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Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653 Location of my desk: 44.5864°N - 79.8659°W • Altitude: 224 meters!

4944 kms to Equator • 14,894 kms to South Pole • 5110 kms to North Pole

705 322 2249

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Take out and delivery now available!

23 Queen St. W. Elmvale 705 322 2652 Shop Elmvale

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Your Locally Owned Community Newspaper Edition 572 - April 30, 2020 Next Issue May 14 • Deadline is Mon. May 11.

2236 Cty Rd 92/Crossland Rd. We deliver if within 12 min 705 322 0502 essoelmvale@gmail.com

Everyone at Sara Vista says THANKS!

For many years all of us have heard the word Pandemic and what we thought our world would look like once we were experiencing one. The COVID-19 Pandemic has put our world in a spiral that none of us could have predicted.

The one thing I would never have predicted is the kindness of people and the people in our community in Elmvale has been overwhelming and very heart warming. Our team at Sara Vista cannot say thank you enough to everyone. Our small town has shown its very big heart to all the residents and staff at the home. COVID-19 is taking its toll on many long-term care homes in Ontario and we are all working so very hard to keep everyone protected and safe through these very difficult times.

Every day the home is receiving some form of gratitude from the community and I personally would like to say thank you….I am hopeful that I have captured everyone and sincerely apologize if I have missed anyone at this time, there have been so many acts of kindness each and every day.

At the very start of the Pandemic, we had Pia and her Mother, on the home’s front porch writing a “Stay well” message for the residents and team. The team was brought to tears at this show of community

support from a little girl in town.

Darlene McLean and Patti Gauthier made over one hundred material face masks for our team, many of our team members are using them under the surgical masks that we are to wear every day in the home to keep our residents safe. Lila Beardsall also heard the need for homemade masks and delivered them along with two surgical caps, the team says a huge thank you for the extra supplies. Dr. Hans Harlos also kindly donated some surgical masks from his office for the staff to use.

Paul Pollock from Canadian Tire donated surgical masks and hand sanitizer, this was a very welcome donation to the team from an unexpected source.

Donna KleinGebbinck, Darlene McLean and Patti Gauthier heard our need for isolation gowns and quickly sewed ten gowns for our team members to wear when entering an isolation room, this was a huge need for our team and very much appreciated.

Larry Brown and Heather Betz have brightened up our nursing station with lovely bouquets of flowers. Seeing a bit of spring come into the home has lifted everyone’s spirits.

The Chapman Family from Oro-Medonte sent the residents and team some uplifting messages in many cards that came through the mail. Jennifer Ives kindly donated seven TV trays for the residents to use for meal service in their rooms.

At the very beginning of this changing world, Heacock and Associates thought of our team and brought in Tim Horton’s donuts and coffee, which was a welcome treat to all at Sara Vista. Terry Truax Trucking also brought in Tim Horton’s treats which was very much appreciated by the team. Mrs. Rowntree also sent donuts for the team. Ms. Nadine Pott sent along some Tim Horton’s gift cards to share a special treat for the team. The Elmvale and District Lion’s Club, arranged for MacDonald’s to make up individual bags of muffins, cookies and coffees for the team to have on their break times. The Elmvale Presbyterian Church donated pizza for all the staff.

Steeler’s kindly brought sandwiches in for our team, thank you they were very yummy. When this is all over our team is going to need some assistance with exercise and weight programs to shed the

extra weight, we are all putting on with all the treats.

The farmers of the community brought everyone in the home to tears on Easter Sunday when Thirty-five tractors with huge stay well signs drove by the home. The residents, staff and community felt the love from all during this wonderful display of support and appreciation.

How sweet it was– Mr. Tim Lalonde of Lalonde’s Maple Syrup Product graciously donated to the residents Maple Syrup to enjoy a traditional Pancake Breakfast The windows at Sara Vista are filled with many pictures and well wishes to our residents from the local children, special thanks to Chase and Nash Yates for the pictures and chalk drawings on our sidewalk.

And last but not least, Craig Beacock, for lending Sara Vista the sign out front of the home, to let everyone know that we are staying safe.

From all of us at Sara Vista we thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts and pray that we will get through this and get to see everyone soon.

Stay safe and healthy.

Sara Vista staff and residents.

Lions Supporting Front Line Healthcare Workers

Treating You Like Family Since 1983 Call for Professional Advice

Barrie: 705-726-2551 Orillia: 705-326-5664 Colin Marshall info@wmib.ca

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Residential

Business

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www.wmib.ca

Recreational

The Elmvale Lions will be making deliveries of "grab & go” snacks and refreshments to the front line health care workers at Sara Vista Nursing Home in partnership with Elmvale McDonalds. A way to show appreciation and support for their efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. This service project has been made possible by funds from an emergency grant to our District by the Lions Clubs International Foundation. (Lion Jennifer Rebidoux)

Page 2

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

Jordan Carson

Master Electrician

1087 Rainbow Valley Road Phelpston, ON L0L 2K0 jordan@carsonelectric.net 705.717.8767 ECRA/ESA # 7011405

Editor’s Musings Last week, I had to get a blood test for an appointment at 11:30 this past Tuesday. Although I thought it would be cancelled, I was told that this doctor is still carrying on as before the coronavirus - but by telephone. Seemed like a sensible solution to me as we often go in and sit there while they discuss the medical results. As for blood pressure and your heartbeat, I can record that before the phone talk.

I learned that although Asia, the EU and the United States can test for the coronavirus with a simple blood test which takes 20 minutes until they have the results, Canada is still discussing it. What is the matter with our country / leaders. Are they proud that we are last?

COVID-19 is amazing. It has cured pneumonia, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. And for its encore, it ended climate change, because, when was the last time you heard the media freaking out over climate change?

In the past six years in US, there were around 3700 to 4500 deaths per week (at this time of year) from Pneumonia. In the same week this year, there were approximately 2400.

The most deadly week for pneumonia deaths is is in early January when the pneumonia deaths peak in 2014-15 at more than 5500.. In a whole year of records weekly deaths even in the summer are higher than right now.

Where did I get that?

Google “Worldometer” and find all kinds of information.

Worldometer is a reference website that provides counters and real-time statistics for diverse topics. It is owned and operated by a data company, Dadax, which generates revenue through online advertising. It is part of the Real Time Statistics Project, and is managed by an international team of developers, researchers, and volunteers.

Hindsight is 20/20 and although there are different interpretations of what was right or wrong, people made their decisions so we have to live with it.

Did they make the right decisions?

We were told there would be hundreds of thousands dead.

It was easy to see that it was a wild guess when forward thinkers suggested there might be 20 to 40 million deaths.

The toll today (Tuesday) is 212,533.

We were told that this was worse than the flu, which has still recorded more deaths to date in this past flu season— even though the CDC instructed medical personnel to start

counting influenza, heart disease, pulmonary, respiratory, drug overdose, and possibly even car crash deaths as COVID-19 deaths.

In 1957, the Asian flu killed over 1 million people. In 1968, the Hong Kong flu killed over 1 million people worldwide. The Swine Flu killed 575,400 in just the first year , and well over a million worldwide. The Bird Flu caused at least 2 million deaths. (ALL FIGURES VERIFIED) All of these viruses killed far more people than Covid 19, yet they never shut anything down. CONFUSED YET? We were told that we had to upend an economy, go into solitary confinement, and divorce ourselves from normal life because this would rage beyond any previous pandemic.

We were told that this virus with 3,085,079 current confirmed cases (Tuesday morning), it was worse than the H1N1 that infected 60,000,000 people.

Maybe, putting us in a lock down position was the right choice.

But Sweden did not shutter businesses, quarantine or even cancel school. Older people were suggested to self isolate and people were asked to not congregate in crowds but it was not enforced. Businesses were advised to limit the density of crowds but did not close.

EXPERTS (who are wrong more than 50% of the time) said te idea was grotesque, absurd and very dangerous.

Out of 210 different countries and territories throughout the world, Sweden is in 26th place with 1943 confirmed cases per million. United states is in 16th place (3056/m).

Canada is in 40th place (1285/m). With .03 per million we have Yemen as the best place to be as are a bunch of other African countries which might suggest that there network in the health care business might not be as conclusive as in other spots.

In the number of deaths per million, Sweden is in 11th place with 233/m compared to US at 172/m or 17th spot and Canada at 72/m in 24th spot. With the most deaths per million we have San Marino at 1208/m followed mostly by other European countries. 50 out of the 210 countries and territories have had no deaths.

Sweden is not yelling ‘Hallelujah” and to heck with the virus. People are being tested and are advised to wash frequently and to take some precautions but their success story varies greatly with other parts of the world.

We may be well on our way to a vaccine.

We’ve also got a $12 treatment with the hydroxychloroquine cocktail that has smashed Brazil’s fatality rate by 95%. Brazil has 22 deaths per million out of their 317 cases per million.

UVA light can be inserted into the lungs, and can also be injected. Lab tests indicate “Healight” kills Coronavirus, other viruses and bacteria in a detergent like manner.

Healight has been created with world renowned CedarsSinai hospital.

BTW, Trump never said to rinse your self out with Lysol or anything else. He was speculating on what the two previous doctors had said. Only the Trump hating Democrats heard him say that which reinforces the FAKE NEWS we have in this world.

In a poll, it was found that around 90% of the people thought we should have news reporters.

Only 45% suggested what they said was right / truthful.

There are currently no licensed drugs to cure or treat Zika virus, Yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus or chikungunya virus, Since going we’ve also

Day

MIDHURST PHARMACY Let’s Talk About…

Poison Ivy

With Pharmacist Owners Jenna Lougheed and Carolyn Glover With the nicer weather finally arriving, more yard work to do and time spent outdoors we have noticed an increase in cases of poison ivy.

Poison ivy is a common wild plant that causes an extremely irritating allergic reaction when touched. Exposure may result in a blistering rash that spreads over the skin and results in intense itching. The rash usually appears within 2 days after exposure, peaks after 5 days, and begins to fade after 7-10 days.

If you've been in contact with a poison ivy plant, wash the affected areas immediately with soap and water. Most cases of the rash can be self-treated using products like calamine lotion, colloidal oatmeal baths or hydrocortisone cream. Cold compresses applied for 15 mins several times a day can help relieve itching and blistering. Antihistamines like Benadryl may be used.

We continue to offer curbside pick-up for all of your pharmacy needs. Call us at 705-503-7333. Stay safe and well.

94 Finlay Mill Rd, Midhurst ON

705.503.7333 | www.pharmasavemidhurst.com

Mar 31 Apr 1 Apr 2 Apr 3 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 8 Apr 9 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 18 Apr 19 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 22 Apr 23 Apr 24 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 28

Springwater News

9 Glenview Avenue Elmvale ON L0L 1P0 Publisher/Editor/Owner: Michael and Margaret Ann Jacobs Tel: 705 322-2249 • Cell: 705 321-BOLD (2653) e-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com www.springwaternews.ca Issuu.com/springwaternews Articles can be dropped off, mailed and/or e-mailed to the above address or left in the Elmvale Library ‘Drop Box’ 24 hours a day.

THE NEXT PAPER will be on May 11, 2020.

Publications Mail Contract No. 1443739.

Unaddressed Admail No. 3684814.

The paper is printed by McLaren Press in Bracebridge Springwater News is published every two weeks and delivered

by Canada Post and available at newsstands throughout the areas mentioned below. The opinions expressed in articles contributed by interested parties and through the ‘Letters to the Editor’ do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper and/or the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit all submitted articles or letters for clarity and space or to avoid obscenity, libel or invasion of privacy. All contributions must have the writer’s full name, address and telephone number for verification. Copyrights are claimed on all original articles.

Springwater News pays for 20,000 papers per edition.

18,850 are delivered by Canada Post to; 755 in the Utopia/Grenfel area L0L 1B0 and L0L 1B2 3012 in the Barrie City/Rural area 4225 in South Springwater Township 138 to the new boxes in Minesing.

If you know of someone not getting the paper, who got it before the restructuring, please let me know.

625 in Phelpston L0L 2K0 630 in Hillsdale including the Rural Routes L0L 1V0 2550 in Elmvale including the former R R# 1, 2 & 3 L0L 1P0 which includes Orr Lake, Waverley and some Tiny Beaches Road areas 265 in the Wyebridge area L0K 2E0 975 in Wyevale L0L 2T0 including Conc. 8 and some TBRS areas, 1325 in Perkinsfield including Balm Beach to Whippoorwill 1100 in R.R.# 1, L4R 4K3 (775) & 2, L4R 4K4 (300) areas of Midland which includes Vasey, Ebenezer and the area North-West of Wyebridge 3100 in Northern Tiny including SS 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8 of Penetanguishene (Postal Codes L9M -1R2, -1R3 & -2H7)

150 through mail outs and subscriptions in Canada Subscriptions are available across Canada for $60/year and $100/year in U.S. of A.

component of recovery from this virus—herd immunity.

We’ve developed not nearly enough of it. For if 2.5 million New Yorkers were able to fight it off without any treatment at all—unaware they even had it—how much more immunity did we miss out on creating by simply sheltering everyone in place?

Some might suggest mass lock downs are not only unnecessary, but they are actively delaying the process that must occur in order for things to return to normal. .

Without a vaccine or proven treatment, the only way to get past the COVID-19 outbreak is to develop herd immunity.

By transmitting the virus to others in the low-risk group who then generate antibodies, they block the network of pathways toward the most vulnerable people, ultimately ending the threat. Extending whole-population isolation would directly prevent that widespread immunity from developing.”

It has been pointed out that people are suffering and dying because hospitals have stopped procedures deemed into national lock down nonessential, which can prevent the diagnoses of lifefailed one other key threatening illnesses and delay New Cases Deaths Resolved W/virus treatment for other conditions.

I don’t believe people should be 260 living with such a fear of never 426 = 689 again living a normal life. We have 401 1023 had worse!

462 67 375 94 1219 The chart to the left is for Ontario.

400+ 25 Ontario has 38.3% of the Canadian 309 = 4,347 13 = 132 1624 2591 population which last year reached 379 = 4,726 21 = 153 1802 2771 15 million. We have 5466 cases.

550 = 5,276 21 = 174 2074 3028 That is .3644% of the population.

483 = 5,759 26 = 200 2305 3254 That’s 364.4 per million. Not zero 478 = 6,237 22 = 222 2574 3441 which we would like but not many.

411 = 6,648 31 = 253 401 = 7,049 21 = 274 What really bothers me about this 421 = 7,470 17 = 291 3357 3822 isolation, the closing of businesses 483 = 7,953 43 = 334 3568 4051 and the people laid off from 494 = 8,447 51 = 385 3907 4155 work, is the future. How many 514 = 8,961 38 = 423 4194 4344 businesses will never open again?

564 = 9,525 55 - 478 4556 4491 How many businesses have costs 485 (10,010) 36 = 514 4875 4621 and no income which may lead to 568 (10,578) 39 = 553 5209 4816 bankruptcy? How many people’s 606 (11,184) 31 = 584 5515 5085 futures or retirements have been 557 (11,735) 38 = 622 5806 5307 nixed. How much will the cost of 510 (12,245) 37 = 654 6221 5370 items increase to cover the lost 634 (12,879) 54 = 713 6680 5486 income? How much will our taxes 640 (13,519) 50 = 763 7087 5669 increase to cover our national debt?

476 (13,995) 48 = 811 7509 5675 437 (14,432) 24 = 835 8000 5597 You okay, Charles?

424 (14,856) 57 = 892 8525 5439 525 (15,381) 59 = 951 8964 5466

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

Page 3

Minesing Moments w/Lorrie Norwood lorachalli@sympatico.ca / 728-9784

We Take Care of Your Retired Vehicles and Pre-Owned Machinery At Shakell’s Wrecking Yard and Sales Ltd, we can fix your vehicles or retired vehicles and pre-owned machinery.

Plus, we sell used parts from our yard. Consider Us Your One-Stop Disposal and Acquisition Solution Shakell’s provides you with a place to bring your used and worn out: Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals Vehicles Appliances Propane tanks and MORE. We also offer free pick up of scrapped cars at a time of your choosing for your convenience.

In addition, if it isn’t quite ready for the junkyard, we can repair your vehicle for you at fair, honest and competitive prices!

Over 46 Years of a Commitment to Excellence Our family business started in 1966 when we were given a license to pick up, transport and store derelict vehicles.

Our goal is to help you get the most out of your scrap vehicles, metals and machinery, and to have you leave us with a smile after we have concluded our business.

How Much Will Your Used Items Be Worth?

Most of our transactions result in our customers leaving with $50 - $1,000 in their pocket.

Specialties • Removal of scrapped vehicles • Removal of pre-owned machinery • Free pick up of scrapped vehicles

Ontario Provides Urgent Relief for Small Businesses and Landlords

TORONTO — The Ontario government is partnering with the federal government to provide urgent relief for small businesses and landlords affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The province is committing $241 million through the new Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA). The total amount of provincial-federal relief that would be provided is more than $900 million, helping to ensure small businesses are ready to reopen their doors when the emergency measures are lifted.

Partnering with the federal government on the OCECRA builds on the provincial government's approach to supporting business during COVID-19. As part of Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, the government has implemented a series of cash flow supports amounting to $10 billion to help support jobs and the economy, including: • Doubling the Employer Health Tax exemption for 2020, cutting taxes by $355 million, benefiting roughly 57,000 employers; • Eliminating penalties and interest to businesses who miss filing or remittance deadlines for various provincially administered taxes for five months starting April 1, 2020, providing up to $6 billion in cashflow for about 100,000 Ontario businesses; • Postponing the planned property tax reassessment for 2021, providing stability for Ontario's property taxpayers; • Deferring the upcoming quarterly (June 30) remittance of education property tax to school boards by 90 days, providing municipalities with the flexibility to, in turn, provide property tax deferrals of over $1.8 billion to local residents and businesses; • Implementing the new Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit for businesses that make eligible capital investments in designated regions of the province where employment growth has significantly lagged behind below the provincial average.

Ontario has also suspended time-of-use electricity rates for eligible small businesses, as well as residential and farm time-of-use customers, holding electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour, for 24 hours per day, seven days a week for 45 days, for all timeof-use customers, who make up the majority of electricity consumers in the province. By switching to a fixed offpeak rate, time-of-use customers will see rate reductions of over 50 per cent compared to on-peak rates.

The Ontario government has also worked with the federal government to develop the Small and Mediumsized Enterprise Loan that will enable up to $40 billion in lending, supported through Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank. This program will help businesses meet cash flow requirements through guaranteed loans.

"Ontario's small and medium-sized businesses are vital to our economy and include some of the hardest-working people in the world who have rolled up their sleeves to support our frontline healthcare workers, and beat this

BARRIE, ON - The Ontario government is investing $20 million into the Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund, in order to advance medical research, and develop tools and resources to combat COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. The government is calling on all of the province's world-class research institutions, postsecondary institutions, and non-profit scientific partners to take action in the development of innovative solutions to track and defeat COVID-19.

Ontario's postsecondary education sector and research community has already taken on a leadership role in combatting COVID-19. Colleges, universities, research hospitals and institutes across the province have stepped up to support their local communities by conducting invaluable research on detection and treatment, and donating lifesaving ventilators, and personal protective equipment.

“In combatting COVID-19 we need to mobilize the incredible innovation and expertise of our research community,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie Springwater - Oro-Medonte. “Our researchers are leading the charge in the fight against COVID-19 and giving our frontline health care workers the tools and resources they need to deliver care for patients.”

Ontario researchers are encouraged to submit their proposals through the new Ontario Together website. This online portal was established to locate or manufacture emergency products, as well as identify immediate and innovative solutions to help support the province's response to COVID-19. The website also includes an option for research institutions, in addition to individuals, corporations and other entities, to submit ideas about how to expand health care capacity and knowledge, better utilize artificial intelligence, and build Ontario's current and future supply chain capacity. Research submissions through the Ontario Together portal will be accepted until April 24, 2020.

The province is particularly interested in proposals that are highly feasible with achievable results within one year or a maximum of two years.

The government will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves over the coming months and adjust the response appropriately. For more information please visit DougDowney.ca virus," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

"This package of supports will help them get through these difficult days and resume normal operations as soon as possible."

Quick Facts • The Province’s $241 million investment in OCECRA is part of the $17 billion Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.

• The government has retroactively, to January 1, 2020, raised the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption to $1 million from $490,000 for 2020, providing additional EHT relief of up to $9,945 per eligible employer.

• Starting January 1, 2020, Ontario reduced the small business Corporate Income Tax rate from 3.5 per cent to 3.2 per cent.

What does it mean to add sour milk to a recipe?

Answer: This does not mean to add that stuff that has curdled at the back of your refrigerator.

To “sour” milk, add 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk, minus 1 tablespoon. Stir and let stand 5 minutes The girl with a future avoids a man with a past.

--Evan Esar

How is everyone doing? I hope you are all well, keeping safe and sticking to the safe distancing rules that are in place. If you can get some fresh air during your day it really does make a difference. Even if you can go for a short drive and open your car window, the wind blowing in will give you a fresh feeling. It will also keep your tires round. Some cars haven’t left driveways in weeks. Who knew we’d be able to have one tank of gas last us a month or two?

Each person I talk to has a different way of spending their days. I have many friends who are luckily still working and I am very thankful that I am as well. Working from home is not something I have done before but I’m now into a groove and making it work. Some people are home with kids doing home schooling which is presenting a new way of life for them and I have some who are doing runs to grocery stores for their family and friends who can’t. We are doing not too bad. Everyone is adjusting with a few struggles but we can do it! Who has cleaned out that awful closet you have been avoiding for a long time or re-arranging their furniture? A new coat of paint on something that maybe didn’t need it but it was something to keep you busy with. How many puzzles or crafts have you done? All time fillers and good for us to keep busy any way we can.

We welcome another new little man to Minesing! Bryan and Alison Spekkers (Maguire) welcomed their little blue bundle, Wesley James Spekkers, into the world on April 19th at 3:57 a.m. weighing 6 lbs, 15 oz. We congratulate you all and wish you the very best. Congratulations to Ken and Sandy Maguire on their new titles of Grams and Grampa. I know once social distancing is over he will be given lots of cuddles by all.

On a sad note, we also lost one of our longtime Minesing residents, Mrs. Dorothy Clarkson. Dorothy passed away peacefully at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 with loving family at her side. Dorothy Clarkson in her 86th year beloved wife of the late James (Jim) Clarkson. Cherished mother of Dianne Clarkson, Elaine (Mike) Giesbrecht, Jim (Cathy) Clarkson and Lori Clarkson. Proud grandmother of Karissa, Erin, Levi, Kael and Aislin. Dorothy will be remembered by her brother Donnie (Marilyn) Laughlin as well as her many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by her sister Marg (the late Jack) Tanner and her brothers Howard (the late Arlene) Laughlin and Ken Laughlin. Dorothy always welcomed her children’s friends into her home and made it their second home. I’m sure there are many wonderful memories for many people as the Clarkson family have been a welcoming presence in our village for so many years. We offer our sincere sympathy to the Clarkson family during this most difficult time.

Lots of yardwork has been done around the neighbourhood recently as I see lots of brown bags at the side of the road and ready for pick up. While we are early in the season and so many people are out walking their pets…I would like to remind you to please pick up after your pet. Not owning a pet and having to clean up their mess on your lawn is just not right. Be respectful of your neighbours and community please and thank you!

Until next time, be kind, be respectful and be happy.

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Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

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Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

2231 Nursery Road Minesing, Ontario L9X 1A8

Link

April 30, 2020

The 2019/2020 Impact Report has been released! The report provides an overview of projects and initiatives undertaken in 2019 and a look at what to expect in 2020.

Read it online: springwater.ca/ImpactReport We’re Here for You!

The doors to our municipal buildings may be closed to the general public, but our phone lines and emails remain open.

Need assistance? Contact us by phone or email. View staff contact information at springwater.ca/contact Looking for information on how the municipality is responding to the COVID-19 health crisis? Get all of the latest updates at springwater.ca/COVID19

Your Toilet is NOT a Trash Can Everything we deposit into a toilet needs to be removed at a wastewater treatment facility before it gets back into our water environment. From toilet paper rolls and baby wipes to hygiene products and grease, non-flushable items can clog pipes, damage infrastructure and negatively impact our lakes and rivers. Just because it has a ‘flushable’ label on the packaging does not mean it should be flushed. The only things that should go into a toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Remember, wipes clog pipes.

$250+

Street Sweeping Spring street sweeping has started in Springwater. Two street sweepers will be used throughout the Township.

Sweeping is expected to be completed in approximately one months time.

is spent each year in Canada removing garbage from our sewer systems alone

Please do not pile sand at the edge of the road as the sweeper cannot sweep up piles.

72%

289

million

is the average number of baby wipes a newborn uses a MONTH in their first year

of all homeowners admit to flushing items down the toilet that should be disposed of in another manner

Here’s what is found at your nearest wastewater collection and treatment system:

DOCTORS’ DAY May 1 - 9 PM Shine a light for all they do

30–50%

5–14%

Paper towels (c-fold paper towels, household paper towels, and other similar products)

Household cleaning wipes

8–12%

10–18% Feminine hygiene products

18–50%

7%

‘Flushable’ wipes Baby wipes

Other

Learn more about protecting your pipes at: springwater.ca/ProtectYourPipes Virtual Recreation Zone

Spring Flushing and Swabbing The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) will be flushing watermains for the Township.

It is very important that residents REDUCE water use from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the dates listed below so that we may effectively complete maintenance on the water systems. For areas being swabbed, we ask that residents STOP using water during these hours on the dates listed below.

May 4 - May 8 Midhurst Water System SWABBING - Vespra Downs Water System (May 4) Parr Boulevard May 11 - May 15 Snow Valley Highlands Snow Valley Lowlands Centre Vespra (Stonemanor Woods) For additional information, please contact OCWA at 705-429-2525 / 1-866-775-7712.

P. 705-728-4784

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F. 705-728-6957

|

E. info@springwater.ca

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springwater.ca/ virtualrecreation Springwater has launched a new Virtual Recreation Zone to keep residents mentally and physically active and engaged while social distancing at home.

View activities for all ages and abilities at springwater.ca/virtualrecreation

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Page 6 Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca our aging infrastructure at all levels. We know that would free up about $12M that residents could use to My View – Bill French

municipalities in Ontario have about a $50B Covid-19 – A New World Order? to $70B infrastructure deficit which simply As we all deal with this unprecedented virus, means if all roads, bridges, water ands sewer we are in uncharted territory, mainly because facilities were brought up to standard it would the world has changed so much since the cost that amount of money. With the lack of Spanish Flu 100 years ago which seems to be revenue because of Covid-19, I expect that the only real comparator. will jump another $10B by next year. I don’t Until the 70’s and 80’s most of our civilization know the national deficit as there are so many factors, but was dependent on a God given commandment of love of neighbour and the community, which was well established reports suggest anywhere from $110B to $270B. Why prior to that time. We knew each other and helped out. In doesn’t the Federal Government switch to Infrastructure today’s society we seem to have shifted from a hand-up being the base for our currency supply. Could not the to a hand-out mentality. Everyone thinks the Government Federal Government become the owners of Infrastructure should be the automatic parachute for whatever happens at all levels and create a $500B fund to get the economy and solve all our personal and community crisis’. I see rolling and printing that currency strictly for that purpose. our municipalities want more help from the provincial Just think of the blue collar jobs and the rebuilding of government and the provincial government wants help the middle class which is the key to any good national from the federal government. That is great in theory, but economy. We have destroyed that middle class over the there is only a single taxpayer and that ultimately is me last 40 years and sent all the good jobs of manufacturing, and you, so I guess there are two of us funding all levels which was the core of the middle class, to mainly China of government. No government in the world has dealt and the far East. Most of my relatives were farmers and with this type of crisis and there is not enough money in blue collar factory workers in the 50’s to 80’s and had the world to see us through it. There is not one continent very good lives and didn’t burden the government with unaffected by the disease. I do believe our economy will their problems. They actually built the economy we had continue to decline even when things start opening up up until January 2020. Might be a crazy idea but if we can which I don’t think will be until the Fall at the earliest in print money based on a Gold Standard that sits in a vault, any significant way. The economy will still be in turmoil wouldn’t it be better to be based on something that helps until at least the summer of 2021 before there is any sign every citizen in Canada.

Another thought on our present economic situation is of a slow recovery. In some ways I thank Trump for his unbridled optimism and crazy health solutions, but that to look at the personal and corporate asset based debts (houses, cars, home improvements, capital assets) of is Trump and without him, I think individuals and businesses. Would it not the markets would be in the 15,000 be an idea for the Federal Government range and heading south. to finance the interest on those loans and A great difference in the world defer payments for six months and add today is that most countries six months onto the end of the term? sovereign debt is extremely high Just think of the cashflow that would and as a percentage of GDP, the create and people will still spend what USA is at about 107% and we they have and it would ramp up our are at about 40% which sounds businesses and economy faster. good except 80% of our exports At the Municipal Level there is not are dependent on the good old a lot that can be done, as in the case USA. When this is over, with the of Springwater, revenues come from handouts, I think our debt will be Government grants, taxpayers and user about 80% of GDP as the overall fees. Possibly the Provincial or Federal GDP will probably drop by 20 to Government could provide interim 25% and may take a decade to financing to maintain the essential recover as everyone’s cash flow is services of the local government and tight and there may not be a lot of using my proposed deferral concept, discretionary spending for years to defer taxes for one year and amortize the come. recovery of those taxes and the Federal I think there is a great Available from Cathy Walton payback over a ten year period. Again opportunity at this time to replace

pay for their essentials rather than just straight handouts as the government is currently proposing.

I don’t disagree with some of the ideas coming forward such as wage subsidies, business rent subsidies and other initiatives, but the reality is that we are giving more and more power to government and at some point we become the servants of the government rather than being the governors of our own destiny. My experience also suggests that for every dollar poured in at the top of the funnel only about 50% hits the target and actually helps someone. However we can’t have it both ways.

In the meantime, reach out to your neighbour and offer them a hand and we will get through this. Also, say thank you to your local farmer as without him, we would not be able to enjoy the essentials to sustain us. They are under pressure and they are doing their part by reducing some of their commodities because of supply chain pressures.

They may grumble, but a farmer will always find a way to solve problems as he does every year since he does not control the weather. That is why I wish we had more farmers at government levels as they really know what is going on, don’t see through rose coloured glasses and most of the time have to simply shake their heads at the insanity of the rest of us.

On a closing note, since I do trust that God will help us through this, take the time to read the Good Book and if you are inclined and want to enjoy a celebration of the Word of God, tune into St. Mary’s Barrie Facebook page and you can view and listen to the inspired work of God from their daily mass which is streamed live at 9:00 a.m. each day, seven days a week. You can also watch them later on Youtube.

Bill French is a seasoned business leader with over 40 years experience and served in senior positions of International Enterprises. Bill served as Mayor of Springwater and a County of Simcoe Councillor from 2014 to 2018 and has taught business at the college level for over 15 years.

at 705 728-1388 for $40.

Vanishing Barns - Cathy Walton has been researching barns in Flos and Vespra Townships (now Springwater) for the last six years and has published the results in the book “Vanishing Barns”.

Concession 1, N ½ 20,are Flosinterested Township in IfLot you 2821 Rainbow Valley Road, Springwater Township

Concession 1, N ½ Lot 20, Flos Township

a copy, please contact Cathy at 705 728-1388 or2821 snow-flake53@mail.com.

Rainbow Valley Road, Springwater Township

Nelson Sage - Son of Russel and Marie (Giffen) Sage

Owners 1995- present Nelson Sage 1940s-1995 Russell and Marie (Giffen) Sage 1920-1940s Cecelia (Kirkpatrick) Sage 1913-1920 Clarence Willard and Cecelia Sage 1908-1913 Hugh Lavery N ½ 1870-1878 Hugh Lavery bought E 100 acres from William Stanton 1862-1913 Hugh Lavery bought W 100 acres 1862 William H. Stanton bought E ½ 1862 William Proudfoot bought 200 acres from Crown

Built: prior to 1913 Dimensions: 56 x 70’ Features: threshing floor, barn bridge Materials: stone foundation, later repaired with cement Water Source: cisterns at the house and barn, drinking water carried from a dug well, well drilled around 1950 and a second one in the 1990s.

Clarence Sage bought the 50 acre farm and named it Fairview Farm. As an agent for the United Farmers of Ontario, Clarence collected livestock from local farmers and arranged delivery to Toronto. On April 8, 1919 Clarence shipped 26 cattle by the Grand Trunk Railway from Elmvale to Union Stock Yards in Toronto. He contracted influenza, was brought home, where he took pneumonia and died at the age of 32. Cecelia rented the farm out to a neighbour, Albert S. Maw, for six years until Harris and Melvin were able to farm. Another son Russell continued to farm after Cecelia’s death.

Russell Sage imagined owning a sturdy team of horses. As a child he practiced using reins by tying binder twine to the fence. He owned horses well into retirement. Russell worked the farm during W.W.II. Gladys (Sage) Train’s “Willard Sage, a Family History 1986”, ledger from Clarence Sage, Nelson Sage, A History of Vespra Township p. 441.

From Clarence Sage’s ledger. “I started keeping books on January 1, 1912 with $1000 worth of stock, implements and household effects. We bought 50 acres land from Mr. Hugh Lavery on 22nd. June, 1912.

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Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653 Southern Georgian Bay home sales up overall in March, but demand and supply are both slowing amid COVID-19

Residential sales recorded through the MLS® system for the Southern Georgian Bay region totaled 254 units in March 2020. This was up 7.6% from March 2019. On a year-to-date basis, home sales totalled 661 units over the first three months of the year, an increase of 23.6% from the same period in 2019.

The Southern Georgian Bay region comprises two distinctive markets. Home sales in the Western Region, which includes Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, the Municipality of Meaford, and Grey Highlands, numbered 151 units in March 2020. This edged up 3.4% (five sales) from March 2019.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales in the Western Region numbered 386 units over the first three months of the year. This was an increase of 12.5% from the same period in 2019.

Meanwhile, home sales in the Eastern Region, encompassing the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the Townships of Tay and Tiny, Severn, and Georgian Bay Townships, numbered 103 units in March 2020, up 14.4% (13 sales) from March 2019.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales in the Eastern Region numbered 275 units over the first three months of the year. This was a large 43.2% increase from the same period in 2019.

“Not surprisingly, most of that year-over-year increase in sales activity was recorded in the first half of March,” said Mike Scholte, President of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS®. “Going forward, things are likely to quiet way down as both buyers and sellers put their plans on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic.”

There were 513 new residential listings in March 2020. This was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis.

Active residential listings numbered 924 units at the end of March, down 3% from the end of March 2019. Overall supply remains low compared to historical levels.

Months of inventory numbered 3.6 at the end of March 2020, down from the 4 months recorded at the end of March 2019 and below the 10-year average of 6.7 months for this time of year.

The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

The dollar value of all residential transactions in March 2020 was $136.1 million, rising 10.8% from this time in 2019.

Sales of all property types numbered 277 units in March 2020, up 3% (eight sales) from March 2019. The total value of all properties sold was $143.5 million, climbing 6.8% from March 2019.

Consult your Local REALTOR® for market conditions and home value information specific to your neighbourhood. Our REALTORS® live, work and play in Southern Georgian Bay and have the local knowledge you simply need to know!

Encompassing several communities along the shores of southern Georgian Bay, approximately 1½ to 2 hours from Greater Toronto, the area is one of Canada’s premier fourseason recreational playgrounds.

The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® represents more than 600 REALTORS® registered with its member offices. The geographical area served by the Association includes the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the Townships of Tay and Tiny and parts of Severn and Georgian Bay Townships; Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and portions of the Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands.

Provided by: Mike Scholte, President Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® mike.scholte@century21.ca REALTOR® is a trademark that identifies real estate professionals who are members of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and, as such, subscribe to a high standard of professional service and to a strict Code of EthicsConsult your Local REALTOR® for market conditions and home value information specific to your neighbourhood.

Our REALTORS® live, work and play in Southern Georgian Bay and have the local knowledge you simply need to know!

Encompassing several communities along the shores of southern Georgian Bay, approximately 1½ to 2 hours from Greater Toronto, the area is one of Canada’s premier fourseason recreational playgrounds.

The former ‘Rawson Garage’ on the old Hwy 93

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Honda Canada Foundation expands COVID-19 community response

Alliston, ON (April 28, 2020) – Honda Canada Foundation (HCF), Honda’s charitable arm in Canada, announced today a $10,000 donation to support the Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie and a $5,000 donation to support the Barrie Food Bank’s CareKitchen. The CareKitchen connects local restaurants with shelters and families in need to provide prepared restaurant meals. These donations build on the $1.5 million already committed by Honda companies across North America to support food insecurity, and to provide vital medical supplies and equipment for frontline healthcare providers.

“Barrie is a growing city which many of our associates call home,” says Tom Lake, Co-Chair, Honda Canada Foundation and Executive Vice President, Honda of Canada Mfg. “Investing in Barrie is a natural step as we work together to support vulnerable people in our communities by ensuring they have access to nutritious meals and shelter free from violence.”

“I want to thank the Honda Canada Foundation for their generous support for these organizations”, says Jeff Lehman, Mayor of Barrie.

“At this very difficult time in our community, it’s incredible to see Simcoe County’s largest private sector employer stepping up with

Page 7

donations where they are needed most. These organizations have been among the hardest hit by increased demand since the arrival of COVID-19 and the assistance is both timely and most welcome.”

In addition to financial support, Honda Canada and Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) are donating personal protective equipment, including HCM built face shields, to hospitals and long-term care homes. Associates are also helping their communities through “virtual volunteering” opportunities and sorting food at the local food bank.

About Honda Canada Foundation Established in 2005, Honda Canada Foundation (HCF) aims to enable the realization of dreams through various annual philanthropic activities and funding to nonprofit registered charities across Canada where Honda customers and associates live, work and play. HCF focuses on four key pillars – family, environment, engineering and education – and endeavors to donate more than $2 million each year to groups in need. More than 6.5 million Canadians have benefited from Honda Canada and Honda Canada Foundation funded charitable programs. For more information, please visit www.hondacanadafoundation.ca.

A Washington man was arrested following a high-speed chase that left officers dumbfounded after they found the man's pit bull behind the wheel. The incident unfolded Sunday afternoon after police received calls about a driver hitting two vehicles in an area south of Seattle and then speeding away, state trooper Heather Axtman reported. Axtman said that as officers gave chase, they got close to the vehicle and were shocked to see a pit bull in the driver's seat and a man steering and pushing the gas pedal from the passenger side. The pursuit ended after police deployed spike strips and arrested 51-yearold Alberto Tito Alejandro. "When we took him into custody... he admitted to our troopers that he was trying to teach his dog to drive," Axtman said. The female pit bull, which was not aggressive toward the arresting officers, had been placed in an animal shelter.

Page 8

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

Letters to the Editor

Please include phone number with any L to E You might not appreciate seeing your name on something you did not write.

Border checks and a poor MP

The Internet, Canada, Free Trade and our leader!

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Thank goodness for the internet and those creative people 14 15 16 who create new platforms. We played virtual euchre with friends 19 20 18 through "Trickster", an online gaming site. Each week, I meet 17 with a group of cancer survivors on Zoom. It's a close encounter 21 22 23 24 25 26 with those who want to discuss any aspect of their lives. During the past month, people share many funny videos and jokes online.

30 People are reaching out too and reacquainting with old pals and 27 28 29 former classmates.

32 33 Reading the "opinion" section of the Globe has been an eye 31 opener. Writers with a world view that is not sensational, are good 35 34 to read as they report in a balanced fashion.

I find the daily tv pandemic reporting while important is getting 36 37 38 39 40 41 repetitive.

This week I learned about the Khan Academy, an online 42 43 44 45 46 47 learning site for school lessons on many subjects. I know people who use it with their kids.

49 50 48 While the economic reporting is gloomy, it seems there are 52 53 sectors of of our economy that are doing quite well. Take Amazon 51 for example, it is adding more staff and paying them better. The same is true for drug companies. Our local garden centre tells Across Down me they have been very busy despite the lockout and expect a 1 Slum 1 Boutique boom once the lock down is over. People are looking forward to 4 _____ nous 2 ___ de force Across Down gardening this summer.

8 A type of nut 3 Himalayan mystery 1 1 Boutiqu Slum Just how big of a hit will it be to our pension plans is yet an 11 Garden tool 4 Cold and damp 4 2 ___ de f _____ nous unknown but for a few years now I have said enjoy the bubble. I 12 Dolly ___ of “Hello, 5 Haw’s partner 3 Himalay wrote about this last fall and I have lived long enough to recognize 8 ADolly!” type of nut 6 First mate a" bubble".

11 Garden tool 13 Get some good out of 7 Supplement taken for 4 Cold and The " Lavolin " affair told me that Trudeau could not read the 1214 Dolly 5 Haw's pa of "Hello, Dolly!"

In the___ open colds water and was swamped in his canoe. Since then he seems to be a 1315 Get 6 First ma Grace period?

8 Backache some good out of much more sober PM and a better leader.

1416 InDoorway 9 World power: abbr.

7 Supplem the openfeature I do worry about all this spending just now. It is unprecedented. 1517 Light refractor 10 Fathom 8 Backach Grace period?

Most of us have paid for mortgages and know a bit about debt but 19 Metered rental 18 Better than grey 16 Doorway feature 9 World p this level of a bailout is historical.

1721 Pucks 20 Minute 10 Light refractor Fathom What has been a blot on Canada is the inability to have free 24 N.M. resort town 22 Terrific, in slang 19 18 Metered rental Better th trade among all provinces and territories. Instead we have free 27 Hunter’s cry 23 Concert highlight 21 20 Pucks Minute trade agreements with many foreign countries that have boosted 30 Check out 25 Passe 24 22 N.M. resort town Terrific, our economy but lately it is difficult to get medical supplies from 31 Serb, Croat, et al 26 “Get the picture?”

27 23 those same countries.

Hunter's cry 32 With ice cream 27 Recipe measurement, for Concert Is that really free trade?

30 25 Passe Check out 34 Take the skin off short Canada and the provinces need to get this country acting more 35 31 Serb, 26 "Get the Croat, et al Famous Amos 28 Patterned after responsibly if we are to thrive. As we have seen, if you are too 36 32 With 27 Recipe m Ill temper 29 Lassos ice cream dependent on someone else you become the loser. We need an 38 Wedding band, 33 In the vicinity 34 Take 28 Patterne the skin off maybe action plan for Canada that eliminates the whiners and rewards 42 Fed. property 37 Falls 35 Famous 29 Lassos Amos manager, sound cooperation to ensure a better future. south 39 Thing just mentioned 33 In the vi 36 Illdown temper The internet is a platform to bring us together in good times and 44 Boyfriend 40 Per 38 Wedding band, maybe 37 Falls bad but we must be vigilante as the scammers and hackers can play 47 “That’s a laugh!”

41 Pronoun 42 39 Thing ju Fed. property manager, down south havoc with our security.

48 High-rise res.

42 Obvious space 44 40 Per Boyfriend Ralph 49 City on the Aare River Accolades to Concerned 43 Mani-pedi spot 47 41 Pronoun "That's a laugh!"

50 Bump off 45 Slippery one Bailouts Springwater Residents 48 42 Obvious High-rise res.

46 Remain Our Prime Minister recently announced that $1.7 billion would 51 Faux __: blunder Dear Sir, 49 43 Mani-pe City on the Aare River As a 47 year resident of Midhurst, I be spent by the government to clean up abandoned oil wells, an 52 Downhill racer 50 45 Slippery Bump off 53 Lacking confidence too appreciate the excellent articles by environmentally sound decision. But who abandoned the wells?

51 46 Remain Faux __: blunder Should not the polluter be responsible for the cleanup?

Kate Harries in the Springwater News.

Editors musing 52 Downhill racer Sonja Savage, Alberta’s Minister of Energy, added, “More will be needed She keeps residents informed about the Seems to me you must have Fox News on in the office. council’s decisions on important matters. to bridge our energy sector to the other side of this unprecedented financial 53 Lacking confidencehas no vaccine, no known cure, has Covid-19I also think that Bill French’s coverage of meltdown.” and the Calgary Herald quoted Jason Kenney the premier, overwhelmed the hospitals in some countries and kills the MSP proceedings is very informative. “It’s but one course in a long awaited meal. It whets the appetite, but isn’t anywhere from 2-4% of people infected. It is highly I agree that the council’s approach to enough.” Not enough? contagious and if left to spread it will kill 350 to 700 What is obvious is that Big Oil expects the taxpayer to fund their poor Covid-19 could have included better thousand Canadians (based on current numbers of choices. ALL council members should be decisions and resulting losses. From 2009 to 2019 the stock prices of Suncor deaths/infection). We are currently at just over 4% dealing with this pandemic as it applies to and Cenovus tripled, the workers were the best paid in Canada, three times death rate of infected patients which may be because Springwater Township, and be involved the national average. (Bloomberg) and the CEOs received mega bonuses. But we are not testing enough and thus missing some with now that the companies are losing money, the taxpayers are expected cover with the decision making. mild symptoms.

Keep up the good work, Kate Harries the losses. Really? The wealthy are not allowed to lose money? Bailouts are Sweden has not locked down it’s population although becoming a standard economic tool. and Bill French. they have done some restrictions. As of Tuesday they Because the banks will not advance loans, the Business Development Much appreciated! passed 1,000 deaths out of 10 million in population.

Garry Scanlan, Midhurst Bank released a statement that it will make “higher risk financing available Finland next door with a smaller population but an to oil and gas companies to fund operational aggressive lockdown has 59 deaths.

BRIDGE BITES from The American Contract Bridge League cash flow needs for 12 months.” According I miss my grandchildren as well but I do want to see to Heather Schoffield, (economic analyst, THE vANISHING TRUmP TRICK By: Brian Gunnell them again. If anything, we were not aggressive enough Toronto Star) the oil companies will need $20 in this country!

E-W Vulnerable ♠ 52 to $30 billion to stay afloat. That’s $20 to $30 South West North East ♥ AJ I know you were not saying we should ignore the Pass 1♣ Pass billion just to stay afloat. ♦ 9872 danger but you did feed into the notion that we are 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ♣ AQJT9 The oil executives made terrible decisions: North overreacting.

2♥ Pass 2♠ Pass ♠ KJ ♠ Q983 - they invested in the tar sands knowing 3♠ All Pass ♥ 9642 ♥ 875 Dan Caswell, Retired Pharmacist (thank goodness) West East it costs $45 per barrel to extract - the most ♦ KJ5 ♦ AT43 None of the N-S bids was completely Declarer ♣ K753 ♣ 86 Loss of environmental protection terrible, but the auction worked out expensive treacle in the world ♠ AT764 they gambled that the private sector would badly, leaving South to labor in a poor Dear editor, ♥ KQT3 3♠ contract. But careful timing and build pipelines to carry the product to market ♦ Q6 We are living in a dangerous time. In addition to the accurate card reading will win the day. ♣ 42 - they gambled that they could use American Covid 19 virus our provincial government is taking West leads a low Diamond to East’s Ace, a Diamond is returned to West’s King, pipelines to transport the slush to American away critical environmental protections and reporting. and the ♦J is ruffed by Declarer. Things are looking pretty bleak! For starters, refineries This is no time to open up our communities to increase Declarer will need the Club finesse to work. And then there is the small matter of - they gambled that no one would notice the risk of flooding, possible pollution of surface and the trump suit, where Declarer can afford only two losers. Doesn’t that require the suit to be 3-3? Not necessarily! environmental damage drinking waters or failure to deal with invasive species.

And they didn’t know that the Saudis can I live adjacent to a creek which provides important cold After ruffing the Diamond, Declarer cashes the ♠A and exits a low Spade, West following with the Jack and then winning the second round with the King. West produce oil at $12 per barrel, and the Russians water fish habitat. I ask that the Premier reconsider exits with a Heart won by Dummy’s Ace, then the ♥J is overtaken by the King. at $25? Well they can, and oil today is selling this action and restore our EBR and all environmental Declarer could now exit with a Spade, making his contract if Spades are 3-3. Is that a good idea? No, West has shown up with ♦KJ and ♠KJ and needs to have in the $20 range. legislation.

Economist Joseph Schumpeter coined the Sincerely, Constance Spek the ♣K if the contract is to make. That’s 11 HCP, so West cannot also have the ♠Q, that would give him an opening bid. To have a chance, Declarer must phrase “creative destruction” - just as death assume that West started with ♠KJ doubleton and East with ♠Q983. But if that is is a necessary part of life, so some companies the case, doesn’t East have two trump tricks coming? Not necessarily! must fail to allow for growth and rejuvenation.

Leaving East’s ♠Q9 at large, Declarer finesses the ♣Q, ruffs a Diamond, cashes The prime minister is introducing policies a third Heart (playing East to be 4=3=4=2), and crosses to the ♣A (no need to repeat the Club finesse). Declarer has carefully arranged to get the lead in designed to protect the wealthy even if it Dummy with just two cards left. East has ♠Q9, and Declarer has the ♠T and a means our grandchildren will be paying the Heart. Dummy leads a Club and, whether East ruffs high or ruffs low, one of his bill. two Spade “winners” vanishes! It’s called a Coup en Passant.

Build hospitals and bridges, support energy Visit www.acbl.org for more about the fascinating game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org research, but don’t bail out failing companies.

For games in Barrie see www.barriebridge.com For games in Midland see www.midlanddbc.com Joffre McCleary, Barrie Ontario

Good Day..

I was in Honduras when the pandemic really started to hit and with all of the airports closed in that country, was forced to travel to the border of Nicaragua and cross to Managua in order to fly home.

What I found most interesting is that there was a medical team at the border recording everyone who was passing into that country to take each person’s body temperature before allowing them entry.

I returned to Canada on 25 March and was shocked at the lack of testing, etc., by the border security personnel that met our plane in Toronto. The officer that spoke to me was masked and gloved and had two questions; “Are you feeling ok and are you running a fever?”

When I advised him that I was feeling well, he handed me a pamphlet on the virus and told to self-isolate for 14 days. That was it!!!

To my way of thinking, if a third world country could afford to man the borders with medical personnel with hand held instruments for testing body temperatures, what happened to Canada? Anyone not showing obvious signs of fever, etc., just walked into the airport and left.

I felt so strongly about this issue that I called the MP for this area to see what can be done about improving the testing at all border crossings and airports. To date, I have heard nothing back from our illustrious MP even after being reassured by his pre-recorded message that although the office is closed, they would be monitoring messages and return calls etc.

Not sure why I have heard nothing back from the MP but I can sure say that this is one guy NOT getting my vote come next election.

To me, the lack of testing here in Canada was important and an issue I felt should be reported to my MP. I am not impressed with this fellow.

Greg Olson

Page 9 Federal government open to new law to fight pandemic misinformation

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

ANTEN MILLS NEWS by Dennis Gannon

It certainly has been a very challenging and difficult several weeks for most. With all of our challenges of the pandemic, the recent events in Nova Scotia has played on many of us. We are a community that is home to many nurses, firefighters, police officers, doctors, paramedics and front line workers.

Together we stand with a united front and offer our support to all who have been affected. May this soon become nothing more than a note in our history.

The OPP has provided some value information should you be stopped by an unmarked police car and have concerns. They offer the following advice.

Slow down, drive in a safe manner to the nearest well-lit, populated area. If this is not possible, do the following: • Lock all doors, pull over safely and leave your car running.

• If you have a cell phone, take it out immediately and in full view of the person who pulled you over and call 911 • Calmly give the dispatcher your location and concern.

• Ask the dispatcher if they have had any communication with an officer about a stop in your area and ask them to relay your concerns to that officer.

• As they approach, roll your window down an inch or less and ask to see the officer’s badge and warrant card.

• If you remain uncertain that the person who pulled you over is a police officer, ask him / her if you can proceed to a more populated area. If he / she agrees, tell the 911 dispatcher where you are heading to and proceed.

• Look for inconsistencies in the officer’s uniform.

Uniform police officers wear police service insignia and have strict dress code standards. All officers should be able to provide you with the name of their service and detachment, badge number and rank.

Our community residents have true entrepreneurial spirits. That spirit is alive with the Watkins family. In April, Roslyn Watkins became a newspaper owner and publisher with Roslyn Watkins, The 5 N’s Publishing House. Roslyn’s parents, John and the late Jill Beischer for 43 years ran a monthly agricultural and rural publication known as Farm View. With a tradition running 43 years, Roslyn’s paper serves Simcoe and Dufferin Counties and the Regions of Peel and Durham. Check it out, it’s available online, support it if you can and on behalf of the community, congratulations Roslyn and your faithful helpers, Shawn, Lily, Trenton and Harry. May you have a publishing career for many years.

Area resident Jason McCoy is doing his part in the Covid crisis with the launch of his collaborated song, We Are One World along with the website, weare1world.net.

The lyrics and music to the song are inspiring and the goal to have many different versions, genres and in different languages is truly a gift. If you haven’t heard it yet check it out. It is available on most music streaming services.

In more good news, the Deller family has done a significant amount of celebration recently along with maintaining social distancing and isolation. Marjan

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Here's one way to get free beer A 93-year-old Pennsylvania woman whose plea to neighbors for more beer went viral on social media is getting her request fulfilled by Coors. Olive Veronesi, 93, of Seminole, went viral after a local news station shared a photo on Facebook showing her standing with a can of Coors Light and holding a sign in her window reading, "I need more beer." Veronesi said several people have since reached out offering her beer. "It's nice, something for a young lady," Veronesi said. Coors Light said in a Twitter post that Veronesi would soon be receiving some beer directly from the company. "Olive asked, and beer is on its way!" the tweet said.

What makes wild rice so different from regular rice, and where is it grown?

Answer: Wild rice grows in the Great Lakes region of North America, in shallow lakes and marshes. It was originally gathered by the Chippewa Indians there, in its natural habitat. It still grows wild in the northern third of Minnesota and in the Great Lakes region of Canada.

Commercial producers plant it in paddies now, and it is most often harvested by machine. It is then air-dryed, or cured, to develop its nutty flavor. Wild rice contains more protein than ordinary white rice.

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celebrated a milestone birthday with many well wishes and she and Murray celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. No doubt more celebrations will occur with family and friends when restrictions are lifted and from all of us in the community we extend you our best wishes and hope you celebrate for many more.

For many years when you called the former Vespra Fire Department one of the emergency dispatchers who answered your call was Dorothy Clarkson. Dorothy and her husband Jim who was the Vespra Deputy Fire Chief lived in the house next door to the old Minesing fire station on George Johnston Road. One week at a time, day or night, when the fire phone rang, Dorothy would answer, send the firefighters out and stay up listening and providing assistance until the firefighters returned home.

Dorothy who was in 86th year passed away on April 22 with her family at her side. On behalf of our community we extend our heartfelt sympathy to her children and grandchildren. Dorothy was a wonderful woman and served her community with pride and commitment. She will be missed.

Stay healthy, stay safe, stay strong. Antenmills1@gmail. com.

Dear Editor How far is government prepared to go to undermine the sanctity of the Canadian constitution and/or the rights and principles established under our Constitution? That is for you to decide…

In a CBC article it seems the Federal government may be engaged in an attempt to undermine Canadian’s constitutional rights based in our right of discussion/ debate and restrictions on the freedom of the press.

“Federal government open to new law to fight pandemic misinformation. It’s one of several measures the government is considering to counter fake news about the virus online...”1[1] If Mr. Trudeau and the sitting federal government move forward with this action it would seem he/it are in contradiction of Canadian law, SCC rulings and the Canadian Constitution, doesn’t it? According to the SCC ruling provided: Reference Re Alberta Statutes - The Bank Taxation Act; The Credit of Alberta Regulation Act; and the Accurate News and Information Act, 1938 CanLII 1 (SCC), [1938] SCR 100 “Under the British system, which is ours, no political party can erect a prohibitory barrier to prevent the electors from getting information concerning the policy of the government. Freedom of discussion is essential to enlighten public opinion in a democratic State; it cannot be curtailed without affecting the right of the people to be informed through sources independent of the government concerning matters of public interest.

There must be an untrammelled publication of the news and political opinions of the political parties contending for ascendancy. As stated in the preamble of The British North America Act, our constitution is and will remain, unless radically changed, “ similar in principle to that of the United Kingdom.” At the time of Confederation, the United Kingdom was a democracy. Democracy cannot be maintained without its foundation: free public opinion and free discussion throughout the nation of all matters affecting the State within the limits set by the criminal code and the common law…” 2[2] Whether government is of the opinion that certain information is misinformation is of no consequence as it is for the Canadian people to decide what they will or will not believe, isn’t it? Is government intruding on one’s ability to read, think and decide which information is pertinent? And what of media – are they merely going to become a propaganda machine, as was attempted by the Alberta Social Credit Party, during the 1930’s?

That being said – freedom of the press; freedom of opinion; freedom of discussion/debate; and freedom of speech are fundamental, constitutional rights of every Canadian so the questions are: How far is government prepared to go to undermine the sanctity of the Canadian constitution and/or the rights and principles established under our Constitution? That is for you to decide…

Elizabeth F. Marshall, President All Rights Research Ltd. Smart ass A team of Stanford University scientists announced they have designed a "smart toilet" that identifies the user by the shape of their backside and monitors the health of their waste. Lead researcher Sanjiv Gambhir said he and his team developed the Precision Health smart toilet to recognize users and use algorithms to analyze the health of their urination and bowel movements. The researchers said the toilet identifies users by reading their fingerprints from the flush lever, but it also uses cameras to identify them by another part of the body. "We know it seems weird, but as it turns out, your anal print is unique," Gambhir said. The toilet takes video of stool samples and uses algorithms to analyze the consistency of the waste.

"Everyone uses the bathroom -- there's really no avoiding it -- and that enhances its value as a disease-detecting device," Gambhir said.

What causes the whistling sound when I turn on my shower?

The whistling occurs when there is a restriction of water flow in the pipes. This phenomenon can also happen with cold water. The cause or the restriction may depend on the type of plumbing. If it is copper piping, this may be a sign that your plumbing is too small for your usage.

If it is galvanized steel, it may indicate a lime buildup somewhere, which can reduce the opening through which the water flows and cause the high-pitched squeal.

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Page 10 Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca Ontario Unveils Guiding Principles Elmvale 322-1482 Doug Archer to Reopen the Province Midhurst 737-5650 Minesing 722-6440

Online at www.springwater.library.on,ca Need a Library Card for ebooks?

Need a library card to access ebooks and audiobooks online?

Never fear! We can remotely set you up for 60 days, and the physical card may be picked up in the home branch (once reopened) and renewed upon presentation of ID for one year. Applicants will need to share their name, full address, phone number, email and desired home branch (Elmvale, Midhurst or Minesing).

Tiny patrons will be asked to fill out the Tiny municipal form before receiving their permanent card in branch.

Please email info-library@springwater.ca with your information and a card number will be issued via email.

If library closures extend longer than anticipated, the temporary cards will be extended on a month to month basis).

Reading at home is sweet!

We’ve got some “sweet” motivation for your children to read at home.

We’ve got candy bouquets to give away and it’s easy to win! Step 1: Create a reading log that includes the name of the book and time spent reading. Step 2: Read! Record each 15 minutes spent reading or being read to. Step 3: When the branch reopens bring in your log and tell us about the books you’ve been reading and you will be entered in a draw for a sweet candy bouquet!

NEW Ancestry Library Access Due to the current restrictions of in branch use of this amazing online database, Ancestry Library Edition has graciously opened the doors to allow patrons access to their billions of records including photos, obituaries, census data, directories and more from the comfort of your own home! To use this resource, please visit the Online Resources page of our website and if you have any questions about the program please email elenna.bailey@springwater.ca Volunteer Income Tax Clinic The Income Tax Clinics usually hosted at the Elmvale Library have been placed on hold due to COVID-19. However, the community volunteers are still able to help you complete amd submit your taxes. If you have a low modest income and a simple tax return, please email your name and number to CVITP.Elmvale@gmail.com A volunteer will be in touch with you by phone to assist you. This is a FREE service available to residents of Elmvale, Hillsdale and surrounding area. Please note we cannot prepare complex tax returns ie: for deceased, bankrupt, self-employed, business or rental income.

Virtual Science Fair This year’s annual Homeschool Science Fair is taking place online! Step 1: Video your project. Step 2: Upload to a private YouTube channel and email the link to linda.potje@springwater.ca by May 15. Step 3: Request to join Schooling Events Hosted by Springwater Public Library Facebook Group. Step 4: Watch participant’s videos from May 19 to 25 and feel free to make some comments and ask questions of each other. Most importantly, have fun!

Storytime Weekly On the Virtual Programming page and at YouTube you’ll find Miss Amanda doing the storytime program for wee ones you know and love with new storytime videos posted each week every Tuesday morning! Her storytimes will have a theme such as the concept of time, breathing, baking cookies and more!

Meet Matilda Springwater Library staff member Joanne has a new puppy named Matilda that she is going to train to be a Literacy Dog at the library!

Watch each week as Joanne posts videos on little Matilda's adventures as she learns about the world around her.

Author Talk We’ve got a special local author highlight video of Trudee Romanek chatting about her latest novel, Raising the Stakes. Be sure to check her out our YouTube channel: Springwater Township Public Library or just search Springwater Library.

E-Newsletter

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TORONTO — Today, April 27, 2020 1:30 P.M. We service the Ontario government released A Framework for Our Name is Riding on it! what we sell!

Reopening our Province, which outlines the criteria Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will use to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. The framework also provides 705.245.3337 0% FINANCING details of an outreach strategy, led by the Ontario Jobs huroniasmallengines@live.ca and Recovery Committee, to help inform the restart of 11 Ludlow Street, Midland (corner of Ludlow and Vinden) the provincial economy.

Details were provided by Premier Doug Ford, Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, Vic Fedeli, Minister of CONCERTS IN CARE ONTARIO Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Provides Digital Concerts for Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

Residents in Long Term Care "Our top priority remains protecting the health and safety of the people of Ontario and supporting our frontline TORONTO, April 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -heroes as we do everything in our power to contain and In response to COVID-19, Concerts in Care Ontario is defeat this deadly virus," said Premier Ford. "At the same continuing to bring the joy of music to seniors living in time, we are preparing for the responsible restart of our long term care homes across the province. Now more economy. This next phase of our response to COVID-19 than ever it’s important to bring moments of pleasure is designed to help us map out what needs to be done, and and respite to those living in isolation and fear. when, to get us back on the road to recovery."

Working with its network of professional musicians, The government is planning a stage-by-stage approach Concerts in Care Ontario is recording a series of ‘live’ to reopening the economy to ensure there are appropriate concert videos and audio tracks to deliver in various measures in place so workplaces can open safely. Public digital formats to care homes across the province. health officials will carefully monitor each stage for two to Anchored at the intersection of artistic excellence four weeks, as they assess the evolution of the COVID-19 and research about music and the brain, Concerts in outbreak to determine if it is necessary to change course to Care Ontario curates turnkey concert series in seniors’ maintain public health. facilities, performed by top-calibre professional • Stage 1: For businesses that were ordered to close musicians. Our concerts are a focal point for connecting or restrict operations, opening select workplaces that elders, caregivers and loved ones, while engaging can immediately modify operations to meet public powerful emotions which can activate memory and health guidance. Opening some outdoor spaces like improve mood for seniors in care who may be isolated parks and allowing for a greater number of individuals and withdrawn. to attend some events. Hospitals would also begin to Our professional musicians combine passion and offer some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries, and compassion, performing programs in classical, jazz, other health care services.

American songbook, and culturally specific genres.

• Stage 2: Opening more workplaces, based on In 2020, more than 250 musicians were scheduled risk assessments, which may include some service to perform 400 live concerts in 72 facilities to 20,000 industries and additional office and retail workplaces. seniors in Ottawa, Pembroke, Toronto, London, Some larger public gatherings would be allowed, and Sudbury, and Windsor. Concerts in Care is pleased more outdoor spaces would open. that some of those performances will be able to be seen • Stage 3: Opening of all workplaces responsibly and heard digitally to deliver the joy and beauty of live and further relaxing of restrictions on public gatherings. music, through various media, to help keep our seniors Throughout each stage, continued protections for healthy mentally and emotionally, and to ensure they vulnerable populations must be in place, along with the continue to feel connected to their communities. continued practice of physical distancing, hand washing Concerts in Care Ontario was previously known as and respiratory hygiene, and significant mitigation plans the Health Arts Society of Ontario. The new website is to limit health risks. www.concertsincareontario.com.

"Recent public health indicators show us that we're beginning to turn a corner in the COVID-19 outbreak, battle against this virus," said Minister Elliott. "The Chief while economic data, feedback from businesses and Medical Officer of Health has outlined some criteria he insights from our communities are outlining how we need will use to advise government on when we may begin to to plan for economic recovery," said Minister Phillips. slowly and safely ease public health measures and restart "Turning on an economy after an unprecedented shut- our economy. To be able to do so, we need everyone to down is not as simple as flipping a switch. We need to continue their extraordinary efforts so that we can meet plan this out carefully to ensure we do not spark a sudden these thresholds and begin to move forward." outbreak, undo the progress we have made and put the Supporting the next phases of Ontario's Action Plan, safety of the public at risk." the new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee, chaired To reopen the economy, the government will consider by Minister Phillips, will be consulting with key sectors factors such as the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and in all regions to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the the ability to implement protective measures to keep provincial economy and develop a plan to move forward. workplaces safe. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and The government and Members of Provincial Parliament health experts will provide advice to the government about will lead discussions with business associations, chambers easing public health measures using a range of set criteria, of commerce, municipal leaders, the postsecondary sector, including: corporate leaders, small business owners, community and • A consistent two-to-four week decrease in the social service providers, Indigenous partners, Franconumber of new daily COVID-19 cases; Ontarians, entrepreneurs and others.

• Sufficient acute and critical care capacity, The work of the committee will build on Ontario's including access to ventilators and ongoing availability Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, the first phase of of personal protective equipment; the government's $17 billion response, that is delivering • Approximately 90 per cent of new COVID-19 targeted relief for businesses and families across Ontario. contacts are being reached by local public health "The COVID-19 outbreak has had far-reaching economic officials within one day, with guidance and direction to impacts for businesses and communities across Ontario," contain community spread; and said Minister Fedeli. "In the face of these challenges, • Ongoing testing of suspected COVID-19 cases, businesses and individuals have stepped up to support especially of vulnerable populations, to detect new our frontline workers, produce essential equipment and outbreaks quickly. keep our supply chains moving. Our plan to carefully and "It is because of the collective efforts of all Ontarians to methodically reopen Ontario's economy will ensure that stay at home and stop the spread of COVID-19 that we are businesses are supported on our path to renewed economic able to consider plans to move into the next phase of our prosperity."

An endurance kayaker is 26 days into her attempt to circumnavigate all five Great Lakes -- a distance of about 4,200 miles. Traci Lynn Martin, 52, of Kansas City, Mo., embarked March 1 from Buffalo, N.Y., and said Wednesday she was nearing Cleveland's Lake Erie shore. Martin previously attempted the Signing up for our feat in 2017, but was forced to end her attempt e-newsletter is easy and due to ice on Lake Ontario after completing fast! This will provide only three lakes. She finished having paddled you with updates, for a distance of 3,592 miles, 230 miles short the latest ebook/ of the Guinness World Record. Martin said she eaudiobook purchases is not attempting to break the Guinness record and what’s going on this time, freeing her from rules that previously with our virtual library barred her from having a back-up boat in case programs.

To sign her kayak gets damaged. The kayaker said she up please email infois hoping to finish her journey of about 4,200 ESA #7001100 library@springwater.ca miles by Christmas.

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Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

School Closures Extended to Keep Students, Staff and Families Safe

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Plugs vs. Pumps: The costs of electric cars vs. gasoline cars CAA Auto Advice December 06, 2019 Vehicles powered by electrons are no longer being relegated to the fringe. Where they were once little more than science projects, all-electric cars are now a viable alternative for a certain segment of people in certain parts of the country.

Gas stations are abundant and, technically, so are electrical outlets. However, not all plug-in points are created equal, meaning EV pilots may have to plan their route a bit more carefully than their gas counterparts.

The good news? Advancements in battery technology have greatly increased the distance electric cars can travel on a single charge, meaning range anxiety is very nearly a thing of the past.

Canadians are buying more EVs than ever, with more battery-powered cars sold last year than the previous two years combined. This leaves us to answer a question: what’s better – electric or gas?

As with all big financial decisions, the answer starts with a bit of math. Earlier this year, Transport Canada announced a $5,000 maximum incentive for customers who buy or sign a 48-month lease on an all-electric car.

EVs with a battery size equal to or above 15kWh qualify for the full incentive, cars with a smaller battery capacity (or shorter lease term) qualify for smaller inventive amounts.

For simplicity, let’s examine a single EV model that has a rough equivalent with a gasoline engine: the Volkswagen Golf and e-Golf. Both are 2019 models in Comfortline trim and pricing is accurate as of this writing. Financing is based on 60-month terms and leasing is based on a standard-kilometre 48 month agreements and include Ontario taxes.

The math of the matter.

The e-Golf Comfortline retails for $36,720 and can be leased for $708/mo or purchased for $747/mo including the $5,000 incentive. Compare that to a $22,500 gasolinepowered Golf Comfortline with a manual transmission at a $357/mo lease or $483/mo finance.

On the surface then, it seems that going electric costs much more per month, a sum which is no small amount of money. This is where mathematics comes into play.

The e-Golf has an advertised range of 201km and a 35kWh capacity battery. Assuming one charges their VW overnight at the electric rate of 10.1 c/kWh, a fill-up will cost $3.54. A gasoline powered Golf is rated by nrCan at 7.4L/100km in combined driving conditions meaning, with gasoline at $0.75/L, it would cost $11.16 to travel the same distance.

This means a person driving 20,000 km per year would annually spend about $350 on electricity or $1,110 in gasoline. Dividing that difference by 12 teaches us the EV driver saves about $63 per month in fuel costs. Factor in the EV’s lack of oil changes, plus the ability to charge up for free at certain places, and suddenly the math starts to make a bit of sense.

Note: The cost of both electricity and gas are reflective of the current cost as of April 2020. Costs are subject to change.

CAA Auto Advice.

Gas pricing aside, purchasing a car is a very personal decision with many different factors to consider. It remains an excellent idea to do your homework before signing on the dotted line, of course, and that’s where CAA can help. As the leader in automotive information, we are well equipped to help you crunch the numbers on the path to making a good decision. Members can give our CAA Auto Advice experts a call toll-free at: 1-866-464-6448 or email us at: autoadvice@caasco.ca.

Written by: Matthew Guy. Scott McNamee - So using the numbers provided, if we continue down the math path.....the 4 yr. lease on the electric car is TWICE as much as the gas vehicle, which nets a savings of $16,000.00 over the first 4 yrs. for the GAS powered car. Taking into consideration the gas cost saving of the electric car ($1200 for 4 yrs.) vs. gas powered car ($7200 for 4 yrs.), you are still much further ahead savings wise using the GAS powered car......unless I'm missing something?? So that means to start really saving money on the Electric car, you have to use it for approx. another 6.5 yrs.....to recoup the extra dollars spent on the higher lease.

There are 195 countries in the world today. This total comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and 2 countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine.

TORONTO — Today, April 26, 2020 12:30 P.M. Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced that all publicly-funded schools will remain closed until at least May 31, 2020, as part of an effort to keep students, staff and families safe from COVID-19.

The extension was based on expert advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and health officials on the COVID-19 Command Table and is part of the government's ongoing effort to stop the spread of the virus. The advice was to extend school closures for an additional period of time to permit updated modelling and data to inform next steps, given the government's absolute commitment to safety.

"We will do whatever it takes to keep our students safe," said Minister Lecce. "The government is taking a careful approach which provides our medical experts the time to review the modelling and make the best decision for the safety of our students and the future of learning."

The government took immediate action to close schools in Ontario, the first in Canada to do so. The ministry continues to monitor the evolving situation and if necessary, the closure may be extended further to protect the health and safety of Ontario's school communities.

At the same time the Ontario government is taking steps to ensure learning can continue. In March the province unveiled its Learn at Home portal. It offers all students highquality resources, featuring made-in-Ontario math and literacy resources, created by Ontario-certified educators, in both English and French. Elementary resources are designed to help young students learn at home with interactive activities that encourage participation through entertaining and stimulating digital content. High school content was designed with a focus on STEM courses and ensures core competencies and skills are reinforced.

At the end of March the Ministry of Education unveiled the second phase of Learn at Home to ensure the continuity of learning for students. This included providing clarity for parents, enhancing education supports and creating opportunities for educators to connect with students.

The government has also partnered with Rogers Communications and Apple to help meet the educational needs of students and families during the COVID-19 outbreak. iPads are being purchased and distributed by Ontario school boards, pre-equipped with free Rogers LTE wireless data. Apple is providing on-going support in French and English to teachers, parents and students, with a collection of resources to support learning and working from home. To date, over 20,000 iPads have been sent to targeted families in need. The free Rogers wireless data will be available until the end of June.

"Regardless of what transpires over the coming weeks, Ontario's students will be able to complete their school year with confidence," added Minister Lecce. "In particular, for students in their final year, we are removing all impediments to ensure students graduate and pursue post-secondary education."

Quick Facts • Should schools be permitted to reopen, school employees will have access as of May 29, 2020.

• The Ministry of Education will move forward to replace the remainder of Professional Activity (PA) days and examination days with instructional time, as well as the introduction of an expanded summer learning program that will focus on credit recovery, supports for vulnerable students, and course upgrading. Boards are to find solutions at the local level in keeping with this direction while upholding collective agreement obligations.

• Private schools, First Nation schools, licensed child care centres and EarlyON programs will remain closed until May 6, 2020, with certain exceptions for licenced care, under an emergency order made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which only allows closures to be extended for 14 days at a time.

• Through the Ontario Together web site, the province received more than 300 proposals from businesses, organizations and everyday Ontarians to provide solutions to remote learning while schools are closed during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Next steps will be shared soon.

As of April 23, 2020- The Ontario Health Coalition has compiled this list from trusted media sources, hospital and public health websites, and by calling hospitals directly to confirm information. Please note things are changing rapidly. Different assessment centres have different criteria for access. Some do testing on site, some do not.

This information is correct as of today. Please call or visit the websites of the hospital/assessment centres or public health units indicated below to check current status. As tests become more available they may be able to test more people. New assessment centres are being added daily.

People are wondering how and where to get tested.

Many hospitals, Public Health Units and/or the Ontario government have set up assessment centres that are in separated areas of the hospital, or are drive-through, in trailers on hospital property, are offsite. This is to minimize the risk of transmission to other patients. Here is a list of the Assessment Centres in Ontario that we have been able to find and the testing criteria at this moment.

Please note: information is changing quickly. Please confirm all information on your local public health unit website if you can. If the Ministry of Health puts together a comprehensive list for the province, we will send out the link.

We have included information where we can find it, about what the instructions are for each town. Generally, information is available on your local public health website under “COVID-19 updates” or similar heading. Here is the list of public health units/locations/contact.

The Ministry of Health in Ontario is asking people who have symptoms of COVID-19 (new dry cough, fever, difficulty breathing, potentially some other flulike symptoms) to use a self-assessment tool – link is here -- first, then after you have used the self-assessment tool, call: • your primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, community health centre) or • call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or • call your local Public Health Unit (list is here).

(Note: it seems that some Public Health Units are overwhelmed and asking people not to call, but to call their primary care provider first.

If you are seriously sick please don’t let the attempts to ration tests and reduce overload on the system prevent you from getting the care you need. Everyone is simply trying to get the care to those who need it the most first.

THese are only some local spots...Central Ontario/ Grey Bruce/Muskokas: Alliston: A drive-thru assessment centre is open at the Stevenson Memorial Hospital. The assessment centre is located in the lower parking lot (staff/shipping & receiving entrance) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Patients arriving at the Assessment Centre will be asked to complete a self-assessment form.

Barrie: An assessment centre is open, located at the back of the Eagle Ridge complex at 490 Huronia Road, not directly at the urgent care clinic. Hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. Patients are being assessed and referred for testing according to criteria. Walk-ins are accepted. Patients are asked to first do a self-assessment, under guidelines provided by the self-assessment tool that can be found here (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/selfassessment/#q0).

Collingwood: An assessment center is open, located in a tent set up at the parking lot of the Erie. St. Medical Centre at 186 Erie Street from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days a week. Contact your family physician, nurse practitioner, Public Health, or use the Ministry of Health COVID-19 self-assessment tool (available at: https://covid-19. ontario.ca/self-assessment/) to determine if you require an appointment. To book an appointment, call the assessment center at 705-444-5885 or get on the wait list by visiting www.gbfht.ca/cac/ and clicking on the “Get on Wait list” button, which can be accessed online until 7:30 p.m. every day.

Midland: As assessment centre is open in Midland by appointment only. The facility is located next to the Chigamik Community Health Centre at 845 King Street, Unit 3. Walk-ins are prohibited. There are three ways to access an appointment with the assessment centre, including by visiting the Georgian Bay hospital’s website (http://gbgh.on.ca/covid-19-self-assessment-tool/), or by calling the assessment centre booking desk at 705529-1025 or Ontario Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 The booking desk is open seven days a week between the hours of 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Orillia: An assessment centre is open in the Kiwanis building on Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital campus, located at 170 Colborne Street West. Please enter the assessment centre on Volunteer Drive from Mississaga Street – Volunteer Drive has temporarily been designated as a one-way street. Hours: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday (the last patient will be seen at 6:30 pm), and 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. You will be assessed by a nurse from your vehicle to determine the next steps. The hospital is asking patients who think they have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, to please review the COVID-19 selfassessment tool to help determine if they need to come to the Assessment Centre.

Parry Sound: An assessment centre is open at Parry Sound Mall on 70 Joseph Street. Patient visits at the assessment centre are by appointment only. Individuals displaying COVID-19 symptoms may call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705746-4540 ext. 5030 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days per week.

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 TAKE STEPS TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19):

Follow the advice of your local public health authority.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Stay home as much as possible and if you need to leave the house practice physical distancing (approximately 2 m).

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOMS Symptoms of COVID-19 may be very mild or more serious and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.

Isolate at home to avoid spreading illness to others.

Avoid visits with older adults, or those with medical conditions.

They are at higher risk of developing serious illness.

Call ahead before you visit a health care professional or call your local public health authority.

If your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider or public health authority right away and follow their instructions.

FEVER (greater or equal to 38 °C)

COUGH

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

FOR INFORMATION ON COVID-19: 1-833-784-4397

canada.ca/coronavirus

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

Sports with Patrick Townes

Last week’s article concentrated on a historic baseball record, and this week’s article will focus on a historic hockey record.

The record for career goals is held

by Wayne Gretzky who scored a total of 894 goals in his National Hockey League career. Alexander Ovechkin is now chasing that record, and it is safe to say that he has the “Great One” is his sights.

Ovechkin began his National Hockey League career in the 2005-2006 season when he was awarded the Rookie of the Year award for scoring 52 goals. Interesting enough, Ovechkin would have played in the 2004-2005 season if not for the lockout. An attempt was even made to draft Ovechkin prior to the 2003-2004 season when the Florida Panthers challenged the ruling that he was three days short for draft eligibility. The Panthers used the argument that leap years should have been accounted for to try and get Ovechkin approved for the draft – this was unsuccessful.

The 2012-2013 season was also shortened to 48 games as a result of a work stoppage.

Ovechkin is currently sitting at 706 career goals, and he had 48 this season prior to the pandemic halting all professional sports. He essentially averages 48-50 goals per full season, and is currently trailing the record by 188 goals. There is a clear path to hockey greatness for Ovechkin – play four more seasons and score 50 goals in each of them.

Ovechkin has been criticized lately for not participating in all-star games, and it is understandable. He used the argument that he knows what it takes to perform well in playoffs and, as such, deserves a rest during the all-star break to better his chances of winning. More on the selfish side, better his chances to break the goal record as well.

If you are voted to play in the all-star game you should be mandated to play, and if you do not play, you should be forced to go to the game and participate in the fan component of the events. It hurts the league in a negative manner when stars do not go who were voted in by the fans. Auston Matthews was hurt and he still attended.

This is a reflection of him and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

Back to Ovechkin and the chase for the goal record -once he breaks the record, the real arguments will start about who is the all-time greatest scorer in hockey history.

Up until now, when you think about the greatest scorer in hockey history, the answer was Gretzky. Ovechkin is doing his best to change that opinion, but he has one thing against him, he is not Canadian. In any argument around comparing players, it is just too hard to compare players that played in different eras. One thing is for sure though, it was easier to score a goal when Gretzky played, compared to Ovechkin.

Many of you may disagree with this argument. And the main point you may make is that technology has come so far, how is it not easier to score in today’s game? One thing you may not think about is that technology has advanced for skaters, including sticks and skates, but technology has also advanced for goalies, including larger equipment and more custom gear. There is absolutely no question that it

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Page 13

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is harder to score in today’s game.

Why? It’s simple. The goalies are bigger and they play a different style. The first thing that the majority of general managers and scouts look for in a young goalie is size. Also, all goalies primarily now play what is called a butterfly technique, where they drop to their knees on almost all perimeter shots. With a bigger goalie, different playing style, and less room to shoot, the target is smaller and it is much harder to score. Not to mention faster players who manage to “shrink” the ice. Looking back and seeing the size of Felix Potvin and others, you wonder how they made as many saves as they did. Looking further back, the goalies for the most part stood up and let pucks slide by them along the ice. This is not being critical of these goalies, but simply put, the game was so much different.

The last point to make on this topic is that when Gretzky played, there was no salary cap in play to limit teams’ spending. His teams could add players to support him, with skill and protection. This is not the same in today’s game. In order to build a complete team, they need certain players to take pay cuts in order to win. This seems to have worked for teams like the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins over the years.

Taking in to account Ovechkin’s one and a half seasons lost to lockouts, he would be even closer to the record. He will do all it takes to keep in game shape to beat Gretzky’s career goal record. No matter what happens, Gretzky will still have more points, so one could argue that he is the better overall player. But what Ovechkin has done in the modern game is impressive and exceptional, and he deserves all the credit in the world for what he has done.

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR OATMEAL: Oats are even more than a nutritious breakfast cereal.

They are also an amazing grain. Despite their small size, they can have an enormous impact on your health.

Numerous studies have shown that by eating 1-1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal each day while following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and a regular exercise routine, you may be able to lower your blood cholesterol levels. This may help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and lower your blood pressure as well.

If you enjoy eating oatmeal each morning, but get bored with preparing it the same way each day, why not try some new toppings? There are a number of ingredients that can enhance the natural goodness of oatmeal without adding a lot of extra work to the preparation. Try one of these topping ideas the next time you fix oatmeal for breakfast: * Sliced strawberries, plain nonfat yogurt and brown sugar * Maple syrup and toasted pecans * Dried apricots and honey * Dates, walnuts, and cinnamon * Warm apple pie filling and fat-free milk * Pear slices, maple syrup, and cinnamon * Orange marmalade and dried cranberries * Sliced bananas and mini semisweet chocolate morsels * Coarsely chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and dates * Canned crushed pineapple, sliced bananas and macadamia nuts Thanks to Quaker Oats company Who was the youngest person ever to graduate from college with a doctorate?

The youngest recipient of a doctoral degree was Carl Wittee a German boy, who received a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Giessen at the age of 12.

Bite the bullet This old saying means to grin and bear a painful situation. It comes from the days before anesthetics. A soldier about to undergo an operation was given a bullet to bite to keep from screaming.

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Mayor Allen’s Update – April 30, 2020

Donation to Sara Vista Springwater Council, at its April 15th meeting, voted to donate $2000 to the Sara Vista Long Term Care Home in Elmvale, to be used as they deem appropriate in their challenges with COVID-19. The funds will be provided from the Tax Rate Stabilization Fund.

We respect and appreciate all of the hard work the staff and residents are performing to keep all of them safe.

2019/2020 Impact Report Springwater Township Council want to keep you informed with an overview of projects and initiatives undertaken in 2019 and a look at what to expect in 2020, as best we can determine in these challenging times. The Springwater 2019/2020 Impact Report has been released and it provides an overview of key points and initiatives. You can view the report online at www.springwater.ca/ImpactReport.

Street Sweeping Street sweeping in Springwater was delayed a week due to the cold snowy weather which moved through the area last week. When the ground is too cold the sand sticks to the ground and makes it impossible to sweep up. The street sweeping has started in the south end and will move north.

Please remember to not rake your sand into piles at the side of the road, since the sweeper is unable to pick-up piles.

Rather, pile the sand in a continuous row.

Elmvale Food Bank Building Project Contractors will be breaking ground on the new Elmvale & District Food Bank facility in approximately 2 weeks!

In February 2019, the Township of Springwater committed to a one-time capital contribution of $100,000 towards the construction of a new facility for the Food Bank.

The Elmvale Food Bank has fundraised $100,000. The municipality has also agreed to front end the necessary funds in excess of $200,000 to be repaid over a period of up to 10 years.

The new Food Bank facility will be located at 62 Yonge St. N in Elmvale. Construction is expected to be completed in early fall, with occupancy before the busy Thanksgiving season.

Until that time, the Elmvale Food Bank remains open and operational at 35 Queen St. W on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00 pm and Thursdays from 10 am – 12 noon with appropriate physical distancing. During these challenging times, the Food Bank will not be taking financial information from anyone in need and if you require assistance you are urged to contact them at 705-322-9096.

Simcoe County 2019 Fiscal Year End Results Overall, the 2019 year-end surplus for operating and capital is the relatively small amount of $1.1M of the County’s $548M budget. Due to the exceptional circumstances from the COVID-19 pandemic, County staff recommends that the 2019 surplus be transferred to the General Contingency Reserve. Previously, any surpluses have been directed according to appropriate needs in a particular year. Given this extraordinary present situation, the recommendation is prudent.

Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZO’s) In January the non-profit corporation Elmvale Active Seniors Residence (EASR) submitted a letter to Warden Cornell and members of County Council, requesting the County’s support for their application for an MZO to facilitate the development of a seniors retirement campus on the border of Elmvale. This was approved and the letter of support has been submitted by the County to the Ministry.

Council was also asked to consider an MZO for the County’s Environmental Resource Recovery Centre (ERRC) project, which is planned to provide waste management infrastructure in the Freele Tract forest on Horseshoe Valley Road West, for the next curbside collection contract in 2022. The County has proceeded with this to try to accelerate the planning process, which continues to be tied up with the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT). Springwater will continue to pay close attention to the planning specifics of this to ensure the right details and controls are incorporated into the final project.

Please continue to practice appropriate physical distancing and protective measures. With this continuing, the Provincial strategy to try to return to a new normal will be able to be accelerated.

Stay safe and positive and thank you to all who help out.

Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities. Truth isn't.

--Mark Twain

Page 14 Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca The OPP Report - Scams

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Motorcycle operators are more vulnerable at this time of year as many roads have loose sand and gravel present and operators should always wear an approved helmet and high quality protective gear.

Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see and gauge their speed and therefore other motorists must be extra vigilant when turning or changing lanes.

OPP Investigate Collision Involving Dirt Bike and Pickup in Port McNicoll (Tay Township, ON) - Members of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a serious two vehicle crash at the intersection of Talbot Street and Third Avenue in Port McNicoll, Tay Township at 9:47pm on April 23, 2020.

On arrival at the scene, officers observed a small dirt bike which was on fire. Police commenced an investigation into the collision involving the dirt bike and a pickup truck.

Emergency crews from Tay Township Fire Service and County of Simcoe Paramedic Services attended and the 34-year-old Tay Township male who was operating the dirt bike was transported to a local hospital. The male was then transported by ambulance to a Toronto area hospital for treatment of serious injuries where he remains.

Members of the OPP Central Region Traffic Collision Investigation Unit (TCI) are assisting the investigation into the cause of the crash.

The investigation is ongoing, no charges have been laid at this time.

The OPP is committed to serving our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about this collision please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information regarding this incident.

REMINDER OPP TAKING STEPS TO LIMIT RISK OF COVID-19 TRANSMISSION Please call ahead before attending (WASAGA BEACH, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has seen an increase in members of the public attending the detachment to inquire about services available to them.

The OPP is taking action to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by restricting the access to its facilities, including detachments, across the province until further notice.

The OPP is committed to the health and safety of its members and the public. OPP facilities remain open during regular operating hours, with enhanced screening to ensure the health and safety of the public. Detachment phone numbers are available at opp.ca/detachments.

The OPP is limiting the processing of routine criminal record checks/vulnerable sector checks. Checks will only be conducted if deemed to be necessary, or for emergency circumstances.

If you require any detachment-based service, including criminal record checks/vulnerable sector checks, please contact your local detachment in advance.

In addition, the OPP has set up detachment-specific email addresses to deal with non-emergent services and inquiries. These email addresses are now also available at opp.ca/detachments.

For emergencies, please call 9-1-1. For all other police matters, please call 1-888-310-1122 or your local detachment. For less serious incidents, report online by visiting opp.ca/reporting.

The OPP thanks the public for helping us to keep our communities safe by using the means listed above to avoid unnecessary contact.

DRUG IMPAIRED DRIVER CHARGED AFTER STRIKING A PEDESTRIAN Driver charged with numerous criminal offences (WASAGA BEACH, ON) - On April 23, 2020, at 4:49 p.m., the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Downer Crescent and Fairway Crescent, in the Town of the Wasaga Beach.

Officers attended the scene and located a female pedestrian with minor injuries.

The pedestrian was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Officers also located a male driver at the scene.

Police investigation revealed the driver did not have a valid driver’s licence and appeared to be under the influence

of a drug. A Drug Recognition Evaluation was later completed. A small quantity of suspected cocaine was also found at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, Bradley ELLIOT, 35 years of age, of Collingwood, Ontario, was arrested and charged with the following offences: • Dangerous operation - Contrary to Section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code • Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs Contrary to Section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code • Fail to comply with Probation Order - Contrary to Section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code • Possession of a Schedule I substance - Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available - Contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cannabis Control Act 2017 • Driving while under suspension - Contrary to Section 53(1) of the Highway Traffic Act • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance - Contrary to Section 2(1)(a) of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act The accused has since been released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood on July 7, 2020.

The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol. Use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.

Midland Resident Facing Impaired Driving Charge (Midland, ON) - Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Southern Georgian Bay detachment were contacted on April 22, 2020 at 11:30pm regarding a vehicle that had entered a trail and became stuck in the Sunnyside area of Midland. Police attended the scene and located the vehicle while the driver was in the process of trying to remove it. Upon encountering the police the driver fled from the vehicle on foot and was apprehended a short distance away. Police noted signs of impairment as well as the smell of alcohol on the breath of the driver and placed him under arrest for impaired driving.

As a result of the investigation, Jordan MAURICE, 26 years of Midland, was charged with the following Criminal Code offences: Operation while Impaired Operation while Alcohol Concentration - 80 or over OPP Volunteer Auxiliary Unit Lifts Community National Volunteer Week (MIDLAND,ON) - Members OPP Auxiliary Unit attached to the of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are often the unrecognized members who help lift our community through volunteer participation at numerous community events.

The detachment has an Auxiliary Unit comprised of 14 officers which includes an Auxiliary Staff Sergeant, two Auxiliary Sergeants and 11 Auxiliary Constables. These officers provided 2,878 hours in 2019 conducting tasks such as traffic control and community interaction at local events such as all of the area Santa Claus parades, Food and Toy drives, Easter Egg Hunts, Remembrance Day Parades along with other community ceremonies and events.

Specially trained members of the OPP’s Auxiliary Policing Program also support the full time regular OPP officers by conducting Property Security Reviews of homes and businesses for the OPP SafeGuard Ontario Property Security Program. This program is a public awareness and education initiative has been very well received by the community as the Auxiliary officers present the home and business owner the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to help reduce re-victimization of property crimes.

OPP Auxiliary Units mission is to provide fully trained volunteer Auxiliary members to assist in the delivery of traffic safety and community-based crime prevention initiatives and to perform police duties only in special circumstances, such as during an unforeseen emergency that the front line officers of the OPP require additional resources. Here in the Southern Georgian Bay area, regular officers enjoy being supported by their volunteer counterparts while on patrol on land but also while on the water conducting marine patrol duties and many other community related duties.

“On behalf of the serving men and women of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment and the area Municipalities we serve and protect, we say Thank You to the members of the OPP Auxiliary Unit for your many hours spent away from you families while you selflessly volunteer for the greater good of our communities” Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment interim Commander Inspector Joseph Evans.

OPP CONTINUES COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT 15 CHARGES LAID AGAINST DRIVER AND COMPANY (Clearview Township) On April 17, 2020 Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Highway Safety Division Traffic unit were conducting enforcement in the Huronia West area, south end of Clearview Township.

In the afternoon, a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) was stopped while hauling an oversized excavator on Sunnidale-Torosontio Townline. Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.

As a result of the traffic stop and motor vehicle inspection, 15 charges were issued to the driver and company.

Road safety enforcement initiatives have the goal of keeping our highways and roadways safe and secure for all motorists in the Province of Ontario.

Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.

Theft from Vehicle Complaints in Tay and Midland Result in Three Arrests (Tay Township, ON) - Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called on April 15, 2020 at 4:00am by a homeowner on Robin’s Point Road in Tay Township to report people who were prowling near a home who then left the area on foot. Police followed footprints in the fresh snow to a separate residence which resulted in the identification of three suspects.

During the daytime hours of April 15, 2020 several property owners called the OPP to report that their vehicles had been rummaged through and items were stolen in the same area of Tay Township. As well, similar reports were The rest of this article and many more can be read in the police report at www.springwaternews.ca

Open - Monday to Friday 8:30 – 5:00

Saturday 8:30 – 4:30 • Closed on Sundays Phone in your Feed and Seed orders at 705-322-2363.

Email Plant orders to ritchiesgreenhouse@simcoe.net

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ontario, your efforts to beat COVID-19 are making a difference.

To stop the spread, we need you to continue to: Stay home when possible

2m

Practice physical distancing of at least 2 metres Wash hands thoroughly and often

We need your continued determination and cooperation to stop the spread.

COVID-19 can be deadly.

Don’t put your family and friends at risk.

Stay home. Stay strong. Save lives.

Learn more at ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Page 16 Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

1100 Flos Road 4 West, Phelpston Complete Repair & Maintenance service Cars, Trucks & Trailers Motor Vehicle Inspection Station Clean & Modern Facility Quality Workmanship in Every Job

Elmvale BIA Business Highlights

Marc Schutt • Tel: 705-322-4301 Fax: 705-322-3027 • Cell: 705-322-0150 Email: twoguysautomotive@hotmail.com The Tiny Art Shack, 34 Queen Street W 705-322-2020 Orders@thetinyartshack.com Offering virtual shopping tours, curbside pick-up and delivery options -- You local shop supporting local artisans - great gift ideas for Mom. www.thetinyartshack.com

 The current population of Canada is 37,678,383 as of Wednesday, April 22, 2020, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data.  Canada 2020 population is estimated at 37,742,154 people at mid year according to UN data.

• Canada population is equivalent to 0.48% of the total world population.

• Canada ranks number 39 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.

• The population density in Canada is 4 per Km2 (11 people per mi2).

• The total land area is 9,093,510 Km2 (3,511,022 sq. miles) • 81.3 % of the population is urban (30,670,064 people in 2020) • The median age in Canada is 41.1 years.

Archer Bookkeeping 58 Yonge St S Tel: 705-352-1187 Currently working from home office Beacock Auto, 46 Yonge St S Tel: 705-322.2757 BodyWorks Collision, 14 William St T 705-322-2282 Carquest Elmvale 141 Queen St W Tel:705-322-1111 Order via telephone for curbside pick up Be-Still, 6 Queen St W Rita Be-Still 705-352-0505 As a Mental Health Counsellor, providing Emotional Support at Be-Still Bridge of Light Bookstore 4 days per week 10-4 pm.

We would like to take this time to thank the Springwater News for supporting the Elmvale BIA and local businesses Elmvale Community Church, We will be live-streaming by giving us this article space for our regular updates. our Sunday service to our Facebook Page (see link above) Michael Jacobs has been incredibly supportive of the but there will be no “in person” service for the next BIA and our local businesses throughout the entire year, while. (www.elmvalecommunitychurch.com) And Pastor and especially now during COVID 19. Many of our Stephen Weenink - 705-322-2466 businesses have been greatly impacted by the restrictions Elmvale Home Building Centre, 121 Yonge St S - Open in place and many have been temporarily closed. We are accepting customer orders over the phone: 705-322working together to support each other during this time 2800, fax: 705-322-0322 or EMAIL orders for pick up in and Springwater News has been leading the way in this our parking lot or yard or delivery support - Thanks Michael!!!

Elmvale Veterinary Clinic, 69 Yonge St S (705) #StrongerTogether 322-2661 We are open for urgent cases and food and We have been actively supporting Elmvale Businesses on medication sales our Social Media Accounts. Check us out @ElmvaleBIA #LocalTakeOutandDelivery #PamperMom Guardian Pharmacy/Whitfield Pharmacy, 16 Queen on Facebook and Instagram - like and share/repost #SupportElmvale Street W 705-322-1011 Open to the public with modified whenever possible. If your business has been missed or information needs modification, please email marketing@ Wednesdays have been marked as National Take-Out Day hours - 9am -5 pm Monday thru Friday, Saturday 9 am - 4 across Canada in support of local restaurants and eateries. pm, Sunday 10:30am -2:30 pm elmvalebia.ca with updated information.

Of course, giving your mom a break this Mother’s Day As a customer, please contact the business directly if you G & S Computers, 9 Queen St W call ahead 705and supporting local takeout is also a great option! have any questions regarding changes in opening times 322-1997 and/or email Al@GSComputerservices.ca to and service offerings. We endeavour to keep our listings schedule a service. updated on a regular basis but during these times services Liberty Tax, 40 Yonge St S. 705-322-6868 DROP OFF and information is changing frequently.

ONLY during business hours #MothersDay #SupportElmvale Northern Automotive Solutions 14218 County Road So many great and local businesses that we can support 27 1-705-322-0330 Open & taking measures to protect for Mother’s Day this year (and every year, of course!!!) themselves & their customers!

Here are just a few business highlights to consider this OK Tire Elmvale, 7 Yonge St N - Call to make appt Tel: year, of course our full listing is at the end of this article, 705-322-1652 but we are highlighting just a few seasonal standouts...be sure to check our social media pages for regular business Paul Flindall highlights throughout the week!

While this Covid-19 is in our faces, operating by phone, text messaging or email.

Elmvale Bakery, 32 Queen Street West 705-515-3300 Phone 705 322 4292 Curbside Pick Up & Take-Out Message 705 623 0790 Email: ipdconsulting@csolve.net Pharmasave Elmvale, 70 Yonge Street S 705-322-6464 Offering Curbside Pick-up for Pharmacy and In-Store Items Modified Hours - Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 3pm Ritchie’s Feeds N Needs, 1548 County Rd 92 (705) Check Out our listings of options: 322-2363 Open Mon - Fri 8:30 to 5:30 - Sat to 4:30 Please call on your orders, for pick up & loading.

Ace Grill -fb - Ace Grill 34 Yonge Street South Tel: 705322-6484 Open for Take Out Sarah Joy Covey, Virtual Counselling during Covid, 21 Queen Street W arah@sarahjoycovey.com Www. B2 Pizza, 34 Yonge Street South Tel: 705-322-2121 sarahjoycovey.com Currently Open 2-7:30, last orders by 6:30 pm Tag Painting, 18 Queen St W Unit 3 Tel:705-515-1300 Elmvale Bakery - fb Elmvale Bakery, 32 Queen Street Open - will continue to be of service in the event of West Tel: 705-515-3300 Open with modifications curb emergency repairs are concerned. side pick up. elmvalebakery@rogers.com The Laundromat, 30 Queen St W - Open everyday except Foodland Elmvale Tel: 705-322-2261 14 Yonge Street Wed during COVID 8am-10pm North Open: 8AM - 8PM Elm Flower Shoppe, 52 Yonge Street South Tiny Art Shack 34 Queen St W Tel:705-322-2020 McDonald’s, 24 Yonge Street South Open Drive Tel: 705-322-1550 Curbside Pick-up & Delivery Tina@thetinyartshack.com Curbside pick up, virtual Thru Tel: 705-322-4444 shopping, delivery available call ahead - Steeler’s Restaurant & Pub - 23 Queen Street West Two Guys Automotive, 1100 Flos Rd. 4 West, Phelpston Tel: 705-322-2652 Take Out & Delivery (local delivery Mon to Fri 8am to pm. telephone or text @ 705- 322is free) visit website https://steelersrestaurantpub.com for 4301 or by EMail @ twoguysautomotive@hotmail.com. full menu Vehicle pickup & delivery no extra charge Subway Elmvale, 70 Yonge Street S 705-322-0007 Stacey Gateman, Re/Max Hallmark Chay Realtor Open daily 11am-8pm for drive thru and takeout Brokerage 705-828-1225, Staceygateman@rogers.com Tim Horton’s, 68 Yonge Street South 705-322-5504 www.elmvaleexpert.com Open Drive Thru During the banquet celebrating their 25th wedding The Cheese Guy, 77 Yonge Street South 249-888-8887 or anniversary, Tom was asked to give his friends a brief email thebluefromage@gmail.com account of the benefits of a marriage of such long Valley Farm Market - 2457 County Road 92 Call duration. "Tell us Tom, just what is it you have learned 705-322-2646 Check website for updated hours www. from all those wonderful years with your wife?" an valleyfarmmarket.ca anonymous voice yelled from the back of the room.

Tom responded, "Well, I've learned that marriage is the #StrongerTogether #SupportLocal #SupportElmvale best teacher of all. It teaches you loyalty, forbearance, #StrongerTogether Elmvale Businesses (Non restaurant self-restraint, meekness, forgiveness -- and a great many and food services) that are open with modifications other qualities you wouldn't need if you had stayed Like, Share, Support single."

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

ASK THE MONEY LADY, Dear Money Lady, I am going stir crazy being isolated at home and have had lots of time to review my finances. I read your book and have started using the Cash Tracker – it is a good way to budget, especially nowadays.

Marie Carmen Thank you so much Marie Carmen!

It is good to hear that you are budgeting your income and expenses. The Coronavirus pandemic has given us all time to think and provided a forced slow-down and a “pre-retirement” wakeup call. As we do our part in “social distancing,” those of you who are child-free or no longer have young children in need of constant care; you’ve now had a glimpse of what it would be like to be home all the time. In other words, AKA: RETIRED! So what do you think?

This is the time to start thinking seriously about how you want to spend your time in retirement. How do you envision your retired life and what do you want to do? Do you have an advisor that is helping you get to where you want to go?

There are so many choices and personal opportunities out there and you need to begin budgeting and planning your future in a way that allows you to become engaged and purposeful.

It is important to remember that happiness is not attained just when you retire. You need to be happy along the way to retirement and this is only achieved when you’re doing the things that matter most. Continue to dream and to seek inspiration. Everyone knows what they have come from, but many are not so sure what they are retiring to.

Why not take this free time to make a plan, keep a journal, begin budgeting your finances, write down your goals and consider going in a different direction and trying new things. You will be surprised at how even making a few small changes will make you happier and more successful in every facet of your life, whether you are already retired or on your way to it.

Good Luck and Best Wishes,

Money Lady

Written by Christine Ibbotson, Author of two new books,

“Don’t Panic – How to Manage your Finances and Financial Anxieties During and After the Coronavirus” and “How to Retire Debt Free & Wealthy” available at all bookstores across Canada.

If you have a money question, please email on website: www.askthemoneylady.ca Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices - just recognize them. --Edward R. Murrow, television broadcast, December 31, 1955

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Page 17

Crushed Road & Cement Gravel Sand & Gravel Fill • Skid Steer Services Excavating • Bulldozing • Backhoe & Snow Removal

7 Simcoe Street Elmvale, Ontario L0L 1P0

Rick’s Cell: (705) 623-4209 Phone: 322-2785 Fax: 322-4458

NVCA Board Meeting Highlights April 24, 2020

Next Meeting: May 22, 2020, location to be determined For the full meeting agenda including documents and reports, visit nvca.on.ca/about/boardofdirectors The April 2020 board meeting was the first meeting staff. since January 24, 2020. The February board meeting was During this time, NVCA will be taking advantage of the cancelled to due a large snow storm, and the March board 10% temporary wage subsidy offered by the Government meeting was cancelled due to situations from COVID-19. of Canada. However, it is still unclear if conservation This board meeting was held electronically through authorities are eligible for the 75% Canada Emergency WebEx, and streamed on YouTube for public viewing.

Wage Subsidy.

2019 Financial Audit Conservation Ontario is working on behalf of all 36 NVCA receives clean audit for 2019. Board members conservation authorities to consult with the Canada received the 2019 NVCA audited financial statements Revenue Agency and legal experts to determine how we as presented by KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants. should proceed.

The financial statements will be available on the NVCA 2020 – 2025 Strategic Plan Update website the week of April 27, 2020.

The draft 2020 – 2025 Strategic Plan was received by the Agriculture Committee Board of Directors, and the final version will be presented Currently, there are no plans for video meetings of the at the May Board of Directors meeting for approval. agricultural committee during the COVID-19 Emergency.

2019 Annual Report The committee will monitor the crisis situation. If NVCA’s 2019 Annual Report was received by the Board restrictions persist, the committee will organize a of Directors and is available for download here. conference call, and will be made available to the public Upcoming events through our website.

To ensure the safety of volunteers and visitors, the COVID-19 Update NVCA is following guidelines from local health units Currently, the NVCA is losing significant revenues, and recommendations from provincial and federal health especially from our education department. Without officials. As a result, all upcoming NVCA events have enough funding, there was no choice but to temporarily been cancelled lay off two full time staff, and all part time and contract Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow The original purpose of the Foreign Legion was to remove disruptive elements from society and put them to use fighting the enemies of France. Recruits included failed revolutionaries from the rest of Europe, soldiers from the disbanded Swiss and German mercenary regiments of the Bourbon monarchy, and troublemakers in general, both foreign and French. Historically, the American film industry portrayed the Foreign Legion as having a reputation as a haven for cut-throats and fugitives from justice This image is largely out of date since the legion now conducts extensive background checks via Interpol.

Although it is part of the French military, it is the only unit of the military that does not swear allegiance to France, but to the Foreign Legion itself. Some Americans disagreed with the United States' initial refusal to enter WWI and so they joined the French Foreign Legion or the British or Canadian army. A group of U.S. pilots formed the Lafayette Escadrille, which was part of the French air force and became one of the top fighting units on the Western Front.

Notice for Statement of Completion for a Category B Project Evaluation Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects The Township of Springwater (the Township) has expressed an interest in purchasing a portion of a Crown land property located at 1132 Snow Valley Road in the Township of Springwater from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). The Township intends to use the property for new capital construction projects. Facilities being considered include a Fire Station, multi-purpose recreational complex, multi-purpose outdoor fields and other public uses. The first facility proposed is a fire station. The remainder of the proposed development will be phased to meet the needs of the community. The land proposed for purchase by the Township is located on the east half of the property (approximately 50 acres).

A public Notice of Commencement was previously issued on May 3, 2018. A Public Information Centre was held on September 26, 2019 to provide an opportunity for public input and comment.

A Category B project evaluation and consultation process was carried out for this project (sale of Crown land) in accordance with the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects. The Category B project evaluation determined that the project will have no significant adverse environmental effects provided that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.

A Notice of Completion was sent to all public, agencies, and Indigenous communities on the project contact list on February 6, 2020.

The Notice of Completion advised that Project Evaluation Report was available for public review. A digital copy of the Project Evaluation Report was made available on the Township’s website and a hardcopy was available at the Township Administration Centre for public review. Contact information and the opportunity to provide comment was provided to the public, agency and Indigenous communities, including the opportunity to request a Part II Order from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. No comments were received during the 30-day commenting period that ended on March 8, 2020. There were also no Part II Orders received.

The MNRF considers that there are no significant outstanding concerns and has concluded the Class EA process. This decision is published through the Statement of Completion and formally indicates the completion of the Class EA. A copy of the Statement of Completion can be found on the Township’s website at www.springwater.ca. Based on the completion of the Class EA, MNRF and the Township will now proceed with the process for the sale of the subject property.

Notice Issued on April 30, 2020.

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

Close Family

Is What We're Known For!

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

County Council Highlights Committee of the Whole: March 10 & April 14, 2020 County Council: April 14, 2020 2020 Tax Ratios and Tax Rates Upper-tier municipalities have the responsibility of establishing County wide tax ratios, tax rate reductions and County tax rates. All properties are valued based on a valuation date of January 1, 2016. These updated Current Value Assessment (CVA) values as adjusted under the Province’s assessment phase-in program, will have formed the basis of taxation for the 2016 through 2019 taxation years and continue to apply to 2020. Every year, the County is required to establish tax ratios for multiresidential, commercial, landfill, industrial and pipeline classes, within guidelines prescribed by the Province.

Council voted to implement a multi-resident class and an industrial class ratio reduction to address inequities and stimulate growth, while having little impact on other taxpayers.

MZOs for Elmvale Active Seniors Residence and Environmental Resource Recovery Centre On January 29, 2020, a non-profit corporation called the Elmvale Active Seniors Residence (EASR) submitted a letter to Warden Cornell and members of County Council, requesting the County’s support for their application for a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) to facilitate the development of a seniors retirement campus on the border of Elmvale.

Council was also asked to consider an MZO for the County’s Environmental Resource Recovery Centre (ERRC), which will provide the necessary waste management infrastructure for our next curbside collection contract in 2022 and support the Province’s long-term waste goals. The County is currently awaiting its fourth LPAT case management conference and a hearing date has not been established. The current path for obtaining approvals is likely to take another two years or more without the MZO and has already cost the taxpayer more than $1.5 million.

Section 47 of the Planning Act gives the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the same authority as municipal councils to make decisions on certain land use planning matters. An MZO is a very specialized planning instrument given to cover projects important to the public that meet very important and urgent municipal and provincial goals and establishes land use permissions and sets specific requirements for a new development.

However, unlike municipal decisions, MZOs are nonappealable.

In keeping with County and Provincial plans, Council voted to support both MZOs to encourage development and significantly reduce the time and cost to bring these projects to reality.

Emergency Licensed Child Care On March 17, 2020, the Province directed closure of Licensed Child Care Centres, under Ontario’s declared State of Emergency. On March 21, the Province announced that select Licensed Child Care Centres could be approved as exempt from closure, in order to support health care and other frontline emergency workers in securing care for their children.

Council received a report on County efforts to reach out to licensed child care operators to develop additional child care spaces for parents who qualify for emergency child care, particularly parents working in front line health care settings. At this time, Licensed Family Home Child Care continues to be available and staff anticipates that one Licensed Child Care Centre, located in Barrie, will be operational by early to mid-April. Similar centre based opportunities continue to be explored for other geographical areas.

Social Services Relief Fund and Reaching Home Funding In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Province has created a $200-million Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) for services to help protect the health and safety of the province’s most vulnerable people. The SSRF will include two components: funding to individuals for current and nonsocial assistance clients ($52 million across the province); and funding to Service Managers to keep frontline critical social services operating ($148 million across the province).

On April 1, 2020, the Warden received a letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, allocating $2,440,500 to the County under SSRF, which is the County’s portion of the $148 million. Additionally, the federal government has provided funding $157.5 million to support people across Canada experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak. The 2020-2021 incremental funding allocation for the County of Simcoe under the Designated Communities Funding Stream is $1,641,353, which is in addition to current Reaching Home funding amounts.

Council approved staff entering into service agreements and providing any other documentation to give effect to the allocation of Social Services Relief Fund and Reaching Home Funding.

To view the full Committee of the Whole or Council Agenda visit: https://simcoe.civicweb.net/Portal/ The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.

--Arthur C. Clarke

Page 19

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Midhurst - As the number of COVID-related cases in our region increases, the County of Simcoe is reaching out to residents to reinforce the importance of following physical Year round service and construction! distancing measures and general public health guidelines.

Federal, provincial and local public health officials are All Work Guaranteed! • 705.721.1053 all encouraging the public to stay home and limit nonessential travel, self-isolate where necessary, and follow Community Reach lives! health protocols such as coughing into your elbow and handwashing often to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Community Reach continues to operate their services By taking simple steps including shopping once a week, by taking people in Midland, Penetanguishene and avoiding social gatherings, working from home and staying north Simcoe who do not have access to transportation in your primary residence, we will flatten the curve and to their medical appointments and grocery shopping or speed up our recovery. As an additional precaution, Public delivering groceries. We are also helping people who need Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is advising that wearing to go to their cancer treatment appointments and dialysis a non-medical mask is an additional measure you can take treatments. to protect others around you.

We operate our two Community Reach vans throughout The County continues to offer essential services and north Simcoe which is the charitable side to our has a number of resources available to help residents transportation services. We have 4 amazing heroes as and families at home. Tourism Simcoe County and the our drivers. See attached picture. From left to right: County’s Economic Development Office recently launched Rob Wilson, Jim a new online directory to highlight local businesses in Walker, Rick Ellis Simcoe County that are providing services and goods (in van), Val Smith. to residents while following provincial guidelines and Also, the second physical distancing measures. Call-in, delivery, take-out picture shows our and curbside pick-up are all options that limit contact Transport Manager between people but allow residents to continue to invest in Rick Ignas, Jim our local economy and access essential goods and services.

Walker, Rick Ellis, Residents are asked to fully respect the bylaws passed by and Val Smith. various municipalities to help keep our communities and residents safe. Our bylaw and law enforcement officials are doing all they can to help you, and we ask for your cooperation with them as they are enforcing restrictions and doing their job to help keep us safe and limit the stress of capacity challenges on our health care system. Our region is a destination for many cottagers and seasonal residents during normal times, and a reminder that the County joined many of our municipalities in requesting that all individuals stay in their primary residence during this difficult time.

Many people don’t know, however, that we do not Ontario is in a critical period where all citizens must heed get Federal or Provincial funding and depend a lot on public health warnings in order to reduce the impending impact on the healthcare system: the faster we can limit fundraising and donations to run our TLC program through community transmission to a minimum, the faster we can out north Simcoe. Our fundraising opportunities are nonflatten the curve, protect residents’ social and physical existent at the moment so financial support from the municipalities and private donations are super important. well-being, and start the process of recovery.

“These are uncertain times and we appreciate everything If anyone would like to donate you can visit our website that our residents and businesses are doing to help our at www.communityreach.ca or call us at 705-528-6999 communities get through the pandemic together,” said either to donate or register for rides.

Warden George Cornell. “While these health precautions are changing our day-to-day activities, it is essential that we continue to follow the Bloomzin Elmvale guidelines set out by our health experts. We need to stay home, in our primary residence.

E.D.G.E. Elmvale District Garden We need to follow public health protocols.

Enthusiasts (Elmvale and District Horticultural And we need to stand together. Our recovery Society) are seeking sponsors towards the hanging flower depends on our collective efforts.” baskets that adorn Elmvale’s main street.

Given the guidelines on practising physical A basket can be purchased for $75.00. distancing, the public are asked to respect public health guidelines with County staff Sponsorship can be in the name of a business, organization, who continue to provide essential services and individual, family, memorial or a special occasion. programs, including our valued contractors, Any monetary donation will be gratefully accepted. such as waste collectors and LINX transit Place your order by: operators. Our staff greatly appreciate the Telephone: gestures of kindness and appreciation being Sharon Chambers 705-322-2257

demonstrated from a distance.

Email: bloomzin.elmvale@yahoo.com Community supports and donations 211 is a tremendous resource for information Mail cheque: Mary Fleming, 49 Archer Crescent, and services, including grocery delivery.

Elmvale, ON, L0L 1P0 211 can be contacted at 211ontario.ca or by Make your cheques payable to dialling 211.

Elmvale Horticultural Society A reminder that local Food Banks are in need All sponsors will be acknowledged in the Springwater News of donations and are requesting increased and on the Elmvale Community Hall bulletin board, support during the pandemic.

35 Queen St. West, Elmvale Municipal and health partners in Simcoe and

Muskoka, including the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka, and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, are working together to launch a donation campaign for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and critical supplies that are essential for the provision of safe medical and community care to patients and residents in our region. Any businesses or community members looking to donate items can email EmergencyManagement@smdhu. org. Information about how and where to send donations is available at smdhu.org/donations.

Let’s take pride in our village and enjoy Information about County service updates another spectacular floral display. are available at www.simcoe.ca/covid19.

Page 20 Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

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Q: What American luxury automaker began by making cages for birds and squirrels?

DAILY EVENTS - All on the website at www.springwaternews.ca with greater information.

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959 Marshall Rd Wyebridge ON Ph - 705-526-0563 Just north of Mertz Sideroad on Marshall Rd. Mon- Fri 8:30 - 5:00 Saturday 9:00 - 5:00 Sunday & Holidays Closed

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Mon: Aphasia Communication Group - The Stroke Recovery Association (Barrie District). All sessions free 705-737-9202.

Mon: 9 am. Coffee Club and Art Group - 9:30 am Pool and 10 am Tiny Stitches The Place 300 Balm Beach Rd. Perkinsfield Mon: 10 to 11:30/7:30 to 9 p.m. Ladies Interdenominational Bible Study Willow Creek Church 2387 Gill Rd. 705-722-7582 Every Mon: 4:20/5:45 Drop in Yoga classes at the Villa Nursing Home Midland Yonge St. Donna Boudreau 795 427 0740 Mon: 1 p.m. Elmvale Community Hall, euchre/bid euchre Mon & Wed: 1 pm – 3 pm at the Penetanguishene Arena.

Seniors shuffle board 245-7611 for info. Register at town hall.

Mon 1-2:30 pm Midland Library Better Days Addiction Support Group with Chigamik Community Health Centre provides a non-judgmental space and explores strategies to assist individuals reduce or quit using alcohol and/or substances.

Simply drop-in! 526-4216 or kelly@midlandlibrary.com Mon: 7 pm Midland District Railroad Club at Huronia Airport - basement of white building 705-526-3461 Mon: 7:30 Bingo at Bayshore Seniors Club Woodland Beach for the months of July and August. Everyone Welcome Every Monday: MCC 8-10:30 FREE Midland Jams Plugged In 527 4420 www.midlandculturalcentre.com FB @Midland Jams Every Tues & Thurs year round 8:30-12 noon – Georgian Bay Heritage League meet in Perkinsfield behind Country Bath & Kitchen on Cty Rd 6. Join us to restore wooden boats built in this area. 705.526.5039. Facebook Georgian Bay Heritage League .

Tues: 9:30 Coffee Club - 12:30 Bid Euchre @ The Place Tues 1:30 pm Coldwater Legion Euchre, www.coldwaterlegion. com 705 686 3388 Branch 270@rogers.com Tues. 1:30-3:30 & 6:30-9:00 pm Adult Pickleball - $10 Homer Barrett Park, Elmvale Equipment provided For info contact: mamadaleno@hotmail.ca craddock.debbie@hotmail.com 3rd Tues: Elmvale Legion 2-4 pm Veteran’s Drop In Day. Tues: 5:30 Ages 4-8 and 6:30 ages 9-14. Art Classes Creative Madness Art Studio 705 322 6588 Elmvale First Tuesday: 6.30 – 8.30 PM Georgian Bay Coin and Stamp Club North Simcoe Sport/Recreation Centre. 705-534-3771 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month: Elmvale District Lions Club dinner and General Meeting, 7 pm at Lions Hall Flos Conc 7. New members welcome. 705-734-4350 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM Barrie Amateur Radio Club at the Eastview Secondary School, 421 Grove Street East, Barrie, in the cafetorium. Anyone interested in Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) is invited. The hobby is very diversified, there are specialized interests for everyone. We have frequent guest speakers and presentations. There is always something interesting going on.

We also have a coffee / social break so there is an opportunity to meet amateur radio operators and learn about the hobby.

BarrieARC.com .

Tues: 7 pm Bid Euchre Bayshore Seniors Club Woodland Beach.

1st Tues: 7 pm Elmvale Legion General Meeting 322 1042 Tues: 7:30 pm: Bid Euchre and darts Barrie Legion Wed: 9 am Coffee Club - 10 am Pool - 12:30 pm Games Afternoon 2nd Wed: 1:30 pm Camera Club Georgian Bay Swinging Seniors “The Place” 300 Balm Beach Road

TORONTO — The Ontario government is enabling auto insurance companies to provide temporary insurance premium rebates to drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The province has amended a regulation under the Insurance Act to help ease the financial pressure on working people and families during this public health crisis.

By amending this regulation insurance companies would be able to provide auto insurance premium rebates to consumers for up to 12 months after the declared emergency has ended.

"We are in an unprecedented time and people are experiencing extraordinary financial pressures," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "My message to insurance companies has been clear: they should provide relief that reflects the financial hardships their dedicated customers are facing due to the COVID-19 outbreak."

"All of us will remember how companies treat us during these unprecedented times. I often remind business leaders that their customers from the past five years are likely to be their customers for the next five years," said Phillips.

"Insurance companies indicated that the regulation preventing rebates was a barrier to providing relief to their customers. That barrier has now been removed so auto insurance companies can step up and do the right thing for the people and families of Ontario."

The Government and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) will continue to work together to monitor how the auto insurance sector is responding.

Quick Facts • Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to remove existing restrictions on rebating so auto insurers can provide additional consumer relief.

• The rebating prohibition is designed to protect consumers from being misled in purchasing decisions based on a rebate and to provide consumer protection from insurers who may discriminate between consumers.

• Auto insurance policy terms generally last for 12 months. The 12-month time period of this regulation would allow insurers to provide rebates to all policyholders, regardless of their annual policy renewal date.

• The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is an independent regulatory agency designed to improve consumer and pension plan beneficiary protections in Ontario. FSRA is responsible for monitoring compliance with and enforcing the Insurance Act and its regulations.

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Before partaking in many of these events, it might be prudent to check to see if they have been cancelled!!!

Every Wed morning 10 am Spirit Café for a time of fellowship and conversation. All welcome. St John’s United Church.

First Wed/Month: Regular meeting of the Georgian Bay Métis Council at 355 Cranston Cres. Midland 526-6335 Wed: CHAIR YOGA 10:00 - 11:00 am. Gentle exercises with soothing music. Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors 300 Balm Beach Road West 705 526 5074 Wed: 12-1:00 Lunch, $8 at Barrie Legion. 728-1412 Every Wed: 1 pm Bridge at Bayshore Senior Citizens’ 2000 Tiny Beaches Rd S Woodland Beach Wed: 1 pm Royal Canadian Legion Elmvale District 262 Legion Seniors (55+). Table Shuffleboard and social.

Wed: 4:30 / 7:30 The Huronia Museum Film Series Galaxy Theatre Midland until May 20 - bringing festival calibre films to Midland movie goers 705 526-2844 or huronianmuseum.com First & Third Wed 7 - 9 PM Progressive Euchre: Join us for a fun filled evening at St Paul’s Anglican Church, 5 Noraline Ave. Midhurst Everyone is welcome!

2nd Wed: 7 pm LA General Meeting Elmvale Legion.

2nd and last Wed: 7 - 8:30 pm.- Wasaga Cancer Support group meetings open to all cancer survivors, caregivers and family members at Body‘n Balance Physiotherapy (705) 429 - 9619.

Wed. 7:30 pm Fun darts at Coldwater Legion Wed: 7:30 pm Cribbage at Barrie Legion.

4th Wed: 7:30 pm Horticultural Society meets Elmvale Legion Thurs: 9 am Coffee Club- 10-3 p.m. Tiny Stitchers, The Place Perkinsfield, 526-5074 2nd Thursday each month 9:30 - noon – PROBUS Club of Wasaga Beach - social club - retired or semi-retired men of all walks of life meet at RecPlex in Wasaga Beach for coffee, a meeting and a guest speaker. Non fund raising. Non political.

Non sectarian. http://www.mensprobuswasaga.org/ Every Third Thurs 10 am -noon - Barrie Kempenfelt Probus Club meets at the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 147, 410 St. Vincent Street – Barrie Ontario – (Entrance on Ferris Lane) 2nd Thurs of Each Month (Sep - Jun) - Barrie District Stamp Club (Chap 73 of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada) Monthly meeting - St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (side door, basement), Owen & Worsley Sts, Barrie, ON - 6:30 - 8:30 pm.”

3rd Thurs: Free Community Breakfast at All Saints Anglican Church Hall 1 Peel St. Penetanguishene 549 2223 3rd Thurs: 10 am - noon - The raging grannies meet at Woods Park retirement facility 110 Lillian Cres. in Barrie. 322-1575 4th Thurs: 1-3 Nottawasaga Bay Stroke Recovery meet at 135, 32nd St. Wasaga Beach Guests speakers 429-9571 Thurs: Shuffleboard at 1 pm at the Coldwater Legion Every Thurs: 1:30 pm Darts at Bayshore Senior Citizens’ 2000 Tiny Beaches Rd S Woodland Beach 4th Thurs: 1:30 pm Diabetes support group meets at the Health and Wellness Center at Penetang General Hospital 549-0881 4th Thurs: 3-5 pm Parkinson’s support group meetings at the Superstore Midland 526-9170.

Third Thurs: 6.30– 8.30 PM Georgian Bay Coin and Stamp Club meets at the Prime Time Club, 1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach. 705-429-4948 3rd Thurs 5:15 Elmvale BIA meet in Elmvale Library Thurs: 7 - 10 pm Good Vibes Coffeehouse at Mount St. Louis Road and 4th of Oro-Medonte Thurs: 7 pm Bid Euchre at the Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors Centre, 526-5074 Thurs: 7 pm - Elmvale Com Hall Euchre/Bid Euchre Lunch.

Thurs: Darts at 7:30 pm at the Coldwater Legion Fri June 14 to Sept 27 9 am - 2 pm Springwater Elmvale Farmers Market at the Community Hall.

Fri: 9:30 a.m. Coffee Club - 9:30 Pool, 12:30 p.m. Bridge – Includes Coffee/Tea/Cookies Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors “The Place”, Perkinsfield, 705-526-5074 Every Friday 1:30 pm Shuffleboard at Bayshore Senior Citizens’ 2000 Tiny Beaches Rd. S Woodland Beach Fri: 5:30 pm WB Lions Bingo at RecPlex 429-3331 Fri: 6 pm Steak Darts at Coldwater Legion Every Sat during summer 1-4 pm - Music in the Elmvale Gateway park except July 20 Sat: 3 pm Meat Darts BBQ at Legion, Branch 147, Barrie, Sat: 5:00 Meat Darts Elmvale Legion. 322-1042 Welcome!

Sun: 9:45 am Knox Flos Presbyterian Church Services Sun: 10 am - St. John’s United Church welcomes you for worship. 27 Yonge St. S, Elmvale. www.unitedchurchelmvale. org Sun: 11 am Christian Science Society Church services at 159 Collier St. Barrie

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can be called to - 322-2249

or e-mailed to - springwaternews@rogers.com

Ontario Enables Auto Insurance Companies to Provide Driver Rebates During COVID-19

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Call Ken 705-727-8313

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Community Events

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Over 25 years experience painting & wallpapering

Leon Tilt & Load

We pick up scrap cars, trucks and metals.

Call 705-527-9534

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Ken Archer Painting

Heaslip & Son Renovation & Handyman Services 705-361-9945 www.heaslipandson.com

Dairy, Beef, Poultry, Swine, Sheep, Rabbit, Equine rations and Bird seed.

ORGANIC FEED AVAILABLE!

Before partaking in many of these events, it might be prudent to check to see if they have been cancelled!!!

The King’s Wharf Drayton Entertainment - have cancelled all theatre events until August 15th. Show cancelled include Sleeping Beauty June 10 to June 27, The Dixie Swim Club July 2 to 18, and Fiddler on the Roof July 22 to August 15th.

Mariposa Folk Festival Cancelled.

Calgary Stampede cancelled Baycats Baseball season cancelled.

THe RCL Convention is cancelled.

Springwater Swing Golf Tournament July 15 cancelled Aug 6-9 Boots and Hearts at Burl’s Creek in Oro-Medonte

A: The George N. Pierce Co. Of Buffalo, who made the Pierce Arrow, also made iceboxes.

"One day you will wake up and there won´t be any more time to do the things you always wanted. Do it now."

Paulo Coelho

Page 21 Lynn-Stone Funeral Homes Inc. Lynn-Stone Homes Inc. 15 Yonge StFuneral S., Elmvale 15 Yonge St. S., Elmvale 705-322-2732 705-322-2732 www.lynnstonefuneralhome.com

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

Tompkins & Heels Monuments Ltd. For Quality & Craftsmanship Since 1932

Locally owned and operated Manufacturer of unsurpassed quality granite.

161 Essa Road Barrie ON L4N 3L2 www.tompkinsandheels.com

Tel: 705-728-7749 1-800-465-9900 Fax: 705-728-6149

Mon - Fri 9 - 5 • Sat 9 - 1 pm Evenings available by appointment

Immemorial

In Memory of Frank McGinnis November 21, 1947 - May 9, 1970

In 1947 on a cold November morn, Tom & Mary announced their first child Frank was born.

We miss you brother for so long, Suddenly on a sad Saturday you were gone.

50 years has passed You watch from above.

Till we meet again, We send you our love!

Teresa, (Anna), (Kathy), Marianne George, Tom, Tim, Paul

“Because special lives deserve to be remembered in special ways” • Finest Handcrafted Monuments • Premiere Granite Selection • 5th Generation Family Owned • Showrooms Throughout Ontario Elmvale 705-322-2732 Midland 705-526-2924 Head Office 1-800-461-0282

www.SandersonMonument.ca sandersonmonument@rogers.com

Sanderson Monument

Writing Down Your Anger

I often suggest to my clients that whenever they feel extremely angry or upset, that they sit down and write about what's bothering them before taking any action. There are www.lynnstonefuneralhome.com some very good reasons for doing this. First, it gives a time out period where you can cool down rather than acting impulsively and regretting it later. Secondly, you can vent all of those horrible angry thoughts without hurting anyone. Thirdly, this process can assist you in putting things into perspective.

There is an interesting explanation as to why this process works so well, and it has to do with the way in which the human brain functions. The brain consists of two hemispheres, the left and the right. Things are processed differently in each half. The left hemisphere functions in logical, analytical, sequential ways. This is the part of our brain We Offer Basic Cremation Services as well as that handles functions such as language and We Offer Basic Cremations Services as well as mathematics. The right hemisphere functions Traditional Funerals. in a more global, synthetic way, seeing the Traditional Funerals.

Agent for Sanderson Monument Co. "big picture" as opposed to all of the little parts. Its functions relate more to art, music, Obituary feeling and emotion. While this is an oversimplification, Agent for Sanderson Monument Co. it helps us to understand how we can take charge of our ARGUE, Leonard Ronald emotions.

Passed away suddenly on Friday, When we are in a highly emotional state, we are April 17, 2020 at Collingwood functioning from the right brain. Feelings can run rampant, General & Marine Hospital, and situations can escalate quickly. It can be difficult at in his 61st year. Len Argue of a time like this to tell yourself to calm down and get a Wasaga Beach, formerly of grip. But if you engage yourself in a left brain task, it is Phelpston, cherished husband like a signal to withdraw the troops from the right side, of Bonnie Douthwright. Forever and you can experience a bit of an emotional ceasefire. loved by his daughter Melissa Hence, taking time to write about what is happening and (Aaron) of Caledon. Fondly remembered by stepsons how you are feeling is a way of tempering your emotional Adam (Samantha) and Andrew. Dear brother of Beverly, state. If you are able to also write about what you think Kenny, Cheryl (Ken) and Tim. He will be missed by his the other person might be feeling, or the other side of the nieces, Patricia (Robert) and Corinne Ann. Predeceased issue, and generate some solutions, then that is even better, by his parents, Bill and Betty Argue. and you're well on your way to transforming the situation.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

If you know that the other person will never understand His ashes will be laid to rest at Elmvale Cemetery. your point of view, or that it is unlikely that the situation If you wish to make a donation in memory of Len please will change, then write advice to yourself about what you consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation. know you should do in order to remove yourself from the Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family at situation, or if that is not an option, what you must do to www.lynnstonefuneralhome.com cope. There is no sense in going back and fighting some It is with broken hearts that we more in what you know is a losing battle. So keep your announce the passing of Martha pen handy, and re-read your writing from time to time to Dyson (nee Edney) on April 24, see either how far you have come, or how stuck you are, 2020, in her 78th year. Martha repeating the same negative pattern again and again. This is predeceased by her husband process can be a very productive way of taking charge of and best friend, Joe. She leaves your emotions and your life. behind her daughter, Adrienne Gwen Randall-Young is an author and award-winning Srigley, son-in-law Trevor, and psychologist. For permission to reprint this article, or to adored grandchildren, Keegan obtain books, CDs or MP3s, visit www.gwen.ca. Follow and Aislinn.

Gwen on Facebook for daily inspiration.

Until health issues took CloudTax launches Free Tax Filings over, Martha was involved in multiple charities and volunteer organizations. She spent many years working and Consultations for those Affected alongside her local Member of Parliament. She loved

by COVID-19 cats, knitting, sewing, gardening, and always enjoyed CloudTax in response to the devastating effects of embarking on DIY projects. The last decade was filled COVID-19 on the Canadian economy will be offering with hard-fought health issues, and she beat the odds free services for Canadians effective today. CloudTax time and time again. will be offering free tax filings and consultations online Martha was a devoted mother and Nan, and will be and over the phone for those who fall under the following deeply missed. categories: Cremation has taken place. Messages of condolence ● An individual residing in Canada who is over 65 will be received at leclaircremationcentre.ca years old ● An individual residing in Canada and TINNEY, Cecil Calvin who has been laid off since March 15th, 2020 Passed away peacefully at the Free tax filings and phone consultations will be Royal Victoria Hospital in available for these two groups prior to the Canada Barrie on Sunday, April 26, Revenue Agency’s tax filing deadline of July 1, 2020. Cecil Tinney of Elmvale 2020. in his 92nd year. Beloved “CloudTax has always been about the people husband of Marlene Tinney we serve - hard working Canadians. We know (nee Turner). Dear father of this is an unprecedented time for Canadians coast Doug (Denise), Linda (Peter) to coast and we want to do our part to provide Desroches, and Dan (Geraldine). Proud grandpa of our support to those most affected by the impact Kaitlyn (Warren), Jessica (Jarek), Lindsay (Trevor), of COVID-19. We hope our free services will and Ryan (Emily). Great-grandpa of Ellis, Jaxton, and help alleviate some of the stress faced by many Wyatt. Brother of Fay Tinney, Joan Tinny, and the late, Canadians during this time,” CEO and Founder Ruth (Wally) Robinson, Arden (Marjorie), Eldon (Lois), Nimalan Balachandran remarked.

Rex (Mildred), Manley (Betty), Morley (survived CloudTax has been certified by the Canada

by Phyllis), Jack (Mary), Marie (Gil) Baker, Doreen Revenue Agency since 2018 as a do-it-yourself (Gordon) Flear, Delsie (Joe) Jennett, and Zona (Don) application. Critically acclaimed for its intuitive Pilon. Brother-in-law of Muriel (late Harold) Townes, interface and ease of use, CloudTax is one of the late Stanley (Joan), late Louis (survived by Doreen), late fastest ways for any Canadian to file their taxes Dennis (survived by Ellen), and the late Garry (survived online.

by Wendy) Turner. Cecil will be fondly remembered Learn more at www.cloudtax.ca/covid-19 and missed by his many nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, the family will hold a private service followed by interment at the Elmvale Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Cecil’s memory may be made to the CNIB or the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.lynnstonefuneralhome.com "The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can not are both right."

Confucius

Page 22

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

YMCA stepping up to support families of frontline workers

E

Local charity opens Simcoe County’s first emergency licensed child care centre

your community online auction centre

WOODWORKING EQUIPMENT SALE FOR RÉMI NAS DE TOURRIS BARRIE - MAY 3-7 High quality, specialty woodworking equipment is what this sale is all about. Woodcrafter Rémi Nas de Tourris has kept his tools and equipment in immaculate condition. Big ticket items include a Ryobi table saw system, Ulmia woodworker’s bench, Ridgid planer, Craftex jointer & dust collection system and more. There’s also bar & wood clamps, various planes, gouges, chisels and so much more. Many lots are Lee Valley and Veritas tools. If you’re a woodworker, know a woodworker or want to become a woodworker be sure to check it out!

UPCOMING AUCTIONS March/Spring Equipment Multi Consignor, Guelph - May 3-7

Quadrini Moving & Renovators Sale, Caledon - May 10-14 Roy Downsizing Auction, King City - May 17-21

Full auction listings & information at rapid-sell.ca

No computer? No problem.

Call our office at 705-722-6217.

A Division of David Moore & Associates Inc. Auctions & Appraisals 705-722-6217

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

BY PROVINCE TO PROTECT FOOD SECURITY ONTARIO (April 27, 2020) – Beef Farmers of Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Veal Farmers of Ontario, and the Ontario Sheep Farmers are asking the Premier and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to immediately move to fully fund the Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP) to help over 50,000 Ontario farmers continue to deliver food for the people of Ontario COVID-19 impacts have exacerbated the challenges already faced by Ontario’s grain and livestock farmers and immediate support is needed to ensure our farmers can continue to deliver local, quality food to Ontarians.

Many Ontario farmers in the non-supply managed sectors are in crisis without access to sufficient safety net support that programs like RMP provide. In the last election, Ontario’s Premier campaigned to increase much-needed funding for the Ontario RMP, recognizing the critical underfunding of the program in recent years and its importance to the agri-food sector and Ontario economy. COVID-19 has amplified financial challenges facing our family farms and induced market and production disruptions that threaten the food supply and viability of farm operations. Fully funding the RMP will provide the essential security Ontario farmers need to continue to provide food for Ontarians and keep rural Ontario‘s communities and economy strong during this time of crisis.

“Farmers are asking the province of Ontario to share in the risk that it takes for a farmer to grow food for the province and the country – the RMP program is not a bailout”, said Markus Haerle, Chairman of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

“Farmers are risking their livelihoods, and a fully funded RMP would only provide support if the cost of growing the crop isn’t covered by the price”, added Haerle.

“Farm operations can’t wait any longer for support from our provincial government. It’s absolutely imperative that this safety net be put in place to ensure beef operations and the beef supply chain can continue to provide Ontarians with access to local food”, said Rob Lipsett, Chair of the Beef Farmers of Ontario. “RMP is the right mechanism to provide stability to the sector”.

“RMP has proven to be a predictable program that works for farmers. With the uncertainty and volatility we are facing, veal farmers need the reassurance that this program provides so we can weather this crisis. However, the program desperately needs the additional funding that the Premier and the Minister promised to be put in place immediately”, said Pascal Bouilly, Chair of Veal Farmers of Ontario.

“This crisis has highlighted the fact that the current Risk Management Program in Ontario is inadequate to deal with this kind of acute risk. The program needs to change to provide more support for our farmers against a growing number of unforeseen risks”, said Marc Carere, Chair of Ontario Sheep Farmers.

Ontario’s response to the broader health and economic crisis has thus far been strong and efficient. We applaud the Premier and the Ontario government’s efforts to keep Ontarians healthy and position our economy for a strong rebound. But the time to act for farmers and Ontario’s food supply is now. The RMP has an allowance that the Province can make changes to the program “in case of an extraordinary market or production disruption”. If COVID-19 does not represent extraordinary market

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2 Locations Sat 8 am to 1 pm 7 Yonge St. N. Elmvale 705.322.1652 202 Blake St. Barrie 705.725.9005 e-mail: oktire.elmvale@rogers.com conditions, we don’t know what does. By making sure the funding is not limited by an arbitrary funding cap put in place by the previous government, an uncapped RMP will give farmers in Ontario confidence to invest in their food production systems.

Beef Farmers of Ontario Beef Farmers of Ontario represents 19,000 beef producers in Ontario by advocating in the areas of sustainability, animal health and care, environment, food safety, and domestic and export market development. BFO‘s vision is help foster a sustainable and profitable beef industry, and have Ontario beef recognized as an outstanding product by our consumers Grain Farmers of Ontario Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province‘s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario‘s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover over 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, result in over $18 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 75,000 jobs in the province.

Ontario Sheep Farmers Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) is a producer-run organization representing the province’s 3,000 sheep farmers who contribute over $530 million to Ontario’s economy. In addition to market development and the promotion of Ontario lamb and wool, OSF’s key strategic objectives include advocacy, industry and organizational capacity.

Veal Farmers of Ontario Veal Farmers of Ontario (VFO) is a producer-run organization that represents the interests of Ontario’s veal farmers, providing leadership to promote industry growth and viability through collaboration, innovation, marketing and education.

Barrie, ON – April 27, 2020 – Over the past several weeks, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Y has launched a virtual YMCA (YMCA at Home), created an online physical activity resource to support distance teaching (YGym) and has continued to support some of our community’s most vulnerable individuals through E its employment services, immigrant services and youth services programs. Now, the Y is stepping up to open Simcoe County’s first licensed emergency child care centre for frontline workers.

“At our core, the YMCA has always been about helping families and this is why I am so pleased that we will be providing child care to the families of those delivering essential services.” said Rob Armstrong, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “We are proud to be a part of the County of Simcoe's emergency child care plan and thank our partners at the County for their continued support and leadership.”

The YMCA has worked with the County of Simcoe, Public Health, Child Care Licensing, Barrie Fire and Georgian College over the last few weeks in preparation for the upcoming opening.

“Providing safe and accessible child care options to our front-line professionals working in essential services is a key step in helping to alleviate staffing shortages and maintain critical community services,” said County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell. “The County is grateful to the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka for working with us and continuing their tremendous contributions to our families in need, and thankful to our front-line workers who are doing everything they can to serve the residents of Simcoe County during these uncertain times.”

“We are confident that we have put in place the required safeguards to protect the children in our care, their families and our staff,” said Fiona Cascagnette, Vice President of Child and Family Development at the YMCA of Simcoe/ Muskoka. “I wish to thank those members of our YMCA team who have stepped up to fill this important role in supporting our community.”

The YMCA’s child care centre located at Georgian College in Barrie will be open to serve the families of those working in essential services effective Monday April 27. Registration will be administered by the County of Simcoe.

About the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body with a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community. For more information, go to www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.

Jim Pratt, Broker,

SRES, BA, BEd (Seniors Real Estate Specialist®)

On The Bay Inc. prattj@simcoe.net Direct: 705-790-7997 Office: 705-352-2205 www.jimpratt.ca 998 Mosley, Wasaga Beach

Office workers are often guilty of merely rinsing and reusing their coffee mug day after day. Or worse, just dumping out the old coffee and filling their cup with new brew. But a mostly empty mug, left to its own devices, can quickly grow some pretty scary stuff.

All sorts of germs and bacteria can live on and in your cup, especially if you are in a shared space. Cold and flu germs tend to travel and can easily land on your cup.

The problem is, most people think a simple rinse and wipe is enough to keep germs at bay; however, this approach is definitely not enough to tackle such formidable bacteria.

Proper cleaning is even more critical if the coffee in question has been doctored with cream or sugar. Both of

those substances contain nutrients for bacterial growth.

While water washing will remove most of the sugar, the oils and proteins in milk or cream require the use of soap to remove.

That's why it is important to thoroughly wash receptacles after every single drink to prevent the spread of illness.

- Wash your cup with soap and water after every use.

- Wash with a paper towel rather than a sponge otherwise you may be putting E. coli and Salmonella into the cup!

- Dry the cup with a paper towel.

- If your cup has a lid, remember to wash that too.

How long is a house cat's gestation period, and how long do cats stay in heat?

A cat's gestation period is 60 to 68 days, with a 63-day average. A female cat will stay in heat for 9 to 10 days in the absence of a male cat, 3 to 4 days if she has mated.

Page 23

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • Phone 705.322.2249 Cell: 705.321.2653

Announcements

Cheezers Soccer in Elmvale

We are plaing this one by ear. If things open up. we’ll play in the summer.

705 322 3239 • elmvalesoccer@gmail.com

RVH PATIENTS TO USE MAIN ENTRANCE ONLY As a reminder, any patients or permitted visitors coming to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) must use the Main entrance only. All other entrances are closed to the public with the exception of a dedicated entrance for recurring dialysis patients.

Over the past week, RVH has seen an increase in the number of patients trying to access the building through the Simcoe and Atrium entrances. Those patients are redirected to the Main entrance by staff – they are not permitted to enter in to the building any other way. Signage is posted at the roadside and on campus reminding patients to only use the Main entrance. The Emergency department entrance is for emergencies only.

At this time, visitors are not permitted in to the health centre. Some exceptions do apply for obstetrics, accompaniment of minors and for compassionate reasons.

CALL-IN CHILD AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BEING OFFERED IN SIMCOE COUNTY

Simcoe County – As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Path Youth & Family Services has shifted from inperson to call-in mental health services for children, youth and their families in Simcoe County. This switch in service delivery means that families can access a range of free counselling and therapy services by calling New Path at 705-725-7656.

“Mental health can’t wait. We have families who were struggling with mental health challenges before this pandemic and now we have even more families reaching out to us because of the uncertainty that this pandemic has brought with it,” says Elizabeth McKeeman, CEO New Path Youth & Family Services. “We want everyone in Simcoe County to know that we’re here to help. We have counsellors waiting and ready to speak to you. If you call today, you can get help today.”

New Path Youth & Family Services offers free mental health counselling for children, youth and their families. A range of mental health services are offered by professional counsellors. The switch to call-in services ensures that families are able to access vital mental health supports while respecting the need for socially distancing.

About New Path Youth & Family Services New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. We are an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of innovative and timely services for children, youth and their families. We are the Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth and their families seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.

New Path offers a range of fully-funded child and youth mental health services across Simcoe County. In order to access services, families can call 705-725-7656.

To learn more about New Path Youth and Family Services, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services Twitter: @NewPathYFS or sign up for our quarterly TrailSigns Newsletter

Reminder to Utilize Proper Waste Disposal Services

Date: April 21, 2020 During these difficult and unsure times, all levels of government are encouraging citizens to stay home at their primary residence. As a result, we are generating more garbage than we normally would at our homes.

The Township of Tiny has noticed an increase in the amount of garbage being abandoned on roadsides and in Township garbage containers, and littered across public grounds.

The County of Simcoe provides garbage, green bin and recycling pick-up at all residential locations. In addition, there are 4 landfill sites within the County that are still open for disposing of larger items or excessive garbage that may be generated from your home. Visit www.simcoe.ca/waste for information about waste collection services.

We are asking that all residents respect our environment and use the County’s systems of waste disposal that are available. Residents are encouraged to use the recycling and green bin services to minimize any garbage waste.

Garbage that is left behind at roadsides or any place other than the proper residential location places a strain on staff and financial resources, creates issues for our wildlife, and makes a very unpleasant environment for all.

To report an instance of littering or garbage abandonment, please contact the Township of Tiny Public Works Department at 705-526-4204 ext. 202 or kpost@tiny.ca.

Individuals found to be littering or abandoning garbage are liable under By-law 96-113 and may face fines of up to $5,000.

Please be respectful and do not litter; use the systems that are in place to handle waste streams. This should be respected at all times but is critical during these challenging times. Please help us keep Tiny litter free.

For Sale / Wanted

S&J Barn Demolition

Downsizing? • Estate Sales?

Cash for older items - cds and records • old metal toys and signs • china and crystal • vintage gold and sterling silver • jewellery • knives and forks • military items • plus other old oddities.

Call Peter 705-322-3484

We pay cash for barns wsib insured For a free estimate Call 1 800-291-2276

For rent (WANTED) - apt., houses, and halls

Native plants for sale

FOR RENT • Elmvale

2 bdrm upper level apartment • Close to all town’s amenities • Washer and dryer in unit • AC & parking Publication(s) & Date(s) • $1395 a month • Utilities, lawn maintenance Springwater News and snow removal included Thursday, March 5, 2020 Available for JuneDeadline: 1st March 2 Call 705-739-9000

Weddings, Anniversary Parties, & Birthdays

Orr Lake Golf Club is now renting out its hall for weddings, anniversary parties & birthdays. Seating for up to 175 people. Dancing for up to 200 people. Basic setup, cleanup, in-stock utensils/dishes/linens, and bartender included in rental fee. Catering done fresh in house.

Call 705-322-1664, email: info@orrlakegolfclub.ca. c Web Site: www.orrlakegolfclub.com Elmvale Lions Club Hall Weddings; Buck and Does; Birthday parties; Family Gatherings; Fundraising events; Business Meetings.

In a beautiful country setting, we offer Full Kitchen; Licensed bar; Horseshoe pits.

Very Reasonable Rates.

Call Bob at 705-322-4484 for details.

Elmvale Legion Banquet Hall. 100% Accessible.

Specializing in weddings, all types of parties, business functions and community service groups.

We can accommodate up to 125 dinner guests.

Catering is available through the branch.

Excellent parking. Call 705-322-1042 for a quotation.

Elmvale Community Hall - capacity 220 for great dances, beautiful weddings and other super events.

Stage and kitchen facilities.

For rental call 728-4784 ext. 2036 or 2063

Ontario Parks to Remain Closed until May 31, 2020 Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks TORONTO — Today, April 25, 2020 10:00 A.M. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, issued the following statement on Ontario Parks operations in response to COVID-19: "In order to keep Ontarians safe during this COVID-19 outbreak, our government is extending the closure of Ontario's provincial parks and conservation reserves to May 31, 2020. This includes car camping, backcountry camping, roofed accommodations, day use opportunities, access points and all public buildings.

Provincial parks and conservation reserves will continue to remain fully closed to all recreational activities.

Reservations for arrivals up to, and including, any further closure extension date will be automatically cancelled and reservation holders will receive a full refund with no penalty. We are also providing penalty-free refunds to reservation holders who wish to change or cancel their 2020 camping reservation, regardless of arrival date.

Please continue to visit OntarioParks.com and Ontario Parks social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

We understand this extension may impact many Ontarians' plans during the month of May. However, the health and well-being of Ontarians is our government's number one priority. Although we are making progress to stop the spread, the virus has not yet been contained. As a result, all but essential service workers must continue to stay at home and practice physical distancing."

By appointment -- Call or email 705-322-2545 return.native@gmail.com

Insertion No: 2

For selection, see:

www.returnofthenative.ca/plant-list 1186 FlosSize Rd.10 E. north of Elmvale Client: Miller Gr See map at www.returnofthenative.ca

Requested by: No pesticides!

Safe for Birds and Bees

3.25" x 2" Business card

Help Wanted

Position: (Geor

Student help needed for summer at Clarke’s fruit

Labou Opera

and vegetable farm three mornings/week approximately Agency Rep: E 10 - 15 hrs. Job will entail planting, weeding, picking fruit & veggies. Resume with references to 1571 Nursery Rd., Minesing ON L9X 1A2, 705.728.4369.

Section: Career

Trax Hair Studio

2054 Horseshoe Valley Rd Lovely Craighurst.

We hope all are keeping safe and looking forward to some sort of normal again.

Please review your co approving. Ad Vendor contact information.

We’re all going to need a fresher look with cut, colour and just to reconnect with you all again..

CHECK OUT OUR TRAX HAIR STUDIO FACEBOOK PAGE or 705-725-4990 for updates With saying all that I am currently looking for HAIRSTYLIST\BARBER AND ESTHECIAN If interested in the position contact jdavey60@live.com

GEORGIAN PAVING IS HIRING! A local construction/paving company is looking for skilled labourers & operators for the upcoming construction season.

Submit your resume to:

Careers@GeorgianPaving.ca

Help needed for garlic mustard control at Tiny Marsh From the MTM Conservation Association.

We need volunteers to pull garlic mustard at Tiny Marsh, particularly in the field where we are growing native plants for pollinators. May is the month we tackle this invasive from Europe that alters the chemistry of the soil, making it inhospitable for competitors - which include native plants like trillium, or the tree seedlings that ensure natural regeneration of the forest.

Tel: 519 433 9492 • Toll Free: 1 866 587 0786

Picking garlic mustard at Tiny Marsh This is an activity that is perfect for social distancing.

In the first half of the month, when the plants are small and have not yet gone to flower, they can be pulled and discarded at the same spot. Later in the month, they are bagged to prevent them reseeding.

If you are able to help, choose a time that's convenient for you and call Kate at 705-322-2545. We will arrange for you to work with one or more of our experienced garlic mustard control volunteers. This is a good way of learning to recognize the unwanted weed so you can spot it and eradicate it from your neighbourhood. And it's fun, working in natural surroundings, serenaded by birds. And by the way, the reason it's here is that the settlers brought it over, to eat like spinach. Nowadays, we might make a pesto out of the tasty fresh leaves.

Page 24

Springwater News • April 30, 2020 • Edition 572 • E-mail: springwaternews@rogers.com • www.springwaternews.ca

Turnview Farm Honey What’s all the buzz about?

We are a full service apiary selling honey bees, beekeeping equipment, honey, beeswax, pollen, etc.

We also teach beekeeping courses every spring.

Registration now open. See website for details Paul and Emily Turner turnviewfarmhoney.com 6424 Hwy 93, Waverley 705-627-3378

Cabela’s Canada Outdoor Fund helps improve sports fisheries in Georgian Bay UTOPIA, Ontario (April 21, 2020) – Cabela’s Canada Outdoor Fund donated a grant of $20,000 to support the first year of the Nottawasaga River Restoration Program (NRRP).

The goal of the program is to help restore the Upper Nottawasaga River and Sheldon Creek near Alliston, Ontario. The project will greatly improve habitat for young rainbow trout, brown trout and Chinook salmon. As these fish mature, they become very important for sport fishing in Georgian Bay and the Nottawasaga River

Through the NRRP, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and its partners and volunteers planted trees to reduce summer stream temperatures and stabilized stream banks to reduce sediment runoff. They also constructed fish habitat structures and installed fencing to keep livestock out of the water.

NVCA’s partners include Nottawasaga Futures, South Simcoe Streams Network, Nottawasaga Steelheaders, Headwaters Flyfishers, the Township of Adjala Tosorontio and local landowners.

Cabela’s Canada Outdoor Fund provides financial support to Canadian non-profit charities that support advocacy, education and conservation. Cabela’s chose the NRRP as the NVCA and its partners are able to improve habitat with sound conservation methods to ensure future generations will enjoy hunting and fishing.

“We are very thankful for the grant from Cabela’s,” said Fred Dobbs, Manager of Stewardship Services at the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. “As water quality improves, it not only does it benefit sports fisheries, but it also sets the stage for habitat enhancements for native fish species including brook trout, river burbot and Northern Brook Lamprey, a species at risk.”

Thanks to support from Cabelas, NVCA staff are currently developing designs for new 2020 projects to be completed as part of year 2 of the NRRP. The goal for 2020 is to increase the amount of restoration work by 50% and to improve program efficiency by incorporating fish community, stream temperature and summer flow data into a strategic restoration plan designed to guide future work.

RESTORATION & CUSTOM WORK CHIMNEY FIREPLACE BRICK NATURAL STONE ANYTHING & EVERYTHING MASONRY

Come and Look Around!

705-791-0096 Siersmasonry.com

Edwin Espinal Speaks of Human Rights Violations Amid the COVID Crisis in Honduras

Hunger in the Streets: Handing out Food Packages to Needy Families Since President Juan Orlando Hernandez shut the country down on March 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people in Honduras are suffering from extreme repression, lack of government transparency, hunger, fear of the military, and widespread unemployment. Edwin talked to me on Sunday evening as he was cooking his dinner, a typical Honduran supper of beans, eggs, avocado, and tortillas. He had just returned from two neighbourhoods where he was delivering food to families in need. Monies were donated by the Honduras social movements to purchase these food staples. I asked Edwin these questions: What is Honduras like now?

Edwin explained that the people are desperate; some are out in the streets protesting the COVID-19 situation as they face an extreme food and water shortage. Edwin answered.

A lot of people want to protest the Honduran government for not dealing with the crisis in a very human way, respecting human rights of the people. People are starving, there is very little water and what little amount available is not for drinking. Food supplies are scarce. It’s very bad here. So, tomorrow [Sunday] there will be a protest in the streets of Tegucigalpa because the people have nowhere else to turn. But the police and military are very violent toward the people who are asking for food. It is very sad. Families line the streets with signs hoping that people passing by in their cars will give them help. Every time people go out into the streets specifically asking for food, the military use sticks to hit them with blunt force. The military killed a very young man. They beat him up because he wasn’t wearing a mask at a check point – beat him up so badly he died. And there was no follow-up. At the military check points, which are all over the country, the military stop people and sometimes arrest them, beat them, or worse, kill them. It is senseless and desperate here.

How are the people experiencing the COVID restrictions?

This government has not been transparent at all regarding the numbers of confirmed cases. The way they are handling it is very inhumane. They don’t let people know of their own COVID-19 test results when they are tested. They just put them in the hospital and let them die. The authorities just bury them and don’t let the families know of the funeral plans. They also don’t let family members know of the results if they died of COVID or some other ailment – so they have no proof of what happened.

The government doesn’t have any credibility. The doctors were talking about the lack of medical supplies and medical facilities at the beginning of the COVID outbreak, but the government came in and fired any doctors who spoke out against the issues in the hospitals. They replace anyone who speaks out if they don’t follow what the president says. The president manages the numbers – the information. This is a pure dictatorship.

What are people’s perspectives on the military in the streets?

There are more police and military in the streets than during the electoral crisis of 2017 and 2018. There are no jobs and the government is not creating these for the people or even allowing them to sell food on the streets at this time. Due to the lack of employment, which is a regular terrible situation here, more young people try to get a job in the military and the police. The excessive number of the armed forces – the local police, military police, and the special task forces in the prisons –keep Juan Orlando Hernandez in power. We need food, jobs, health care, not a disproportionate military presence! The US and Canadian governments also keep JOH in power. If they pulled their support, this government would fail.

The people are so upset with the government that has a campaign to make people stay in their homes, but the government must help the starving people by supplying food so that they can obey the restrictions. The people understand the need to isolate, but the government is not doing anything.

The people have no choice now, so they are disobeying the rules because they are starving. When the military arrest the people for being out in the streets looking for food, they detain them and make them work. And they don’t provide them with security measures; they put them all together in one place with no protection. It’s very, very irresponsible, the way this government is handling the COVID-19 crisis.

People are desperate and feel that the situation is hopeless.

How do the Honduran people feel about the aid to Honduras the Trump administration and others have provided?

The people hear these groups are sending aid for COVID – the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the United States Trump Administration. For example, USAID is sending funds to provide financial help, but the

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people are not receiving it. The government is using it for themselves; not a penny is getting into the people’s hands or into the programs that are needed. The president stopped all commercial activities and jobs without any warning in March even before there were any COVID cases here.

There was no time given for people to prepare for isolation. They had no money (the banks shut down) and they had no extra food at that moment, so not giving any warning was irresponsible, especially with the extra militarization in the streets.

The water supply is very limited – it hasn’t rained for a long time. There are also a lot of forest fires around the city and it’s a strategy from the government to keep us inside. We are not just facing COVID, we also are facing lack of water, the corruption in the government, zero transparency, and the way the government is using the crisis to repress the people further.

People are only allowed once a week to go out for food and supplies. But not everyone has the availability to buy food because they don’t have income, so they beg for food. They have an ID number and each person has a day that is allotted to them. But some are still forced to work in the sweat shops for 12 hours per day. They can’t get out to get food on their day if they are working. So they are in danger if they go out.

The government only favours the people who vote for the National Party (Juan Orlando Hernandez) when it comes to food subsidies. It gives out food bags to only those who support JOH. The ID card provides the government with a number; they have a list of the people who support the National Party.

They deliver the food only to the people on the list.

The ability to social distance is difficult. The houses are very close together; many have no glass in their windows and some families often share their homes with relatives. It is very crowded in the neighbourhoods. At the checkpoints, the military beat people up who are in a group. They detain them, they torture them by making them do push-ups until they break. This practice is against human rights decrees.

Many people have been laid off with no assistance at all.

Some companies like McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King, laid off people without any benefits, which is against Honduran law. The law is not enforced. If people are sick, they are still expected to show up for work. If they don’t, they are fired.

Tell me about your experiences handing out food.

Social movement organizations bought the food, split them into portions, and put them in plastic bags. We contacted people in different neighbourhoods to find out who needs food. The resistance movements in each community have a list of the needy. There aren’t many available food packages, so they have to decide who needs them the most.

Raul Alvarez and I, and many others, work in our neighbourhoods to drop off the bags of food. Each bag contains small amounts and weighs about 10 lbs. In each is a small amount of rice, oatmeal, cooking oil, flour, beans, the essential things to make a Honduran meal. A lot of people in different neighbourhood are still selling vegetables and fruit, because that’s the only way they can work; they take chances to go out into the city to buy products so they can sell them in the streets. It is a very important informal business in Honduras for both the small business owners and for those who rely on the availability to buy the products.

But Raul and I are very careful when we deliver food. We are only allowed to go out once a week, so it is very restrictive and dangerous for those who wish to volunteer.

I have to say that the human rights violations are getting worse every day. A lot of people are injured by bullets, tear gas, and beatings. In every town and city across the country, people are starving. It is really sad to see people with signs asking for help. I have never ever seen anything like it in my life. It is very discouraging. It is very upsetting. So much uncertainty, fear, and desperation!

I thank the Simcoe County community for your ongoing interest in our welfare. As many of you know, my spouse, Karen Spring is at home in Canada. She is waiting to travel back to Honduras as she was visiting her family when JOH shut the borders without warning. Karen is returning when the flights to Honduras resume. I worry about her safety when she travels to Honduras.

Edwin Espinal, Janet Spring, and the Simcoe County Honduras Rights Committee