LETTER

 Goodbye Aylmer!

 

It is with a heavy heart that my wife and I say goodbye to Aylmer, after 18 basically happy years. I am being transferred to Montréal.  Aylmer is not the home-town of either of us, but it has become so and we feel like true Aylmerites.
    One of the biggest changes we've seen has been the mushrooming of condos, apartments, and new homes spreading in all directions, it seems.  This means a challenge for all these new people who move here, maybe a few miles from any older centre of town -- they are in a new area, but essentially cut off from everything and all the events they may read about in the Bulletin or hear from their friends. How do they involve themselves, so they, too, can grown into real citizens and real "Aylmer-family" members? How can they meet the people who will make a big difference in their new lives here?
    It is simple, just go out and head to the Marina and the huge beach, walk along Main Street's little shops and eateries, check out the Galeries and the restaurants and bistros, shops and parks elsewhere. Forget Ottawa or Hull, even if you know them better. Stretch out from of the 'burb mentality and check out the cultural goings-on, shows and exhibits -- we used to have a great cinema, but it wasn't supported.
    That is my message: we have to support what supports us.  Start wherever you wish. It will pay you back!
    And we will be back -- retirement will bring us "home" to Aylmer!
Barbara & Darius Sorel
Aylmer (always!)