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6 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, February 23, 2012 OPINION Garden goons When the Old Seed House Garden was established several years ago organizers foresaw a well-kept greenspace in the heart of Georgetown with a pond, gazebo, gardens and pathways-- a place residents could stroll through and take pride in. What the Garden is slowly turning into is a haven for vandals to desecrate with graffiti and damage property. Last week, a donated sculpture of a Canadian goose was broken for the FOURTH time since it was installed less than two years ago. It is now beyond repair, according to Barb Baron, co-chair of Friends of the Old Seed House Garden, the group largely responsible for creating the park. "Our dream was to add more art installations (in the garden) but we're wondering if that's a dream that's impossible to fulfill," said Baron. Apart from damaging the artwork, vandals have forced volunteers to restain the gazebo because of repeated graffiti, a picnic table had to be removed after it had repeatedly been dragged to other areas in the park, electrical outlets had to be moved higher and covers added after being tampered with, glass panels had to be replaced with plastic ones after being repeatedly broken by stone-throwing miscreants... the list seems endless. It doesn't take much hindsight to determine that locating a park between two high schools, and adjacent to one of them, could have been inviting trouble. As well, we don't want to point fingers and sound ageist, but it is unlikely moms taking their kids to the splash pad in summer and seniors taking a midday stroll are the ones responsible for this damage. This type of crime is more often perpetrated by young adults. Enough is enough. Grow up. In recent months we've had a new synthetic sports field set ablaze (at Georgetown High), joyriders tear up fields at the Gellert Centre and regular vandalism at Dominion Gardens Park. It's getting to the point where we may one day ask the age-old question: "Why can't we have anything new?" 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Steve Nease Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters to the editor Thanks for help in raising awareness Dear editor, I wanted to take the time to thank you, your newspaper and your writers etc., for the many years of many stories you have covered regarding the advocacy work I do as a volunteer person with lived experience for mental health, addiction, trauma and bereavement. Since the death of my 25-yearold son Pete (Kristy) Beattie 10 years ago to an accidental mixed drug overdose of prescription pain medication (Oxycontin) and psychiatric drugs, it has been my mission to some how help to co-create mental health, addictions and bereavement systems that actually are effective for clients. It is no longer what I do...but who I have become since my son died. Raising awareness, education and reducing stigma are paramount and tantamount to positively engaging our community and finding both the fortitude and resources to fight for effective change. It is very important to me that both Georgetown and the larger region of Halton is being seen for its true identity of being inclusive, forward thinking, accepting, open to exploring and then successfully acting on new ways for ideals and practical solutions to be heard, shared, and funded. The issues of mental health, addiction, trauma and bereavement are complex social issues that impact us all whether directly or indirectly. These are tough issues that need to be talked about publicly so others in our community can feel safe and be safe by reducing the isolation, shame, stigma and barriers. Your newspaper has been a huge part of this equation thanks to your openness to covering these issues through PERFECT coverage of my advocacy efforts. Thank you for being both fearless and sensitive to approach these topics. Your engagement has been so important to the messaging. Betty-Lou Kristy, Georgetown buildings on the site of what is now 60 John Street and the two abutting properties to the southwest. I use the term "so-called" as there is nothing low rise about a five-storey building! This proposal has the potential to be far-reaching, not only for the residents and environment of Ward 3, but is also a slippery slope for future settled communities. Already concerned citizens have contacted councillors, organized meetings, created a Facebook site and are currently collecting signatures on a petition. To quote Mayor Rick Bonnette; "People choose to live in Halton Hills as a result of our natural beauty, charm, healthy environment..." If you believe this and you want this to continue then what we need most is your voice and presence at the meeting on Monday. Together we can make a stand. Together we can be heard. My family will be there. Will yours? Joseph Wey, Georgetown WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.independentfreepress.com) The federal government has been hinting at changing the age of eligibility for Old Age Security from 65 to 67. Would you support such a change? · No (76%) · Yes (24%) us a letter Apartment plan opposed Send Want to share your thoughts? Dear editor, On Monday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers an important item will be discussed-- the proposed so-called low rise apartment To submit a letter email jmcghie@ theifp.ca. Letters are limited to 150 words and must include the author's name, hometown and a daytime phone number (for verification purposes). The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.