Second chance for three-legged cat

Margo Montgomerie of New Hamburg wrote us this letter, including with it a picture of her unique cat.

Easter is just around the corner and I think this may be the perfect time to send an open letter to the person(s) who abandond a fragile kitten on The Morningside Village property in New Hamburg one chilly October day.
You left him near the river in an area seldom used where he could be found only by chance, and only by chance was he found.
Aside from his lovely markings, he had little going for him. Born with only one foreleg and unable to “meow”, dehydrated, confused and frightened, he must have been there for what seemed foreever.
I am a Morningside resident who happened to be in the office when his rescuer brought him in. I volunteered to care for him until the right home could be found. A few delightful weeks later, we, Tinker and I, knew the right home was with me.
It might comfort you to know in spite of the harrowing experiences you subhjected him to, Tinker still likes and trusts humans. He is friendly, sociable, frisky and playful.
Were you concerned his deformities might signifiy other problems? Let me reassure you, Tinker is healthy and intelligent and able to leap tall furniture in a single bound.
Did you have doubts about his ability to use a litter box? I’m happy to inform you he mastered the box on day one – a Herculean task for a tiny kitten with only one foreleg. It’s touching to watch him rotating his left shoulder in an attempt to use the limb that isn’t there. And he will not leave the box until the litter is tidied to his satisfaction, he has never had an accident, not once. His courage and perserverence are truly inspiration, admirable traits to boast of at Easter.
You saw Tinker as a special needs cat.
I see him as just plain special.
I hope these words will comfort you. In conclusion, I would ask of you, and others like you, to please reconsider before commiting such a callous and cowardly act again. The next time might not have such a happy ending.
Easter is a time of miracles; Tinker’s discovery and survival were miraculous.
Easter is a time of rebirth – Tinker has experenced a kind of rebirth.
Easter is a time of forgiveness. Well, where you’re concerned, the jury is still out.

The Fix Is On — Empty subdivision has become dumping ground UPDATE

Last week, the Independent reported on a growing pile of garbage and construction debris in vacant lots on Theodore Schuler Drive in New Hamburg.

The Township of Wilmot has taken action to solve the problem.

By-law enforcement officers have discussed the matter with the developer, who are arranging meetings with the local contractors responsible.

So far, the township has removed a van-load of garbage, but will leave the contractors to remove the rest.

With spring clean up season approaching, by-law officers are expected to crack down on residents illegally dumping.

Signage, at the developer’s expense, will be placed on the lots advising people it is illegal to drop off trash.

With those signs in place, the by-law department will be able to hand out tickets.

Clean up of the property is expected to take place within the next 30 days, or by-law will consider forcing the developer to do so.

The Fix Is On — Empty subdivision has become dumping ground

The Independent was alerted this week to a significant amount of garbage and construction debris littering empty lots on Theodore Schuler Boulevard in New Hamburg.

Disappearing snow on the vacant, weed-covered lots has revealed a subdivision littered with empty boxes, styrofoam packaging, flyer-filled plastic bags, cardboard coffee cups, piles of bricks and insulation. In a few spots people have dumped full bags of garbage, including rotting pumpkins and other household waste. A woman walking her dog along the road described the amount of garbage as “terrible.”

We wouldn’t want to be living in a $400,000 home next to what has become a virtual dump.

To top off the lack of curb appeal and blatant disregard for the environment, an electrical panel box along the road is covered with graffiti.

The subdivision, which is under development by an Ontario Numbered Company based in Markham, is supposed to be kept tidy under a requirement from Wilmot Township.

The township’s director of development Harold O’Krafka said in the event of a complaint, Wilmot’s bylaw enforcement officers clean the area and bill the company the cost through their tax bill.

If you have a concern, or question about something in a public space that is broken, in disrepair, is an eyesore, or poses a hazard, contact the Independent and we’ll look into it and write about it here and in the paper.
The Independent wants to help make our communities the best they can be, so drop us a note, give us a call, or send a message detailing your concern and its location.

Air band video

Air band competition

Forest Glen Public School held an air band competition on Wednesday. Students took on the roles of popular bands, pretending to rock out with the music in front of the school.

For a video of the event, check back next week.

Torchbearer visits Plattsville Christian School

Still riding the high of Canada’s amazing Olympic experiences and performances, Woodstock Torch Bearer, Pastor Keith Bishop, came to visit Plattsville Christian School on Feb. 22. He spoke to the students about his Torch experience and Olympic ideals such as always doing your best, making good choices and finishing well.

Barn fire on Berletts Road

A barn was destroyed on March 1 on Berletts Road in Wilmot Township.
Multiple fire crews responded to the blaze.

Time for Canada’s paralympic athletes to shine

The Shantz-Joseph family on Huron Road in New Hamburg want to remind everyone that the Olympics are not over.  The Paralympics will start March 12 and the Spirit Canoe will appear again to remind everyone to cheer on our athletes as they live their dreams.