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Think of others at this time of year Hi folks, this is my first column since September. I traditionally do not write columns during the municipal election. I would like to thank all of the candidates for putting their names forward this past election. Congratulation to all of the incumbents in being re-elected and to Ann Lawlor for being elected as your local Ward 4 Councillor. In addition, I'd like to thank John Duncan for four years of service to our community. ··· The holiday season is fast approaching. December is a period of short days, cold nights, and cloudy skies. For most, Christmas is a time of joy with friends and loved ones. For some though, it is a reminder of what they don't have, of how hard life can be. This is a time of year that I ask that you remember to donate to organizations that serve our community, such as food banks, Salvation Army kettles, Sharing Trees and the United Way of Halton to name a few. What's often lost in the statistics is the number of children who are in need as their families struggle to make ends meet. Many of those needing assistance are working people like you. When you support these agencies, you are helping a fellow citizen. As the holidays approach, be in good cheer and help others to be in equally happy spirits. ··· On behalf of everyone who enjoyed the Santa Claus parades, a big thank you to Bill Spielvogel, the Acton Firefighters Association, Al Watt and the Georgetown Lions Club for putting on an outstanding parade for all! ··· Winter is fast approaching. Last year we had experienced one major storm just before Christmas; this was definitely a message from Old Man Winter! I know we all want our streets plowed 7 Free flowing Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner onboard! Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 2, 2010 Rick Bonnette right away. The fact remains that the Town plows more than 900 kilometres of roads and streets, as well as more than 100 kilometres of sidewalks, plus 22 municipal parking lots. It all takes time, so please be patient. Our public works crews will get to them as fast as they can. If you have a fire hydrant in front of your home, please assist our firefighters by clearing the snow from around the hydrants. It could save your home. Lastly, if you have seniors living nearby, please offer assistance with the shoveling. I am sure most of you do. ··· Congratulations to the following businesses that have opened during the past months: · Hungry Hollow Restaurant, Sept. 24 · Just Cupcakes, Sept. 29 · Lovable Little Tree Huggers, Oct. 16 · HeatheNut, Oct. 21 · Sweet Molly's, Nov. 2 · Global Pet Foods, Nov. 26 · In Focus Physiotherapy, Nov. 26 ··· Congratulations to Georgetown's Knox Presbyterian Church which recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and to the Acton 1st Scouts as they celebrated their 100th anniversary. ··· Keep it real! I can be reached by telephone at 905-873-2601, ext. 2342, or by e-mail at mayor@haltonhills.ca. --Rick Bonnette is the mayor of Halton Hills ANCIENT & MAGNIFICENT BLACK SEA 15 Day Black Sea Voyage Aboard the AmaCello May 25 2011 - 2 nights in Vienna, 7-night cruise to Bulgaria, 1 night in Bulgaria and end with 3 nights in Istanbul Cat. E- US $3,979 p.p. Call our River Cruise Experts to book! Open Saturdays 9am - 4pm w w w. v i s i o n 2 0 0 0 t r a v e l . c o m Cruise & Land + $133 taxes Georgetown Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability at time of booking. Cruise line reserves the right to withdraw promotions without prior notice 905-873-2000 328 Guelph St. Georgetown, ON TICO Reg #50018501 HEARING SCIENCES Audiology and Hearing Aid Centre Give the gift of HEARING... & get a gift! ($100 value) Valid until Dec 31/10 Age 55+ BRING THIS AD FOR A COMPLIMENTARY HEARING TEST $60 VALUE For the month of December, we will give you a Tim Horton's gift card worth $50 for each hearing aid purchased for yourself or others. We believe that the hearing is a special gift that can be dramatically improved with today's digital technology. Don't miss out on the holiday fun, be a part of it! Listen with confidence. The first step to better hearing is a hearing test. NEW GEORGETOWN 905-877-0099 211 Guelph St., Suite 1 (in the M&M plaza, across from Winners)