ND Times Issue 9 2024 May 2

An accessibility problem in Chesterville

by Brandon Mayer

Accessibility is law. In fact, in many workplaces, employees must receive training regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) when they are hired. Discrimination is certainly not something we tolerate in Canada, and we would never dream of showing bias against someone due to their race or sexual orientation. Why then, would we ever be okay with making it more difficult for differently abled people to access their mail?

The Canada Post loca-

tion in Chesterville does not have a push-to-open switch for its outside door. This became apparent when a Chesterville local made a social media post last week, reassuring her neighbours that she had put in a request with Canada Post for such a button to be added to the local post office. The resident notes in her post that she was told that her request would have to go before a “committee” to be decided. She also notes that the post office staff are “wonderful”, a fact which the Times staff can confirm is true not just for staff in Chesterville, but for all North Dundas locations.

The staff may be great,

but the accessibility policies leave much to be desired.

What federal government committee would ever decide against accessible mail as a basic human right? The logical answer is “none”, and therefore it seems odd to need a committee to make the decision in the first place.

The Chesterville post office already has a ramp; it seems like an embarrassing oversight that a push-toopen button is not already installed in 2024.

A few months ago, the Times asked readers “Is North Dundas accessible enough?” on the front page. The community “buzz” seemed to firmly point to-

ward the answer being “no”, with many businesses operating out of older buildings, where the costs for upgrades would go far beyond a simple push-to-open system and would instead have to include the construction of new ramps, and maybe even moving fixtures around. These costs are not practical for most small business owners. The discussion at the time also identified easier fixes for things such as certain types of doormats that are hard to roll across in a wheelchair, for example. It is easy to sympathize

with small businesses who barely have the financial resources to stay open even without spending thousands of dollars constructing ramps or installing push-to-open systems. But a federally-run post office? In 2024? When the ramp already exists? The federal budget is worth tens of billions of dollars. It stands to reason that a pushto-open button would not break the bank, and is more than worth it considering it’s a human rights issue.

Canada Post’s corporate office was contacted with some to-the-point questions about its accessibility policies and decision making process, but no answer was received by deadline. Any updates will be shared in the next issue. The Chesterville post office will likely get its push-to-open button sooner or later. And the differently abled people of Chesterville deserve nothing less.

Community members jumping in to join the magic!

Every little bit helps to build the new Dundas Manor

At the WDMH Foundation, we love our community and we see the generosity of our neighbours every day. The campaign to build the new Dundas Manor has only heightened our love and admiration. Here are just three examples!

Lorilea Erratt worked as a screener at Dundas Manor during the pandemic and loved every minute. She got to know the residents and staff and says she saw the need for a new home. Now she is giving back with a birthday fundraiser!

“Big or small, every donation is important,” says Lorilea. “If everyone gives a little in their own way, we’ll have a big amount at the end of the campaign. We all have a part to play and we can feel good about coming together to build ‘our’ Dundas Manor. I’m hoping I inspire

others to get involved too.”

To donate to Lorilea’s birthday fundraiser, visit her CanadaHelps page at https:// www.canadahelps.org/en/ pages/lorileas-birthday-formanor/ before April 30th.

Ashley Vanchu at Bitty Birds Bakery in Iroquois is joining the magic too. On Saturday, April 27th, she is hosting a pop-up porch sale with gluten and nut free Dutch treats and much more. Proceeds from the sale of all baked goods will support the new Dundas Manor.

Ashley says that the event celebrates Koningsdag or King's Day, honouring King Willem-Alexander’s birthday in the Netherlands. Traditionally, the Dutch share in these festivities by

dressing in orange and partying along streets and canals. So let’s all party in Iroquois! Drop by 10336 Chess Road on April 27th from 10 to 2 to join in the fun.

And who doesn’t love a cookie and a smile! The annual Tim’s Smile Cookie Campaign kicks off on April 29th and everyone can support the new Dundas Manor by picking up some cookies at the two Tim’s locations in Winchester. Thank you to owners Sarah and Brandon Byers and their team for choosing Dundas Manor as their charity of choice for this year’s week-long cookiefest.

“Our community really is the very best,” sums up Campaign Assistant Cindy

Ault Peters. “Every community event in support of Dundas Manor is special and each one makes a difference – no matter how big or how small. If you have an idea, we’d love to chat. Thank you so much for your support!” For more details about the Dundas Manor campaign, please visit www. dundasmanordream.ca or contact the WDMH Foundation team at 613-774-2422 ext. 6162 or 6169. To chat about fundraising events for Dundas Manor, please contact Cindy Ault Peters at 343-572-6345 or cpeters@ wdmh.on.ca.

Seaway Valley Singers Spring Concert ‘30 Years of Song’

The Seaway Valley Singers will present their Spring Concert on Friday, May 3 at 7:30 pm at the Christian Reformed Church in Williamsburg. The SVS will present a varied program, not only highlighting their 30th anniversary season, but also including music of Charles Stanford, Gabriel Fauré and Gustav Holst - composers celebrating special anniversary years in 2024.

The concert repertoire will include selections from musicals on Broadway (My Fair Lady and Come From Away) as well as spirituals, Canadian folk songs, Shaker melodies and even choral music from symphonic repertoire and a nursery rhyme set to music in the style of Handel!

The Master of Ceremonies for the Concert will be Wendy Gibb.

Tickets are $15 in advance from choir members or online at www.seawayvalleysingers.ca, or $20 at the door. The student price is $10 and there is no charge for children 12 and under. The Church, which is wheelchair accessible, is located at 12436 County Road 18 in Williamsburg, 1⁄2 km east of County Road 31. Info: www.seawayvalleysingers.ca.

Habitat for Humanity completes two more affordable homes in Maxville

The ribbons were cut on April 25 on the first semidetached homes constructed by Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties. Two local families have purchased these new, affordable homes in Maxville with an interest-free, geared to income mortgage held by Habitat Cornwall.

As rental and housing prices continue to rise across the country, working with key community stakeholders to offer the opportunity for affordable home ownership is more important than ever.

In the five years prior to COVID-19, Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties built 3 affordable homes. Since 2020, they have built 5 homes with 2 more planned for 2024. As a direct response to the growing affordable housing crisis, the organization has begun building semidetached homes to increase the number of families served. This is dependent on fundraising, local support, donations, zoning, and more. With a total of 7 projected homes in a 4-year span, Habitat Cornwall is effectively doubling its local impact. This is at a time when build related costs are still very high.

The building lot for Habitat Cornwall’s first semi-detached project was generously contributed by the Township of North Glengarry. A wide variety

of local businesses made financial and in-kind contributions to assist with the completion of the homes. These donors all recognized the importance of stable, affordable housing for local families. The fact that funds raised locally, stay locally within this program, makes an even greater impact.

Well wishes and congratulations were shared with the families from a variety of attendees including donors and supporters.

The Partner Families are purchasing these homes at fair market value and Habitat for Humanity offers them an interest-free, geared to income mortgage that will never exceed 30% of their income. The newest members of the Habitat family completed 500 hours of volunteer service with the organization which included a homeowners education module, to get things off on the right foot. Habitat for Humanity homes aren’t a hand out, they’re a hand up.

As housing prices continue to rise across the country, working within the community to offer affordable home ownerships is more important than ever.

Habitat Cornwall Board Chair, Hank Blasiak shared, “I am proud to say these two families have met the requirements of Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties and have the opportunity to pur-

their hard work.”

As this project wraps, a ground breaking event is already in the works. Habitat Cornwall will break ground May 2nd on their next semi-detached project, this time in Ingleside. The Ingleside project will mark the third and fourth homes under construction in 2024.

For any businesses, community groups or individuals wanting to learn

more about affordable housing opportunities with Habitat for Humanity and how they can help, they are encouraged to reach out to Leigh Taggart at 613-938-0413 ext.2002, by email at leigh@habitatcornwall.org., visit the ReStore at 1400 Vincent Massey Drive, Cornwall or Habitat Cornwall’s website at www. habitatcornwall.org .

chase these new affordable homes. Their dedication shows they are committed to their families and they have invested in homeownership. We wish them stability, strength, growth and years of cherished memories built on their dreams, their determination and

Two new Habitat for Humanity Partner Families celebrating purchasing safe, affordable homes in Maxville.

Prove it in jail

by Brandon Mayer

There is a new “talk of the town” as of last week – speed photo radar, also known as Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) for those with a more vibrant vocabulary. It has been touted as a source of revenue, as a source of safety, and alternatively, opposed as a source of nanny state annoyance and removal of basic freedoms. Whether any of these arguments are true, another argument is certain – ASE is a source of great debate in North Dundas right now.

As reported in the last issue, there was a proposal put forward by Counsellor John Lennox at the last Council meeting to suggest the use of ASE on county roads within North Dundas. Some county roads run through villages and double as streets, such as St. Lawrence Street in Winchester and Main Streets in Chesterville, South Mountain, and Winchester, to name just a few.

The thing that I believe puts many people

off the idea of speed photo radar is the idea that “status quo speeds” will no longer be possible. I may get vilified by some people for this, but for the majority of people, I think it will be relatable: I don’t go 80 km/h on county roads. I’m sure I am one of the many, many people who can and should admit this.

Our county road system consists of extra wide, smooth, wellmaintained roads, usually without sharp curves, and with plenty of visibility and good signage. The SD&G county road system is one to be proud of, and it can easily support a safe travel speed of 100 km/h in many sections. Of course, there are places when 80 km/h makes sense. It is difficult to maintain a steady 100 km/h in the heavily winding section of County Road 3 between Inkerman and South Mountain, for example. For this section, an 80 zone suffices. On the same road, just west of South Mountain, there is a sharp curve just after passing Rick’s Gas Bar (heading west) where the limit has increased to 80 km/h, but it is quite

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I read with interest Brandon Mayer’s editorial "The honourable know best" and wholeheartedly agree that honest accountability is lacking in our system of government. That certainly makes it difficult to be a properly informed voter.

I can't agree with your comments about the carbon tax, however. Yes, most Canadians are opposed. Much of that is due to Mr. Poilievre's constant, inflated and only partially accurate comments. Mr. Trudeau promises a rebate that will help families cope with the tax. It would be interesting to know

more about what the tax and rebate might amount to for, say, an average family of four and for heavily carbon-intensive large industries. In any event, the overriding issue that seems to be seldom mentioned is global warming. The carbon tax is intended to help reduce Canada's carbon emissions by discouraging the use of fossil fuels, as I understand it. Nothing could be more important.

But the affordability of food and housing for so many Canadians needs to be dealt with more directly by means that do not take away from Canada's efforts to combat global warming. While

literally impossible to take that curve at 80 km/h without rolling your vehicle. In other words, outside of settlement areas, drivers are accustomed to using their judgement on safe speed, within a 10-20 km/h margin of the posted speed limit.

I argue that 100 km/h has become “status quo speed” for 90% of SD&G’s county road sections. There are more people travelling a safe margin over the posted speed limit than those who stick right to the speed limit on county roads. This is similar to controlled access highways like the 401, 417 and 416. I dare say that not just some, but MOST drivers are pushing their speed at least to the 110120 km/h range on these highways. Compared to most places I’ve travelled in Canada and the USA, Ontario police are very lax with highway speeds. I have passed many a police car on our county roads going 100 km/h with no issues, same with 400-series highways going 120 km/h. I once again repeat the phrase of my own invention –“status quo speed”. I’ll

the details of how this unaffordability came about may differ depending on who one asks, in the end it does come down to an economic system that works to funnel money upwards to those who already have much more than enough. Steeply taxing the rich would help. Thanks for your thoughtprovoking work.

Karen D. Dukes

add that in settled areas, I stick to the speed limit on the nose. In any of North Dundas’ villages, for example, I go 50 km/h in the 50 zone, no exceptions, and I encourage all drivers to live by that rule.

The proposal which Council will likely consider later this month only applies to roads that have a speed limit of less than 80 km/h. You may ask why I rambled about 80 zones and 100 zones if this is the case. Simple: panic over not being able to drive at “efficient” speeds is the misguided and moot reason why I believe so many people oppose ASE.

Here is the thing about speed photo radar: it is my understanding that a signage requirement exists, where locations of ASE radar zones must be clearly marked for drivers in advance. This means that this enforcement method is not supposed to act as a “general deterrent”, making us all paranoid for the duration of every car journey. The use of ASE would be for specific deterrence in areas where speeding causes real danger, such as near schools. The signage at

these locations would slow most drivers down with no need for fines. Anyone who doesn’t see the signs is likely distracted and shouldn’t be driving in the first place, therefore garnering no sympathy from me when the fine comes in the mail.

I don’t believe that there is an excuse for driving quickly through any village in North Dundas (or anywhere). There are too many drivers who act like hooligans on purpose, perhaps many of them young drivers who are too excited about new freedoms. There is a particular pickup truck with an overly loud muffler that drives by the unloading buses at Winchester Public School on Clarence Street nearly every day. The truck absolutely zooms through the bus unloading zone, and then tears loudly and way too quickly down St. Lawrence Street. I always

wonder what drivers like that have to prove. Do they not realize what a busy and unpredictable spot a residential neighbourhood is? Do they not realize how quickly things can happen in a school zone, particularly when parents are trying to drop off or pick up very young children who are not always road safety conscious? Striking a pedestrian is not an accident – even if they darted out in front of you – when you are driving recklessly. Whatever such people are trying to prove, many of them will one day have to prove it in jail, when they lose their freedom.

Speed photo radar may come to North Dundas one day, and in certain spots, I would welcome it. Next on the agenda – school bus stop arm cameras!

Federal budget abandons people with disabilities

Four years after announcing the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), the federal government continues to fail Canadians with disabilities by launching a benefit that will do next to nothing to alleviate poverty.

The CDB was first announced during the Speech from the Throne in September 2020. From the start, the government, including then-Minister Carla Qualtrough, repeatedly promised a program modelled after the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which costs the treasury around $16 billion per year in support of vulnerable seniors.

“We know how much people get annually on the GIS. We know what people get for CPP disability and we know the provincial disability sup-

port amounts. We are trying to bridge that gap between the poverty line and what people get in their various provinces. That’s the ballpark that we’re working with” ~ Minister Carla Qualtrough March 22, 2023.

Instead, the budget proposes for the CDB an investment of no more than $1.4 billion per year, which is less than 10 per cent of the amount previously indicated. And using the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) as a gateway to the CDB creates significant barriers to access. Twentytwo per cent of Canadians identify as living with a disability, but only a small fraction are DTC holders.

“This benefit is going to give me $200 more per month, which will still leave me living in deep poverty, having to

go to meal programs and food banks just to make it through the month.” said Andrea Hatala, member of Defend Disability. “After such a long wait, this amount is the smallest pittance possible,” said Hatala.

People with disabilities are losing faith and patience, and in some cases, their lives. Canadians patiently waited for the framework legislation to pass last year, while the regulatory process for the benefit is still ongoing. Advocates across the country have been calling for the federal government to fully fund the benefit, and this budget falls woefully short in that regard.

Last week’s Angus Reid poll outlined that while 90 per cent of Canadians support the CDB, only 5 per cent were con-

Hallville Community Park update

fident the federal government will follow through. Evidently, the majority read the federal government's lack of commitment accurately.

“The Canada Disability Benefit as laid out in today’s budget bears little resemblance to the one that was announced in 2020’s Throne Speech. It’s a classic bait and switch that will not ‘bridge that gap.’” said Trevor Manson on behalf of Defend Disability. “It feels like the feds asked themselves, ‘what’s the least we can get away with that will benefit the fewest number of disabled people possible.’”

Giving the CDB short shrift in this budget means that people with disabilities living in poverty won’t receive any relief anytime soon.

by Brandon Mayer

Residents of Hallville have been patiently waiting for years for a promised new park. This spring, they can hope to finally see progress on the project begin.

In response to a question from a resident, Councillor Matthew Uhrig confirmed that phases 1 and 2 of the Hallville

Community Park will begin construction “later this spring”, and that “efforts will continue throughout the summer and fall”.

Phase 1 of the project will see a pathway, culvert, and retaining wall added on the north side of the park property. Phase 2 will see the construction of a pathway along County Road 1, as well as a pedestrian crossing

and an entranceway and parking lot. This second phase will also add two of the park’s anticipated amenities: the junior playground, and an ice rink/multi-use space. Residents of Hallville are undoubtedly eager to enjoy their new recreation space.

The Township’s “Let’s Connect” page has updates posted on the Hallville Community Park

Dundas 4-H Dairy Club Press Report

by Kaylee Daines

On Saturday, April 13, Dundas County 4-H Dairy Club had their first dairy club meeting of the year at the Nelson Laprade center in Chesterville from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. We started the meeting off by introducing ourselves to everyone and then wrote down our goal for 4-H this year. Then we did an ice breaker game where we asked each other a whole bunch of different questions that were on a card that we were given. From there, we proceeded on to elections. Taylor M. was elected President, Ethan V. was elected Vice President, Emily V. was elected Secretary and Kaylee D. was elected Press Reporter. Once the elections were finished, we were split into groups of three to discuss the “DO’S and DON’TS” of judging. Moving on, we were split into two groups, one group identified seeds while the other group judged apple pie. After that, we worked as a club and associated the right seed with the right name. We finished the meeting by enjoying a piece of pie with a scoop of ice cream while leader Dan gave us the official order and reasons for judging the pie.

Public awareness – unregistered online casinos

The Ontario Provincial Police, Investigations and Enforcement Bureau (IEB), in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), is reminding the public to use caution when choosing to access online casino gaming sites found through social media advertisements.

project, the most recent updates (as of the time of writing) having been posted in November of 2023. These updates are in regard to the process by which the Township had residents vote on different potential designs, giving residents a chance to have their say in what the park would look like, and what amenities it would have. Further updates as well as community discussion on the project can be found at https:// letsconnect.northdundas. com/projects/hallvillecommunity-park.

On April 11, 2024, the OPP's Investigation and Enforcement Bureau was notified of a suspected fraudulent gaming advertisement depicting an online gaming platform hosted by Casino RAMA. When clicked, the fraudulent advertisement redirects the user to a false application download page. This webpage is associated with WinSpirit Casino which is an unregistered gaming website. Casino RAMA is not associated with WinSpirit Casino or any other unregistered online casinos.

In Ontario, regulated gaming sites are held to high standards of game integrity, data security and player protections. Ontario residents who choose to gamble online are being reminded to be aware of such advertisements and to always ensure the gaming site they are playing on is registered with the AGCO. A full list of Ontario's regulated casino and internet gaming sites can be found on the OLG and iGaming Ontario websites.

The IEB is a division of the OPP, embedded within the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and is responsible for conducting criminal, provincial and regulatory eligibility investigations to ensure integrity and public safety within the AGCO-regulated industries.

Baldwin's Birds

A Song Sparrow’s song in a Flicker of the eye

Well, it looks like the Spring sun is starting to emerge on a more regular basis, as do the sightings of some of our returning birds. Some of them have even started to herald us with their beautifully distinctive songs, such as the Song Sparrow that did just that by a waterside spot that I had stopped at, hoping to see a Heron. I didn't see one that day, but did see two male Common Mergansers and a female

who seemed to be doing some sort of "attraction" ritual, by rushing about and splashing water in the air. They were quite a distance away from me so it was difficult to discern what she was actually doing, but they all made a beautiful sight together, as they skirted the dried up reed bed on the water.

Whilst watching them, a distinctive and persistent song was being sung in a very nearby bush and so my attention was drawn

away from the water. It was an easy job to follow the sound, which was that of a Song Sparrow singing its heart out and how beautifully it did it too! The bird's head was back and its beak opened wide as it serenaded the world. Super!

Following this experience, we once more hit the road for home, with nothing more notable happening until we saw, whilst travelling at 80kmph, ahead of us on the right hand side of the road, what we thought were Turkeys. Wrong! It was a group of three Turkey Vultures, which we flashed past, before realising what we had just missed! Nothing was behind us, but to skid to a halt and then back up to investigate didn't seem like a very good idea, and the Vultures would have probably thought the same thing too,-- so we didn't! Ah well…next time!

Back home to our own territory and our own backyard we weren't disappointed early the next morning, to catch sight of a Common Flicker which alighted on the ground as I watched a Robin hop across the grass. The Flicker was very tentative didn't really settle down, and soon flew to a tree before disappearing out of sight into our neighbours' garden. It made a very fleeting re-appearance later, and I managed to get a picture of it and then it was gone!

Hopefully, you are seeing some action in your neck of the woods too. Enjoy whatever you see and stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

65,000 Ontario hospital workers awarded 6% wage increase

from CommunityWire

65,000 Ontario hospital workers represented by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions – CUPE (OCHU-CUPE) and SEIU Healthcare will see a 6% wage increase (3% wage increases in each of the next two years), improvements to health and dental benefits, enhancements to weekend, evening, and night premiums, and pay for periods of quarantine or isolation due to outbreaks of communicable illnesses. This comes as a result of an intensive round of coordinated bargaining and almost identical, two-year arbitrated contracts awarded by Arbitrator William Kaplan to OCHU-CUPE and SEIU Healthcare on Thursday. This award follows a June 2023 Kaplan decision that awarded these same workers a 6.25% retroactive wage increase following the defeat of Doug Ford’s unconstitutional Bill 124.

This past fall, along with Unifor, OCHU-CUPE and SEIU Healthcare proposed to bargain jointly with the Ontario Hospital Association but were denied in what the unions called “a decision clearly made to divide the unions and weaken outcomes for hospital workers.” Notwithstanding, the unions signed a Solidarity Pact and maintained collaboration and coordination across the bargaining tables. This is just the beginning from unions bringing workers together to save our hospitals.

In addition to other compensation and benefit improvements, the unions also achieved mandatory reporting around agency usage, which financial reporting makes clear is an expensive band-aid to the long-running staffing crisis.

The award also provides for a review of healthcare work which has been privatized, with a view to assessing the viability of bringing it back within Ontario’s public hospitals.

“Hospital workers can temporarily breathe a sigh of relief knowing their wages are going up six percent over the next two years with this new contract,” said Sharleen Stewart, President, SEIU Healthcare. “Patients deserve hospital workers who are focused on them, not the economic anxieties they face because of years of attacks from the provincial government. After our unions delivered Premier Ford a defeat on Bill 124, this award is a win for hospital workers who have been holding the healthcare system together with sacrifice and grit, and it’s a brutal recognition that hospital services will indeed collapse without better wages for frontline staff. While data shows that Ontario patients are waiting longer for the care they need, healthcare workers shouldn’t have to beg for the tools to do their jobs well. Unfortunately, the Ford government refused to join us at the bargaining table to hear directly from frontline staff who know the solution to healthcare access can only come from investments in nurse-to-patient ratios. On that, Premier Ford is AWOL. So, here’s a policy solution even politicians can understand: Raise the wage. Hire the staff. Fix the care.”

“Today’s arbitration decision will lift the spirits of frontline hospital workers who are struggling with impossible workloads in a staff retention crisis,” said Michael Hurley, President, OCHU-CUPE. “Significant improvements to dental and other benefits, real wage increases, and substantial adjustments to premiums will all contribute to making these frontline hospital staff feel valued and help them to better cope with the cost-ofliving crisis that all working people are facing. New measures to police agency nursing profits, review contracted-out work, and provide stable weekend staffing are also good steps forward. However, we do regret that we were unable to advance towards nurse-topatient ratios in this agreement.”

Chamber Social

The North Dundas Chamber of Commerce held a business owners’ social at Sandy Row Golf Course in South Mountain on April 15. About 20 business owners were in attendance, and much fruitful discussion took place.

New look coming to Kemptville’s CR 43

by Brandon Mayer

It has been long anticipated, and now it has finally begun – the widening of a designated stretch of County Road 43 within Kemptville town limits is now underway. The project has been named “The Boulevard”, and is intended not only to increase the functionality of the road – which has been struggling to keep up with traffic demand for years –but also to “urbanize” it.

“The project will include changing the existing 2-lane rural roadway with ditches to a 4-lane urban roadway with curbs and storm sewers,” reads a project description on the Municipality of North Grenville website. “The roadway construction will include 4 new roundabouts and modifications to 2 existing roundabouts. The 4-lane roadway will be constructed with centre medians to limit the turning movements to the roundabouts except between James Street and Anniversary Way that includes a 5th lane to provide access to adjacent commercial establishments. There will be 3 metre wide multi-use pathways (MUPs) that allow 2-way travel on both sides of the roadway as well as pedestrian crossings planned with pedestrian activated flashing beacons.

“The work also in-

cludes the removal and replacement of the existing 2-lane bridge on County Road 43 over the Kemptville Creek with a new 4-lane bridge extending to the South. The bridge will provide four lanes that are each 3.3m wide, in addition to two MUPs on each side of the bridge measuring 3m each.”

While the improvements to County Road 43 – which are expected to take approximately 3 years to complete – are sure to be welcomed by many, another potential change to the same stretch of road is already causing complaints. The Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation, which provides many recreational amenities (including amenities for North Dundas residents such as the popular fenced dog park), has asked the Municipality of North Grenville to sell a 13 acre plot of land adjacent to County Road 43, to the north. The plot of land is easily recognizable as a set of agricultural fields which sharply contrast the commercial buildings on the opposite side of the highway.

The FFC is struggling to keep up with its operating costs. It has assured all those who enjoy the recreational amenities such as the trails and the dog park – including those from North Dundas and beyond – that the proposed land sale would not result in the loss of any amenities.

The FFC is hoping that once the Municipality sells the land, which it currently leases to FFC as very low quality agricultural land, the proceeds from the sale (less any expenses incurred by the Municipality) can be donated back to FFC to keep the Corporation afloat.

Officials from FFC have been very transparent about their financial struggles, owing to the “rising cost of everything”. The equipment being used by the Corporation is decades old, and maintenance costs are becoming increasingly challenging. Approximately $2 million would be needed to keep the operation running. Council on the North Grenville side of the border is considering the proposal, as well as other ways to potentially help the FFC without having to sell any land. It is doubtless that if sold, there would be business developments on both sides of County Road 43 between Anniversary Way and St. Michael Catholic High School. A petition has already been started by those opposed to the potential development.

While the proposed FFC land sale may or may not happen, the widening of County Road 43 is a sure change on the horizon. Just how much other change will be happening to the aesthetics of “The Boulevard” remains to be seen.

35 years and 10 months … 39 years and 5 months … That’s #WDMHProud!

Christine Hartle came to work at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) because she wanted to look after her community. She has done that for more than 35 years - and she has looked after her colleagues as well!

Christine started and finished her career in Complex Continuing Care but worked in many other units too including Med Surg and Pediatrics over the past three decades. “What I will miss most is my girls - and Brandon!” she says, referring to her colleagues. “I’m called Mama C because I like to feed them.”

Christine says she is looking forward to camping, babysitting her grandchildren and travel.

When Rose Ormsby got called in for an interview at WDMH, she had no one to drive her and she didn’t have a license. So she just jumped in the car and figured it out! Almost 40 years later, she says she is glad she did.

“I learned to cook at WDMH. I wasn’t that great before,” she laughs. Rose has worked in Dietary Services almost her whole career and says she likes the variety, her co-workers and the many patients she has met along the way. “I came from Ireland in 1979 and came to Chesterville two years later. We had no family here so my colleagues were my family and friends. They are lovely, good people.”

Rose is also looking forward to more time with family including visiting those in Ireland and staying a little longer. She is also coming back to WDMH on a casual basis, but “not too much” she says!

Enjoy your retirement Christine and Rose and thank you for your incredible commitment to WDMH and our patients.

If you would like to provide comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Winchester District Memorial Hospital at 613.774.1049 or by email at cboland@wdmh.on.ca.

The plot of land that FFC wants the Municipality of North Grenville to sell.

Happy Mother's Day

Exploring the challenges of motherhood

Motherhood, often portrayed with soft lighting and gentle lullabies, is a journey fraught with challenges that test the very essence of a woman's strength and resilience. While the joys of nurturing a new life are undeniable, the path to maternal fulfillment is lined with hurdles that demand unwavering courage and patience. Let's delve into the labyrinth of motherhood, exploring the myriad challenges that mothers face in today's complex world.

1. Balancing Act

One of the foremost challenges of motherhood lies in the delicate balance between caregiving

and personal aspirations. Mothers juggle myriad roles – nurturer, educator, breadwinner – often at the expense of their own needs and ambitions. The constant tug-of-war between selflessness and self-preservation can leave many mothers grappling with feelings of guilt and inadequacy.

2. Society's Expectations Society imposes a set of rigid expectations on mothers, dictating everything from their parenting style to their appearance. The pressure to embody the ideal of the perfect mother, who effortlessly manages both career and family while maintaining a flawless facade, can be overwhelming. This societal scrutiny often undermines a mother's confidence, fostering a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.

3. Mental and Emotional Toll

Motherhood is an emotional rollercoaster, characterized by highs of boundless love and lows of profound exhaustion and anxiety. The relentless demands of caregiving, coupled with the isolation that many mothers experience, can take a significant toll on their mental health. Postpartum depression, anxiety, and burnout are pervasive issues that warrant greater recognition and support.

4. Work-Life Balance

For mothers who choose to pursue careers outside the home, achiev-

5. Financial Strain

ing work-life balance can seem like an insurmountable challenge. The lack of adequate parental leave policies, affordable childcare options, and workplace flexibility exacerbates the struggle to reconcile professional aspirations with familial responsibilities. The resulting stress and fatigue can hinder both career advancement and maternal well-being.

The financial burden of raising a child is a reality that many mothers grapple with on a daily basis. From the exorbitant cost of childcare to the gender pay gap that disproportionately affects women, financial strain can exacerbate existing inequalities and perpetuate socioeconomic disparities. For single mothers and those from marginalized communities, the challenge of providing for their families is particularly acute.

6. Navigating Motherhood in the Digital Age

The advent of social media has ushered in a new set of challenges for mothers, who are bombarded with curated images of perfection and unattainable standards of motherhood. The pressure to showcase an idyllic family life on platforms like Instagram can fuel feelings of inadequacy and comparison, further exacerbating the mental and emotional toll of motherhood.

7. Societal Support and Stigma

While motherhood is celebrated in theory, the reality often falls short of the support and recognition that mothers truly deserve. The absence of affordable healthcare, parental leave policies, and accessible childcare options underscores society's failure to prioritize the well-being of mothers and children. Moreover, societal stigma surrounding issues such as breastfeeding in public or maternal mental health can compound the challenges that mothers face.

Conclusion Motherhood is a journey fraught with challenges, yet it is also a profound source of strength, resilience, and love. By acknowledging and addressing the myriad obstacles that mothers encounter, society can strive to create a more supportive and equitable environment for maternal well-being. Let us champion the diverse experiences of mothers and empower them to navigate the labyrinth of motherhood with grace and determination.

Unraveling the Essence: The true meaning of Mother's Day

In the calendar of celebrations, one day stands as a beacon of appreciation, love, and gratitude — Mother's Day. Yet, amidst the flurry of flowers, cards, and brunches, the true essence of this day often gets obscured. Beyond the material gestures lies a profound significance that resonates universally: a celebration of the nurturing essence that mothers embody and the invaluable contributions they make to our lives.

Mother's Day, as we know it today, emerged in the early 20th century thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who campaigned for a day to honour the sacrifices mothers make for their children. However, its roots stretch back further, echoing ancient traditions that revered motherhood and maternal figures. From the ancient Greeks honoring Rhea, the mother of the gods, to the Romans celebrating Hilaria, a festival dedicated to Cybele, the mother goddess, cultures across time have recognized the importance of mothers in shaping societies.

At its core, Mother's Day transcends mere gift-giving; it's a commemoration of the selfless love, boundless sacrifices, and unwavering support that mothers provide. It's a day to reflect on the countless nights spent soothing fevers, the gentle encouragement whispered in moments of doubt, and the unspoken understanding that forms the bedrock of maternal bonds. Motherhood en-

compasses not just biological ties but also the nurturing relationships forged through adoption, mentorship, and maternal figures who guide and inspire us.

Yet, Mother's Day is not solely about celebrating individual mothers. It's about honouring the collective strength of all women who embody maternal qualities — caregivers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and friends. It's a tribute to

the resilience of women who navigate the complexities of motherhood in diverse forms and circumstances, often overcoming formidable challenges with grace and determination.

Most importantly, Mother's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and support for mothers worldwide.

Mother's Day Colouring contest submissions

Yes, don’t do that

by Brandon Mayer

Last week, an area parent posted online about taking her children to the park, only to have some local preteens show up and ruin the experience by being “disrespectful”. As with pretty much any topic of local discussion, opinions were divided when the original poster asked if she was in the wrong for asking the kids to be more respectful. Ask and you shall receive opinions, mine included. And this particular topic happens to be one that I know a lot about.

I am all about respect – I work in the school system, where day-to-day life would turn to chaos without basic rules, boundaries, respect, and consequences. One thing to remember, though, is that respect runs both ways.

Kids will be kids and teens will be teens. “Disrespectful” may be the correct word for name-calling or swearing (both of which happened in the incident that was reported online), but what does it take to get to that point? Are teenagers just naturally inclined to run their mouths at everyone they meet? Are all teenagers naturally menaces to young children? Or… is it possible

that teenagers all go through the same awkward, boisterous, hormone-filled phases that most of us remember going through? Coupled with an unfortunate “labelling” of many teenagers as innately “up to no good” no matter where they go or what they do, the result may be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I have noticed in my work that teenagers are innately “feared” by young children, probably because of the “loud” character of their demeanor. I actively work to change that. When running the after school program at the school I work at, teenagers will often come and use the basketball court, or sometimes just socialize in the yard. The younger kids in my care are almost always fearful and don’t want to be anywhere near the teens. I actively encourage the younger kids to interact with the teens! Most of the time, the teens are all too eager to act as “big buddies”, teaching sports moves and sometimes even giving wholesome advice.

Another thing I have noticed is that when I approach teens with basic respect, I always get it in return. If I hear swearing, I am obligated to address it for the sake of the little ones’ ears, but I always

realize that conflict breeds conflict, while collaboration and mutual respect gets positive results. I’ll walk up and shoot a couple of balls with them. I’ll make casual, positive small talk. And I’ll open the discussion of the issue by pointing out how I love to see local teens using the schoolyard as a “hub” for hangouts, and that they are more than welcome to share the space with us. Then, the simplest sentence in a light tone can work unbelievable magic: “Can you guys watch the swearing though? Just because the little ones tend to repeat things.” I have never, in all my years, had a bad reaction to this approach. The conversation is filled with nothing but respect from the beginning, and the solid promises made – whether it be to keep rough behaviour to a minimum, or to leave half the court free for the younger kids, or to clean up the language – are always kept.

There will be those who will read my above suggestions and argue that I am “woke” (I still don’t fully understand what that means). I have a problem with this. If you will accept nothing besides instant obedience when barking orders at a group of teens who were

Life with Connor the Weatherman

featuring Connor Mockett

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to another week of Life with Connor the Weatherman! This week I’d like to talk about an upcoming trip I’m going on, my usual “chasecation” as some might call it, which means a vacation to go storm chasing. In previous years, I’d be going to Alberta, which I did in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This season, I’m changing it up, and heading into the area that sees the most tornadoes on the planet!

I’m heading into Tornado Alley, USA for 2 weeks this May, the second half of May to be specific. I’m not

going by myself either, I’m teaming up with 3 other Canadian storm chasers, Jordan Carruthers, Tom Smetana, and Braydon Morriseau. All 3 of them have immense storm chasing and tornado chasing experience, so I (and we) will be in good hands to keep each other safe. We’re calling ourselves The Eh! Team.

Jordan, Tom, and Braydon will be down there before I am. They’re all going for the entire month of May, I can only do 2 weeks just because of work. There will be live streams going on from their vehicle, which I will see if I can somehow second hand broadcast it onto my Facebook page as well for everyone to watch. I’m super, extraordinarily excited to get down there in what is likely to be the greatest chasing vacation of my life, being nearly guaranteed to see a tornado when I’m down there in their peak season. Only a couple more weeks until I hit the road!

just out trying to have some fun without turning to vandalism, or drugs, or fighting, then YOU are the problem. If you prefer obedience over real solutions, then you believe in control, not respect. We complain about kids of all ages being on their video games too much. We encourage them to play outside. Note that in the social media post I referred to earlier, the teens’ original “offense” was jumping on the teeter totters. Well… bigger kids tend to enjoy more boisterous play. Regardless of their age, they are still local kids trying to have fun at a public park. Discouraging teens from having fun outside after relentlessly encouraging them to play outside is like having them ask “Should we play at the park?” and answering with “Yes, don’t do that”.

I don’t doubt that there are some local teens who need some discipline, and for whom respect does not come naturally. However, if we are to accept that “it takes a village to raise a child”, then we need to model basic respect, courtesy, and understanding for our older youth as well. Parents beware: your little ones will be teens someday too.

CDSBEO Strategic Plan Update

Superintendents of School Effectiveness Brent Bovaird, Norma McDonald, and Tracy O’Brien presented an update on the CDSBEO Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The Plan serves as a roadmap for achieving the Board’s strategic priorities, which are anchored by four key principles: believing, protecting, learning, and nurturing. These principles guide the daily work within CDSBEO schools and administrative offices.

Examples of the Board’s many engaging and robust opportunities for student learning were highlighted, along with examples of activities, events, faith-based celebrations, essential community partnerships, and achievements related to program and curriculum delivery. This work aligns and fulfills the priorities outlined in the Plan and provides tangible evidence of how CDSBEO schools are safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where faith, equity, and the Catholic Social Teachings are embedded in all that we do.

Director of Education Laurie Corrigan also presented information to Trustees regarding a proposed process and consultation timelines for developing the new 2025-2030 CDSBEO Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The process will involve a synodal consultation to collect input from staff working groups and plenary discussions. These discussions will form the basis for phase two of consultations, which includes collecting input from many stakeholder groups. Trustees approved a motion to strike a committee to guide this work.

“Tonight’s presentation was truly exceptional, and we have witnessed the many examples of how the Board’s strategic priorities come to life within our school communities. Thank you for putting together this remarkable presentation,” concluded Chair Wilson.

To view the presentation video, please visit: CDSBEO Strategic Plan Update

Assistance needed in missing person case

It’s about two and a half days to get down to where I want to get to (barring any route changes due to chasing). Of course, with me living in Moncton right now, I’ll be leaving from here to head that way. I’ll be heading back to Eastern Ontario to spend a night at home in Winchester, which helps skip a night of having to get a hotel because I can just use my parents house as my hotel for a night. If work scheduling works out, I may even spend an extra day there before heading into the US, if I have the time to hang around.

From Winchester, my current plan is to head to Terre Haute, Indiana, which is about 13 hours of driving. Of course, I don’t book any hotels or anything until I know exactly where I want to stop, just in case I don’t think I can make it as far as I want to. I could go further, or I could stop earlier than planned in Cincinnati or something. Lots of things I

can do either way.

Day 3 of travel to my planned destination is shorter, maybe only 10 hours, which is an easy day. My final destination, which is kind of a hub for a lot of chasers when they’re in the area, is Norman, Oklahoma. Norman is kind of in the middle of everything, with highways that go into Kansas and Texas, and I expect to chase in all 3 of those States (probably even more than just those 3).

I’m hoping to be able to get some crazy tornado photos and videos. Some photos from this trip will likely be in my 2025 calendars. This trip will definitely contribute to a bunch of lifetime memories with chasing, friends, and photography. I’m super pumped, and I can’t wait to show you all what I come up with when I’m down there in Tornado Alley!

The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing person.

Brian, 51 years of age, from Newfoundland, is a transport truck driver who was heading back to Newfoundland and was expected on the east coast this week. Brian's family last heard from him on April 24, 2024. They tracked the truck's GPS to a gas station on County Road-27 in the Summerstown area and then contacted the OPP.

SD&G OPP officers confirmed Brian's truck was at that location but could not find Brian. His personal belongings were in the vehicle.

Surveillance video shows the missing man getting out of his truck at the gas station just after 4:30 p.m. on April 24, 2024, and walking to the front of his truck. He is not seen again on video.

Brian is described as:

- 5'10" (178 cm), - medium build, 200 lbs (91 kg), - brown eyes, and - short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, jeans and possibly a ball cap.

The OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit and Remote Piloted Aerial System conducted a search of the area.

Anyone with information should contact the SD&G OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122 and reference incident E240508329.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

UPCOMING

EVENTS

THE SEAWAY VALLEY SINGERS PRESENT their Spring Concert “30 YEARS OF SONG” on Friday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Christian Reformed Church in Williamsburg. Adults $15 in advance ($20 at door), Students $10, 12 & under FREE. Info & tickets at www.seawayvalleysingers.ca.

The Annual Meeting of the Ormond Cemetery Board will be Monday May 6, 2024 at 7:00pm. All are welcome! Please contact ormondcemetery@gmail.com if you're interested in attending.

National Association of Federal Retirees - Cornwall and District Branch annual members meeting, May 9, Cornwall Legion, 10h30, lunch included.

YARD SALE - May 11, 8am to 4pm. 1670 Christina Cresc, Hallville

68th Mountain-south mountain United church BBQ. United church BBQ may 25 from 11 am to 6 pm at the church south mountain. Contact:Kevin Boyd for more info. 613-989-1389

Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 12, Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario

SERVICE DIRECTORY

OASIS PAINTING

Free Quotes! INTERIOR / EXTERIOR 613-408-4432 - William

Matt's Iphone Repair

613-899-7203

Serving Winchester & Area

Temporary Administrative Assistant Needed

The Winchester United Church/Pastoral Charge is seeking a part time Administrator (12 month contract with possibility for extension) strong customer service, organizational and computer skills (MSOffice and Social Media Platforms) are essential. Previous administrative experience is required and previous bookkeeping experience an asset. All interested candidates forward their resumes to wucpcsearch@outlook.com no later than May 13th, 2024.

CHURCH Directory

To have your Church listed here please contact Nanda at nanda@ngtimes.ca

Southgate Winchester Campus 539 Main Street, Winchester Phone: 613-258-6123

https://southgatechurch.com/ Services: Sundays at 10am (Kids program for toddlers - Gr 6) Play Group for parents of babies to preschool meets Wednesdays at 10am.

ACROSS

1. Aspersion

5. Cain's brother

9. A bushy hairdo

13. Sharpen

14. Monetary units of Serbia

16. Lowly laborer

17. Probabilities

18. Reliance

19. Bucket

20. Ocean trenches

22. Intellectual

24. Decree

26. Above a baritone

27. Intersection

30. Storm drains

33. Eating areas

35. Hillside

37. Antiquity

38. Horde

41. Driveway surface

42. Sleighs

45. Loses hope

48. Medium-sized penguins

51. Recessed

52. Ear-related

54. Hats

55. Sublet

59. Apprehensive

62. A Great Lake

63. Coronet

65. District

66. Towards the back

67. Imps

68. A sheet of ice for curling

69. Low in pitch

70. Evergreens

71. Adjusts DOWN

1. Not barefoot

2. Prospector's find

3. Vulnerable

4. Breathe in and out

5. Appropriate 6. Taverns

to last week’s Sudoku

7. Belch

8. Whips

9. Clothing

10. Foreboding

11. Aggravate

12. Sole

15. Rock

21. Sodium chloride

23. Not highs

25. Makes lace

27. Lyric poems

28. Fancy home

29. Church bench

31. Rotating spit oven

32. Extra

34. Unhappy

36. Once, long ago

39. Color of some sunsets

40. Millisecond

43. Merchants

44. Turn on a pivot

46. Reverberation

47. Shows up

49. Angered

50. Without difficulty

Depart

Belgrade native

Fertilizer component

Partiality

Illustrated

Let out

Long-haired wild oxen

Donkey

The Pulse Youth (Gr 6 -12) meets bi-weekly on Fridays at 7pm.

The Ladies Group meets bimonthly. Contact the church office for more info

THE GATHERING HOUSE

2 Water Street

Chesterville, ON K0C 1H0

613-448-1758 Sunday church service 10 am. Nursery and Sunday school available for children.

Various adult Bible studies throughout the week. Details at thegatheringhouse.ca STEM program & Youth group Wednesdays at 6:30 pm

Playgroup drop in 10:30 am on Fridays

HUB youth drop in 7 -10 pm

Fridays

Cafe Mon & Fri 9 am -4 pm Wed 12 -4 pm

Solomon’ Porch Nationside Pentecostal Church

Pastor Scott Sayers

Meeting Sunday 10:30am. 9 William St. Chesterville, Ont. ( The Nelson LaPrade Centre) Box 292 Chesterville 613-448-2272 nationsidepentecostalchurch.ca

Nanda Wubs Huizenga

Farmers focused on environmental sustainability

by Drew Spoelstra, President, OFA

Every year, Earth Day draws our collective attention to environmental issues – which is exactly what it was designed to do when it was first launched in the United States more than 50 years ago.

Climate change has also been sharpening the world’s focus on the environment, resulting in growing demand for greater environmental sustainability and new government policies around everything from taxation and emissions targets to phasing out the use of products like plastics.

None of this is new to

farmers, however. We’ve always had to work with the environment to be successful and create businesses that are both environmentally and financially sustainable, and we know the importance of healthy soils, fresh air and clean sources of water.

Stewardship of the land is a responsibility that we take seriously, and Ontario farmers have long been implementing practices that can mitigate our impact on the environment. These include reducing tillage and soil erosion, protecting wetlands and watersheds, planting trees, and responsible management of nutrients like manure and fertilizer, for example.

The climate impacts everything we do as we raise livestock and grow crops, from extreme weather events and soaring temperatures and droughts to new crop diseases and pests that couldn’t previously thrive here.

Depending on where someone farms or what

kind of crops they grow, they will need different practices to be productive and sustainable, but there are many different ways to put environmental sustainability into practice on the farm.

My family and I farm near Hamilton, where we milk cows, pasture beef cattle, grow crops and raise Clydesdales. For decades, we’ve been making changes that make our farm more sustainable and support soil health and we continue to do so on an ongoing basis.

Much of what we do focuses on preserving and boosting the health of our soils – healthy and productive farmland is a fundamental building block of food production and the future of farming in Ontario. We’ve installed tiled drainage in some of our fields to help the land better manage water, we grow cover crops to improve soil quality, nutrient uptake and water filtration and we limit activities that cause soil compaction so

that we can create a better soil structure.

We also make sure that we test our soils regularly and manage our nutrients properly, following the 4R stewardship program of placing the right nutrients at the right rate in the right place at the right time to minimize their impacts on air and water.

And like most farmers, we are always making investments and improvements to equipment so that we have precise control over where and how we spread manure, fertilizer or spray plant protection products, for example.

That’s why we believe it’s very important for government and other policymakers to take a close look at the positive environmental changes that have already been happening in agriculture for the last 20 years or more, and take those into account when they’re developing new programming or requirements around sustainability and climate change mitigation. Not everything requires action above and beyond what is already normal farm practice.

At the same time, building environmental sustainability and resilience is a collective responsibility and farmers

can’t do it alone. Many of these activities also come with broader public and societal benefits, and we will need technical and financial support if we are to remain competitive in a global marketplace and make investments into new technologies.

We also need a streamlined regulatory environment with greater collaboration between all levels of government so that their policies and legislation aren’t contradicting each other or creating unintended consequences for farm businesses that limit

our ability to produce food. A key part of that is ensuring that we preserve our farmland and prioritize it for agricultural production. Ensuring that governments at every level implement policy that allows farm businesses to thrive and grow has never been more critical.

And finally, consumers can show their support too by buying local, going to farmers’ markets and learning about what we’re doing right here at home to improve the sustainability of our local food system.

Call

Elevator: 613-774-4246

ANDRE MENARD & SONS

Home: 613-774-3305 • Cell: 613-229-2142

12650 Ormond Road, Winchester, Ontario

14 arrested for using emergency grandparent scam across Canada

More than $739,000

Swindled from 126 Victims Police have arrested 14 individuals in Montréal linked to the emergency grandparent scam that targeted victims across Canada.

In September 2022, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch began an intelligence probe into a group involved in the fraud. In February 2023, the probe was formalized as an OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB)-led joint forces operation (JFO), known as Project Sharp, and consisted of 11 Ontario and Quebec police services in total.

Aimed at seniors with a landline telephone, the group using the emergency grandparent scam pretended to be an officer or a lawyer and claimed to have the victim's grandchild or family member in custody. They would request bail

money to secure the victim's family member's release. In most cases, "money mules" (unsuspecting couriers) were used to collect the money. The victims were instructed not to speak to anyone due to a "gag order" they said was in effect. Since February 2022, the group of suspects is responsible for over $2.2 million in reported losses Canada-wide.

From January 22, 2024, to April 8, 2024, there were 126 identified victims who lost approximately $739,000 to the organized crime group running the fraud. Of these 126 victims, 15 were revictimized multiple times losing more than $243,000. Investigators have worked with financial institutions and the Canadian Bankers Association to prevent or recover more than $559,000 in losses.

Though victims were located across Canada, the majority of the targeted

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters, RSSW

Is your perspective congruent with society norms or are you biased? or radical? or even totally contrary to others? Perspective is based on knowledge, experience and interpretation. Your perspective is yours, and validated by your own perception of things. To alter your perspective involves being vulnerable and open minded. Being closed to new ideas creates barriers in most relationships. The use of "I statements" goes a long way to developing communication and cooperation.

Bringing about change begins by acknowledging new information, new understanding and new ideology. We all have quirks that can possibly hinder us from adapting to new concepts. We are often "half-full or half empty" personalities.

Contemplate the question"could it be?" Whether the interpretation of situations is based on "nature versus nurture" is open to contemplation. In our perceptions, we formulate a response that is based on a desire to survive, flourish and even maintain a sense of power. When faced with strong, dominating perspectives, consider the passion and relevance to that individual. It doesn't dismiss your perspective nor discredit you! The opportunity to delve into the rationale behind a perspective creates more compassion and acceptance of differences. Reference points vary with the individual. For example, "lamb" may conjure up a lamb chop meal for some, while others picture a cute cuddle creature or Christians immediately think of the Lamb of God. Everyone is entitled to their interpretation.

individuals live in Ontario, with an age range of 46 to 95 years old. All of the victims were provided supports and fraud prevention material.

As a result of the investigation, 14 individuals were arrested and 56 charges were laid. A list of arrested persons, their municipality of residence and their respective charges is attached to this media release (see ADDENDUM - PROJECT SHARP). Additional information including a video and a project poster is located within the Project Sharp media kit (opp.ca/news).

Project Sharp is JFO-led by the OPP and involves support from the Sûreté Du Québec, Halton Regional Police Service, York Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, Hamilton Police Service, Peel Regional Police, Durham Regional Police Service, Ottawa Police Service, Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal,

Service de Police de Laval, and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. Additional assistance was provided by United States Homeland Security Investigations, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of the emergency grandparent scam or any fraud is urged to contact their local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca. You can also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's online reporting system or by phone at 1-888495-8501. For resources on scams and fraud, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

Today is the day to start evaluating your perspective. Use the awareness to grow and flourish while acknowledging that others may have a differing perspective. Together, we strengthen our community.

Leave Well so others can live well

This year, National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, recognized annually since 1997 in the last full week in April, celebrates Canadians who have chosen to Leave Well so that others can live well.

No one likes to think about dying. But, spoiler alert: it is going to happen. Choosing to Leave Well when the time comes means choosing to register to be an organ and tissue donor, and ultimately becoming the kind of human who may help others keep on living when your turn with living is up. It’s a pretty nice way to wrap up this whole adventure, don’t you think?

Talking about your decision to register to become an organ and tissue donor is extremely important. Your loved ones must give consent to honour your wishes at the end of your life; if you’ve already talked about it, it’s easier for them to do the right thing.

Leave Well speaks to the positivity of leaving a legacy, of choosing to do the right thing at the end of your life. It speaks to the pride in choosing to register to be an organ and tissue donor. The heroes of the Leave Well campaign are regular do-gooding people from across Canada who choose to register to become an organ donor.

“I initially registered to become an organ donor without a second thought. It just logically made sense. When I lost my cousin Charmaine this past February, the meaning behind organ donation became so much deeper as I saw the impact it has had through her organ donation. Not only did it change the lives of the recipients and their families, but it brought a deep comfort to our family knowing she is still making a difference in the world every day. It was a thread that held us together in a tragic time.” - Michelle from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Did you know?

Only one to two per cent of people who die can be considered for organ donation. That’s because people have to die in a very specific way for organ donation to be an option.

More than 4,000 Canadians are on the organ waitlist. There are thousands more waiting for a life-improving tissue donation. Find out how you can Leave Well, visit donateyourorgans.ca

National Immunization Week was April

22-30

National Immunization Awareness Week took place from April 22 to 30. Immunization is of key interest to public health. The theme for this year was “Protect Your Future. Get immunized.” Prevention of illnesses is one of the public health mandates and immunization is a great way to be protected against illness and severe symptoms. Many of us don’t have knowledge of vaccine preventable diseases because high immunization rates have made these diseases rare, for example Measles, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Meningococcal Disease, Mumps and Rubella (German Measles). It is important to keep those vaccination rates high to keep those diseases from resurfacing. Good, credible information about vaccines can help you to make the right decision for you and your family: https://immunize.ca/diseases-vaccines .

Earlier this year, the health units started sending letters to parents of children whose school immunization records were not complete. The Health Unit assesses each child individually, based on the known vaccine records. Letters are only sent if your child’s immunization is incomplete. Many of these children already have their immunizations but parents just need to submit proof. From this first round of reminder letters, many records were received from parents whose children had been vaccinated. For those who did not get vaccinated, you can still book an appointment for your child at your local health unit location, or online.

Vaccines aren't just for kids… adults are important too. There are some vaccines that the ministry has given extended eligibility for adults: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ vaccine-resources-professionals#section-2. For example, anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but older adults and those who are immunocompromised are at greatest risk. Two-thirds of shingles cases in Canada happen to people over 50 years old. The severity of shingles and its complications also increase with age. To qualify for the free Shingrix® vaccine series, you must be a senior aged 65 to 70 years old and have not received any publicly funded shingles vaccine or have previously paid for a dose of the Zostavax® II vaccine. Since immunization services were affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals born from 1949 to 1953 who missed the opportunity to receive the publicly funded shingles vaccine are eligible to receive Shingrix® and complete the 2-dose series by December 31, 2024. Adults are also recommended to get a tetanus vaccine every 10 years, and those who are 65 and over can get a vaccine to prevent certain pneumonias—these vaccines are also free.

For more information about immunization and vaccine preventable diseases, visit healthunit.org or eohu.ca.

Are the US presidential candidates too old?

It’s a question on the minds of most Americans, and others too. Biden is 81 and Trump 77. Are they sufficiently healthy in body and mind to be President? Neither candidate has agreed to a comprehensive and transparent assessment of their mental health. But their state of mind is important, particularly now, when Putin is threatening the use of nuclear weapons. Are they both afraid of getting a D result? And what about being honest with the American public, knowing they face an exhausting campaign?

At their ages, with a ton of luck, both have a life expectancy of around eight years. As for the chances of remaining healthy during that time, we would not bet on it. Biden walks with a stiffness now and it will increase with time. Trump faces a greater problem due to obesity. He is a walking model for cardiovascular disease, the big killer.

How well do they sleep? We have little doubt that Biden sleeps better. He also appears to be happily married, and that’s a huge plus. If better rested, he will have more energy to deploy his political skills to the campaign.

But does Trump ever sleep soundly? How can anyone believe he is happily married? He also must keep one eye on his many legal problems and the other eye on his financial debts. Our bet is he tosses around in bed, a big negative for his overall health.

What about the inner character and soul of these two candidates? We are grateful to have spent many years of study and work in the US and we have lifelong friends there. But we wonder why half the population adores (or puts up with) Trump who lies through his teeth, demeans women, tried to buy votes, and could not accept a fair defeat. We would suggest that Trump desperately needs a psychiatrist, and we have questions about half the population of this great democracy too. Could not another candidate be found?

Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a professor of neurology at the Harvard Medical School, says we need a neuropsychological examination of both Biden and Trump. This involves a series of 31 tests that can detect dementia and other brain dysfunction.

It’s frightening what the figures show. Between the

ages of 65 and 69, three percent of people have dementia. By age 90, it increases to a whopping 35 percent!

The critical fact that we all, including presidents, have to accept is that getting older is very hazardous for the brain and all other parts of the body.

But why do Biden and Trump want this top job at their advanced ages, a job that is so demanding day after day in light of domestic challenges and the RussoUkrainian and Israel-Hamas wars? Of course, being President of the greatest country is the obvious answer. Moreover, a ton of privileges go with the task.

What will voters and the press have to accept? They must realize that Biden and Trump will continue to make elderly gaffes during interviews and speeches. Other age-related problems need to be anticipated.

Trump’s family history must also cause some concern. His father suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in his mid 80s. According to the experts, Trump’s chances of this disease increase by about 39 per cent. And both candidates must be extremely wary of falling. From 65 to 84, it’s the second leading cause of injury-related deaths.

How will this end? We believe that there will be a medical tragedy due to their ages. We hope that both of them choose healthy and extremely wise vicepresidents.

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Charmaine