Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 682 FOCUS - JULY 2016 ...................... More letters on page 46 Memories do matter Dear Editor THUMBS UP to Haugen’s BBQ, Pickles & Olives, Jester’s Court, Flow Yoga, Theatre 3x60, Blazin’ Burgers, Halibut Time, Port Perry Smokehouse, Halibut House and the Nutty Chocolatier for their generous gift donations at the 25th annual Chocolate Lovers’ Luncheon on May 1, 2016 in support of the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region. The event was held at the Ajax Convention Centre and was a huge success. This year a record $50,000 was raised. Your support means that those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are not alone in their journey and memories do matter. Thank you. Liane Strus, Port Perry Keeping in mind the ol’saying: “Better to Give than Receive” is a grand t’ing to do Dear Editor In early April an Irish lady, Bridget Collins, in her tender years of eighty-something, was in need of medical assistance. Living in Port Perry resulted in an Emergency room visit and admittance to the Port Perry Hospital. Bridget received the best of care under the direction of her family physician, Dr. Gilmore, as well as several physicians on duty and the amazing nurses and hospital support staff. Me Mum Bridget’s health declined and her care and comfort was managed as best as could be in a hospital environment. Until one goes through such an emotional journey with a loved one at the end of their life; the need for a facility to specialize in comfort care would probably not cross the minds of most people, let alone be a topic of conversation over dinner. Through the efforts of many, in particular Dr. Russell, Port Perry is a probable location for Durham Region’s first Hospice Centre. The medical professionals and staff would give of their expertise and services so we, the community, can receive what’s needed at the right time. Please give what you can and support the inevitable fund raising that will mobilize in the foreseeable future; and therefore provide for the Hospice Centre to be built in our Scugog Community. Words cannot thank the medical staff enough. Irish humour has always been intact in my family. During a wee Irish wake one of Bridget’s great-grandchildren (Danika) had a need for stitches following a mishap. Without missing a beat or the celebration of life Dr. Ferguson went from the clinic to Emergency so the few stitches needed could be given. And wouldn’t you know it - lollipops were received too. Patricia (Trish) Petric Play for Parkinson’s Dear Editor My name is Kevin Gassien and my family and I have lived in Port Perry for over 40 years. I have Parkinson’s. I am 46 years of age and was diagnosed three years ago. Sports are my life! I was a goalie, a ball player, an umpire and an avid sports memorabilia collector until I got hit hard with the diagnosis. I couldn’t believe it and thought it just wasn’t possible, me? Well, I’m here to say, I’m not letting it slow me down and I am determined to do everything I can to help find a cure, so other guys like me don’t have to give up either. I am holding an event, Let’s Play for Parkinson’s Ball Hockey Tournament. Want to play, be part of a team, get your own team together? Then let’s do it! Saturday July 23, at the Children’s Arena in Oshawa. 155 Arena Street. Give me a call to register or find out more information. Call: 289-928-5394, Twitter – kevgas1970, Facebook - Let’s Play for Parkinson’s, or email: autographnut@msn.com Kevin Gassien, Port Perry A tingly Thumbs Up Dear Editor Thumbs up to a man who got out of his car at the drive thru to let me know my passenger tire was flat, and a HUGE thumbs up to Dean who put down his take out lunch to help me change the tire on his lunch break!!! After thanking him several times, he said, ‘I’m more than happy to pay it forward! You see, a stranger helped my wife change her tire not too long ago!’ Doesn’t that just give you a warm tingly feeling?! I’m so grateful to live in a town with so many kind people and I too, am going to pay it forward! Alison Brown, Port Perry Closer to the ‘finish line’ Dear Editor A heartfelt thank you and a ‘thumbs up‘ to the businesses of Port Perry who made available their premises and to the kind donors who helped the hospital auxiliary volunteers raise $9,420 in their recent “Tag Days” fundraiser. The “finish line” of their $350,000 pledge to the hospital renovations project is in sight, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful community. Gail Kerry The Auxiliary to Lakeridge Health Port Perry