From the Editor
Another two weeks have passed like a blur, things have been busy with lots going on.
I would like to start by letting everyone know Stephanie is still in the Hospital but is doing much better than last issue. I am positive that the June 5th issue will have Stephanie back on board with all the Quirks and Quarks so many of you have come expect in the Blackfly. I apologize for not keeping up those facets of our coverage, I thought it more important to keep the paper running than to add one more thing to my crazy schedule. I also asked for some ideas and stories and many people gave content and suggestions which no doubt will be covered in the future of the Blackfly.
Relocation of houses in Perth-Andover has once again commenced the first home of the season was relocated last Wednesday to a place high and dry from flood waters. There are many things happening and many more homes to be moved this summer but it all had to start somewhere. Many people have picked their lots and have been making plans to move, others are already getting their foundations ready and plan to move in the near future.
I for one have my lot picked out and hope to hit the ground in the coming weeks and get this flood behind Stacey and I. I also know that there are still many people who have not decided what to do; relocate, flood proof, or buyout, I say to these people and a few that still have not put in an application to please try to make the decision so that your life might move on as well. I understand your mixed emotions concerning it all but maybe you have friends or family that could help you along the way. Perhaps others know someone that is in this situation and you might also lend a hand.
I also know it has been frustrating trying to deal with the provincial officials and the village for that matter but they do want to help. It has been frustrating for me in this respect and I hope the parties involved will soon have someone dedicated for this job on a full time basis. Chasing people one or two days a week does not suffice. I don’t care who foots the bill but it needs to happen sooner than later or we are going to have homeowners undecided and homes at risk again for flooding next year. I for one until that time am committed to helping in any way I can, I am just a phone call away. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
On another thought I do hope you’ll take time to read the article on Mayor Terry Ritchie and his slandering on Facebook. I am not judging anyone but a group of concerned citizens are trying to get him to stop acting unprofessional with a petition on his actions concerning Minister Flemming and other such rants. I signed this petition and feel he has no idea what he is costing us in the entire Perth-Andover area and if he chooses to bully me online so be it. I just hope people look at the entire picture and make their own decisions.
As always to end on a lighter note I couldn’t help but notice my flowering crab trees are about to bloom their beautiful pink flowers and it looks like this year I will get to enjoy them one last time. Over the last ten years I have got to appreciate them only a few times, as just when they are about to reach full bloom we get a downpour and they are gone. This year we are supposed to get rain but they are not quite ready so I am hopeful that I will see the full bloom until the weekend. I love this time of year when the perennials sprout from the ground and the grass turns green. It’s a time of renewal and rebirth for all. I do hope everyone has a great summer and we are blessed with friendship all around.
This weekend is the Gathering of the Scots, if you have never been, I do hope you can take the time this year to enjoy the wonderful culture this festival has to offer. I for one plan to be there “sans kilt”.
Jonathan Gagnon
