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i a0 2 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" 6 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 26,1994 A. ES H------ L Ep ITORIA Editorial Comment Preserving Port Perry Scugog councillors were right on track recently after they moved to protect the downtown core's ambiance. And although a major and reputable bank in Port Perry was the unsuspecting victim, it was a move that was needed for quite some time. Scugog Township's Building Depart- ment slapped a stop work order on the renovations to the building at the corner of Perry and Queen Streets. According to Royal Bank officials, which occupies 55 per cent of the build- ing, the plans called for the building to be resurfaced with stucco to protect the ag- ing exterior and erect a neon sign com- plete with the bank's logo. The contractor hired to oversee the project, claims the building's exterior is in terrible shape with a large percentage of the bricks on the century-old building in disrepair. The only way to repair the fa- cade is to cover the building with stucco. But Scugog councillors balked at the idea of covering the building with stucco and neon lights. The councillors called on the township to enforce its historical preservation guidelines drafted two years ago. Under these rules, merchants and property own- ers in the downtown core are bound by stringent rules and regulations concern- ing building facades and signage. Ward 2 Councillor Marilyn Pearce argued that the historical flavor of the area must be protected.in order to attract tourists to the area. This is perhaps the crucial point of the argument and one in which Councillor Pearce and a number of other councillors attempted to stress. Although it is important to preserve a historical building, it is even more impor- tant to do it right. In covering the building with stucco it may save the building but it ruins the effect. A neon sign does even more damage. The appeal of Port Perry is in its histori- cal ambiance and flavor. Many mer- chants in the downtown area have strived to create an attractive shopping environ- ment for the visitors and this is enhanced by the rustic charm and the old-fashioned country flavor. But in order to maintain this, all mer- chants and property owners must be in step with one another. All must work to- gether to preserve the downtown core and all must understand the direction in which the township and its officials wish | to take. wy 7 74 \ AN NT AT NN 1 CeRTAINLY QRABS (ONEX ATTENTION, BUT S0MEHOW FALLS SHORT oN THE Historic ASPECT. ALTHOUGH Bill Bro I ETTERS Cancer Society thanks its volunteers To the Editor: The Port Perry Cancer Society group had their last meeting for the year in June. Retired drivers were honored with cer- tificates for their service. Al Bond, Mike Shaw, Don Carnegie, Stewart Diceman and Jerry Hunter were the recipients. We need new drivers. Could you help? Phone 985-7410. Campaign netted $39,684.51. Thank you to the dedicated captains, volunteers and the gentlemen who do the business canvas and the organizations who have supported us over the years. Thanks to Special Events Chairman, Isobel Wilson who arranged the Jail 'n Bail, the yard sale and who looked after the coin boxes. Kudos to Linda and Patti Kendry for the terrific yard sale. Thanks to Bill for the use of his work shop and to Roz and Janice for taking time to help $383.75 receipts. A very big thank you to the Jail 'n Bail participants - Bill Barr, Howard Hall, Pe- ter Hvidsten, Tom Schell, Craig Taylor, Ken Dowson, Ralph Fairman, Al Ber- trand, Valerie Eden, Roger Watson and the tolerant policeman who joined in the fun. I don't have results for this one. Re- ceipts were to be turned in to the Oshawa Cancer Society Office. Thanks to Mabel Cawker, a special lady, for April coverage for the Cancer So- ciety. Sincerely, Doris Taylor, Campaign Chairman Random Jottings by J. Peter Hvidsten TY GOODBYE SCOTT, HELLO, JEFF! As announced last week, Star editor Scott Anderson has moved } on to further his career in journalism, accepting a position at the Oshawa Times. We are currently in the process of interviewing candidates to assume the duties of managing editor, but until all of the applicants have been interviewed, we have acquired the services of Jeffrey Mitchell, 32, an experienced reporter and editor who is two-time winner of top OCNA Premier Awards for writing. Jeff comes highly recommended as a hard-working journalist and who is known for his enthusiasm and innovative approach to news coverage. The Port Perry Star welcomes Jeff to our ranks and hope our readers will extend wdrm greetings to him as he is introduced to this great community. ~ WELCOME CHANGES If the old adage, "when it rains, it pours" {is accurate, then the Star has experienced a cloudburst of change recently. In the past two months we've seen three staff members leave, two accepting new job opportunities, and a third who relocated to a new community. While sorry to see them go, we wish them all success in their new endeavors. In addition, we have just acquired the management services of a publishin company who operates a group of newspapers in central and western Ontario. We welcome to our company, Don MacLeod of CCG who took over the duties of general manager of operations last week. n his capacity as general manager of the Port Perry Star, he will be responsible for preparing budgets, planning projects and supervising the day-to-day duties of staff. Mr. MacLeod has extensive experience and expertise in the ever changing world of community newspapers and we welcome the opportunity to have him work with us. The 90s have been a time of constant change in this industry and the acquiring of Don and the resources of a larger company will ensure the Star remains a strong vibrant community newspaper as we head towards the 21st century. Unfortunately as quite often happens when changes are made, rumors have a wa of getting started, so I would like to make it rfectly clear to everyone that the Port erry Star has not been sold. As publisher and owner of the Port Perry Star, I will continue to work with our advertisers, readers and staff to produce the best newspaper possible for the people of Scugog Township. he Port Perry Star has serviced this community for more than 128 years, the past 31 in the Hvidsten family, and during» that time we've experienced many changes. It's my feeling, no company can grow and prosper without change, so we welcome with enthusiasm the latest changes. We invite you to drop by the Star office at any time to meet and welcome the Port Perry Star's new faces, editor Jeff Mitchell and general manager Don MacLeod. Any of our customers who may have concerns, comments or questions regarding the changes, please contact me personally at 985-7383. T welcome your comments. 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Port Perry Star encourages its readers to make use of the letters to the editor column to express their opinions and viewpoints on just about any subject, as we feel a lively letters column will help make this a better community newspaper. We insist, however, that all letter writers sign their name and include a phone number for verification. Sorry, anonymous letter will not be published unless The Star believes it to be in the best interest of the public. We also reserve the right to edit letter with respect to their length, content or libelous comments.