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OPINION Reverend Paul Ivany is undoubtedly hoping he doesnt see another year like the one just past. The United Norval Church pastor conducted funeral services last year for five people (three from Georgetown alone) who took their own lives. And those were not likely the only suicides in this area in the past year. Odile Gear knows the tragedy first-hand of dealing with a loved one who has committed sui- cide. Her 19-year-old daughter Stephanie killed herself last winter. Recognizing there was a need for intervention and support for those contemplating suicide as well as support for family and friends dealing a suicidal loved one Gear and Ivany, along with 25 other local residents, formed H.E.A.L. The Georgetown Suicide Prevention Group. Unfortunately, suicide has long been a taboo subject for many. Gear and Ivany stress that it is time for that to change and people must begin raising awareness about depression and other mental illnesses that lead some to consider taking their own lives. While raising awareness is one mandate of the group so is working with all levels of government to encourage the development of a suicide preven- tion strategy. H.E.A.L The Georgetown Suicide Prevention Group is holding an information night for the general public on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at Norval United Church (484 Guelph St. in Norval) from 7-8:30 p.m. We commend Gear for the courage she has shown in dealing with her own personal tragedy and all those involved in forming this much-need- ed group. Judging by the number of recent tragic deaths, it is clearly time for more light to be shed on this problem. Dealing with the tragedy of suicide The Independent & Free Press is published every Wednesday and Friday at 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown Ont., L7G 4B1. It is one of several newspapers published by Metroland Media Group Ltd. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance for sig- nature will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the acceptable rate. In the event of typographical error advertising goods or services at wrong price, goods or ser- vices may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell which may be withdrawn at any time. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Price: Store copies 50 each; Subscriptions $26 per year by carrier; $92.50 per year by mail in Canada; $130 per year in all other countries. Plus G.S.T. Second Class Mail Registration Number 6869. The Independent & Free Press is a member of The Canadian Community Newspaper Association and The Ontario Community Newspaper Association. Steve Nease THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear editor, Re: Halton Catholic District School Boards banning of The Golden Compass. Once again if someone or some organization isnt comfortable with something what is their solution? Censorship. I believe we are all entitled to our opinions but to tell someone they cant read a book because they disagree or find some aspect of it offensive or, in the case of The Golden Compass, anti- Christian, is wrong and unfair. I believe censorship comes out of fear. Fear of having an open mind. So many of us have been programmed to think a certain way that when we see, read or listen to something thats a lit- tle different we automatically think its wrong. We fear to think out of the box. With censorship artists will lose their ability and their artistic freedom. There are so many great books to be read, songs to be heard and movies to be seen, is it fair that people wont be able to because some group/organiza- tion has found the material to be offen- sive in their minds? Dont let others make decisions for you. Keep an open mind and decide for yourself. I find it incredibly hard to believe that all Catholics feel the same way. I actually find it a little insulting for the parents. How dare the Catholic school board decide what their children can and cannot read. Parents should be the one to decide. When a children reads a book their minds are stimulated, they are transported into another dimension allowing their imagination to soar. If the Catholic school board continues to ban books children will lose this ability towards imagination. The Catholic school board is saying that ones religion will be weakened by reading this book. If thats what they believe then perhaps they dont have enough faith and strength in their reli- gion to begin with. The Catholic board trustees are nothing but a bunch of bullies and hypocrites. Growing up I was told God loves every human being no matter what, after all, we are created in his image. But according to the board, God doesnt love atheists. If anyone from the school board is reading this, I have a message: Its 2008 and not 1508. Star K. Santiago, Georgetown Boards banning of book wrong and unfair Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Something bugging you? Publisher Ken Nugent Advertising director Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager Nancy Geissler (distribution@independentfreepress.com) ADVERTISING Advertising co-ordinator Jennifer Christie (jchristie@independentfreepress.com) Retail Sales: Jennifer Spencer (jspencer@independentfreepress.com) Brendan Louth (blouth@independentfreepress.com) Amy Sykes (features@independentfreepress.com) Katie Borg (kborg@independentfreepress.com) Real estate: Sue Spizziri (realestate@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds: Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) ACCOUNTING Rose Marie Gauthier, Michelle McEachern EDITORIAL Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) PRODUCTION: Mary Lou Foreman, Kevin Powell, Shelli Harrison, Dolores Black, Debbie MacDougall STAFF DIRECTORY Send us a letter! Phone: 905-873-0301 Fax: 905-873-0398www.independentfreepress.com Dear editor, My wife and I are over from the United Kingdom, staying with my daughter who lives in Ballinafad. On December 29, 2007, I slipped on the ice. I thought I had just badly sprained my ankle but, after being taken to Georgetown Hospital Emergency Department, it was discovered that I had broken my ankle, tibia and fibula. I cannot thank Dr. Peter Iracleous enough for his extremely efficient and very kind treatment. After having the necessary X-rays he informed me that I would need surgery to fix my ankle and, as, the surgeon on call that day was from Brampton Civic Hospital Dr. Iracleous arranged for me to be trans- ferred there. On arrival there I was quickly admitted and the pre-op tests were started. Dr. Bob Karabatsos conducted the surgery the next day and every- thing went well. I should be returning to the UK at the end of this week. The service I received from Brampton Civic Hospital was second to none. The nursing staff were really marvellous and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who looked after me. Albert J. Ashton, UK resident UK visitor finds local hospital care excellent Dear editor, I would like to thank all of the members of the Georgetown Baseball Association who came to the special meeting on Wednesday evening. This meeting not only laid to rest any uncertainty surrounding the finan- cial report that was presented at the AGM, but also generated a lot of good discussion regarding how many volun- teers are required to run an organiza- tion such as this one. I hope that many of those in atten- dance (or anyone else for that matter), will come forward to assist in the run- ning of house league for the 2008 baseball season. Baseball is, and always should be, about our kids having fun, and house league offers them a great opportunity to do so. Marnie Carey, Georgetown Baseball is about the kids 6 Acton/Georgetown, Friday, January 18, 2008