Move afoot to take back Shawville streets: An officer from the Pontiac MRC Sûreté du Québec informed seniors Monday that they do not need to fear walking the streets of Shawville.
Const. Yves Martineau spoke to an audience of about 30 seniors about the rumours spreading about kids swarming the streets of Shawville at the Seniors’ Security and Safety Awareness Public Forum at the Dr. S. E. McDowell Elementary School.
“I would like to disperse any fear that people may have about walking the streets of Shawville,” said Martineau. “There has been all kinds of rumours about two minor incidents that happened.”
Martineau wanted to reassure people that Shawville is still a safe town.
“Shawville is still a small, quiet town,” said Martineau. “As far as the SQ are concerned, this town is safe.”
Members of the community and the SQ are planning a community walk once or twice a week to promote community spirit.
The SQ and the town are also trying to set up another centre to provide a place for youth to go.
Shawville Neighbourhood Watch and the SQ will be putting up signs and placing ads in newspapers to provide phone numbers residents can call in case of an emergency and to let people know who their Neighbourhood Watch captains are.
Not all kids guilty of rumoured infractions: A contingent of concerned parents and their children met with municipal councillors June 11 to dispel some of the community’s anxieties regarding allegedly misbehaving teenagers.
“We are here to let you know that they are not involved, and to clear their names,” explained Esther Bronson, referring to accusations that a group of teenaged boys has been targeted specifically regarding some of the alleged incidents in town.
“As adults in this town we all have the responsibility to squash these rumours so that these kids can walk around town without people staring at them,” added Madonna Cluff, another concerned parent.
Bravely, each of the 10 boys stood up, identified themselves and announced, “I have not been involved in any of the incidents that have happened in Shawville recently.”
Yves Martineau, SQ agent, was also present at the municipal meeting and confirmed that two recent allegations of kids harassing seniors were not true, but that some fence mending was necessary. A special committee combining youth and seniors has been created to address the safety needs of seniors and activity needs of youth. The first meeting took place Monday evening.
“We need your fresh, new ideas,” explained Martineau inviting the youths to take part in the committee to share their hopes for a more youth-friendly community. “This is your opportunity to stop the rumours and join in,” he Martineau
Pleased that actions were being taken, many parents were quick to jump on board with assistance.
“I am ready to help kids build,” added Jerry Chevalier, referring to any proposals that would require volunteer help or labour.
“It takes a whole village to raise a child,” added Coun. Sandra Murray, indicating that everyone should be involved in ensuring a good and safe future for our children.
Shawville resident recognized by Prime Minister: Shawville resident Sylvia Poisson-Hodgins recently received a certificate and letter of appreciation from Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
In a letter to Poisson-Hodgins, Chretien said: “I am pleased to extend my congratulations to you for all your hard work on behalf of the senior citizens in Shawville. You have made significant contributions, over the years, to the community and people of Shawville, and in so doing, have become a model citizen and an example to all. Indeed, your tireless efforts on behalf of senior citizens and particularly your role in installing an elevator in the Shawville Apartments, are testimony to your compassion for those around you and your generosity of time and spirit. I am pleased to join with your community in thanking you for your contributions to the betterment of society.”
