I just received this year's first Christmas e-card. It was an excellent cross between season greetings and public advocacy from a supporter of the Friends of the Eramosa Karst, FOTEK.

This group has an excellent Web site at www.friendsoferamosakarst.org, which is getting hits from across the country. I am thrilled to see the support for the preservation of the feeder areas to the east of the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area.

Many residents and groups such as the Hamilton Labour Council, Environment Hamilton, the Toronto Caving Group, Zoocheck Canada, the McMaster Outdoors Club, the Hamilton Conservation Authority and the City of Hamilton have written to the Premier asking that the last 70 hectares of land be preserved.

Please check out the Web site and send an e-mail to Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Green Acres outdoor ice rink is finally ready for construction. We should see some work start shortly. The Green Acres Ice Rink committee, made up of volunteers, is dedicated and ready to take on the responsibility of making sure the community enjoys this great attraction.

Merry Christmas to everyone and their families. Please enjoy a safe and responsible holiday season. And with the winter season starting already, remember to check up on and help those less able.