Mass vaccination clinics ending, appointments must be moved up

CAROL GODDARD, SPECIAL TO SEAWAY NEWS

CORNWALL, Ontario – During the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Champlain East Branch AGM, held virtually on June 21,2021, Melanie Brulée received the 2021 Earl Eaton Distinction Award, with Stephen Douris and Ivan Labelle receiving the Annual Mental Health Service Award.

Angele D’Alessio, Mental Health Promoter with CMHA Champlain East, nominated these two gentlemen for the award in recognition of “their outstanding commitment and significant contribution to the mental health movement in our community and across the province”.

Recently, Labelle spoke to the Seaway News about the award and the support group he and Douris founded. He explained Mentalk /K’hommeunique, established in 2019, is a support group for men which provides “a safe and confidential space for men to speak about life’s challenges”. During the COVID-19 pandemic the group continued to meet virtually on Wednesday evening but now are able to meet outside at Gray’s Creek. Labelle mentioned attendance at the meetings average approximately 10 people, with close to 50 registered in the program.

Both men expressed they felt honoured to be nominated for the award and when asked about receiving it, Ivan commented it was “very touching to receive the award”. Stephen mentioned he was “thrilled and overwhelmed by the recognition of the community and our members” upon receiving the award before thanking CSCE and the Cornwall Salvation Army for their support of Mentalk /K’hommeunique. More information on this program is available on its Facebook page or by contacting Stephen Labelle at 613-9373132 extension 232.

Melanie Brulée, singer-songwriter and graduate of St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School in Cornwall, was awarded the 2021 Earl Eaton Distinction Award for her “outstanding dedication in the field of mental health”, with her nomination submitted by D’Alessio. Brulée organized the United Youth Mental Health Concert which she describes as “the culmination of a month of weekly workshops” she had facilitated with “16 talented youth in the Cornwall, SD&G, and Prescott/Russell area”.

During the workshop participants were able to write on subjects such as “vulnerability, self-esteem and self confidence” followed by the recording of a performance from home which resulted in a “bilingual concert to showcase their talent to the community”. Feed back from participants described “a lifechanging experience” and Brulée looks forward to running the program in 2022. Brulée suggests students in Grade 7-12 who “are interested in the possibility of participating next year” should send an email to mentalhealthconcert@gmail.com. Melanie Brulée with her award.

NICK SEEBRUCH

nseebruch@seawaynews.media

CORNWALL, Ontario – The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has announced that it will no longer hold mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics after Aug. 27 and that anyone with an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic after that date will have to move their appointment up.

“Thanks to ample vaccine supply and accelerated second dose appointments for all individuals aged 12 years and older, there will no longer be a need for mass clinics beyond Aug. 27,” reads a statement from the EOHU. “Mass clinics scheduled on or after Aug. 28 will be cancelled. Individuals booked for a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a mass clinic on or after August 28th must re-book to an earlier date, on or prior to Aug. 27, 2021.”

The EOHU estimates that there are around 16,000 individuals in the region who will need to re-book their appointments. Vaccination appointments can be re-booked on the provincial vaccination website https://covid-19. ontario.ca/book-vaccine/

Those who need assistance with the online booking system are asked to call 1-833-9433900; for other COVID-19 vaccination related questions please call 1-888-999-6488.

Those who have received the Pfizer or Moderna versions of the vaccine for their first dose must wait a minimum of 28 days before receiving their second dose; those who received the AstraZeneca version must wait eight days. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has stated that it is safe to mix vaccine versions.

As of Thursday, July 15 the EOHU has administered 230,645 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The EOHU is accepting walk-ins for two upcoming mass vaccination clinics held on the following days and at the following locations:

Saturday July 17, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Cornwall Benson Centre. No walk-ins from noon to 1 p.m.

Sunday July 18, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Casselman JR Brisson Arena. No walk-ins from noon to 1 p.m.

Shoe shopping: factors to consider

As you get older, your body changes. Consequently, the skin on your feet is likely to lose elasticity and your toenails will probably thicken. In some cases, the toes can become deformed. To help avoid discomfort, falls and injuries, it’s important to choose wellmade shoes that provide optimal comfort and support. Here are a few criteria to keep in mind the next time you go shoe shopping. • The size. Shoes that are too big for your feet increase your risk of tripping. If your shoes are too small, they’ll cause pain and discomfort. To find the perfect size, slide your toes to the front of the shoe and make sure you can fit one finger behind your heel. • The fastenings. While laces can be adjusted to provide a secure fit, they should be avoided if you have trouble bending over. For people who have mobility issues, footwear with Velcro or similar fastenings is preferable. • The soles. Wearing shoes with flat, supportive soles can make it easier to feel uneven ground, adapt your gait and maintain your balance. You can also reduce your risk of falling by opting for a pair with nonslip soles. • The toe box. Shoes with a rounded toe box will provide sufficient space for your toes to spread out, which can help you keep your balance. Additionally, check to make sure your shoes are high enough in front to avoid squishing your toes, especially if you have claw toe or a similar condition. • The back. It’s best to choose footwear with a closed heel to ensure your ankle has enough support. This will also reduce the risk of your shoes slipping off while you walk and thereby causing you to hurt your feet or stumble. If you need shoes that provide custom support, speak with a podiatrist about orthopedic footwear. Riverfront Retirement Centre offers complete retirement living and you will feel safe living here. We comply with government recommended health measures. Waterfront Apartments available along with private suites and apartments. Plus much much more.

Call Us today for information and to discuss your needs and concerns Brian Kennedy GM 613-938-3535 x 296 1810 Montreal Road, Cornwall riverfrontretirement.ca 315715

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Reporting to the editor, the main responsibilities of the Reporter are to take photos, do interviews, write news stories for the newspaper and the websites and do advertorials.

We are looking for someone available for weekend and evening coverage. A successful candidate must have a diploma in journalism or communications or equivalent experience, knowledge of the region covered and an interest in local and regional issues; and possess excellent knowledge of the Web.

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