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8- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, June 15, 1999 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" To the Editor: "Are we heading to Hell in a hand- basket? How could anyone do such a thing to another being? What is this world coming to? or similar questioning comments, all too often pass the lips of the balding, crotchety men and the over- weight but shrinking, grey haired women (us geezers) when directed toward today's teenagers who skate- board inconsiderately, vandalize, or go on a killing-spree (such as recently reported in USA and western Canada). There is now, and always has been, at least 'one bad apple' in every barrel. But, look around; does that reality not apply to every age? Does that reality not apply in every walk of life? f a person was a machine, some ingenious solution would be invented to - fix its problems to make it productive. But the only way we seem to be able to handle 'people problems' is to belittle, become 'holier' and "Tsk, Tsk" a lot. There are sayers and doers. Most of us are sayers. I am not immune, as there are some people and events that, though I've tried, Ijust can't get my head around. This leads me to the people who do; do many small things that make a real difference in life; do helpful things; do wonderful things; do great things. Thankfully, The Port Perry Star is full of them, especially this week. Funny, those doers seem to be teenagers. Surprised? Not me. On the front page of the June 8 issue there's a colour photo of teens graphical- ly enacting a real-life drama in order to help peers learn that nothing is worth taking the chance of driving while intox- icated. (Too bad adults weren't invited - article pg. 18). On the front page and pg. 16 is an article about OAC students founding a registered charity to provide monetary assistance to parents of sick children. (Front page - two articles out of three - not too shabby). Page 12 presents a young woman who gave three months of her precious life volunteering in Guyana to serve those less fortunate. Though the article didn't say, I know that to volunteer for this project she had to 'foot the bill' her- self. That makes her adventure more of a sacrifice. On page 20 I see that CHS is at it again. I'd bet those kids pictured can't find the time to vandalize. And in the Weekend Star, pg. 5 pic- tures a 15-year-old giving up a Saturday to raise funds for 'the cause, same issue, pg. 11 pictures a bunch of ne're-do-wells who couldn't have worked very hard because they only raised $1,500 for Sick Kids Hospital (TIC) - Tongue in Cheek, didn't want to get too mushy; pg. 16 - even the farm kids get into the act, showing off with their 4-H accomplish- ments. And check out other kids, scattered throughout both issues. They take up space in the sports pages, including golf, skipping, and I'm sure, car racing. Additionally, we have bike safety, learn- ing about pioneers, canoe paddlers, Thanks for carrying stories about the good guys, too maybe even a gardener or two. These kids, nowadays. We'll always have 'stinky stuff,' but let's try to fix it, amend it, give it time, discipline it, or all of the above. Entrusted with a seed, it does produce most beautiful flowers. Many of you believe in Jesus Christ or accept that he indeed, was a most intelligent thinker, sayer and doer of his, or any time. Read Matthew 5:7-11, Luke 6:31 and 36-38 to refresh yourself; and Mark 14:7a and Matthew 28:20 for assurance. Looking toward our nation's future, I feel more confidence than I have felt for a very long time. Hats off to the shiny, young doers out there - doing. "Love ya." Parents: for doing the difficult, most important job in the world: "Y' done good." Bravo, Port Perry Star for the star- billing and more-than-equal time for the good guys. Darlene Christie, Epsom Sick Kids sale was a success To the Editor: The residents of Port Perry should be very proud of their outstanding efforts, generous donations and com- passionate support of Port Perry's Third Annual . Hospital® for Sick Children Telethon Yard Sale/Fundraiser held at 16950 Old Simcoe Rd. on June 5 and 6. Our wonderful community sur- passed all expectations. The total donations pledged to The Hospital for Sick Children's were $6,555.87, $2,676.87 higher than last year. Numerous grateful families whose ~ children have benefitted by the high level of care at HSC thank everyone from the bottom of their hearts. The Hospital for Sick Children's Telethon raised over $4.5 million this year. Special thanks is extended to Reids Independent Grocers, Port Perry IGA, Verdiroc Construction Ltd., National Sports, Parties Extreme, Emiel's Place, Framers Gallery, Native Focus, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Hair Let's celebrate To the Editor: It is once again time to gather togeth- er to celebrate the birthday of this great nation. This Canada Day, let us remember and appreciate all the things that make our country great: Its tolerance, cultural diversity, respect for differing views and its great beauty. Let us take pride in living in the greatest country in the world, and remember that other nations are not as fortunate. Around the globe, other countries continue to struggle to find peace and "respect. . I believe that it is the responsibility of each of us to be an active participant in our democracy. On Canada Day, let us remember that the House of Commons belongs to and is accountable to every Canadian only through our active par- Seems some people can't stand the heat 'and bargain hunters. Well, I see another teacher is disturbed. The poor guy blames your newspaper, the public, and dogs and cats, because of the elec- tions. He is mad that the general public is fed up with the way teachers hold parents up to ran- Expressions, Sash Boutique, Jesters Court, Shoppers Drug Mart, Dana's Goldsmithing, Dr. Ralph Price, Brock's Dept. Store, Everlasting Memories, Village Decor Shoppe, Centennial Pipe and Precast, The Genuine Article, Dan Fraser, Books Galore, Flieler's North End Services, Tosja Wright, Brenda Casteels of Re/Max Real Estate, Port Perry Star, Port Perry This Week, Bill Brant and the hundreds of donators Thank you Port Perry; small town, huge heart! On behalf of all the children, Thanks for making sick kids better. Save your treasures and we will join 'together in support of HSC next year for our fourth annual fundraiser. Brian and Judy Pawlin, Bob and Heather Smith and family, | Jim and Lillian Fraser, Jim and Grace Viscoff, Elaine Campbell and Donna Herold, and Marion Lee Canada July 1 ticipation. Canada has a rich heritage for all of us to celebrate, whether we came to this country as immigrants or whether Canada was our place of birth. Starting with National Aboriginal Day on June 21, which honours the con- tribution of Aboriginal peoples to Canadian society, followed by Saint Jean Baptiste Day on June 24, and cul- minating with Canada Day on July 1, I encourage everyone to participate in the various events organized by our dedicat- ed community volunteers and commit- tees. Remember on Canada Day, admission to all national parks, historic sites and museums are free of charge. Inky Mark, M.P. Opposition Critic Canadian Heritage Who took away the kids' bench? To the Editor: Who would rip out a small bench from in front of a building just so teenagers can't sit on it? Some small-minded per- son or people in Blackstock, that's who. Three days ago I built a small bench out of two stumps and a painted seat in front of my building for anyone to use, including my daughter and her friends. I have also planted flower gardens and trees to decorate the front of the building with permission from my landlord, and do all the cleaning and upkeep myself. I even put a garbage pail in front of the building and empty it regularly when it gets full to make sure that any mess gets cleaned up. I'm sure that honest people in this town appreciate the beau- tifying that I do to this busy corner of town, yet others have even ripped out the newly planted trees. Who are these small-minded people? 1 certainly have my own suspicions, but I would only risk danger by fighting back. I am a single mom and I have already had my car, two bicycles and other items stolen, perhaps as attempts to make me move, because 1 support struggling teenagers. In my opinion, these people should move to (Yugoslavia?) where they may get a chance to openly practice their moral bankruptcy instead of sneaking around in the middle of the night to do it. In the meantime, I would welcome the support of other kind and honest people to help stop this kind of harassment from happening in our town. The bench is for anyone to sit on. Connie Leslie, Blackstock To the Editor: Here are some lessons I hope will come out of the provincial election of June 3, 1999. Q A political party that makes promises, keeps the promises and runs on its record, will be rewarded at the polls. 0 A political party without clear policies, or which uses name-calling or rewarded at the polls. 0 The NDP will finally have to change its philosophy from "Let's make the rich pay for everything." 0 The Liberal party will finally have to change its philosophy from "We'll do everything for everybody, but we're not really sure how we'll do it or who will pay for it." 0 After the government begins to operate with a surplus, more money will be spent on health and education. Lessons we learned from the provincial election which deals in negatives, won't be' Q Union leaders should consult more with their membership, who are more attuned to what the average citi- zen expects from their government. Q Anti-Harris forces will re-educate their supporters to teach them that intimidation and misinformation aren't part of the political process in Ontario. 0 Those who intimidated the poll clerks on election day, will be caught and punished. 0 Those who polarized the province will now agree to cooperate and work for a better Ontario. 0 Teachers will now stop writing let- ters to the editor complaining about Mike Harris and will come up with some ideas instead. Evert Vroegh, Hampton som so the teachers can try to. break up what they conceive to be support for them. Wake up, Mr. Darlington: your little empire should come down around your feet very shortly. The people of Ontario have awakened, at last. They now see with clear eyes. At least 55 per cent -- which isn't bad for starters -- seem to have. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Frank Harris, E-mail the editor: port.perry.star Nestleton I @ sympatico.ca