12
FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009 11 Home is where the heart is; just ask a pigeon. The birds’ instinctive ability – to return consistently to the precise spot where they hatched – has for centuries made them indispensable messengers in both war and peace. Their speed, executing that homing instinct, has also opened the door to racing competitions among modern pigeon fanciers. Seagrave’s Andy Pallotta has raised and raced pigeons for as long as he can remember. Andy’s father, Mike, shared his own feathered passion as a means of occupying his son when the family relocated to a more rural setting. “It fascinated me that a one-pound bird could find his way home over distances of hundreds of miles,” Andy recalls of his hobby’s beginnings. “My dad encouraged me, and I found I enjoyed the competition.” In many respects, pigeon racing closely resembles the Sport of Kings. There are rigourous requirements of both avian and human. Elite racing birds – bred with desirable “bloodlines” like horses – need training and practice, as well as careful breeding; fanciers require skill, knowledge, and must invest considerable time and effort. To be successful, ultimately all factors must work in harmony. Pigeons breed in the early months of the year. Seven days into the chick’s young life, he is (painlessly) banded on one foot to document ownership and year of birth; this information registered with the Ontario Racing Pi- geon Union. Within a month, the fledglings are ready to begin flying and, with it, their race-training program. The birds initially learn the limits of their “landing board,” a 4x8 sheet of plywood adjacent to their loft’s entry. Their early time airborne begins with short, then ever-expanding, circles around home. Andy conditions his young birds to return on command by forming an association between his whistle and the reward which awaits each obedient returnee – food. “After two months, they disappear from sight for minutes, then hours at a time,” he says. “Twice daily, I release them from cages 50-60 miles away.” Andy watches each youngster with an experienced, skillful eye. Not every bird, he explains, is suited to every distance; like human runners, some prove superior sprinters while others do better at marathon distance. Competitive races range from 100 to 800 miles. Other factors that affect race results and the kind of bird who will prosper. “Weather, especially wind and RACING PIGEONS Andy Pollotta 905-985-5665 cell 905-260-7680 Andy has been raising and racing pigeons since he was a youngster Andy Pallotta holds the male father pigeon of two baby pigeons, being protected in their nest by the mother. At right, the mother with her two young squab. Please turn to page 10 BIRDMAN The

The BIRDMAN RACING PIGEONS - Scugog · skill, knowledge, and must invest considerable time and effort. To be successful, ultimately all factors must work in harmony. Pigeons breed

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FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009 11

Homeiswheretheheartis;justaskapigeon.Thebirds’instinctiveability–toreturnconsistentlytotheprecisespotwheretheyhatched–hasforcenturiesmadethemindispensablemessengersinbothwarandpeace.Theirspeed,executingthathominginstinct,hasalsoopenedthedoortoracingcompetitionsamongmodernpigeonfanciers. Seagrave’sAndyPallottahasraisedandracedpigeonsforaslongashecanremember.Andy’sfather,Mike,sharedhisownfeatheredpassionasameansofoccupyinghissonwhenthefamilyrelocatedtoamoreruralsetting. “Itfascinatedmethataone-poundbirdcouldfindhiswayhomeoverdistancesofhundredsofmiles,”Andyrecallsofhishobby’sbeginnings.“Mydadencouragedme,andIfoundIenjoyedthecompetition.” Inmanyrespects,pigeonracingcloselyresemblestheSportofKings.Therearerigourousrequirementsofbothavianandhuman.Eliteracingbirds–bredwithdesirable“bloodlines”likehorses–needtrainingandpractice,aswellascarefulbreeding;fanciersrequireskill,knowledge,andmustinvestconsiderabletimeandeffort.Tobesuccessful,ultimatelyallfactorsmustworkinharmony.

Pigeonsbreedintheearlymonthsoftheyear.Sevendaysintothechick’syounglife,heis(painlessly)bandedononefoottodocumentownershipandyearofbirth;thisinformationregisteredwiththeOntarioRacingPi-geonUnion.Withinamonth,thefledglingsarereadytobeginflyingand,withit,theirrace-trainingprogram. Thebirdsinitiallylearnthelimitsoftheir“landingboard,”a4x8sheetofplywoodadjacenttotheirloft’sentry.Theirearlytimeairbornebeginswithshort,thenever-expanding,circlesaroundhome.Andyconditionshisyoungbirdstoreturnoncommandbyforminganassociationbetweenhiswhistleandtherewardwhichawaitseachobedientreturnee–food. “Aftertwomonths,theydisappearfromsightforminutes,thenhoursatatime,”hesays.“Twicedaily,Ireleasethemfromcages50-60milesaway.” Andywatcheseachyoungsterwithanexperienced,skillfuleye.Noteverybird,heexplains,issuitedtoeverydistance;likehumanrunners,someprovesuperiorsprinterswhileothersdobetteratmarathondistance.Competitiveracesrangefrom100to800miles. Otherfactorsthataffectraceresultsandthekindofbirdwhowillprosper.“Weather,especiallywindand

RACINGPIGEONSAndyPollotta905-985-5665 cell 905-260-7680

Andy has been raising and racing pigeons since he was a youngster

Andy Pallotta holds the male father pigeon of two baby pigeons, being protected in their nest by the mother. At right, the mother with her two young squab.

Please turn to page 10

BIRDMANThe

12 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009

heat,arecritical.Butintheend,itcomesdowntoconditioning.” Andyinspectseachbirdbeforearacewithanexpert’seye–andtouch. “Afleshy,roundedbreast,lightweight,andshiny,unruffledfeathersindicateabirdwho’sfit,rested,andreadytorace,”hesays,strokingoneofhisbirdslightlytoillustrate. “Ialsowatchthemintheloftbeforeputtingthemincompetitiontoensurethey’realertandactive.” Atransportcollectscompetitors’birdsthenightbeforetherace.UsingGPS,thedriverlocatesapre-scoutedsite.Iftheweather’sagreeablethenextmorning,upto1,500pigeonstakeflightatonce…andthey’reoff! Observingweatherconditions,Andycanpredicthisbirds’ap-proximatearrivaltime.Pigeons,remarkably,canmaintainspeedsof80kilometresperhouronawindlessday,andcanreach120km/hrwithatailwind. Themarginofvictorywilloftenbemeasuredinscantseconds.Withinsightofhome,Andyreleases“droppers”–birdswhoflyatcloserangetolureincomingracers–tominimizetimeotherwisewastedincircling.Anelectronicbandoneachbird’sfootmarksitsreturntimeonre-enteringtheloft,thoughacom-puterwillhavethefinalsayontheday’swinner. “Thecomputertabulateseachbird’svelocityinmetresperminute.Thatequalizestheresults,sinceeveryfancier’s‘finishline’isadifferentdistancefromthestart.” TheracingseasonrunsfromMaytoJulyfor“oldbirds”(thoseoveroneyear),withyoungbirds(born

thatyear)fromAugusttoOctober. Andy’smostsuccessfulseasonsawhimcapturehalfofhisclub’sracesandregisterthreewinsamong“combines,”whichgatherpartici-pantsfromotherregions. Likehorses,aracingpigeon’sdotage–following4-5years’compe-tition–meansretiringtostud.(Niceworkifyoucangetit,onebirdtoldmewithagrin.)Atthispointintheirlives,Andyfinallynameseach. “Itrynottodevelopattachmentstotheracingbirds,”heexplains.“There’salwaysthechanceoflossfromhawksandwireseverytimethey’reout.” Andy’s100-oddbirdsdemand12monthsayearattention,thoughtheirmaintenancescheduleeasesaftertheraceseason.Thebirdsmustofcoursestillbefed–a12-grainmixture–andtheloftcleaneddaily.Itsmostlyspotlessfloorsandsurpris-inglyfreshsmellaretestamenttohisrelentlesscommitment. “Ikeepabreezeblowingthroughtheloft,”hesays.“Justlikeus,thebirdslikeacleansmell.” Hechucklesatthatcue,asifsens-ingthesubjectofpigeons’taintedinnercityreputationhadtosurfaceeventually.Hisanswerprovidessomethingofatwistonthetradition-altale. “DiscoveryChannelinterviewedmefortheir’10WorstPestsintheWorld’series.Itoldtheothersideofthestory:thatmybirdsaretrainedtobequiteclean.” SoispigeonracingahobbyorasporttoAndy?He’susedthewordsinterchangeablyduringourdiscus-sion,andtakesamomenttoponderthedifference.

“Fromdaytoday,trainingandclean-ing,it’smyhobby,”heconcludesbeforequicklyadding:“AndonweekendswhenI’mcompeting,it’sasport.” Justlikethebirdshetends,powerfulunseenforcesdrawAndyPallottaregularlybacktothepigeonloft.Apieceofhisheartlivesthere,too.

By Scott MercerFocus on Scugog

Continued from page 9

Pigeons lined up in their secure roost.

FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009 13

YOUR NEIGHBOURS

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NED & OPERATED BY

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great meals start at

Vos’ IndependentHosting Thanksgiving dinner this year?

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s about time to start planning the dinner menu so you are prepared when you shop for your feast.

This way you can avoid the rush, the crowds and the last minute shopping and have a stress-free Thanksgiving.

BRINGING QUALITY AND VALUE TO YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

We’re serving up great buys on your favourite food for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Threeforcesofnaturemeetin“BopEnsemble”,theCana-dianfolksingingsupergroupthatwillopenanotheramazingseasonoffreshandtraditionalfolkmusicfortheGreenbankFolkMusicSocietyaudience,startingat8p.m.onSaturday,October10. Theyarefolklegends,BillBourneandWyckhamPorte-ous,alongwithup-and-com-ingsinger-bassistJasmine‘Jas’Ohlhauser.CombiningBourne’sgrit,Porteous’warmth,andJas’energeticdevilry,thethreemanagetocatchlightninginabottle. Bourne,whoiscutfromtheclothofaclassictrouba-dour,wascalledbyTexassong-writinglegendTomRus-sell“ashininglightintheNorthAmericanfolkandrootsscene.” PorteousmatchesBourne’snearlylegendarystatusandwascalledbyAndrewLoogOldham“LeonardCo-henmeetsHarryDeanStanton,awarm,warm,performerwhosevoiceislikeabottleofwinewhohasmaturedintoafriend.” Jasmine‘Jas’Ohlhauseristhewildcardofthebunch,anexuberant25-year-oldwhoalsoplayswiththeEdmonton

band“LilysOnMars”.Withtheaddi-tionofherdancetheatrics,bopensembleshowscomeclosetoperformanceart.AgreatandexcitingstarttoGreen-bank’snewseason.Ticketsare$20eachandavailableat:BlueHeronBooks,Ux-bridge,905-852-4282;POEDesign,PortPerry,905-985-0060,orphone905-985-8351forreservedticketsandinformation.Checkoutthewebsiteandwatchforfutureconcertsat:http://www.glo-balserve.net/~ynot/grnbnk.htmandonMyspace.

Wyckham Porteous, Bill Bourne and Jasmine

Ohlhauser.

Folk super-group ‘Bop Ensemble’ at Greenbank

Jester’s Court279 Queen St.,

Port Perry$20.00

(incl. tip & tax)

For reservations call Joan Elliott: 905-728-4220

Ask some girlfriends, a neighbour, a co-worker, your mom or your sister for some “Girlfriend Time” to include:

Dinner: With your choice of pre-selected entreésMakeover: A “NEW LOOK” for the “NEW YOU”

Tuesday, October 27 - 6:15 pm

14 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009

making scugog accessible

The total length of the Trent-Severn Waterway is 386 km, beginning at Trenton, Ont., with roughly 32 km of man-made channels. There are 44 locks, including 36 conventional locks, two sets of flight locks, hydraulic lift locks at Peterborough and Kirkfield, and a marine railway at Big Chute which transports boats between the upper and lower sections of the Severn. The system also includes 39 swing bridges and 160 dams and control structures that manage the water levels for flood control and navigation on lakes and rivers that drain approxi-mately 18,600 square kilometres of central On-tario’s cottage country region, across four counties and three single-tier cities, an area that is home to more than a million Canadians. PortPerry,onLakeScugog,istheclosestaccesspointtotheTrent-SevernWaterwayintheGTA.The44kmchanneltoPortPerryfromLindsayislistedinthe2000Trent-SevernWaterwaymanagementplanasoneoffourmajorcomponentsinthesystem.

scugog on the trent

Anyone interested in learning about the Ontario Accessibility act might be surprised to see that Port Perry is featured in a one minute long internet video, aimed at provid-ing information about making Ontario accessible for people with disabilities. You’ll find it on the opening page of the Ontario Government website at: www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/accesson/compliance/ Tolearnmore,plantoattendaspecialmeetingonOctober29from7:30a.m.to9:00a.m.attheScugogCommunityCentre,1655ReachStreet,PortPerry.Formoreinformationorticketspleasephone905-985-4971.

With hockey season upon us here’s a couple of interesting hockey facts we’ll bet you didn’t know, ‘cause we didn’t!! The world’s largest hockey stick is a giant one, 67 meters long that was designed and construed for the Canadian Pavilion at Expo ‘86 in Vancouver. It’s now on permanent exhibit at the Canadian Mu-seum of Civilization in Ottawa... And locally, when Port Perry Memorial Gardens (arena) was opened on January 12, 1951, on Water St. (site now used as a parking lot behind CIBC), Premier Leslie Frost cut the ribbon. Hockey dignitaries at-tending included Toronto Maple Leaf captain Teeder Kennedy and teammate Sid Smith. TeederKennedydiedonAugust14,2009,inanursinghomeinhishometownofPortColborneofcongestiveheartfailure.

all about hockey

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Antique Show & SaleSAt., Oct. 17th & Sun., Oct. 18th

10:00 am - 4:30 pm both daysSponsored by P.P.H.S. Music Department

SAt., nOV. 14th10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Christmas Craft Show

Sponsored by P.P.H.S. Arts Department

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FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009 15

Therearemanywordstodescribethemanknownabouttownas“BirdhouseWilly,”butacoupleofthemostfittingwouldhavetobegenerousandcompassionate.

Anditmaycomeasasurprisetoanyonewho’sexperiencedhissometimesgruffandcrustypersonality,thathebegannurturinginjured

birdsbacktohealthwhenhewasjustayounglad.“Ialwayshadtheabilitytoseesomethingbeautifulinallbirds,”he

recalledinarecentinterviewwhenaskedhowhegotthename“BirdhouseWilly”.

Longbeforehewastaggedwiththisnowfamiliarmon-ickerBillBarrwasbornin“thebeach”districtofToronto’seastend.

Hewasraised,alongwithhisthreebrothersandonesister,intheirQueenSt.easthomeandattendedWilliamsonRd.Public

SchoolandEasternCommerceHighSchool.“Iwasn’tagoodstudent.Ididn’tlikeschool,”Bill

admits,leavingschoolaftercompletingGrade10.Hisearlyeducationcamemainlyfromthestreet

andwhenhewasonly11years-oldhewoulddraghisoldwagondowntothelocalsupermarket

anddelivergrocerieshomeforshoppersfortheprincelysumoftencentsatrip.

Itwasduringthistimehewasbul-liedbysomeofthebigger,tougheryouth

ofthearea.Wantingtoavoidfightsheacquiredanotherwagonandhiredanolder,strongerboytoworkforhim.Thisputastoptothebullyingalmostimmediately. TwoyearslaterBillgraduated

BIRDHOUSE

Willythemanbehindthename...

Please turn to page 14

... when he was 11 years old he hired a big guy to help with his grocery route to stop being bullied

16 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009

tothenextphaseofhisyoungbusinesscareer,purchas-ingnewspaperroutesfromothercarriersfor25centsacustomer.Heendedupwithbetween35and50customers,deliveringnewspapersfortheTelegram,TorontoStar,StarWeeklyandtheGlobeinaheavycanvasbagoverhisshoulder.“Igotupat5:30inthemorningtodelivertheGlobebe-foregoingtoschool,thendeliveredtheTelegramandStarafterschool,”hesaid.TheStarWeeklywasonlydeliveredonSaturdays. Bythetimeheturned16yearsold,Billgaveupthepaperroutesandbeganworkingpart-timefortheT.EatonCompanyindowntownToronto,firstasamessengerboyandlatertoapositioninthesalesauditdepartment. Afterleavingschoolhewasofferedafull-timepositionwithEatonsworkinghiswayuptothepositionofadjusterinthefurnacedepartment. “Ifellinlovewithfurnaces,”hesmiled,explainingthatittookhimoutoftheofficequiteabit.Butafteraboutthreeyearstherehegothisfirstbigbreak. At26yearsofagehewasmovedtothenewEatonstorewhenitopenedinOshawa,asmanageroftheheavygoodsdepartment.FouryearslaterhewascalledbacktoTorontowherehebecamepartofateamplanningtheopeningofthenewEatonsstoreinDonMills.

Birdhouse Willy in his Port Perry workshop with some of his Purple Martin houses and a sign that Eddie Michelle had posted in Birdseye Centre Cabin Park when he owned it in the 1950s.

Continued from page 13

NextcameapromotiontothesportinggoodsdepartmentwherehebecamemanagerforOntario.ItwasinthiscapacitythathemadehisfirstbuyingtripoverseastotheOri-ent.ThiswasalsohislasttripwiththeEatoncompany,astheTowersDepartmentStorechaincamecallingandhiredBillaway. ButhehasmanyfondmemoriesofhisdayswithEatonsandafriend-shiphedevelopedwithJohnDavidEaton,thecompany’sowner. BillfirstmetMr.Eatononan

elevatorwhilegoingtothecompanycoffeeshopearlyonemorningafterhisdrivetoworkfromSeagrave.Af-terthatencountertheymetnumer-oustimessincetheywerebothearlyrisers,theyoftencrossedpathsinthemorning. Itwasduringoneoftheseen-countersthatMr.EatontoldBillsincethecompanydidn’thaveapensionplanthatheshouldbevigilantandsavehismoney.“Itwasgoodadvice

thatIneverforgot,”hesays. Healsofondlyrecallsaconver-sationinwhichhetoldMr.EatonaboutamaninCanningtonwhowassellinghisbeekeepingopera-tion.Mr.EatonhadhispersonalbeekeeperpickBillupathisSea-gravehome,sohecouldtakehimtoCannington.Mr.Eatonpurchasedtheman’sentirebeekeepingoperationandinstructedhisbeekeepertosetup12hivesontheBarrpropertyinSeagrave.Thehivesresultedinanaccidentthatalmosttookhislife,afterhewasattackedbyhisbeesandhadtojumpinhispond...butthat’sanotherstory...oneyoucanaskhimabout. Bill’scareercouldnothavemovedalongsorapidlywith-

outthesupportofhislovingwifeShirley,whohemetwhileattendingacouplesclubattheBellefairUnitedChurchwhenhewasonly16yearsold. “Wehititoffprettygoodandweremarriedaboutthreeyearslater,”herecalls,andaddsthattheyjustcelebratedtheir56thanniversarythispastMarch. Initiallythenewlymarriedcouplelivedintworentedroomsofahouse,withasharedbathroom.ButwhenShirleygavebirthtotwinboys,theymovedintoalargerapart-mentwhichhadtwobedroomsandtheirownbathroom.Theapartmentwasinafour-plexandBillagreedtomanagethebuildingfortheowner,inexchangeforreductionintheirrentpayments. Oftheirfivechildren,fourwereborninTorontoandtheiryoungestaf-tertheymovedtoPortPerryin1959. ItwasafterthemovetoPortPerry,andwhilewithTowersstoresthatBilldidmostofhistravelling.Asheadpurchaserforthecompanyhetravelledextensively,forsixweeksatatime,throughoutJapan,Taiwan,KoreaandChinapurchasingsport-inggoods.HealsospentmanyweeksayearinEngland,Germany,France

Bill, left, travelled for about three years with NHL

superstar Gordie Howe who promoted sports

equipment for Eatons across Ontario. (photo 1958)

FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009 17

andotherEuropeancountries. “IfeltveryguiltyleavingShirleyhomewithfivekids,butthatwasmyjob,”Billadmits. Bill’slifetookanotherdetourin1970whenLoblawscameknocking,luringhimawayfromTowersandhiringhimastheirmerchandisemanager.Fiveyearslaterhislifetookanotherturn,butthistimeitbroughthimclosertohome. In1975healongwithhissonBob,openedtheSted-man’sstoreinPortPerryPlaza,ending14yearsoftravel-lingfromSeagravetoTorontoeverymorning-adaily120milereturntrip. Duringthe17yearsheandhissonoperatedthelocalstore,theypurchasedboththeUxbridgeandStouffvilleStedmanstores.Thenin1989,at58yearsofage,hedecidedtoretire,leavingthebusinessinthecapablehandsofhisson. Andthisbringsusbackto“BirdhouseWilly.” ItwaswhilelivinginSeagraveonabeautifulthree-acrepropertythathisinterestinbirdswasrekindled.Hestartedoutbuildingbirdhousesforhimself,thenpeoplestarteddroppinginaskinghimtobuildhousesforthem. ItwasatthistimehisinterestinPurpleMartinswasperkedupbyEddieMichelle,ownerofBirdseyeCentreCabinParkinPortPerry.EddiehadanumberofPurpleMartinhousesonispropertyandBilllearnedaboutthebirdsfromhim. BackhomeinSeagrave,hecontinuedtoerectbirdhous-esaroundhispropertyandpond,atonetimehaving25-30housesontheproperty. ItwasthesehousesthatluredayoungSeagravelad,BrianKeene,towalkaboutamileandahalftotheBarrhomeonSimcoeSt.,justsouthoftheSeagraveentrance. Brian,cametothedooronedayandaskedShirleyif“BirdhouseWilly”couldcomeoutandplay. BillandShirley’syoungestson,coincidentallynamedBrian,saidtohisdad“that’sthenameyoushoulduseforyourbirdhousebusiness.” Andso“BirdhouseWilly,”wasbornandthenamehasstucklikeglueformorethan25years.Asalovingjestureofinclusion,BillreferstoShirleyashis“LittleWren,”signify-inghisaffectionforthespecialwomaninhislife. Overthepast21years,sincemovingtotheirSimcoeSt.homeinPortPerry,Billcanbefoundbusyinhisgarage/workshopcuttingandassemblinghousesforbirds,batsandtoads.Afewyearsagohealsostartedsellinggourdshe

purchasesfromGeorgia,whichheremindsuswereoneoftheworld’sfirstbirdhouses.Healsogivesbacktothecommunity,havingdonatedmorethan1,100unitsoverthepasttwodecadestodozensoforganizationsandgroupsforprizesandprojects.He’sservedasadirectorandpresidentoftheScugogChamberofCommerce,wasvicepresidentoftheCentralSevenAssociation(nowCom-munityLiving)andamemberoftheSeagraveUnitedChurchandOddfellowsLodgeforalmosthalfacentury.Butit’shis“Birdhouse

Willy”activitiesthathavemadehimahouseholdnamearoundthiscommunity.AndhisdedicationtoPurpleMartinscanbeseeninbothBirdseyeParkandRotaryParkwherehehaserectedandmaintainedbirdhousessince1986,atnochargetothecommunity. Sothenexttimeyourunintoabigmanwithacrum-pledwhitehat,stainsplatteredshoesandt-shirtwalk-ingalongthestreet...justsayhellotooneofPortPerry’suniquecharacters,“BirdhouseWilly.”

By J. Peter HvidstenFocus on Scugog

Bill “Birdhouse Willy” Barr when he was president of the Scugog Chamber of Com-merce in 1983 and 1984.

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18 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009

Thumbs Up - to the designers and builders of the new Port Perry Villa retirement home, which is taking shape at 15987 Simcoe St., near the north end of town. The building’s exterior is advancing to its final stages

and when completed will be a credit to the builders and the owners. The attention to exterior detail makes this building a welcome addition to this end of the town.

Thumbs Up - What a great idea. Bump outs (or whatever they are called) at the four corners of Queen and Perry St. The addition of these extended sidewalks will make it much safer and shorter for pedestrians

to cross these busy streets and as an added bonus will prevent motorists from parking too close to the corners. A good idea that is long overdue.

Thumbs Up - While on the subject of streets, the new re-alignment of John St. south, near Scugog St. (7A), should also remove some confusion. Eliminating the dangerous ‘Y’ intersection at Perry St and Wilbur

Ave., is a good one. The new configuration, which cuts off the curve, is a welcome change.

Thumbs Down - to the author of a letter signed “Cana-dian” that we received this past month suggesting the portrait of the “old limey queen” at the post office be burned and that all members of the “royal freaks”

be sprayed with wax and put into a museum. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but no one should hide behind a pseudonym if they really feel strongly about a subject.

Thumbs Up - to Rick Johns, from Frame FX for taking the initiative to help out our ‘cash-strapped’ Canada Post by replacing the old, faded picture of Queen Elizabeth II at the Port Perry post office. Rick donat-

ed and hung a framed copy of the Queen in the front lobby after a suggestion from this column that the outdated photo should be replaced. Congratulations and thanks Rick.

Thumbs Down - to those responsible for using the lane-way between Summit Dr. and Cedar Grove Dr. in Caesarea as their personal trash bin, leaving behind all types of garbage. Although this right-of-

way belongs to the township it is not their responsibility to pick up garbage from the public access. We would be negligent not to give a thumbs up to some local resi-dents who try to maintain this laneway and keep it clean.

Thumbs Up - to Scugog’s ambassador and world class town crier Bill McKee who brightened the pages of the Toronto Star last month with his big smile and colourful town crier outfit. The Star did a feature

piece on Bill, who holds the North American town crier title. Congrats Bill... you looked great.

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Dr. Sabrina Hooper is excited to be Port Perry’s newest Chiropractor. As a recent graduate she brings some of the newest techniques in hands on treatment. As the mother of a 2 year old and 6 month old she is familiar with the toll on your body of raising children in addition to the demands of any work outside the home. As such Dr. Sabrina is passionate about treating women and children of all ages. All children are prone to muscle and joint injuries; be it a toddler just learning to walk or older

children playing sports and can benefi t from safe and gentle Chiropractic treatments. Book an appointment with Dr. Sabrina and learn how Chiropractic can benefi t you and all your family.

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If you have health, you’ll probably be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need.

Drinking Water is only the top of the iceberg. There’s a growing demand for cleaner, fresher water. Sales of bottled water and pitcher fi lters continue to rise. But these are only stop-gap measures since impurities can affect more than the water your family drinks. Water falls pure from the skies. But as it makes its way to your home, water collects a variety of impurities. Some, including iron, calcium, and magnesium, are natural contaminants. More threatening are the thousands of man-made contaminants such as pesticides, mercury, arsenic, and petrochemicals. It’s these impurities that can affect its taste, smell, and quite possibly, even its safety. Most municipalities treat water with chlorine to kill bacteria. To eliminate chlorine aftertaste and other contaminants an ecowater reverse osmosis will produce the quality of water your family deserves.

VIO Systems 1894 Scugog Street, Unit 1, Port Perry905-985-4900 or 1-888-468-1336www.ecowater.caSee our ad on page 23

CLEAN WATER - GREEN FUTURE

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The best of everything . . . at an affordable price. We’ve all made a couple of those purchases. It’s so worth the feel of that perfect cotton blend sweater, or the look of just laid hardwood fl ooring. Your new eyeglasses should give you the same satisfaction. Unfortunately eyewear “sales” often compromise on the product quality. Prescription lenses and designer names should be questioned as to what the products are made of and how. Are the sale products using the latest optical technology, materials and design, or that of years past, which can be had at a bargain? At Port Perry Optical we offer quality frames and lenses and guarantee to match any sale price on the product. We also offer package pricing to meet budgets or for multiple purchases. We are pleased to offer “quality optical product”, at the best price. Our eyewear is backed by warranty and experienced, friendly service.

Port Perry Optical30 Water St., Port Perry905-985-9388See our ad on page 17

THE VALUE OF A SALE…

SHOUT IT OUT!Exercise is a key ally in preventative

cancer and all diseases. “New” Group Programs include:• Energy boosting programs

• Flatten your abs forever • Nifty after Fifty

16130 Old Simcoe Rd., Port PerryCALL NOW! 905-985-6944

All-Fit / All-Ages Inc.All-Fit / All-Ages Inc.Gym and Wellness Centre

FIRSTFIFTY CALLERS

FREE!*Reader’s Choice Award Winner - 9 years! *Expires Oct. 11/09

For the Athletein you!• For active men and women• Contains adaptogens for improved

energy and mental alertness• NSF® Certifi ed for Sport™

Easy to absorb thanks to OST

Available at…

www.activ-x.ca

www.platinumnaturals.com

180 Mary StreetPort Perry • 905-985-0861

®

®

Dr. Scott McLennan and the Port Perry Wellness Centre staff is extremely excited to welcome you to our new facility. We are now located on the corner of Reach and Simcoe which provides easy access from the street and ample parking.This warm century home has been restructured to accommodate all the wonderful services you’ve come to expect from our team at Port Perry Wellness Centre.Our services now include chiropractic, acupuncture, orthotics, sports injury rehabilitation, massage therapy and holistic nutrition.With 30 years of combined experience, Port Perry Wellness Centre can provide you with a safe and natural approach to your health.Call us for an appointment.

Port Perry Wellness Centre16007 Simcoe St., Port Perry905-985-4414See our ad on page 21

FANTASTIC NEW LOCATION FOR IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE

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Naturopathic Medicine is:• Natural, safe and effective• Works with the body’s own immune systemPrevent the flu with:• Herbs, Homeopathic remedies and Hydrotherapy

techniques to use at home• Nutritional and Lifestyle CounselingTreat the flu with:• An individualized supplement protocol• Acupuncture and Hydrotherapy treatments in officePrevention Tips:• Eat a diet rich in fruits and veggies, moderate in protein

and low in refined carbohydrates• Have a healthy balance of rest and activity• Wash your hands regularly• Cough into your sleeve

Erika Buckley, BSc, NDProvincially licensed Naturopathic Doctor Over 5 years clinical experience treating individuals and families. Now booking Flu Prevention appointments.

Naturopathic MediciNefor flu preveNtioN

Your Health Chiropractic175 North Street., Port Perry 905-985-3624See our ad on page 20

Introductory, Beginner & IntermediateNew dance studio: 12 Williams Point Road, Caesarea

For more information and to register call Janet at: 905-986-4524* Warning: This ancient dance form can be highly addictive

Dunn Denture Clinic

Port Perry Denture Clinic

&• Complete & Partial Denture Services• Same Day Relines & Repairs• All Insurance Plans Accepted Mike Dunn DD

Dunn Denture Clinic

Oshawa196 Bond St. E. (At Division)

Port Perry Denture Clinic

Port Perry6 High St. (Unit #4)

Reputation Built On Quality & ServiceFor Over 30 Years

Ontario Retirement Communities Association

Standards for Living. Quality of Life.

Village293 Perry Street, Port Perry

905-985-8660 • 1-800-248-0848www.westshorevillage.com

e-mail: [email protected]

West Shore Village overlooking picturesque Lake Scugog in the charming town of Port Perry.

RETIREMENT LIVING

Historic Waterfront

RETIREMENT LIVING

Lifelease bungalows and a 71-suite, full service retirement residence designed to meet

your changing needs. Call us for a tour, complimentary meal or overnight visit.

Visit Durham Region’s premier retirement community.

SUITES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT RETIREMENT

DOUBLE SUITES • KITCHENETTES • PRIVATE DINING • HAIR SALON • MASSAGE THERAPY • EXERCISE FACILITY

FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009 21

Generally accepted as the most ancient of dance forms, bellydance is rooted in the Goddess Era when women assisted each other during childbearing by encouraging shimmy and undulating movements. Later, bellydance became part of temple worship, and eventually, entertainment during celebrations and festivals. There is a renewed interest in bellydance , as women discover its many health benefi ts. During the warm up, the stretching and strengthening of muscles from head to toe, prepare the body to learn to move like a bellydancer. Most people leave class feeling like they’ve had a wonderful massage. During class, the challenge of isolating muscle groups and learning the many dance steps require focus, and personal tensions tend to melt away. Once the basics are learned, there is endless variety in bellydance movements and room for creativity. Lakeside Bellydance Studio offers the perfect setting for such an experience.

Lakeside Bellydance Studio12 Williams Point Rd., Caesarea • 905-986-4524See our ad on page 19

DANCE LIKE A GODDESS

We will provide a customized Fitness and function program specifically for you, no matter what your age and fitness level may be!“NEW” group programs include; energy boosting programs; flatten your abs forever; combat aerobics; yoga/meditation; nifty after fifty; balance and fall prevention and nutritional counselling and follow-up.First 50 Callers Free (expires Oct. 11, 09), so call right away!

All-Fit / All Ages16130 Old Simcoe Rd., Port Perry • 905-985-6944See our ad on page 18

ALL-FIT / ALL-AGES INC.

The Port Perry Flowyoga Studio provides a nurturing sanctuary to reap the benefi ts of a full mind body experience.Flowyoga will strengthen and tone the muscles, improve balance and posture and leave you feeling relaxed, energized and renewed. This private and serene space offers classes for all levels and abilities and the convenience of a drop in schedule. Pilates will improve core stability and balance. If you are looking to deepen your practice and become a yoga teacher we offer a comprehensive Flowyoga teacher training program starting March 2010.

Port Perry Flowyoga Studio183 Casimir St., Port Perry • 905-441-7874See our ad on page 21

A FULL MIND BODY EXPERIENCE

NATUROPATHIC DOCTORDr. Erika Buckley BSc, ND

l A natural approach to family health carel Individualized treatment of your health concernsl Treatments include: botanical,

nutritional, & lifestyle medicine; acupuncture; homeopathy; & hydrotherapy

CHIROPRACTORSDr. Dwayne Hooper BSc, DC

Dr. Sabrina Hooper BA, BEd, DC

l Relief for back, neck, joint & muscle pain, & headaches…l Treatment of sports, work, accident injuries, & arthritic painl Gentle & safe treatments

905-985-3624175 North Street, Port Perry

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPISTErin Smith RMT

l Therapeutic treatments of overuse & repetitive strain injuriesl Natural hands-on treatment for acute chronic pain, relaxation, stressl Experienced with pre- and post-natal massage & infant massage

New patients of all ages welcome –Services covered by many extended health plans.

22 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2009