NDT Issue 5 2020 December 02

North Dundas Christmas Fund

Give someone a Christmas-Tree-To-Be!

BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

Tuesday December 22at the Joel Steele Community Center., Winchester from 2>30 till 7.s0 PM. Sponsored by The Morrisburg and District Lions Cluv. Book appointments at blood.ca or by calling 1 88-2dpmate/

by Joselyn Morley

Do you have a hard-tobuy-for nature lover on your Christmas or Holiday gift list this year? You can purchase seedlings from South Nation Conservation [SNC] and pick them up for planting in the spring. Although the snow is on the ground, it is not too late to order seedlings for this coming spring!

These seedlings are perfect for those landowners with small planting projects in mind. SNC has developed its "Over the Counter Tree Planting Program for Spring

2021." These "Over the Counter" seedlings are best for people who are not eligible for the subsidies offered for larger planting and reforestation projects.

Seedlings start at 68 cents each, but must be ordered in bundles of 50. Even without reforestation subsidies, SNC can still provide a site visit, planting advice, and a consultation, free of charge with every order. Landowners are responsible for picking up the seedlings in the spring and planting them. This "Over the Counter" seedling program is perfect for people who want to plant 100 or more trees, but

who aren't eligible for grants or subsidies.

If a landowner has an acre or more of area for planting, there are considerable savings to be had by purchasing seedlings from SNC, through the 50 Million Tree Program. This is offered in partnership with Forests Ontario, though 50 Million Trees seedlings cost 25 cents each for a conifer, and 55 cents for a deciduous tree. The program also provides planting, site preparation, and tending the little trees with the purchase of the seedlings.

SNC also provides subsidies for tree plantings along

farm fields and watercourses to help reduce erosion, protect water quality, and increase forest cover. Your Conservation Authority hopes to plant 200,000 trees across its watershed in Eastern Ontario in 2021. That would be the most trees ever planted by the SNC in a single year. That is quite the goal, but with already 180,000 trees reserved, it is an attainable goal!

Visit the SNC website to find out about all of their tree planting subsidies. www.nation.on.ca/land/forestry-services/tree-planting-services.

Dundas County Hospice

by Joselyn Morley

Dundas County Hospice is in a small, unassuming house-like building on the east side of Highway 31, in Williamsburg, south of Winchester. You may have driven past, noticed the sign on the small beige house, acknowledged its presence, and kept on driving. We don't think about hospice and palliative care until we find ourselves or a loved one facing a life-threatening or terminal illness, or the end of life.

Anyone can make a referral to the Dundas County Hospice, including any member of a person's healthcare team, social agencies, nurses, doctors, friends, clergy, family of the person who is ill, or the person themselves. The Dundas County Hospice believes, that when someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and accepts Hospice service, it is the job of the staff and volunteers at the Hospice to help make every day count for their clients. Palliative and Hospice Care improves the quality of life

for individuals and families. It is all about living, and celebrating life, not death.

The Hospice supports the caregiver and the individual facing their illness or end of life. Staff and volunteers can help learn how to deal with illness, and learn about care, treatment, and other community support, with many resources at their disposal.

Services are offered in homes, including long-term care centres and hospitals. Groups and individuals also meet with staff and volunteers at the hospice. Trained, screened, and supervised volunteers visit the client's home, either for companionship, assistance, or respite for the caregiver. A palliative day programme allows clients to gather for a meal. A nurse is present, and transportation can be arranged, allowing for caregiver respite. The hospice loans equipment such as wheelchairs, bath chairs, raised toilet seats, walkers, and electric lift chairs. There are workshops and one-onone support for caregivers. Grief and bereavement support is provided individually and in groups. Workshops are also offered, grappling with

topics such as "Surviving the Holidays," to help navigate life while experiencing debilitating grief.

The Hospice can provide complementary therapies, such as foot care, massage for pain control, meditation, and haircare to home-bound clients. It also facilitates the Hospice Palliative Care Course, and can refer clients and family members to other counselling and services as needed.

I spoke to Tina MacQueen, Volunteer Coordinator, and Linda Johnson, Director of Client Services. It is immediately apparent, even through a phone interview due to the pandemic protocols, that they are both 100% invested in their jobs. Their commitment and passion for the work they are doing shines through! They, and the other hospice staff and volunteers, are committed to thinking outside the box during the pandemic, making sure that their services continue in any way possible. Some in-person sessions and groups have been shifted to online or over-the-phone, but one-on-one, and groups with reduced numbers, are

Covid-19 update for November

still held when possible with Covid-19 Health Unit rules and guidelines.

Covid-19 has taken so many of our support systems away by limiting social contact and ritual gathering. Mourning is the outside expression of loss. Grief is what happens inside. Grief work needs to start before loss. Funerals, church services, and other spiritual expressions have been disallowed. Gatherings of family and friends have been suspended.

Hospice is something we don't think about until we have to. Death is something few of us want to think about very much at all. It's hard and it hurts. We think it's too early, that there's plenty of time. We only become aware of Hospice when someone close to us, or we ourselves, get sick, or old, and face death.

Paul Allan wants to make sure people know about the Dundas County Hospice. He lost his wife in February, 2020. It was fast, sudden, shocking, and numbing. He didn't expect to have to navigate this road for a long time yet. He is very grateful that the Hospice called him. A nurse from the LINH

(Champlain Local Health Integration Network) referred him. The Hospice then did so very much for his family. Equipment and information packages were delivered to the home, which meant that the family did not have to go collect those things. It was one less thing for Paul to have to worry about. The hospice knew what was needed.

He didn't have to try to figure it all out, on top of everything else that was happening. They had answers to questions that Paul didn't need to ask. They removed some of the stress. The work the hospice did behind the scenes allowed Paul to focus on his wife and family. When talking to Paul, you get the feeling that he's slightly amazed that the hospice found him and jumped into service. That the fact that they are out there, doing what they do, and that their work crossed his family's path, is just a bit of very good fortune in an otherwise hellish time.

Paul believes we are very fortunate to have such a comprehensive, helpful resource so close to home. He, like many of us, knew the Hospice was out there, but really had

no idea what services and assistance they offered to families in shock and crisis.

People think that "they don't need to know about that right now." Paul says that people don't realise what an amazing resource they have so close to home.

Dundas County Hospice is a non-profit organization. 55% of funding comes from the Ministry of Health through the Champlain LHIN. The other 45% is funded through donations, support from local service groups, grants, and fundraising. This tally does not include the many hours given to the clients and their families by trained hospice volunteers. Donations often include In Memoriam bequests, but the Hospice relies on donations from the community at large as well. 100% of money raised through fundraising and donations stays in Dundas County. Please consider donating to the Dundas County Hospice when you are giving this holiday season.

by David Shanahan

North Dundas continues to be only lightly affected by the pandemic sweeping the world. Since covid-19 was first reported in the Eastern Ontario Health Unit [EOHU] region, there have been a total of 835 confirmed cases, with 31 deaths resulting. In all, 714 cases had been resolved.

North Dundas has had a total of 19 confirmed cases to date, one of the lowest number in the EOHU area.

The EOHU covers the Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry area, Prescott-Russell, Corn-

wall, Hawkesbury, and the Akwesasne Northern Portion.

At the end of November, there were no active cases in North Dundas. The number for the EOHU was 90, with four people hospitalised, though none of them were in intensive care units. Another very positive sign is that the rolling 7-day average in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry is the lowest in the region. The curve, as it is said, has been flat for some time.

Of all cases of covid-19 in the EOHU, 57% were fe-

male and 43% male, and the age group of confirmed cases was not what we were originally told to expect. Rather than finding the majority of cases being experienced in the over-65 age range, only 23% of those with a confirmed case of covid-19 were in that category. Instead, by far the majority of cases were aged between 20 and 64: 31% in the 20-39 age group, and 34% between 40 and 64. These figures exclude the City of Cornwall.

For SDG, the worst affected areas are South and

Medical Officer of Health for the EOHU,

North Glengarry, South Stormont, and the urban areas of Cornwall, Hawkesbury, and Casselman. Cornwall has had 132 confirmed cases, 23 of them active at the end of November. Hawkesbury has suffered even more, with a total of 190 cases, 20 of which were active on November 28.

The Medical Officer of Health for the EOHU, Dr. Paul Remouliotis, has encouraged residents to keep up the good work that has led to this relatively successful campaign in North Dundas, and to be careful over the Christmas and New Year’s season not to let our collective guard down. It is a time when people are used to travel, to visiting family and friends, and to gather in large groups to celebrate together. With a vaccine on the horizon, it may be well worth sacrificing something of a traditional Christmas in order to push through to happier days.

Dr. Paul Remouliotis,

Debunking common misperceptions about Canada’s COVID Alert app

(NC) Countries around the world are using apps to help limit the spread of COVID-19. While many Canadians are using Canada’s COVID Alert app, others are holding out – and it could be putting your community at risk. Here, we break down some myths that may be preventing you from downloading the app.

Does it work?

Every day, whenever it has an internet connection, your phone will get a list of random codes from people who reported a diagnosis. If it finds codes that match, the app notifies you that you may have been exposed and explains what to do next. The effectiveness of the app depends on people installing it and reporting their diagnosis if they test positive.

Is my privacy at risk?

The app was built with strong privacy protections

in place from the beginning. It doesn’t use GPS or track your location, and it has no way of knowing your name or address, your phone's contacts, your health information or the health information of anyone you're near.

Nobody will get any information about you or the time you were near them.

The app collects random unidentifiable codes that are only stored and used for the purpose of notifying you, or others, of possible COVID-19 exposure. All random codes, whether from your phone or others, are deleted after 15 days.

Can I still use my phone?

The app runs in the background and will not interrupt your activities, so you can continue to make calls, send texts and use other apps. The app simply uses Bluetooth whenever your phone has an internet connection to

Project Warmth and Heat for the Holidays

exchange random codes with nearby phones. It works on Apple or Android phones released within the past five years. Do I need to take other precautions?

The app is just one part of the public health effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Always follow all public health guidelines in your area, including wearing a mask or face covering and staying two metres apart from those outside your bubble

or social circle. And remember, the app doesn’t replace medical advice. If you get sick, follow your local public health advice, contact your doctor or other health-care provider.

Spaghetti Supper at St Clare's Anglican Church

by Joselyn Morley

Grab a delicious Spaghetti Supper, then head over to the Display of Lights at Rideau Auctions. St Clare's Anglican Church in Winchester is hosting a Drive-thru Spaghetti Supper. Friday, December 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. Pick up your meal at the church, located at 2530 Falcone Lane at the south end of Winchester.

Supper costs $15 per person. You get spaghetti with meat sauce, Caesar salad, roll, and dessert. Meatless and gluten-free is available by special request. For tickets, call Sandra or Bob Weagant at 613-989-2823, or St Clare's church at 613-7742236. You must book in advance.

by Joselyn Morley

warmer this year. You can help warm the home of a family in need. Project Warmth and Heat for the Holidays are

made possible in North Dundas by the coordinated efforts of The House Of Lazarus, Community Foodshare, and BMR in Winchester.

Project Warmth provides plastic window insulation

for families in need. $25 will provide window kits to seal out drafts for three families in need.

Heat for the Holidays provides Eco-energy compressed wood logs for those in need. $75 will provide a week's worth of compressed logs for a family in need. $300 will provide enough compressed logs for a month.

You can donate through House of Lazarus, Community Foodshare, or BMR in Winchester, or donate directly through www.canadahelps. org. Call 613-989-3830 or email cashby@houseoflazarus.com for more information.

North Dundas Christmas Fund Please give generously!

Monetary donations are required to supply snowsuits to children 13 and under and for food baskets for those in need in North Dundas. Your donations will be greatly appreciated.

E-transfers: northdundaschristmasfund@gmail.com

For a tax receipt go to communityfoodshare.ca and follow the prompts:

Donate / Canada Helps.

Please indicate ‘North Dundas Christmas Fund’ By mail: make cheques out to ‘North Dundas Christmas Fund’ and mail to P.O. Box 27, South Mountain, ON, K0E 1W0. To register for snowsuits or baskets, call 613-774-0188 or 613-989-3830, Monday to Friday, 9 am-noon.

Snowsuit and food basket requests must be placed by November 27, 2020. Winchester BMR Proudly Supports the North Dundas Christmas Fund. Donations accepted here

Carry that weight

by David Shanahan

As can be seen in an article in this issue, North Dundas has managed to escape the worst effects of the covid-19 pandemic. Compared to surrounding municipalities, the case rate has been reasonably low, and the death rate, thankfully, has been lower than almost anywhere else of a comparable size. That’s the good news.

But the fact is that we’re not out of the woods yet. A reliable vaccine seems to be on the waymore than one company has announced an eff ective vaccine - and that is a light at the end of the tunnel. Except for one major problem: will people be prepared to get vaccinated? Reports from around the world, as well as here in Canada, seem to indicate that anything up to a third of the population are unsure about getting vaccinated. There

are various reasons given for this, but the main point is that a high percentage of any population needs to be vaccinated for the drug to have the desired effect on the community at large.

Why are people reluctant to take their medicine? There are some, who knows how many, who still believe that the pandemic is a hoax, something made up by a secret cabal who run the world for their own nefarious purposes. The vaccine, they claim, is another way this secret government, the Deep State, will be able to control us all. There is some reason to wonder why such an effective, secret, worldwide conspiracy hasn’t been able to keep themselves secret from the conspiracy theorists, or why we can still talk about them in spite of their efforts at mind control. But never mind that.

The facts are stark and beyond genuine dispute. As of last weekend, there

Letter to the Editor

had been 62.3 million cases of covid-19 around the world, leading to 1.45 million deaths. This is still far less than the 1918-1919 pandemic that killed anywhere between 50 and 100 million people worldwide, but it is still a horrific number of casualties. Canada has lost more than 12,000 people to the disease, and this province has experienced 117,000 cases and 3,640 deaths, so far. These are real people, parents, grandparents, children and other loved ones, no longer with us. No amount of conspiracy theories can ignore that fact.

Other people are worried about the vaccine because they associate it with negative side effects, especially with a drug that has been produced in record time. Could there be unforeseen complications? Possibly, but companies and governments tend not to certify any drug unless they can be as sure as possible that such side ef-

fects are minimal, at least. Experience in the past has taught corporations that future legal liabilities can far outweigh any short-term profits from taking shortcuts with public medicine.

There is a commonly held belief that vaccinations have caused autism. This was first claimed by a doctor in the Lancet, the prestigious medical journal from the United Kingdom. However, after this claim had spread throughout the world, it was found that the doctor had falsified his stats and his results were completely fraudulent. He was struck off the registry and no longer allowed to practice medicine. But the damage had been done, and his false claims remain out there, influencing many parents when it comes to vaccinating their children.

Yes, this is a worrying time, and there will be apprehensive people when it comes to a covid-19 vaccine. And we have been

fairly patient and obedient, even, in following the guidance of the medical experts when it comes to wearing face masks, social distancing, etc. Of course, there have been those who decided that their personal freedom was more important than their friends, families and neighbours health.

That reminds me of the Governor of South Dakota, who decided to let her residents decide for themselves whether to wear masks or not. Coincidentally, or not, South Dakota has the highest incidence of covid in the US, which is saying something. It is a hassle, sometimes, to go along with masks and social distancing, and not getting together with friends and family. It’s a weight we’re asked to carry.

But isn’t it worth it, even if you aren’t convinced that it’s necessary? It makes a difference. All medical officers of health,

including in the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, have recommended wearing masks, emphasising that they make a big difference in stopping the spread of covid. As we head towards the Christmas season, it may be a hardship to keep up the good work we’ve managed so far. But let’s try and make sure that we have a normal Christmas next year, because we did the right thing this time.

We should be proud of how we’ve handled things over the past nine months, and we can win this battle if we just hang on for a few months more. That is the hope; that is the goal. Don’t stand on your personal liberty: do this for the others, your family, friends, neighbours. Carry that weight for them.

For more information on measures against covid spread: http//eohu.ca/en/ covid/covid-19-responseframework.

My name is Joselyn Morley, and I’m a reporter for the North Dundas Times.

I've been living and raising kids in North Dundas for ten years. I am very grateful to be facing these challenging times from my rambling old character-infused house here on a couple of acres in South Mountain. I'm a historian and teacher by training. I would rather be outside than in, and you can find me camping and canoeing on many a summer weekend. I'm an over-enthusiastic gardener, committed to food sustainability. I'm a crafter of many things, and believe fervently in supporting local artisans and their products. I have a couple of sassy dogs, too many cats, and a few chickens. I am so excited about the launch of the ND Times! I can't wait to meet you when I’m out and about. Feel free to get in touch with anything you would like to see in your paper: joselyn@ndtimes.ca.

Dear Editor, Don’t tell anyone but your weekly is being warmly received by some South Dundas residents too, thanks to a quirk of the Chesterville mail routes (I suspect). Congratulations on your successful launch.

My wife has also found the Times to be a balanced and refreshing perspective on the local scene. We had been subscribers to the former Winchester Press.

The covid incidence maps for eastern Ontario are wonderful. Until you started sharing them, we were only aware of the Ottawa and Ontario statistics.

Please tell David Shanahan I thoroughly enjoyed his “The men wanted it all”. As a person with an interest in the past, it hit the spot. Looking forward to more of the same.

Cheers, Gordon Moat

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OPP launches Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign

Between robust mandatory alcohol screening laws, vigilant citizens and dedicated officers, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reminds drivers they'll have plenty to worry about if they choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs over the holidays. The OPP's Festive R.I.D.E. campaign kicked off last week and runs until January 3, 2021.

With more than 21,800 calls to the OPP to report suspected impaired drivers so far this year (2020), the OPP is praising these proactive citizens for doing their part to help keep these dangerous drivers off our roads. Close to 3,300 such calls were placed during

the 2019/20 Festive R.I.D.E. campaign and reflect the 'zero tolerance' attitude the OPP encourages everyone to adopt every day.

Motorists are reminded that officers regularly conduct Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) with drivers who are lawfully pulled over and they will be ramping up this investigative measure, including at R.I.D.E. stops, throughout the campaign.

Now heading into its third year, under the MAS law, an officer with an approved alcohol screening device can demand a breath sample from any driver without having reasonable suspicion that they have alcohol in their body.

Drug screening equipment that detects cannabis

(and cocaine) in a driver's saliva is another important resource officers have at their disposal. These devices are used to enforce the provincial "zero tolerance" sanctions that apply to young, novice and commercial drivers who are suspected of having the presence of drugs in their body.

Under impaired driving laws, the OPP can also demand that a driver submit to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluation. SFST-trained officers and DREs have the expertise to detect impairment by alcohol, drugs or both in a driver.

In launching the program last week, Thomas Carrique, Ontario Provincial Police

Commissioner, said: "As Ontarians celebrate this physically distanced holiday season, an important part of staying safe is ensuring you have a solid plan that prevents you and your family from driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The OPP encourages citizens to continue reporting impaired drivers to police. Combined with the dedication of our frontline officers, our collective efforts can significantly help keep you and your loved ones safe on our roads during the holidays and throughout the year."

Drivers and passengers are reminded to adhere to strictly-enforced laws relating to the transportation of cannabis in a motor vehicle. Forty two (42) people have died on OPP-patrolled roads so far this year (2020) in collisions that involved an alcohol/drug-impaired driver. OPP officers conducted more than 8,800 R.I.D.E. stops, charging 605 motorists with impaired driving, during the 2019/20 Festive R.I.D.E. campaign.

The OPP Festive RIDE Campaign runs from November 26, 2020 to January 3, 2021.

Pandemic sees surge in Do-It-Yourself investing

The COVID-19 pandemic may be causing a surge in DoIt-Yourself (DIY) investing. More than 1.2 million new online trading accounts were opened in Canada in the first half of 2020, according to stats from national research firm Investor Economicsthis compared to 846,000 new accounts opened for all of 2019. With these high numbers, Canada’s investment watchdog is encouraging investors to be informed and ask themselves important questions before embarking on the path of doing it yourself.

In a new investor bulletin, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) cautions that, as implied by the words “Do-It-Yourself”, investors are responsible for their investment decisions and actions. For this reason, they have to be comfortable with managing their own investments, whether that means a financial gain or loss.

Instead of working with an investment advisor, DIY investors use discount brokers, also known as OrderExecution Only (OEO) online trading platforms. While DIY

Pressure grows to

remove Schedule 6 from Bill 229

Municipalities have joined the call to remove proposed changes to conservation authorities from the provincial budget bill. More than just a budget, Bill 229 proposes legislative changes that will weaken conservation authorities’ ability to protect people, property and the environment.

Such changes do not belong in a budget bill, which is exempt from consultation on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. That’s why many municipalities are calling for Schedule 6 to be withdrawn from the budget bill and for the province to engage in meaningful consultation on the proposed changes.

investors cannot receive recommendations or advice, OEO firms can offer them a broad range of investment products to buy and sell, such as stocks and Guaranteed Investment Certificates.

The appeal for many DIY investors is that, even though OEO firms typically charge fees for each trade, these fees are at a much lower cost than working with an investment advisor.

“Since the start of the pandemic, IIROC has seen a dramatic surge in contacts from DIY investors – up by 180% compared to the same timeframe in 2019,” says Lucy Becker, IIROC’s VicePresident, Public Affairs and Member Education Services.

“For this reason, it was important for us to issue an investor bulletin to highlight key questions to ask yourself when confirming whether DIY is right for you. An informed investor is a protected investor.”

Some key questions to ask yourself:

Are you comfortable with not receiving advice about your investments? Do you have ample time to devote to investing, research and monitoring? What is your level of

investment knowledge – do you understand products and their features, benefits and risks, and do you understand what is most suitable for you? How complex is your financial situation? (Generally, the more complex it is, the more you may benefit from receiving financial advice.)

IIROC’s bulletin also outlines common mistakes made by DIY investors. Among them:

Buying wrong products for your circumstances, because you misunderstood features, benefits, risks. Engaging in trading strategies without understanding the benefits or risks. Over-extending yourself financially by borrowing to fund investments (lines of credit or credit cards).

Not checking account statements and being surprised by fees that have eroded your investments. Misinterpreting investment research and subsequently “betting the farm” (and losing).

Lucy Becker also notes that older Canadians represent a significant number of calls to IIROC about DIY. “Since 2017, more than half (or 57%) of the people who call IIROC about DIY investing have been over the age of 55. This is an interesting fact because many might assume that only younger Canadians are interested in – or involved in – DIY investing.”

Read IIROC’s Investor Bulletin to determine whether DIY is right for you. Be an informed investor.

“We understand that the province has a desire to improve conservation authorities,” said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, General Manager of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA). “But we need the Province to work with conservation authorities and municipalities on those changes, to ensure they are effective and do not jeopardize our fundamental ability to protect people and the environment – a responsibility Rideau Valley communities have relied on us to deliver for more than 50 years.”

Conservation authorities have identified several major concerns with the proposed changes, which will directly affect municipalities, residents and watersheds. These include changes to Board governance, including who a municipality can appoint to represent them; new powers enabling the Minister to override a conservation authority and issue a development permit in a watershed without a hearing and with no appeal; the removal of enforcement tools and a conservation authority’s ability to appeal planning decisions; potential provincial interference in local budgets and fees; and limitations on programs, with a decreased focus on environmental monitoring, stewardship and outdoor education.

In short, these are not small changes. They will bring increased administrative costs and burden for municipalities and conservation authorities, an erosion of local decision-making, patchwork program delivery across watersheds, decreased resources for capital renewal, and an undermining of the integrity, transparency and effectiveness of our planning and permitting processes.

Residents, groups and associations who are concerned about these changes need to make their voices heard this week before the bill goes to Standing Committee.

You are encouraged to:

Contact your local MPP and Ontario’s Minister of Finance (Hon. Rod Phillips);

You can also contact Ontario’s Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks (Hon. Jeff Yurek), Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Hon. Steve Clark) and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry (Hon. John Yakabuski).

Written comments can also be submitted to Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

What's Behind the Vendor's Fair at the North Dundas Parade of Lights?

by Joselyn Morley

This year, there's more need for vendor and craft fairs to be held than ever before, because so many of them have been canceled due to the pandemic. There is also more need for caution than ever before when holding one! Martha Malatesta has organised the Vendor Fair for the North Dundas Parade of Lights, this year called the North Dundas Display of Lights due to implementing strict Covid-19 protocols.

Some of the vendors at the 2020 Vendors Fair at the North Dundas Display of Lights are returning from previous years, others are new to the Fair this year. In the summer months, Martha contacts the vendors from the previous year, asking if they will be returning. Some do, and some do not. This year some couldn't because of Covid and health risks. There are always new vendors with exciting products to add to

the fair. Forms, payment, and other administration trickle in via mail and email over a couple of months.

Tables cost $15 to rent, which is very affordable, and a nice break for vendors, artisans, and crafters this year, when getting products to their customers has been extremely difficult. Martha sends out confirmation emails when all forms and payment has been received. She receives many questions, some vendors cancel, some new ones come on board. She keeps the fair fresh, and allows no duplicate vendors. The application and registration form is a full three pages; but this year there are new rules surrounding Covid-19, and screening questions have added a whole other level of bureaucracy.

Martha sent out a final email this week with reminders, FAQs, and information about the strict Covid-19 protocols.

The Vendor Fair has hosted 50 vendors in past years. This year the limit is 32 to allow for distancing.

Celebrate the Holidays with the “Light Up North Dundas Holiday Tour”

The Light Up North Dundas Holiday Tour aims to celebrate the holiday season in North Dundas, by encouraging homes, businesses and organizations to create a display of lights for residents to view and vote on!

A road map of registered participants will be published and photos will be posted on the Township’s Facebook page. Participants can register to be included in the contest until 9:00 am on Monday, December 7th.

Registration information and full contest rules can be found here.

Judging Criteria:

The photo that receives the most likes on the Township Facebook page will win the Community Choice Award. The other awards will be determined by a panel of judges. They will make their rounds between Monday, December 12 and Sunday, December 20. Judges will be asked to rate displays on three (3) areas: First Impression, Originality and Design.

AWARDS:

House Category:

1st place=$150 gift card

2nd place=$100 gift card

3rd place=$50 gift card

Business & Community Organization Category:

1st place=$150 gift card

2nd place=$100 gift card

3rd place=$50 gift card

Community Choice Award:

Gift Basket of donations from local businesses (organized by Cheryl Beasley)

*All gift cards will be for a local business of your choice within the Township of North Dundas.

For more information, please contact Brandon Cousineau, Recreation Coordinator for the Township of North Dundas, at bcousineau@northdundas.com or 613-774-2105 ext. 223.

Admission to the Vendor Fair is always free, but donations to the Food Bank are encouraged, either in goods or money. North Dundas Display of Lights toques can be purchased at the Fair for $10, with proceeds going to the Display of Lights Committee. They are high quality toques with a fleece liner.

The night before the fair is a busy one. Martha sets up tables and labels them, then maps out the space. She is careful to space similar vendors apart, but also has to accommodate allergies, sensitivities, physical requirements, barriers, and impairments, as well as power outlet needs. Inevitably, there is a last-minute cancellation to fill. High school volunteers are on scene early to help haul craft and vendor goods, greet people at the door, accept donations for the Food Bank, checking on bathrooms and garbage, counting guests, decorating the hall, delivering receipts to the vendors, making sure there's music, and

Sandy Row Restaurant .......and Golf

anything else that pops up! This year Martha's husband will be playing Christmas songs on his saxophone on the stage behind a clear barrier.

The North Dundas Display of LIghts, and the Vendor Fair will welcome guests from outside our community. We are ambassadors for our area, sharing information about our town in hopes that they will stay, dine, shop, and return. We hope that their experience of North Dundas is a positive one.

In 2019, we welcomed 574 guests into our Fair. This year there is a limit of 50 people allowed into the hall. Please wear your masks!

Please support local small businesses in our community. Visit the North Dundas Vendors Fair at the Joel Steel Community Centre above the Winchester Arena, 577 Main Street, Winchester, on Saturday December 5, between 9 am and 4 pm. You may have to wait a few minutes to get in, but it will definitely be worth the wait!

SDG Library news

Curbside Pick-Up at more Branches:

The Avonmore, South Mountain and Williamsburg branches have been open for curbside pick-up since November 23. This means patrons can request materials to be picked up at any of the SDG Library branches. We are still closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19, so this date will depend on any information or restrictions provided by the province or health unit. Hours of operation for these branches can be found below.

As of Monday, October 5, six branches had re-opened for curbside pick-up. Chesterville, Iroquois, Long Sault, Finch (MakerLab), Maxville, and Williamstown branches each offer open hours to arrange to pick-up your holds. Short Stays and Browsing Collections:

Currently, six branches of the SDG Library are opened for limited public accesses.

Alexandria, Crysler, Ingleside, Lancaster, Morrisburg,

by Joselyn Morley

Did you know there is a sit-down restaurant in South Mountain? The Sandy Row Restaurant in South Mountain is a great place to meet a friend for breakfast, take a lunch break while out and about, or treat the family to dinner.

There is something for everyone, from burgers to platters, roast beef to meatloaf, wings, sandwiches, and wraps. Breakfast starts at 8 am. There's even a kids' menu. All the sauces and deserts are home-made, and the fish batter is always fresh. They have Wing Nights, and Fish Fridays. They are accessible via snowmobile and ATV, and both are always welcome, says Bill Robinson, who has been the owner-operator for 14 years.

Great news! Sandy Row Restaurant is getting a Pizza Oven in the New Year!

The restaurant and course are licenced, and there's a patio for when the sun shines. They adhere to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit's guidelines surrounding Covid-19 precautions, and there's plenty of room for social distancing, but they do full take-out if you'd rather eat at home. You can purchase gift certificates for the restaurant, as well as indoor and outdoor golf. They host parties, and have a meeting room that will accommodate 20.

Golf in all seasons! When the weather is fine, you can golf the 9-hole Sandy Row Golf Course. The parkland setting offers unique challenges that will entertain golfers of all skill levels. There's an S-curved par-5, to a very difficult, two-tiered green par-3, where water come into play twice! Different tee-off placements can turn the 9-hole course into an 18-hole challenge. They have leagues for ladies, guys, seniors, and kids.

and Winchester branches allow short stays of up to 30 minutes. Patrons may borrow materials, use the public computers, or browse the collections.

Additionally, SDG continues to offer digital resources such as eBooks, eNewspapers, eMagazines, databases, online tutorials and virtual programs that can be enjoyed within the comfort of your own home.

Opening hours:

Winchester Branch: Mondays and Saturdays: 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 8 p.m.; Fridays, 12.00 to 5.00 p.m.

Chesterville Branch (Curbside pick-up only): Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

South Mountain (Curbside pick-up only): Tuesdays, 5 to 8 p.m.; Thursdays, 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Maker Lab/ Finch Branch (Curbside pick-up only): Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

When the weather turns too-nasty for outdoor golf, Sandy Row has Indoor Golf! Golf O Max simulators let you choose from 36 courses, with two screens, for up to 8 people in two groups. Call ahead and book your time to play.

UCDSB Trustees’ Meeting report

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, November 25, for a regularly scheduled board meeting.

UCDSB Presents

2020-2023 Mental Health Strategic Plan:

Staff presented the 2020-2023 UCDSB Student Mental Health Strategic Plan to trustees and highlighted the progress achieved from the 20172020 strategic plan.

The UCDSB Student Mental Health Strategic Plan (2020-2023) will continue to focus on four priority areas, which will be embedded in the UCDSB Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement and Wellness (BIPSAW). These four areas include educating students and staff on mental health resources; enhancing access to supports for stress and coping using evidencebased programming in all of our schools; articulating

pathways to care ensuring appropriate levels of support for our vulnerable student; and, enhancing staff, student and family access to reliable, evidence-based and evidence-informed information and resources.

For the 2020-2021 school year, the UCDSB Student Mental Health Strategic Plan will focus on continuing to emphasize classroom programs delivered by classroom staff and encouraging helpseeking by clarifying pathways to care.

Remote Learning Sees Increased Enrollment for In-class Learning Model:

Staff presented its monthly remote learning report to the board, and outlined that as of Nov. 16, 80 per cent of Kindergarten to Grade 12 students were enrolled in the in-class learning model while 20 per cent of students participate in the remote learning model. These numbers show a one

per cent increase for the in-class learning model. The school board also witnessed an increased shift to “non-digital asynchronous” learning for remote learners where workbooks based on the curriculum has been developed and distributed to students.

To support this shift to non-digital learning, the remote teachers’ team create bi-weekly elementary curriculum-based resources that include workbooks featuring daily lesson plans across all grades and all subjects for a 10-day period. These resources are posted centrally for all elementary teachers to use as part of daily classroom instruction, in addition to their own materials.

Monthly Financial Update on Potential Funding

Sources:

During this month’s financial reporting to trustees, administrative staff outlined sources of revenue for 2020-2021 that

Everyone’s Hard is Hard

by Tammy Zollinger

Wise words from my not so young niece, Ashley. It’s taken me more time than I care to admit to decide what to write about in my second column. A three-hour conversation with my sister today solidified what needs to be discussed. For many years I’ve heard the phrases “Oh, just get over it.” “It’s not that hard.” “It’s really not a big deal.” These comments, often from well meaning people in my life, left me with an urge to retaliate in not so nice ways. They induced feelings of rage, shame, guilt and often contributed to my battle of depression and anxiety.

The stigma of mental illness has been around for decades. Often times, well meaning friends and family downplay the severity of the issues that lurk below the surface of an already struggling person. Let me explain. When I was a child, I had my head held underwater. I can so vividly remember the terror, the panic thinking I was going to die. Add to that, the three times I nearly drowned (thank you Sara for saving me in Mexico). To this day I cannot handle water in my face. The rare

occasion I do venture into our pool, my kids know there is no splashing mom, and that’s only if I can get past the anxiety of getting in to begin with. When I was a bit older, I had my face held in snow. The infamous “face wash”, hilarious for the person doing it, not so much for a child like me who had been traumatized previously. I’m 36 years old, old enough to realize my 5’ pool is safe for me to stand in, that the St. Lawrence is not scary because I can’t see the bottom, but yet here I am. Unwilling to swim in any body of water where I can’t see the bottom of, and get anxious if shower water from hair runs down my face.

Mentally, I am old enough to realize these fears are often without merit. I will not drown in my pool, nor my shower, but yet the fear and anxiety are just as real today as it was as a young child fearing for her life. This is the same battle I have with my anxiety on an almost daily basis. Winter sucks. Being outside in minus 30-degree weather feeding my goats is stressful and anxiety inducing. Constantly pulling at my neck warmer which makes me feel like I can’t breathe and

were not incorporated into the revenue estimates for the approved budget for 2020-2021. In advance of the beginning of each fiscal year, the UCDSB board of trustees approves a budget representing an estimate of the coming year’s revenues and expenditures, based upon the best available information at the time.

Since that initial budget approval in July, 2020, more than $6 million has been allocated to the UCDSB from Aug. 4 to Oct. 28. Most of the increased revenues comes from provincial and federal funding to cover COVID-19-related expenses. Listed as Priorities and Partnerships Funds, this $6 million will be dispersed to previously committed budget line items as well as to COVID-19 response expenses.

Grade K-6 Virtual School Feasibility Study Presentation:

To support students and their families for learning opportunities and in response to Ministry requirements, the UCDSB created a unique remote learning model during this time of the pandemic., On Sept. 2, 2020, trustees arrived at a motion requesting further study and a follow-up report on the feasibility, cost and implementation schedule related to the set-up of a stand-alone concept for a virtual school for all students K-6 model.

At the November 25 meeting, UCDSB staff presented a 24-page report created by an education consultant, who worked with senior-level staff for input and consultation. The report’s findings rejected the idea of creating a Virtual K – 6 Elementary School at this time. Specifically, changing from the current remote learning model to a separately staffed virtual school for

the remainder of the pandemic would not be in the school board’s best interests. The absence of adequate provincial funding for synchronous remote learning as a stand-alone school was identified as a significant restriction for this type of approach.

I’m being choked is hard. My mind says I’m ok, but it also says, remember that time…. There’s no separating the two. The constant battle between freezing my face and not, well, it’s not something I look forward to. Logic speaks, fear screams.

November 11th every year we celebrate Remembrance Day and these days my mind shifts to the mental health battles veterans face. PTSD is huge. Every year I see the posts of being mindful to veterans reliving trauma from war because of something we all enjoy on Canada Day, fireworks. I’ve never been in war, however, the feelings of anxiety and fear from water, make me realize the sound of fireworks can terrorize a soldier. Not to mention the memories of fallen brothers in battle. I have a lot of respect for those who have fought for the country I call home. They fought for freedom for us to enjoy while many live in their own prisons. I’ve heard and read many times, “They just weren’t the same after they came home”.

For those who struggle with mental illness, our minds are our prisons. The bars of shame, guilt, uselessness and failure keep

many of us trapped. I can look beyond my struggles on good days, believe and pray this just a phase, one day at a time, but on the bad days, there is no escape. Phrases like the ones I mentioned above seem like the dangling keys that someone is constantly pulling away when I get so close to a breakthrough. Knowledge admits life is good, then reality hits. My reality, one that no one else in this world could ever fully understand or fathom.

Our experiences may be different, but our reality is real. Please don’t minimize, joke, or downplay a person’s reality, to do so would cause more harm than good. I Know the truth, I have a good life, an amazing family, loving friends and a beautiful farm to call my home, yet, the cloud of “my” reality cannot overcome the darkness of my mental illness. Empathy, understanding and support are key. Whether you struggle with mental illness or not, we all need love, acceptance, and a lot of patience. My hard is hard, your hard is hard, but together we bear one another’s burdens and help carry each other’s load to victory.

People in pain need protection from false pot promotion

What’s the worst kind of pain? At the top of the list is debilitating chronic pain that, despite painkillers and other treatments, is unrelenting, day after day. Chronic pain gradually destroys the soul. A study of suicide cases between 2003 and 2014 found evidence that as many as 10% of cases involved chronic pain. Now, with the availability of marijuana for medical treatment in Canada and most US states, is new hope being corrupted by false advertising?

No one should suffer pain that can be safely managed. The addition of medical marijuana as a treatment option has helped many. But, despite

heavy regulation, there are unscrupulous entrepreneurs ready to make a quick buck, and they are banking on your trust. What hurts, is that they are taking your money while also betraying your hope for pain relief.

People enduring chronic pain have probably heard their doctor say, “You have intractable pain and there is no cure.” Given new availability of medical marijuana, it should not be surprising that many have wanted to try it.

Chewable gummies are particularly attractive, because they are so easy to take. You can find dozens of products online marketed as “300mg CBD Gum-

mies”. CBD is short for cannabidiol, derived from the hemp plant. Hemp contains less THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana plants. While research continues, there is substantial evidence that CBD can help with both musculoskeletal and nerve pain.

But the marketing and labeling of these gummies is a despicable mess.

Let’s focus on the dosage. Getting the dosage right for any medication is important, and for hemp or marijuana it can be tricky. So, it’s good advice to consult your doctor. Don’t rely on the misleading information found on websites promoting these products.

Eastern Ontario Health Unit news

COVID-19 Education and Enforcement Campaign in EOHU Region this week:

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has confirmed that eastern Ontario will be one of the destinations in a series of provincial COVID-19 education and enforcement campaigns for businesses across the province. The campaign aims to help businesses stay safe and stay open by ensuring that they are taking the necessary steps to protect employees, consumers and the public from COVID-19.

Multi-ministry teams, working in coordination with the EOHU, plan to visit local businesses from December 3 to 5 to conduct assessments and promote COVID-19 health and safety requirements.

During the visits, officers will provide business owners with assessments and guidance on how to operate safely during the pandemic and comply with public health requirements in the Reopening Ontario Act. Under the province’s new COVID-19 Response Framework, certain businesses and establishments are required to develop a COVID-19 safety plan for their workplace. Officers

will be asking employers to produce their safety plans and will provide feedback and direction on them.

The aim of the campaign is to ensure that workplaces have the resources and information they need to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and to help businesses take any corrective steps needed to operate safely. While the focus is on education, officers can exercise their enforcement discretion if they find significant noncompliance.

The provincial campaign will complement the EOHU’s local efforts that have been ongoing since the start of the pandemic.

"EOHU public health staff, in collaboration with local enforcement partners, having been working diligently with businesses in our region to help ensure they can operate safely and protect their workers and customers,” states Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “We know that many businesses have made enormous efforts, but some still need assistance. We’re pleased that the provincial campaign coming in early December will provide added support.”

The provincial initiative has also recently visited the Peel and Lon-

Typical dosages for CBD can range from less than 10 to more 300 milligrams daily. That’s a big range. Finding the dosage that meets the needs of different people usually means starting with a low dose and gradually increasing by about 5 milligrams daily until the desired effect is achieved. Most research to date suggests it’s safe to take up to 1,500 mg daily.

So, back to those CBD gummies. It is very important to know what dose is in a single gummy. We shopped around to find out. Misleading, and downright fraudulent, information abounds. Dozens of products mislead consumers into thinking there are 300 mg of CBD per gummy. Not true. This is the total CBD in each bottle of 30 gummies. Other products falsely state on the label: “300 MG Per Gummy”, when, in fact, there are

only 10 mg in each gummy. Indeed, a single gummy at 300 mg of CBD is an extremely high starting dose! Just two gummies would be 600 mg of CBD. It’s absurd. A phone call to these producers confirmed the outright error, and yet, these products remain on the market. Some companies have received warnings, but seemingly with no consequence.

For unsuspecting consumers seeking pain relief, this amounts to gross negligence by producers and regulators alike. Product websites show people cured of pain. But there’s scant information to clarify dosages and guide consumers on how to use this kind of medication in the treatment of pain. How can this be allowed by health authorities?

P.T. Barnum, the circus promoter, said, “There’s a sucker born every min-

ute.” Entrepreneurs make a lot of money with such deceptive, slick promotion. How many people in chronic pain, with limited funds, are fooled by ads about quick relief of pain and are still suffering. It’s shameful, and people in pain deserve better.

If readers have experience in easing chronic pain with CBD gummies, contact us.

Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@ docgiff.com.

Township Annual Report to taxpayers

don-Middlesex regions. It found the most common areas of non-compliance have been improper mask use, lack of screening, and improper sanitization. More information on the campaigns can be found on the Government of Ontario’s website: Ontario Launches Workplace Education and Enforcement Campaigns.

New enforceability for Section 22 Orders:

Due to a recent amendment to Ontario Regulation 950 under the Provincial Offences Act, Section 22 Orders issued by Medical Officers of Health in the province are now enforceable without having to go to court. Tickets can be issued by law enforcement officers, including police officers, by-law officers and public health inspectors, for any contravention of a COVID-19 specific communicable disease class Section 22 Order.

For more information on COVID-19, including local Section 22 Orders, please visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website at www.EOHU.ca/ coronavirus.

The 2020 Annual Report by the Township of North Dundas has been released and can be found on the Township website at: https://northdundas.com. The Township Council included the following as part of the Report.

A Message from Council

Without a doubt 2020 has been one of the most challenging years of our time. It has forced us all to be strong and to adapt, to protect those that we love and keep the community safe. North Dundas residents have shown tremendous resilience and our strong sense of community has served all residents well.

Our community enjoyed new or revised activities this year. Mountain Township

Agricultural Society hosted several drive-in movie nights, the Township offered Zumba in the park and community bike rides with the Mayor, and Nation Valley ATV club held a number of rides. Other outdoor activities like South Mountain Disc Golf, kayaking on the South Nation River and a walk through the Oschmann Forest trails have also been enjoyed by many.

We must not forget that by working together, we can beat COVID-19 and come out the other side stronger and more connected. Now more than ever, we need to support our local businesses. They have been there for us for years and now they need our help.

Many of our local stores and restaurants have an online presence. If you choose online shopping, support them instead of the bigger chains. We all need a break once in a while, so leave the cleanup for someone else and order a local meal regularly!

This year has demonstrated that we live in a fabulous, supportive community. The Township staff continue to adapt our services to ever changing regulations and recommendations in an effort to keep everyone safe. We hope that each person in our community will continue to do their part, help each other and most importantly, stay safe and healthy.

A telescope for Christmas

pay for”. I bought my first serious telescope (an 8-inch f/6 Newtonian reflector pictured here) back in 1977, and I am still using it today during public speaking star nights, and it is very portable.

by Gary Boyle - The Backyard Astronomer

As we move closer to the most wonderful time of the year, what do you get that budding astronomer? I always suggest, for those who have an interest in the night sky, to begin with a pair of wide-angle binoculars such as 7X35. This translates to seven power magnification with 35-millimetre objectives lenses located in the front. These are not too large or heavy, especially for children. It will capture a wide field of sky and show a lot of stars. With such low power, you will not see great detail on specific objects as you would with a telescope but is a great tool in locating these targets like star clusters etc. and learning the night sky.

If you are confident a telescope is a must, there are a few things to consider, first of which is where to purchase the item. Purchasing at a big box store or camera dealer is not advisable. These are usually lower-end telescopes that might look like a great bargain, with splashy images on the box and statements of “400 power” magnification, but, in the long run, will most likely end up at the next garage because of disappointing views and mechanics. There are many reputable dealers online, and local telescope stores that know about these instruments and astronomy.

Next is the price. Although spending $500 to $800 might seem a lot of money, remember the ‘ole saying: “you get what you

This exact size will run in the $600 to $800 range, depending on the manufacturer. I have viewed spectacular lunar craters, the rings of Saturn, as well as the bands of Jupiter and moons of both planets. From dark sky locations, I have seen hundreds of remote galaxies residing tens to hundreds of millions of light-years away.

The 48-inch long tube rests on a wooden Dobsonian mount that does not have motors. This is a great way to locate distant celestial objects using star maps, and learn the sky rather than push a button. I would highly recommend this model telescope for the intermediate astronomer.

As mentioned, the Dobsonian mount has no electronics whatsoever, and relies on simple balance when pointing to an object. Push power to celestial treasures is the only way to get around. Without motors that compensate for the earth’s motion, photography with a DSLR camera attached to the telescope will only capture extremely bright

objects with quick exposures like the moon and the sun (with an approved solar filter). For those wishing to take up astrophotography, be prepared to spend $2,000 to $5,000, or more, on a computerized model that is designed to track the sky and has a built-in database containing the positions of thousands of objects. With the click of a few buttons, these telescopes will move to the desired object. It is best to set your goals with something small and simple to use and enjoy the wonders of the night. You can always upgrade down the road. Feel free to contact me with your questions.

Till next time, clear skies.

Known as “The Backyard Astronomer”, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker and monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. He has been interviewed on more than 50 Canadian radio stations and local Ottawa TV. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Twitter: @astroeducator or his website: www. wondersofastronomy.com.

Celebrate the Holiday Season safely

The holidays are going to look a little different this year due to COVID-19. To support Ontarians as they begin to safely plan for the season, the Ontario government, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and input from the Public Health Measures Table, is providing preliminary guidance on how to safely celebrate this year and protect your loved ones.

Details were provided by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"I know there are many people looking forward to their traditional family celebrations at this time of year, but to keep your loved ones safe, traditions will have to be adjusted," said Premier Ford. "We're asking everyone to please stick to your own house-

hold when celebrating. Avoid big holiday parties or large family dinners to help us stop the spread of this deadly virus. By following this public health advice, we can all have a safe and fun holiday season."

No matter where you live in the province, the safest way to spend the holidays this year is by only celebrating in person with the people you live with and celebrating virtually with everyone else. If you live alone, consider exclusively celebrating with one additional household as a safe way to spend the holidays.

While public health measures to keep Ontarians safe may be different in communities across the province, the following is some general advice to consider when planning your holiday season:

Safer Holiday Activities:

• Virtual holiday gath-

erings or events with family, friends or coworkers.

• Outdoor holiday activities such as building a snowman or going on a sleigh ride with members of your household.

• Visiting Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus or their elves outdoors and taking photos while keeping two metres apart.

• Attending a drive-in or drive-through event.

• Watching holiday or other movies with your household.

• Decorating your doors and putting up lights around your home.

• Lighting your menorah.

• Baking holiday treats with your immediate household.

• Donating to your favourite holiday charity or toy drive.

• Riskier Holiday Ac-

tivities:

• In-person holiday gatherings or events, particularly gatherings where masks or face coverings must be removed to eat or drink.

• Indoor holiday activities such as having overnight guests or sleepovers with friends or people outside your household.

• Visiting Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus or their elves indoors and taking photos without being two metres apart. Children are not permitted to sit on Santa's lap this year.

• Visiting family and friends for non-essential reasons.

• Individuals and families in higher transmission areas should avoid going to lower transmission areas, except for essential reasons.

• Hosting or attending

social gatherings or organized public events that do not adhere to provincial or local requirements. See below for information about the gathering limits that apply in the various zones.

While the above is recommended advice from public health officials, please remember you must adhere to public health and workplace safety measures and rules in your region. A new holiday web page will be launched shortly to provide more direct and up-to-date guidance on how individuals and families can plan for a safe holiday season.

"The holidays are a special time of the year for many people, and while we all want to spend time with family and friends,

we must celebrate safely to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Minister Elliott. "With the recent news about several vaccines there's light at the end of the tunnel. I realize that it won't be easy, but we must continue to follow public health advice and look for new and creative ways to celebrate this year."

6. Quaint outburst

7. Type of beer

8. Vomitive

9. Mesa

10. 53 in Roman numerals

11. Annul

12. Observed

15. Swelling under the skin

21. Disparage

23. Engine knock

25. Identical

27. Sodium chloride

28. Santa's helpers

29. Lenient

31. Young unmarried woman (archaic)

Myth understandings: an irregular column by David Shanahan

The Jesus myth

There is a claim which surfaces every now and then, which asserts that Jesus of Nazareth never actually existed; that he was a myth made up by people to legitimise their activities. It should be noted that historians do not make this claim, as the evidence for the historical reality of Jesus is convincing. But, as we are discussing myth understandings, it is best to get this one out of the way early

There are a number of sources outside the New Testament documents which refer to the historical Jesus, both in Jewish and Roman writings. After the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the dispersal of the Jewish people, the vast collection of oral law and commentary on the Old Testament was finally encoded in written documents, the Talmud. In these records, there are references to Jesus, the disciples, and others, though not at all in a positive way. Jesus is accused of being a heretic teacher who misled the people, performed wonders, and said he had come to destroy the Law. He was executed as a heretic on the eve of Passover. Five of his disciples are named, and the Talmud says that they healed the sick.

The main Jewish source for the historical existence of Jesus comes in the histories written by Josephus Flavius around 90A.D. In his “Antiquities of the Jews”, a 20-volume history of his people, Josephus refers to many of the people mentioned in the New Testament, including the Herod family, Pontius Pilate, the priests Annas, Caiaphas, Ananias, and others. In volume 18, he relates the story of John the Baptist’s death in the fortress of Machaerus on the orders of Herod Antipas. This account, and the one he gives of Herod’s death, parallel closely the accounts of the same in Luke’s second volume, The Acts of the Apostles.

Specifically relating to Jesus, Josephus relates the murder of James, the brother of Jesus, at the hands of Ananias: “..he assembled a council of judges, and brought before it the brother of Jesus, the so-called Christ, whose name was James”. In the most direct reference to Jesus, about which there has been disagreement over the authenticity of some phrases, he provides clear evidence for

the historicity of Jesus. Leaving out the disputed words, he says:

“And there arose about this time Jesus, a wise man, [ ] for he was doer of marvellous deeds, a teacher of men who receive the truth with pleasure. He led away many Jews, and also many of the Greeks. [ ] And when Pilate had condemned him to the cross on his impeachment by the chief men among us, those who had loved him at first did not cease; [ ] and even now the tribe of Christians, so named after him, has not yet died out.” [Antiquities, xviii. 3.3]

This, note was recorded by a Jewish historian, not a Christian, and places him in the same time period and context that we find in the New Testament.

Other secular sources also contain references to Jesus. A letter from a Syrian named Mara Bar-Serapion to his son, some time after 73 A.D., refers to three models of righteous living his son should emulate. One was Socrates, another Pythagoras, and the third was “the wise King” of the Jews. All three had died unfairly at the hands of their people, and no good came from their deaths. “What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King? It was just after that that their kingdom was abolished...the Jews, ruined and driven from their land, live in complete dispersion. ...Nor did the wise King die for good; He lived on in the teaching which he has given.”

There are a number of references to Jesus and Christians in Roman historical writings. Around 110, Tacitus, in a history of the Emperor Nero, wrote about the famous fire that destroyed Rome, which Nero tried to blame on the Christians. Tacitus called them: “a class of men, loathed for their vices, whom the crowd styled Christians. Christus, from whom

they got their name, had been executed by sentence of the procurator Pontius Pilate when Tiberius was Emperor; and the pernicious superstition was checked for a short time, only to break out afresh, not only in Judea, the home of the plague, but in Rome itself...”

Clearly, Tacitus was not a sympathiser!

Another Roman reference to Christians comes from Pliny the Younger, procurator of what is now modern Turkey, and a philosopher to boot. He wrote to Emperor Trajan seeking advice on how to deal with Christians, as they did not worship the Emperor, as was required by law. The interesting section of his letter describes the practices of the sect:

“..they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang an anthem to Christ as God, and bound themselves by a solemn oath not to commit any wicked deed, but to abstain from all fraud, theft and adultery, never to break their word, or deny a trust when called upon to honour it; after which it was their custom to separate, and then meet again to partake of food, but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.” [Epistles, x, 6]

In short, the historical record, outside of the New Testament, contains enough references to Jesus and his life and death by non-Christian sources to refute any idea that he was not an actual figure in time and space. He was no myth.

Of course, the most complete source of information are the 26 documents which comprise the New Testament. Once again, these are generally accepted by historians of the ancient world as reliable sources of material, and it is usually the opponents of Christianity who reject them. They are now worth some study to see what myth understandings may apply to them.

List of Artisans, Crafters, Fairs, & Bazaars

My Local Markets. SD&G Artist and Small Business Auction. Pop Up Shop - Winchester.

Saturday Christmas Pop-Up Shop. Eastern Ontario Craft Buy & Sell.

OB Photography.

Vendor Fair at Display of Lights. www.HealthGirl.ca.

The Leathersmith Gregor Smith.

Handmade by Hayley.

Loopy Knits.

Registered vendors attending are:

Angie Johnson-Korteweg, SweetLegs Winchester with Angie.

Marcel Larocque, Importations LS Imports (Bamboo clothing).

Kim Lirette, Avon (Gifts, skincare, jewellery).

Jennifer Picard, The Pampered Chef (Kitchen products).

by Joselyn Morley

Running up to Christmas and the holidays, I would like to make a list of local artisans, crafters, makers, fairs, and bazaars. There are a few virtual markets that have popped up. There's the North Grenville Virtual Market, the Makers Market based in North Grenville. The Handmade in the 613, and others.

The shuttering of shopfronts, and the cancellation of Christmas and Holiday markets have been disastrous for many businesses, but artisan, crafters, and makers have been especially hard hit.

Many service clubs and church groups normally hold bazaars at this time of the year. Most of those aren't happening this year either. I have put a call out to artisans and crafters on social media. I will add to this list as I get more. I'm including the information as I get it. Most of them can be found on Facebook. PLEASE email, text or call me to add to this list, so we can include as many as possible in the lead up to Christmas and the holidays. We still have a couple of weeks! joselyn@ndtimes.ca, or 613-989-1980.

So, here goes. In absolutely no particular order, and devoid of any organizational principle......

The Makers Market: virtual market in North Dundas. themakersmarket.shop.

NGVM #NGVM and Handmade in the 613 / 819 #HIT613 #FALM819 (you can find them through Facebook).

Handweaving by Janet Whittam. www.handweaving.ca. Mrs B's Boutique.

Titbit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

Hope is something we all have in varying degrees, types, and durations. Hope varies with age and circumstances. Hope does not operate succinctly. Some things folks hope for seem a given to others - food, shelter, heat, and life itself. The ill hope for a cure, the lonely hope for companionship, and the depressed hope for an end of sad feelings. Sometimes, hope expires, especially in the terminally ill and in those who have given up on life. A lack of hope can be dark, dismissal, and intense agony. Hope is our internal motivator.

At this time of year, there is an explosion of hope in the heart and in the home. Hope eternal is celebrated by Christians as they relive the birth of Jesus. Hope eternal is the promise of life after death to those who confess their belief to God.

Hope at a more secular level constitutes the hope that a certain person will put a ring on your finger after so much time dating. The hope a certain gift will be received, the hope a certain family member will be home for Christmas (or maybe the hope a certain relative won't show up, or the hope so and so will behave), and even, yes, a hope for a white Christmas. Businesses hope for a booming sales record.

On the flip side, you hope you have chosen appropriate gifts, you hope you will see smiles on peoples faces, and the hope that no-one notices Santa uses the same wrapping paper as you! We may not like to admit it, but we do hope we get something we like as a gift, and hope we don't burn the meal. In some Christmases in the past, we hoped we had hydro to cook the meal.

Certainly, there is a generalized hope Covid will disappear, so life can be varied as it was before. We need those physical hugs! Hope does not have to be singular, but can be plural.

Meanwhile, what do you hope for? Is it for yourself, or for others? Keep hope flourishing in your circle and I will in mine!

Karen Kauth, Karberry Farm (Shetland wool, socks, hand knit items).

Christina Seabrook, Sunset Gourmet (Spices, condiments, dips).

Terry Dubreuil, Some Boards, Glue and Nails (Woodworking).

Marjorie Acres, MEA Stained Glass.

Bryan Martin, Stonepipes by TWO Bears (Native crafts).

Glenn Smirle, Smirlholm Farms Honey (Honey products and candles).

Angela Godda, Scentsy (Wax, warmers and diffusers).

Camille Spruit and Alana Jaquemet, Seacret Direct (Skin and body care from the Dead Sea).

Shannon Bowman, Bowman’s Once or Twice Boutique (clothing and accessories, new and used).

Marion Stanley, Marion Stanley Mosaics (Stained glass, lanterns, barley bags).

Marlyn Cox and Brenda Wooton (Glass light up globes, wreaths, wooden ornaments, preserves).

Sharlene Caines, Norwex (Non-toxic household cleaning and personal products).

Steve Moreau, VenLyn Gifts (giftware and décor).

Hayley Bedford, Handmade by Hayley (Handmade stuffies and accessories).

Krista Mifflin, Desdemona’s (Sewn Goods: Handbags, totes, dresses, masks, costumes).

Tara and Amy DeJong, Chester Creek Creations (t-shirts, long sleeves, coffee mugs, wine glasses).

Steve Gergis, Fiji Radiance (hand sanitizer with organic ingredients from Fiji).

Half of stem cell donors

Canadian Blood Services is asking prospective stem cell donors to re-affirm their commitment to patients.

“Currently, when potential donors on Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry are contacted to donate stem cells for a patient, only about 50% of them follow through,” says Dr. Heidi Elmoazzen, director of stem cells at Canadian Blood Services. This is well-short of the World Marrow Donor Association’s recommended target of 80 per cent donor availability for member registries.

Most eligible Canadians who join the registry are passionate about helping a patient when they join, says Dr. Elmoazzen. In some cases, the decision not to donate when called is driven by important health or other personal reasons. However, prospective

donors should understand that joining the registry is a long-term commitment. They could wait years for a call to actually help a patient. But when that call comes, the need is typically urgent. Any delay, such as one caused by a need to seek an alternative donor - if one can even be identified - can put a patient at risk.

There are hundreds of Canadian patients who require lifesaving stem cell transplants each year, as a treatment for more than 80 blood cancers and disorders. About 75% of those patients will not find a matching donor within their own families. To survive, they rely on Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry, with its database of healthy volunteer donors and its connections with similar registries around the world.

For this reason, Canadian Blood Services has

Disability Insurance

by Sharyn Hillier, B.A., CHS, Hill Life Financial

Some call it “pay cheque insurance”, but it is otherwise known as Disability Insurance. Complicated? It seems to be, for many. Will you use it? There is a fairly good chance you will.

There are so many different types of disability insurance. Short term, long term, creditor insurance, WSIB, disability plans under group insurance, etc. How can you keep track? Or decide what is the best option for you?

Some people don’t realize that their greatest asset is not their home, their car, the family cottage, or their boat. A person’s greatest asset is themselves, their ability to earn an income and keep earning an income.

The likelihood of having at least one disability that lasts longer than 90 days before you reach age 65 is inversely proportional to your

launched an initiative to contact all individuals currently on the stem cell registry. In the weeks ahead, registrants will receive emails asking them to choose “yes, committed” if they are still committed to donating stem cells to any patient, or “no longer committed” if they are no longer committed to remaining on the registry. Registrants can also call 1 888 236 6283 (1 888 2 DONATE) to update their status. This change is not permanent. At any time, registrants can change their status to “yes, committed.”

Robbie Faraday is one donor who honoured his commitment to patients. After hearing the story of a fellow Queen’s University student who survived cancer because of a stem cell transplant, he joined the registry. The following year, he was sitting in class when his phone rang. Canadian Blood Services had

news: Robbie had been identified as a possible match for a patient.

“I didn’t have any hesitation because I felt that it could have a huge impact on someone’s life,” says Robbie. “Donating was a really positive and easy experience for me. I figured my discomfort was negligible compared to the positive impact my donation would have on the recipient’s life.”

Committed registrants are more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most Canadian patients depend on international stem cell donors, but international border closures and travel restrictions related to COVID-19 have meant that patients and transplant centres now rely more on donors from Canada.

The pandemic has also made it more difficult to recruit new potential donors to the registry. To reduce the transmission of CO-

VID-19, in-person community swabbing events to recruit potential donors are suspended. People can sign up online instead, and receive a swab kit in the mail.

“We’re especially interested in male donors between the ages of 17 and 35, who tend to result in better outcomes for patients,” says Dr. Elmoazzen. “Also, because of Canada’s changing demographics we’re looking for donors from all ancestral backgrounds.”

We urge healthy Canadians who are eligible to join Canadian Blood

Services Stem Cell Registry online to order their swab kit to be delivered in the mail. Current registrants who no longer wish to be considered as a potential stem cell donor should contact us to update their status to “no longer committed” in the registry. This change is not permanent. At any time, registrants can change their status to “yes, committed,” or update their contact information, by calling 1 888 236 6283 (1 888 2 DONATE).

For more information, visit blood.ca/stemcells.

actual age. The older you get, the less likely you will have a disability that takes you away from your work. However, the duration of that disability will grow as you grow older.

For example, if you are currently 35 years old, the probably of a disability before age 65 is about 50%. The duration of that disability will be about 3.5 years. If you are 55 years old, the probably of a disability before age 65 drops to 23%, but the duration rises to about 5 years.

Let me address some common myths about disability insurance. The two main ones involve group insurance and WSIB. Having group insurance at work is a particularly good thing. People’s minds are put at ease by knowing it’s there. Yet many people don’t look at the group benefits booklet or know exactly what they have until it comes time to actually make a claim.

Did you know that group insurance, on average, will only cover you for two years? Look at that statistic again for the 35 year old. The average duration for a disability at that age is 3.5 years. It makes you wonder what will happen after the group insurance runs out.

Also, many group plans have what is known as a NEM, or a non-evidence maximum. The NEM is the maximum amount of benefit that the insurance company will provide to employees, unless they provide medical evidence of good health. Remember, most group plans will pay you 66.7% of your gross monthly insurable earnings. Example, you make $10,000 per month and the NEM is $5,000 per month. On disability, you would only take home the $5,000 and not $6,670 (or 66.7% of your salary), unless you had given medical evidence to the

insurance company prior to the claim.

Do you know if your group disability insurance with your employer is taxable income? Or will it come to you tax free? If your employer pays the premiums for the disability insurance, chances are you will be taxed. However, if you pay the premiums, the benefit will be paid to your tax free.

So, while having disability insurance through an employer is an amazing benefit, it may not always cover you entirely when your health fails, or if you have an accident. Looking at an individual plan to cover you for a longer period, or having additional coverage above the non-evidence maximum, might prove to be a good idea.

When it comes to WSIB, many workers think they are covered for everything. The definition of WSIB is a disability resulting in an inability

to work due to an occupational accident (that means on the job, not at home), or an occupational disease. It must be sudden and unforeseen.

Only 5% of disabilities happen on the job. That means that 95% of a person’s disability risk is not covered by WSIB. This gives a false sense of security, and many people turn down personal disability insurance on the premise that they have WSIB.

Chances are, when a disability occurs, they will not be covered under WSIB. Education when it comes to disability insurance is an education in peace of mind. Know what you have. Know what your risks are. Ensure that your greatest asset is covered.

Need to protect those close to you?

Need to protect your business?

Hill Life Financial can help you protect what is important to you.

We specialize in life insurance, critical illness, disability, travel insurance and long term care

Sharyn Hillier, CHS Life Insurance Broker sharyn.hillier@gmail.com

613-252-2403

decline to help patients when asked