As published in the Erin Advocate
It always seems like there’s more stuff going on than a person could ever get to, but on one recent weekend I tried to cram in as much as possible. After helping to build picnic tables for the new Riverside Park in Erin (official opening soon) and doing a ton of garden work, I got to four local events.
Rock ‘n’ Roll etc. at Legion
Thanks to Jerry Staples and Norma Pokocky for making everyone feel welcome at their Band Showcase and Jam at the Erin Legion. They had invited four bands to come out and play for fun, and the music was good.
Between the main sets Jerry and Norma did some guitar pieces in classical style. I brought my guitar and did a few selections from my songbook.
They’ve been having these jams for a couple of years, and people are welcome to show up and play on their own or with an informal group. Or just have a beer and listen. The next one is on October 18, starting at 7 pm. Admission is $5.
Demanding action on climate change
A group of eight Erin area residents was among the 300,000 plus at the New York Climate March.
“This event will serve as a huge signal to the powers-that-be that drastic actions and a commitment to huge reductions in greenhouse gases are needed when nations of the world gather in Paris in December 2015 to ratify a new climate agreement, in order to preserve a livable climate,” said marcher Liz Armstrong.
Meanwhile, a group met at the All Saints church hall to show some solidarity with the travellers (one of 2,646 rallies in 162 countries) and see an excellent film called Disruption, presented by Transition Erin. Check it out at www.watchdisruption.com, or visit www.peoplesclimate.org and www.citizensclimatelobby.ca
The Value Crisis
A large crowd turned out to a book launch at the Historic Alton Mill Arts Centre, in support of author Andrew Welch, who is also Town Crier for Erin and Caledon and a leader with Transition Erin.
His book, entitled “The Value Crisis – From dollars to democracy, why numbers are ruining our world”, provides an entertaining and thought-provoking analysis of our value systems.
It seems the more we rely on numbers and dollars to measure value, the less attention we pay to traditional systems that could support a better quality of life. The website: www.thevaluecrisis.com.
Interfaith Speakers Series
Speaking of traditional value systems, I ventured over to a fascinating talk on the ancient Hindu faith by Shirish Nathwani. It was sponsored by Central Peel United Churches and organized by Rev. Felicia Urbanski of Erin United.
“Our communities are becoming more diverse, so it’s important to be in dialogue and see the face of each religion by meeting the people,” she said. The next session is October 26, 2-4 pm at Caledon Village Place, with Idrisa Pandit speaking on the Muslim faith.
Election stuff
Voters should have received their mail-in ballots by now for the municipal election – if not they should call the Town at 519-855-4407. Kits can be returned by mail until October 18, or in person to the Municipal Office any time until 8:00 pm on Election Day, October 27.
Municipal office hours are extended on Thursday, October 23 to 8:00 pm and they are open on Saturday, October 25 from 10 am to 2 pm. Voters may also deposit their kits after hours through the mail slot at the office main entrance.
Previously I had written that a sealed ballot box would be attached to the mail slot, but actually it is the whole entranceway that is sealed off so that only election officials will have access to kit envelopes.
