"We'll survive and be better for it"

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Bill Freeman

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EMC News -Hastings - If the turnout at the first Hastings Helpers meeting is any indication there are plenty of people prepared to make sure no one falls through the cracks when the Lock 18 swing bridge closes for 16 weeks at the end of the 2012 Trent-Severn Waterway navigation season.

A large crowd that included Trent Hills Mayor Hector Macmillan packed Legion Branch 106 Monday night with residents stepping forward to volunteer for various "core" positions with the "grassroots" group and begin the process of compiling a list of some of the needs to be met during the closure as well as ideas to address particular challenges.

It also gave Hastings Helpers chair Tonya Smith a chance to present a 33-page petition filled with over 1,000 signatures to Stephanie Campbell executive assistant to Northumberland Quinte-West MP Rick Norlock.

The petition was signed by people from as far away as Lakefield and Peterborough as well as Hastings and neighbouring communities.

Smith called the meeting "amazing" while admitting to being nervous about what to expect, she didn't want it to be a platform for people yelling for temporary bridges. She credits Helpers member and facilitator Deb Cooper for keeping things on track.

"This whole meeting stuck to what I wanted it to be about, Deb kept the focus on what we wanted it to be, essentially neighbours helping neighbours," Smith told the Northwest EMC. "It's old-fashioned, it's simple and we don't have to get complicated."

"We can get through it (the closure) if we treat it as essentially a barn-raising," she said citing the way the community rallied to build the new playground.

"The people who live in Hastings and surrounding area have so much compassion for each other and they want to help, even the younger generation are eager."

Volunteer co-ordinator Heather Henning will work with high schools in Norwood and Campbellford so students know they can accumulate community hours volunteering with the Helpers. She's already spoken to Hastings Public School and students have submitted an array Hastings Helpers logo ideas.

"I completely believe that if any community can come out of it more unified it's definitely Hastings," says Smith. "You can't forget about what's going on but kind of prioritize and take responsibility for what's happening, you focus on what needs to be done.

"Tonight was a good start on knowing what needs to be done," she added.

"To do this right the first time meant a lot to me and the only way to do it right is to have everyone's input and to take into account everyone. We're going to come out of it positive."

"Hastings runs through my blood, it's my community," said Smith. "I'm prepared to do whatever I can to make sure the bridge closure is felt as minimally as possible, especially for our seniors."

"It's time for us to put some things in place so nobody gets missed and falls through the cracks," Cooper added.

"Now it's time for Hastings to take responsibility for its survival," she said. "It's not going to die a slow death, we won't let that happen."

She urged businesses to use the marketing specialist the municipality has hired.

"Have your ears open to suggestions and be willing to try something new. This could be a unifying catalyst for the future."







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