FOCUS - APRIL 2011 21

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 nego-tiations. “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 ingre-dient 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

Ron and Nancy ComptonPlease turn to page 20

1893 Scugog St., Port Perry YOUR NEIGHBOURS

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22 FOCUS - APRIL 2011

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 expand-ed 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 in-troduced TMN OnDemand service, be-coming 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 com-pany 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 chan-nels, more local programming and cell phone service. “Rogers can provide more com-plete ‘bundling’ at competitive pricing. We are genuinely excited for our cus-tomers 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 busi-ness he’s nurtured for almost four dec-ades. “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 Nan-cy say they appreciate how great their customers have been. It was their em-phasis 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

Compton - from page 19

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FOCUS - APRIL 2011 23

24 FOCUS - APRIL 2011

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 park-ing 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 custom-ers. 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 transforma-tion 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 hap-pened – but it’s time to get it fixed... One, two, three, GO!

Thumbs Down - to those who use local business dump-sters 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 dis-pose of household items should take them to the transfer station, not to the nearest business bin. How cheap can you get?

Thumbs

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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 - Photo-graphing 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 informa-tion 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 tan-talize you with must-have annuals, perennials, and veg-etables, 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 Satur-day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gardeners itching to getout and scratch the soil welcome Garden Show

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identify your leadership voice.

ONE-DAY LEADERSHIP EVENTMay 6th at Emmanuel Community Church905-985-4971 • www.scugogchamber.ca

Sponsored by:

FOCUS - APRIL 2011 25

Spring has arrived and new trends are being set

fast in all areas of our lives. A good way to welcome

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

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Six key decorating trends to go for• 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!

26 FOCUS - APRIL 2011

We will take your ideas and transform them into a magnifi cent space with your unique taste in mind.

We offer Free Estimates with Competitive Prices.

Serving Scugog for over 24 years.

Call Mark Today 905-985-0420

Visit our website:www.wood-tech.ca

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November Home & Decor ShowBook 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.

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 to get involved.

We look forward to seeing you there!

FOCUS - APRIL 2011 27

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The Green theme - Use sustainable materials whenever possible. Energy-saving renovation increases the value of a home by a great deal

HONEYSUCKLEPantone’s 2011 Spring Colour of the Year

28 FOCUS - APRIL 2011

Sharon Schmidt says that she would be lost if she wasn’t vol-unteering. “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 commu-nity initiatives, but her most recent volunteer experience in Port Perry involves sen-iors, fitness and warm friendships. Sharon has volun-teered 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 to the community, a fitness program to keep seniors moving. “When a lot of peo-ple hear VON they assume we do strictly nursing,” says Cheryl Genereaux, VON’s coordinator of community support for the Durham region. “But we offer a variety of different community support programs. We’re very innovative and if there’s an unmet need in the community, we strive to respond.” The SMART program, which brings seniors out for a gentle, hour-long exercise

class in Beaverton or Sunderland, or brings a trained fitness volunteer right into the homes of seniors who can not eas-ily get out on their own, was a response to just such a need. “Statistics Canada reports that 61 percent of seniors are inactive, or deemed as inactive, which puts them at increased risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, and increased risk of falling,” explains Cheryl. “Through our research, VON discov-

Victorian Order of Nurses help make life just a little more meaningful

VON volunteer Sharon Schmidt relaxes at the home of Ann Labanovich before heading out for lunch and a visit to the shopping mall.

Photo by J. Peter Hvidsten

VVICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-DER OF NURSES VICTORIAN OR-

N

FOCUS - APRIL 2011 29

Nered three main barriers to seniors participating in fitness: cost, trans-portation 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 be-cause people don’t actually see them doing the work,” says Cheryl. “Vol-unteers don’t need a background in fitness, but they must be compassion-ate, 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, an-other 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

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-

ing another human being.” The Durham Region VON has a long list of seniors just waiting for SMART volunteers.

By Karen StillerFocus on Scugog

Be

a part of the creativejourney

…Celebrate Mother’s Day Early at the 12th Annual

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 5pmSELF-GUIDED FREE ADMISSION

Brochures (with map) will be available at most Port Perry businesses

www.scugogstudiotour.ca

LAKE SCUGOG

STUDIO TOUR

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

30 FOCUS - APRIL 2011

216 Queen StreetPort Perry, Ontario L9L 1B9

Tel: 905-985-2171 ~ Fax: 905-985-4572www.waggfuneralhome.com

MYLES G. O’RIORDANFuneral Director / Owner

... Port Perry's only locally owned and operated

Funeral Home since 1846 ...

Excellent Professional Office Space

FOR RENTImmaculate, 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

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, refresh-ments and entertainment.

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.

204 Queen St., Port Perry905-985-2172

Fresh baked pies, hot cross buns, dinner rolls, gingerbread Easter

bunnies and of course Easter egg cakes and bunny cakes too.

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

HealtH and ReSouRCe CentRe22600 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 Prizes50/50 draw • Raffles

Come one, Come all

For more information call Anne: 905-985-9107

FOCUS - APRIL 2011 31

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 staphylo-coccus 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 pos-sibly an elevator or related equipment - medical expenses and around the

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.

Rev up your bikesDear Editor On Saturday, June 11 the Durham Chapter of the Motorcycle Ride For Dad will hold its sixth an-nual ride, departing from Claring-ton 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, recipi-ent of our 2009 grant, will be the guest speaker and will share the findings of his research. Last years’ ride had 200 de-vout 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 Ca-nadian 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.motorcy-cleridefordad.org/durham

SincerelyWolfgang Palleske

Durham Ride for Dad

Dear Focus...Mailbox

Please turn to page 36

Sister of paralyzed mother lookingfor community support and help

32 FOCUS - APRIL 2011

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 Scu-gog 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

The Scugog Bridge

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 Depart-ment of Highways also provided a shuttle

A work truck driving through water towards Scugog Island pre-1960.

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.

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.

- PART THREE -CONCLUSION OF THE SERIES

/ Causeway

FOCUS - APRIL 2011 33

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, an-nounced the government was going to reconstruct 7A Hwy. from Port Perry to Caesarea. Construc-tion 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 road-bed would be 42’ wide with 22’ of pavement. Work on the causeway highway project pro-gressed quickly, with the large hill at the east end of the causeway being cut down and back, de-creasing 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 Cae-sarea cut-off, including the causeway, was com-pleted 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 HvidstenFocus on Scugog

The Scugog Bridge

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.

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. Construction photos courtesy Clive Boyd

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/ Causeway