Letters: Mar 28/13

Mar 28, 2013

A Matter of Neighbors

Next door to me live an exceptional couple I have known for over two decades who have received no thanks or recognition. There once lived an elderly man down the road and a elderly woman across from me, guess who cut their lawns and assisted their living needs? She did. Guess who looked after their mechanical /automotive needs? He did.

We came on the scene and had four children. One day we had to postpone the grocery shopping because of a minor matter until next day. My children told them there was no food. That was an exaggeration but guess who a few hours later bought and left a pile of groceries on the porch? She did.

There have been times tragedy struck by way of family deaths, as they hit all of us. Guess who placed at our disposal a van for transportation for the duration of the funeral events spanning several days? She did.

Guess who has cut the grass in front of our place along the road for years? They do.

Guess who fixed our vehicles in emergency situations when they would not start, quickly identifying the problems and remedying them at no cost. He did.

Guess who is generous in giving away items of value they do not require? They are. Guess who brought/brings prepared food for us to eat from time to time? She does.

When my wife’s new vehicle under warranty required work done, guess who worked at a GM dealership and drove it in for repair, leaving his shiny brand new truck for her to drive that day? He did, and no he is not crazy!

Guess who found the best deal for me when I wanted to purchase a new truck a few years ago? She did.

I know I missed more than a few items here and I also know I will never be able to repay them for their philanthropic efforts.

By now anyone who knows them realizes it is none other than Patricia and Keith Dawson.

I have had good neighbors before but I am pleased to nominate this couple for best people of the year award. Actually the world did not deserve either of them, much less I. 'Nuff said.

Edward Kennedy

Changes in community

For a very long time, I have felt a great deal of sadness over the direction that this community has taken. The recent spate of letters appearing in the recent edition of this paper cover everything from waste management, to a new school, to the mayor’s interpretation of her remit as county warden. They talk about specific issues, but they say even more. They tell a story of a community and the relentless change it has been forced to bear.

The township I once called home no longer exists. The church my grandparents and parents were married in, where I was baptized, is gone with nothing but a stone cairn to mark its existence. The school where I began my education will disappear in mere weeks. Two ancestors of mine served as county warden while acting as Hinchinbrooke reeve. The precedent they observed in the discharge of their duties has also been done away with. Despite paying thousands of dollars to support this township, I am considered a child to be directed and educated in the proper course of civic behavior. Soon, the township will decree what my house can look like. When the proposed K & P Trail makes its way north, it may decide to relieve me of land my great-great grandfather earned with years of blood and sweat.

A community where people managed to, despite their differences, come together in common cause is now being asked to run the most basic practices of their lives past committees – both elected and self-appointed – for some mark of favour.

This community has always been a special place. Despite the problems and challenges of rural life, we’ve always found a way to come together, to help one another. More importantly, we found ways to respect one another.

Something has changed. The respect was lost. For some, it’s not enough to live by one’s own values and priorities. Others have to follow suit. Names of roads and places don’t change because they have to - only because they fit the tastes of people presuming a moral authority. Conventions that served for generations without disadvantage or discrimination get tossed aside because they are not compatible with the vision of those who view them as a quaint courtesy.

For generations, people came to make a home, to be welcomed and to share. They saw much good in this place, and its people, and they wanted it for themselves. Today, others see us as backward people who need guidance and instruction. They see flawed souls in need of correction and salvation from their antique ways. That is why they have sought to erase any vestige of our local past that does not fit with their views or ambitions.

Democracy, at its heart, is about seeing the good in others, and fighting to protect and defend it. If people in positions of authority have such little regard for people and their story, it is unfathomable how they can fulfill that duty.

Brent Cameron

Land O'Lakes Lions Club

Recently, upon hearing the Lions Club of Land O Lakes’ urgent call for new members; I hesitantly joined, hoping my other commitments would permit me to meet their expectation. So far my decision was correct and it enlightened me on the different good deeds this service club brings to the Northbrook area. I made new friends and became acquainted with many supporting non-members of the club, and indirectly supporters of your community. Other local organizations welcome my free time and I enjoy sharing in the professionalism, experiences, strengths and dedication their members bring to the development of the area.

Invariably, belonging to associations gives opportunities to socialise, meet new people and share opinions. These informal meetings may reveal likes and dislikes of the populace. Local gossip may be heard; although not numerous, some can prove untruth, hurtful and malicious, especially when directed at individuals. Sadly, once spilled, damage is done. Correction is difficult, if not impossible. Worse case scenario, those affected lose enthusiasm and energy, often followed by the loss of their excellent service to your community. Today, I’ll give you an example of what I’m talking about.

Recently, a few of the Lions with assistance from a couple of community volunteers refurbished the floor in the Northbrook Lions’ Hall. None of us five were experts but all of us tried our best in completing the task economically and within insurance and health standards. Our goal was to minimize cost to maximize our donations to community organizations. Our goal was achieved, albeit a few days late.

Within hours of partial completion, while on lunch break at a local restaurant, we heard there was a s_ _ _ up with the floor at the Lions’ Hall. Concerned, we returned to the hall and explained to patrons that the job was not yet completed but that their observations would be followed up. This was done and a couple of minor modifications will soon follow.

Since then, I have heard on many occasions people comment that the Northbrook Lions’ Hall was out of commission. Most of those commenting had not been at the hall. Rumours! How fast they spread.

Community members, the Lions’ Hall is safe to use. We recently installed a $3,000 UV filtering system and our bar can be opened should you not like our filtered water. We welcome your business. Your support and the support of our sponsors help us give back to your community. To those who continue to use our facilities, thank you. Prospective clients looking for a great hall, Northbrook is the place to go. May your time in our home be safe, joyful and full of great memories as you age like I.

Lion J.J. (Red) Emond