Philosophies Are My Guiding Lights

In early January, The Hamilton Spectator published a request:

What is the principle, belief or idea that guides you most

in your day-to-day life...and where did it come from?

While house-sitting in January at my daughter and son-in-law's country home

in West Lincoln, I responded to the above request...compiling my thoughts

under the guidelines given to any writer.

Like the lighthouse, isolated on a rocky crag, behooving the sailor to heed 'this guiding light' when his ship is tossing in stormy waters, the beacon beckons him to a safe harbour.

A child, when growing, may feel lost in the sea of life; without direction, he gains little or no independence. Parents are often too busy sheltering him with the essentials of life: home, clothing, food and the discipline of behaviour.

In the mid years of High School, I admired Mary, a senior student who had the character for which I yearned: attractive, chic clothing, a ready smile, great poise...and participated in the sports and culture of High School activities. Could I emulate her? I discussed my inner dilemma with Stella, a church friend. Her advice was, “Just be yourself...don't try to be someone else!” BE MYSELF? WHO IS MYSELF? HOW DO I FIND ME?

During post-secondary education, I pondered my confusing quandary. When a crisis arrives, one can accept the consequences (hoping it will disappear) or one can search for actions to cope/rid the crisis. Since worry creates stress...I discovered there is always a solution to alleviate the situation, preventing further worry and emotional frenzy. When resolved, considering the circumstances, it was personal satisfaction to overcome it. When there was nothing I could do, with all options facing me in this troublesome crisis, I created a philosophy that has stood the test of time:

Do not fret and worry about matters over which you have no control!

This resolve has quieted my mind many times...and sub-consciously accepted that “Whatever will be, will be!” Time can be a valuable healing asset in solving a dilemma; surprisingly, small wonders may later open doors that afford a postivie outcome.

The secret to 'finding me' was an ongoing effort. I studied and observed other people. Then, the 'lighthouse of my mind' was lit!” To achieve happiness and success, isn't just a dream; in life, one must set GOALS! Realizing the solution was within me, a formula written by an author, gave me the impetus to exercise it. Arthur wrote:

The dream written down with a date, becomes a Goal!

A goal broken down into steps becomes a Plan!

A plan backed by action, makes your Dream Come True!

This became my personal project. The significant factor belying all else, was to maintain a Positive Attitude! I discovered there is always more than one solution to any predicament. Biblical advice states, “Seek and ye shall find.” Because physically we have two eyes, two ears and one mouth. OBSERVATION and LISTENING are greater assets than a ton of conversation!

During my careers of teaching and sales, positive philosophies on three small colourfully illustrated wooden plaques inspired me. Hanging beside my desk, they were like beacons directing my daily tasks.

Hang In There!

A snoozing lioness drapes her streamlined body

over a sturdy limb high above the ground.

Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life!

A serene scene of blue waters rippling from the far horizon

to a quiet sandy beach.

Man tires quickly of new discoveries and adventures,

but never of the beauty and wonder of nature! (D.L. Paul)

Depicted by a mountain-scape of bluish peaks

with delicate eidelweiss flowers blooming at its base...

this view, having a calm effect on my being.

Retired now, these three illustrated philosophies are displayed near my telephone, computer and printer...daily reminders of the stepping stones in the discovery of:

“Who is Myself?”

Merle Baird-Kerr...personally submitted January 30, 2017

Comments appreciated: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

What the News Should Be!

Looking at news, whether it be television or newspaper coverage,

so many of the headlines are of negative issues.

Today's local newspaper is a sampling:

Sports Car Crash Knocks out Power on Burlington lakefront.

Mumps case in Oakville confirmed.

Blast of Snow Leads to 22-car-pileup on 403.

Alberta woman Sentenced for Drugging, Killing 9-year-old Daughter.

Police claim Cannabis Culture possibly tied to Organized Crime.

NFL Union Alarmed at Painkillers Report.

However, this headline did cause me to smile:

“If you Really Love Your Beer, this is the Happiest place on Earth!”

“What the News Should Be”

was sent to me by one of my faithful readers, Tom.

Gift of Shoes: Shown in a photo is a mid-aged gentleman bent down to remove his shoes and gave them to a homeless girl, who shabbily dressed, was also barefoot.

Motorcyclist Aid: He parked his bike and helped an old lady, holding her arm, across a slippery wet street at a pedestrian crossing.

Barbering Outside: On the sidewalk adjacent to plaza parking, a barber offers haircuts for the price of a single 'thank-you-hug'.

Consolation Knows No Colour: Photo of a black man with his arms around the neck and shoulder of an elderly gray-haired white man...consoling him about a tragedy that recently transpired.

Gesture for Dog Owners: A notice on the beach referred to a bin of green tennis balls from “Phoebe” with her canine photo at top of sign stating: “Please help yourself to a tennis ball for your dog to enjoy. Remember to live each moment just like your dog...with unconditional love, loyalty and happiness.”

Employee Gives Extra Service: An elderly man was pushing his grocery cart and stopped because his shoe was untied. An employee, noting the senior's dilemma, bent down and tied the shoelace for him.

New Tires on a Stranger's Vehicle: “You do not know me, but I saw that you needed some tires for your truck...I wanted to do something nice for a stranger..because one day, a stranger did the same for me. The receipt is in the envelope and all you have to do is to go by Warehouse Tire on 3^rd Street and ask for Steven Hodges...and they will put them on for free. All I ask is that one day you do something nice for a stranger.”

Sign Outside a Dry Cleaners: If you are unemployed and need an outfit cleaned for an interview...we will clean and press it for you at no cost.

Help to a Rival Team: Two teens helped an injured member of the rival team (one on each side, carrying him) to score his intended field goal.

He Missed the Train: Awaiting his train, a man helped a senior lady with shopping bags, down a few steps along with her small dog on a leash. He then waited for the next subway train.

Meet Dan: Every Wednesday and Thursday, he heads to a local Cancer Center; for every patient, nurse, doctor and everyone in between...he buys from his own pocket a cup of coffee for each.

A Rain-free Sleep: A stranger, noticing a tabby kitten sleeping in the rain, gave up his umbrella (still open) and set it over the kitten to keep her dry overnight.

The Paramedics: An elderly man in my neighbourhood had a heart attack while shoveling snow in his driveway. Paramedics took him to the hospital...then returned to finish shoveling his driveway for him.

KINDNESS LASTS FOREVER!

Be True to Yourself

We are often told to be kind and to speak the truth;

yet, while it is right for us to do so,

we are rarely ever told to be true to who we are

and to protect ourselves.

Give...but Don't Allow Yourself to be Used.

Trust, but Don't be Naive.

Love, but Don't Allow Your Heart to be Abused.

Speak...but Don't be Unkind in Your Words.

Believe...but Don't Trust Every Word you Hear.

Hope..but Never Expect.

Care, but Don't Neglect Yourself.

Learn...and Never Stop Learning.

(Author unknown)

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...March 11, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Positive News Today!

People get their news these days frm a variety of sources...including television, radio, magazines and the Internet. However, newspapers remain the most time-honoured medium through which news is delivered to people of all ages. I've also noted that there is much 'negative headlines' and articles that often dominate the pages of the press...even through other media.

H. L. Mencken stated, “A newspaper is a device

for making the ignorant more ignorant...and the crazy, crazier.”

“It may be that a person employed by a newspaper,

whose business it is to separate the 'wheat from the chaff'...

then proceeds to see that the 'chaff' is printed.”

Regardless, more than half the world's adults

throughout the country read a paper each day!

The Hamilton Spectator, I receive daily (Monday to Saturday)

delivered to my door before the breakfast hour.

Relevant to the foregoing, I share with you positive headlines that captured my attention in today's publication. A few of these I share with you.

Paralegal Honoured: Edwardo Castro of Hamilton has been named 2017 winner of the William J. Simpson Distinguished Paralegal Award which is handed out annually by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Get Lost in Books: Burlington residents are invited to 'Get Lost in Books' at the Central Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday as part of a research.

Chuck Berry was a True Original: (This was an editorial appearing in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Signs of Life: Dramatic colour photos by Cathie Coward and Barry Gray illustrating innovation of local Spring enjoyment. 
 A bluish and white crocus at Sunset Victory Garden

White snowdrops in a garden on Charlton Avenue

A melting snowman, losing its body shape captioned 'It's only March, but this snowman nears the end of his days.' Wednesday's high is -1C

Tamara Kajah dressed in brief red shorts, black t-shirt, cap and with inline skates hits the trail at Bayfront Park for a run in the sun with her border collie, Boston.

Hats Off: New Shipping Season launches at Port of Hamilton

Six Nations Blazing Trail for Fire Safety: (major headline on front page) with ensuing article

Strong Retail Sales Add to Economic Momentum

The Iron Man with the IQ: (referring to Bulldog's Jack Hanley)

The Men Behind the Bench: NHL's unforgettable coaches in the past 100 years

Meet Edgar: A pot-bellied pig, who is perfectly suited to a life in a finely-appointed home

Our Pulse: A weekly page of news from local schools

McCartney, Costello and the Album that Never Was: (with an article written about them)

Sweet Potato Dumplings and Spinach Gratin: (with picture and ingredients)

Duchess of Cambridge on Brexit Charm Offensive: Raises bar in the art of diplomatic power dressing during Paris visit

“Feeding Station”: A painting of birds, part of The Art of Collage at Gallery on the Bay

Daily Horoscopes: Philosophies and Guidance according to the Zodiac

Crossword and Sudoku Puzzles: which I daily play...often successful in solving (some clues throwing me for a loop); other game challenges including bridge games

Whether a local paper or National, there is something for everyone.

“Seek and ye shall find” is good direction!

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...March 22, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.ca

Immigrants to Canada: Past and Present

The following is a letter from Marilena Pasca (Toronto)

sent to one of my faithful readers who has forwarded it to me.

A Letter to Justin Trudeau

So many letter writers have explained how this land is made up of immigrants.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people

why today's Canadian is not williing to accept this new kind of immigrant.

Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to Canada, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in Halifax or Vancouver and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in both good and bad times.

They made learning English a primary rule in their new Canadian households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. They had waved good-bye to their birthplace to give their children a new and better life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labour laws to protect them. Perhaps some were fortunate enough...like my grandfather...to be given 160 acres of prairie grassland. All they had were the skills, craftsmanship and desire they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. It wasn't easy.

Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. Canadians...like my Uncle Jim, fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France, Japan, China, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Sweden, Poland and so many other places. None of these first generation Canadians ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Canadians fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan.

They were defending the Freedom as one people.

When we liberated France and The Netherlands, no one in those villages was looking for the Ukranian-Canadian or the German-Canadian. The people of Paris and Amsterdam saw only Canadians. And they carried one flag that represented Our Country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be a Canadian. They stirred the melting pot into one red and white bowl.

And here we are in 2016 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges...only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules: one that includes a Canadian passport and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country.

I'm sorry, that's not what being a Canadian is all about. Canadians have been very open-hearted and open-minded regarding immigrants, whether they were fleeing poverty, dictatorship or persecution...or whatever else makes us think of those aforementioned immigrants who truly did ADOPT our country, our flag, our morals and our customs...and left their wars, hatred and divisions behind. I believe that the immigrants who landed in Canada in the early 1900's deserve better than that for the toil, hard work and sacrifice of those legally searching for a better life.

I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags, fighting foreign battles on our soil, making Canadians change to suit their religions and cultures and wanting to change our country's fabric by claiming 'discrimination' when we do not give in to their demands. It's about time we get real...and stand up for our forefathers' rights.

We are CANADIAN!

I am a native of this Country and Proud of it!

NO MORE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS.

And while we're on the subject: Allow CHRISTMAS back in stores and our schools!

I want back the country of my birth!

Opinion and Response re the Foregoing...by Richard

This well-written letter expresses the frustration that brought Trump to power.

In Canada we practise the Mosaic (each group has a 'tile'...the right to keep their culture in the overall mosaic that is our country) whereas, in the U.S. they practise assimilation (each group must conform to American cultural standards).

When I was taking my Masters at Canisius in Buffalo, NY, I was often challenged to explain why we (Canadians) had bilingualism in our country...why people got jobs in government simply because they were bilingual...and why we allowed turbans in our police force...and why we allowed certain immigrant groups like Mennonites to have special status...and so on and so on.

We now have immigrants from Muslim countries being brought to our country with all expenses paid and a generous monthly stipend. Is their intent to be a 'tile' in the Mosaic, to build their own schools and churches...challenge our laws regarding clothing, etc. or to assimilate?

Marilena has presented some very compelling reasons why our newcomers from Syria and Africa should assimilate and I would add, “Repay some of the support they have been given at a future time.”

Our current government seems unable

to get out from the populist glow of the International community

to face reality.

LET YOUR POLITICIANS KNOW HOW YOU FEEL!

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...March 9, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Regardless of yesterday or today, I believe my foregoing quote by Charles Dickens applies...whether immigrant or fine citizen of Canada. Our country is young and is called an 'an immigrants' paradise' because everybody would have been an immigrant at some point in their life...and that makes them 'welcomers' to newly landed immigrants. Canada is a multi-cultural migration destination; despite this, peace and harmony exist...and foreign people, eager to launch their own endeavour, are assisted whole-heartedly.

Hamilton Port Authority

The St. Lawrence River

North America's St. Lawrence water system...which includes the Great Lakes...is one of the largest in the world and is responsible for draining more than a quarter of the Earth's fresh water reserves. The artery of this system, the St. Lawrence River, reaches deep into the interior of this massive continent, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway opened to navigation in 1959. Construction of the 189-mile (306 km) stretch of the Seaway between Montreal and Lake Ontario is recognized as one of the most challenging feats in history. Seven locks were built in the Montreal and Lake Ontario section of the Seaway (5 Canadian and 2 U.S.) in order to lift vessels to 246 feet (75 km) above sea level. The 28 mile (44 km) Welland Canal is the fourth version of a waterway link between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, first built in 1829. The present canal was completed in 1933...deepened in the 1950's as part of the Seaway project...and further strengthened in 1973. Today, its 8 locks, all Canadian, lift ships 326 feet (100 km) over the Niagara Escarpment.

The St. Lawrence Seaway system extends 3,700 km (2,340 miles)

from the Atlantic to the head of the Great Lakes.

The Hamilton Port Authority is shared by recreational boaters and commercial vessels. Hamilton's port is the largest port in Ontario by tonnage, handling about 10 million tonnes of mixed cargo and receiving approximately 650 vessels per year. A 2010 study revealed that cargo contributed to $6 billion in economic activity and 38,000 jobs in the Province of Ontario.

Port of Hamilton is Shipshape for Spring

Excerpts from a recent article by The Hamilton Spectator's Natalie Paddon

The first day of spring marks the start of shipping season at the Port of Hamilton.

“Twenty-one vessels including ships and barges passed the winter and underwent repairs in Hamilton and will be venturing back into the Great Lakes starting March 20,” says Hamilton Port Authority spokesperson Larissa Fenn.

The maintenance work conducted here is part of an estimated $160 million spent on infrastructure and repair projects this winter by Canadian ship owners and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation in ports ranging from Sarnia to Port Colborne to Thunder Bay, according to the Chamber of Marine Commerce. “The Hamilton port never really sleeps,” said Fenn. “There's a lot to do on board the vessels and on the terminals on land.”

Work has continued on a new $45-million wheat flour mill for the milling division of grain-handling giant Parrish and Heimbecker Limited that sits at the foot of Wellington Street North. Another going concern is a new $50 million grain terminal by Winnipeg-based G3 Global Grain Group at Pier 26 off Eastport Drive. Both are expected to begin service this year.

“Ships that spent the winter in the Port of Hamilton belong to companies such as McKeil Marine, Lower Lakes Marine and Algoma Central,” said Fenn. While all of their vessels underwent routine maintenance like generator and engine overhauls, their biggest project ws a “total cargo hold re-coating for the Radcliffe R. Latimer,” Kelly Humes stated, involving “about 50,000 or 60,000 square feet of steel.”

An attached photo shows...Longshoremen loading locally manufactured components for export at Pier 26 last November.

HMCS Haida National Site: Located at Bayfront Park's Pier 9 in Hamilton is a significant tourist attraction: The HMCS Haida. It was a Tribal class destroyer that served WWII , the Korean conflict and the Cold War. The Haida (an Indian Tribal name) is the Royal Canadian Navy's most famous ship...and the only historic destroyer today, available to view!

Burlington Bay's Scenic Views

Living and teaching in Hamilton Schools for several years, it was always a specialty to weekend-drive along Burlington's Northshore Boulevard and view the horizon across the Bay to Hamilton Harbour and the city's escarpment level. Often a ship was seen, anchored near the Skyway Bridge or in the harbour waiting for unloading/loading of products for and from other ports along the St. Lawrence Seaway...and frequently freighters from overseas flying their countries' flags.

At Christmas time, the night lights of the Hamilton skyline were stunning...and the display of Christmas lights and decorations along Northshore Boulevard were amazing. Often, winter's view across the Bay gave us ice-boats as they glided, wind-driven along the frozen water. And in the summer, such a pleasure to view regattas from the Bay's sailboat marinas.

Who could not enjoy and appreciate the magnificent scenic views

that the Niagara Escarpment offers us? We are so blessed!

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...March 9, 2017

To comment...mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Ttrump's Plan is an Assault on The Great Lakes!

The following are excerpts from a March 8 issue

of The Hamilton Spectator written as

The Spectator's View on the Opinion Page...

by Howard Elliott

It has become common for defenders of Donald Trump to argue the Canadian media is obsessed with the U.S. President. But what if what's happening in Trump's America has a direct and harmful impact on Canadians? That will be the case if Trump's plan to gut funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) by 97% becomes reality. Under the plan, that funding would drop from $300 million annually to a mere $10 million.

The initiative was put in place to clean up the world's largest system of freshwater lakes. It has broad bilateral support from eight U.S. states adjacent to the lakes as well as Ontario, Quebec and Canada overall. The Great Lakes are a crucial natural resource...and one we too often take for granted.

We get our drinking water from the lakes.

They handle treated waste water.

They drive commercial interests like shipping, fishing and tourism.

Hydro electric generation relies on them.

Krystyn Tully, co-founder of the charity, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper states:

“The Great Lakes is one of the few regions in the world

where drinking water that we get from our taps comes from lakes

where we also get our waste water, so the quality of the water

is more important here than almost anywhere else.

We need a higher standard of protection.

We need more investment in water quality.”

In 2010 the GLRI was launched, ostensibly to recover and protect the lakes on behalf of the tens of millions of Canadians and Americans who rely on them. The mission objectives? To keep the lakes clean...prevent and control invasive species...restore natural habitats...and reduce nutrient run-off... and poisons that kill fish. This is not some trendy, fringe environmental project.

This is life and death!

The good news is that the U.S. budget system is different from ours.

The White House develops budget plans and priorities...and submits them to Congress,

which approves, modifies or even ignores presidential wishes.

The latter is what needs to happen to this Trump plan.

Anything that hurts water quality in The Great Lakes hurts 90% of Ontario's population

and has a negative impact on 40% of Canada's economic activity. That cannot happen!

Fortunately, the governors and citizens of eight states who also rely on the lakes will feel the same. They are mostly states that supported Trump and they won't take kindly to his messing with their future health and prosperity.

Submitted by Merle Baird-Kerr...March 8, 2017

Comments appreciated: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Allaying Fears

“The City Within” an article written by Kenneth Bomberry

was recently published in The Hamilton Spectator.

My interest in reading it, spurred me to write about

the following experience.

More local citizens should better understand the various indigenous tribes living on Six Nations!

They are our neighbours...and I have noted that, according to Ancestry,

more and more people are discovering there is a degree of 'native peoples'

in their genes...one Hamilton woman happily declaring

she is 26% native-Canadian...and most proud to be of that heritage!

Frequently I drove Regional Road 6 to and from Port Dover to enjoy its sandy beaches, excellent stage productions at the Lighthouse Theatre, restaurant dining on perch/or other locally caught seafood or roaming the boutique shops. Returning home, we'd often stop for ice cream at Hewitt's Dairy Bar. While in that vicinity, I'd turn left into the 'Reservation' to purchase gas (less than highway costs).

On one occasion a senior bridge friend, Mary, was so frightened that with tightly clenched fists, she feared tomahawks, warriors, poverty with dirt and filth; also expecting to see tepees and tents as living quarters. Assuring her we were safe, she still trembled with the possibility of 'attack' by these Indians! We dined at a native restaurant near Ohsweken...excellent in taste and chatted peacefully with the owner; he was dressed as an average Canadian...no feather head-dress...no arrow in hand...and speaking educated English...all to Mary's surprise! The owner was an artist who displayed his framed artwork in an adjacent alcove. His paintings expressed his 'love of the land', the Grand River and gently rolling land near its banks, the beauty of the four seasons in its woodlands; surprised she was to see the town's municipal buildings including shops, a recreation and sports venue, library, churches and schools. Impressed she was with the residential homes, TV towers, modern cars, well trimmed grass and gardens...her fears tremendously out of sight!

The highlight of the afternoon was a small plaza with a craft shop filled with beaded leather clothing, local art, dream-catchers and unique jewellery designed by local tribal artisans. By this time, Mary's fears were completely allayed as she viewed, with 'new eyes' a society of people like ourselves whose culture is related through its many tribes. Six Nations, she learned was comprised of six major tribes: Iroquois, Cayuga, Lenape, Mohawk, Seneca, Oneida.

The Six Nations is also known as “Six Nations of the Grand River”...a total of about 25,660 members.

Very strongly, I agree with Eleanor Roosevelt's words:

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience

in which you really stop to look fear in the face.

You are able to say, “I lived through this horror;

I can take the next thing that comes along.”

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...February 4, 2017

To comment: mbairdkerr@cogego.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Thinking Outside the Box...A Brilliant Solution!

How Bees, Elephants and Farmers

Are Keeping Each Other Safe In A Genius Way!

Being a farmer is hard work ~ but being a farmer in places like Kenya, Botswana and Sri Lanka has a unique challenge that other areas of the world don't: elephants! Wild elephants' natural behaviour is to roam...having been known to march right through fields...damaging and destroying crops. When the human farmers try to intervene, things can turn ugly...and both human and elephant injuries and even deaths can occur. Sadly, like too many animals, elephants face many dangers at the hands of humans.

It's a shame because these creatures are intelligent, sensitive and have complex emotional and social connections...forming strong bonds with one another...and with various other animals too. A solution was needed that would both keep the farmers' fields safe...also ensuring the elephants were in no way harmed. This solution was not only brilliantly simple...but had the added bonus of helping out another species in crisis: bees.

In areas where elephants are free-roaming, humans must learn to co-exist with them.

Sadly, elephants like to raid farms at night...eating and flattening crops and damaging the livelihoods of the farmers. This can lead to violent confrontations where both humans and elephants are hurt and quite possibly killed. To ward off these night-roamers, people have fired guns, thrown rocks and even launched firecrackers to scare them off. Just like with humans, an injury or death in an elephant's family unit puts major emotional stress on the herd.

The devastation to fields is no small issue!

These small farmers rely on their crops to survive

and a damaged field can mean a serious loss of income and food.

There seemed to be no simple solution, until zoologist Dr. Lucy King noticed something: Elephants really don't like bees...and will avoid them at all costs. If they hear buzzing, they'll immediately leave the area, signalling to others that 'bees are about'. This is because the bees' stings are especially painful to the elephants' trunks...and to avoid this pain, the elephants prefer to just stay away from them.

And thus, Bee Fences were born!

“Bee Fencing” as it's known, is the use of hanging rows of beehives, each connected by a length of wire. When a nosy elephant approaches, it will knock into the wire...setting the hives swinging and disturbing the bees. And when the elephants hear that buzzing, they'll turn around and leave.

The crops are safe...the humans are safe

and the elephants are safe...the bees are safe, also!

Dr. King has been working with various conservation organizations and communities in Africa and Sri Lanka, building these 'bee fences' (often painted yellow) around local farms. She hopes this will be the first of many steps to create sustainable solutions where humans and animals can co-exist peacefully.

The project has also attracted the attention of some big names

who are chipping in to create more 'bee fences'.

The bees help pollinate fields and maintain the bio-diversity needed to support an eco-system. As an added bonus, the farmers get to keep the honey and beeswax produced by their hives...which they can use or sell. This “elephant-friendly honey” is available in local shops near the areas where the farmers live and work. So unless you plan a trip to Nairobi, you won't be able to get any.

But it's quite a popular product where it's sold!

NOTE: the foregoing from Jeanne, has been compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr.

January 12, 2017

To comment, email: mbairdkerr@cogeo.ca or inezkate@gmail.com