As we roll out of the Civic Holiday Weekend/Simcoe Day or whatever you want to call enjoying a three-day weekend for many, we’re in a jovial mood. It’s time to hand out some praise and friendly jabs.
First off, kudos to Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa for singing in the rain (see story on page 8). Well, he may not have burst out in song, but he had the guts to lead the way into a downpour to allow local media to get a photo to celebrate the start of construction for the new Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre.
Parsa was in town for the celebration July 29. The weather opted to not co-operate, but after one of the minister’s handlers suggested waiting for 30 minutes in hopes the weather improved, Parsa took charge and made it happen, heading out into the rain, shovel in hand.
The move was respectful of the busy lives of everyone else present, including members of the local media, and we appreciate it.
We also appreciate the province providing $59 million of the estimated $66-million cost of the new facility. And we certainly appreciate the amazing local community-based support of the much-needed project.
The Children’s Treatment Centre will replace one that has served its purpose, but ran out of space for hosting many of its support programs.
There is one final fundraising push underway and we encourage anyone who is able to help send the effort over the top in the fall. Stay tuned to this newspaper in the coming weeks for details.
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During a time of 24-hour shifts for firefighters, and a stereotype that said firefighters are paid to cook and sleep, we think police officers are going to have a field day with this.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue personnel, along with C-K Community Health Centres staff, have hosted free cooking classes at local fire halls this summer.
On Aug. 1, the final one took place, at Erieau Fire Hall. The class was for youths aged nine-12.
Yes, it’s great that kids were taught how to cook a healthy dinner and about cooking safety, but…the optics.
We are sure the food was quite tasty, just as the friendly barbs from local police officers will be to their firefighter friends.
That being said, if the education to our youth ultimately prevents a kitchen fire, we’d call that a resounding success.
