to the meeting hoping to change the minds of the Canada Post officials, but it appears the decision has al- ready been made. Although the residents lis- tened politely for almost 30 min- utes while the Canada Post rep- resentatives outlined the plans, frustration showed when the floor was opened to questions. "Wedon't understand the rea- soning behind closing the post office," a number of the resi- dents shouted. But Doug Vaughan, manager of the retail network, York divi- sion for Canada Post, said it was a matter of economics. He ex- plained that it was costing Can- ada Post more than $1.10 to run the office for each dollar coming into the post office. "The cost of running the post office, exceeds the profits," he said. "Economically it makes good sense." When pressed further for ex- act figures, Mr. Vaughan re- fused to release any dollar fig- ures. But residents argued that the post office "was offering a ser- vice" and therefore they shouldn't be worried about making a profit. Mr. Vaughan said the deci-. sion was made last September after its longtime postmaster Jean Mahaffy announced her retirement. He said Canada Post saw a "window of opportunity" and de- cided to act. According to Mr. Vaughan, this is done whenever FARM, BUSINESS & RETAIL COMPLETE COMPUTER SETUP & SUPPORT IBM COMPATIBLES Repairs + Modems « Fax's & Upgrades « Computerized Records + All Major Software Packages Supported WM. SANDIFORD (416) 985-9440 ROIS PORT PERRY FEEDS 40 Vanedward Drive Port Perry 985-7363 or CLLR) * Seed Potatoes * Onion Sets * Rose Bushes * Bulk Garden Seeds * Shrubs -- NOW AVAILABLE -- the situation presents itself such as the retirement, death or resignation of a postmaster. But Mrs. Mahaffy, who served as the postmaster in Blackstock for 13 years, claims the decision was made before she decided toretire. "I was bought out. I didn't re- tire," she said. While not denying the accusa- tion, Mr. Vaughan argued that it was her decision to accept the offer and the office would have stayed open if she chose to re- main in the position. Although the decision has been made to close the facility, the residents will be given the opportunity to choose the mode of mail delivery they wish. Pres- ently the mail is picked up at the post office. Karen Nickleson, an officer at Canada Post, said a survey will be sent to the residents shortly concerning their preference for the mode of delivery. Under Canada Post's scheme they will choose between com- munity mail boxes, a central box location, or a mini-park of community boxes. "Whatever the decision, it will be by the majority of the people," Ms. Nickleson said. The retail side of the opera- tions such as the sale of stamps will be franchised out to a local business. This will benefit the residents who will be able to take advantage of the extended hours. "Given a chance, you're going to find it is a good system," Mr. Vaughan said. Despite being given options, the residents still refuse to ac- cept the decision to close. "We came here hoping to change your mind, but what you're offering us is the choice between cod liver oil or castor select the best. us today: The result? Massive potential growth plus global diversification. For complete details and prospectus on the new Templeton Emerging Markets Fund, call oil, one of the residents claimed. | Central to the issue is the sense of loss if the post office is closed. Many claim it is the hub of the area and the favorite meeting spot and if itis closed, a portion of the community will be closed forever. ' Christine Vanderniet says she was upset over the decision and came to the meeting to get some answers, but she says she went away unsatisified. Mrs. Vanderniet says the post office has a long and illustrious history in the community and pointed to the fact that it just celebrated its 100th anniver- sary. She feels this history is now being destroyed. "It's the hub of the communi- - ty. Why should it close?" she asked. Janet Martyn will be more af- fected than most by the sudden closure of the post office. Ms. Martyn is a part-time worker at the office and will lose her job when it closes. The full-time act- ing postmaster will move back to her regular position in Ponty- pool. But Ms. Martyn will not be given another assignment. Ms. Martyn says she has lived in Blackstock all her life and will feel a tremendous loss by the closure. She points to the fact that it has a small town feel and adds a personal touch unfound in other locations. She says the people came to the meeting because they didn't understand what was happen- ing, and is sure they still aren't fully cognizant. "I think people came here to- night hoping to change their (Canada Post's) minds, so nei- ther side accomplished much." The residents will be ques- tioned on their choice of delivery shortly. a, YOU'RE TOO LATE For JAapAN BUT... ...similar investment opportunities are available through the new Templeton Emerging Markets Fund. mn Many countries have economies reminiscent of apan in the 1960's. They include Brazil, Indonesia, Greece, Mexico, Malaysia, Portugal and others. Poised for explosive growth, they represent outstanding opportunities for the astute investor. The new Templeton Emerging Markets Fund targets companies in these locations, applying Templeton's 50 years of global investment experience to TEMPLETON : ING ROBERT J. GOW INVESTMENT ADVISOR (416) 434- 6161 RICHARDSON GREENSHIELDS eS et eet ltt Investment advisors to Canadian enterprise and enterprising Canadians 12 King Street East, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7M9 p---" . Mr YA I Ee RP oy Son a,