Letters: November 18

Central Frontenac Railway Heritage society , Shastri Ablack

Remembrance Day in Sharbot Lake, Pat Fisher

Re: CF Railway Heritage Society

I read with interest the article on the Railway Heritage society (Optimism abounds at CF Railway Heritage Society, Frontenac News, Nov 9/10)successes to date and am excited about their optimism. However, there is one aspect of the article with which I wish to take issue. You make mention, in paragraph 9, of a "council/public" committee and of a "multi-purpose building". I believe that is the same committee of which I have been a member since its inception. It was struck almost a year ago when an advertisement called for "a Steering Committee" to develop a plan for a "MULTI-USE CULTURAL CENTRE", the precise reason I volunteered to be a part of the committee. Council later clarified their intention and directed the committee to "develop a business plan for the development of a multi-use centre where cultural interests and activities could be accommodated". Yes, there has been heated discussion concerning potential users, but there has been compromise and we are indeed making progress.

Since the committee is a creation of Council, and some of the members are from the general public, I cannot argue that the description quoted is incorrect.

Nevertheless, I wish to emphasize, so that the public, nor I, be misguided, that the project is not about just another building for many and any use/s. It is, as I understand it, about a MULTI-USE CULTURAL CENTRE as is repeatedly recorded in the minutes of our meetings, proposed to be built in a fashion replicating the original railway station. A major factor of this building is that it should accommodate the many rich heritage aspects of Central Frontenac; and wherever possible, vigorously seek out other elements in our community with whom a partnership could be formed in order to avoid duplication; and more importantly, to provide for sustainability.

I write this so that we do not lose sight of the purpose of this committee, and so that your readership may be informed as accurately as is possible.

Shastri Ablack

Remembrance Day in Sharbot Lake

The Remembrance Day ceremonies in Sharbot Lake this year were remarkable and the organizers deserve to be congratulated. There were two distinguishing features that made this year's event unique and appropriately current. First, the remembrance of war was presented as a call to "peace with each other". Second, the aboriginal drumming during the laying of wreaths recalled our history. It was fitting to hear women play the drums that sounded like the heartbeat of the earth. Thank you to everyone who participated. It was strange to end the program with the singing of God Save the Queen but tradition is tradition!

Pat Fisher

Who knew?

I'm talking about the wonderful group we have right here in Sharbot Lake, "Skills Link". Dave and his crew of young people are wonderful. They are hard working, pleasant and look forward to each new task. It was a pleasure to have them working on a project at our home for a few days last week. The calibre of work was right up there with licensed craftsmen and it was most enjoyable to hear the laughter and collaboration going on. Thank goodness for such a great opportunity for our youth. Great big KUDOS from our house to Skills Link and the crew.

Brenda Steele