News

 

News Release – Dec 5, 2011

WILLIAMSBURG – Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) is pleased to welcome Robillard Hearing Centre, as one of our newest healthcare partners providing care close to home.

“Patients told us that we should offer a clinic at WDMH,” explains Sophie Robillard, a board-certified hearing aid specialist who leads the clinic. “Hearing needs are increasing and we’re pleased to be here to respond to local communities.”

“We are happy to have Robillard on-site offering specialized hearing services,” adds Cholly Boland, WDMH CEO. “Our goal is to bring together services that our local communities need and hearing support is definitely one of them.”

Robillard Hearing Centres are family owned and operated and have been serving the Eastern Ontario region for more than 50 years. Qualified hearing healthcare professionals evaluate hearing issues and provide remedial recommendations to family doctors for hearing instruments, assistive hearing devices. They can also fill any hearing instrument prescription.

The clinic is offered on Wednesdays and is located in the Dillabough Building. To make an appointment, please call 1-877-498-3301 or visit www.hearingisbelieving.com

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

[…]

 

News Release – Dec 5, 2011

QUEEN’S PARK – “We can no longer afford to ignore the energy crises in Ontario.  This is a self inflicted problem and it is time to listen to the people,” said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

In his report, Auditor General Jim McCarter revealed Dalton McGuinty ignored repeated warnings from his own energy advisors that his approach to renewables – such as the FIT program and Samsung deal – is too expensive and would increase energy bills for job creators and families alike. 

The auditor also confirmed that consumers have paid more than enough to cover the $7.8-billion Debt Retirement Charge (DRC), but the government continues to charge it on hydro bills while keeping the remaining debt a secret. 

Finally, over the last six years, Ontario consumers paid $1.8 billion to New York and Quebec to take away the province’s excess energy. 

[…]

 

News Release – Dec 5, 2011

QUEEN’S PARK – Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry MPP, Jim McDonell blasted the McGuinty government for playing politics with the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) by linking its future to an unknown program for Southwestern Ontario.

Jim McDonell expressed shock that the government has introduced a bill it knows will put the EODF in jeopardy.

To extend the EODF, the government’s bill forces MPPs to also vote for a new program in Southwestern Ontario that’s surrounded in serious questions – including how it will be funded and what accountability measures it will have.

“We don’t need this bill for the EODF program. The program exists already and it has the support of Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak and our caucus,” stressed Jim McDonell.  The fund was created to address the unique challenges of Eastern Ontario, challenges that still need to be addressed. 

“However, we won’t support a bill bundling it with a program that has so many unknowns. The McGuinty government is asking for a blank cheque and we all know that would be a costly disaster for taxpayers.”

In fact, Jim McDonell noted that with an estimated $28 million still left in the fund after more than three years, the EODF could be extended through March of 2013 with no new government spending.

Jim McDonell said the government is using the threat of cancelling the EODF as a tactic to force the Legislature into helping Premier McGuinty keep an election promise to establish the Southwestern Ontario fund.

It’s a promise that comes with an $80-million price tag at a time when the province has a deficit of $16 billion.

“Rather than debate the merits of the new Southwestern Ontario program, they’re pitting regions against each other with this bill,” explained Jim McDonell. “It’s unfortunate that, at a time of economic turmoil in this province, the McGuinty government would choose to play political games instead of focusing on job creation.”

Jim McDonell called on Economic Development and Innovation Minister Brad Duguid to do the right thing and separate the two programs and bring together Eastern Ontario MPPs to review the EODF before it expires in March, 2012.

“Let’s stop playing partisan politics and do what Ontarians expect MPPs to do in this minority legislature, which is to work across party lines to fix the serious challenges facing the province today,” urged Jim McDonell.

[…]

 

Several local people are out hundreds of dollars thanks to a recent cold call scam involving non-existent computer viruses.

Recently, local computer technician, Michael Prunner of MP Computer Services reported several incidents to the local police involving clients who had received calls.

In fact, Constable Peter Robertson, Media Relations Officer for the SD&G OPP, said this will be Crime Stoppers “Crime of the Week.”

Prunner said the people calling most often say they are from Microsoft and “they tell you that you have a serious problem with your Windows. One even told the customer that their Windows had expired.”

Here is an example of a typical cold call: “Hello, I’m calling on behalf of Microsoft Support Team. Your computer is sending error messages to us, which tells us that you have viruses and some corrupted files. I can help you fix that now.”

“They sit you down in front of your computer telling you that you have bad stuff on your computer and they need to work on it. Basically, they use all free cleaners and they charge you 10 times more than it’s worth,” informed Prunner.

According to Royal Canadian Mounted Police Inspector Kerry Petryshyn, this is what is called “deceptive marketing.”

What this means is that the person calling is from a “legitimate” company of sorts, but has nefarious intentions in terms of charging you for something you could have gotten for free, charging you for something you don’t need, or charging you much more than necessary for something that may or may not be useful.

The best option for dealing with this sort of scammer is to contact the Competition Bureau of Canada. Petryshyn said, “they deal with companies that are deceiving clients.”

As with other “viruses,” the “computer scam virus” has many different strains. Petryshyn said, “there’s a few potential possibilities that can occur as there’s a variety of anti-virus scams coming out.”

According to a release from the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre (CAFC), “the virus scam has grown to epidemic proportions in Canada, now accounting for between 70 and 80 per cent of frauds reported daily to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.”

“This dramatic increase means the scam is working – more and more Canadians are being targeted by the virus scam.”

“Allowing a third party to download software or remotely access your computer carries a number of serious risks.”

“Malicious software can be installed to capture sensitive data such as your online banking user names and passwords, bank account information and your personal identity information.”

“Your computer can also be converted to a bot-net, which means criminals can use it without your knowledge or participation. It can then be used to spam other people, spread viruses to your friends or overload computer networks.”

“Getting your credit card information is the second important part of the virus scam. Once a criminal has that information it can be used to make purchases without your consent.”

The CAFC also warns that “not all virus scams are conducted over the phone. Many CAFC callers report being scammed after responding to internet pop-up ads for anti-virus software.”

As for Microsoft, they do not cold call customers. An employee of Microsoft Ottawa pointed out that it would be almost impossible to do so because of the immense number of users all over the world.

For those who may have already given a scammer access to their computer, Petryshyn has some advice: “If you think somebody’s had access to your computer, I wouldn’t be going back on the Internet until I’ve gotten the problem solved. It’s like opening the door again.”

He advised that anti-virus and anti-spy programs do not check for peer-to-peer applications. For this, “you may need a technician to check your system.”

Peer-to-peer applications are those that give someone else remote access to your computer and files. 

Petryshyn uses a house metaphor to explain the situation more clearly: allowing someone to install peer-to-peer software, giving them remote access to your computer, is basically the same as giving “the bad guy” a key to your back door. They can come in whenever they like, invited or not. 

As for credit cards, Petryshyn advises checking with your bank or credit card company right away.

For questions, or to report a scam incident, contact the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre via email at info@antifraudcentre.ca or via the telephone at 1-888-495-8501.

[…]

November 25th was a day of celebration for the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation.

The morning’s events began with the unveiling of the Tolley Place sign. The Tolley Place townhomes opened in 2009, offering quality housing to younger seniors.

James Kooistra, Chair of the Board of Directors for the corporation, said, “the idea of this started long ago. I was told it was Trevor (Tolley, former Chair of Board) who had this idea.”

Tolley reminded everyone present that he did not do this alone. He listed all of the people and organizations that worked hard to make Tolley Place a reality.

From the unveiling of the sign, the group moved to one of two new sheds recently erected. Here Kooistra informed everyone that the corporation had received a $15,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which financed the two sheds, two dedication trees, as well as the walkway between Tolley Place and J. W. MacIntosh Seniors Support Centre.

According to a press release from the corporation, due to a 2010 gardening project started by Tolley Place residents, “a garden shed has been placed at Tolley Place and will be available for tool storage. A second shed was placed at the east end of the walkway and will store maintenance equipment.”

As for the trees, Kooistra said, “some years ago the Board said farewell to three board members: Trevor Tolley, Joan Findlay, and Barbara Phifer. They served on the board for many, many years.”

“They were promised that we would plant some trees, one for Trevor and one for the two ladies.”

He then thanked the three again, for their “years of commitment and dedication to the Board.”

A sign dedicating the trees to the three former board members will be affixed to the garden shed.

The walkway, which was completed this fall, finally “links two projects that should always be linked,” said South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds.

As Kooistra pointed out, “the walkway was constructed to provide easier access to the services of the Community Support Centre. These services include exercise classes, hot meal programs, health and wellness clinics and educational presentations. The sidewalk encourages regular walking which is great exercise in itself.”

Jim McDonell, MPP for SD&SG, concurred, saying, “the constructed walkway will provide easy access while promoting a healthier lifestyle.”

“We have a plaque here from the Trillium Foundation to commemorate the volunteers,” who, as he later pointed out, “come out and make a difference.”

Catherine MacLaine, representative for the Ontario Trillium Foundation, said “in October of last year the grant review team was happy to support their efforts with a $15,000 grant.”

She said, “we see a group of dedicated staff and volunteers.”

With that said, Mary Salmon, tenant of Tolley Place, cut the ribbon, officially opening the walkway between Tolley Place and the support centre.

Kooistra then said, “you’re now invited to walk the walk.”

Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation oversees the operation of Tolley Place, Park Drive Villa, County Road 18 Group Home, Schell Street Group Home, as well as the J. W. MacIntosh Seniors Support Centre.

It also provides community support in the way of meals on wheels, adult day services, transportation, respite, foot care, assisted living services, and diners club. 

For more information, contact them at 613-535-2924 or at 613-535-2470. They also have a website: www.wnphc.ca.

[…]

 

The results of Iroquois Pubic School’s annual food drive for the Dundas County Food Bank are in, and once again the students, their families and the teaching staff have achieved a passing grade. 

Actually, it was more like first class honours with 419 items added to the Food Bank shelves.

The drive was run by the student council under Prime Minister, Alyssa Grant who announced the success of the drive at the school’s regular monthly assembly on Friday morning. 

“This is the last day of our food drive, and we are having a pyjama day to celebrate,” said Grant. “I am very proud of our school for doing this. Everyone did a great job.” 

Following the assembly, the council reps met with Food Bank chair Brenda Millard. 

Thanks to the fine record keeping of Margaret Phifer’s grade 5-6 class, Millard was told the collection resulted in 294 canned goods, 117 dry goods and eight other. 

“I see some soups, some beans and lasagna,” said Millard as she checked out the wonderful pile of donations. “We don’t often get things like cereal and baby food, so they are important too.” 

With the school’s food drive following on the heels of the recent Stuff a Cruiser and before that the Halloween, door to door, collection,  Millard says the Food Bank is in fairly good shape. 

Although the Bank never has too much food, “we are in good shape now and should have enough to get through to February. Our three main food drives all happen in November, which is good because we need the food in December. And they help us get through the winter.” 

At the schools’ monthly assembly, a number of achievements were recognized beginning with the success of the fund-raising (bracelet sales) effort for the annual Ecole de Neige trip. The top fund raisers were recognized and Shelby Martineau was named top sales lady. 

Named as artists of the month and having their framed artwork on display in the school’s front showcase were Hannah Rolfe at the junior level, SheeAnne Hunter at the primary level and Anthony Walsh in kindergarten. 

Thirteen students were awarded for various accomplishments including enthusiasm, attentive  listening, being a good friend, showing kindness to a friend in need, for being a great mentor etc. 

It was also announced that the school’s Cookie Dough fund raiser resulted in some $15,000 worth of dough being sold for a profit of $4,000 for the school.

The money raised from this project is used to enhance technology and expand the selection of books in the school’s book room.  

Travis Walters was the top salesman with $778 in sales,  and he was presented a pair of Sens hockey tickets and a family movie pass. 

Draws were made for prizes donated by the school’s staff. The students received tickets for their sales and then placed them in the draw for the prizes they most desired. This is the major fund raiser of the year, done by the school. 

The parents council runs other events to raise money for playground equipment.

[…]

 

 “For death begins with life’s first breath; And life begins at touch of death,” wrote John Oxenham.

On November 23rd, the Dundas County Hospice (DCH), located on Villa Drive in Williamsburg, saw a group of 13 volunteers graduate from their 10 week/ 30 hour Hospice Palliative Care course. 

According to material provided by DCH, “volunteers make the difference. DCH volunteers are special people who are warm and caring, and offer emotional support.”

DCH defines hospice as “a philosophy of care,” which basically sums up their purpose: “DCH recognizes the uniqueness of individuals and their families, and how life-threatening illness affects them. Compassionate care is directed at improving their lives physically, emotionally and spiritually.”

The hospice offers service seven days per week. They provide trained volunteers, support groups for anyone suffering from a life-threatening illness, support groups for families, and bereavement support. Loans of specialty equipment, books, videos, or video recording equipment are also available.

Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement, once said “families need support and help to draw on their own strengths and patients’ understanding of their emotional problems and aid in their spiritual search for meaning, sense of self and the possibility of growth through loss.”

For more information on available services, or to find out more about the next Hospice Palliative Care course, to be held in the spring of 2012, phone 613-535-2215 or go to the DCH website at www.dundascountyhospice.ca.

Dame Cicely Saunders is quoted on the first page of DCH’s yearly newsletter saying, “you are as important on the day that you die as the day you were born.”

[…]

 

Are you looking for a community playgroup for you and your toddler?

The Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) returned to Morrisburg on November 7th at the St. James Anglican Church on High Street and every Monday, except for holidays, parents and caregivers are invited to bring their little ones for some social time.

OEYC offers a “comfortable, safe learning environment where parents/caregivers with children 0 – 6 years can come to play and interact with each other. You will find a variety of creative and learning activities during free play, circle time and story time.”

According to OEYC Family Resource Co-ordinatior, Fiona Carr, the sessions are free and the facilities are many. 

The church facilities come complete with an elevator. This comes in handy for those who can’t tackle the stairs with two toddlers, a stroller, and a sleeping baby.

In addition, there is a change room as well as a washroom. There is a room for nursing or for quiet play. The main activity room comes complete with a large play space, snack table, and a  playdough and crafts table. 

The toys are washed frequently in the adjoining kitchen. 

Generally, the first couple of hours are for free play and fun. Then, at 11:30, it is time for clean-up and then circle time.

Circle time is filled with songs, stories, instruments, and guided fun.

 Carr revealed, “we’re happy here and it’s such a nice space. The parents seem to really like it.”

Go to www.giag.ca for more information. The South Dundas Playgroup has two sites: St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg  (613-360-9934) and Iroquois Public School in Iroquois (613-652-1100).

[…]

 

Students attending Morrisburg Public and St Mary’s/St Cecilia’s schools continue to have access to the No Child Without (NCW) program thanks to the sponsorship of the Morrisburg & District Lions Club in partnership with the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation.

The goal of No Child Without is to provide elementary students with MedicAlert bracelets or necklets, custom-engraved with the child’s medical information, member ID and the MedicAlert 24-hour Emergency Hotline number, free of charge.  

The initiative focuses on children who suffer from childhood diabetes, asthma and allergies (like peanut allergies). It also protects children with other pre-existing medical conditions.

By calling the Hotline, school staff or health care providers have immediate access to vital information from the child’s electronic health record, including existing medical conditions. 

This service is available to all children in our community, ages four – 14 with pre-existing medical conditions or allergies to ensure first responders have access to the student’s vital health information during a medical emergency.  

The emergency numbers found on the back of the MedicAlert bracelets provide the elementary schools in Morrisburg with important information to assist a student in an emergency situation. 

In addition, parents are immediately notified by MedicAlert when the Emergency Hotline receives a call about their child. 

Parents of children who wear MedicAlert bracelets or necklets have peace of mind knowing they will be advised in the event their child has a medical emergency and furthermore the comfort that proper care was quickly provided.

Dart tournaments hosted by the Morrisburg & District Lions Clubs during February over the past three years have raised the funds for this initiative. 

These tournaments have been organized and chaired by Lion Brian Erratt who joined the Morrisburg & District Lions Club over four years ago. 

In addition to be instrumental in making the NCW program happen Lion Brian, together with Lion Keith Robinson, implemented the popular Docksyde Classic Car Cruise In on Monday evenings throughout the summer.

For more information about the NCW program, parents are encouraged to complete the forms provided by the school their child attends or to contact the appropriate school in Morrisburg.

[…]

 

Media Release -Nov 21, 2011

WINCHESTER –  As retailers scramble this holiday season to re-stock their shelves with holiday gifts, Canadian Blood Services is asking eligible Canadians to take one hour of their busy schedule to ensure our shelves are replenished with the gifts that will make a difference to hospital patients this season. 

Between November 21 and January 2, Canadian Blood Services is asking Canadians to give the “perfect gift” this holiday season – give blood.  Over 101,000 life-saving “gifts” are needed this holiday season for hospital patients from coast to coast. In Eastern Ontario, 8,856 gifts are needed to help local hospital patients. 

The average Canadian will send out 50 holiday cards this season to friends and family. If that many people gave blood, one car accident victim could be saved. 

Many treatments and procedures require blood products from several donors. That’s why, Canadian Blood Services is rallying communities across the country this holiday season to come together – Rally Together to Save Lives – as a way to show that collectively, blood donations can make a positive impact on someone’s life. 

There are plenty of opportunities to donate blood this holiday season. Making a blood donation before or after the holidays helps ensure an adequate supply for those in need. 

Please bring a friend or family member and donate either just before or after the holiday season. Call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283) or visit us online at www.blood.ca  to book an appointment and give the perfect gift this holiday season. To help meet the continuing need for blood, donors who have an appointment in the coming weeks are urged to honour it. 

There is an upcoming blood donor clinic in Winchester at the Winchester Public School located at 547 Louise Street South. The clinic will be held on November 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

[…]