Thanks, mothers, for raising children right
Sir: We have been catering at the Sarnia Riding Club the past 15 years, and quite a few young people began working with us from the age of 15.
Some were dishwashers or servers or helped my husband in dinner preparations, and myself in preparing French pastries for events.
All of these youngsters had a great work ethic, were dedicated, hardworking and always helpful, even if it was not part of their "job description."
It was a great relief to see them come through the door to start their shift. Marcel and I have high respect for these young women and men, and nurtured their advancement in life as much as possible.
I am convinced the cornerstone to their commitment and work ethics was instilled in the home, mainly by their mothers, which is one reason we have an appreciation dinner for the mothers at Maison St-Aubin.
It is necessary in today's world to let the Moms and Dads know they have done an outstanding job in raising their children.
I would like to alert your readers how great young people can become if guided right at a very early age.
One, named Andrew, started with us as a dishwasher and did a fantastic job. When the sous chef went on vacation, he had an opportunity to help Marcel prepare the meals.
Although he had no idea how to do any of the cooking steps in the kitchen, he applied himself tirelessly and Marcel was not disappointed.
What I would like to say, in essence, is “Thank you Mom for investing your time in “Little Andrew” and his brothers Alexander and Dominique. Both worked for us in the past and both did an outstanding Job.
Eva St-Aubin
Sarnia
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What to do when the traffic lights go out
Sir: This summer’s thunderstorms have provided many opportunities to negotiate intersections without the use of traffic lights. Unfortunately, many of us – including local radio stations - do not understand these rules of the road.
Red lights mean stop. Solid red lights mean stop. Flashing red lights mean stop. All red lights mean stop. Always.
All yellow lights mean drive with caution. Solid yellow lights mean drive with caution. Flashing yellow lights mean drive with caution. Yellow lights require a driver to come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection ONLY when another vehicle is already in the intersection. In all other cases, drive with caution.
These two rules do not change if and when a functioning set of traffic lights flashes due to a power interruption. Red lights mean stop. Yellow lights mean drive with caution.
When traffic lights have no power, the intersection is treated as an all-way stop. The vehicle that arrives at the intersection first, comes to a complete stop and then goes through the intersection first. If two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
Rules of the road - when followed correctly - allow things to operate smoothly by eliminating the need to guess other drivers’ intentions.
Kathy Milliken
Sarnia
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Boater bothered by Bright’s Grove beach critic
Sir: Re: the “Bothersome boats at beach” letter from the Toronto resident.
I have lived in Sarnia my entire life and my family has enjoyed our beautiful waterfront for years, both from shore and on our boat.
I am a little confused by this lady who somehow figures she owns the lake.
Yes, on occasion, we do go to Bright’s Grove and anchor our boat there. We may have been there on the day she writes about.
Our children and grandchild jump out and swim and play on the beach. We take them tubing, and like the letter-writer, enjoy the waters.
This is not an accident waiting to happen. We “annoying” boaters are very aware of the surrounding people and the safety required.
I am appalled at her wasting the time of our police, which are better served serving our city and county in emergency cases. Obviously, and sadly, she does not know how to enjoy a day on the beach, or she may have taken the time to look around and see the simplicity of families having fun.
Shelley Causley
Sarnia
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Never too old to roller skate
Sir: While stopping at a local Tim Hortons for coffee I picked up a copy of The Journal, and found some very interesting topics.
The letter from Marilyn Rose about her father Dick Rose and Rose Garden in Point Edward brought back memories.
Between the Sarnia Arena on Brock Street and Rose Gardens, my husband and I would go roller skating three times a week.
On July 26, I went to Clearwater Arena and skated again (in the short summer program.) It might be my last time, unless another roller rink is set up again in Sarnia.
The youth need something like this to wear off their energy. I am a young 76 years old, and if my husband was still with us he would have enjoyed that afternoon of skating too.
Sarnia is closing Germain Arena, but that would be a good place for roller skating. Here’s hoping someone or a group can get roller skating back in Sarnia.
Jane Vansteenkiste
Watford