The sunflower has been the national flower of Ukraine since the mid-1700s, and a symbol of peace throughout the country’s history. The flower also plays a major role in the Ukraine economy, as Ukraine is a major world supplier of sunflower oil, and their seeds are the most popular snack… Continue reading
Recent events have led to a discomfort with the image of our flag for many Canadians, as if it has somehow been tainted by its use in actions of intimidation. These days, citizens across the world are raising the flag of the Ukraine, now seen as a symbol of courage… Continue reading
We Need to Talk Listen The first letter to the editor I received from Cavan resident Robert Hancock came in early January and was 641 words in length. I asked him to revise it to adhere to our letter policy which limits letters to 200 words. He correctly interpreted my… Continue reading
The so-called “Freedom Convoy” has got it all wrong. Freedom is not a one-way street. Freedom comes with responsibility. It is not cheap. The down payment on ours was made by our ancestors, many of them teenagers. Some of them did not volunteer to serve- they were conscripted. They understood… Continue reading
Another variant, another winter lockdown? Here’s hoping the virologists tell us that Omicron is not as lethal, transmissible or vaccine-resistant as our current fears would have it. We may be exhausted by the constant stream calamitous events we learn about in daily news, but imagine the impact of this information… Continue reading
We love winners. We even applaud the sacrifices that make wins possible. The baseball player who finishes the inning with a broken leg; the hockey player who returns to the ice after a shot of freezing; the gymnast who goes back to the mat after a wrenching revelation of abuse…. Continue reading
We are beginning to emerge from our cocoons, testing the water at outdoor events that previously were the hallmark of our community. From Bush Pulls to Touch a Truck and downtown events, there are plenty of opportunities to mingle with neighbours and celebrate our community. Perhaps meeting in person will… Continue reading
What We Say Versus What Others Hear Some words instantly sparking a reaction. Let’s take Peterborough MP Maryam Monsef “gaffe” last week in discussing the situation in Afghanistan when she called on her Afghanistan “brothers” to ensure the safety of the multitudes seeking safe passage from that country. If we… Continue reading
We all have an idea what “community” means. It’s intimate, local, familiar. In the second week of the 2020 Olympics, that definition may have broadened a bit, if only for a few weeks. We share the frustration of the disqualified athlete who jumps the gun, and the disappointment of the… Continue reading
