Dear Santa:
Woolwich Township has been very good this year. We haven’t asked for more than our fair share, we haven’t made fun of the other townships, and we tried really, really hard to win the Hockeyville contest.
So, if it isn’t too much to ask, we thought it would be nice if you included us on your Christmas list.
We would like to see economic prosperity for Woolwich in 2010, with fewer businesses “downsizing,” or closing altogether.
An added bonus would be if residents of Woolwich could be convinced to buy locally, so that the money made in Woolwich stays to support the businesses in Woolwich.
We would like to see more funding for some worthwhile organizations, such as Woolwich Community Services, Community Care Concepts, and Woolwich Counselling Centre.
Of course, what would be even better would be if fewer people needed such services as counselling for mental health issues, support for family violence issues, or Meals on Wheels. But, since so many do, we hope that you will find a way to provide more help to these agencies and others who provide these essential services.
We would like to see some sort of resolution to the multiple gravel pit applications in Woolwich Township that will a) recognize the township’s need for quality aggregate, b) recognize the right and need of residents to enjoy their own homes, without excessive noise, traffic and pollution, and c) minimize harm to the environment.
Good luck with that one.
We would like to see more people caring about preserving the health of the environment, and finding ways to reduce their energy consumption, instead of waiting for politicians to come up with a deal that will save us all. They won’t.
And, most of all, we ask that this township will continue to be the loving, generous place it has always been, that those who volunteer, give donations, and basically make Woolwich a great place to live will continue to bless the community, and that more will make an effort to join in.
On second thought, Santa, if you can’t fit all of this in your sled, we understand.
Maybe, after all, these are things we can do for ourselves.
Don’t worry, though — we’ll still leave out the milk and cookies for you.
Merry Christmas!