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Competition, events, going green
by Michelle Minnoch

The Scope is pleased to be part of the writing competition going on for the next month. The chance for a young person in the town to write an essay in orderto get their name or the name of a loved on a seat in the new Rec Centre is pretty exciting.

As one of the five judges, I am looking forward to seeing what the kids come up with. We have a smart bunch in this town, and I think narrowing that down to only seven is going to be a difficult task. With judges from Cookstown, Alcona, Belle Ewart and Stroud, this will certainly keep us busy over the next month.

Good luck to all - and remember to have fun with it.

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There are big events coming soon to our Town - the Annual Garden Gala on April 26th, Sin 4 Kids at Nantyr on April 28th, the Mayor's Walk for Health on May 4th, Pitch in Day on May 5th, and Paint the Town Yellow on May 12th.

These events are great opportunities to get out, meet some new people, and in some cases, get active. There is always something for everyone in regards to community events.

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Going green and being environmentally friendly is not only the politically correct thing to do, but it is a conscious decision. Not only do residents recycle and compost, but as the new rec centre and administration buildings are coming into shape, residents should be reminded of the steps the town is making in regards to doing their part. Both the NAB (New Administration Building) and the IRC (Innisfil Recreational Complex) will be trying for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status. By using specific building materials, from paint to re cycled carpet, and even from importing products locally, once those buildings are up, we could be seeing the example the people in the town set for us. Touring the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority's new LEED building last year was an eye opening experience. The beautiful building is LEED certified and is a true example of practicing what is being preached.

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The tragedies that have stuck our world, both at home and globally have been both upsetting and unsettling. Last week an unimaginable total of eight Canadian soldiers lost their lives; a boy on a school trip lost his life in Mississauga; on Monday, a school in Virginia was witness to the worst mass shooting in North American history.

You should reflect and be thankful for what you have, and remember those who lost their lives, or lost a loved one, by mere chance.

Life is short and we are reminded of that daily. Take a deep breath and take it all in.