Letter to the Editor - Horticultural Society

To the Editor,
After our successful ‘Home and Garden’ tour on July 5, the Horticultural Society asked our members for suggestions on spending some of the money to improve areas around the Bend. Sharon Solden asked that we consider doing something with the very neglected front at the public school. The executive decided that because the school/library is used by so many residents, it was a good idea and we, some of the students and a parent, Joe Hotson (he roto-tilled the area for us) completed the work.
Paul and Anita from Westland Greenhouses donated beautiful fall mum plants and everything was completed in time for ‘Meet the Teacher’ night on Thursday.
In the spring we are going to plant pink and purple coloured plants so the gardens will be ready for the ‘Community in Bloom’ judges to have a look at next year. Pink and purple are the colours they are suggesting for next year and we are going to talk to as many people as we can reach in the area to plant their gardens in pink and purple. 
Please mark your calendar for June 27 next year. That is the date for our next ‘Home and Garden’ tour.
Bob Putherbough
Grand Bend Horticultural Society

Letter to the Editor - ALS

To the Editor,
Every year for six years our family has participated in The Walk to D’feet ALS, as my grandfather died from ALS in October 4th, 1985. This year my daughters, aged four and six, wanted to raise money and brainstormed for ideas.
First my daughter Abby wanted to sell live turkeys to people but we explained why that could not happen. Instead, they held a charity barbecue at Hayter’s Turkey Products and raised $450, and with other donations they raised over $850 this year. Abby and Emma wrote letters to No Frills and Sobeys for donations, which the support they received was amazing and we thank them so much for their support as well as Hayter’s for donating all of the turkey burgers and turkey hot dogs.
Emma is in one in the huge t-shirt,  Abby is in the pink,  then there is me (in brown) and my mom Jean Mclean (Nana) it was the 4 of us just after we all finished the walk. 
Jenn Maguire
Grand Bend

Reader: Focus on federal issues

Remember what each level of government does

To the Editor,
With a federal election campaign now underway, it is an ideal time to draw attention to what each of our three levels of government is supposed to be responsible for, so candidates and leaders will not discuss with voters those things that are not federal areas of jurisdiction.
Health care is not a federal responsibility, and it would be grossly misleading for Canada’s federal politicians to campaign around the nation promising all sorts of money for, and improvements to, each province’s health care system. With the dozen recent deaths linked directly to the listeriosis crisis, the federal government ought to be focusing its Health Canada resources on areas it is responsible for, such as improving the inspection of Canada’s meat industry in the interests of public safety.
Medical wait-times are something the provincial governments must tackle. Federal parties should only be promising the transfer of taxes collected on behalf of the provinces, with no strings attached, and nothing more. Provincial health ministers must be given the room to maneouvre they require in order to ensure the availability of adequate levels of health care services for their residents.
Inner city safe needle injection sites, highway and other infrastructure projects, industrial and labour policies, energy, educational scholarships: These are all provincial jurisdictions. The federal parties have a bad habit of stepping on the toes of the provinces - especially at election time - in order to grab the attention of voters.
There is no shortage of purely federal issues to discuss: the war in Afghanistan, international trade agreements, the federal debt and taxation levels, the Canadian dollar and its impact on Canada’s - and in particular Ontario’s - economy, criminal justice, the successor to the Kyoto Accord and Canada’s poor environmental record, global warming and sovereignty issues in the Arctic.
So Mr. Harper, Mr. Dion, Mr. Layton, and Ms. May, let us please confine ourselves to federal political issues. There is plenty of meat on that bone for you all to chew on.
Brad Harness
Leader, Reform Party of Ontario

Letter: Extended lifeguard service would improve beach

To the Editor:
Your recent interviews with the Kovar family and with Grand Bend’s CAO on the tragic anniversary of the drowning of Jule Kovar is much appreciated, although such an event is never celebrated but remembered with sympathy and serious regret. Jule’s drowning, and this summer’s death of Ryan Albrecht under similar circumstances, remains an indelible blemish on the town and tourist community we are.
I really appreciate your personal recall of conversations with the Kovars. Their pain and loss are unimaginable.
Also, the research you did, and interview with Mr. Byrne, the Lambton Shores CAO, reveals in easy to understand terms the program in place, which is out of balance in the financial terms and in terms of the timing that the municipality allots for beach protection by lifeguards.
Even nowadays, conservative institutions like banks do not run 9-5 services. So why in heaven’s sakes would a tourist safety service have such short hours of lifeguard hours, and limited safety equipment on site until the last drowning sparked the return of lifesaving rings on the beach.
With the great amount of revenue generated each summer mostly by visitors to the parking lots, offset by the  $48,000 cost of seasonal lifeguard service, clearly there is room for a much greater expenditure for this protection service, both by extending the hours and increasing the personnel needed. Maybe, just maybe, next year, with the much ballyhooed beach enhancement underway, someone at council will ask for and get the funding to allow more personnel and less bricks and mortar, especially with the past evidence and practices of ignoring town assets and policies, such as the current beach bathroom/structure and main-street parking, and streetscape.
We can expect much greater parking revenue in 2009 as there will be more spaces at the beach, and likely some type of metered parking system on the main street. In light of the changes coming, let’s not allow mediocrity to be an acceptable standard on the beach or Main Street. Grand Bend can promote itself as the best and safest beach on Ontario’s West Coast.
Blue Flag beach designation does not require live lifeguard protection, but hopefully we would continue to allocate a large dollar value to keeping that in place, whether it comes from parking revenues or from the ever-increasing tax base from residents and business. But clearly, taxation need not be the source to provide this service or to pay for the planned Beach Enhancement.
I look forward to this beach being renovated, and being the tourist draw it should be, but with sensible first-class concepts and ideas that maintain focus on the lake and beach; after all, the plans are to leave the lake and pier in place for the foreseeable future. Future generations will be left with the legacy of maintaining the new structures and maintaining this community assets and spirit of Grand Bend going forward.
Again to those families whose lives have been permanently changed by drowning deaths in this community, our heart felt regrets and sympathy in very inadequate.
Robert Webb
Grand Bend

Letter: Wheelchair users need parking

Reader: Why aren’t police ticketing violators?

To the Editor:
All the kids are back in school and most of the visitors of Grand Bend have gone. The little town is almost empty. As I made my way to the bank I was a bit early so as I waited outside for 10 minutes and not to my surprise I counted 4 cars that parked in the handicapped parking space. I just shock my head and wondered is this ever going to stop.
In this town of 1000 people, the law is not hard for police to enforce. I have to ask why people park there. Why? Because nothing is being done to stop them. There is no respect for the people who really need to use these spaces. I ask myself why this bugs me, as I don’t use the spaces and I don’t know anyone who is in a wheelchair. I really can’t answer that.
To the people who abuse and use the handicap spaces, how would you like it if I were to park in your driveway and make you walk down the street to your house. You would be upset at me, wouldn’t you? So why is it that you people who do not need a wheelchair space park in these spaces and think it’s okay.
Their argument may be, Yeah, I’m only going to be a minute. Another we’ve all heard is, I only live down the street so I’m okay to drive drunk.
I do love the law that reads handicap parking only. Why make it a law if police are not going to enforce it? I was upset last year when I needed the help of the Grand Bend police. I went to the downtown location in the wintertime when the town was dead, tapped on the door and a female officer looked at me and pointed to the phone outside. The phone didn’t work and I tried to tell her that, but she just looked at me as if to say, I don’t have time and don’t care to talk to you. She walked away and left me standing there. I thought, What would it have taken her to come to the door to see what I wanted? There could have been a police officer shot lying on the ground for all she knew.
This example shows me that they simply don’t care. But I think not all police officers are bad, and neither are all of the people who park in handicap spaces.
Patti Wilton
Via GrandBendStrip.com

Reaction from our August 13 water issue

To the Editor,
Your recent edition covering the drowning of Jule Kovar was thought-provoking reporting at its best. For too long, safety at Grand Bend’s main beach has been an issue. While studies and reports are highly commendable, common sense might be a good way to start.
The flags flying from the lifeguard posts look like a piece of rag someone left on the beach and can only be seen when you are within a few feet of the chair. In one case, the flag showing the safety level for swimming is completely obscured by a Canadian flag flying from the same site. While nationalism is commendable, the only flag that should be flying is the one related to water safety. In addition, two of the four lifeguard posts are usually unmanned. Both are on the borders of the beach: one close to the pier where Jule was drowned, and the other at the Oakwood end where the most recent tragedy occurred.
Signs indicate that the beach is supervised; they should be revised to read “ Supervised Occasionally”. My adult children recently bodysurfed with life jackets and were rightly asked to get out by a lifeguard when the waves became dangerously high. To their surprise they were advised to return after 6 p.m. when the guards would be gone for the night. How responsible is that?!
A flagpole should be erected on the beachhouse roof and large coloured flags purchased to indicate swimming safety. These could be seen as people approach the beach; when a red flag is flying, local merchants might even benefit should families choose to stay away from the water. Lifeguards should either be on duty at all four posts from morning until dusk or the sign should indicate that the beach is not supervised. Finally, the water surrounding the pier should be cordoned off to prevent access to swimmers.
These suggestions could be put into effect immediately without costly studies and reports. We all know the tragedies that have occurred in the past few years, let’s do what we can now to make our beach safe.
Dinah Taylor
Grand Bend

To the Editor,
I would like to comment on the lifeguard issue because it just goes to prove that Grand Bend lifeguards are doing a wonderful job. I do feel for the families who have lost people due to drowning. You could sit down day after day to try to figure out how to improve the safety of people. If parents could be there every minute of the day to protect their children, they would be, but we all know that is not possible.
People need to take responsibility for their own actions. Leaving life rings on the beach after hours is not the right thing to do because people who come to Grand Bend only have one thing on their minds: drinking and having a good time. They have little respect for people’s property; they steal things just for the fun of it. If there is no lifeguard on duty then it’s up to you to decide whether you want to take the chance to go in the water. We can’t expect lifeguards to be on duty 24-7.
Patti Wilton
Via GrandBendStrip.com

Letter to the Editor - July 2, 2008

To the Editor,
I read with interest your article on the Sexsmith pilots. I was glad to hear that Sexsmith Airfield is, according to Ron Helm, “… nice here; it’s quiet.” Unfortunately, that is something I can’t say for Grand Bend, with planes constantly buzzing overhead all day long. One in particular - perhaps the home made one - has a particularly loud engine.
I too lived through the war in England, and I have to say that the planes constantly circling overhead bring back childhood memories of Spitfires and Messerschmidt’s fighting it out over the top of our house. Could they not find a less developed area to do their flying over, perhaps even the lake? We would be eternally grateful for a little of the peace and quiet found at Sexsmith Airfield.
Heather Crickmere
Grand Bend

June 25 Letters to the Editor

Dear Casey,
I just wanted to let you know how very well received your (wheelchair accessibility) article was, by your readers and by many merchants. I know it can be a gamble when dealing with businesses and I admit it was not always comfortable for me, but it truly has turned out to be such a worthwhile project.  Scott and I have had so many calls, beautiful letters, and well wishing comments that we were overwhelmed; I have never known such heartfelt concern and support. As we discussed, there have been some incredible hurts and frustrations with people who could not handle the changes in our life. Well, this has done so much to restore my faith in human kindness. Some of the businesses immediately made changes as a result of your article and became very proactive in their attitude.
You are a very kind and generous man yourself and this series of articles demonstrates your commitment to bettering life for all citizens. I hope you feel proud and not too humble that you won’t print this. To all the people who approached Scott and me, wrote and sent cards, I thank you so much as it is just this sort of thing that empowers us to advocate for better services for all persons requiring chronic or long term care. We have a long way to go in getting drug coverage, but the financial services firm of Campbell and Lehman have been very kindly working on a trust fund for myself and others in my position to help with costs until one of either the Ontario Ministry of Health or Hoffman-LaRoche steps up to the plate and does the right thing. It is not my wish to be in the public eye for the reasons that I have been, but if this is what it takes to make improvements for myself and others, then so be it. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Denise Halpenny
Exeter

To the Editor:
I appreciate your recent efforts to grade accessibility in the area. I have arthritis in both knees and use a cane constantly. Entry to buildings, washroom facilities etc. are things I struggle with on a daily basis.
I was surprised to read that Gar’s (Bar) in Exeter got an average rating. I guess it was fair by your scoring system. However, what distressed me was your mention of the cleaning equipment in the handicap washroom. This is because I was at that facility this past February for lunch and when I went to use the handicap washroom there was a bucket and mops and no room for me. I had to use the regular washroom and – because the toilet was abnormally low – I had to grasp under the door to pull myself up; otherwise, I would still be there. Thank goodness the door held and I was again upright.
I asked to speak to the manager who was “not in today.” So I spoke to the person at hand and asked her to accompany me to the handicap washroom to show her why I was upset. She then explained that the equipment was in there because if she stored it downstairs, she would have to carry it up to clean. Because I didn’t agree this was a good reason to block handicap usage, I then demanded some compensation for my troubles. Am I wrong in assuming there is a law about having a handicap washroom available in public areas?
My compensation ended up being a free lunch. But as my friend expressed to the woman why I was so upset, she responded, “She’s not handicapped!!” I guess more education is needed here. You don’t have to be in a wheelchair to be handicapped! So I was happy to see you mention that in your recent editorial. Thank you for doing this.
There are other problems that people are often not aware of. The number of marked parking spaces is never enough and when I mention this at the municipality I am told the code requires one space for every thirty regular spaces. Is there a law that says you can’t include more than the building code stipulates? Duh! I would think the number of handicapped persons is only going to increase this decade.
Another seldom-confronted situation is the installation of handrails on stairs. Some are on the left and some are on the right. Some people have trouble going up, I have trouble going down and need a rail in my left hand. Why not have rails on both sides?
As Lisa Grady mentioned in her article, people want to do it themselves and maintain their dignity and independence. So let’s help them do that!
Thanks for listening Casey. You are doing a good thing. My next topic will probably be the development of a scent-free environment. Do I have any support on that issue?
Wilma Harris
Port Franks

From the editor: Wilma, thanks for your observations. It must be frustrating when a business has the infrastructure in place, but does not make it available to the customers for which it is designed. Our standard required that someone using a wheelchair can get in the door from the street and get around. If a person could use the washroom, reach the counters and sit at a table, those counted, too. I called Gar’s, and the owner is on vacation, but I was told the cleaning equipment still restricts use of the washroom. It’s a shame because this is a simple change (like other changes that could be made there and elsewhere) that could have helped it earn a higher rating. I was told Gar would likely reflect on this upon his return. Ultimately, business owners need to make accessibility a priority because, as you suggest, more people require such services each year.
Regarding the legal question, I do not believe restaurant washrooms are covered under the law yet, so if you would like to complain, your best avenue would be the Ontario Human Rights Commission. They, however, recommend you address your concerns with the business first.
And regarding the scent-free environment question, that’s certainly a good fight to wage.

I was pleased to see your newspaper in my mailbox; very interesting. I live in Parkhill and do a lot of my shopping in Grand Bend and area. I am very disappointed in the law enforcement that they don’t take care of the ongoing problem with wheelchair parking spaces. I find myself being mad most every time I have to park my truck when I see countless people (parking in these spaces) with no problem walking to the store. You people should be glad you can walk; STOP parking in the wheelchair space. I would stand out in the rain all day just to give out tickets to people who take the wheelchair parking spaces.
For the businesses that make excuses about why they don’t have wheelchair spaces or ramps, you should be ashamed of yourselves. It seems to me that everything has to be about the money. Why does it seem that bad things have to happen to someone before they make changes in their life? We want to make changes in our community but we only want to go halfway. The people in wheelchairs have a right to shop anywhere they want, so why are they being left out?
Patti Wilton
Parkhill

How pleasant a surprise it was to see how well Grace Hodgins was doing after her surgery on Friday, June 13. Grace had to get a pacemaker and I was so worried for her, but like the trouper she is, she rallied once again and is expected to be home shortly. Lots of love and encouragement in your quest for better health. Love and good luck. You go girl!
Joan McCullough
Shipka

June 11, 2008 Letters to the Editor

To the Editor,

I was a bit disappointed that you didn’t include St. John’s by the Lake Anglican Church in your list of wheelchair accessible buildings. St. John’s has two ramps; one to the church proper and one to the parish hall direct from the parking lot and a wheel chair marked parking space at the parish hall door. In the parish hall we have one wheel chair accessible washroom. If a person is in the church and cannot get up the steps to the altar, the priest brings communion down to him or her. The person can access the altar by coming in through the parish hall. There is a lovely large porch at the back of the hall that is also accessible from inside the parish hall and from the lawn (another ramp).

Sincerely,
Elinor Clarke

Our assessment stopped just short of the property housing St. John’s by the Lake, so thank you for sending in your assessment of the church. Unfortunately, Rick and I noticed many churches in the area do not have ramps to their front doors, effectively blocking access to many people who would like to worship.
Casey

To the Editor,
I read your article about the need for wheelchair-friendly businesses in Grand Bend with interest. The Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations (OACFDC), together with Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI), has created  an on-line course to assist businesses with accessibility. This is an EnAbling Change Initiative to increase the awareness and readiness of small and medium businesses in northern and rural Ontario to respond to future mandatory accessibility standards being developed under the Accessibility for Ontarian’s with Disabilities Act (AODA).
This is one of our free courses, which can be accessed on-line at www.cfdlearn.ca. Register with the website, then go to the Course Catalogue. Scroll down to the section on Customer Service, where you’ll see “Accessibility: Its Impact on Small and Medium Business” and click “Buy” (even though it says Buy, there is no charge for this course). This course will raise awareness about various disabilities, how to accommodate customers with disabilities, providing excellent customer service and increasing business, and how to accommodate employees with disabilities. The on-line learning website at www.cfdlearn.com is available for anyone to take courses anytime - there are courses available in English or French for a variety of small business needs.
Mary Alderson
Member Services Coordinator
Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations Inc.

To the Editor,
Forest Baptist Church has become a member of Neighbourlink in an effort to reach out to those who might use the services provided by this organization, which is currently operating in Sarnia, but has no representation in areas outside the city. As Forest Baptist Church has congregational members from a vast area, it is their wish to provide the services of Neighbourlink to people living anywhere in Lambton Shores.
What is Neighbourlink? It is a ministry made up of people who give practical help to those needing a helping hand. It’s a national ministry of World Vision Canada that equips churches and members to work together in local networks to respond to specific needs in their communities. This allows individuals the opportunity to express the love of God to their neighbours. Neighbourlink networks with other service organizations in order to avoid duplication and or abuse of services. When someone is beyond the limits of other service agencies, Neighbourlink responds through the many volunteers who are ready to act. Neighbourlink is the only transdenominational nationwide program of its kind in Canada.
Forest Baptist Church has volunteers ready to act. People needing assistance have only to call the office in Sarnia at 519-336-5465 and then Forest Baptist Church will be given directives.
To learn more about Neighbourlink, just put that word into your search or add the word Sarnia or Canada and you get lots of information. You could also call or email me and I would be happy to try to answer any questions you might have. My wife and I are church coordinators. Thank You.
Ivan Anderson
8324 Goosemarsh Line,
RR2 Grand Bend,
N0M 1T0
519-243-2126
ivan340@execulink.com

May 28 Letter to the Editor re Dominion Cribbage

To all who helped in the Grand Bend Legion for the Dominion Cribbage championships:
I would truly love to thank you:
Gayle McGregor, Shirley Pole, Joan McCullough, Jeanette Wales, Rick Tiedeman (my son), Julie and Harold.
We made a great team. You are the best!
Plus, a special thanks to Zelda and Wayne Woods for their donation of eggs and real pancake syrup. Everyone loved it!
Sheila Tiedeman

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