I picked up a copy of the Wellington Advertiser at our wonderful community centre, and enjoyed a relaxed read of Wellington County’s weekly paper.

Yes, less than two hours away, driving through areas of Ontario we tend to take for granted. In fact, we generally have no idea what is going on over there. Sort of around Guelph, including the wee towns of Elora, Erin, Puslinch, Hillsburgh and St. Jacobs, to name just a few of many.

Wellington County is a county and census division located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, and is part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Are you impressed yet? The county consists of two towns and five townships, with its seat in the City of Guelph, which is geographically within the county but administered independently.

To a humble Rambler, this sounds like a sure fire excuse for several bureaucracies. All of the employees hopefully endeavour to deliver services to seven unique towns and townships, as well as some to the City of Guelph. Whew.

By now, you may be curious about the direction of this week’s column. Easy. The diametrically different attitudes of The Lake Report and the Wellington Advertiser.

Our local NOTL journal tends to be replete with important issues reported by professional journalists and no shortage of well-qualified experts on many subjects: The Niagara Regional Native Centre facing challenges, the future of the old hospital site, and strongly worded letters to the editor regarding property development issues. Brian Marshall and Architext, and Dr. William Brown, dragging us up to a higher level of thought about artificial intelligence.

And so much more, often with a hint of aggressiveness. Residing here is certainly not for the intellectual or philosophical faint of heart.

Over in Wellington County, the front page of their weekly paper featured a complete and inspiring description of the town of Erin’s 175th fall agricultural fair. A big and happy picture of young Lottie Whyte and her cow Maisey getting ready to head into the show barn for the championship judging and awarding of colourful ribbons.

On page seven, there was an interesting article describing how the Puslinch councillors hope the automated speed enforcement cameras will stay in place, as the program is working to create safer streets. Here in NOTL, we cut them down.

The general tone of the Wellington Advertiser was positive. “We are all in this life together, so let’s work together and give each other the benefit of the doubt.” There was only one brief mention of recent shenanigans during a recent meeting of the Elora Business Improvement Association.

Have you visited Elora? Like our NOTL, people from far and wide become effusive while talking about how much they love the unique ambience of the town. As an aside, NEOB Lavender has retail outlets in both towns. And, a fabulous farm here in our town. Out by the airport, on Niagara Stone Road.

Are you wondering where this edition of Ross’s Ramblings is heading this week? Simply put, to the word “attitude.”

Things happen, and our attitude generally dictates our reactions to the events. Over in Wellington County, articles in their weekly paper clearly indicate a populace generally satisfied with their lives. It seems like people respect each other, are content with the decisions and directions of their elected officials, and get out and about to enjoy what is available.

A headline on page nine of their paper read “No objections to residential development at Puslinch public meeting.” Just imagine such a headline here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. OK, so we will not hold our breath.

And a help-wanted ad for 260 chicken catchers and chicken hangers to work in various parts of Ontario, placed by Moonfleet Poultry Services Ltd.. This must be a big business enterprise, whereas we in Niagara tend to think the agricultural world revolves around vineyards and greenhouse agriculture.

It’s only a couple of hours’ drive to Wellington County, but a sea change in attitudes are reflected in The Lake Report and The Wellington Advertiser. Here in Niagara, we seem to be impatient, unhappy and often down on each other. Often a bit mean.

So much more respect, civility, empathy and patience over in Wellington County. Reading between the lines of their weekly newspaper, one senses a certain contentment. They know they have a good thing going, and visitors reinforce this feeling.

Spend some time with me on Queen Street, watching and listening to visitors.

I hesitate to use the word again, but let’s determine to be kinder to each other here in Canada’s prettiest town.