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6- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, November 29, 1994 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" LD. > PORT PERRY STAR I'TORIAL Editorial Comment Don't forget the needy Suddenly, upon us. It's a time we look forward to all year long; a time to pause and share with our family and friends, to relax in the goodwill that the season entails. And it's a time to hit the streets of town, checking out the stores for the right gifts for everyone on the list. This Christmas may be somewhat brighter than those of recent years. The grinding recession that has sat so heavily upon this land seems to be lightening up, and for that we should be thankful. For the first time in years, many of us can look forward to the season with joy, rath- er than dread -- of the expense, and the prospect of a holiday season blighted by joblessness and poverty. But many remain in dire straits. Many of the jobs lost in the early 90's are gone forever and many, despite try- ing, have been unable to escape the hole the Christmas season is that was dug for them during the reces- {tr sion. It is of them we should be thinking as we enter this season. Bright as they may be to others, the holidays are dark for the | parents unable to afford even the most | basic of Christmas traditions, for the == a 7 | FPECIALLY AT THIS Time oF YEAR "W's IMPoRIANT TO XN oW THE DIFFERENCE PERE 1 AN 0BVious CQUNTERFE)T NOW Whey \ BLL > TF ATA i RR Cpt pp - ort a PEP Se ae el 3 I J Ct fa I a aT rad ?557- SARGE! TTS THe BEAL ONE / Ce. VN USPTO TETT Lia ~. b Ww i SY ON \ ) on SN homeless with nowhere to go, and forthe | elderly who have been passed by, and face the season alone. Take time this Christmas to think of | them. Give when you can, and keep in your heart the spirit of charity upon which the season should be based. We will attempt to keep readers up to speed on the opportunities available to them to share the light of Christmas. Together we can help make Christmas what it should be: A time of love and giv- ing, and concern for one another. Great parade On the sbject of Christmas, what would the season be without the annual parade here in Port Perry? Once again this Saturday residents were treated to a colorful, noisy, and joy- ful procession. Kids and parents lined the streets, straining to see all the sights, and catch Santa's eye when he passed by. Our congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce, the Grade 12 entrepreneurial studies students at Port Perry High School, and everyone else involved in bringing us the parade. It was a great effort. AA 18 GOOD YEA OKE& MCCRECOR |Random Jottings Ml by J. Peter Hvidsten je TTERS People ignored man's pleas for help To the Editor: Wednesday night, the 23rd at 11 p.m, there was a knock at our door. It was very cold and the wind chill only made it more so. At our door was a stranger, half frozen and getting more desperate by the mo- ment. The reason for this poor man's predic- ament was that he had run out of gas about two miles east of the Marquis cor- ner. He had been on his way home after visiting his sister i in Oakwood. Nearby was a house fully lit, so he went there for help. As he neared the house he heard voices inside and felt sure he would receive help. He knocked on the door and the house became silent. He waited, but noone came. He wasn't dressed for the weather, not intending to leave his car until he ar- rived home in Whitby. He was wearing a flannel quilted shirt. Steadily getting colder, he headed westward, stoppingonly at homes where it looked like someone was still up. He didn't want to disturb someone who had retired for the night. At each home he went to he received the same response; he was ignored. Finally, one man answered the door, would not allow the man to make a phone call and refused to place one for him; then he closed his door. His hands were frozen and he was get- ting closer to hypothermia all the time. He continued to search for help but his Turn to page 7 - N OUTSTANDING SANTA PARADE It's really hard to believe how quickly Christmas is nearing, but last Saturday's Santa Claus Parade reinforces we're in the last few weeks of the season. The store owners in downtown Port Perry have been proclaiming the season for the past few weeks, transforming their windows and storefronts into a fairyland, reflecting the traditions of this joyous time of the year. Once again this year, thousands of resi- dents lined the Queen, Water and Simcoe Streets on Saturday to see one of the best and most colorful parades in years. Unlike last year, when spectators brav- ed the cold, wet weather to watch the parade from under umbrellas, this year the crowd was treated to bright sunny skies and crisp, cool temperatures. The kids showed their appreciation for the parade by cheering for the clowns and elves giving out candies along the route... the colorful floats and bands... the live tig- ers... the gigantic Big V man bobbing bet- ween hydro wires.... and of course jolly old St. Nick himself who passed by an hour after the parade began. Cold fingers and toes couldn't erase the wide eyes and smiling faces of rosy-faced children when Santa passed by waving and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Our congratulations to the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, and the students from Port Perry High School who made so many kids happy last Saturday. The Chamber's Santa Claus Parade has been a tradition in Port Perry for more than three decades and is one of the most cherished events of the season. Thanks for making it happen! DID YOU REALIZE.....? * Next Monday, Dec. 5 the newly elected Scugog Township councillors will be inaugurated. + In less than one month, many Scugog families will be dining on turkey or ham leftovers. * In less than five weeks we'll be ringing in a new year. 1995! - Last week the Port Perry Star began its 129th year of publication.