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On Sunday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. there was a power outage in the Forest Hill-Southwood Park area.

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By 8:30 or 9 o'clock several neighbours had called NB Power several times and were told by an answering machine that NB Power was not aware of a power outage in this area, but to stay on the phone and a service representative would talk to them, since all were busy with incoming calls.

One woman stayed on the telephone for 15 minutes and an elderly lady stayed on for 30 minutes as the machine kept repeating for them to stay on the phone, but no service representative ever came on.

NB Power got so many calls because people kept calling back thinking they didn't know of the outage. Finally at 10:30 p.m., three hours after the outage, I called and heard they were not aware of the outage and to stay on the line. I gave up after 10 minutes.

It is very frustrating not to know when or if your power is going to be restored. With the high cost we pay for power, surely they can afford to change the message on an answering machine to let people know they are aware of what is going on.

Rita McAlinden

Fredericton

Thanks to Jo Lynam, lives have been improved

During our five years as New Brunswick representatives for CARP, Canada's association representing those over 50, one person who especially supported and encouraged our work for seniors was Jo Lynam of Fredericton.

Jo Lynam was an enthusiastic educator and in retirement, worked tirelessly on behalf of many.

We were pleased to share her knowledge on seniors' issues like health, long-term care, housing and poverty. Through her we became more familiar with the Third Age Society, the Stepping Stones Centre and a wealth of other seniors' activities.

Jo Lynam died July 6. To her family and friends, we express our sympathy. Because of her work, the lives of many New Brunswickers have been significantly improved. We will remember her.

Wayne and Barb Harrigan

Riverview, N.B.

Thank you, Donald Savoie, for speaking out

This letter is addressed to Donald Savoie and friends.

I want to personally thank you for the open letter to anglophones that was published recently. As an anglophone in New Brunswick, I have watched and appreciated the valiant efforts made by citizens to save early French immersion, and have had an untold number of conversations with friends and acquaintances from all walks of life about this issue.

Bilingualism isn't just a concept in New Brunswick, it's a way of life. It is something we cherish culturally, and economically, and it is something we must protect for our children and grandchildren.

It amazes me everyday how, within a generation, anglophones have been afforded the chance to learn about the francophone culture, not only through watching, but also by learning and living the bilingual experience. Parents now fighting for that chance for their children are a testament to this shift in paradigm here.

I thank you, M. Savoie, for speaking out in support of bilingualism. I cannot express the gratitude so many of us have for your friendship, your compassion and your courage to speak out on this issue.

I only hope this Liberal government will follow the spirit of Louis J. Robichaud and save this key part of our collective culture. Merci pour votre appui.

Ted Spencer

Fredericton

Thank you for helping make muscles move

On behalf of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and families impacted by neuromuscular disorders in the Fredericton area, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all our volunteers, and participants for making this year's Walk for Muscular Dystrophy in Fredericton a huge success.

I also extend a special thank you to our presenting sponsor, the Grocery Foundation of Atlantic Canada, for their continued support of "the little event that grew."

The June 15 walk raised over $30,000. The event was filled with fun, friendship, great entertainment and people coming together to make a difference. These funds help to purchase costly medical equipment, as well as assist in the provision of support, education and advocacy efforts in our communities.

I also extend our heartfelt thanks to our firefighter supporters in Fredericton, Oromocto and CFB Gagetown, who on the same weekend, held ladder-a-thon events that combined to raise well in excess of $30,000. Your dedication and support are truly amazing.

Once again, thanks to all those who didn't take their muscles for granted and participated in the walk.

Ken Thompson

Executive Director, Atlantic Region, Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Halifax, N.S.

Sports enriches our lives

The Beijing Olympics are going to be exciting and spectacular because of the competition among world class athletes.

The Olympics is so much more than victory and defeat. Sports is a mirror of life. Fun, excellence, hope, teamwork, adversity, leadership and inspiration are daily lessons experienced.

Participating in, watching and reading about sports provides us with many magical memories. I can still remember watching George Armstrong lifting the Stanley Cup in 1967 after the victory of the Leafs over the Canadiens. Other defining moments in sports stay with us: "miracle on ice;" Jesse Owens' determination at the Berlin Olympics; Mike Weir winning at the Masters; Paul Henderson's goal in the 1972 Canada-Russia series; Tiger Woods' courage at the recent U.S. Open; Roger Bannister breaking the record for the mile; Steve Nash as MVP in the NBA; Montreal embracing Jackie Robinson - they are a few of so many memorable and inspirational events that have thrilled us.

A new, exciting global initiative called Beyond Sport is being organized to reward and recognize individuals, projects and organizations that have created positive social change through sport.

UNICEF is also going to recognize the importance of sports in promoting and fulfilling children's rights. Sports can enrich and make an important contribution to our lives.

Harold Phalen

Fredericton

Tarzan yells will fill the air

Recently I heard in a media report that wilderness is part of the Canadian soul. I agree whole-heartedly.

With this in mind, I offer my view on the controversy at Mactaquac Park.

New Brunswick has some protected wilderness areas. Most are remote, and while very important ecologically, they are not easy to get to. Though not virgin wilderness, Mactaquac Park provides a natural ecosystem easily accessible to Frederictonians. Where else can one hike in a natural woods ecosystem within 30 minutes of Fredericton?

The UNB woodlot is disappearing, and the same commercial development mentality occurring there is happening in Mactaquac Park. However, the woodlot is UNB's property; Mactaquac Park is ours - yours and mine - and we are losing accessible tracts of natural woods one slice at a time.

Why should this be of concern? Picture yourself enjoying the most beautiful trail in Odell Park - big, old trees, birds, peace and quiet.

Now imagine those trees being cut, the trail as you knew it destroyed, replaced by an aerial playground. Shouts and Tarzan yodels fill the air. Sure signs of fun, but what happened to the original experience Odell provided?

Aerial playgrounds are fine in the right locations (it's worth noting that Treego was first proposed for Killarney Lake). But should they be in parks where conservation and the enjoyment of natural systems are being promoted?

Are our parks disposable real estate, given to private companies for their profit, or natural systems entrusted to citizens indefinitely for conservation and enjoyment?

This is a question for all New Brunswickers. Our children will live with the answer.

Marianne Erdle

Mactaquac, N.B.