Day 2 - Settling in

Today has been spent getting to know more about the Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) in Harriston and navigating the complex system of MP and MPP constituencies in the north of Wellington County. While geographically the County is well defined, when speaking of political constituencies the question is somewhat more of a complex affair. We're hoping to learn who the local MPs and MPPs are and be in touch with them to let them know who we are and what services we provide.

We learned that the four OEYC employees here travel throughout the County and administer a number of programs in a number of the surrounding towns and villages. Of note was the Kindergarten Readiness program. This program has a half-hour parent involvement component but does also allow parents to drop their near-kindergarten-aged kids off for the remaining hour and a half of the program which would seem like a great opportunity for moms and dads to get errands done without having to bring their kids along or arrange and pay for daycare. The OEYC runs a number of other programs including programs for both parents and kids and workshops for just parents. The locations these programs run rotates around the County. Parents interested in making use of these OEYC's programs should contact the OEYC and check out the latest program calendar.

We were disappointed to learn that The Minto Express did not pick up the story Richard had sent them regarding our project this summer. I have been in touch with the Mount Forest Confederate who seems to be willing to aide us with the publishing of a 'press-release' for a nominal fee.

We did have the pleasure of frequenting Harry's for lunch this afternoon which appears to specialize in burgers and pizza. The interior looked newly renovated and Richard and I were both impressed with the atmosphere. Their menu seems to suggest that they have locations under different names located in both Mount Forest and Arthur as well. We will be sure to check them out. Regarding the triple chocolate brownies Richard alluded to yesterday: delicious, however, I greedily devoured mine and later regretted not taking my time and enjoying it.

Of other interesting note, fuel prices near Arthur were a bargain at $1.19 last week in stark contrast to the $1.29 in Guelph. I have a hard time understanding this, especially considering we are always told that transportation costs are such a large factor in gas prices. If this is so, then why are fuel prices $0.10 cheaper 40 minutes north of Guelph in a region with a low population density? Personal suspicious abound...

Stay tuned. The week of June 2, 08 we have opening week at the Palmerston location!