FOCUS MARCH 2018 7 VISION The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom. PATIENCE The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Our construction has been delayed. We will be open for business as usual for all of March and expect our temporary closure to begin early April. Now is the time to get your jewellery repairs and custom orders in! danasgoldsmithing.com 186 Queen St. Port Perry 905-985-2953 P R E - R E N O V A T I O N S A L E A L L O F M A R C H Acelebration potluck party is being held for the four Syrian families who have set- tled in Port Perry and the local volunteers who helped them get a fresh start in life. Welcome and Settlement Chairperson Kathy Payne-Mercer, commended local residents for “stepping up to help.” Over 100 local people donated their time, money and necessary household items to make the four Syrian refugee families welcome. “We are fortunate to live in a very giv- ing community,” Kathy commented. “The Syrians arrived with just a small suitcase each.” “We had to organize everything from scratch,” Kathy added. That included hous- ing, cell phones, arranging for hydro, filling out paperwork for OHIP and permanent resident cards, furniture, bed linen, setting up kitchens, finding doctors and dentists, etc. Luckily, there were some local individu- als available as Arabic speaking interpret- ers. “Google Translate, gestures and sign language were also helpful,” Kathy said. To commemorate the end of the official contract for support which the Port Perry Refugee Committee had to sign with the government, a potluck party is planned for all of the families and volunteers who have been involved with assisting the refugees since the first family arrived two years ago. “Of course, the unofficial support will continue as friendships have developed,” Kathy noted. Kathy plans to make one of her special desserts for the potluck, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 9 at Emmanuel Church. She is looking forward to enjoying some of the Syrian dishes she has come to enjoy, such as dolmas (stuffed grape leaves). When asked why she got involved, Kathy explained, “If I was in another country, and something happened to me, I would hope that there would be someone willing to help.” By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog Scugog residents and Syrian refugees: Celebrating New Friendships To commemorate Celebrating New Friendships Watch an upcoming issue of Focus on Scugog, as we feature one of the Syrian families. Trophies, Awards, Corporate Promotions Embroidery • Graphic Design Engraving • Screen Printing Pineridge Impress 905-985-2839 135 North Port Road, Port Perry www.pineridgeimpress.ca Your Name is Our Business SIGNWORKScanada.com Reach & Northport Rd., Port Perry 905-985-0802 Since 1996 snowmobile lettering