I recently re-read this story. I don’t know with certainty if it is true, but I thought the story was worth sharing.

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His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. “I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.”

“No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel. “Is that your son?” the nobleman asked. “Yes,” the farmer replied proudly.

“I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.” And he did.

Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools, and in time,he graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son’s name? Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around. It is a great lesson we can all benefit from the reminder.

Pass this on, and brighten someones day. Nothing will happen if you do not pass it along. The only thing that will happen, if you DO pass it on, is that someone might smile because of you.

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A reader sent in the following comment. It is published unchanged.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

I sent the following email to Mayor Morris on October 16th, 2008 as I am sitting on an invoice from my lawn care company. I have yet to hear a response from her. I have also sent the same email to Councillor Collin-Mrakis and not had a response. What should the public do when we cannot get answers from our elected officials? I have lost the early payment discount that I was eligible for. I thought it would be best to send this to the Mayor as she vets everything from staff anyways.

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Mayor Morris,

I have for a number of years contracted with Weed Man for lawn care. I have received their 2009 schedule and prior to my authorizing payment, I have asked them to assure me that they are compliant with the Town’s bylaw. They tell me that they are compliant in that they use a product called Sarritor. The actual bylaw does not speak to actual product brand names. Can you tell me if Sarritor satisfies this bylaw or pass the request to the appropriate person for a determination?

As well, they tell me that they will still have to place a warning sign on my lawn (Federal regulations). Will I have to endure bylaw officers knocking on my door with a summons because this sign is on my lawn? In order for this product to work, I also will have to water the lawn for 15-20 minutes three days in a row. My other concern here is that as you know, the Town operates under a limited outdoor water use bylaw that would place me in a position of violation in order to properly activate this lawn care product. What is the Town’s viewpoint on this situation?

Thank you.
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Aurora Citizen: How are other citizens dealing with the issue of our pesticide ban? Share your thoughts.

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Have you seen the graffiti around town lately? Are you shocked by the disrespect shown by a few people who have defaced buildings, structures and signs with spray bombs?

The Town of Aurora Graffiti Committee, spearheaded by Councillor Collins-Myrakas, together with York Regional Police, have planned a Graffiti Clean Up Day on September 25. They are looking for volunteers to assist in the clean up/painting of graffiti sites here in Aurora.

The work will be done from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will be assigned a group leader and sites to be cleaned. There will be a BBQ for the volunteers after the event.

So if don’t have anything planned that day, get involved. Consider helping keep your community clean. For more information or to volunteer, call please call Neighbourhood Network at 905-726-3737.

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You will notice that there are a couple new posts that reflect questions or comments received from readers.

We will publish these under the heading Community Corner — so if you have something to say, or a question you always wanted to ask, leave a comment or send an email to communitycorner@auroracitizen.ca

We’ll publish your questions or comments.