Words from Weit Lynde by Norm Mealing This îs thie last tolumon for 1 974. Tlhe coluinîn began in March, follôwing the West Lynde Community Association elections, and has continuied each week since that time, except for the sumnier rîîonths, wheîî this writer took a rest and gave ail of your readers a break. It will return again on January 8, 1975, when 1 begin another year of what's happening in West Lynde. In a sense, the column owes its existence to the West Lynde Community Association. As 1 said, the first colunn followed upon, and reported on, the Association elections. Each of the W.L.C.A. Executive, save one, were profiled in the column, and much of what appears here relates to the activities of the Association. Even when I go off on nîy opinion flights, such flights relate to issues which concern the Association. For this reason, and in line wlth my pro'- mise of a week ago, I will attempt to-day to assess the past year in West Lynde. 1974 was really the first year of West Lynde. Alhhough many people were here prior to that date, and although the Association started to take shape in the fail of 1973, 1974 was the year West Lynde becanie a community. - The community spirit began in January when some 44 people showed up at Anderson High School to ratify the constitution and by-laws of the new Association. It was a testy meeting at which decision was taken to eleet an Executive in March. An election's committee was formed, an-election campaign was held during February and Mardi, and on March 25, 110 peuple showed up at Henry Street High to vote in the Executive. Froni that point on, the interests of the niembers of tlîe Executive took hold, and things started tu happen.. Bill Hoffrnan. the Coniiuiity Devehopnient Director, is probably hest described as an activist. Prier to being elected . lie had ainched an apptýal te rectify whiat lie fcht \was untaîr assessnient on lus home. As lie gel fuirtfir and furthier ie luhs hattle. lie realiicd tha t. gcneralhv speaking. West Lvnîde vas L)ver-aissessed. Beginniîîg wiîlî a nîecting on Jiune 1 S tii. an d culuiina ting witlî the Ceuncil mnccling ini th - ill's personal wvar becînc a cenuniin ity tighi t. Thouighu ettcr-wri ing canipaîgis. prcssun ing hi ltic auls. anid couirt appeararices. thc su ujiion ini West Lvnde. aiid thie veice of West Lynde wvas lieard. A re-.assessienl rook place and the assessm-erîts rates fer 1975 were iuwcrcd The dialogue onu assessmnent is nul ever. 197.5 mav elh see furtlier appeals anîd furîlier reductions. Buit tlîe pt-e- sence of West Lynde has been firnuly estabiislied ini a political sense. Undoubtedly. as we move mbît 1975, niore will be hîcard from West Lynde on such subjects as taxes and bjph-riçp 1974-'however, wihI, tbâ,ïi5t6 the W.L..Ç».A. l:,xecuttive, and, in priuiBhHofimnan, bc regardeci as the yetir tlaI people power ini polities dcevelop)ed (or West Lyndians. Not al o' the conmnfity's successes relate lu political action. 'lice recrecational arca saw somne tremolîdouis strides. 'Fic farnily fun day, lield i June, attracted over 200 people and involved mùybe 40 more in running the day. For onîe day, the Commnunity camne together and focuscd on the miost important aspect, of our coniutnity, the farnily. flic family aspect was further emphiasized by tic skating rinks hast winter, and--for the parents, there were the very successful dances. For dad, there was, and is, the Whitby Men's Hockey League which began in, and is largely sup- ported by, West Lynde. Further, the Mixed Bowling Lea- gue lias succeeded due to the efforts of West Lynde. 1 974 was a good year, therefore, because it established the social and recreational framework of our community. West Lynde people do flot only look inward. Many re- sidents are involved heavihy in Whitby activities. The Whitby Athietie Association draws great support from the men of West Lynde. Many service clubs and fraternal groups and political association groups, social clubs, and auxiliaries also involve many people from West Lynde. Clearly, we have gone beyond our own community and involved ourselves with Whitby. On balance, 1974 was a good year, and our commnunity has corne of age as a community. 1975 is the most crucial year because the foundation has to be built upon. Greater participation and involvement by more people will ensure the foundation will not crumble. BYE FOR NOW, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. SEE YOU IN 1975. MASG an î4y NUD .HTO..:*. WFIITBY FREE PRESS, WEPNgSDAYDE-CEMBER 10,ý 1974, PAGE 5 JUINIOR 'A' HOCKEY, WHITBY KNOB HILL FARMS Vs Aurora Sun. Dec. 15. vs ,Weston Thurs. Dec. 19 7:030 p.m. IROQUOIS PARK ARENA Aduits - 1.75 Students with I.D. Children .50 SI .00 I M r ~ * t You ~ OÀThe Cus o'er Counts, We style your hair yourj # way. Need suggestions? We ~ can gïve them. Know what you want? We'l do it. We run our shop to serve you. ITONY'S HAIRSTYLING L lurPark Plaza 668-54 GIf ts of Distinction.. f or the discriminat'ing shopperg (i#e *We have'an, excellent se lection * . of Englîsh Giftware c~ Jcson>ofEngland BOND TOWERS*MALL 44 BOND ST. W. SDOWNTOWN OSHAWA 576m 1066 a ie fb il