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6 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, April 19, 2012 OPINION Unstoppable force There's an unstoppable force at work in our community that will always have a greater influence on our society than the most powerful politician or the wealthiest of philanthropists. Collectively, they have the awesome responsibility of ensuring that society continues to function, to progress and to make sure that no one-- man, woman or child-- is left behind. These silent heroes toil mostly in anonymity, with no expectation of fame or fortune. They are community volunteers. Volunteers are integral to everything that makes Halton Hills special-- in the social service sector, our local schools, within our most vital health care agencies and at most of the community events that make us choose to live where we do. Without volunteers, it could be argued, our society would collapse in ruin. For one week a year-- this year from April 15-21-- we honour Canada's unsung heroes, its volunteers, for making our small towns and biggest cities such incredible places to call home. The week is also a good time to encourage others-- the young and young at heart-- to take up the responsibility of giving back to their respective communities by offering whatever time they can manage to spare. We salute the thousands of residents who give of their time to make our town the best community it can be. We also offer this challenge to everyone who does not yet volunteer in our community. Make it your goal over the next week ot later this year to set aside some time to do something for the betterment of your community. Get involved in a neighbourhood clean-up project, volunteer to help out with coaching duties on a local sports team, or offer to visit a shut-in. The possibilities-- and the rewards-- are endless. For more information about volunteering in Halton, contact Volunteer Halton at volunteerhalton.ca or 905-878-0955. We believe you'll be glad you did. 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 Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Steve Nease Letters to the editor Bridge opponents should pay extra cost of new study Dear editor, In the headline article,"Town among many to challenge Province on ROPA 38" (April 3), I read with interest our mayor's quote, "I believe if you say, you pay." Really? Why then, is it the Town-- and not the residents opposed to the bridge-- paying for additional engineering studies for the Danby Road bridge? The decision to do additional engineering studies certainly appears to be an attempt to buy votes or at least to avoid conflict with voters. If the original engineering does not meet provincial standards or is in some way deficient, the Town's first course of action should be to address the concerns with the original engineer-- at the engineer's cost, not the taxpayer's. In an ironic twist, in the "Letters to the Editor" section, I notice that one of the original residents opposed to the bridge, has had a change of heart upon becoming aware that there may be a valid reason for the original design. I suppose $17,000 is a small price to pay for the 60 or so potential votes by creating a situation to allow the blame to be directed elsewhere. And the provincial government does not vote. Olaf Kaminski, P.Eng. Georgetown Shop, the Gourmet Cheese Shop, Food Stuffs, and Creature Comforts. Gail from Creature Comforts making a special trip to my home as I have mobility issues, fitting our new puppy with a harness as he broke free from the collar he had. Thank you Gail and all the girls for all the kindness and caring you've shown us and our lil Beau. Please give our downtown shops a try, you'll be glad you did. Patty & Gary Talana, Georgetown Shopping local has its benefits Dear editor, I felt compelled to write about the exceptional customer service I've received by our local merchants. Just recently in particular Appleby Systems going above and beyond supplying us with the best contractors, and such friendly service as always. Also Dini and Gord from Dini & Co, a phenomenal decor store located Main St downtown Georgetown. On several occassions delivering items to our home free of charge with a smile and assurance that it was no bother, thanks guys you're the best! I would suggest to the people unhappy with the customer service in town to please go Downtown Georgetown you will not be disappointed. We have some of the finest stores, from Dini & Co, McMasters Butcher Shop local; it's the best Dear editor, Small hometown shopping is still the best if you want a personal and caring touch. This has been my experience with Bulldog Appliances Inc. My senior parent's refrigerator broke down just before Easter and the owners went way out of their way to have the refrigerator delivered, installed and the old broken one taken out the same day I purchased it. Their delivery schedule was booked for that date but because of our situation, the Bulldog people went beyond their call. Sometimes, thank you is just not enough. Linda Lincoln, Georgetown WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) The 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey shows high-energy caffeine drinks are the second-most used drug by young people. Should these drinks be regulated by the Province? · Yes (75%) · No (25%) 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.