Many worked hard for area

Welcome, 2007! A New Year! A time to reflect on the past and focus on the future. Part of that reflection and indeed a potential resolution would be for each of us to consider the many volunteers who have touched our lives in many ways. These people have done so without an expectation of our appreciation or praise, yet they have worked hard to ensure that we all have been the recipients of their best efforts.

Some volunteers have been featured in this column over the last year, people who selflessly devoted their volunteer hours to constructively make a positive difference. Most of these individuals have never, for whatever reason, received the spotlight that they justly deserve.

Volunteer hours are integral to the health and well being of our society for without the caring, respect of these visionaries our communities would be dismal places devoid of hope and joy. Our youth groups, our churches, our schools, our fire departments, our Legions, our search and rescues, our recreation, our health care, our festivals and events are just a few of the causes that rely on donated time, expertise and support. At the very least these individuals deserve a warm smile and a hearty thank you.

Last year at this time I asked you to also reflect on those who are paid to provide services, realizing that even though they have financial compensation they often go beyond the expectations of their descriptions to ensure that our needs are met. Often the only time these people are in our conscience is when we have a complaint. That is indeed unfortunate. Our educators, our utility repair technicians, our highway crews, community services personnel, our health care professionals, our auto service technicians, our postal workers, our newspaper carriers, our waste disposal people, indeed any of our service personnel all deserve praise for jobs well done.

This past year was a very challenging one for our political public servants including our municipal councillors, mayor, warden, MLA and MP. Business closures, the ferry, the wharf, economic development and social needs presented significant demands of time and effort. They worked very hard and although there are still some unresolved situations they deserve our appreciation.

Finally, as president of the Digby Area Board of Trade, I am well aware of many people who have put their best effort forward for the economic benefit of the area in which they reside. They include Douglas Woodman, Roger Outhouse, Linda Weir, James Wheelhouse, Barry Kendall, Doffy Samson, Maureen Gauthier, Dick Levy, Andrenna Teed, John DeMings, Justice Charles Haliburton, Ronald Cooper Sr., Kevin Ellis, Clyde Baltzer, Julie MacLean, Rodney O’Neil. Glen Dunn, Bob Eisner, Victoria Wilson, Mayor Frank Mackintosh and Warden James Thurber.

Membership of the Board of Trade has grown and with that growth has come a renewed passion to work constructively and collaboratively for the common good. Much has been accomplished but much more needs to done. I am sure that this trend will continue as we prepare to welcome our Scots in June.



Kristy@ns.sympatico.ca