Happy New Year!
Submitted by Brad Inglis
Happy New Year! I am writing this on the 6th of January, the Ukrainian Christmas, the 12th day of Christmas and Epiphany. There aren’t 12 drummers drumming but if you drive by the Orange Bicycle Bed and Breakfast, you might hear Nick pounding out a few notes on his drums. I’m trying to talk him into hosting an Open Mic using Zoom. It might be a nice way to see familiar faces and remind us of the wonderful talent we have here on the Bruce. Talent that doesn’t go away, just because there is a pandemic. We will keep you posted!
I hate to break the bad news to you, but even though there is a vaccine, we still have a long road ahead of us. Thank you to the folks who have now transitioned into making 3 ply masks as we continue to learn that they are one of our best sources of defense, along with handwashing and physical distancing, in our fight against covid. We really are remarkable in our adaptability to changing situations. It doesn’t mean that we have to always agree with the changes or are completely comfortable with them but for the most part we do our best. And we find new ways to exist.
The Meeting Place continues to offer new and modified programs to serve the community, the Legion will have their annual Ukrainian Dinner as a take-out and the Tobermory Food Bank has remained active and creative ensuring that basic human needs are met and that no one gets left out.
As I watched the violence on Capital Hill in Washington unfold, I couldn’t help but think on a micro level, of our own sobering events here in Tobermory. Three rocks, smashing three windows at Peacock’s. Just at a time when we are falling all over ourselves to appreciate the staff and Peacock family themselves for working the front lines and ensuring no disruptions in our grocery needs. Putting themselves at risk daily, to make sure customers are served, the shelves are stocked and there are options for how we actually get our groceries. It is a little disheartening to think that the rage of an individual or group would be directed towards our only local, ongoing and consistent source for bringing food to our tables. It is a sad reality check that we aren’t always on the same page and a startling reminder that even a little village like ours, at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula can experience the fallout from a misguided minority.
And yet, we move forward. The churches are closed once again to regular Sunday worship, but you can still connect with us online through Facebook and Youtube. You can certainly call or email any of the local ministers to touch base and receive support. The Community Outreach Fund is always available to those experiencing unforeseen financial struggles like car repairs, minor housing updates, emergency dental work etc. Even the VON has gone online to offer their famous exercise programs – now I have no excuse to not participate, albeit in the nude with my dog and cat covering their scorched eyes with their little paws as I flail around the living room leaving skid marks on the rug.
With that image, etched in your mind, our call continues throughout these winter months – to keep adapting, continue to reach out, be gentle, be kind, be open to new opportunities and make a difference wherever you can︎.
Brad Inglis is the minister at Tobermory United Church. He can be reached at binglis2@me.com
www.tobermoryunited.ca
