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Letters to the editor 7 · Friday, May 18, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Thanks to the community for the success of Mindful Art Most of us have heard the African proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child." Creating awareness of mental health issues that will impact one in five of us in our lifetime seems appropriate and its time has come. It is fitting that a communal, community effort is required so that individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bi-polar, OCD or other mood- related disorders are not alone -- there is help. The Mindful Art fundraising show in Oakville last weekend coincided with the conclusion of Mental Health Week and drew several hundred individuals who came out in support of this vital issue. It did what it set out to do. This was to educate and allow people to speak freely about mental health issues while giving back to those who have made it their life's work to help individuals struggling in our community. A reminder that there is hope and that there are in fact, people who care. In order to achieve this, however, we must create a broadened, supportive network in Oakville's own "village." The funds raised from Mindful Art will be directed to the Dr. T. Hastings Phoenix Program at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH). This forward-thinking program is an outpatient, community-based program that offers a recovery-based approach to individuals experiencing the early stages of psychosis living in Halton Region. A portion of proceeds will also go to Oakville's The Grace House. This timelimited adult group home is a non-profit charitable program helping individuals to lead independent, productive lives giving them the dignity that they deserve. This supportive housing offers 24/7 help to individuals with a disability of psychological, emotional or social nature motivated to make positive changes. A heartfelt thank you to all those who contributed to the Mindful Art show's success. My appreciation goes out to all of the friends, family, and fellow artists who gave their time and talents to help attain what we set out to accomplish. To my mother, Joan Andrews, who is turning 90 years old this year, for her playing the piano tirelessly for two days. It would not have been possible without all of you. To all the musicians, volunteers, the Oakville Hospital Foundation, the Phoenix Program workers, The Grace House staff and residents, local businesses such as Montfort Bronte, The Tea Room, Petit Gateau Bakery, Sweets, and Margo's Flowers who opened their hearts and donated their food/flowers. Thank you to Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn for attending and his ongoing commitment to the support of mental health issues. Special thanks to Lucy Erskine for working diligently alongside me with such beautiful jewelry and donations of such an exquisite craft. However, just as importantly: Thank you to all the individuals who opened their hearts and shared their stories with me regarding struggles with themselves or their loved ones living with mental health issues and seeking support. Thank you for simply attending and talking and/or participating in support Mindful Art; knowing that people do care. All things are possible and you are the motivation for all of this. After all... it takes a community. This is just the beginning. Thank you. Susan Brown, Oakville CGC continues to look into drilling incident in Oakville Continued from page 6 the incident: contrary to the Council's assertions, there are in fact Ontario regulations, which cover all types of drilling, including geothermal drilling. Stakeholders have pointed out that no requirements now in place would have prevented this incident, lending some authority to the Council's general concern over a possible regulatory gap. However, we believe that the council's concern is misplaced: the larger question is when and where Ontario drillers of any type are required to take preventative measures, and how active and aware industry and regulators are on this matter. Since 1952 If there is an issue in Ontario for geothermal drilling, it's that regulations, which currently cover geothermal drilling, are not organized specifically for our industry's type of shallow drilling. The Ontario Technical Bulletin entitled `Constructing Earth Energy Systems in Ontario' (Ontario Ministry of Environment, 2009) does an excellent job of delineating requirements and directing project managers and drillers to appropriate requirements and regulations. CGC is continuing to look in to the events in Oakville and will continue to work with its members, as well as with local and provincial stakeholders of all stripes. Ted Kantrowitz, vice-president, Canadian GeoExchange Coalition Remember On The Spot! the rules of the road Carpet Cleaning Specialists RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Like nature? WALL TO WALL FURNITURE & UPHOLSTERY AREA RUGS PERSIAN & ORIENTAL Continued from page 6 faster than the posted speed limit pass on the right, using those lanes. My husband was crossing at the lights on a walk signal and had to leap back onto the sidewalk as a speeding car came around the corner. Red lights are merely a suggestion when driving in Oakville. If you stop your car on a yellow light, you are lucky if you aren't rear ended, and you can be guaranteed that you will, at minimum be the recipient of a rude hand gesture. Try getting into the right hand turn lane with your turn signal on... the car that could have let you in will speed up and make sure you don't get in. Tailgating is the norm. I could go on and on about the countless infractions that I witness every day. The above is merely the tip of the iceberg. Submitted on behalf of the law-abiding, but victimized drivers, everywhere. Joanne Fitzsimons, Oakville Truck Mount In-Plant Service Water Damage Restoration See the transformation of what we can do in relation to others! Love Royal Botanical Gardens! VOTED BEST CARPET & RUG CLEANERS 11 YEARS IN A ROW! Drop-off Discount! 25% CE CE ATE OUR BLO R O B LE Lilac Arboretum ATE OUR BLO R O B LE M S M S FREE 250 mL SPOTTING BOTTLE www.onthespotcleaning.ca Bronte 905-825-4256 1446 WALLACE RD. OAKVILLE, ON QEW Speers Wallace RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road West, Hamilton/Burlington · 905-527-1158