Doesn’t like masks
Dear Editor:
I was one of the mask protesters at the Minto town council meeting on Sept. 15.
First of all, I must say I was very impressed with the behaviour of the police that came on the scene and the council who allowed us to present our ten-minute presentation to the council in a safe and orderly fashion.
Freedom of speech and information without reprisal is essential in sorting out these kinds of issues, and any attacks or intimidation or mocking different points of view is probably not the best way to approach these subjects.
What is the best way to protect our health and rights and freedoms? Are these blanket lockdowns more harmful than good in respect to economic issues, postponed medical treatment, surgeries and mental health issues, and general fear, not to mention the fact that some people are just acting weird?
We should peacefully and orderly make an honest effort to find out.
Frank Carere,
Drayton
Poor decision
Dear Editor:
An open letter to Laura Hanley, executive director, Community Living Guelph Wellington.
On behalf of our son Christopher, Kathy and I want to express our displeasure with the recent news that the Harriston Day Program is closing. It has been Chris’ second home for many years. A place where he engaged with his friends, some of whom he has known for many years.
It is also a place that we knew Chris was safe attending, with wonderful staff to support him. The move to close it baffles us as does the move to have support staff come to our home on a limited basis. It is not an adequate substitute for the day program. There has to be a way to save the day programs. If it is about money, it can be found. If your organization believes this change is for the betterment of the clients, you are surely wrong.
Your programming changes may be all well and good for the higher functioning clients, but certainly is not the case for Chris. And what about the volunteers and donors who have supported the Harriston centre for all these years? Where was their say in this matter?
As usual, the needs of North Wellington are ignored by Guelph.
We urge you and the board to reconsider this decision.
Dave and Kathy Wilson,
Palmerston
Phone consultations
Dear Editor:
First, let me acknowledge that there are kudos to be given to the hard-working, caring folk in the medical professions.
Now my lament. Recently I had the irritation of two trips out of town, to meet with medical folk who spent five minutes talking to the patient, never touched them, or examined them.
People are referred to specialists because those people are ill. Many are elderly, others have limited resources, both requiring the assistance of friends or family to make the one or two hour trip to the appointment. This requires gas, use of a vehicle, a time commitment, and in current times having to leave our COVID-safe homes and communities to go to the city, with more people, more traffic, more stress for all involved. In addition,a helper for the patient is not allowed in the facility.
In one instance the patient was simply handed a form to be completed by the referring physician; in the other they were told that “we will call you when we set up an appointment for some tests.”
So, doctor, what about this could not have been handled with a scheduled phone appointment? Do you need the extra billing rate of an in-office appointment so much that you put the comfort and care of the patient on the back burner?
I would imagine there are many, many people from our smaller communities that have had this experience. Please, tell all your friends to request a phone consultation if it is not absolutely necessary for the patient to attend at the office out of town.
A. Colley,
Harriston
Short on suits
Dear Editor:
RE: Mount Forest fan, Oct. 22.
It was great reading Bob and Mary’s article on Mount Forest and its businesses. My wife and I have lived in and around Mount Forest for 24 years now and there is no place I would rather live.
The only business that you missed in your long line of stores and services is a men’s wear store; unfortunately you do have to go out of town to buy a man’s suit.
Fortunately for me, I am old and I have enough suits to last me the rest of my life so it is no big deal for me.
Thank you Mount Forest for having everything you could possibly need in small-town Canada (except a suit).
Dennis Ransome,
Mount Forest
Caring company
Dear Editor:
I am sure that several readers have had the opportunity to attend live local theatre at one of Drayton Entertainment’s venues. Their recent virtual production of a series of shows is top drawer as usual. .
We are lucky to have such a great company working in and around our area, giving back to the communities they draw patrons from in so many ways: school programs, children’s programs and especially live theatre, often with special pricing dates.
These virtual shows indicate in these COVID times that they are still giving back, knowing that some of us are housebound, and missing social activity they have put together a show every week for our entertainment. No cost!
That is what they do, because they love it and genuinely care about their patrons and the community.
Joan Hogg,
Harriston
‘Excellent care’
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank all the staff at Groves Memorial Community Hospital for the excellent care I received recently while in the hospital for almost a week.
Everyone was so friendly and very efficient. When entering my room they always had a pleasant smile and the doctors and nurses would take the time to answer any questions you may have.
I was in the hospital for my birthday and two beautiful young nurses, even though they were very busy, took the time to sing Happy Birthday to me.
We in Fergus and Elora are so fortunate to have a beautiful hospital and such an efficient staff. Thanks to all who raised money for it. It was money well spent.
Ruth O’Leary,
Elora
