Mcintyre's musical legacy will be fondly remembered
Dr. Mcintyre was a unique conduit to Western European culture and music. In his presence, I was immediately connected with generations of musical scholarship through his masterful mentorship. Evan Tanovich
On Nov. 4, I, like many musicians, composers and Windsorites were saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Mcintyre.
Dr. Mcintyre was a prolific composer, pianist, conductor and pedagogue.
Born in Peterborough and educated in Toronto, Paris and Salzburg by such prominent composers, conductors and pianists as Oskar Morawetz, Arnold Walter, Oliver Messiaen, Claudio Arrau and Pierre Monteux, he had a diverse, dynamic and rich understanding of music theory, composition and history.
After time spent as conductor of the Regina Symphony Orchestra, head of the Alaska University music school and professor of music at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Mcintyre brought his expertise to Windsor.
As Dean of the University of Windsor's faculty of music, Dr. Mcintyre composed some of his most influential and important music. His memorable compositions had, at once, depth and breadth.
He created intriguing soundscapes, but not for the sake of effect alone, as one so often witnesses in contemporary music.
His works were substantiated by clear method and form that magnified their musical and emotional impact, a sign of true artistry.
Moreover, his commitment to his community's music scene was unmatched.
In 1981, Dr. Mcintyre brought the Canadian League of Composer's 30th anniversary to Windsor. From 1984-87, he organized a series of chamber music concerts which featured new compositions of “largely Canadian” composers.
In 2017, as a young aspiring composer, I sought out the tutelage of Dr. Mcintyre.
At 85 years old, Dr. Mcintyre graciously took me on as a student and transformed my understanding and relationship with music.
I, like each of his students, was so privileged to be a recipient of his experience and incomparable know-how.
Dr. Mcintyre was a unique conduit to Western European culture and music. In his presence, I was immediately connected with generations of musical scholarship through his masterful mentorship.
Dr. Mcintyre will be fondly remembered for his musical legacy, splendid sense of humour, unparalleled wit and gracious generosity.
While he is no longer with us, Dr. Mcintyre's spirit lives on through his family, friends and students.
Evan Tanovich, Tecumseh
Car experts can help in hit-and-run cases
A friend of mine is one of many car specialists who test-drive all manner of makes and models of cars and write their reviews in print and digital media.
He's literally driven almost every make and model of car. It's his job.
Years ago, there was a hit-andrun in front of his neighbour's house.
Detectives watched a security camera's grainy video and issued a vague description.
It was perhaps equally as vague as that of the recent tragic fatal hit and run of a child in Windsor.
After he watched his neighbour's video, my friend said: “that's a late-model SAAB 9-3.”
It was, and it was through sheer luck only that he got a chance to watch the video and that the information made it to investigators.
I suppose there are good reasons why police wouldn't share actual footage with the public, but one also has to wonder to what degree police detectives routinely secure advice from such experts as my friend.
Jon P. Mcgoey, London
Bylaws may not help with greenhouse light
As the Town of Essex contemplates following Kingsville and Leamington's lead in drafting a greenhouse light and smell bylaw, it's important to note that such bylaws may have no teeth.
The Ontario government has been clear in the past that the regulating of agricultural practices is provincial jurisdiction. It has enacted legislation to curb any efforts that local municipalities make to try to regulate “normal farm practices.”
The Farm Practices Protection Act,” was passed in 1990. It specifically defines “smell” and “greenhouse light” as part of normal farm practices.
The bill is intended to set up a legal structure to protect the agricultural community from nuisance lawsuits and municipal bylaws seeking to regulate farm practices beyond what the provincial government defines.
I am not part of the greenhouse industry, but I am part of the farm sector.
I recognize that there is a major problem beyond what the authors of this Bill envisioned, but it's important for the public to realize in my view that this is a problem for the provincial government to regulate and not local municipalities.
Any such municipal bylaws may be useful in getting the government to act, but may have little to no effect on the local greenhouse industry.
Every greenhouse owner has the right to challenge the municipal bylaw by launching a complaint with the Farm Practices Protection Board.
Municipalities can only act on the authority that the provincial government has given them.
In this case, I believe legislation defines that they have no jurisdiction.
Dean Martin, Harrow Organic Farms
No exceptions to mask requirements
Recently, I called the hotline for COVID-19 infractions for Windsor and Essex County.
I complained about people who were not wearing masks that I came across at the
Loblaws Supercentre in Leamington.
The numbers of people with the virus are skyrocketing again in this area. Among those I saw with no masks was a family of four who I believed may have been Mennonites entering the store without masks.
When I spoke to someone at public health about my concerns, they said Mennonites are among those exempt from wearing masks.
I am concerned about that during this pandemic.
I am 67 years of age and have COPD, but I would never go out in public without my mask. This does little to ensure my safety, but protects others.
We are in a pandemic. I believe we should stop with any exceptions and ticket people who refuse to wear a mask.