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Shocked with complaints about R.H. Cornish new play area Dear Editor I was very shocked when I opened the Focus on Scugog magazine in December to find that someone was complaining about the new playground area for the kindergarten kids at R.H.Cornish school. After a long battle with breast cancer and many surgeries for the reconstruction of this disease, I re-evaluated my life and wanted to give back to the community. Since I love children, and my only child is now 27 years old, I thought that it would be wonderful to have some influence in small children’s lives. applied for a position as a lunch supervisor at RH. Cornish School thinking that every day my heart would feel fulfilled— and it has by 1000 times. What a great feeling. As soon as the school year started I was made aware that the children’s play area would be undergo- ing some changes to improve the yard for the little sweethearts. I watched everyday, and as the construc- tion began I was amazed to see it progress. The reason the children are not allowed to play on the grass is because the grass (sod) is new and it needs time to root and grow. Also in regards to the rocks, the children are not used to playing in an enclosed area with rocks. The rules are a precautionary measure to make sure the children become aware that injuries could occur due to the placement of the rocks. One last thing. The sign is to remind the children there are rules and they have been read to the children by the teachers and helpers. I think the enclosure is much better and all of the kids really love it. They all know that in the near future we will all be able to enjoy and play in a great space. Michella Cross Prince Albert Show a little respect for handicapped Dear Editor — re: Sign of Disrespect At first I thought this was a bad joke but now I be- lieve Ian McLeod is serious about this. Try and get something right. Firstly there are two signs and they are not on Fralicks Beach Road. One is placed at either end of a section of Hood Road. They have nothing to do with the elderly but ev- erything to do with a blind person that I see walking on that stretch of the road. Show a little respect for the handicapped. I believe an apology is in order. As for Ian, I suggest he start studying for that up- coming driver's license examination. Even seniors need to be able to read signs! Stewart Cringan Fralicks Beach Road Editor’s Note: Please see story on page 26. A double “Thumbs Down” Dear Editor Firstly, thumbs down for the article printed in De- cember’s Focus on Scugog entitled “Sign of disrespect?” This road sign was not meant to indicate “beware of old people”, as misinterpreted by Ian McLeod. It is a warning to motorists to watch out for one of our ‘First Nation’ members who is visually impaired. This gentleman is living independently and enjoys walking. If you will look at the sign again it is meant to represent a man walking with a white cane. Second thumbs down goes to the editorial staff of the Focus magazine who chose to print this misinformed article without checking the facts. Anne Harmsworth Port Perry Editor’s Note: Perhaps if the sign actually showed a man with a “white cane” - there would be less chance of misinterpretation. No disrespect was intended. Apologizes for anyone offended Dear Editor l understand that you have been receiving some negative feedback from your readers concerning my fiure to Tecognize “the man with the stick” as being I road sign for sight impaired people. our cover Purchasing liquor in Ontario has come a long way in the past century. Remember when customers had to fill out a ‘purchase order form’ for each bottle they wished to buy? Even the modern self-serve LCBO stores of today are threatened as some want liquor to be sold in corner stores. See page 22. Photo by | Peter Hvidsten 2 FOCUS - JANUARY 2013 O1.JANUARY. FINAL REVISED.indd 2 vahie being the case, the use of this sign as a set-up for a humorous story, was in poor taste and for that I apologize to anyone who was offended by my innocent use of this sign in this manner. To me, this sign communicated the possibility of elderly people being on the road ahead in the same way as the sign featuring the leaping deer telegraphs the presence of deer. Perhaps if the man’s stick had been white I would have made the connection. But I didn’t and for that failure I am sorry. If there is to be an upside to my mistake it is that See ‘Apology’ on page 6 121247 8:32AM