HAVE YOUR SAY: Battle of the scents heating up

Remember when, not that long ago, it was acceptable to smoke on buses and in cinemas, restaurants, shops, even hospitals?

Remember when, not that long ago, it was acceptable to smoke on buses and in cinemas, restaurants, shops, even hospitals? The non-smokers had to suffer in silence and were considered whiners. Eventually some sensible legislation put an end to that and people came to realize how harmful and stinky it was. Well, it is high time perfumes were banned from public places, too. These soups of toxic chemicals are offensive to all who don’t wear them and cause great distress to those with respiratory difficulties. Be aware that hand creams, deodorants, etc. are almost always scented so don’t plead innocence simply because you haven’t deliberately doused yourself in this muck. Aside from the health hazards, why would anyone want to smell like that? Smarten up, you selfish perfume wearers, it’s time to consider others. Stop polluting the air! There is ample evidence of how dangerous the ingredients are. Do your own research.

Hey, Perfume Nazi, get a life! Firstly, “cancer causing?” Like almost everything else we cycle through our bodies. And I love the hypocrisy of those who rely on the benefits of a modern tech society but decry minor personal annoyances. I better not catch you inside any engine-driven motor vehicle, using a barbecue, or wearing any scent yourself — say goodbye to soaps and shampoos. And that whole exhaust particulate thing also applies to those who supply you, so how ’bout heading to the forest to live, and no burning wood while you’re there (smoke).

I am very disappointed in SD71, and the decisions that they make. A school closure due to icy roads in the Valley seems a bit too much considering how many other schools across Canada stay open in worse winter weather conditions. How many parents were forced by this decision to take the day off from work or scramble to find care for their children? Not all families have the support from friends/family members, nor do they have understanding employers that allow them to take these days off. Luckily it doesn’t happen often, but really, all the schools should be open. Out of all towns and cities in Canada, we are the one shutting schools down due to a bit of ice on the roads. It just seems a bit over dramatic. The parents that can get their children to school will, and those who can’t won’t. It’s as simple as that. On the other hand, we have situations such as lice and the school board allowing children to come to school while they have these little bugs crawling in their hair and laying eggs. Just because VIHA considers it a nuisance and not a health concern, sure doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be addressed with more authority, and due diligence. That SD71 can’t have their own policy in place and standard practice. Find me one person that doesn’t cringe at the sight of these itchy bugs! I know it doesn’t mean the “scalp hotel” that they are invading, is dirty in any way, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t gross. Do kids like playing with others that have lice, are these kids even telling their friends that they have a case of them? Find me one child who enjoys having lice, who doesn’t feel any negative emotion regarding having lice, or wants to have lice. I don’t care who you are, no one wants to have to deal with this so called “nuisance,” and most definitely not more then on one occasion, as many families have had to. I have heard horrific stories about people allowing children to get such severe cases that it has lead their scalps to crust and peel, to bleed, or to loose patches of hair from scratching so badly. How is this not child abuse — physically, mentally and emotionally? Does anyone even think that far? I would be so ashamed and embarrassed to have lice, I wouldn’t want to go to school, or work or anywhere. I’d want to rid myself, and my house of them and would do everything necessary to make sure it was done properly. Yes, the board is “educating” parents as “well” as they can, but clearly that’s not working. Am I wrong? The school board needs to get back on track with regular checks at the schools, and enforce the rule of sending children home upon the sight of lice, and for them to be treated properly, and not return to school until they are clear of the bugs! I know I am not the only person who feels this way.  It’s a huge shame that not only would the school board make the decision to allow these bugs in the school, but that parents make the decision to send their kids to school. Have a little respect for the children, the teachers and the other families that are get effected by your poor choice — we all need to do our parts to keep the school as germ-free and bug-free as we can.

An election year for municipal/CVRD politicians in 2014! All 22 are good people — no Rob Fords here. So Jon is criticized, so are others — these good folks are not volunteers as thousands are — they are decently paid to do a job — and they  do — to some degree. They certainly attend a lot of meetings. It takes many hours of  their time. Unfortunately, the job will require some tough decisions going forward. If not, it will not only be Maple Pool residents who will be homeless.

The Healthy Families Program at Comox Valley Family Services Association extends heartfelt thanks to the many organizations and individuals in the Comox Valley who gave so generously of their time and donations to support our annual Christmas party. A huge bouquet of freesias to the congregation of the Living Hope Church who so beautifully planned and prepared the elaborate banquet dinner that was served to all the families, volunteers and community members who joined in the celebration! We would like to express a special thank you to: Living Hope Church (Joe Medori, Chris vanTol, Carol Hardy), Siefferts Farm Market, Joe and Fran Thibodeau, Arzeena Hamir, Lena at Edible Island, Craig at Second Page Bookstore, Marian Morin, Comox Valley Doulas, Caroline Thyr, Andrea and Jessie Thibodeau, Thahn Gagnon, GP Vanier Rotary Interact Club, Susan Murphy at Courtenay Recreation, Linda Billings, Benjamin Hoffman, CV Lifelong Learning Association, Santa Brian and the Healthy Families Program Parent Advisory Council members.

So many times I have thought to send a BIG bouquet to the person(s) who place wonderful, encouraging words on poles around the Valley: Confidence, You’re Awesome, You’re Beautiful,  Do Something Nice today, etc. These few words, randomly placed where one can look up and be blessed with a kind word are a wonderful gift to anyone who sees them.

Dawn to Dawn would to extend a big thank you to everyone who responded to our holiday appeal. The response was tremendous, beyond our expectations. Your generosity will enable us to continue to house our clients and keep them out of the cold. Thank you so much! And a bouquet of smiles to the staff and pupils at École Puntledge Park Elementary School for the Everyone Deserves a Smile gift bags — they put smiles on hundreds of faces. Thank you!

Blessings and thank you to all my costumers on the following routes: Richardson Avenue and surrounding streets, Murrelet, and Meadowlark and surrounding streets, Robb, Stewart, and surrounding streets, Manor Place and Manor Drive, East Centennial and Georgia and Fairway. Your generous Christmas gifts were greatly appreciated. Wishing you all the best in 2014 and I will see you all on my rounds.

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Do you have somebody to praise or something you have to get off your chest? Have your say by submitting to editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com. Please focus on people’s ideas rather than speculating about their character. You can also get a written submission to 765 McPhee Ave., Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2Z7 or fax to 250-338-5568. If you wish to talk to the editor, phone Mark Allan at 250-338-7816, 2309.

 

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