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LETTER: Timmins residents blessed with 'jewel' of Gillies Lake

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Every year at this time, but especially in May, I am always amazed at how blessed we are to live in this ultra-graced country called Canada.

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We know in all faith that warm, sunny weather will eventually come, regardless of what the forecast tells us.

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Late spring heading into summer, the time of rebirth, rejuvenation and happiness. There is the smell of earth and new growth emerging everywhere. Everything around us begins budding, sprouting and greening — with green being the colour of hope, associated with good and positive feelings such as forgiveness, love, friendship and calmness towards life in general — the good old normal life that is.

This is also the time to look forward to summer outings with family and friends, leaving winter blues, pandemic stress and fears at home and enjoying nature’s beauty — the good Lord’s creation that is, that we have now in Northeastern Ontario in plenty, all around us.

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Being outdoors is also an excellent time and way to relax and to refresh one’s body, mine and soul in this fast and often frantic society we’re living in.

Here in Timmins and area, we have excellent community trails and, of course, Gillies Lake — what I call, “The jewel of Timmins.”

This trail’s network is very important to the residents of Timmins, as they add to the quality of life to the city.

Thanks to the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority and the Wintergreen people.

I frequently walk around Gillies Lake and, besides the pleasure and exercise, I have made many new friends with other regular walkers.

The perfectly located lake and park are used by young and old for many reasons. They go there to play, relax, walk, reflect and to find peace of mind and spirit. It also helps them to stay mentally, physically and socially active and fit. It’s a place of rehabilitation and healing.

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Gillies Lake, as I see it, is ideally located at the edge of the city where urban meets and mingles with nature, the perfect place for children to be.

Canadians are always encouraged, especially parents with chidren, to get more outdoors and to connect with nature.

Nowadays, most parents have no or very little time to take their children out into nature.

That where this “jewel” comes in handy.

Parents, ask yourself, when was the last time or ever that you or your children caught a grasshopper or admired one of these cute long-haired caterpillars or had a little lady bug crawl up your finger, then open its wings and fly away? Or have you listened to the hum of a bumble bee and watched it bumbling from one flower to another? Or have you ever watched a grass spider repair its damaged, damp web in the morning sun?

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If you haven’t, you don’t know what you have been missing — it’s a must-see.

But nowadays, parents want their children safe and are overly protective and keep them indoors and when they tell them to play outside, they mean just around the house, playing withg their iPods and other hald-held devices, not knowing that higher danger lurks on the internet while “playing” indoors.

Yes, this is modern-day children’s exercise and workout accessories.

Experts say Canadian kids are woefully inactive and should be encouraged to play in natural settings and take some risks.

The bottom line: There is only one childhood in our life. So get out, have a good time and some fun in the good Lord’s creation — nature that is. Gillies Lake is the nearest spot that has it all.

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Karl Habla,

Timmins

Teen amputee urges kids to exercise caution near riding lawn mowers

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. When I was four years old, I was playing outside when I slipped on the grass and fell underneath a riding lawn mower. I lost my left leg below the knee.

I grew up in The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, and today, I help pass on the Association’s PLAYSAFE message. With lawn cutting season here, I want every kid across the country to know they should never be around lawn mowers.

I accept who I am today, but I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I did. I hope that by sharing my story, it will prevent even just one child from being injured.

If you would like to learn more about how to play safely and hear stories from other young amputees like me who have lost limbs in accidents, visit waramps.ca/playsafe.

Zoe Gottwald, 16

Pickering

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