Tag Archives: Christmas

Christmas gift of light – call for street captains

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ”    Albert Schweitzer

The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Ontario continues to rise and it looks like Christmas will be very low key.

We can do something in Westport that will make a difference in the lives of our residents, business owners and visitors. We can give the Gift of Light this Christmas to our neighbours.

From Dec 12 – Jan 2, let’s encourage everyone to light up the streets by adding a light or two or three to their homes and businesses.  It doesn’t have to be a string of lights, it can be a spot light shining on the front door or tree, inside lights on the windows, a coloured light on the front porch.  Think of how the Village will look, how it will feel.

The Village is going to engage “street captains” again, as we did for the July 1st celebrations.  These volunteers will encourage 3 of their neighbours who did not put up lights last year, to add something bright this year.  If only 3 more houses on every street give the gift of light, it will make a big difference. If you are interested in being involved as a “street captain”, pls send me an email rjones@villageofwestport.ca. and indicate your street. We will have a virtual meeting in the next couple of weeks to plan our strategy.

Light symbolizes many things – but regardless of religion or culture, it means hope.  By giving the gift of light this year, you show you care and that you offer hope with others. 

Be the Spark!  Give the Gift of Light this Christmas.

HADFIELD FAMILY GIFT TO CANADA

It may feel closer to July 1 than February 1 today.  Received this wonderful YOUTUBE video by the Chris Hadfield & family that just might make you stand a little taller as a proud Canadian.


>> This makes you proud to be Canadian
>>  
>> Chris Hadfield, you’ve done it again…..
>> The retired astronaut created a music video about our country that’s sweeter than a double-double from Timmie’s.
>> Titled “In Canada,” the song was a collaborative effort between Hadfield and his brother Dave in a mission to create “the most
>> Canadian music video ever.” And you know what? They succeeded.
>>  
>> Hadfield uploaded the “polite song” to YouTube, saying it came from “two brothers who are just hoping your day is going okay.”
>> And thanks to this song, it’ll be a lot better than just “okay.” The rapid montage of Canadian culture reminds us of everything we love
>> about this great country.  Because at the end of the day, we’re just a bunch of exceedingly polite, Timbit-eating winter-lovers.
>> And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Check out the video.
>>  
>> HADFIELD GIFT TOCANADA < http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zuVsHt3rBnc?rel=0>
>> 

Happy New Year

It is hard to believe that the first year as your Mayor ended on December 1st. For the Village of Westport , this past year has been one of many accomplishments. Our highest priority is our waste water treatment plant and we have spent the year studying the challenges and considering our options for its rehabilitation.  At a Special Council meeting on December 11th, Council passed a resolution supporting the recommendation of the engineering consultant for the continued use of the 2 existing lagoon cells and a new large subsurface disposal system.  This resolution is grant dependent from the Government of Ontario and we are optimistic that we will hear a positive response from them in February 2016.  If all timelines are met, this should be our last winter relying on the Snowfluent system. In addition to the waste water, there have been many other events that have drawn our community together and we have accomplished more than ever before. The Village is an engaged, supportive community in which to live, work and play.

I hope you will spend time with family and friends this holiday season.  Please remember your neighbours at this time of year, especially our seniors and the many residents who live alone.  We have a few folks in hospital or convalescing away from the Village, and I wish you a speedy recovery.

From your members of Council, Town Hall staff and myself, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward with anticipation to another great year in 2016.

Mayor Robin Jones

Christmas Cantata – Audience gave standing ovation

There are few things that bring people and communities together better than music and last night’s Christmas Cantata at Knox Presbyterian Church in Westport was a shining example.  A strong choir of 35 singers drawn from all over North Crosby, the St Edward’s Childrens Choir, a “soulful” quartet from Elgin and the magical sounds from the flute,  combined together to make a Christmas concert to remember.

Thank you to everyone for your efforts the past several months.  It was evident from the smiles on the faces of the audience and the standing ovation that you had spent your time well.

Special thanks to Choir Director Joanne Lambert and Pianist Ann Savage.  In a very short time you turned 35 individual singers into a well oiled machine.  Well done!

Congratulations St. Edward Church Choir and St. Columbanus Church

St. Edward Church Choir and St. Columbanus Church (Elgin) have just released a new Christmas CD, O Come Let Us Adore Him.  I am enjoying listening to the beautiful voices and wonderful harmonies sung to many treasured Christmas songs and some I haven’t heard in years.  Well done to all involved and a shout out to Fr. Louis Di Rocco for his inspiration and love of music.