CHEERS: A big cheer to eight-year-old Vaeda Zo Matheson, the 2020 Easter Seals ambassador. All of the ambassadors over the years have been great kids and have represented the charity with dignity and pride but Vaeda has a shine about her and a bubbly personality like none other. She handles media interviews like a seasoned pro and her message that “if you are different, that’s OK. I’m different and I’m still so happy’’ is enough to melt even the biggest Grinch’s heart. Wait until the province gets a load of this young lady when she goes on the annual school tour.
JEERS: To the never-ending stream of drunk drivers plaguing Island roads. As the year nears a close, the number of drunk driving cases in the courts doesn’t seem to be letting up. It has left provincial court Chief Judge Nancy Orr wondering recently what it will take for people to get the message. Heavy fines, jail sentences and even the potential to hurt or kill someone aren’t doing the trick. With Islanders heading into the holiday season, some of them celebrating with a festive drink might be tempted to take the risk. It’s a risk not worth taking.
CHEERS: To the provincial government and to Betty Begg-Brooks, who runs the Gifts From the Heart not-for-profit store on Spring Lane in Charlottetown. We expect the government to do good things for its citizens but it was still heartwarming to see Minister Ernie Hudson handing over the keys to a 2014 Dodge Caravan to Begg-Brooks after having a conversation with her weeks before on what the organization needed. Begg-Brooks had been using her own vehicle to transport items for the store and just happened to mention to the minister they could use a van. So, Hudson went looking and found one that was destined for a government vehicle auction. This is how good partnerships can work when both parties are willing.
CHEERS: To Rawlins Cross for performing together for 30 years. To celebrate the milestone, the Celtic rock band, which consists of P.E.I.’s Joey Kitson, Geoff Panting, Brian Bourne, Howie Southwood and Dave Panting, has just finished a Maritime tour to celebrate the milestone and promote its new release of new album, “Flying Colours.” Thank you for always remaining true to your fans, keeping them up-to-date and informed of concerts. May they have 30 more years.
