Monday, August 30, 2010

ONTARIO EMBRACES CULTURE DAYS WITH LOADS OF FREE ACTIVITIES AS PART OF THE NATION’S FIRST WEEKEND-LONG ARTS AND CULTURE PARTY

Toronto, ON (August 30) – Ontario has responded! Hundreds of individual artists, groups and organizations in every province and territory have created and registered free arts and culture activities as part of Culture Days 2010 – the nation’s largest free weekend-long arts and culture celebration.

The inaugural event – taking place September 24 to 26 across the country (under the existing event Journées de la culture in Québec), and on September 17 to 19 in Alberta (under the existing event Alberta Arts Days) – will see creators in more than 500 cities and towns open their doors to Canadians and offer a range of family-friendly activities including hands-on classes, indoor and outdoor excursions, seminars and panels and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Some of the activities planned for Ontario include:

· Sing with KW Glee in Waterloo, where the public are invited to meet its members and learn how to recreate the pop choir sound

· Imagined Spaces: Scenic Design at the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa, where the public will discover the artifacts from the NAC's archival collection of imagined theatrical spaces brought to life through the artistry of top Canadian and international scenographic designers.

· Learn to Make a Stop-Motion Movie in Scarborough, a one-hour workshop where participants will learn how to develop a storyline, capture a photo sequence, select and add audio to images, record a voice-over as well as design credits

Activities are designed to inspire greater participation in arts and culture and are available in a range of disciplines including:

Heritage: venue tours, costumed tours, lectures and demos including how to march like RCMP
Music: sing-alongs, participatory concerts, instrument petting zoos, symphonies, operas and workshops
Dance: Korean, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Indigenous, Flamenco and Argentine Tango lessons
Visual arts: stone and wood sculpting, rug hooking, exhibits, painting and pottery classes
Film or video: interactive documentary screenings, TV network open houses and film festivals
Theatre: playwright readings, open rehearsals, combat workshops, demos and backstage tours
Architecture, design, literary, new media and more!

Culture Days represents Canada’s largest arts and culture public participation campaign. The celebration has resonated with rural and urban communities alike reaching milestone activity numbers in just four months since its launch in April with 2000 events hosted in Quebec, 700 in Ontario, 200 in Alberta and 115 in Manitoba to name a few. Culture Days activities range in both existing and new events that have pooled together to join the national movement.

With four weeks left before the national rollout, Culture Days shows no signs of slowing down. The program is seeing an average 20 per cent increase in activity registrations week-over-week. Canadians can stay on top of what activities are being added by searching for events in their area online.

Visit culturedays.ca, follow us on twitter.com/culturedays or find us on Facebook.

About Culture Days

Culture Days (culturedays.ca) is a collaborative pan-Canadian volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. Culture Days was initiated by four Founding Partners: The Canadian Arts Summit, Culture pour tous (producer of les Journées de la culture), Canada Council for the Arts and The Banff Centre. National partners supporting the development of Culture Days include Founding Presenting Partner Sun Life Financial, Power Corporation of Canada and The Government of Alberta. Media partners include The Globe and Mail, St. Joseph Communications and CBC. Provincial partners include Government of Alberta, SaskCulture, Manitoba Homecoming, Government of Manitoba, Ontario Arts Council, Government of Prince Edward Island, Government of New Brunswick, Government of Newfoundland & Labrador, and the Government of Northwest Territories. Culture Days was inspired by Journées de la culture, produced by Culture pour tous in Québec since 1997.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

RUN OR WALK TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND OPERATION HERO!

Canadian Home Builders Association – Simcoe County in partnership with the Barrie Construction Association are coordinating their efforts to raise funds for Operation Hero by organizing a Base Borden Run in Support of Operation Hero.

The 5k and 20k marathon run is to take place at Base Borden on Saturday, October 16th. For experienced “marathoners”, the “chip” technology will be available – whether walking or running. It will be a fun-filled day with beautiful scenery and groomed courses.

This is an opportunity to say Thank You to those who serve and to build bridges between the community, Georgian College and CFB Borden, by providing scholarship funding to Canadian Military Families.

The cost of the run is $35 per participant, and sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels. Registration and information is available on-line at www.operationhero.ca.

Media is invited to contact the Base Borden Run Chairpersons at which time interviews and photographs can be coordinated.

Operation Hero assists in education funding for families and dependents of our troops. This will be fully invested by Georgian College to provide scholarships for family members of Canadian Forces Personnel.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

County Forests Attain Forest Stewardship Council Certification

Midhurst/ August 11, 2010 – The County of Simcoe has attained Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, recognizing that the management of Ontario’s largest municipally-owned forest system meets the highest international standard.

FSC certification acknowledges conscientious land stewardship through the independent evaluation of forestry practices around the world.

“On behalf of Council, I congratulate our Forestry staff on this significant achievement,” stated County Warden Cal Patterson. “By attaining FSC Certification we are confirming to the public that our forest management practices achieve the highest possible standard and we are ensuring that the County will have continued access to all available markets for timber sales.”

Forestry staff initiated the certification process in April, 2010. The extensive review included three days of field audits, consultations with stakeholders and a public open house. The assessment report presents findings of an independent team of specialists representing the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance. Results confirm that the ecological, economic and social performance of the County’s forest management system meet the rigorous criteria established by the Forest Stewardship Council.

During the past six months, auditors interviewed staff, forest users, provincial government representatives,loggers, environmentalists and foresters. They also visited over 25 different forest tracts.

“Simcoe County has recognized the importance of healthy woodlands for decades and is regarded as a leader in municipal forestry,” stated County Forester Graeme Davis. “We are proud of our achievements and FSC certification is confirmation that we are doing a good job.”

Most of which were once considered ‘wastelands’, Simcoe County Forests today span over 30,000 acres with tracts ranging in size from seven to 3,500 acres. They provide a multitude of benefits including protection of wildlife habitat and water resources, public education and recreation, scientific research and revenue from timber sales.

In order to maintain forest health, improve timber values and achieve other objectives for the County Forests, approximately 1200 to 1500 acres are thinned annually. Each forest area identified in the operating plan is assessed by Forestry staff and treated according to good forestry practices. Timber identified for removal is sold to the highest bidder, resulting in revenues which are reinvested in forestry operations and the acquisition of additional forest lands. Further, much of the timber is processed locally which contributes to the local economy.

FSC acknowledges good forest managers around the world and has grown to include over 35 million hectares worldwide. Certification allows the County to use the FSC logo, an internationally recognized symbol that identifies the highest environmental and social standards for forest management. The County’s FSC License Code is FSC-C013174.

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

Friday, August 6, 2010

From a matchstick house to Buckingham Palace...

Rare dollhouse collection auction to benefit Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Toronto, Ontario (August 5, 2010) – The public is invited to view and bid on fabulous model dollhouses from a world class collection at Bertie Hall in Fort Erie on Saturday, August 14 at 10 a.m. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and other charities.

More than 100 rare, scale model dollhouses and miniature rooms built from 1780 to 1980, with completely furnished and opulently decorated interiors will be on display. The intricate dollhouses range from a Buckingham Palace replica and matchstick house made by convicts, to a French 10th C. architectural form Bird Case of wire with stained glass windows.

Previews of the collection begin on Friday, August 13 from 2 p.m. to 8p.m., and on Saturday, August 14 at 8:30 a.m. Collectors unable to attend the live auction can bid on the top 50 pieces on www.liveauctioneers.com on August 14.

The owner of the collection, the late Mrs. Mildred Mahoney, generously requested in her will that the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation receive a significant portion of the proceeds of the auction.

Cystic fibrosis is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. Each week in Canada, two children are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and someone dies from the disease.

“We are so very grateful to the late Mrs. Mahoney, and the Mildred M. Mahoney Foundation, for contributing to the fight against cystic fibrosis,” said Cathleen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “The money raised will support important CF research and care, dedicated to helping young Canadians with cystic fibrosis live longer, healthier lives.”

Mrs. Mildred Mahoney began collecting dollhouses in 1950, scouring North America and Europe in search of these rare models. When her collection outgrew her home, she moved it into the historic 1835 Bertie Hall. Mrs. Mahoney passed away in 1990 at the age of 72.

Dollhouse enthusiasts are encouraged to come to this special, once-in-a-lifetime auction and take a piece of history home. Members of the public who do not wish to bid on the dollhouses can view these intricate pieces of art – everyone is welcome!

For more information about the auction and to see pictures of the dollhouses, visit www.platoauctions.com. To learn more about cystic fibrosis, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.

About the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a Canada-wide health charity, with 50 volunteer chapters, that funds CF research and care. In 2010, the Foundation is supporting more than 50 research projects which are exploring all aspects of the CF puzzle; from investigating new methods of fighting infection and inflammation in the lungs to finding new therapies that target the basic defect at the cellular level.

Friday, July 30, 2010

‘Power Down Your Summer Electricity Costs’Awareness Campaign

Overview
PowerStream’s distribution rates, the portion of the electricity bill that is related to PowerStream and which represents only 21% of the total charges found on the bill, are amongst the lowest in Ontario. Over the past three years, PowerStream has been able to lower distribution rates for its York Region customers by 5% and, since its merger with Barrie Hydro on January 1, 2009, lower distribution rates for customers in Barrie and Simcoe County by 14%. However, there are several factors beyond PowerStream’s control, occurring almost simultaneously, which are expected to increase total bill amounts for customers going forward, especially during the summer period.

The factors that are expected to impact all electricity customer bills in the province and how they specifically relate to PowerStream customers are:
• On May 1, 2010, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) increased electricity prices for all Ontario residential and small business customers on the Regulated Price Plan (RPP). Coupled with the seasonal change in the pricing structure, this increase will add 6% to PowerStream bills.
• The recently implemented Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will add another 8% to all customer utility bills across the province.
• A small ‘Regulatory’ charge that has been added as required by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MEI) to cover the cost of provincial conservation initiatives.
• Increases in water and wastewater rates charged by municipalities (where applicable, e.g. Barrie, Markham, Vaughan and Bradford West Gwillimbury) and collected by PowerStream on their behalf.
• A projected hotter than average summer.

What are distribution rates (charges)?
Distribution rates (charges) are the only portion of customer bills PowerStream, as a local electricity distribution company, has control over. Embedded in the “Delivery” line of the bill along with Hydro One transmission charges, distribution rates cover the costs for PowerStream to deliver electricity to homes and businesses in its service territory. It includes administrative costs (meter reading, billing, customer service, maintenance of accounts) as well as costs to build and maintain infrastructure (wires, hydro poles, transformers, etc.).

The RPP and why the OEB increased electricity prices?

Both tiered and time-of-use (TOU) prices form part of the OEB’s Regulated Price Plan (RPP). The RPP is designed to ensure the price that residential and small business RPP customers pay for electricity recovers the payments made to generators that supply the electricity customers consume. RPP prices are set by the OEB to recover the total cost of that supply, regardless of which price structure (tiered or time-of-use) is used to bill for the electricity consumed by customers. RPP prices, reviewed and set semi-annually by the OEB, are reflected on the “Electricity” line of all residential and small business RPP customer bills in Ontario, representing about half of the total bill.

Customers who buy their electricity from a retailer pay the commodity price set out in their contracts and are not affected by changes in RPP prices. Retail contract customers have a separate line item on their bills listed as the “Provincial Benefit” (or “Global Adjustment”), while customers of PowerStream and other local electricity distribution companies in the province have the Provincial Benefit already factored in the RPP prices. The Provincial Benefit accounts for the difference between the market price of electricity and rates paid to regulated and contracted generators. On May 1, 2010, the OEB increased electricity prices for all RPP customers in the province as follows:

Tiered Pricing- 6.5 cents per kWh up to and including 600 kWh each month (750 kWh for small business customers) from 5.8 cents per kWh.
- 7.5 cents per kWh from 6.7 cents per kWh for monthly consumption above 600 kWh (750 kWh for small business customers) TOU Pricing
- Off-peak price to 5.3 cent per kWh from 4.4 cents per kWh
- Mid-peak price to 8.0 cents per kWh from 8.0 cents per kWh (no change)
- On-peak price to 9.9 cents per kWh from 9.3 cents per kWh

Primary factors contributing to the overall increase in RPP prices included:• Payments going to renewable generation projects, gas plants, as well as conservation and demand management (CDM) programs;
• New contracts for existing generation, including support payments for fossil fuel plants and for existing generation; more

• Recovery of the RPP variance account managed by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), which tracks the difference between what RPP customers have paid versus what has been paid to generators that supply their electricity as well as the costs associated with certain CDM programs.

What impact will the HST have on electricity bills?
On July 1, 2010, the Ontario Government implemented a change to the Provincial tax system with the HST replacing the Goods and Service Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). This will have an impact on the bills of all electricity customers in Ontario.

Prior to July 1, PowerStream customers, along with all other electricity customers in the Province, were only charged 5% GST on their electricity consumption in accordance with the previous tax regulations and were exempt from paying the 8% PST. Now electricity customers will no longer have to pay the GST but will be charged the 13% HST in line with the Province of Ontario’s new tax system.

Details and information explaining the rationale for the HST is available on the Ontario Ministry of Revenue's website at www.ontario.ca/taxchange or by calling the government’s hotline at 1-800-337-7222.

What is the charge being added to bills as required by the MEI?
A small increase in “Regulatory” charges was added recently to the bills of all electricity customers in Ontario, as required by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MEI)I, to recover the costs relating to two MEI conservation programs – the Home Energy Savings Program and Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Initiative.

For residential customers, this charge amounts to approximately $4 per year or 33 cents per month. For small business customers, the estimated costs are approximately $400 per year or $33 per month.

Will we have a hot summer?
As late as June 21, 2010, Environment Canada’s senior climatologist David Phillips stated that the forecast for summer 2010 was for it to be “hot and dry”.
“The latest models indicate this will be a summer for wheat farmers, swimming in the lake and having a beer on the backyard patio,” Phillips said.

What is the ‘Power Down Your Summer Electricity Costs’ awareness campaign?
PowerStream is rolling out the ‘Power Down Your Summer Electricity Costs’ awareness campaign across its service territory in an effort to achieve the following objectives:
• Inform customers early enough in the summer of the changes to their bills so that they can adjust their consumption patterns and behaviours accordingly.
• Provide customers with information on how they can better manage their electricity costs over the summer months.
• Ensure that customers are made aware of the various factors contributing to the increases on their bills.
• Educate customers as to what they are paying for on their bills, including distribution rates and how PowerStream’s are amongst the lowest in Ontario.
The campaign includes the use of television, radio and newspaper advertising, a media tour, news releases, email blasts, bills and bill envelopes messaging, internet as well as several other communications strategies to deliver the campaign’s key messages to PowerStream’s customers.

The Government of Canada supports accessibility for all Canadians

Canada’s Economic Action Plan improves access to facilities, activities and services
BARRIE, ONTARIO)— Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament for Barrie, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today invited organizations to apply for grants of up to $75,000 for projects that will improve accessibility for people with disabilities that will enable them to participate fully in their communities.

“Our government supports Canadians with disabilities and their families. Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are improving access to facilities, activities and services,” said MP Brown. “Year Two of Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the success of this program by increasing investments that remove barriers for Canadians with disabilities.”

Organizations can submit proposals until September 10, 2010, under the Fund’s Small Projects component. Small projects may include renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings, modification of vehicles for community use, or enhancements to make information and communication technologies more accessible.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada. Since the first call for proposals in 2008, over 300 organizations have been awarded funding to improve accessibility in their communities.

The Government of Canada makes a number of investments annually to help address the needs of people with disabilities through such programs as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, the Disability component of the Canada Pension Plan, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and post-secondary education assistance measures for students with disabilities.

Canada’s Jobs and Growth Budget has a number of additional measures to support people with disabilities, including enhancing the Registered Disability Savings Plan to provide Canadians with disabilities and their families with more flexibility when saving for the future, and providing $5 million annually for five years to the Canadian Paralympic Committee to build on the successes of our Paralympians and continue to encourage persons with disabilities to actively participate in sport.

To find out how to apply for funding or for further information about the Fund, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability or call 1-866-268-2502.

Shawn Bubel running for Deputy Mayor of Essa

Shawn Bubel (pronounced Bew-bell) is a lifelong resident of Simcoe County and long-time resident of Essa. Bubel lives in Ward 2 with his wife and six year old daughter.
Bubel has years of work experience in government operations, commercial real estate and as a small business owner. He is currently special assistant to Patrick Brown, the Member of Parliament for Barrie.

Shawn is troubled by the number of acclamations in recent Essa elections but does not think it means people don’t care. “Basically, it’s been seven years since the people of Essa have had any say in who represents them. There are great people living in Essa. We are people who care about our community, we care about our environment and we care about our future. If voters are given the choice of moving in a new direction or simply settling for more of the same, I think they will respond optimistically”. – Shawn Bubel

Bubel believes he can make a difference for the residents of Essa as their Deputy Mayor and he is launching a positive campaign focused on transparency, better communication with residents and improving the way of life for his neighbours.

“Over the next few months, I look forward to meeting with voters, hearing the issues that matter to them and talking about how we move Essa forward”. – Shawn Bubel

Bubel encourages people to visit his website and have their say.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

City of Orillia Signs on as Supporter of Jazz Festival

The City of Orillia today announced a $2,000 grant in support of the Orillia Jazz Festival. Now in its 20th year, the Jazz Festival is programmed in venues throughout the community on October 22, 23 and 24.

“The Committee is pleased to add the City of Orillia to the Festival’s roster of supporters”, says Maureen Way, president of the 2010 Orillia Jazz Festival Committee. “It has been a trying year in both the private and public sectors and the Committee appreciates the generous financial assistance of local businesses and the City of Orillia”.

A diverse selection of cultural events adds to the quality of life for Orillians. But further than that, it is important to recognize that any investment the City of Orillia makes in local festivals and events has a positive economic benefit to the community. The Jazz Festival is especially vital to Orillia due to its longevity and its shoulder season scheduling. It is important to create activity in between our major seasons to assist in keeping local business busy.

The City of Orillia joins other sponsors and supporters such as Sleeman, Richards Goldsmithing, Davenport Suburu, Downtown Orillia Management Board, Orillia Pro Net, Paul Blanche, Jazz FM, The Dock 104.1, The Packet & Times, Orillia Today, Hawk Ridge and Stone Gate Inn.

During the event, music can be enjoyed at venues throughout Orillia including Sixteen Front, Brewery Bay, Era 67, Fern Resort, Apple Annie’s,
McCabe’s, Grape & Olive, Portage Italian Bistro, Tux II, Zat’s and St. Paul’s United Church,

A special kick-off event is scheduled for October 21st at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club. Check our website for all the updates and information.

The Committee thanks the City of Orillia and looks forward to seeing everyone at the Jazz Festival venues throughout the weekend.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Repatriation Motorcade for Canadian Soldier Brian Collier

­­­­Midhurst/ July 23, 2010 – On Friday July 23, 2010 a repatriation motorcade for 24 year-old Sapper Brian Collier of Bradford, Ontario will travel along the Highway of Heroes from Trenton to Toronto.

Residents of Simcoe County are encouraged to pay tribute to Brian Collier and all the troops by lining the overpasses along the Highway of Heroes. The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury will be providing transportation to the 401/ McGowan Road overpass at no cost. Buses will be departing from the Bradford Community Centre at 2:30 PM.

“We owe it to this Canadian hero to honour him when he returns home” stated Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Doug White.

Collier served with the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group out of Canadian Forces Base Edmonton.

“The County of Simcoe is saddened to hear of the death of Sapper Brian Collier, a dedicated soldier and young man who gave his life for our country," said Warden Cal Patterson. "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to Sapper Collier’s family, friends and community.”

The visitation and funeral will take place at Holy Martyrs Church as per the family’s wishes. Details for these services are not known at this time.

County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Additional Emergency Contact Line Open for Residents

Midhurst/ June 24, 2010 – The County of Simcoe, in co-operation with the Town of Midland, has opened the County’s Customer Services telephone lines to assist in addressing public inquiries with respect to the Midland tornado. Customer Service is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM from Monday to Friday.

For information, please contact 705-735-6901:
1. If you require information on evacuation and reception centre information
2. Where to properly dispose of debris or storm damaged acceptable materials
3. Other questions and concerns that residents may have following yesterday’s confirmed tornado in the Town of Midland

The Canadian Red Cross Barrie Branch will continue to act as the main contact for family and reception related inquires. That contact number is 705-721-3313.

County of Simcoe Emergency Management Co-ordinator asks that residents listen to local radio stations for updates, as well as local media websites and the County of Simcoe website. County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Eight candidates vie for five positions on OSMH Board of Directors

(Monday June 21, 2010 - Orillia, ON) – Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) has released the names of the eight (8) individuals who will be considered for election, or re-election, to the hospital’s Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, June 29, 2010.

The five open positions are a result of one pre-existing vacancy and four terms that will expire at the AGM. Current Board members, John Cameron, Gord Michener, Paul Leskew and Bill Swinimer are at the end of their current 3-year term. All but Swinimer have indicated they will be seeking re-election.

Joining them on the ballot will be Ken Brownlee, Heikki Cox-Kikkajoon, Jeffery French, Ted McCollum, and Allan Scott

At the AGM, each candidate will have three minutes to address the membership in attendance, at which time the corporate members will vote by secret ballot.

The hospital’s AGM is set for 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 in the Normandy Room at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 34. Business will include the approval of corporate and credentialed staff by-laws along with presentation of the 2nd annual Board Awards of Excellence. Members may obtain the AGM agenda at the hospital’s information desk or online at www.osmh.on.ca

Thursday, June 17, 2010

RSM Richter raises $150,000 for children with disabilities and their families

First event benefiting the new Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation supports specialized care, research and education

Toronto, Thursday, June 17, 2010 – Children with a wide range of disabilities, including brain and spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and genetic disorders, stand to benefit from a $165,000 contribution raised by RSM Richter, one of Canada’s largest independent accounting, business advisory and consulting firms.

The donation to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, formerly Bloorview Kids Foundation, was generated through proceeds from the 2010 RSM Richter Charity Golf Classic, and will support specialized care, research and education for kids with disabilities and their families. Since it was established in 1998, the charity golf tournament has helped raise more than $1 million for health-related causes across Ontario. It now has the added distinction of being the first event benefiting the hospital under its new Holland Bloorview name.

“RSM Richter is proud to support the invaluable and pioneering work of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the more than 7000 children that depend on it for treatment every year,” said Jeffrey Tannenbaum, partner in the Audit group at RSM Richter. “This donation would not have been possible without the generous support of our event sponsors, particularly Fabricland, as well as our clients and staff who were integral to the tremendous success of this event.”

As Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, Holland Bloorview is an international leader in childhood disability. Holland Bloorview conducts research focused on enhancing care, developing assistive technologies, and evaluating the barriers restricting the inclusion of children with disabilities.

“Holland Bloorview is committed to helping kids with even the most severe disabilities live ordinary and sometimes extraordinary lives – just like other kids. Funds raised through the RSM Richter Charity Golf Classic will support programs, services, and innovative research that enables children with disabilities to be active participants in their communities,” said Valerie McMurtry, President and CEO of the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation. “We are thrilled that RSM Richter is the first event to support us under our new Holland Bloorview name. With the support of donors like RSM Richter, Holland Bloorview has the opportunity to give every child a chance to achieve their personal best.”

Monday, June 14, 2010

Guitars on Parade to be launched June 26 in Orillia

Well-known artist Charles Pachter, Toronto musician and artist Kurt Swinghammer, and Six String Nation's Jowi Taylor take part in Orillia's first ever Guitars on Parade!

Orillia, ON - June 14 This summer, the City of Orillia will become home to a 'parade' of 50 giant guitar sculptures, as one local businesswoman's vision for a public art event comes to life in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mariposa Folk Festival.

Downtown retailer Leslie Fournier has orchestrated an outdoor gallery of 50 larger-than-life guitar sculptures for a summer-long showcase called Guitars on Parade! The seven-foot guitars, each hand-painted with designs by local artists, will be unveiled June 26 in downtown Orillia as part of the second annual Streets Alive! festival. Last year�s inaugural Streets Alive! event served as a kick-off to the successful Festival of Banners, initiated by Fournier three years ago. The Streets Alive! goal is to present Orillia as a vibrant artistic community and bring visitors to the area.

Adding to the draw is the participation and support of nationally known artists.

"When the idea for Guitars on Parade! came to me, I thought it would be a coup to have a well-known Canadian artist take part in the project and help spread the word beyond Orillia," says Fournier.

The first person she thought of was Charles Pachter. An iconic presence in the visual art world, the work of this leading contemporary artist has been shown at the ROM, the AGO and the McMichael Gallery, among others. Pachter has a real connection and affection for Orillia. He cottages on Lake Simcoe and visits downtown Orillia regularly in the summer months. The Pachter guitar will be placed outside his favourite haunt for butter tarts, Wilkies Bakery.

Two other big talents affiliated with the guitar project are Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies fame and Toronto musician and visual artist, Kurt Swinghammer.

"I ran into Ed Robertson in April before the Barenaked Ladies concert at the Orillia Opera House," says Fournier. "Within minutes of hearing about Guitars on Parade!, Ed expressed interest and enthusiasm for the project and wondered if he could sponsor one of the guitars. He mentioned having his buddy, Kurt Swinghammer, design and paint it." The Barenaked Ladies guitar is now the 51st in the project. The group is calling this last one their celebrity guitar. "We sure don't mind surpassing our initial goal of 50!" laughs Fournier.

Guitars on Parade! is modeled after other successful outdoor art projects like Toronto's Moose in the City and Vancouver's Orcas in the City. "I had wanted to do something different this year for Streets Alive! and became excited when I saw images from these other projects," explains Fournier. "When it came to setting a theme, the 50th anniversary of the Mariposa Folk Festival just seemed to fit perfectly. We're thrilled to be able to help celebrate the amazing 50 years of Mariposa."

All 51 guitars will be unveiled at the Streets Alive! celebration on June 26 in Orillia. The event takes place on Mississaga Street from 10 am to 5 pm and is free. Event-goers can view the giant guitars on a walking tour, take in guitar demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities and competitions, enjoy concerts on the street, and meet Jowi Taylor and his celebrated 'Voyageur' guitar. Taylor is the impresario behind one of Canada's most creative guitar projects "Six String Nation, and author of the book by the same name. The project took Taylor across the country to build the ultimate Canadiana guitar using pieces of our country's historic and geographic icons. Jowi will be making special presentations at Streets Alive!, and the Voyageur will be on hand for photos with members of the public.

Local businesses, organizations and the community at large quickly signed on to support Guitars on Parade! The 50th guitar, 'Reflections' represents participation by Orillia citizens, who are invited to drop off donations to sponsor the sculpture at Apple Annie's Caf. Other sponsors of the event include Downtown Orillia, the City of Orillia, Mariposa Folk Festival Foundation and Larrivee Guitars, whose vintage C-10 acoustic guitar serves as the design template for the super-sized guitars. Funding has also been made available from the federal government's Community Adjustment Fund through the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation.

Select sculptures from Guitars on Parade! will travel to the Mariposa Folk Festival July 9 to 11 and then return downtown to take their place as part of the Orillia streetscape throughout the summer/fall tourist season.

Barb Baguley wants public input as campaign for Mayor continues

For Immediate Release
June 14, 2010 - Innisfil’s first candidate for Mayor, Barb Baguley, is kicking her campaign into high gear by asking residents what they think.

Baguley is directing voters to her website baguley4mayor.com where they can complete a survey and comment on town services and issues.

“I think it is important at this point in the election campaign to reach out to residents and find out what is important to them,” Baguley said. “This is a big town with a variety of issues and as I start campaigning door-to-door, I want to know what people are concerned about and what they expect from their elected officials.”

Early results of Baguley’s survey have confirmed her belief that residents want strong leadership and effective communication from their next Mayor.

Baguley has spent the past four years meeting residents as she volunteers for a variety of organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Innisfil Historical Society, Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce, Nantyr Shores Spin 4 Kids, Crime Stoppers, Physician Recruitment and Innisfil Rotary.

“Our town continues to grow and many of the people who will be voting on October 25 didn’t even live here four years ago. I want everyone to know that their opinions matter to me and I want to truly represent them on Council. As mayor, I will always have the best interest of residents in mind as decisions are made to move the Town forward.”

Thursday, June 3, 2010

LIVING WITH CANCER? Come as you are. The red door is open! You are welcome!

Are you or someone you love living with Cancer? Now – there is a place in our community where you can meet people who are also living with Cancer; Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka has opened the RED DOOR. We welcome you to come in and experience the community that is Gilda’s Club!

The mission of Gilda’s Club is to provide free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends, whatever the outcome. Our innovative Program is an essential complement to medical care providing support and networking groups facilitated by licensed mental health professionals, workshops and lectures plus a variety of social activities. Come in our RED DOOR and meet some people who are living with cancer – just like you.

Our new Clubhouse provides a welcoming home-like, non-residential environment for those living with and affected by cancer. Gilda’s Club and its distinctive program are centered on building community. Located on Quarry Ridge Road in Barrie (across the road from Royal Victoria Hospital beside Tim Horton’s) and serving all the residents of Simcoe, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Grey-Bruce and Dufferin Counties, Gilda’s Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka is now open!.

We encourage you to come as you are, to know that you are not alone and to experience firsthand social support, information sharing, friendship, laughter, hope and inspiration. You’ll find attached for your convenience a sample of our Program Calendar for June.

Membership is free – all you have to do is call us at (705) 726-5199 or email program@gildasclubbarrie.org and Ann, our Program Co-ordinator, or one of our trained volunteers will get you signed up for a New Member Meeting. It is that simple.

Please call or email today and take the first step towards becoming a member of Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. You are not alone ~ our RED DOOR is open.

Looking forward to meeting you,

Kristen Dawson,
Program Director.
Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka
10 Quarry Ridge Road
Barrie, ON
Ph: 705.726.5199 Ext. 223
Fx: 705.726.7101
james@gildasclubbarrie.org

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

NHL Greats Gartner and Leeman confirm for Hockey Night in Barrie III

Barrie - MP Patrick Brown is pleased to announce that Hockey Night in Barrie III will be taking place this summer on August 12, 2010 at the Barrie Molson Centre. All proceeds raised will be going directly to the Royal Victoria Hospital’s Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Care Centre.

“I am very excited preparing for this year’s Hockey Night in Barrie charity game supporting RVH and the Cancer Care Centre” said MP Brown. “We are building on past successes of this event and expect this year’s game will be bigger and better as we continue to increase awareness and raise even more funds for this extremely worthy cause” he added.

This year’s event promises to be even more illustrious than years past with NHL Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Gartner, former Toronto Maple Leaf Great Gary Leeman, NHL Star Aaron Johnson, Canadian actor Mark Day and Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay all confirming their attendance for this year’s game. Many more are expected to confirm in the coming weeks!

“This will now be my third year participating in Hockey Night in Barrie and every year it has proven to be not only a fun filled evening for players and fans alike but also a success in raising much needed funds for the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Care Centre” said Mike Gartner, NHL Hockey Hall of Fame. I am happy to play again this year” he added.

Those interested in attending this year’s game are encouraged to purchase their tickets soon as the event is already twenty-five percent sold out. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

Orillia Mayor Ron Stevens to receive Lakehead University Orillia Campus Civitas Award

(June 1, 2010 – Orillia ON) Orillia Mayor Ron Stevens will be honoured with the Lakehead University Orillia Campus Civitas Award at the University’s upcoming June 5 Convocation.

The Civitas Award is presented annually to a Simcoe County resident who has made significant contributions to the community and to the Orillia Campus. The award was first introduced in 2008 when it was awarded to Sue Mulcahy who spearheaded the Simcoe College initiative in the 1960s and 1970s. In 2009, the second Civitas Award recipient was Lloyd Dennis, distinguished for his outstanding contribution to education in Ontario.

Mayor Ron Stevens was nominated for his leadership as Chair of the Mayor’s University Task Force and the role he played in establishing the Lakehead University Orillia Campus.

“I believe that without Mayor Stevens’ conviction and commitment to this initiative, that Lakehead – Orillia would not be the reality it is today,” says Robert Lamb, Simcoe County Manager of Economic Development. Lamb nominated Stevens for the award, and notes how instrumental he was in developing a successful partnership with Lakehead University to establish the new Orillia campus.

Mayor Stevens began his municipal service in 1974 when he was appointed to the Township of Orillia Planning Board. Following positions as Councillor for the Township of Orillia and then Mayor of the Township of Severn, Stevens was elected Mayor of the City of Orillia in 2000. Upon completion of his third term as Mayor this fall, Stevens will have the distinction of being the longest-serving Mayor in the history of the City. He has declared this will be his final term as Mayor.

Stevens acknowledges the development of the Lakehead University Campus in Orillia as one of the highlights of his Mayoral tenure. “The entire experience involved a group of leaders who all shared a similar vision,” Stevens recalls. This vision-sharing experience included Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert. “Dr. Gilbert visited us and made a public presentation, and when I saw the standing ovation he received from the audience, I knew we had clear project direction and ample community support,” Stevens notes.

With the new University Avenue campus set to open this fall, Mayor Stevens says he is proud of what Lakehead – Orillia brings to our community and the region. “At the onset of this project, our interest in attracting a university to Orillia was inspired by a statistic we noticed in a census report,” explains Stevens. The document reported that the Canadian average of those with post secondary education was 27 per cent, compared with less than twelve per cent in Orillia and Simcoe County. “By establishing the Lakehead Campus in Orillia, we committed to improve this statistic and contribute to the long-term social and economic development of the region.”

The Civitas Award will be presented to Stevens at the Lakehead – Orillia Convocation on Saturday, June 5, at which over 200 graduands, including some students from the campus’ charter class, will receive their degrees. The ceremony will be held at Patrick Fogarty Secondary School at 10:30 a.m.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Improves ER Wait Times

McGuinty Government Recognizes Hospital’s Success

May 28, 2010 Orillia: Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is being recognized for significantly reducing emergency room wait times and improving patient care in its emergency room (ER).

Soldier’s Memorial Hospital has reduced wait times by 50 per cent since April 2008 for patients whohave serious medical issues but who don’t need to be admitted to hospital. As part of its Pay-for-Resultsprogram, the McGuinty government is providing the hospital with one-time performance funding of $495,900 for sharing best practices with other hospitals to help them improve their emergency room
performance.

Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital was able to make this significant improvement by:
• creating a real-time picture of patient flow in the ER – who has been waiting for how long, and for what;
• getting blood work and x-rays started before the doctor arrives; and
• adopting best practices to improve patient flow on inpatient units.
Reducing ER wait times is part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.

QUOTES
“Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital took real and meaningful steps to drive down ER wait times and improve the patient experience. I’m encouraged that they’re going to be able to share their success and innovation with other hospitals in Ontario.”
- Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“Congratulations to OSMH on this significant contribution to the North Simcoe Muskoka healthcare system. The LHIN Board and staff are proud of Soldiers’ leadership, physicians and front-line staff, whose hard work and commitment to patient care made this happen.”
- Ruben Rosen, Chair, North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN

“I am very pleased that our team of staff and physicians has been recognized for their tremendous effort on this project. The Pay-for-Results program gave OSMH a kick start to look at process improvement not only in our emergency department but throughout our hospital. Receiving the one-time funding is just an added bonus for doing the right thing and making it successful. It has also been the springboard that has allowed us to take on the challenge of the LEAN methodology for the PIP process. ”
- Elisabeth Riley, President and CEO, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital

QUICK FACTS
• Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital will be using the bonus funding to teach other hospitals about its successes and lessons learned and to take steps to further improve ER wait times.
• April 2008 wait time data showed patients with complex conditions spent 10.8 hours in the emergency room for treatment, today they are spending 7.2 hours.
• April 2008 wait time data showed patients with minor or uncomplicated conditions spent 3.5 hours in the emergency room for treatment, today they are spending 3.5 hours.

Saving Lives While Protecting the Environment

Midhurst/May 28, 2010 – The County of Simcoe is modernizing its emergency vehicle fleet to ensure they are well equipped to save lives while operating with reduced green house gas emissions.

The County, in partnership with Fleet Challenge Ontario, Simplicity Air and Demers Ambulance, have been working together since December 2009 to develop a prototype ambulance as part of the police and EMS vehicle idling reduction demonstration project.

The project, which is supported by the Ontario government, consists of a Hybrid Idling Reduction System (HIRS), an innovative application of existing green technologies that will revolutionize emergency medical service vehicle operations. HIRS maintains all onboard systems, and cab climate control as mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, without idling and with no compromise in performance. The result is that idling time is reduced along with greenhouse gas emissions.

“The County of Simcoe is committed to taking positive steps toward lessening our carbon footprint,” said Warden Cal Patterson. “This innovative partnership is another example of Council’s progressive thinking and its willingness to invest in a greener future.”

Currently, EMS and police vehicles idle from 35 to 65 per cent of their overall operating time. Vehicles are routinely left idling to prevent drugs, medication and specialized equipment from being damaged and to ensure the patient compartment is kept at normal room temperature. On scene, the vehicles are left idling to provide sufficient power for emergency systems and lights.

The County of Simcoe provided one of their new ambulances for the trial phase of the project. The University of Windsor will conduct environmental testing on the ambulance before it joins the County’s fleet in June. All testing is scheduled to be completed by December 2010.

Fleet Challenge Ontario (FCO) is a not-for-profit program of the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance that helps fleet operators reduce their fuel consumption, operating costs and tailpipe emissions through sharing of modern fleet management techniques and proven best management practices.

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Government of Canada’s Summer Jobs 2010 provides 67 summer jobs to Barrie students

Barrie, Ontario – May 21, 2010 - MP Patrick Brown is pleased to announce that the Canada Summer Jobs 2010 program through the Ministry of Human Resources and Skills Development has resulted in 67 summer jobs for students in Barrie. This program supports work experiences for students and helps provide important community services.

“By supporting organizations, Canada Summer Jobs provides work for students in not-for-profit and public-sector business enabling them to gain valuable experience and develop important skills for the future.” Brown added “Canada Summer Jobs 2010 is one of many initiatives our government offers to help students.”

Canada Summer Jobs 2010 will create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people 15 to 30 years old who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year.

“There were 63 organizations that applied for funding in the Barrie area under the Canada Summer Jobs program and 33 were successful in obtaining funding.” said Brown. “I am pleased that 67 students this summer will benefit from employment opportunities and our community organizations will be provided with assistance in providing necessary services.”

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government increased funding by $10 million in 2009 and again provided an additional $10 million in 2010 for Canada Summer Jobs, to help create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Builder of new Barrie Condos ranked 28th largest in Canada

Barrie Developer gets recognized by prestigious On-Site Magazine
May 12, 2010 Barrie, Ontario – Mady Development Corporation, builder of Barrie’s newest Condo development, MarketTown, is ranked 28th largest in Canada and in the top 40 in Canada.

“Barrie is a business friendly city, which made expanding into Barrie an easy choice. Its location, convenient transportation system and quality of life were important factors in our decision to begin investing in Barrie,” said David Mady, President of Mady Development Corporation. “This new ranking by On-Site Magazine is a privilege and honour.”

The magazine lists Mady Development Corporation’s Construction division in the top 40 in Canada, with $125 million in sales for 2009.

“We are pleased with the ranking and are looking to Barrie for further expansion. It is an exciting time for Barrie and Mady Development Corporation,” said David Mady.

Mady Contract Division’s current projects include Barrie’s newest development, MarketTown Condominiums, located near Georgian College, off Highway 400. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums are affordable, beginning at $129,900 with spectacular views of little lake and multiple amenities which include state of the art workout facilities, yoga studio, billiards room, library and party room. www.MarketTowncondos.com Other projects include Wal-Mart expansions in Pickering, Ajax, Owen Sound and Kitchener and work for Rona, the City of Toronto and Canada Post.

Mady Development Corporation was founded in Windsor, Ontario more than 35 years ago by Charles Mady. Offices are located in Windsor, Markham and Dallas.

To view the ranking, see www.on-sitemag.sartech.ca For more information: David Mady, (519) 252 2500

TUNE IN TO SUPPORT RVH

Larche Communications Inc. (LCI), parent company of KICX 106 (CICX-FM) and 104.1 The DOCK (CICZ-FM), will be hosting the Radio for Radiology radiothon at Georgian Mall, May 26 and 27. This two-day event aims to raise awareness and funds for the Radio for Radiology campaign that is presently underway. Both radio stations will broadcast live from the Grand Court area at Georgian Mall from 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. The two-day broadcast will also feature interviews with RVH physicians, patients and volunteers.

LCI announced in December 2008 that both radio stations would work to fulfill a $500,000 pledge to the I Believe capital campaign and the radiothon is just one of several events designed to meet that goal. Other initiatives including a cook book, golf tournaments, a Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings concert and an upcoming Colin James concert at Casino Rama are a few of the ways the two stations are meeting their pledge. Once the pledge is met, the funds will go toward the purchase of a new Interventional Radiology suite in RVH’s expanding Imaging Department. Major expansions and renovations to the Imaging Department are part of the Phase 1 Expansion Project, which also includes the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre

“Our Radio for Radiology Campaign will help to fund a new Interventional Radiology Unit, allowing people in Orillia, Midland, Barrie, and all of Simcoe County and Muskoka to get treatment close to home and we are determined to have KICX 106 listeners and 104.1 The DOCK listeners from across the region get engaged and support their Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre,” says LCI president Paul Larche. “The reality is that most of us, or a loved one, will have to deal with cancer in our lives. It’s a very stressful time. I lost my mother to cancer when she was only 4. It’s critical that residents in our region have the best, most convenient and timely care available. With help from our many listeners and clients, funding a new IR Unit that will support the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, will do precisely that.”

An Interventional Radiology (IR) unit permits doctors to perform procedures by making tiny incisions, often the size of the tip of a pen, through which small catheters, wires, and other instruments are passed under x-ray guidance to the area of interest within the body. This allows the use of local anesthesia and light sedation rather than the general anesthesia that is required for conventional surgery. In most cases, patients are able to go home the same day, or the day after the procedure. Not only are IR procedures typically less expensive than surgery, patients return to normal activities much faster than and the risks, pain and recovery are significantly reduced. Royal Victoria Hospital currently has the only Interventional Radiology unit in Simcoe County.

About RVH: Royal Victoria Hospital is a 299-bed community hospital in Barrie, Ontario, located 80 kilometres north of Toronto. As the largest
hospital in the region of Simcoe Muskoka, it provides specialty services to almost half a million Central Ontario residents. RVH’s team of over 280 physicians, 2,200 employees and 1,100 volunteers provide exceptional health care, specializing in emergency services, cancer care, surgical services, intensive care, mental health, interventional radiology and rehabilitation. RVH has embarked on a Phase 1 Expansion Project which will double the size of the existing hospital, while adding capacity for 165 new inpatient beds and the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. For more information, visit our website at www.rvh.on.ca.

Monday, May 17, 2010

OPP PARTICIPATES IN 2010 NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK CAMPAIGN

Making Canada’s Roads the Safest in the World

MIDLAND, ON – All 165 Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachments across the province are making preparations to fully participate in the annual Canada Road Safety Week which gets underway from May 18 through to May 24.

This National road safety campaign is in partnership with police services and other road safety partners from across Canada and supports Transport Canada’s “Canada Road Safety Vision 2010” which has the goal of making our nation’s roads the safest in the world.

Chief Superintendent Mike Armstrong, Regional Commander of Central Region has stated “Canada Road Safety Week aims to make our roads the safest in the world by increasing public compliance with safe driving measures and ultimately to save lives “We will be targeting aggressive drivers, those who drink and drive and those who don’t buckle up. We will also be watching for motorists who don’t slow down or move over safely where possible when passing an emergency vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road with its emergency lights flashing.”

Provincial Constable David Hobson Community Services Officer for Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment states that for many years our detachment, along with police agencies from across the country, has participated in Canada Road Safety Week. Our increased presence will help raise awareness regarding issues of public safety on our roads,” “We also use this campaign to demonstrate our commitment to public safety and community wellness in the Southern Georgian Bay area.”

In 2009, there were 59 people killed on Central Region patrolled roads, which sadly is an increase of 8 from 2008. In 2008, there were 1783 personal injuries crashes and in 2009, this number increased to 2080.

In 2010, 6 people have lost their lives due to traffic fatalities with Central Region and during the recent Spring Seatbelt Campaign, 188,441 seatbelt and child safety seat related checks were conducted and 1157 seatbelt related charges were laid.

Canada Road Safety Week supports Canada’s Road Safety Vision 2010, a plan to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world by 2010.

Monday, May 3, 2010

ONTARIO’S WATERWAYS: CAUTION - COLD WATER

(ORILLIA, ON) – A mild spring has opened up Ontario’s waterways and many are eager to get their boating season started. Tragically, in the past week, two fatal boating incidents have been investigated by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

The OPP is cautioning boaters and those working near water that, while air temperatures are warm, water temperatures remain very cold. Cold water immersion is a significant risk that should not be taken lightly. Hypothermia is a serious condition that can be prevented with proper preparation before heading out.

Wear a lifejacket. You will not have the time or the ability to effectively put on safety equipment in a sudden and unexpected man-overboard situation.
Boaters are advised to wear clothing and equipment that protects them against the effects of cold exposure.

Ensure your boat is equipped with the required safety equipment.

Check water and weather conditions before heading out and be vigilant to changes in conditions.

Tell others of your plans and your anticipated return.

Don’t take unnecessary risks with your life of the lives of your passengers. To learn more about cold water immersion visit www.coldwaterbootcamp.com

Contact:
Sgt Karen Harrington
OPP Marine Programs

Office: 705 329-6125
Cell: 705 330-2860

Thursday, April 29, 2010

IS THERE A SWEATSHOP IN YOUR HOME? HUNDREDS OF EVENTS PLANNED NATIONWIDE TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO “FAIR TRADE YOUR HOME”

Events to Provide Simple But Effective Tips For Creating a Fair Trade Home; Common Household Sweatshop Items That Can be Fairly Traded are Clothing, Home Goods and Chocolate.

WASHINGTON, D.C.//April 29, 2010//Is there a sweatshop in your home? For millions of Americans, the answer is an unwitting yes. People across the country can find out how to replace goods made in sweatshops with fair trade products at hundreds of events taking place across the U.S. over the course of the next two weeks to mark World Fair Trade Day on May 8th (http://www.fairtraderesource.org/wftd-10/). They can also win great fair trade prizes by submitting pictures of fairly traded goods in their homes (http://www.fairtraderesource.org/wftd-10/fair-trade-my-home-contests/).

Most Americans would be appalled to learn of the extent to which the everyday items that they use in their homes are produced in sweatshops or even by slave labor. Widely used household items that fall into this category are all forms of clothing – from t-shirts to dress clothes to jewelry, home goods – including furniture and decorative items, and foods – including chocolate, coffee, sugar and spices. World Fair Trade Day organizers are calling on Americans to get those sweatshop items out of their home and to instead “Fair Trade your home” to support farmers and artisans worldwide.

World Fair Trade Day national campaign coordinator, and Executive Director, Fair Trade Resource Network Jeff Goldman, said: “There are lots of reasons to celebrate Fair Trade as we bring dignity and justice to millions of vulnerable farmers and artisans around the world. By committing to use Fair Trade goods at home, we can enjoy high quality and take action to improve our world.

The Fair Trade system helps producers and suppliers earn a living wage and take steps to protect the environment. It also serves to empower individuals and communities, support women’s and children’s rights, promote dignity and respect, and connect developing nations with developed nations and markets.

World Fair Trade Day is the largest Fair Trade event in North America, with over 65,000 people having participated in 2009. In the U.S., small businesses, high schools, universities, churches, groups and individuals will be raising awareness about the benefits of buying Fair Trade products. The theme of this year’s events is “Fair Trade My Home”. Events across the country include: scavenger hunts, coffee tastings, dinner parties, arts and crafts festivals, and so much more.

Major co-sponsors of World Fair Trade Day include nonprofit and faith-based organizations, such as Green America, Catholic Relief Services, Fair Trade Towns and Fair for Life, as well as retail companies, such as Ben and Jerry’s, Wholesome Sweeteners, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, and Anti-Body.

5 TIPS TO “FAIR TRADE YOUR HOME”

Some of the best ways to get rid of sweatshop items in your home and to go Fair Trade are as follows:

* Purchase Fair Trade Coffee, Tea, Sugar, and Cocoa: When conventionally purchased, these popular food items are often grown in “sweatshops in the fields.” Buying them Fair Trade Certified™ means that farmers are being paid a fair wage and communities are being supported.

* Purchase Fair Trade clothes – from t-shirts, to shoes to dresses, there is beautiful Fair Trade clothing from all over the world made by artisans who are paid a living wage.

* Buy Fair Trade Home goods – plates, tablecloths, and even furniture can be purchased Fair Trade.

* Buy Fair Trade handicrafts – from vases to sculptures to rugs – Fair Trade artisans produce beautiful crafts. And, when you purchase them from Fair Trade organizations, you know that no child labor or sweatshops were involved.

* Gift Fair Trade – You can purchase Fair Trade toys for kids, sculptures for adults, and chocolate for everyone on your list. When you gift Fair Trade, you are giving a high quality product and introducing someone to the value of purchasing Fair Trade every day.

ABOUT WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY

On and around May 8th, people in 80 countries worldwide will hold events to mark World Fair Trade Day in order to highlight the importance and benefits of Fair Trade. Across North America, participants are entering “Fair Trade My Home” contests. Both individuals, as well as organizations, will win Fair Trade prizes for bringing Fair Trade, or deepening Fair Trade, in their homes. Fair Trade supporters will host hundreds of events to encourage the public to take home many Fair Trade items, and enter the contests. Events such as festivals, fashion shows, speeches, food and drink tastings, film showings, sports games, neighborhood crawls, and concerts are being planned to help celebrate the day from May 1-15.

Seeking Child and Youth Mental Health Awareness Day

May 3rd, 2010. Children are bullied. Parents are ashamed. Communities are divided. That's what life looks like when we don’t eliminate the prejudice of living with mental illness. To help children, parents and communities, Parents for Children's Mental Health* is working with MPPs to have May 7th declared Child and Youth Mental Health Awareness Day!

Not that long ago, a person living with epilepsy would have been locked up and regarded as insane. Fortunately, much work was done to demonstrate that this illness was not the "fault" of the individual but rather a diagnosable illness that could be treated and allow the person to live a successful life. It's time to bring the same awareness and effort to those children and youth living with a diagnosable mental illness.

PCMH and supporters will be at Queen’s Park on Monday, May 3rd, 2010, seeking support from legislature to have May 7th declared Child and Youth Mental Health Awareness Day. This provincial effort is part of a National Consortium working to have the day declared in all the Provinces, as well as have it declared Nationally.

Sarah Cannon, Executive Director of PCMH points out that “families and those affected with mental illness are forced to deal with discrimination and judgment that largely comes from stigma and we believe this stigma is grounded in fear. To combat this stigma we must raise awareness around the real issues, and the fact that these illnesses are claiming children and youth lives more than any other physical illness, yet still go ignored.” Sarah Cannon believes that “that the only way to stop stigma is to stand firmly in front of it, and we believe May 3rd is one step in that direction.”

Join us on the south lawn of Queen's Park on May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. and hear Valerie Pringle and other prominent citizens speak out on behalf of children and youth living with mental illness. We will be calling for this special day for children and youth living with mental illness and ensure that shame and fear no longer hold them back.

* Parents for Children’s Mental Health is a non-profit, Provincial, parent-led organization dedicated to raising the voice of families and children who face the daily struggles and challenges when dealing with child and youth mental health issues. One in five children suffer from a mental illness. Suicide is the leading cause of non-accidental death in youth aged 10-19 years. The Child and Youth Mental Health system has been plagued by stagnant funding for over a decade. Currently, 656,000 families in Ontario are dealing with the stigma, isolation, and debilitating effects of dealing with child and youth mental health issues. The World Health organization recently released that by 2020 Depression will be the second leading cause of disability.

Children’s Mental Health is EVERYONE’S Business.......

Contact Information: Sara Cannon Executive Director 1-(416) 220-0742 or (416) 921-2109 Email: admin@pcmh.ca PCMH – Simcoe County Chapter, Yolanda Gallo 705-728-5488 Email: simcoecounty@pcmh.ca

Monday, April 26, 2010

Hit, run & throw contest on Sunday, May 2. Winners advance to regionals, possibly Rogers Centre, maybe even Anaheim!

St. Marys - Boys and girls aged 7-14 will be given a chance to show their wares on the Rotary Field at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in the Aquafina Hit, Run & Throw competition on Sunday, May 2nd at 3:00 pm with the champions from four age categories advancing to a regional showdown, possibly the Rogers Centre and who knows, maybe even Anaheim for the North American Championship Finals at the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

St. Marys' own Hayden Moore won the all-Canadian competition at Rogers Centre a few years ago, so don't think it can't happen to you.

There is no cost to participate, but players must pre-register by calling 519-284-1838 or emailing baseball@baseballhalloffame.ca. Players should check-in on Sunday, May 2nd at 2:30pm at the Hall of Fame's Rotary Field, and must hand in a photocopy of their birth certificate.

As a new initiative, the players are divided by gender, and four age categories are 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14, as determined by the child's age on July 17, 2010.

The three competitions involve the players' ability to throw strikes, a timed running segment, and hitting for distance and accuracy.

The winners advance to the regional showdown, which also is slated for the Hall of Fame, on Sunday, June 6th. If they make it through that sectional, they will be invited to compete at the Rogers Centre on Saturday, June 19th.

"Pepsi continuing to return to the Hall as the host for these two events further demonstrates that we offer so much more beyond a wonderful baseball museum," said president & CEO Tom Valcke.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Simcoe County Museum hosts the Simcoe County Regional Heritage Fair April 28, 2010

Minesing/ April 23, 2010 -- The Simcoe County Museum hosts the eighth annual Simcoe County Regional Heritage Fair on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Students from across the County have placed among the top in their School Heritage Fair for projects highlighting Canadian heritage and culture. These students will now showcase their projects at the Regional Fair on Wednesday April 28.

The Heritage Fairs program creates an active learning environment giving students in Grades 4 to 9 an opportunity to explore Canadian history and culture. Students are encouraged to create projects on the heritage topic of their choice using information and imagination to bring history to life.

Staff and volunteers from Huronia Historical Parks, the Historical Construction Equipment Association and the Simcoe County Museum are just some of the community groups that will conduct interactive workshops for the students at the day-long event. Opening ceremonies for the students begin at 10:00 am., and project adjudication begins at 10:15 a.m. The Fair is open to the public from 12:15 to 2:00 pm.

Regular Museum admission rates apply: Adult $6, Student/Senior $5.00, Child $4.00, Preschoolers - free. The Simcoe County Museum is located at 1151 Highway 26, minutes north of Barrie. For more information, please phone 705-728-3721.

Take the Infinite Journey with Simcoe County Museum, a cultural exploration of our historical past and exciting future. Simcoe County Museum is owned and operated by the County of Simcoe and offers year round exhibits, events and educational programs for visitors of every age. Visit our website at museum.simcoe.ca for further details.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

While other Teams Struggled with Open Water, Eric Larsen and Save the Poles Team Will Reach the North Pole on Notorious Earth Day

Renowned explorer, Eric Larsen, today announced he’ll reach the second leg of his Save the Poles Expedition, the North Pole, to tell his story on climate change

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. (April 20, 2010) — After a grueling 490 miles and 50 days on the ice and open water, Polar explorer Eric Larsen announced today that his three-man expedition team will reach the North Pole on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2010. This arrival will mark the second leg completion of Larsen’s “Save the Poles” first-ever expedition to the South Pole, North Pole and summit of Mt. Everest in a continuous 365-day period. In January of 2010, Larsen and his team successfully completed a 750-mile, 48-day jaunt to the South Pole on skis. If he completes the entire expedition, Larsen will be the first person to accomplish this incredible feat. His purpose? To travel to the “front lines” of global warming to document the changes occurring in these last great frozen places. Larsen will also use the expedition as a platform to advocate strategies for reducing carbon emissions and collect relevant scientific data. The Save the Poles expedition is sponsored by Microsoft’s decision engine, Bing, along with other sponsors.

“This expedition will tell the story of these remote places so we can better understand how our actions affect the poles and ultimately the planet,” Larsen says. “We all need to be reminded that we must act now to stop global warming.”

To help tell the story, Larsen is partnering with the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and the Protect Our Winters Foundation to produce 12 hours of climate change curriculum to provide teachers with the tools needed to prepare the next generation of students for what will be the defining issues of their time. Larsen will also team up with the Center for Biological Diversity to petition the Senate and President on the need for stronger climate legislation.

A member of The Explorer’s Club, Larsen isn’t new to the world of polar exploration. Larsen completed the first-ever summer expedition to the North Pole in 2006 where he pulled and paddled modified canoes over 600 miles of shifting sea ice and open ocean. In January 2009, Larsen successfully led an international team to the geographic South Pole becoming one of only a few Americans to ski to both poles.


The Save the Poles Expedition’s objectives are:
• Complete the first-ever expedition to the summit of Mount Everest, the North and South Poles in a continuous 365-day period

• Create awareness of global warming, advocate strategies for reducing carbon emissions and collect relevant scientific data

• Produce a documentary film, book and educational curriculum that focuses on the science of climate change, teamwork and the spirit of adventure

• Develop a post expedition multi-media lecture series for education in schools and organizations


Mount Everest and the North and South Poles represent the harshest and most extreme environments on the planet. Yet as inhospitable as these places are to humans, they are also the areas most affected by people. Scientists estimate by summer 2030, the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free. Recently, the 1,250 square mile Larsen B Ice Shelf collapsed off of Antarctica and disintegrated into the Southern Ocean. A report by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasts that if current trends continue, 80 percent of Himalayan glaciers will be gone in 30 years. While we are seeing the most dramatic changes in the polar and higher altitude regions, global warming is an issue that affects us all.

About Eric Larsen
Larsen has spent his entire life in pursuit of wilderness. A polar explorer, dog musher and educator, he has spent the past 15 years adventuring in some of the most remote and wild places left on earth. Totaled, Larsen has traveled enough wilderness miles to circle the globe nearly two and half times. Larsen’s history-making expedition, One World Expedition, was the first-ever summer journey to the North Pole. Larsen's other expeditions include a successful summit of Mt. McKinley, a 41-day expedition to the geographic South Pole, 700-mile dog sled journey through Northern Ontario, a six-week dog sled journey in the barren lands of the Canadian Arctic, several training trips to Hudson Bay and countless dog sled races. He has also ridden his bike across the United States, been a back country ranger in Alaska, a white water canoe guide in Colorado and wilderness trip leader in Hawaii. Larsen was recently voted one of Outside Magazine’s Eco All Stars for his Global Warming advocacy work. A gifted communicator as well, Larsen travels the country giving motivational and educational lectures to K-12 schools, universities, nonprofit organizations and corporate groups. To see more about this modern-day explorer, visit www.savethepoles.com.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Country rock musical closes TIFT’s current season

Barrie, ON – Today Artistic Producer Arkady Spivak announced casting and members of the creative team for Red Fightin’ Blue, the last production of TIFT’s current Season. In the spirit of TIFT’s previous triumphs with site specific theatre, this production will be staged at the Foxx Lounge as part of the Roxx Niteclub in Barrie. Guests will be welcomed to a Tennessee country bar for this licensed event.

Red Fighin’ Blue is written by ensemble member Grant Tilly (currently in the Toronto cast of Jersey Boys). Based on his earlier Toronto Fringe Festival hit, The Christian Republican Fundraiser in Dayton, Tennessee, this expanded version is about a group of left-wing activists who, posing as the band, God's Country, have infiltrated the Christian Republican Fundraiser in Dayton, Tennessee. Armed with only "three chords and the truth," they are intent on having their opinions heard. Red Fighin’ Blue is a musical about country music, politics, and the values that can bring together even the most disparate groups.

Red Fighin’ Blue stars Jason Chesworth (Shaw Festival) and features Rod Campbell (Shaw Festival, Livent), Jayne Collins, Greg Gale, Natasha O’Brien and Patrick Rose (Canadian Stage, Arts Club Theatre).

It will be directed by Richard Ouzounian (Director of TIFT’s Napoleon, Anyone Can Whistle and Emily), musical director is Mike Camilleri (Toronto’s The Toxic Avenger), Set and Costumes are designed by Brandon Kleiman (Napoleon); Lighting Designer is Gareth Crew (Assassins, The Tale of Ivan vs. Ivan, Trees Die Standing Tall); Sound Designer is Justin Stadnyk (Mirvish Productions, Stage West) and Stage Manager is Pamela Craig.


Red Fighin’ Blue will preview on Thursday, May 6, officially open on Friday, May 7 and run to May 15, 2010. Single tickets are $29.50. 4-ticket passes are also available for $105 which also includes a $20 gift certificate to Il Buco Ristorante. Please contact the Box Office at (705) 792-1949 or visit www.tift.ca for more information. The Foxx Lounge/Roxx Niteclub is located at 46 Dunlop St. West.

Talk Is Free Theatre acknowledges with gratitude the support of Rob Hamilton.

Monday, April 19, 2010

National Immunization Awareness Week: Take Control of Your Health! Public Health Agency of Canada

By Dr. David Butler-Jones MD, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

National Immunization Awareness Week takes place from April 24th to May 1st, serving as a reminder to take some time to review your family's immunization status and take the necessary steps to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected.

Last fall, the Government of Canada secured enough H1N1 flu virus vaccines to immunize every Canadian. What followed was the largest immunization campaign in our country’s history, with approximately 45 per cent of Canadians receiving the H1N1 vaccine. This momentum to protect ourselves against the threat of the H1N1 outbreak, or any flu virus, should not be lost, but rather built on as a long term strategy for positive health outcomes. The success of the H1N1 vaccination campaign illustrates the positive effects of immunization, which protect not only our own health, but also the health of our friends, our family and our community, against the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Immunization rates in Canada are high and occurrences of diseases such as polio, diphtheria, hepatitis, mumps and measles are low, however, the risk of exposure remains. Many of these diseases are still common in other parts of the world and can unknowingly be carried from country to country. The World Health Organization estimates that immunization saves 3 million lives each year worldwide and , proving immunization to be the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your family from these diseases.

Before the introduction of mass childhood vaccination programs, Canadian parents were living with the fear of their children catching crippling and often deadly childhood diseases such as polio, measles, Hib meningitis, and diphtheria. In the last century, vaccines have saved more lives than any other health measure,
and is one of the best tools we have to protect the health of our children and avoid large-scale disease outbreaks.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recently launched an immunization awareness campaign to increase immunization rates in children under the age of two. Parents of infant children up to two years of age can now easily access the information they need to make informed decisions about their child’s health. Parents can visit www.publichealth.gc.ca/immunization, where they will find important tools including provincial and territorial immunization schedules and factual information on vaccine safety. Additionally, “A Parent’s Guide to Immunization”, which provides information on the 13 serious diseases, such as rubella, mumps, whooping cough, influenza, and pneumococcal disease, that can be prevented by vaccinations can be downloaded from the website or by calling 1 800 O-Canada.

While routine childhood immunizations begin at two months of age, it’s important to remember that immunization is not just for children. Recommended immunizations should continue into adolescence and adulthood to provide ongoing protection throughout the lifecourse. Additionally, adults whose immunization schedule is up to date may require vaccines before travelling outside Canada and should consult with their physician when making travel plans.

National Immunization Awareness Week provides an opportunity for each and every one of us to play a part in maintaining Canada's strong immunization history and preserving good health for future generations.

For more information, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/.

Dr. David Butler-Jones is Canada's first Chief Public Health Officer and is head of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Friday, April 16, 2010

WORLD RENOWNED SPEAKER, EXPERT ON SACRED GEOMETRY AND AUTHOR.... PHIL GRUBER... IS COMING TO TOWN!

HE'S ALSO A NOTED WORLD-WIDE AUTHORITY ON THE SECRETS OF THE MAGDALENE AND THE HOLY GRAIL!

From May 20th to June 2nd, this gifted autoharp player, spiritual genius, and entertainer will present a veritable plethora of delightful seminars, workshops, and casual gatherings.

Where: The Reiki Centre, 19 Victoria St. West, Alliston, Ontario - 705-434-4446 www.thereikicentre.ca

Official Book Signing/meet & greet - Thursday May 20 - 6pm to 8 pm

Phil Gruber is acknowledged world-wide as an authority and one of the foremost teachers of Sacred Geometry, the Secrets and Mysteries of the Magdalene and the Holy Grail, Advanced Healing Systems, the more esoteric aspects of The Wizard of Oz, the World of Angels, and a host of other subjects. His ability to teach highly detailed and sophisticated information with grace, ease, patience and most of all, humor, is legendary, and he has been called a 'magical genius' with a heart of pure gold!

Phil is regarded the world over as a healer, for his healing touch and for his angelic harp music. He is a licensed acupuncturist, a registered lymphologist, and is well versed in a variety of traditional and holistic healing modalities. He has been astonishing audiences worldwide with his extensive knowledge of the Indigo phenomenon. Phil's passion, enthusiasm, kind spirit, sparkling wit and intelligence has made him a much-loved and highly respected speaker worldwide. He has spoken at the United Nations and his beautiful debut CD, the exquisite "Song of Indra" is now available, as is his first book, a collaboration with James Twyman entitled "The Kabbalah Code", published by Hay House. Phil is featured in the film "The Indigo Evolution", and a full interview with him can be seen in the Special Edition DVD.

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If you'd like more information about these events, or to schedule an interview with Phil Gruber please call Rev. Christine or The Reiki Centre Team at admin@thereikicentre.ca

PowerStream recognized again for being ‘Business of the Year’

Utility wins Vaughan Chamber of Commerce award for second time in five years

VAUGHAN, ON – PowerStream Inc., an electricity distribution company jointly owned by the City of Vaughan, the Town of Markham and the City of Barrie, was named “Business of the Year” Thursday evening at an awards banquet held by one of the Chamber of Commerce organizations that operate within its service territory.

The award, for companies with over 25 employees, was one of 11 presented by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce during its 21st Annual Business Achievement Awards extravaganza held at La Primavera Hospitality and Convention Centre in Vaughan. It was the second time in five years PowerStream has won the award.

“It is a tremendous honour to win this award just once,” Peter Meffe, PowerStream Chair said after receiving the award on behalf of the utility’s 500 employees. “To win it a second time in five years is an accomplishment that can be attributed to the vision of our shareholders, the leadership provided by our Board of Directors and most importantly, the hard work and dedication of our staff.”

The Business Achievement Awards are presented each year by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce to organizations/individuals that have “demonstrated superior business acumen, social awareness and an economic contribution to the community of Vaughan.” Selection criteria for the ‘Business of the Year’ award include customer service and reliability, contributions to the community, leadership and entrepreneurship, sales growth, productivity and quality improvements, product innovation and technology and employee labour relations.

Some of the achievements and factors contributing to PowerStream’s selection as ‘Business of the Year’ this time around included its merger with Barrie Hydro, donating more than $130,000 to the United Way, contributing $60,000 to ‘Winter Warmth’, raising $28,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, being recognized by the Ministry of the Environment as one of Ontario’s Environmental Leaders, named ‘Smart Commute Employer of the Year’ for North Toronto/Vaughan, winning the Ontario Clean Air Alliances’ ‘Peakbuster Award’ for utilities, developing an employee vanpool program, being seen as an industry leader in the installation of smart meters and the migration of customers to time-of-use rates, educating and delivering conservation programs to customers that helped save 45.6 million kilowatt hours of electricity, having a 2.2 percent increase in the number of customers served, developing a commercial solar PV program and consolidating assets as well as inventories to drive further efficiencies

About PowerStream PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 320,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is an incorporated entity, jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.

WINNERS ALL AROUND IN 5 TH ANNUAL ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT!


Barrie, ON: Three community organizations “netted” rewards beyond expectation as part of the Canadian Home Builders` Association – Simcoe County 2010 Ice Fishing Tournament held in February.

At a Dinner Meeting held April 15 th – the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, the Barrie Rotary Club, and the Barrie Kinsmen Club shared in a cheque for $35,000 – the proceeds from this year`s event.

"We`re blown away – absolutely thrilled" said Patricia Copeland, Executive Director of the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children which was the recipient of $25,000 from the Tournament. "The team that runs this Tournament should be so very proud – and we are so grateful! "

More than 80 people attended the regular monthly dinner meeting which featured Bryan Mackell, Director of Planning for the County of Simcoe, as well as the community cheque presentation.

The Barrie Rotary Club, who cooked breakfast for the 860 participants received $8,200. "It`s a great event – and a terrific way to give back to the community! " said Rotary Representative – Barry Ward.

Rick Hintzen from the Barrie Kinsmen was all smiles as his group received $1,800. "We want to be involved again next year – what a fun day." he added

Matt Pryce, one of the Chairs of the Tournament, asked everyone in the room who was involved with the event to stand up – more than 80% of the room did. The success of the Tournament has grown in the 5 years since it began. All told - $130,000 has been given to the Community from this event – including the $35,000 from this year which was the largest to date.

"We couldn`t do it without our Sponsors, or the more than 80 volunteers who work together before and during the Tournament," said Deirdre Lennon, President of CHBA - Simcoe County.

"When you think of the Tournament winners who shared more than $50,000 worth of prizes and the community recipients – there are winners all around! "

For further Information: Canadian Home Builders` Association – Simcoe County Sheila Hissa – Executive Officer (705) 728-5030 Office@chbasc.com

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Fashion Designer? Turn Trash to Glam!

Barrie, ON - The National Youth Week Committee is challenging the youth of Barrie to design and model an outfit using recycled materials as part of our upcoming National Youth Week events May 1-7, 2010. Brandon Dwyer from Project Runway will be onsite to judge the outfits! The top 5 of each age category will be given the opportunity to advance to the Trash Fusion event happening on June 12, 2010 as part of Eco-Fest Barrie and the Winner of each age category will win dinner with Brandon Dwyer at Kelsey’s on Bayfield Street to discuss the is and outs of the fashion industry.

Pre-register to take part in this one of a kind event by contacting the Holly Youth Centre at 705-792-7925 (7) or email hypc@barrie.ca. There will be two categories: 11-14 years of age and the 15-19 years of age category. Participants will also have the opportunity to take advantage of hair and makeup being created by the Barrie Collage of Hair & Esthetics; please remember to indicate your interest in this at the time of registration.

Come out and be see if you have what it takes to be a fashion designer and showcase your talents!

For more information please visit the City of Barrie’s website www.barrie.ca or follow us on Facebook.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Additional funding to support Lake Simcoe Clean-Up

(April 13, 2010 – Orillia, ON) Lakehead University – Orillia has received a second research grant for $78,000 from Environment Canada’s Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund (LSCUF) to evaluate a new and innovative method of measuring phosphorus levels in Lake Simcoe.

Dr. Sreekumari Kurissery, a professor and researcher at the Orillia campus, leads the one-year project. Kurissery is also involved as co-investigator with the University’s first research project funded by the LSCUF, which studies the role of local wetlands as a nutrient buffer. The project team for the new research also includes Lakehead researcher Dr. Nandakumar Kanavillil, along with faculty from the University of Victoria.

The project is based on Kurissery’s proposal, “Human mediated phosphorus input into Lake Simcoe: An evaluation using caffeine as an anthropogenic marker.” Kurissery explains: “We know that the contributors to increased levels of phosphorus in the lake are human waste, animal waste, and agricultural, but in order to help prevent this pollution effectively, we need to more accurately identify the source.”

Why caffeine? Previous studies have shown that there is a correlation between levels of caffeine and phosphorus. This study will evaluate how well the measurement of caffeine levels can help determine the source of phosphorous in the water.

“This is the first time this type of research has been conducted in Lake Simcoe,” says Kurissery, and if our findings are conclusive, it will represent a significant scientific advancement.”

In addition to providing benefits to the scientific community, the Lakehead project will greatly enhance the community’s collective efforts to keep Lake Simcoe clean. A number of local organizations, including the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Kids for Turtles Environmental Education and the North Mara Beach Residents Association, are project partners. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment is also a partner. The project will employ two university students during the summer and one or two part-time students during the school year.

“Lakehead University – Orillia, with its academic research capabilities, is ideally located in the Lake Simcoe watershed, so we feel it is our responsibility to help prevent pollution and keep the lake clean,” says Kurissery.

In addition to her ongoing research and teaching, Kurissery will be taking on a new role at the University this fall – that of academic coordinator for Canada’s first interdisciplinary Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability. The program will be offered at the new Orillia campus, which itself will become a hallmark of environmental sustainability, as Canada’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum university campus.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Young Math Enthusiasts Show Competitive Edge

Hundreds of students participate in annual high school competition

(April 12, 2010 —Thunder Bay, ON) The 8th Annual TD Canada Trust Northwestern Ontario High School Mathematics Competition takes place in Lakehead University’s Ryan Building at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28. The contest has two components including an individual contest (to be held in the morning) and a team competition (to be held in the afternoon). A substantial number of high school students from across the region have signed up to participate. For the first time this year, event organizers are also pleased to welcome Orillia high schools to participate in the contest.

“Mathematical applications are important to a broad spectrum of fields,” says Dr. Fridolin (Fred) Ting, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Lakehead University. “Math is the backbone of our technological and scientific advances, and it is becoming increasingly clear that math makes an impact in many areas, such as economics, business, and related avenues.” Dr. Ting emphasizes the role math plays in giving industry the edge.

The TD Canada Trust Northwestern Ontario High School Mathematics Competition tests students’ abilities to solve challenging problems related to their educational curriculum. Winners of the contest receive medals and cash prizes. An entrance prize for the top Grade 12 participating student who plans to attend Lakehead University in September 2010 is also available. Last year, the competition welcomed more than 170 student participants, including those from Geraldton, Terrace Bay, Wawa, and Atikokan.

“The purpose of this particular contest is to stimulate and develop the mathematical talents of students, boost their confidence, and invigorate mathematical interest,” explains Dr. Ting. Math can be both a group and social activity, and this competition highlights teamwork via team-based problem solving. Dr. Ting notes that in his experience, participants have seemed to thoroughly enjoy the team-focused aspect of the contest.

In preparation for the contest, tutorials are held every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Lakehead University’s Ryan Building, room 2023. All young math enthusiasts are welcome to attend – free of charge.

Northwestern Ontario has been home to many talented young people who, over the years, have excelled in established mathematics contests, run both nationally and internationally, and who have later gone on to enjoy successful careers in fields related to mathematics.

Lakehead University’s Department of Mathematical Sciences thanks major sponsor TD Canada Trust for making this contest possible. The support provided by Thunder Bay Hydro, BMO Nesbitt Burns, Thunder Bay Ventures, NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada), Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS), Lakehead University, TBT Engineering, Engineering Northwest Ltd., and Thunder Bay Chinese-Canadian Association is also greatly appreciated.

To learn more about the 8th Annual TD Canada Trust Northwestern Ontario High School Mathematics Competition, please contact Dr. Ting via 807-343-8469.