Time for peace
Dear Editor:
‘Twas the week before Christmas and much noise could be heard….
People are angry with others,
We can’t stand bagpipes,
We cannot tolerate people’s choices in life;
What has happened to us ?
Please, for Christmas, let there be peace on Earth.
Let’s reach out to others in a kinder way.
Merry Christmas to all of Wellington,
And to all a good night.
Elizabeth Hughes,
Puslinch
Giving up freedoms?
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Government control’, Dec. 9.
Terry Filce makes some valid points regarding the vaccination debate in that the government should have some control in order to save lives based on sound science.
However, I believe government has crossed the line when it causes people to lose their jobs and education, and to stop participating in civil society if they refuse to take the vaccine. This is especially so now that most adults have been vaccinated and we know that the fully vaccinated can catch the virus and spread it to others.
Although it appears the majority of Canadians are on board with the authoritarian measures adopted by our governments, we need to remember that we have a Charter of Rights and Freedoms that is supposed to protect minorities. The fundamental freedoms contained in the Charter include freedom of conscience and religion, and freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression. I believe these freedoms are constantly being eroded.
This was recently demonstrated by our federal politicians when they passed Bill C-4, which bans so-called “conversion therapy.” This bill will make it illegal for children and adults to receive counselling that does not affirm transgender ideology.
Based on the vague and confusing definition of “conversion therapy,” my reading of this bill means that psychiatrists, pastors, parents, etc. could be jailed for trying to dissuade – by words – children (and adults) from transitioning to their desired gender.
It appears to me that far too many of us are content to give up our freedoms while allowing our governments to take more and more control over our lives.
Henry Brunsveld,
Puslinch
‘Forward-looking’
Dear Editor:
RE: Erin questions its status in Wellington County, Dec. 9.
As a longtime retired economist, international business manager, hobby farmer with losses and resident of Town of Erin for about 40 years, I am impressed and intrigued by the report prepared for Erin council on multiple alternatives to manage the municipality with the objective of saving taxes for residents.
This is a very impressive forward-looking initiative.
In the end it may not be practical or achievable, but it certain speaks well for the elected council or town management or whoever with the foresight to look at potential ways to make this a better, affordable place to live.
Murray McEwen,
Erin
‘Our planet is dying’
Dear Editor:
RE: Rethink in order, Dec. 2.
In response to Mrs. Vandervliet’s letter, “Rethink in order?’ I have to ask myself, “Why has every emerging technology, since the invention of the wheel, been allowed to evolve, with inefficiencies and other negatives addressed along the way, but not electric vehicles?”
Her caveats might have been valid 20 years ago, maybe as recently as 10, but as recent climate calamities in B.C. have indicated, our planet is dying.
Her issues are moot and it is incumbent on us to embrace new vehicular technology and divest ourselves of fossil fuels.
Allan Berry,
Fergus
‘Disenfranchised’
Dear Editor:
The continued increases in COVID-related restrictions, including Ontario’s vaccine mandate to enter restaurants and other facilities, cause me to fear that our government has lost sight of the fundamental principles of governing a free society.
The Advertiser now reports that restaurants will now be forced to scan QR codes of customers. This is dystopian and I refuse to participate in this indignity of showing our papers to do basic everyday activities.
It is perhaps more disturbing that Ted Arnott, our own MPP and the Speaker of the House, has decided to ban Belinda Karahalios from the legislature.
Mrs. Karahalios is the sitting MPP from Cambridge, she has not revealed her vaccination status, but has recovered from COVID and provided negative test results.
By making this decision, our own MPP has disenfranchised the people of Cambridge and struck at the heart of our democracy.
Patrick O’Neil,
Fergus
‘Radical recovery’
Dear Editor:
The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has issued a red alert in our communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not over and while each day, many of us hope to finally return to normal, the needs in our community are at increasingly urgent levels. One in seven households struggle to put meals on the table for their families, calls for emergency mental health services continue to rise, and the effects of isolation on children and older adults continue to put many people in our community at risk.
We know the pre-pandemic “normal” was not good for everyone, nor the kind of normal we all deserve. Home was not and is still not safe for children and women suffering domestic abuse. Substance abuse continues to rise and with the effects of unemployment and inflation, more families are struggling to make ends meet.
We need a radical recovery.
I have the great privilege to serve our community as the chair of the 2021 United Way campaign.
For over 81 years, United Way has been meeting the needs of our community where the gaps are most acute. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work the team of staff, volunteers, and funded agencies undertake to collaboratively and collectively solve pressing social issues day after day, week after week, year after year.
This has been especially true during the pandemic. In 2021, requests from the community for funding from United Way have nearly doubled and reached an all-time high of over 4M dollars — funds we do not currently have to distribute.
With the holiday season upon us, I urge you to consider a gift to United Way – you can give through a workplace campaign, make a one-time donation, or become a monthly donor. If you’ve given before, please consider an increase within your means. If you’ve never given before, now is a perfect time to start.
By giving to United Way during this holiday season, you support the radical recovery we desperately need. Your donations stay 100% local — and make a lasting impact on your neighbours, friends, and family right here in Wellington County.
Please give: we cannot close the gap or recover without you.
Patricia Tersigni,
2021 Campaign Chair,
United Way GWD
Parade thanks
Dear Editor:
On Dec. 4, we had a Santa Claus parade in Fergus – the first in two years.
From all accounts it appears that we did a great job. I would like to commend the guys that assisted me in the A.O. Smith parking lot, organizing the floats prior to the parade. Kudos to the parade admin group for getting the necessary paperwork and permissions squared away, the Santa float assembly crew, and all the service club volunteers who manned the street barricades.
Thanks to Elliot Bus Lines (and our phenomenal driver) for the bus, A.O. Smith for the use of the lot once again, the CWFD and OPP for leading everyone, the Legion Colour Party, and all the participants in the parade. It went well, it moved well and everyone seemed to enjoy being a part of it.
I look forward to next year’s parade … it is a community event and really brings out the joy of the season.
Brian Martin,
Parade marshall,
Fergus Lions Club
Santa came to Puslinch
Dear Editor:
Santa Claus came to the township! The Optimist Club of Puslinch annual Santa Claus parade, celebrating 26 years of bringing Santa to the kids of Puslinch, was replaced with “Santa’s Drive-Thru” for the second year in a row, due to the pandemic.
The big event took place at the Puslinch Community Centre in Aberfoyle on Nov. 28, as families remained in their vehicles and drove by the 16 decorated floats, listening to the Salvation Army band and Christmas music, in anticipation of seeing the ‘jolly old guy’ in red.
Mascots, characters and clowns visited with families while waiting to drive-thru. Many smiling faces of the young and the young at heart waited in anticipation. Thank you, Santa, for visiting Puslinch!
Santa’s elves gave out 350 goodie bags and the Optimists gave out 500 bags of potato chips and 500 bottles of water donated by Nestle Waters. Vehicles were lined up in the parking lot full for the whole duration of the event; 760 pounds of food and $387 in cash were collected for the food bank. Lots of “Dear Santa” letters were collected, 92 in all. Extra proceeds were donated to the Children’s Foundation Adopt a Family and Sunrise Equestrian Therapeutic building campaign. Way to go, Puslinch!
A huge thank you to all who participated in the drive-thru with their amazing Christmas floats: Aberfoyle Snowmobiles, Aberfoyle Agricultural Society, Boy Scouts of Canada (Guelph South), Duff’s Church, Guelph Family Martial Arts, Hayden’s Aberfoyle Garage, Sarmazian Flooring, Puslinch Minor Baseball, Puslinch Minor Soccer, Fred Prior Construction, Reidco Farms, Ren’s Pets Guelph, Victoria Park Golf Club, Wellington Group of Companies, Salvation Army Band, and Santa.
This event is made possible through the generous support of our local businesses, companies, organizations, individuals and community members. Please thank them and support them. They include: A Change of Pace Restaurant, Aberfoyle Snowmobiles Ltd., Accurate Home and Building Inspection Consultants, Benson Tire, Brennan’s Tire Service Inc., Bryan’s Farm and Industrial Supply, CRH Canada Group (Dufferin Aggregates), Capital Paving Inc., Con-Cast Pipe Ltd., County of Wellington Roads Dept. Aberfoyle, Dollarama, Dr. Abraham AHO Veterinary Professional Corp., G.R. Good Holding Co. Ltd., Robert F. Hammond, Paul Hohenadel, Ken Tosh, Michael’s Mobile Truck and Trailer Repair, Nestle Canada Inc., North America Construction Ltd., Picard Peanuts Ltd., Ren’s Pets, Shar-A-Tree Christmas Trees, Township of Puslinch, Township of Puslinch Fire and Roads Depts., DM Davidson Water Pumping Equipment Sales and Service, Victoria Park East and Valley Golf Clubs, Village Restaurant, Vinnie’s Mr. Fixit Inc., Wall-Custance Funeral Home Ltd., Wellington County OPP, all the people that entered floats, Santa and his elves.
Merry Christmas!
Brenda Law,
Parade committee,
Puslinch
Legion thankful
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, Elora Branch 229, we wish to thank all our community residents both private and business for their continued and outstanding support again this year.
During the 2021 Poppy Campaign we received for the Poppy Fund lapel poppy donations of $10,117.90; financial donations $1,672.40; mail-out program $20,402; wreath and pin sales $2,639 for a successful campaign total of $34,831.30. It should be noted that expenses for this campaign will be approximately $8,000. Sincere appreciation for the donators, the volunteer canvassers and the multitude of merchants who made space for the poppy boxes.
In the previous year – Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021 – Elora Branch 229 provided 16 donations from the Poppy Fund that supported activities such as local veteran’s health care; service dog program; homeless vets; District C hospital fund; provincial charitable foundation; provincial poppy fund; British Commonwealth Ex-Services League; youth education and the local cadet corps to name some. Our contribution during this period amounted to $28,963.
During the poppy campaign and Remembrance Day period we were fortunate in this community to observe special tributes to those who served. The fantastic display of poppies by the St. John’s Anglican Church and the solemn lamppost banners of former service personnel reminded citizens and visitors alike of the debt owed to many.
On Nov. 11 Branch 229 provided services at both local cenotaphs in Salem and Elora honouring the supreme sacrifice made by residents of the former Nichol and Pilkington Townships and Elora village during two World Wars. The Elora service was taped and is available for viewing at www.eloralegion.ca. Special appreciation and gratitude for all those who contributed their time, support and services in making Remembrance Day the special occasion it is.
Thank you.
Jim Paterson,
Elora Legion Br. 229
Poppy Chair
Thank you, Erin
Dear Editor:
Thank you, Erin.
To the citizens of Erin, the churches, the retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, service clubs, fire department, OPP, the school children and teachers (elementary and secondary), the veterans, MP, MPP, mayor and town council, cadets, girl guides, scouts.
With the current COVID-19 restrictions still in effect a larger gathering this year was in attendance at the cenotaph service, to pay homage to the fallen for the supreme sacrifice on the sea, in the air and on land for our freedom.
Also, your generosity in our Poppy Campaign helped make it a great success. All donations including “We Will Remember Them” books for 2021 is $11,484.
We, members of Erin Branch 442 sincerely thank you. Your poppy donations are placed in trust to be used for:
– providing assistance to needy veterans (including serving CF members) and their dependants;
– supporting medical training and research, and the provision of community medical appliances to assist in the care of veterans;
– Canadian Military Family Resource Centres;
– funding the purchase/construction/maintenance of housing and care facilities for elderly and disabled persons;
– providing bursaries to children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren of veterans;
– supporting drop-in centres for seniors; and
– sponsorship of cadet and youth programs
Lest we forget.
Verna Bludd,
Erin Legion Branch 442