Mountain Well WISHers Clue #2

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Image

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Photographs

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Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

Picture "Good Things Come To Those Who Wait"
Team Members - left to right, Karen Wannamaker, Susan Donly, Elizabeth Shantz and Nancy Wood.
Once again you have challenged us to be creative and we have met that challenge with the help of four talented "Lego Masters". With the help (lots of help!!) of my grandchildren, Owen Reid (13), Hunter Reid (11), Grayson Donly (11) and Gabby Donly (8), we were able to submit this masterpiece. They taught us that it takes planning and patience in order to accomplish our goal.
The following story is about how the members of Women's Institute, Prince Edward County Distrct, saw the necessity of available transportation for seniors and disabled residents in the County. This worthwhile project took EIGHTEEN YEARS to be finalized but totally worth the wait.
On Thursday, April 28, 2022, our team met with a Quinte Access Bus (now known as Quinte Transport), at the Ameliasburgh Town Hall, Ameliasburgh. We had hoped that we could have included more of the bus in the picture but in order to get all the details of our "bus" in our picture that wasn't possible. Elizabeth Shantz read our story to the bus driver and he was quick to respond that the passengers are all smiles when riding the bus, he can see their joy as being able to "get out and go".
The following story was composed by Elizabeth Shantz, our wonderful member and friend.

"Good Things Come To Those Who Wait"

Many years ago WI saw a need,
To get around the County with speed,
For those who didn’t drive,
But needed to go places to thrive.
Most people said it couldn’t be done,
But tell a woman she can’t and she’ll find one
Or more ways to meet the goal ahead,
With planning and research and hard work instead.
A committee was struck and a fund raising craft show planned,
Despite many nay-sayers, the ardour was fanned.
Now things did not move smoothly or fast,
It took many years, but determination did last.
In 1989 it began with questionnaires and meetings,
To assess the needs of disabled and seniors, not fleeting.
They visited areas with accessible transit in motion (1),
To see it at work, not just a passing notion.
In 1995 the Ontario government and priorities changed,
But fund raising with the Art and Craft Show was still arranged,
To keep adding to the coffers, though still not sure,
Of how or when it would happen, but the hope did endure.
In 2001 they regrouped and met with community groups (2)
A Rural Community Transportation Subsidy Proposal was in the loop,
For a Trillium Grant to have a pilot project to be tried,
But alas, despite need, it was denied.
Undeterred, they consulted Quinte Access to see,
And were encouraged to set up a similar facility.
While waiting, they arranged with a local businessman,
To run a subsidized service with his wheelchair van.
In 2004 (3) money from a Gas Tax Fund was set apart,
Might be available for new transit systems to start.
In July 2005 local council gave its support,
After 18 years of ups and downs, I can report,
On June 1, 2007, the new bus was on the road,
With WI financial support to help carry the load.
Over 1000 have registered, since a ride they seek,
Riders book 24 hours ahead for rides five days a week.
More than 800 trips in March were taken,
And WI support has not been shaken.

Now LEGO building was a challenge to us,
Just like the ‘bus’ process and bureaucratic fuss,
That went into setting up accessible transit,
With LEGO it’s hard to make things fit,
So we called on grandkids to help with our bus,
Since they have the talent and required focus.
Trial and error for all is a useful skill,
Just like the process, with determination and will.
Through perseverance WI pulled off a miraculous feat,
Now those who need it can book their seat.

1 Accessible Transit in Grey, Bruce and Perth Counties

2 Community Care for Seniors, Prince Edward County Council, Friends of Prince Edward Health Care, Prince Edward and Lennox & Addington Social Services, Cheshire Home and the Quinte Health Care Picton Site Administrator

3 Dedicated Gas Tax Fund for Public Transportation Programs for new transportation systems

Notes