Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/category/thinking-out-loud/)
Drive Time host Dave Glover and I exchanged views on the resignation of former Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips last Thursday. One of the main reasons for the conversation was my concern over Phillips and his staff’s use of social media. He left for his vacation on Dec. 13 and did not return until Dec. 31. Continue Reading →
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The obituary of former Cobourg Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Baxter last week briefly outlines a remarkable career. He worked for the Town for over 39 years, as well as serving on the Police Services Board for eight years, mostly as chairman. It also noted he was 76 years old. He is survived by his wife Louise and his children and grandson. What it fails to capture is the person. Continue Reading →
As promised, I have taken time to consider this and what is next for me in regards to local news in Northumberland County to see how I can contribute after losing my column last week. I have a plan. There is no doubt the closure of Northumberland Today is a severe blow to news coverage. And, it is tragic to see a newspaper started in 1831 shut down with little or no fanfare. Many good people worked very hard to bring coverage to the community. Continue Reading →
Great to see Alnwick/Haldimand Township council took a step back to reconsider the closure of this community centre as argued in this column a couple weeks ago. The Vernonville Community Centre. CECILIA NASMITH/Northumberland Today file photo ALNWICK/HALDIMAND – The life of the long-time Vernonville Community Centre has been extended while a parks and recreation study is undertaken. A volunteer committee is expected to be struck by Alnwick/Haldimand councillors at their upcoming council session and then it […]
Click here to view original web page at www.northumberlandtoday.com Continue Reading →
As about 40 people gathered around the memorial at the east end of Victoria Park earlier this week to honour women who have died or are currently battling violence against women, it was particularly poignant at a time when women’s issues appear to be under siege. (more…) Continue Reading →
This Movember is different. The reason I shaved my goatee is almost always the same. Men’s health is an issue. Far too often we lose grandfathers, fathers, brothers, friends, and those we love to cancer. In the past, I have done Movember in memory of Grandfather Scott, who helped raise me, and my Dad. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
Well, the moustache is beginning to grow, but it pretty rough. You can barely tell it is there. You need just the right light to see it. And, it doesn’t help that it is gray. There was a great chance this week to talk to students about stress management. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
Can you help me? I need your help. It is strange to ask this as a journalist. It is not the type of question one is accustomed to asking. Usually, it is far more pointed or deliberate in seeking a specific answer. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
Having just spent the last week working as a reporter for two different platforms, the experience was amazing. As always, it is through the experience something new is revealed. For two weeks I am reporting for both Northumberland Today and the community radio station Northumberland 89.7 FM. The newspaper’s managing editor generously supported the idea and the radio station is very accommodating. Days are spent gathering news and by 4 p.m. I am delivering a 7-minute newscast that is recorded and repeated throughout the evening. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
As the Canadian flag’s 50th birthday is celebrated today, it is a wonderful opportunity to be filled with national pride. It is lovely to have a day to put aside all our difference, tensions and stresses as Canadians honour a symbol of our unity. When Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson decided to create a new national flag back in the 1960s, little did he know it would ignite a passionate debate. Amazingly, it also generated more than 6,000 contributions from ordinary Canadians wanting to contribute their vision. Despite all the acrimony, the red Maple Leaf on a white field with a red background was adopted. Continue Reading →