Perspectives with Rev. George Frey

  There is a well-known story about Peter trying to join Jesus out on the water of the Sea of Galilee. (see Matthew 14:22-33).  Recently I noticed something in that story that I never saw […]

The countdown is on and we are just days away from the return to the classroom…what is that Staples commercial…it's the most wonderful time of the year….They Are Going Back. A reminder to all drivers…the kids will be back on the village streets and the buses will be running.

Speaking of going back, those wonderfully talented crooners who are members of the Seaway Valley Singers will be kicking off their new season, next Wednesday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Williamsburg. Anyone interested in joining the Singers is invited to call Robin at 613-543-3412 for more information.

Well we kind of lucked out on Sunday. Although we did get some rain from Hurricane Irene, it was mainly just a nice steady rain with little wind…and all of our plants, yards and wells benefitted. The Phlox have gone into a second flowering, and we are harvesting every day, from our back-deck, single potted cherry tomato plant. Our Black-eyed Susans (rudbeckia) are putting on quite a show, even if the nearby neighbouring Hostas are looking a little worse for wear thanks to the nightly-visiting slugs.

As we head into the long weekend, we caution everyone to drive carefully. In addition to those last summer get aways this is generally a well-travelled weekend as our youth head off to colleges and universities. It is a time of discovery as parents, who for the first time are sending their kiddies off into the wild blue yonder, discover that yes, you can fit everything, even the kitchen sink, into the SUV. It is the time when the kids discover how much mom and dad did for them as they embark on a solid diet of Mr. Noodles and never again wear jeans that have been ironed to remove the knee bumps…Oh well, such is life.

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On Thursday, September 15, 2011, M&M Meat Shops is encouraging Canadians to turn off the TV, log off from their computers and power down cell phones and participate in the 7th Annual National Family Dinner Night that celebrates what matters most – spending quality time with family and friends. The importance of family dinners reaches far beyond simply sharing a meal together. Research shows that gathering around the table presents a valuable opportunity to interact, strengthen relationships and affirm the value of every individual in the family and their role in their community.

A recent national study conducted by Canadian Omnibus reveals that as we become increasingly immersed in the digital age, the intrusion of electronic communication devices during traditional times, such as family meals, is spiralling. A shocking 80 per cent of Canadians admit to having at least one type of electronic communication device turned on and in use during family meals. More than half of Canadians (51 per cent) revealed that the TV stays on at mealtimes.

"Sitting down for a meal together can have a lasting, positive effect on open communication between children and parents and re-establish a sense of family unity," says Mac Voisin, Founder of M&M Meat Shops.

National Family Dinner Night, launched in 2004, attracts tremendous public and charitable support every year and has contributed significantly to the more than $21.5 million M&M Meat Shops has raised for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). This year, M&M Meat Shops urges everyone in Canada to register their participation.

For everyone who registers their pledge to participate in National Family Dinner Night on the website: www.nationalfamilydinnernight.com, M&M Meat Shops will make a $1 donation to the CCFC, up to a maximum of $100,000.

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