February's Notable Days

My calendars indicate February, to be perhaps the busiest month of the year

with several notable days to celebrate.

Two calendars keep me 'in tune' with activities: The Canadian Wildlife Federation which is yearly sent to me in recognition of my support; the other is a yearly gift from my son ~ a large 2018 calendar this year depicting cats and kittens. (Last year's was of 'Mennonite Lifestyle' in Pennsylvania).

Northern Gannets (on January's calendar), have large webbed feet which make landings and take-offs look awkward and clumsy; but with a wing span of almost 2 metres wide, adult gannets are graceful, fast and powerful, gliding for hours just above the waves, seldom moving their narrow tapered wings.

Lion's Mane Jellyfish on February's calendar are found along all of Canada's coastlines. They are the largest jellyfish with a diameter as large as 2 metres. Their tentacles are divided into 8 clusters and can reach up to 30 metres in length. They have a potent sting that is unpleasant but not usually a serious threat to people. ( I comment here that the only jellyfish I've seen was along PEI's north coast...don't know the species, but on the beach, it looked ugly! Wouldn't want to step on it in water.)

February is “Heritage Month”

in Canada, The United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Also known as “Black Achievement Month” it is a way for remembering important people and events in African history. Visit free displays at Burlington's Central Library on New Street. Learn something new this winter at Ireland House Museum ~ Open House here is February 4; and February 6 features “A Toast to History.” Also, a great place to celebrate 'Family Day.'

February 2 each year is “Groundhog Day.” According to folklore, if the groundhog emerges from his burrow and sees his shadow (a sunny morning), winter will last 6 weeks. Ontario's 'Willie' lives in Wiarton located in Bruce County. It's an annual festival highly celebrated in both Canada and USA.

February 2 is also “World Wetlands Day” (the annivesary of the adoption of a treaty ~ providing the framework for the conservation and wide use of wetlands) observed annually around the globe.

February 12 is “Family Day” in Ontario and British Columbia ~ and is observed to celebrate the importance of families and family life to people and their comunities.

February 13 is Mardi Gras Day. The most popular time to visit New Orleans is the extended weekend before Mardi Gras (Feb. 9 to 13) which features colourful parades and celebrations. (Of interest is that back in February '70, I was in Rio for a week with my little boy, staying with my husband's cousins ~ Mardi Gras had finished ~ all colour decor for the parade celebrations were still in place.) Superb!

When I was there ~ the weather was very hot and very, very humid!

February 14: Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting, is the first day of Lent in Western Christianity and time of personal 'reflection' and 'penitence.'

February 14 is Valentine's Day, the feast of Saint Valentine, honouring one of more early saints named Valentinus and is recognized as a significant cultural and commercial celebration in many regions world-wide. Some refer to it as 'Lovers' Day.'

February 15 is “National Flag of Canada Day” and falls during the Olympic Winter Games. Canadians honour their flag and cheer on their Olympic and Paralympic Team Canada athletes.

February 16 is Chinese New Year ~ known as the Spring Festival in modern China or simply “The Lunar New Year.” Celebrations are exceedingly high at this time with great honour.

February 19 is President's Day in United States honouring George Washington ~ its first President.

February 19 is also Family Day honoured in Alberta, Saskatchewan and 'Islander's Day' (PEI). Nova Scotia honours Heritage Day and Manitoba honours 'Louis Riel Day.'

February 23 is Yukon Heritage Day, in place for several years, honours government employees, teachers and students.

You may wonder about the Northwest Territories and Nunavut;

they honour the identical holidays to the rest of Canada.

February's History

Around 690 B.C. Numa Pompilius turned a period of celebration at the end of the year into a month of its own ~ naming it after the festival of Februa ~ thus its name February. Since I hear many people calling its name in error, I draw attention to the correct pronunciation: Feb-ru-ary.

Perhaps you know that January was not always the first month of the year.

The ancient Romans used a different calendar system than ours.

Their year began in March and ended in February.

February is the boundary between winter and spring. (Teri Guillemets)

The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds

and swells the leaves within. (William C. Bryant)

February is always a bad month for TV posts:

football is gone...basketball is plodding along in the annual mid-season doldrums

and baseball isn't even mentioned. (Unknown Author)

Seems this author is not a hockey fan!

Scripted by Merle Baird-Kerr...January 26, 2018

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Investigative Ongoing Social Crimes

“In Canada, Women's Rights are a vital part of our effort to build

a society of real equality ~ not just for some ~ but for all Canadians.

A society, in which women no longer encounter:

DISCRIMINATION ~nor are 'shut out' from opportunities

open to others.” (Paul Martin)

From Ontario Human Rights Code (posted at the entrance of our Senors' Residence:

Part 4: We do not tolerate harassment or unwelcome comments and actions.

Part 5: We take prompt action if such occurs.

Our organization recognizes the dignity and worth of everyone!

“When you choose the behaviour ~ you accept the consequences” (Dr. Phil)

Christopher Plummer (at 87), busy with 5 movies scheduled to release, says he's busy and states, “ I plan to work until the very end. I love my work. I love what I do. And I'm so sorry for a majority of people who do not like their jobs...and can't wait to retire...which is, of course, death.”

He also is concerned about women currently suffering from social injustices.

Teach Men to be Gentlemen

Juliana, from Hamilton responded in 'Readers Write' about a previous writer advising women to:
 'Try a stiff elbow to the groin' when being sexually assaulted. She states that this is also an 'assault.' and could be questionable. “Its a cultural thing and everyone has to learn from the earliest age possible that there are behaviours that are never acceptable. It's sad that the only real suggestion women have in dealing with such dweebs is to ignore them. Men need to be taught how to be gentlemen!

Man Arrested for Yelling “FHRITP”: Natalie Paddon reported that Hamilton police have arrested a man for causing a disturbance after a CHML news reporter was sexually harassed on the job for the third time this week. Reporter, Britt Dixon was interviewing an officer outside the Hamilton police station Friday when a truck drove by with its windows down and a person yelled, 'f..k her right in the p..y.' The truck parked outside the station and the officer went over to it, Dixon said. When the man who yelled at her walked by to enter the station, she said the officer asked him why he did it, to which he replied, Because everyone in the States does it! (He is a 24-year-old from Maryland.)

Earlier this week, Dixon was yelled at twice by men at Mohawk College ~ once while doing an interview...and again before she was about to go ' live' on TV. Mohawk security is investigating those incidents...along with the Hamilton Police Service.

Britt Dixon states, “ Making lewd statements at people doing their job

isn't funny ~ it is Wrong and Unacceptable.

“It's unnerving and it's offensive and it's mortifying ~ this is my workplace!”

It's No Joke, Senator Franken: (Excerpts from an editorial in the Los Angeles Times)

Stories about powerful men engaging in sexual misconduct are becoming so common that, as with mass shootings, the country is in danger of growing inured to them. The latest revelation comes from L.A. Radio anchor Lee Ann Tweedin, who says U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D. Minn.) forcibly kissed her while they were rehearsing for a USO show overseas in 2006 just before Franken began his campaign for the Senate. She also said he groped her without her consent...and there's a photo that adds legitimacy to her tale. Franken grins over his shoulder at the camera as he reaches for her breasts ~ possibly touching her, possibly not ~ while she sits asleep in a military plane jump seat.

Franken has apologized, though he 'doesn't clearly remember the incident'!

We're having a moment of reckoning, America. Stories that would have been waved off at the time they occurred as harmless or aberrational are now gaining currency.Today, women are stepping forward with stories of sexual aggression of every variation. Hearing mostly about the misdeeds of very powerful men ~ not the harassment and intimidation meted out daily in society's lower echelons.

Franken 'Embarrassed, Ashamed'

Minnesota senator returning to work looking to regain public's trust

after groping accusations by women.

29 Service Members Booted from Forces (written by Lee Berthiaume from Ottawa)

Canada's top military officer promised to take no prisoners when it came to sexual misconduct in the ranks. And that could be just the beginning as defence officials say they are still reviewing dozens of other cases in which military personnel have been implicated in inappropriate sexual behaviour.

The move came amid frustration that some members were continuing to engage in such activity despite his unequivocal orders to cease and desist!

“I gave an order to every member of the Canadian Armed Forces that this behaviour had to stop!”

Grieving Quebec Dad Seeks Rules to Combat Bullying: (published from Montreal in The Canadian Press) The father of a Quebec teen who committed suicide last week after years of alleged incessant bullying wants stricter measures for how schools deal with intimidation. Martin Dufour said his 15-year-old son, Simon, was bullied in primary school, with the taunting extending into his time in secondary school, Dufour said he spoke with administration over the years, but that nothing ultimately helped his son. “What I would like to see is a provincial guideline for every school that they should...that they could...that they would apply for everyone who's a victim or is bullied,” he told The Canadian Press in an interview Monday.

He believes such a plan already existed at his son's school in Longueuil,

south of Montreal...but it is unclear whether it was actually implemented.

According to him, it's time for bullies to be held accountable for their actions

with harsher punishment for those who bully on a regular basis.

“If there were people bullying Simon, I want them to be subject to the full extent of the law.”

Release the Sandy Hook Report

(excerpts from an editorial from the Hartford Courant)

It's been nearly five years since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, but the state police still haven't released a report evaluating their response on that day.

The after-action report could be of value to rural and suburban police agencies that don't have the resources or training that major metropolitan forces might have. A forthright and critical analysis should provide prospective on issues that, sadly could present themselves to another small town.

Should the officers who first arrived at Sandy Hook have stormed the school?

Did police properly clear the school before proceeding with their investigation?

Was access properly controlled immediately after the shooting?

Merle Baird-Kerr...written November 29, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Continual Sexual Allegations in High Places!

'The Snowball Effect' is a process that starts from an initial state

of small significance and builds upon itself, becoming larger, graver, more serious

and also, perhaps potentially dangerous or disastrous (a vicious circle) ...

though it might be beneficial instead (a virtuous circle).

(Reported recently and today, November 30 in News Services)

TV Producer Fired Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations: An executive producer for several Vancouver-shot superhero shows has been fired following a 'thorough investigation' into allegations of sexual harassment against him. Warner Bros. Television Group says it has terminated Andrew Kreisberg's employment, effective immediately, and is “committed to providing a safe working environment for our employees and everyone involved in our productions.”

Kreisberg had been suspended from his work on “Arrow,” “Supergirl,” “The Flash,” and “Legends of Tomorrow,” amid accusations of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching made by 19 former and current employees. The accusations were first reported by Variety, which did not identify the 15 women and 4 men who said they feared retaliation if they went public.

Minnesota Public Radio Severs Ties with Garrison Keillor: Citing inappropriate behaviour with an individual who worked with him, Minnesota Public Radio has terminated its relationship with Garrison Keillor, the former host of “A Prairie Home Companion” who helped build MPR into a national powerhouse. In an email to the Star Tribune Wednesday, Keillor said, “I put my hand on a woman's bare back after she told me about her unhappiness and her shirt was open and my hand went up it bout six inches. She recoiled. I apologized. I sent her an email of apology later and she replied that she'd forgiven me. We were friends...and continued to be friendly right up until her lawyer called”.

MPR retained an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation of the allegations.

Matt Lauer Fired After Claims of “Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour” NBC News said Wednesday that it has fired Matt Lauer over 'inappropriate sexual behaviour,' making the “Today” show star the latest high-profile man to become embroiled in workplace harassment allegations. In a staff memo, NBC News chair Andrew Lack said the network received 'a detailed' complaint about Lauer Monday night. “It represented, after serious review, a clear violation of our company's standards. As a result, we've decided to terminate his employment. Lauer,59, joined “Today” in 1994 as its news anchor. He became co-host of the morning program with Katie Couric in 1997 after Bryant Gumbel stepped down.

Lauer is among one of many whose careers have been hit by harassment allegations in the weeks since Hollywood mogul, Harvey Weinstein was accused by numerous women of sexual assault.

Last week Lauer's morning rival on CBS, Charlie Rose, was fired after 8 women told the Washington Post that he had acted inappropriately toward them over a number of years.

The post-Weinstein wave has brought down figures in the news, entertainment and political fields ~ and renewed discussion about allegations against President Trump first raised, when he was the Republican candidate for the office last year.

Donald J. Trump Has Pretty Much Over Decades ~ Insulted All Women!

In May '91, in an Esquire magazine profile about his bad press, Trump had this to say, “You know, it doesn't really matter what they write as long as you've got a young and beautiful piece of ass; but she's got to be young and beautiful!”

He insulted a breast-feeding mother, “You're disgusting,” he hurled at female lawyer who had asked for a medical break to pump breast milk for her 3-month-old daughter.

Admonishing Robert Pattison re taking back Kristen Stewart, “She treated you like a dog and will do it again...just watch! You can do much better!”

Bette Midler is an extremely unattractive woman;

“ I refuse to say that because I always insist on being politically correct!”

He's insulted Moms who expect their husbands to change diapers when they're busy.

He's insulted Muslim women.

“There wasn't much I could say about Hilary Clinton

that was worse than what I was already saying!”

He's insulted victims of sexual harassment....and the list is endless.

Politically Speaking ~ Alexander Panetta writes from Washington today, “Donald Trump promised to govern for America's forgotten men and women; yet he promoted Wednesday, a tax reform plan that independent analysts say, does the opposite ~ transferring tens of billions of dollars in wealth up the income ladder. The president claimed at a rally in Missouri that the tax plan would be great for the little guy, while clobbering rich guys like him: “ It's gonna cost me a fortune, this thing.

Believe me, this is not good for me!” he stated.

Analysts are piling on to pummel that analysis.The plan would hike taxes on 9% of lower-income Americans and within a decade, hurting the lower 50% of income earners

according to the non-partisan Tax Policy Center.

(From this writer's viewpoint in posting the foregoing article, anything promoted by Trump is certain to be beneficial to his financial and political life...it's up to readers and analysts to decipher his true intent!)

Donald Trump's I.Q. Obsession!

He repeatedly cites his sky-high IQ ~ and the relatively low IQ's of his political rivals, stating, “Sorry losers and haters, but my IQ is one of the highest and you all know it! Please don't feel so stupid or insecure ~ it's not your fault.”

Studies say that bragging about your superiority, makes people like you less,

so what does Donald Trump hope to gain?

Stephen Hawkins states, “People who boast about their IQ are losers!”

Trump finds himself increasingly at odds with his own staff ~ and at war with would-be-allies. He is squandering, perhaps the most precious presidential ability to surround himself with a challenging mix of intelligent and experienced advisors!

Written November 30, 2017 by Merle Baird-Kerr

Comments always welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

I Feel So Lucky!

Prior to opening my blog-writings in March, 2011, I had several prose-style articles written ~ often based on true experiences (as is this one today). Physically, due to scoliosis in my back, pleasurable recreational activities thwarted me. Yet, realizing I had 'untapped resources' within my soul, I had the potential energy to pursue other interests...with time and opportunity to create the next phase of my life.

A dear American ski friend firmly stated,

“You have far greater inner strength, than you believe you have!”

Yes, we humans do have a reserve tank awaiting our pursuance of possibilities!

(Understandably, I've updated a time or two in this rendering.)

Outside a Pharmacy door,

I recognized a Realtor peer

Whom long ago I knew.

Seated on a bench,

She was frail...'bout 80/90 pounds...

Slowly turned her eyes aside...

Hopeful, unnoticed she would be.

She looked so lonely...

And preyed upon my mind.

At that moment, positive aspects

Altered my perception:

I Feel So Lucky!

I reside in a pleasant Senior's home

Near buses and small shopping mall.

Lonely are some...women and men

...no visiting family or friends;

Oft in the lounge, they await the mail;

(Their daily routines, they chat about).

Read their letters...and show their pics.

I Feel So Lucky!

Lifestyles change as we mature:

I cannot schuss down the snowy slopes;

Cannot golf on fairway greens,

But am quite certain I can putt!

Tennis agility is a skill of the past ;

Cannot polka or clog a routine;

Cannot hike along the forest's lush trails.

Yet, I Feel So Lucky!

Many other pleasures I then pursued:

The Theatre, the Play; Observer of Sports!

Time to Imagine and Time to Create

Fashion accessories and Inspired to write!

(A page-turner novel 'transports me away.')

Duplicate Bridge was one captive game;

Played local clubs and Bridge Base Online.

My 'family of Friends' greatly increased

From Chile to Turkey, to Portugal and France!

One year I travelled to U.S with my son;

Discovered a Bridge Club locally to play;

A truly Great Gentleman, I partnered with...

Amazing! This vibrant Vet of World War II.

Bridge tournaments were many...both near and afar.

Upon invitation, the Border I crossed;

Drove a few hours to an eastern State

To gain a few points...either Red or Gold.

I Felt So Lucky!

In 2001, drove the scenic distance

From California coast to Ontario home.

(Green Honda Odyssey for emission test).

Viewed mountains and canyons

And high desert plateaus;

Tumbling rivers and placid lakes;

Ambitious cities and sleepy hamlets.

I Felt So Lucky!

I feel so lucky for All of the Above!

Yes, I have aches and I have pain;

In January '17, slipped on ice,

Breaking a couple small bones in my wrist.

(I wasn't so lucky!)

Graciously, I've learned, 'Thank You So Much';

Appreciate Tylenol and a Helping Hand.

2018 has fast-approached ~

I wish to all “A Healthy and Happy New Year!”

And now, in the Spring when my Birthday arrives,

“I'm another year Younger

and another year Wise...hopefully!”

I AM SO LUCKY!

Merle Baird-Kerr...rewritten December 16, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Joan Little's List

Always pleased I am to read publications by Joan Little in Hamilton's Spectator.

As a former 'alderperson' and Halton councillor'

Joan keeps us abreast with both Burlington's government and intown activities.

Published today, she cleverly and poetically has composed “Joan's Little List' which I share with you.

In the operetta “The Mikado,” Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner of Titipu,

creates a list of potential victims in need of execution.

So with my apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan, here's my 2017 looking-back 'Little List.'

As someday it may happen

That some victims must be found

I've got a Little list

These grace Joan Little's list

Of things we've seen in Burlington

And other places 'round

That never would be missed

They'd none of them be missed.

It's eight years, still no Conduct Code

for councillors, as yet

But don't give up, it's on the way

In eighteen. Wanna bet?

We have a brand new Draft OP

At least that has been done

But if it, too is oft ignored

Nothing will be won.

The board still trundles on,

With hints that it will go

But gosh, it always seems to me

That government moves slow

These two are on the list

Of things that still persist

We may be dead and gone

Before they both get fixed.

Lakeshore traffic's still a mess

And will get worse, we're told.

That's way high on the list

Of things that need a fix.

We heard PR a lot last year

On why we should 'Grow Bold'

But citizens were miffed

That they still got short shrift.

We've had maga-applications

That citizens decry

The Brant Street tower, the Lake hotel

Will really stretch sky high.

New's lanes will soon be back to four

To drivers' great relief

But side streets are undrivable

And bring homeowners grief.

The city's 'traffic calming' moves

Are really quite bizarre.

Unless they haven't heard it yet

Most folks still have their cars.

These rank high on the list

Things not to be dismissed

They need to be addressed

Not recur on next year's list.

If we think we're in awful shape

Just take a look down south!

They're really in a scary fix

And have a real long list.

They've traded in a diplomat

For a racist motormouth.

Smart U.S friends insist

He'd nevermore be missed.

But there are good things locally ~

Our Spencer Smith, for one

With Christmas lights a lovely show

For kids, a lot of fun.

The late Doug Musson's home on Spruce

Is lit with such a flair

That it brings joy to young and old.

To folks from everywhere.

As seventeen goes on its way

A brand new year draws nigh

With two elections holding sway

But a good year just gone by.

So let's be optimists

That eighteen's on the list

Of those among our best.

We really are quite blessed.

The foregoing freelance columnist can be reached at: specjoan@cogeco.ca

Merle Baird-Kerr...written January 4, 2018

To comment: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Sensational Pieces of News

A Delicate Balancing Act

(an abbreviated extract from Matthew Van Dongen's writing

in The Hamilton Spectator)

How can Hamilton take advantage of its awe-inspiring vistas while keeping the public safe from harm ~ and from lawsuits? To start, think signs, fencing, parking crackdowns...and a ban on night waterfall illuminations. The guy perched precariously on a line above Smokey Hollow Falls is a visual metaphor for the tricky balancing act facing “The City of Waterfalls.”

In one picture, an unidentified slackliner hangs upside-down from his knees

over a 3-storey drop into the rapids-washed boulders of Grindstone Creek in Waterdown.

Another shows a man walking ~ knees slightly bent, arms stretched out

to maintain balance ~ toward the drooping mid-point of a 40-metre long

canvas line stretched between trees on opposite cliffs.

You can almost feel the spray misting off the burbling falls nearby.

(A dramatic colour photo last September illustrates the gravity-defying display in Waterdown that highlights a difficult question for the city and other local agencies. How do you balance the desire to welcome escarpment visitors with the need to prevent them from literally falling for the scenery?)

Most people are familiar with the spike in injuries and rope rescues

at local waterfalls over the last 2 years, including 21 calls for first-responder help

and a falling death this past summer.

Unprecedented prevention efforts focused this year on Albion Falls ~ which accounts for half of 2017 rope-rescue calls ~ including new signs, unpopular fencing and trespassing tickets.

A spectacular colour photo, centers Eric Kostiuk amid forest greenery

as he highline swings 12 metres above Smokey Hollow Falls in Waterdown.

History Restoration

“As 2017 came to an end, the Friends of Freeman Station (FOFS) are well on their way to completing the restoration of the historical train station in Burlington. Although the station was only open 2 days last year to give the public a sneak peak at the progress of renovations to the 1906 hub, about 1,000 visitors poured through the doors. Recently completed projects at the Fairveiw Street location include the installation of fresh water and sanitary hookups, with the washrooms and HVAC to follow shortly.

“Insulation was stuffed in the attic for the first time in its 100 years .

Four inches of concrete was poured over 60 tons of gravel in the basement.

Locally grown Burlington hardwood is currently being laid in the large waiting room area.

“It was cut many decades ago and has been in storage and recently donated to the station; the hardwood is a combination of red, yellow and white oak as well as hard maple ~ each plank to be planed, sanded and beveled. When the spacious basement is completed, a diorama will be 1/25^th scale model of Burlington at the time Freeman Station was built to about the 1920's and the golden age of railways.”

Rob Miller, a FOFS member said, 'This will be a museum quality interactive experience featuring the heritage of Freeman what life was like 100 years ago and what we can learn about railway technology.

(Published by Kathy Yanchus and Burlington Post Staff)

“We Are Now Taking the Place of God in Shaping the Properties of the Earth”

stated David Suzuki addressing hundreds of local High School students at the Burlington Performance Arts Centre.“With a population explosion from 1.5 to 6 billion human beings within a century, our ecological footprint rose dramatically. The tremendous amount of technology created by synthesizing it out of the Earth and then throwing it back into the Earth, further increases our ecological footprint. Now 70% of North American economy is based on consumption. We now buy the things we want, not the things we need. Our consumptive habits increased our ecological footprint and we now have a global economy serving our desire to consume. We don't know enough to apply our tremendous power in a way that is sustainable! In this powerful position where we are affecting the properties of the planet, we are undermining the very things that keep us alive.”

Order of Canada

Ancaster Pianist Celebrated for her Music and Role as Educator, Builder of Classical Culture: Natalie Paddon (The Hamilton Spectator) wrote: “British born Valerie Tryon, 83, was one of 125 new appointments announced by Governor General Julie Payette. She was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the City of Hamilton Arts Awards in June. At McMaster University she has been an associate professor of music since the 1970's.

“With accomplishments in science and medicines, included also is Bernard (Barry ) Sherman, from Toronto) founder of the generic drug giant Apotex.”

“One of the country's highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada

was established in 1967 to coincide with Canada's centennial.”

Ringo Starr Tapped for Knighthood

Published from New York: The Beattles drummer was selected for knighthood by Queen Elizabeth in her 2018 New Year's Honours list, along with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees ~ and Michael Morpurgo, author. A ballet dancer, Darcey Bussell has been named a Dame. Starr released a statement saying, “It's an honour and pleasure to be acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love.”

How a Library Cat Enjoys His Fame

“Max thinks Film Shoots, Bookstore Visits and Many Adoring Fans are Purrfect!”

Sharyn Jackson commented to Star Tribune in Minnesota. “Max sits on the windowsill of his St. Paul home, staring longingly out at the street he no longer has the freedom to roam. Since rocketing to viral fame, the orange tabby known for frequenting the Macalester College Library ~ and then being banned from it, Max had become an indoor cat. Paw thing.

“He gazes at the street, and late at night he howls ~ withdrawal symptoms for his addiction to fresh air and musty old books. But on a recent winter morning, his human, Connie Lipton, took Max out of the house, strapped into a handsome red-and-black harness. She loaded him into her Mazda, with Max perched looking out the rear window...took him to a nearby bookstore. Max rose to national status last month after a cutesy sign appeared at the Macalester Library that warned people not to let him in. Max had previously been spotted on security cameras, roaming the stacks.

More than 200,000 people 'liked' a Twitter post about the library sign,

and Max's own Instagram (managed by Lipton), blew up to 16,500 followers.

“In addition to the library, he'd been visiting students in the science building, language buildings and dormitories. But a construction project near his house and an allergic library worker, made Max's free range travel no longer feasible. Hal Johnson, who owns the Against the Current used-book store drew “Welcome Max” on the chalkboard outside his Grand Avenue shop. That's where Lipton took Max. The curious kitty wasted no time making himself at home. He climbed up into the window display and rubbed his face on Doris Lessing's book 'On Cats!'

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...January 3, 2018

All comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Winter Kindness at Christmastime

A few days ago, I fell en route to the red mailbox afront our residence building.

The snow was deep, sidewalks and parking still awaiting the snow plow!

Several inches of white flakey stuff had embedded and deeply covered all walking areas. Yes, I slid my letter through the mail slot, then cautiously stepping through the snow depth, and unable to see a short curb, my right foot stumbled over it, causing me to fall forward. Unable was I to get up! A gentleman from my building observed the fall and together with a young man stealthily approaching from the sidewalk area, they lifted me onto my feet. A female resident leaving the building, pushed my walker to within reach. I was So Grateful!

The best way to find yourself ~ is to lose yourself in the service of others.

(Advice from Mahatma Gandhi)

A Final, Wonderful Act of Kindness

Scott Radley recently reported to The Hamilton Spectator: “He didn't recognize the voice on the other end of the phone. All he recalls was that the man who was speaking wanted to meet somewhere because he wanted to help. It was a lovely gesture that Wayne Claxton wasn't about to turn down. Regular readers of The Spec may remember by his story and photo which ran on the front page a month or so ago. The 58-year-old from Waterdown was a long-time local hockey referee who worked hundreds and hundreds of games over the years ~ eventually becoming an Ontario minor Hockey Association supervisor, then an instructor carrying a passion for officiating that was infectious.

“But back in the spring when what he thought was a pulled muscle from working the game, turned out to be cancer, he lost his right leg up to the hip. The specially designed artificial limb he'd need to walk again, came with an enormous $61,000 price tag. Recognizing the financial bind he was now in, his family quickly responded with a fundraiser. Many, many friends capped by dozens of hockey officials chipped in with donations and a referee sweater signed by all of them was promptly donated to Wayne Claxton. Close to $20,000 was raised that night...but still many thousands of dollars short!

“A guy, who'd read the story in the paper, wanting to do something to contribute, called Claxton one evening to get together. After discussing and answering all kinds of questions about his cancer and the leg and why the 'prosthetic' was so darn expensive, he chatted about advanced technology. Then he dropped the bombshell ~ telling Claxton and his wife Tracie, that on behalf of his own family, he'd like to 'take care of the rest of the cost...all $20,000 of it.'

Wayne Claxton stated, “My jaw dropped! And Tracie cried.

“Claxton is self-employed. He has no benefits to cover an expense like this leg. The couple had sold their house and taken on a mortgage. Tracie had taken on extra shifts doing mental health support. They'd borrowed money. They'd downsized their lives to whittle away at the debt. The government covered $8,000. War amps chipped in $1,000. A Go-Fund-Me account brought in $10,000.

“But one question remains ~ Who exactly is this generous benefactor who authoured, perhaps this area's nicest Christmas story this year? Who would do something so kind? That's a secret.

Claxton would love to tell, but he can't.

“The donation came with the request that 'they wanted to remain anonymous!'

Claxton did offer that the man and his family are from the Hamilton area.”

Candlelight Vigil for Veterans

A dramatic night-sky colour photo by Gary Yokohama highlights 'page A3'

in the Hamilton Spectator today...December 26, 2017.

“Volunteers observe a moment of silence at Woodland Cemetery Christmas Eve. They were taking part in the 8^th annual veterans' candlelight memorial organized by the North Wall Riders Association. Red candles were placed on 835 gravestones in the upper level of the cemetery where local veterans are buried. The motorcycle riders group which is dedicated to supporting veterans' causes and bringing awareness to those who served their country, say many of the more than a quarter million Canadians who fought in and survived wars are buried in military plots across the country. They welcomed the public to the candlelight service at dusk on Sunday, promising them an unforgettable moving sight.”

Couple Warms Hearts and Bodies on Christmas Day

“Edward Campbell stands on a snowy sidewalk in downtown Hamilton waiting for a winter coat. He and other men staying at the Salvation Army on York Boulevard, are shivering in the cold wind on Christmas morning, paradoxically, to get a little warmer. “Oh man, I feel better,” says Campbell with coat in hand. That's thanks to Roger and Janet Boyd, who operate Men's Street Ministry out of a trailer towed by a pickup truck. They drive around, giving food and toiletries to the less fortunate.

'These guys are so appreciative. They count on me,' says Roger.

“Moved to give to the needy, he started the mobile ministry in September 2016. The effort is fuelled by faith and a handful of volunteers who make soup and sandwiches...and sort clothes. Roger also praised those who donate to the cause.

Campbell is one of about 60 men who pour out of the Salvation Army

to collect items from the Boyds.

(Written by Teviah Moro...The Hamilton Spectator, December 26, 2017)

Spy Hill, Saskatchewan 'Flips' for Stranded Via Rail Riders

A small Saskatchewan town opened its doors on Christmas morning to a Via Rail train, with almost 100 passengers, that suffered mechanical problems due to extremely cold weather. Company spokesperson, Mariam Diaby said in an email that the train travelling between Vancourver and Toronto had to stop at Spy Hill. The passengers were sheltered in the local community centre where they received food, including pancakes with Canadian maple syrup as well as drinks and warmth.

Spy Hill's deputy fire chief, Calvin Petracek, said he was doing farm chores when texts went out to local firefighters asking volunteers to help. He said, “There's no railway station in Spy Hill, which has a population of of about 300 people, so the train was stopped at a siding in the community. It's only about 100 metres from the train to the hall; most passengers walked, although the wind chill was -43!”

He said the stranded passengers were served pancakes cooked by people in the town, with help from the cooks on the train. The stranded passengers were to be taken to Winnipeg for further transportation.

(Published by The Canadian Press, December 26, 2017)

A person's most successful asset is not a head full of knowledge,

but a heart full of love...an ear ready to listen...and a hand ready to help.

(Unknown author)

Helping one person might not change the world,

but it could change the world for one or more persons.

(Anonymous)

Submitted by Merle Baird-Kerr...December 26, 2017

Comments most welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com