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OPINION Cold weather brings potential for trouble "Cold enough for you?" We're sure Halton Hills residents (and most of those in Ontario) have been hearing that question a lot in the past couple weeks as we've suffered (enjoyed?) a spate of cold weather that would make an Antarctic penguin happy. While the frigid weather has certainly been the talk around the water cooler, it's important that residents recognize this type of weather presents a myriad of potential hazards. First, just because the mercury has plummeted that doesn't mean waterways that appear frozen are safe enough to stand on. Extreme caution should be used around all ponds and lakes and do not venture out onto a pond unless you know for a fact that the ice can support you. Better still, use a Town-operated outdoor rink for your skating pleasure. Secondly, while we homo sapiens may find the extreme cold uncomfortable that doesn't mean our furry friends enjoy it any more just because they have fur. Keeping your pet outside for extended lengths of time in this weather is simply cruel. Be aware road salt can also hurt your dog's paws. Keep those walks short in cold weather and your dog will be happier for it. Third, in the extreme cold it is only common sense to avoid long exposure to the elements. The simple rule to follow is: if you don't have to go out in the bitter cold-- don't. Lastly, the Halton Hills Fire Protection and Prevention Services this week issued a reminder to residents to not warm up their cars in or near their garage because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning-- it's a potentially deadly habit that far too many drivers practise. As well, outside vents from high efficiency furnaces and water heaters should also be checked to ensure they are clear of snow. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Loyal customer regrets bar's closing Dear editor, For more than 10 years, I have been a patron of Nashville North. It truly did have the best line dancing in the province, the best sized dance floor and the most welcoming and safe environment I have ever seen in a bar. In those 10 years I never once seen an intoxicated person out of control. The bouncers kept the floor clear and the bar area safe. It was a good time, every time. Patrons were friendly, respectful, helpful to each other with the dancing. It was extremely rare to see conflict anywhere in the bar. I met my wife at Nashville North and we have been married for almost nine years. Nashville North to us was good clean fun. A time to go and get away from the pressures of the week and just have fun. One of the best things about Nashville North is it brought all age groups together. And we came together like a family...teaching each other how to dance, laughing with strangers, tripping over someone else's feet, getting those last few steps by following someone else from a dance you've been trying to learn for months, meeting new people from 19 and up to their 70s! We met people from all over Ontario there, from other provinces, the US, and even a few stars came to hang out. Toby Keith stopped in one night to enjoy the scene and signed a few autographs. Did you know that a movie was filmed in our country bar as well? This bar was truly the "Nashville" of the North. How could it be forced to close its doors? Nashville North had a loyal and fun loving country community, that now has nowhere to gather. It is a shame that we have lost this wonderful place. There truly, isn't another place like it. The recognition for our town, the stress relief for people and the great fun on the dance floor is something that is needed. Nashville North is a true loss and we will miss talking, laughing, but most of all dancing, at the greatest country bar in Ontario! We request that the Alcohol and Gambing Commission of Ontario (AGCO) reconsider its decision and reopen our home away from home-- Nashville North. Bruce and Deanna White, Georgetown (Editor's note: The AGCO revoked Nashville North's liquor licence. The decision to close Nashville North was made by its owners.) Stranger's kindness leaves mom smiling Dear editor, Recently, while waiting in line at a local Tim Hortons, my four-year-old son decided to tell a complete stranger (who was sitting down enjoying a coffee and donut) that his birthday is in April. The man, at first a little startled, smiled and started to converse with my `always eager to talk' youngster. He asked him how old he is going to be and what he should get him for his birthday? As the conversation ended, the man and I exchanged a warm smile. About 10 minutes later as my family was eating our treats, the man walked over to my son and said; "Well, since I probably won't see you on your birthday, I'm going to give you your present now." He than handed my son a large gingerbread cookie. This random act of kindness really warmed my heart. To live in a community where the innocence of childhood is cherished, and small conversations welcome (not frowned upon or viewed as rude) makes me, especially as a parent, feel quite content. So, to this very kind man who listened to my son and gave him a gift, thank you very, very much for your kind gesture-- you are a welcome new neighbour. Marcia Baker, Acton