It is always devastating to learn of a tragedy happening to families, but perhaps a bit more so at this time of year. This week was very difficult for our firefighters with the Intertownship Fire Department who responded to two severe fire events, and a road collision all of which resulted in fatalities. Our condolences and thoughtful prayers are with the families of those lost, and heartfelt thanks go out to the firefighters involved. We are thinking of them all at this difficult time.

We’ve all heard of the arrival in Ontario of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and certainly the rising case counts are disturbing. Our concerns are real but we know that if we stay vigilant during these winter months, following health protocols set forth by the Province, that if we are vaccinated, stay socially distanced and continue to wear a mask in crowded places, these efforts will work to keep us safe and healthy. The Province is currently rolling out third doses and has begun offering vaccinations for children aged 5-11. For information on vaccination clinics and more, please visit COVID-19.ontario.ca.

This week began Hannukah, the festival of lights, and I’d like to wish all of our Jewish friends the joy of the celebration with family and friends at this time. May this holiday bring blessings upon you and your family. Other holiday festivities begin on December the 4th with family activities at the library and throughout downtown Meaford. We look forward to seeing you as we light the big tree at Meaford Hall, followed by the Kinsmen’s Santa Claus Parade. As in previous years, the Kinettes of Meaford will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Food Bank during the parade, your support is very much appreciated. You can find out more by following the Kinsmen Club of Meaford or the Meaford Chamber of Commerce pages on Facebook.

My wish is that we make kindness a focus of this holiday season. A simple act of a phone call or a visit will bring comfort to someone who has found these last two years so very difficult, those who are ill, or who may be isolated and alone and it will double the joy and peace in our own lives. I hope that you are able to safely recharge over this holiday with loved ones and can muster the strength to continue on during these unprecedented times. We are all in this together and together we are stronger and more resilient.

Be well, everyone.

Mayor Barb Clumpus

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