As we crank up our furnaces, or wake them from hibernation, it’s good to know that there is relief for electricity costs in Ontario. No matter what your level of income, there is a program that may benefit you. Some are geared for lower incomes and at least one program is for higher incomes (which isn’t usually the case). The …
It’s time to break bad habits
Habits. They can be good or bad. They can set you back, or move you forward, or leave you exactly where you are. Sometimes the best thing we can do is to break the ones we have, or more importantly start new ones. The first step is recognizing the patterns of our lives, and how we choose to spend our …
‘Parental alienation’ inclusion may ease needless pain
On May 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) included “parental alienation” as a “caregiver-child relationship problem” in ICD-11, the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision. ICD-11 comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2022. This new term is described on the WHO website as: “Substantial and sustained dissatisfaction within a caregiver-child relationship associated with significant disturbance in functioning.” While that sounds nebulous, …
Getting piece of local film action a family affair
“That’s a cut” and “Back to first position” are just two of the new phrases my daughter and I heard a lot over the last couple of weeks as background actors for two films being shot in Sault Ste. Marie. Having done a few local musicals, including a lead role with her beautiful tenor voice, my daughter became more interested …
Warming up to odd snowman and new splash pad
Driving down Queen Street this morning I thought I was having a nervous breakdown or strange out-of-body experience. There was Christmas decorations. There was a snowman, not to mention snow, on the sidewalk. Granted it has been a particularly long and drawn out spring, making me wonder if Mother Nature has been trying to retire, and her succession plan is …
Time doesn’t heal all wounds, but it’s a start
They say that time heals all wounds. Those of us who have been wounded cling dearly to this platitude knowing that it isn’t completely true, but it’s a start. While time will heal some wounds, there are others time just changes. In dealing with the loss of someone, it can truly feel like the end of the world. Especially with …
Swimming with dolphins
To swim with dolphins or not to swim with dolphins — that is the question. I’ve recently returned from Jamaica, where I took my family to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios. Since then, I happened to catch the documentary “The Cove” which is about the dolphin slaughter in Japan each September. The movie links these dolphin …
Lots of environmental concerns for former St. Marys Paper site
Last Friday I attended a wine tasting at the former St. Marys Paper site. It was quite the affair and I left with mixed emotions. It was clear that there is a ton of potential for the site, but I felt as if there was an elephant in the room, which was never addressed. Riversedge Developments Inc. had a lovely …
Those recognized by the community are excellent role models
I attended the Community Recognition Awards at City Hall on Monday. Joan M. Foster and the Honourable Ray Stortini were the 2012 recipients of the annual award. You may have seen it if you watched the city council meeting on television. The City of Sault Ste. Marie gives the awards to recognize “cultural contributions for activities considered to be particularly …
What’s your word worth?
What’s your word worth – a presentation on the power and magic of language.