Dear editor:

I just read about two children who were able to have their photos taken with Santa Claus.

The boys have autism spectrum disorder, and their time and photos with Santa was made possible by an enlightened and thoughtful, Britney Conlon, event co-ordinator at Seaway Mall in Welland.

Britney arranged for a quiet environment, prior to the mall opening, so sensory triggers like noise, did not affect the children in a negative way.

This enlightened, thoughtful thinking and action is in stark contrast with the uncaring, money-driven, unethical farming practices of growers who use propane-fired cannons that sound like howitzers, for three-plus months of the year, with no regard whatsoever for the impact that loud explosive noise can have on children with autism, and adults and people struggling with, or being treated for PTSD, living in Escarpment bench neighbourhoods and adjoining lands.

Three growers use cannons that impact the residents of the Escarpment from Queenston to east St. Davids. Five other growers using cannons impact the Escarpment west neighbourhoods of north Tanbark Road, Sandalwood Crescent and Stoneridge Crescent.

What a sad assault on a landform that was designated in 1990 as a World Biosphere Reserve. What a violation of our human rights and property rights.

Jim and Irene Fisher

Queenston