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editorial
Let's get some cameras
in the council chambers
Central Huron Council has been bandying
about the idea of televised meetings for a
while now. More specifically, they have
been bandying about the cost of televised meet-
ings and the disadvantages therein.
On average, there are about five or six people in
the gallery at any given council meeting, unless
there is a particularly big issue being discussed
that day.
As the local paper, we try to deliver as much
pertinent news to you as possible from council,
but what we think matters may not reflect the
things you want to get out of the meeting. Having
the opportunity to see things for oneself is a per-
fect way to fill in the gaps.
To put it plainly - this is a huge endorsement for
televised meetings.
The reasons are numerous, but the most com-
pelling of which is that folks have a right to know
what goes on in council chambers and minutes
don't always reflect how A came to B.
Secondly, with the introduction of televised
meetings comes the added benefit of decorum.
You can see when time is being wasted and when
it's being used wisely. Councilors know this and
may have to up their game accordingly.
Thirdly, it's fun to watch - especially during
public question period. You get to see your neigh-
bours talking about community concerns and the
politicians' responses. It's far easier to hold peo-
ple accountable when the audience is bigger.
On the detrimental side, it does cost money.
Airtime, technology, staff... there is a list of
expenses that does make the procedure some-
what costly, but the end result - available and
accountable government - is worth the extra dol-
lar per household per year.
While it's true anyone can access minutes and
agendas either at town hall or online when they
are posted, not everyone can read them. If a per-
son is not used to reading bylaws, planning docu-
ments, even the agendas themselves - it can be a
daunting and confusing task.
Televised council meetings, on the other hand,
show the actual discussions taking place. Viewers
get a glimpse of the decision-making process,
frustrating as it can be.
There was some talk at the council table about
making audio recordings available at town hall
for anyone who would like a copy, but it is not the
same as seeing the meeting take place and it
requires people to go out of their way for public
records rather than have them available freely in
the comfort of their own homes.
The more informed constituents are, the more
engaged they become in their community. Tele-
vised meetings are a huge step in the right
direction.
Sometimes the banality outweighs the bril-
liance, but that's for the viewers to decide.
— Gerard Creces
Bayfield ice a chilling sign of the times
There is a movement going on in
Bayfield that could seriously affect
all BCH hockey players.
Bluewater Council has already
said this will be the last year for ice
in Bayfield, and for many people in
the village, this is going too far.
There is a lot of history in that
building and on that ice, and it's
something nobody wants to give
up willingly.
In coming to their decision, council noted
there is just not enough ice time being used to
keep it operational. Last year, the average was
about 17.5 hours a week. That's pretty grim.
However, now that the closure is imminent,
there is a group of dedicated people in Bay-
field that want to fight to keep the ice open.
Last week they met to see what options they
have.
A special meeting of user groups has been
set up with council Dec. 12, and BCH Minor
Hockey is looking for input from its members
to take to Bluewater Council. Folks can sub-
mit through their website - bchminorhockey.
Column
Gerard Creces
ca.
Will this pending closure bring
about a resurgence of ice time
use? It's hard to say but right now,
that maybe the only way to keep
the ice where it is. Ultimately, any
ice closure would mean more
home games for Clinton and
Hensall, but the Bayfield kids
would be traveling for every sin-
gle game of the season.
So what's the answer? Community fund-
raising is a good start, but if the ice still contin-
ues to be under-utilized, that money can only
go so far. The question remains - will there be
enough users to make the ice necessary.
The people of Bayfield sure hope so, and
with good reason. Having a community ice
pad brings people together in the winter
months, be it for tournaments or just a game
of shinny.
In the words of Red Green, here's hoping
these folks find a way to keep their sticks on
the ice.
letter to the editor
Holiday advice from Huron Hospice
Dear editor:
We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish
you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a
Merry but wait...things have changed for
me and I don't feel very merry right now. In
fact, I would like to hibernate until....some-
time when all the hurt and emptiness and
loneliness will go away.
As we enter this Christmas season of plan-
ning for parties, and family get-togethers,
and purchasing gifts, and keeping secrets,
and going to concerts, and... and...and - my
heart is not in it this year. You see, a loved -
one of mine died this past year and I am not
sure how I will get through this season of 'col-
oured lights, special baking, wrapping gifts in
shiny paper' My heart aches, I can't stop the
tears, and the memories - oh how they flood
my mind and pre -occupy me so much that I
can't seem to focus, nor get ordinary things
done, never mind the thought of Christmas.
I feel exhausted, overwhelmed and so out of
tune with what is happening all around me. I
just need to get off this train that doesn't
seem to stop going. I just need...oh, I don't
know what - this loud silence that I am
feeling...
If you have lost a loved one, had to say
goodbye to someone special this may be a
time of unrest and struggle and confusion.
Many people believe they need to continue
doing all the things they used to do before the
loss but their hearts are so broken and raw
they have no energy, no desire to be in
crowded stores, nothing seems to matter the
same Sometimes people shut the world out
and hide and others keep so busy they are
spinning circles around everyone else.
I've heard it said that the anticipation of
the Christmas season is harder than the
actual day. It is important to pace yourself,
plan and choose wisely what you wish to
spend your energy on.
Huron Hospice is inviting you to a 'Hope for
the Holidays service' - a time when you can
stop all the rush and scurry of the season; a
time to take care of yourself and give yourself
permission to ponder about your loved one—
what they meant to you, how much you miss
them, and what memories you want to keep
in your sacred space about them.
Some ideas that might help you focus on
both the Christmas season and the meaning
of your loss include: itart a new tradition; put
a flower or special memento on the dinner
table in memory of your loved one; change
some of your plans to more low-key events; if
you don't feel like shopping for gifts, be ok
with that decision - there are other ways to
show someone that you love and care about
them; allow time for yourself; visit the place
of burial or where internment has taken
place; chose only a few activities to do instead
of feeling obligated to attend all events; invite
those who are close, who are special to you
together for a time of remembering and shar-
ing - perhaps a potluck meal; if you don't feel
like decorating your home, be ok with that; it
is ok if you do not feel like sending Christmas
greeting cards this year; listen to music with a
friend.
Some don'ts: don't be alone all the time;
don't do more than your body/mind/spirit
has energy for; don't force yourself to do
things that are not meaningful; don't use
other substances to 'cover your pain' (alco-
hol, drugs...)
Christmas is about spending time with
friends, sharing with others, and remember-
ing - whatever your belief is, give yourself the
same gifts that you give to others.
For further information please call Huron
Hospice 519-527-0655 or 519-357-2720