Pages 21-33 - Focus on Scugog
Transcription
Pages 21-33 - Focus on Scugog
Rogers. “We had been purchasing band-width and signal from Rogers for years, so selling to them made a nice fit. They were accustomed to doing business with us,” explained Ron. The couple praised Rogers representatives for their conduct and professionalism during the negotiations. “They treated us very fairly,” Nancy said. Even more important to the Comptons was the willingness of Rogers to guarantee continued employment for their entire staff of 16 people. “They agreed to maintain the same conditions and benefits, so nothing changes for the employees,” Ron says proudly. Protection of the employees was a key ingredient in the negotiations and Ron said they were prepared to accept less to make this happen. They both admit it was very difficult in the months leading up to the sale as they were unable to disclose any details to their management or staff. But when they finally gathered them together, not long before the deal was signed, the staff were very nervous. “They didn’t know what to expect,” Nancy explained. She referred to her staff as “family” and like a proud mother she boasted, “We had a fantastic staff, dedicated and conscientious and there was always a lot of laughter in our office.” Starting out as Compton Cable TV in 1972, the company was located in the old creamery building at Please turn to page 20 Ron and Nancy Compton READY… SET… plan! now is the time to start thinking about spring gardening opening april 16th Returning to the Garden Centre this year will be: PC Real Easy Perennials Herb Planters Gigantico Blooms lawn and Garden Care pcgardenblog.ca Check out this great site to find: GARDEN POT RECYClING PROGRAM!!! • Gardening tips and information • Gardening news and trends • Polls and quizzes • How to’s • Insider’s Stories • “To do” lists • The best products for 2011 & OPERATED B YO UR S OWN ED 1. Prune early-flowering shrubs such as lilacs and forsythia after they finish blooming. 2. Fertilize spring bulbs after they flower. 3. Stake tall perennials and put peony rings in place. O 1893 Scugog St., Port Perry SPRING IS THE TIME TO: Y Open from 7:00am to 10:00pm Trees & Shrubs Garden Tools Fabulous Outdoor Decor Barbeques & Accessories UR NEIGHB FOCUS - APRIL 2011 21 Compton - from page 19 the corner of Water and Casimir Street, Port Perry (now condominiums). The company moved to the current Utica location about 10 years later and worked out of the basement of the Compton’s new home. About a decade later, they moved their offices into two portable school rooms located on the property and it was only a few years ago they expanded again due to their growing staff and services. Ron and Nancy are very proud of the company they were able to build and admit they will miss the daily contact with their staff and customers. Among their most memorable accomplishments for the couple, was becoming the first company in Canada to launch an HDTV-capable personal video recorder (PVR) in 2003. Two years later, the company introduced TMN OnDemand service, becoming the smallest cable company in North America to offer ‘On Demand’ services. Another highlight came three years ago when they launched ‘Compton Home Phone’ service to the community. They believe Rogers is the company that will provide their former customers with the best and most advanced service for years to come. In the not to distant future, Ron expects their 5,500 customers to enjoy larger selections of movies and channels, more local programming and cell phone service. “Rogers can provide more complete ‘bundling’ at competitive pricing. We are genuinely excited for our customers because they will have access to services we couldn’t provide them,” says Ron. Nancy, who had worked for the company for 31 years, admits to shedding more than a few tears in the months leading up to the final day, especially when she had to pack up and vacate her office. And although Ron was a little less emotional, he admitted it was difficult and gut wrenching to leave the business he’s nurtured for almost four decades. “It’s certainly been an emotional roller-coaster,” he said, “I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet.” Looking back, both Ron and Nancy say they appreciate how great their customers have been. It was their emphasis on service that won them great respect. “We always tried to make sure we were there for our customers, and we received many compliments about our staff and service,” Nancy said. After a two-week holiday, Ron and Nancy returned to their Utica home where they have lived for the past 30 years. But they won’t be lonely on their large property. Their new neighbour is Rogers, who have taken a 21 year lease on the buildings. And when everything settles down, Ron and Nancy have plans for their community. They’ve formed a new company called “Compton Beyond Corp.” and are in the process of setting up a charitable foundation so they can continue to give back to the community they love. “This is their way of saying thanks for so many great years,” says Ron. And on behalf of the community we say, thank you Ron and Nancy. By J. Peter Hvidsten Focus on Scugog SPRING IS HERE! Test Drive a Terrain and Regal. TERRAIN • Consumer’s Best Buy • Top Safety Pick 2011 • Top 10 Best Engine www.ajac.ca Best New Family Car REGAL • Best New Family Car (over $30,000) • Consumer’s Best Buy • Top Safety Pick 2011 • NADA Car of the Year www.ajac.ca AUTOMOBILE JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 10 Vanedward Drive, Port Perry 905-985-8474 www.gusbrownportperry.com 22 FOCUS - APRIL 2011 3PHFSTQVSDIBTFT$PNQUPO$PNNVOJDBUJPOT 5IF$PNQUPO'B NJMZ&YQSFTTFT "QQSFDJBUJPOGPS :FBSTPG4VQQ PSU 5IF$PNQUPOGBN JMZI BWFTQFOUUIFMBTU 5FMFDPNNVOJDBUJP ZFBSTCVJMEJO OTTZTUFNJOBDPN HB$BCMF57 N VO JUZUIBUXFBSFWF 8FIBWFJOWFTU SZQSPVEUPMJWFJO FEPVSQSP¾UTJOU PUIFUFDIOPMPHZ DPNQBOZUPEFMJW BOEPVSIFBSUTJOU FSUIFNPTUBEWBO P PV S DFE$BCMF57*OU TFSWJDFT5IFGVUV FSOFUBOE1IPOF SFJTWFS ZFYDJUJOH X JUI UFDIOPMPHJFTUIBU UIFQSPNJTFPGTFS XJMMQSPWJEFGVUV WJDFTBOE SFHFOFSBUJPOTX BOEPQQPSUVOJUJFT JUI JO UFMMFDUVBMHSPXUI CFZPOEPVSJNBH JOBUJPOT 5PCSJOHGVUVSF TFSWJDFTBOEUFDI OPMPHJFTUPUIJTDP SFRVJSFTJHOJ¾DBOU NNVOJUZXPVME JOWFTUNFOUUIBUH PFTCFZPOEBDPN "GUFSNFUIPEJDBMD QBOZPGPVSTJ[F POTJEFSBUJPOPGQ VSDIBTFPGGFSTGSPN XFBSFDPO¾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ardeners itching to get out and scratch the soil welcome Garden Show The Scugog Spring Garden Show, hosted by the Pine Ridge Garden Club takes place this year on Saturday and Sunday, April 16, 17 at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, 1655 Reach Street, Port Perry. Guest speakers include: Denis Flanagan - A Gallery of New Plant Varieties, Belinda Gallagher - Hot Tropicals for Cool Climates, Trish Symons - Keeping It Simple - Photographing Gardens, Jake Hudson - Creating Water Features in the Garden, John Statham - Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape, Beth Cook - Planning a Successful Garden, Sonia Day - A Fun Peek at My Middle-Aged Spread in the Country. See ad elsewhere in this issue for more information and times. Come and explore the many vendors and exhibitors for the latest in plants, gardening trends, design, decor, stone work, advice, gadgets, furniture and much more. Be sure to take in one of the excellent speakers who will tantalize you with must-have annuals, perennials, and vegetables, or provide expert advice on growing and caring for small trees, lilies, iris, orchids or plants that perform. You’ll find inspiration and everything you require to create the garden of your dreams. Show times are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EMMANUEL & COMMUNITY CHURCH present LEADERCAST 10 OF THE WORLD’S BEST LEADERS COMING TO YOU FOR ONE LIFE-CHANGING DAY. ONE-DAY LEADERSHIP EVENT May 6th at Emmanuel Community Church 905-985-4971 • www.scugogchamber.ca “Voices of Change” Every leader has a unique voice. One offers direction, while another inspires. Some voices impact lives without uttering a single word. Create change and help to identify your leadership voice. Sponsored by: 24 FOCUS - APRIL 2011 Thumbs Thumbs Down - here’s a ‘thumbs down’ from a reader who, reacting on last week’s mention of people leaving store carts in parking lots, informed she was angry to find someone who purchased a new baby’s car seat at the local CTC recently – had left the empty box with the old car seat in the middle of the parking lot. Guess they thought the good staff at CTC could take care of their garbage. How lazy is that? Thumbs Up - to the good people at Medical Associates who provide free parking at their medical centre for their patients - and often due to its proximity, visitors to Port Perry Hospital. It’s a shame that Lakeridge Health doesn’t provide the same free parking service as does all other businesses in this community. Let’s not forget, health care is business and patients are customers. But the current pay-to-park situation at the hospital is unlikely to change, so a big thanks to Medical Associates. Thumbs Down - We hate to keep harping on this one, but more than a year after the amazing transformation of Palmer Park into a lakefront showpiece, that large disgusting puddle of stagnant water remains as an eyesore. Last year officials said the problem would be fixed by fall... but here we are heading into another summer and the ugly blemish remains, in an otherwise pristine park. We can’t understand how, with all the money spent on engineering and planning, this ever happened – but it’s time to get it fixed... One, two, three, GO! Thumbs Down - to those who use local business dumpsters to get rid of their personal household items instead of taking them to the local landfill site. The dumpsters are paid for by the store owners and are there to help keep their properties clean and attractive for the community and visitors. Anyone needing to dispose of household items should take them to the transfer station, not to the nearest business bin. How cheap can you get? KOTYA PEEKIN’ Fashion Boutique Swim & Summerwear all year round Sportswear by TRIBAL Bra & Bustier Sets Dresses: Casual, Prom, Evening Sizes S - 4X 1888 Scugog St., 905-985-1890 EAR C RUISE W Protect Those You Love Whether it’s your family, home, business or your car, protect what’s yours with insurance solutions designed just for you. ™ W.O. INSURANCE BROKERS Dale Gibbons Owner/Broker www.woinsurancebrokers.com 905-436-9090 Home Decor &More Spring has arrived and new trends are being set fast in all areas of our lives. A good way to welcome Visit our showroom for a personal demonstration of the benefits of soapstone. Monday - Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm, Friday 8:00am-4:30pm spring with a new burst of energy is to change your interior design. And remember that whether you are redecorating, refurnishing, renovating, refreshing or remodelling this spring, look around Scugog first for the products, services and expertise you’ll need. GIVE YOUR WINDOWS A REFRESHED LOOK FOR SPRING I]ZWZhiX]d^XZ [dgl^cYdlXdkZg^c\h ^cHXj\d\# Also • 12 x 12 Floor Tiles • 3 x 6 Subway Wall Tiles Available: • Cabinet Knobs • Fireplace Face Kits & Hearths 8 Paisley Lane, Unit 2, Stouffville/Uxbridge 905-640-6213 • 1-866-421-4425 www.soapstoneontario.com <gZViHZaZXi^dcd[Ide FjVa^in7gVcYCVbZh KVhiEgdYjXiKVg^Zin ¸:meZgi;^i¹BZVhjg^c\ VcY>chiVaaVi^dc HbVgiJe\gVYZh 6XXZhhdg^Zh • Printed matter - emphasize pattern and print • Eclectic chic - “no style” can be a great style • Bold colour - bright and fun • Minimal white - a calming colour to offset the bright • “Pajama dressing” - comfort and fluid motion • Retro - seventies orange decor is back! 9gVeZg^Zh HjeZg^dgHZgk^XZ Hina^h]8dadjgh Six key decorating trends to go for 7a^cYh (%D;; H^\cVijgZHZg^Zh 8jhidb8ZaajaVg H]VYZh H]jiiZgh <^[i8Zgi^ÂXViZh 6kV^aVWaZ 8VaaVcni^bZidhX]ZYjaZ ndjg;G::^c"]dbZXdchja" iVi^dcVcYZhi^bViZ# Joe Gibson, Blackstock 905-213-2583 H]VYZh <:I>CHE>G:95DJG DCA>C:<6AA:GN www.budgetblinds.com/portperry H6I>H;68I>DC <J6G6CI::9 FOCUS - APRIL 2011 25 A SINCE 1969 Allen’s Siding Products Limited S A L E S & I N S T A L L AT I O N Protect Your Investment A Good Roof is Good Proof • Family owned and operated since 1969 • Member Gentek Premium Renovator Gold Club Program • Strong, written warranties • Part of the Energy Star and Power Smart Programs LOOK 178 Reach Industrial Park Port Perry • 905-985-3333 UP! OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES: Windows • Doors • Trough • Awnings Solariums • Roofs • Decks • Sunrooms www.allenssiding.ca What do you see? A roof that needs some TLC? We specialize in Quality Asphalt Shingles and Metal Flashing Reroofing, New Work, Repairs FULLY INSURED Lebel Shingles LTD. Owner: Yvan Lebel November Home & Decor Show Book Your Space Now The Scugog Chamber of Commerce is proud to be hosting a Home and Décor Show taking place at the Scugog Community Centre on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 9am -5pm. The Home and Décor Show will promote a variety of businesses within Scugog area and is open to any business of any nature in relations to Home and Décor needs. Only a limited number of booths available, so book your space NOW. 905-985-8493 Port Perry 30 YEARS OF QUALITY WORKMANSHIP to We are looking for sponsorships from businesses to assist in making this event a huge success for years to come. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please contact us @ 905-985-4971 or 905-985-5064 ext 116 for more details of how to get involved. We look forward to seeing you there! Open Late Diva Night April 29 WOODTECH Custom Cabinets We will take your ideas and transform them into a magnificent space with your unique taste in mind. We offer Free Estimates with Competitive Prices. Serving Scugog for over 24 years. only at Call Mark Today You’re So Country Visit our website: 1874 SCUGOG STREET, UNIT 3 PORT PERRY 905-985-0420 www.wood-tech.ca 26 Cool stuff for home or cottage FOCUS - APRIL 2011 Primitive Decor (beside M&M Meats) 905-982-1900 DON’T FORGET YOUR SOFTENER SALT Just about everyone needs a plumber at one time or another… • Pro’s Pick • Red-Out • Diamond Crystal DPNNFSDJBM -JDFOTFE JOEVTUSJBM BOE *OTVSFE SFTJEFOUJBM Voted #1 by DURHAM BUSINESS NEWS Kinetico 7675 Baldwin St., Hwy. 12, Brooklin 905-655-4544 CANADIAN TM ASSOCIATION LICENCED BY M.O.E. TES T MEMBER AND VALID ED ® TM ER FREE WATER TEST IN RDS CANADA’S #1 SOFTENER DU DA ® UND ¾STUDIPJDF!ZBIPPDPN Kinetico ED AT DFM Systems Inc. ® CONSUMER’S DIGEST BEST BUY 'PSTFSWJDFSFQBJS PSOFXJOTUBMMBUJPODBMM CVT Family Business Since 1950 N S T RY S TA HONEYSUCKLE Pantone’s 2011 Spring Colour of the Year Windows & Doors For New Home Construction And Your Renovation Projects Renovation Trends - Best Value Bathroom Updating - it can be as simple as putting in new tiling or flooring Warmer Tones - warmer carpeting, tones of orange & brown Immediate Repairs - take care of needed repairs before renovating, no matter how small Create one space - knock out walls to create one large space out of smaller spaces to open up your home The Green theme - Use sustainable materials whenever possible. Energy-saving renovation increases the value of a home by a great deal Your first choice in quality, design and performance. • Sales and Expert Custom Installation Visit our showroom at: OPPERS Windows & Doors Est. 1985 193 North Street, Port Perry 1-800-788-0270 905-985-4910 FOCUS - APRIL 2011 27 VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR28 FOCUS - APRIL 2011 V N Victorian Order of Nurses help make life just a little more meaningful Sharon Schmidt says that she would be lost if she wasn’t volunteering. “That would be a huge part of my life gone,” says the Scugog Island resident. Sharon’s volunteer resume includes stints as a Brownie and Girl Guide leader, along with other community initiatives, but her most recent volunteer experience in Port Perry involves seniors, fitness and warm friendships. Sharon has volunteered for more than five years with the Durham Region VON (Victorian Order of Nurses), including with their SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) program. The VON operates SMART, as one of their offerings VON volunteer Sharon Schmidt relaxes at the home of Ann Labanovich to the community, a before heading out for lunch and a visit to the shopping mall. Photo by J. Peter Hvidsten fitness program to keep seniors moving. “When a lot of peoclass in Beaverton or Sunderland, ple hear VON they assume we do strictly or brings a trained fitness volunteer right nursing,” says Cheryl Genereaux, VON’s into the homes of seniors who can not eascoordinator of community support for the ily get out on their own, was a response to Durham region. “But we offer a variety of just such a need. different community support programs. “Statistics Canada reports that 61 We’re very innovative and if there’s an percent of seniors are inactive, or deemed unmet need in the community, we strive to as inactive, which puts them at increased respond.” risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, and The SMART program, which brings increased risk of falling,” explains Cheryl. seniors out for a gentle, hour-long exercise “Through our research, VON discov- ered three main barriers to seniors participating in fitness: cost, transportation and health issues. We developed the SMART program to overcome them.” And VON relies on volunteers like Sharon to help run them. “Sharon is very dedicated to the clients. One woman called her an angel. Volunteers doing this kind of work sometimes go unrecognized because people don’t actually see them doing the work,” says Cheryl. “Volunteers don’t need a background in fitness, but they must be compassionate, and a good listener, because it’s a much needed social visit as well.” In fact, when the 12 week SMART program ended for the two women Sharon was working with, she continued on as a Friendly Visitor, another key VON program in the area. “They were both upset their time was up, and wanted to be put on the Friendly Visitor program, and so they’ve become wonderful friends,” says Sharon. “One lady who is on her own, I a f the c re ing another human being.” The Durham Region VON has a long list of seniors just waiting for SMART volunteers. By Karen Stiller Focus on Scugog D.K. Stewart antiqueS (The Brooklin Antiquarian) My new location is: on Hwy. 12, 2 km North of Hwy. 7A (Manchester), West of Port Perry 905-985-7179 The best of antique country furniture and accessories; as well as a line of contemporary iron for the garden and home. Open by Chance or Appointment Celebrate Mother’s Day Early at the 12th Annual a LAKE SCUGOG e jo Be rt o tiv pa spend about four or five hours with every two weeks. We go to the mall, have lunch. She’s amazing, the most amazing lady, sharp as a tack, we just laugh and have a wonderful time together. The other lady I visit twice a month, for an hour or two, and even visit with her husband at the same time. He’s 92 (years old) or so.” Sharon, a young senior of 66 years of age, receives as much or more as she gives from her volunteer work with the VON.” I get more out of it then I put into it I tell you. Older people just have so much wisdom and so much to share.” Joan Crawford is a SMART program coordinator, and she agrees with Sharon. “When you’re dealing with seniors, you learn so much about life from them, through their life stories, and what conditions people have to live with. It’s very encouraging. It’s almost humbling. The volunteers get that human interaction and it makes them feel good, because they’re help- urney … STUDIO TOUR Visit 32 artists at 15 sites located in Port Perry and throughout the beautiful Township of Scugog by following the frog signs to discover unique one of a kind art and craft Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1 – 10am to 5pm SELF-GUIDED FREE ADMISSION Brochures (with map) will be available at most Port Perry businesses www.scugogstudiotour.ca FOCUS - APRIL 2011 29 ... Port Perry's only locally owned and operated Funeral Home since 1846 ... 216 Queen Street Port Perry, Ontario L9L 1B9 Tel: 905-985-2171 ~ Fax: 905-985-4572 www.waggfuneralhome.com MYLES G. O’RIORDAN Funeral Director / Owner Excellent Professional Office Space FOR RENT Immaculate, bright office space ideal for Real Estate, Insurance, Lawyers, Accountants, Health Care. 188 Mary Street, Port Perry Available May 1, 2011 - For more information please call 905-449-6690 or 905-985-3089 See photo and location of building and floor plan layout at: www.scugogheritage.com/misc/forrent.htm Last minute news. . . DIVA NIGHT T-SHIRTS Port Perry BIA will be selling attractive Diva Night t-shirts during the event on April 29. The shirts will be sold along with a little shopping bag. Sizes come in small, medium, large or extra large at a cost of $20.00. HISTORY OF THE MISSISSAUGAS The Lake Scugog Historical Society begins its spring season with guest speaker Dan Denby who will speak on the History of the Mississaugas of Scugog. The meeting will take place at the Presbyterian Church, Queen Street, Port Perry on Tuesday April 12 beginning at 7 p.m. Everyone welcome. OFFICIAL TARTAN DAY PARADE Scugog can celebrate its Scottish roots on April 6, when Tartan Day will be observed. In Port Perry, Tartan Day will be marked with a parade through town. This is the first and only parade in Canada and those with Scottish roots are encouraged to bring your clan, bagpipes and kilts to town. The parade will start from Palmer Park at 2 p.m. and will head to the Masonic Lodge for food, refreshments and entertainment. Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation HealtH and ReSouRCe CentRe 22600 Island Road, Port Perry (Just North of the Great Blue Heron Charitable Casino) Is Hosting a NATIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW and SALE aPRIl 30, 2011 10:00 am -4:00 pm Refreshments • door Prizes 50/50 draw • Raffles Come one, Come all For more information call Anne: 905-985-9107 30 FOCUS - APRIL 2011 Fresh baked pies, hot cross buns, dinner rolls, gingerbread Easter bunnies and of course Easter egg cakes and bunny cakes too. 204 Queen St., Port Perry 905-985-2172 Mailbox Dear Focus... Rev up your bikes Dear Editor On Saturday, June 11 the Durham Chapter of the Motorcycle Ride For Dad will hold its sixth annual ride, departing from Clarington Honda in Bowmanville at 9:30 a.m., taking a scenic route through the Durham Region. There will be poker stops along the way, a lunch, live entertainment and prizes will be provided at the end of the day. Dr. Robert Bristow from the Princess Margaret Hospital, recipient of our 2009 grant, will be the guest speaker and will share the findings of his research. Last years’ ride had 200 devout riders that defied the weather forecast, rode through Durham as far north as Beaverton, back through Blackstock to Whitby Honda and raised $30,000.00 for prostate cancer research and awareness. You can register for this year’s ride at the address below. The $25.00 registration fee will be reimbursed, if desired, when $100 or more in pledges are collected. The riders who raise more than $100 in pledges will receive a door prize ticket and a V anniversary ride vest pin. As well, the three top pledge earners will receive a prize. Prostate cancer is contracted by one in five men. Over 4,000 Canadian men die annually from the disease. Part of our goal is to make men more aware of the disease and urge them to get checked annually. We invite anyone interested to come and ride with us and join the fight. If you don’t ride, come on out and volunteer, we can always use the help. Register at: www.motorcycleridefordad.org/durham Sincerely Wolfgang Palleske Durham Ride for Dad Lindsey Luke, left, seen here with her sister Christy, who was struck with a deadly disease that left her partially paralyzed in a Toronto Hospital for five weeks. Sister of paralyzed mother looking for community support and help Dear the Editor, My name is Lindsey Luke. I live here in Port Perry, in fact my entire family on both sides have lived in Port Perry for generations. My sister, Christy, who was also born and raised in this small town has suffered a terrible tragedy and we’d like to ask the community and others like yourself for your help and support. Christy is 36 years old, a single mom of two beautiful children and she has recently been struck with a staphylococcus infection in her spine that has rendered her paralyzed from the neck down. We are very afraid for her and for her children. She has always been a very involved mom and she lives with our parents for the added support now. She will need a lot of help in the form of therapy and assistance and we will need to update the house so she can live there again. By the end of February Christy was in stable condition, but trying to communicate, although with difficulty. She still had the infection in her body and was in the I.C.U. (Intensive Care Unit) at Toronto Western Hospital. (Update - Christy now in Lakeridge Health Oshawa, after spending five weeks at Western Hospital before being transferred). Christy is a fighter, and as she has done in the past, continues to fight and be strong, her driven spirit and love of her children will hopefully drive her to overcome any complications that she faces ahead. We are asking for financial help from the community to help us prepare for Christy’s return home. She will need her home extensively renovated, possibly re-built to allow her to come home to live - such as lifts, special tracking, special bathroom for special needs, wheelchair equipment and possibly an elevator or related equipment - medical expenses and around the Please turn to page 36 FOCUS - APRIL 2011 31 The Scugog Bridge - PART THREE CONCLUSION OF THE SERIES Following a disastrous flooding in the spring of 1960, there were renewed calls for rebuilding and raising the level of the Scugog Bridge, which by this time was beginning to be referred to as “The Causeway”. During April of that year, water in Lake Scugog rose dramatically, with up to 30 inches of water covering sections of both the Port Perry and Cartwright causeways. On a number of occasions, the causeway had to be closed down to traffic as washouts and ice floes created a hazard for anyone attempting to cross the open stretch. But some residents drove through in spite of the warnings, and one man was reported to be barrelling through, and ended up sitting on the roof of the car for a couple of hours waiting for help. Another incident was reported as follows: “During the noon hour on Monday, Mr. Lorne Hunt, a resident of Scugog Island, attempted to drive his Volkswagen to Port Perry. While crossing the causeway the car was pushed off the road by floating ice driven by a wind. Someone saw the car leave the road and phoned the police, and Pargeter’s Garage was also called. Chief R.J. Cameron and Pargeter’s tow truck were soon at the scene. Don Wallace, driver of the tow truck and Robert Duff were able to rescue Mr. Hunt who had succeeded in getting out of his car This photo, believed to have been taken during the late 1940s, shows a car pulled over waiting to cross the flooded causeway towards Scugog Island. A work truck driving through water towards Scugog Island pre-1960. What appears to be a 1957 Chevrolet, is seen here making it’s way towards town, with water from the flooded causeway half-way up its doors. 32 FOCUS - APRIL 2011 and was found clinging to a pole in the icy waters. He had been marooned about 25 minutes and suffered from severe shock and exposure, and was rushed to Community Memorial Hospital.” The causeway was still partially submerged when a severe rainstorm hit the area, causing the level of the lake to rise even further and increasing the depth of the water along the causeway. More than eight weeks after the flooding began along the causeway, many spots were still not entirely free of water. During the high water, Port Perry Reeve J.J. Gibson put his pontoon boat, equipped with an outboard motor, into service as a ferry transporting residents across the causeway, and the Department of Highways also provided a shuttle / Causeway A corner of the old cement bridge, built about 1925 can be seen at left in this 1957 picture of the flooded causeway. The truck was carrying passengers back to Scugog Island from Port Perry. service with large trucks. In June 1960, after more than a decade trying to get the causeway raised, Dr. M.B. Dymond, who was a Member of Provincial Parliament, announced the government was going to reconstruct 7A Hwy. from Port Perry to Caesarea. Construction was scheduled to get underway in September and be completed by the late summer of 1962 at an estimated cost of $1.5 million. The new roadbed would be 42’ wide with 22’ of pavement. Work on the causeway highway project progressed quickly, with the large hill at the east end of the causeway being cut down and back, decreasing the slope. In some cases it was necessary for crews to dig as deep as 25’ in order to insure a proper foundation for the permanent roadway. Work on 7A Hwy. from Port Perry to the Caesarea cut-off, including the causeway, was completed on schedule in 1962, and the highway has changed little since that time. It took more than 140 years for the Scugog Bridge to evolve from a rickety old floating bridge, to the modern provincial causeway it is today. But this short section of 7A Hwy., which spans Lake Scugog between Port Perry, Scugog Island and into Cartwright Township continues to serve the needs of the travelling public today, just as it did in its infancy more than a century ago. By J. Peter Hvidsten Focus on Scugog The causeway, looking towards Port Perry, during construction in 1960. At right, a car and truck can be seen coming towards town from Scugog Island during the re-building and widening of the road. Carnegie Beach Rd. e Pogu g issau Miss o . Casin il a’s Tra • Covered & Open Boat Slips available. Water and Hydro with each slip • Boat Repair • Fishing Boat Rentals • Mechanic on site for Boat & Motor Repairs • Boat Launch • Snack Bar • Fishing Equipment • Open & Covered Boat Storage • Minnows & Worms nd R d Frank & Connie FULL SERVICE MARINA Isla Your hosts Construction photos courtesy Clive Boyd Rd. 30 minutes to Lindsay via the Trent Canal Scugog Island Marina 495 Carnegie Beach Road Port Perry 905-985-8200 www.scugogislandmarina.ca FOCUS - APRIL 2011 33