MPP Arnott speaks at the opening of “Treasures of the County”
(Wellington-Halton Hills) – Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott was pleased to speak at the opening of the “Treasures of the County” exhibit at the Wellington County Museum and Archives in Aboyne on Saturday, July 8. He delivered the following remarks:
Today, we’re here at the most majestic, the most spectacular public building in Wellington County,
Where the past comes alive.
I feel honoured to join Warden Dennis Lever, our Member of Parliament John Nater, my colleagues in elected public service, as you open this new exhibit, “The Treasures of the County.”
There’s an old saying that I often think about, and it goes like this:
“The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.”
It reminds us to pay attention to what’s happened, which has led us to where we are today.
That the past informs the present.
And that an understanding of the past helps us embrace the promise of the future.
Over and over again, I’ve been reminded that a well-developed sense of history is essential to the effective functioning of Government, whether it’s local, provincial or national. And without it, the same mistakes will be made, over and over again.
I’ve had the chance to visit the Museum and Archives many times through the years.
And along with the building itself, what has consistently impressed me the most, is the extraordinary professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm,
Of all of the staff and volunteers who work here.
They are truly exceptional in their passionate desire to create the best possible experience for each and every visitor who comes in the doors.
And they succeed every time. We owe them our thanks.
When they asked me if I’d like to pick a historical artifact for this exhibit, symbolic of something important to me, it wasn’t hard.
I wanted to choose something associated with Groves Memorial Community Hospital, and the memory of Dr. Abraham Groves.
And so we have the 1950’s era nursing bed from Groves, symbolizing birth, new beginnings, and wonderful things to come.
Dr. Groves is one of the outstanding figures in the history of our area. And Groves Hospital, as we all know, has a sterling reputation for excellence in health care, going back generations.
And soon, thanks to a great community lobbying effort,
Very close to where we are right now, we will break ground on the new Groves Hospital,
Which will serve our community for the coming decades, and which we hope to see open for patients in about 2 years.
And that’s just one of the exhibits here, all them fascinating, and placed here with loving care,
For all of us to pause, and remember, it didn’t start with us, that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,
And that it is our obligation, and our chance, to build a better future for those who will follow us, our children and grandchildren.
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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 519-787-5247
Email: ted.arnottco@pc.ola.org