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•T he I FP • H al to n H ill s •T hu rs da y, J ul y 4, 2 01 3 6 OPINION Halton Region issued its first heat alert of the summer last week-- and not likely its last-- and with it, a reminder of the steps vulnerable residents should take to avoid becoming a heat alert casualty. According to the Region's health depart- ment, those especially at risk during heat- and smog-related weather conditions include older adults (over 65 years), infants and young chil- dren, and those with chronic heart or lung dis- ease, including asthma. Knowing the symptoms of heat-induced ill- ness-- rapid breathing, weakness or fainting, headache, or confusion-- and seeking medical attention right away are vital when temperatures and humidity reach health warning levels. To avoid heat-related illness health officials recommend staying out of the sun or heat, go- ing to air-conditioned sites (e.g., malls, com- munity centres). For a list of cooling centres in Halton, visit: www.halton.ca/heatalert. Residents are encouraged to avoid strenu- ous outdoor activity during heat alerts and, if possible, reschedule sports practices and jog- ging times. Drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices while avoiding alcohol and caffeine. • • • For those planning to combat the heat in or around a pool, the Canadian Red Cross re- minds parents that, while child drowning rates are decreasing, it remains the second-leading cause of preventable death for children young- er than 10. Fifteen per cent of child drownings in Canada happen in backyard pools. Visit www.redcross.ca/swim for more sum- mer water safety tips. The Independent & Free Press is published Thursday and is one of sev- eral Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copy- right. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The Independent & Free Press Play it cool Steve Nease Letters to the editor Dear editor, For quite some time, I was look- ing for reasons why we have so much garbage scattered through our Georgetown parks, dogs roam- ing the playgrounds off-leash and why I step in dog poop every time my foot reaches the greenspace. Now I know: because the Town of Halton Hills prohibits activities that would keep our parks clean, nice and safe (see photo). "Help make our Parks Enjoy- able for Everyone" and park your motorized vehicles at the park and watch 'FORE'! those flying golf balls. I am not sure how much it has already cost the taxpayers to have these poorly written signs posted; but I am sure that the residents will be paying for them again. Next time, the Town bureau- crats ought to proofread their work before sending an order to the print shop. Now all we need is some en- forcement on the posted prohibited activities...unless the Town is pre- pared to scoop the poop for those who care to read the Town's signs and adhere to the rules. Boguslaw Burkiewicz, Georgetown Letters policy 905-873-0301 Publisher: Dana Robbins 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) The Town has indicated it does not agree with Metrolinx's various options to pay for the Big Move transit improvement plan. How do you feel? • The Town is right... there is no benefit and it's a download (83%) • The Town is being shortsighted...the Big Move is needed to help gridlock (17%) WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) Signs 'prohibit' good behaviour Ode to a neighbour 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 Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Dear editor, Regan Crescent suffered a great loss with the recent passing of Len Kuenzig. We were comforted in the knowl- edge that our ever-alert neighbor- hood watch was making sure nothing untoward was happening. An endless parade of locals dropped by to share news and gossip. Most of his "rants" somehow mor- phed into a description of his respect and admiration for the strength of character of his beloved Grace. Until recently we were all put to shame by this 90-year-old for having the best manicured lawn and by being awakened by the sound of his snow- blower at the crack of dawn. In harvest season we would open our door to get the morning paper only to find a bag of fresh produce from his garden hanging from the doorknob. He survived D-day, raised a fine family and fought a winning battle against cancer. He served as an inspi- ration to all of us. Rest well, Len. Odette and Pav Penna, Georgetown