Letters_09-13

Jeff Green | Apr 02, 2009

Re: PARC Meeting, Robert Taylor

Clubhouse Vandalized, Eric Miazga

Cruelty To Animals, Cheryl Tyson

Kudos to John Simcock, Marcie Webster

It is with consternation that I read the events of the PARC meeting in Plevna (Frontenac News, Limestone hits Granite, March 5) and the subsequent editorial in the March 19 edition.

I’m sure, as are many locals, that the cost of refurbishing/replacing the current facility and the cost per student ratio is the reason the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is considering closing the school. Although denied by LDSB, what other reason would there be to conduct these community meetings? After all, to the urban members of the LDSB, operational cost is bottom line, and we all know where the voting power lies.

Although not a resident of North Frontenac, but nonetheless growing up with rural roots, I can readily associate with the frustration, if not outright anger of Plevna residents to the potentiality of the closure of their small school.

Claredon Central is the only elementary school in the municipality and the unpleasant possibility of busing small children of kindergarten age over an hour to a distant school is inappropriate. Try doing that in an urban area and the outcry would be heard throughout the county.

A school is more than a place of learning in rural communities, and a community is much more than a collection of houses and businesses. A school is or should be a focal point, drawing the community into a cohesive unit.

I was educated in a one-room schoolhouse, a concept that is beyond the comprehension of some of today’s educators and legislators. The quality of education that I received in that little rural school was not compromised, nor was that of my fellow students.

We arrived at secondary education fully prepared, and in some cases excelled. We went on to careers in law enforcement, municipal clerk-treasurers, accountants, pilots, nursing, and paramedicine. Our little school was the focal point in our community, holding Christmas concerts, family reunions, public meetings, and more.

The municipal leaders in North Frontenac have been working diligently, seeking technological advancements to re-vitalize the North Frontenac economy. How can they attract health care professionals, business, and other personnel to locate in the northern Land O’ Lakes without a school? North Frontenac needs Clarendon Central; the northern Land O’ Lakes need Clarendon Central. And that really is the bottom line.

Robert Taylor

I must admit, there’s not much that really gets to me. I’m a pretty easy-going sort of person. Of course there are a number of things that should set off the most easy-going of us, those that have a real sense of right and wrong…some real moral fibre. It’s things like respect, common decency and upholding the Golden Rule that separates good from evil, and above all, it’s just a good rule to live by.

I believe in the phrase “What goes around, comes around” in both the good and the bad. I believe in being a volunteer, one who gives of himself or herself without expecting anything in return. There is a lot to be said about being selfless and giving of your time, because in actuality it can mean you are sacrificing time with loved ones, family members or setting aside things of importance in your own life for the betterment of others.

There are a number of ways that people can “give back” to the community where they live, donating time or money, volunteering services and such. I volunteer my time with a non-profit organization called the Sydenham Lake Canoe Club. As a member of the club I have given countless hours of my time, whether it is physical labour or administrative work…it all counts! Our club is made up of volunteers like me who dedicate a portion of their own time to give back.

Our club offers a great canoe and kayak summer experience for kids and young adults in the South Frontenac area. For the past 11 years many have enjoyed the sport of paddling on Sydenham Lake. Last year, for the first time we were able to build a modest clubhouse for our kids; it really was something special. As we are a summer sport, our donated property lies dormant for the winter months, waiting each time for summer to come again and with it bring the kids for another season.

Much to my dismay, upon inspecting our property yesterday I found that someone had decided to vandalize our clubhouse, breaking the door and tearing screens and damaging fences and gates. What kind of message does this send to those who give of their time (and money) to help others? What does it say to the kids whose clubhouse has been wrecked?

I am sure that most who read this piece know what a non-profit organization is. It basically means that we do not profit from what we do or provide to others. There are no paycheques, bonuses or sick days. What there is though, is a lot of asking others to part with their time and money, applying for government grants and in the end a whole lot of “thank yous”, setting aside pride and graciously accepting the goodwill of others. I guess “what goes around, really does come around”, the good and the bad.

Erik Miazga

I am writing to let the people in the Arden area know that there is somebody shooting at cats.  My cat came home one day with 2 badly injured back legs, I thought maybe he was hit by a car or an animal attacked him. I took him to the vet and she told me that my cat was shot because she found lead pellets in his legs. Because of this my cat had to have one of his legs amputated and that left me with a big vet bill. The person responsible should be ashamed of themselves for treating animals this way. I hope in the future this person will think twice about harming people’s animals. 

Cheryl Tyson

I am writing to comment on the excellent job that is being done on my road and to say “Thank You” to John Simcock and his road crew.

I have resided in Sharbot Lake for 38 years and I have lived on the Townline road for the past 16 years. In the past the bus that my children travel on has gotten stuck many times on unplowed roads. Not so now; thanks John. In the past I have had to wait for several days for my road to be plowed to get to work after a snowstorm (thank goodness for 4 wheel drive). Not so now; thanks John. I might also add that our road has been accident free due to the great maintenance done to the sides of the road with the brush hog.

If some councilors would stop focusing on the negative, like the Oak Flatts road and focus on the positive, people might take him a little more seriously.

Some people can’t take change John; not even positive ones. As a taxpayer in Central Frontenac I’m glad to have your expertise on the Central Frontenac Township.

Kudos to you John.

Marcie Webster