Two Row Times, May 1, 2024

Plastics-First-Nations: Aamjiwnaang First Nation declares state of emergency over industry benzene leak

Aamjiwnaang First Nation is declaring a state of emergency over a benzene leak linked to a neighbouring petrochemical facility.

The community near Sarnia, Ont., which is surrounded by industrial facilities, raised the alarm last week as citizens

fell ill and closed its offices to limit exposure to the cancer-causing substance.

Leaders from the First Nation and international environment advocates also wrote to the federal environment minister on Thursday asking him to take immediate

steps to ensure the Ineos Styrolution plant remains closed until Aamjiwnaang deems it safe to reopen.

The plant began a shutdown on April 20, two days after a provincial compliance order demanded the company take steps to

fix the benzene pollution problem.

The company described the shutdown in one media report as temporary, calling the health and safety of staff and the community “paramount,” adding the plant would reopen once a “mechanical issue” was

addressed.

Janelle Nahmabin, an elected councillor with the First Nation, says high levels of benzene have thrown the community into peril with no end in sight.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 26, 2024.

GANE’ YOHS UPDATE

The Gane’ Yohs Health Centre is closed until further notice due to mold. This closure does effect the Ohsweken Pharmasave or Six Nations Mental Health. NOT

As of the Ohsweken Lab is operating at White Pines Wellness Centre with parking available in the rear parking lot. (1745 Chiefswood Road) April 29, 2024,

The following services are planning to re-launch their services on at the White Pines Wellness Centre (1745 Chiefswood Road). May 6, 2024

Gane’ Yohs Medical Clinic

IMRAC Clinic

Public Health

Sexual Health Clinic

The Dental Office will be closed until a suitable clinic space and equipment can be identified.

The Six Nations Election Code Committee is seeking at least (10) qualified members of the community to serve as members for the Integrity Commission.

The Integrity Commission is established to ensure that confidence in the governance of the Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council is upheld in an ethical and respectful manner. It serves to restore, uphold and maintain a positive political reputation to promote the general welfare of the Six Nations people.

The Integrity Commission is established to improve, enhance and maintain: pride, trust and confidence in the Six Nations Elected Chief and Councillors, by ensuring that all Six Nations codes, rules and regulations are strictly adhered to. All members of Co uncil must always be accountable and take full responsibility for their deeds and actions. The Integrity Commission, through a fair, unbiased and organized process, will accept, validate and investigate complaints of suspected violations. The Commission shall also impose penalties for non-compliance and proven violations.

The Commission will therefore advise and educate members of Council, and include the community in this process, to seek, advance and maintain open, honest and accountable governance.

The term of service is to be four (4) years (renewable) with, ideally, no more than one -half of the qualified Integrity Commission members being replaced on an annual basis, to ensure continuity.

Qualifications for members of the Integrity Commission

1. must be at least 18 years of age

2. must be a resident Band Member of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory

3. proven community participant with knowledge of community dynamics

4. be honest, honourable, and of good character as demonstrated by providing two letters of reference and a clean CPIC report

5. possess the ability to be impartial and non-judgemental

6. have no employment with Band Administration, or personal financial gain/interest in work undertaken by the Band

7. have no involvement in political campaigning/endorsements

8. must uphold and honour the oath of a member of the Integrity Commission

9. must not hold an elected political position, nor be related to an elected official (Conflict of Interests – Code of Conduct)

“Family Member” – means:

a) Spouse, including but not limited to common-law spouse and same sex partner;

b) Child, mother, father, sister, brother, grandchild, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece and nephew;

c) Mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law; and

d) Step-mother, step-father, step-sister, step-brother and step-child.

10. will be removed for violation of the Integrity Commission Oath (Appendix B)

Those interested, are required to provide a cover letter indicating why you would like to become an Integrity Commissioner and a recent Resume with t wo (2) letters of reference by non family members (work related/volunteer/personal) clean CPIC to:

Six Nations Election Code Committee

“Integrity Commission”

Oneida Business Park, 50 Generations Drive Box 24 Ohsweken, Ontario N0A 1M0

Email: chair.snecc@gmail.com

Deadline Date: Posted until ten (10) Commissioners are in place. Packages can be submitted by email.

Only those selected for interview will be contacted. Please ensure you have accurate contact information as you will be contacted immediately.

Please email for further information or if you have any questions.

FREE OPEN HOUSE EVENT

Gane Yoh’s closed due

Gane Yoh’s is the latest council building to suddenly close due to the discovery of mold.

Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council has been scrambling to re-locate services from the building, which houses numerous health services, since the discovery last week.

The spate of mold discoveries in bandowned buildings these past few months comes after long-overdue health and safety inspections were carried out.

“In fall of 2023, SNGR started to assess all band owned buildings from an occupational health and safety perspective,” council spokesperson Darryl Smart said in an email. “These assessments haven’t

been completed for the past few years due to COVID-19. We are dealing with each report as they come in on an individual basis with remediation and repair plans.”

Gane Yoh’s was built around 1980, Smart estimated.

Numerous services have been halted or moved since the discovery, including:

-Ohsweken Lab

-Ohsweken Public Health

-Ohsweken Dental

-Internal Medicine Rapid Assessment Clinic

-Ohsweken Medical Clinic (Dr. Hsaio and Dr. Adachi)

A number of services have since been moved to the White Pines Wellness Centre or are being fielded out to different locations, including:

-Lab Services. The lab is open and operating from the Six Nations Family Health Team

Clinic at the White Pines Wellness Centre, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

-Public Health. People can contact the Brant County Health Unit at 519-7593-4957 or their own primary care providers for immunizations and other public health matters.

-Dental Services. The dental clinic is closed for now but SNGR said there are several options based on patient need and patients can contact 548328-2037 for direction and support.

-IMRAC Clinic. The Internal Medicine Rapid Assessment Clinic is restarting services on May 2 from the Family Health Team Clinic. People can call 519-445-4019 for more information.

-The Ohsweken Medical Clinic. Patients can contact 519761-9058 for more

due to mold discovery

information regarding Dr. Hsaio and Dr. Adachi’s clinics.

There is no estimated time of relocation for the dental clinic, said Smart, as planning for the relocation is on-going.

“The other services require specific space requirements, equipment/supply moves etc so we are

still working on the logistics of this for some of the services,” he said.

“Our priority was to get services restarted as soon as possible for the community. We also tried to centralize services versus having people travel to several different places for service. We’ve had to move and realign office spaces, creating

Guelph’s Private Tree Protection Bylaw update

Have your say by May 27

even more tight quarters than we originally had. However, our team members are diligently working together to reestablish services for the community.”

Patients of Gane Yoh’s services can contact (519) 761-9058 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information.

We want to know your thoughts on options for the update of Guelph’s Private Tree Protection Bylaw, a tool used by the City to protect and enhance Guelph’s tree canopy cover.

haveyoursay.guelph.ca/tree-bylaw

5K MOCCASIN WALK FOR HOSPICE FUNDRAISER

May 11, 2024

Blue Track, (1738 4th Line, Ohsweken), 9:00am - 12:00pm

For more information, contact: hospice@sixnations ca Refreshments and Door Prizes!

All are welcome!

Sponsor sheets can be picked up at Home and Community Care or White Pines Wellness Centre or you are more than welcome to print your own.

Sponsorship e-transfers can be sent to: snhealthfoundation@outlook com

The

Proclamation: Canada's first, Certificate of Possession

On October 25, 1784, Sir Fredrick Haldimand, British Governor of the Territory of Quebec, presented Mohawk Warrior and British Army Officer, Captain Joseph Brant and his followers, [the Iroquois People of the Church], a carefully worded document referred to as; the [Haldimand Proclamation]. This Edict from the British Monarch of the day; King George 111, allowed Captain Brant and his Mo-

hawks and other Iroquois people of the Church, the Right to live and prosper along the Ouse River, located in the southern part of the British territory of Upper Canada. This Official Edict became known as; the Haldimand Tract. The Haldimand Tract stretched out for six miles from the east and west banks of the river whose headwaters were near the modern-day town of Paris, Ontario. From Paris the Ouse River

flowed southeast to where it emptied into Lake Erie at Port Maitland. After moving from their ancestral homeland along the Mohawk River in eastern New York State, Joseph Brant and the Iroquois people of the Church were allowed to settle near the only usable crossing of the Ouse River several miles south of the source of the river at a spot which became known as, Brants crossing. There, Brant, along with his Mo-

hawks and the Iroquois people of the Church built the first Mohawk village in Upper Canada on the western side of the river. In 1785, the British Government erected an Anglican Chapel for Brant and his people which still stands today and is known as His Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks; a testament to the bond between the British and the Iroquois people of the Church. There were no Haudenausaunee

people of the Long House involved in this endeavour. Here in 2024, most Iroquois people of the Church know that they are living on a small section of what remains of the Haldimand Tract. Today the land is known as, the Six Nations Indian Reserve.

However; ever since 1784 until today, most Iroquois people living on the reserve are unaware of what the Haldimand Tract really is. Some people call the Haldimand Proclama-

territories got together and

proclaimed to the world that Canada was now a Dominion and the first acquisition of the new, British Commonwealth of Nations. The Canadian proclamation of July 01, 1867 was disastrous news to the Iroquois in the Haldimand Tract as the leaders of the new country of Canada assumed control over every native Indian community in the country. Overnight, the semi-sovereign territory of the Haldimand Tract became, an Indian reserve and the Iroquois people of the Church became [wards of the federal government of Canada] and the land and water of the Haldimand Tract which the Mohawks and other Iroquois people of the Church were to enjoy forever, now belonged to the Dominion of Canada. Prior to July 1867, there had been Iroquois villages along the Ouse River from Brant's Crossing to Port Maitland but these soon became white towns as the entire region lost its Iroquois heritage and became part of white Canada. The 450,000 acres of the Haldimand Tract had been reduced down to less that 65,000 overnight. Today, the descendants of Joseph Brant and the Iroquois people of the Church, after 240 years of living and possessing the Haldimand Tract are still fighting for survival as an Iroquois community, as a group of Iroquois and white half-breed people and the Canadian federal government along with the provincial government of Ontario are attempting to take over what remains of the Haldimand Tract.

Doug Whitlow

How it pays to spend time in nature

Few things can be as distracting as a beautiful day. When the weather outside is welcoming, it can be hard to focus on indoor activities, including work and tasks around the house.

Though it’s not advisable to ignore responsibilities at work and at home when the weather outside beckons, it can be beneficial to spend ample time in nature when circumstances allow. People tend to flock to the great outdoors in spring, summer and fall, and some are even so devoted that they bundle up and head outside throughout winter. Whether they know it or not, people who love to spend time in nature are doing their mental and physical health a lot of good by embracing the great outdoors.

Mental health benefits: The National Alliance of Mental Illness notes that a growing body of research supports the idea that time in nature is good for mental health. A 2015 study from researchers at Stanford University found that people who walked in a natural area for 90 minutes exhibited decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with depression compared to those who walked in high-traffic urban settings.

The United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation (MHF) also touts the mental health benefits of the great outdoors. According to the MHF, research shows that people who are connected with nature are more

with no such connectedness. In addition, the MHF notes time in nature has been shown to generate positive emotions, including calmness and joy, and

benefits of time in nature, people should know that where they spend time outdoors matters. As the Stanford study indicated, time outside in high-traf-

natural settings, like forests, that tend to be more serene. People who live in cities or other densely populated areas can still benefit from time outdoors, but they might experience even greater health gains if they make consistent efforts to spend time in more natural settings.

Physical health benefits: The physical health benefits of time in nature are equally notable. Perhaps the most obvious physical benefit is related to physical activity. People tend to embrace physical activity when spending time in nature. Hiking, jogging, walking, nature-based recreational activities like kayaking, and playing sports like basketball or pickleball all involve physical activi-

ty, which can help people avoid the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, such as an increased risk for chronic diseases. More specifically, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation notes the physical health benefits of spending time outside include; a stronger immune system; lower blood pressure; increased energy levels; and improved sleep. Each of those benefits contributes to greater overall health, making time outdoors among the more beneficial behaviors a person can embrace.

There’s no shortage of benefits to spending time in nature. That’s something to keep in mind the next time welcoming weather beckons you to get some fresh air.

The global scope of violence against women

Greater public understanding of the scope of violence against women may compel further action to combat such brutality.

Dating back to social media usage that began in 2006, the social movement often referred to as “#MeToo” has done much to draw attention to violence against women. Such violence was perpetrated prior to 2006 and has persisted even as the #MeToo movement has inspired women across the globe to share their stories in public. Greater public understanding of the scope of violence against women may compel further action to combat such brutality.

• Estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that three in 10 women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

• WHO data indicates that 27 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 who have been in a relationship report that they have been subjected

to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner. The organization UN Women indicates that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 243 million women in that age bracket experienced such violence.

• A WHO analysis of prevalence data from 2000-2018 found that as many as 38 percent of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners.

• Data regarding non-partner sexual violence is more limited, but the WHO indicates 6 percent of women across the globe report having been sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner.

• A 2013 study from the WHO examining the health burden associated with violence against women found that women who had been physically or sexually abused were 1.5 times more likely to have a

sexually transmitted infection compared to women who had not experienced partner violence.

• A 2021 report from the United Nations indicated that domestic violence against women increased to unprecedented levels in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Commission on COVID-19 and criminal justice indicated a greater than 8 percent increase of such violence following the onset of lockdown orders in 2020.

Violence against women remains a significant yet wholly preventable issue. Women in need of assistance in the United States can contact the National Domestic Violence hotline 24/7/365 at 1-800-799-7233. In Canada, women in need of assistance are urged to call 911 or their local provincial and territorial crisis lines. TF234879

4 ways to learn more about Indigenous cultures

(NC) For many thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples have lived here on what some call Turtle Island. Here are four ways you can learn more about Indigenous cultures in Canada.

Attend Indigenous events

Every year, on June 21 we recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day. To celebrate, communities across the country host events and activities. But, there are countless opportunities to appreciate Indigenous cultures throughout the year. Depending on where you live – or travel – you can attend a public powwow, an Indigenous film or arts festival, or visit a cultural centre or heritage park.

Support Indigenous businesses

Shopping at local, inde-

pendent businesses is always a great way to support your community. Seek out Indigenous-owned operations in your area to sample traditional foods, broaden your wardrobe and decorate your home with unique works of art.

Learn about local Indigenous communities

Across the country, there are numerous non-profit organizations that you can volunteer your time with. Activities can range from helping out at a community kitchen to helping remove invasive plant species from Indigenous lands, working hand-inhand with locals.

Visit a historic site

Many provincial and national historic sites focus on Indigenous heritage. There, you might see ancient petroglyphs

(rock caravings), pictographs (rock paintings), longhouses and historic villages.

At SGang Gwaay World Heritage Site, part of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, for example, you can see intricately carved poles, still standing after more than a century in an area that’s been home to the Haida Nation since time immemorial. Or, you can visit the site from afar by listening to an episode of Parks Canada’s ReCollections podcast that shares the story of an archaeology partnership that’s helping the Haida people connect with their ancestors.

You can find the Gwaii Haanas episode at parks. canada.ca/recollections, or wherever you get your podcasts.

WP stands in solidarity with the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG

Supporting Indigenous women's safety, security and well-being

Five common mental health conditions

JACE KOBLUN jace@tworowtimes.com TWO ROW TIMES

Mental health disorders are more common than one may think. Despite dramatic strides in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, there are some who remain hesitant to bring up mental health issues.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) says one out of every eight people around the world live with a mental disorder. Considering there are nearly eight billion people in the world, that equates to one billion with a mental health condition.

Mental disorders affect thinking, feel-

ing, mood, and behaviour. Some mental health conditions can be chronic, while others are temporary, indicates MedlinePlus.

Mental illness can result from life experiences, traumatic brain injury, genes, family history, and other biological factors. The following are some of the common mental health conditions people may experience.

Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias, specific phobias, panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions are characterized by feelings

of worry, fear and nervousness that are strong enough to interfere with daily activities.

Depression: Depression involves feeling sad, irritable or empty. Loss of pleasure or interest in activities, including ones that were once enjoyed, can occur. These feelings need

to occur every day, for most of the day for at least two weeks to be classified as depression, says the WHO. People with depression often feel hopeless about the future, may have changes in sleeping patterns, may have changes in appetite, and may feature low energy.

Eating disorders:

WebMD indicates eating disorders involve extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviors involving weight, body image and food. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are the most common eating disorders. Body dysmorphic disorder also is a mental health condition, and it involves worry about flaws in appearance, which can be related to eating disorders.

Addiction and impulse control disorders: Individuals with impulse control and addiction disorders are unable to resist the urges to perform acts that can be harmful to themselves or others. These behaviors can include us-

ing drugs or alcohol, gambling, sexual addictions, kleptomania, and others.

Bipolar affective disorder: This is a type of mood disorder previously known as “manic depression.” Someone with this condition experiences episodes of mania (elation) and depression, says Better Health Victoria, an Australian health resource.

Speaking with a doctor about mental health conditions is the first step to getting help. There are many different treatment options, including cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, medication, meditation, and other options.

been known to have calming effects, and helps us to regulate distress The world is such an overwhelming place, a lot of people are looking for love, comfort and peace, so this Mental Health Week,#Let’s Get Loud and remember to Be Kind, because compassion connects us all

Mental Health Week to highlight the power of compassion, May 6 - 10

There are many different treatment options for mental health conditions, including cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, medication, meditation, and other options. Submitted photo

5 inspirational gifts for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, May 12, 2024. Mother’s Day is devoted to expressing love and showering praise on mothers, step-mothers and any other figure in one’s life who has taken on a motherly role.

It is customary to lavish extra praise on moms come Mother’s Day, and that often involves gift-giving. The following are five gifts that can ensure Mom knows her efforts and unconditional love have not gone unnoticed.

1. Prompt mindful thinking: The cards from Sunny Present Empowering Questions Cards pose questions to prompt meditation, journaling or simply to

practice mindfulness during the day. They are a great way to encourage positive selftalk. Each of the 52 cards feature a door in the Estonian city of Tallinn. Available through Amazon and www.sunnypresent. com.

2. Motivational can-do candles: A little aromatherapy can treat any mother to an uplifting or relaxing fragrance in her special place in the home. But these inspirational candles from Bianchi Candle Co. feature names like “bravery,” “joy” and “gratitude” and a motivational message. Purchase at bianchicandleco.com.

3. Inspirational coffee table book: Author and educator Natalie Friscia Pancet-

ti wrote, “This Too… Life-Isms to Savor the Sweetness of Life and Calm You Through the Storms” to pay homage to her parents, particularly her father, who was fond of the phrase, “this too shall pass.” Pancetti says people often relate the phrase to rough patches in life, but it also can refer to cherishing all the moments that are fleeting. The book offers many inspirational passages and lessons that can be applied to all aspects of life. It can be a touching gift for a mom, grandmother or another special woman. Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at www. nataliefrisciapancetti. com.

4. Relaxing home

spa experience: Many people have turned their bathrooms into home spas, particularly empty nesters who now have more time to relax and pamper themselves. Spending time in a relaxing shower is a way for Mom to clear her mind and unwind, and Shower Steamers from Body Restore can set the ideal environment. Purchase on

Amazon and include alongside additional home spa necessities like loofahs or a bathrobe.

5. Ancestry exploration: Foster greater bonds in the family by giving Mom an opportunity to further trace her heritage. Popular genealogy companies include Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com and 23andme.com, enabling anyone to en-

joy a look back at the lineage that helped shape who they are today. These companies can help trace ancestors and even connect people with distant relatives.

Mother’s Day gifting can revolve around inspirational and heartfelt gifts that show special mothers how much they are appreciated. TF245945

SIX NATIONS COUNCIL

SIX NATIONS AND NEW CREDIT

DOXTADOR: Amy Vernice

February 13, 1978 - April 26, 2024

Loving daughter to Francine and the late Leo. Loving mother of Mysti-Rayne, Cameron, Denver, Levi-Leo, Frankie, and the late Skylar. Amy will also be remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Predeceased by grandparents Grace & Frank Doxtador of Six Nations, and Irene & Frank Cadreau of Batchawana Bay. Resting at her home 25 Bicentennial Trail, Ohsweken after 6 pm. Monday. Funeral service and burial will be held at Onondaga Longhouse, Six Nations on Wednesday May 1, 2024 at 11 am. Arrangements by Styres Funeral Home, Ohsweken. www.rhbanderson.com

HUGE Mother’s Day Yard Sale

Saturday May 11, Sunday May 12th

9am - ?, Veterans Park Ohsweken

Unique Mom’s Gifts, Cleaning out storage unit, Let’s be kind and support our local Food Bank

Please bring a non-perishable food item “Hope to see you there” Vendors Call 519-761-7648

Jonathan: Betty Nee: VanEvery

At the Iroquois Lodge on Wednesday April 24, 2024, at the age of 90, Betty Jonathan began her journey to be reunited with her Lord and Saviour, and the many family and friends waiting for her. Daughter of the late Leonard and

Evelyn (Hill) VanEvery. Predeceased by husband Alvin Jonathan, and son Glen “Junker” Jonathan. Sister of Joyce Davey, the late Jeannette Dean Hill, and late Ronald Joseph VanEvery. Betty was a very special aunt and will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews.

Her family will honour her life on Monday April 29, with a visitation beginning at 4:00pm, and a prayer service at 7:00pm. A funeral will be held on Tuesday April 30, beginning at 2:00 PM. Both the visitation and funeral will be held at Mott and Hyde Funeral Home located at 60 Main Street South, Hagersville, ON. Following the funeral she will be laid to rest at Bethany Baptist Mission, with dinner to follow at ILA located at 3201 2nd Line. www.rhbanderson.com

HILL: Bradly Kennith

March 26, 1992 - April 12, 2024

It is with great sadness and heartbreak we announce the tragic passing of Bradly Kennith Hill, at the age of 32. Reunited with his loving mother in sky world, the Late Paula Joy Martin. Grandson of the late Joyce and David (Dowy) Martin. Great grandson of Charlotte Martin. Nephew of Randy Martin, Karen Locke (Dwayne) and the late Kenny and Jack Martin. Special nephew to Candy and Dave Martin (predeceased). Special friend to Kurt, Don and many others. Brad had a long love for skateboarding, paint balling and being adventurous. Despite his trials, Brad always had a smile on his face. He will be forever loved and forever missed by many close cousins, family and friends.

He will be resting at his cousin Shasta’s at 1017 Chiefswood Road, Hagersville after 6:30 p.m. Friday until 12:30 p.m. Saturday, then to Styres Funeral Home, 1798 4th Line, Ohsweken for Funeral Service on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. Burial to follow at Salvation Army Cemetery, Six Nations. www.rhbanderson.com

I would like to thank the Dreamcatcher Foundation for the support for my 2023/24 Hockey Season. Justin V

Providing dust free environments which are durable and easy to clean. Completed over 30,000 sq. ft. –4 Buildings on Six Nations. Instagram: @industrial epoxy coatings

Website: www.industrialepoxycoatings.com Dan Scattolon 905-531-3650 Call now for a Free Quote

CLUES ACROSS

1. Lions do it

5. In favor of

8. Rest here please (abbr.)

11. Pulpits

13. Leisure activity

14. Fertility god

15. Financial obligations

16. When you anticipate getting somewhere

17. Spanish river

18. Sporting events

20. Type of tree

21. Ceased to be

22. Persons

25. Synthetic resin

30. Relates to photochemical reactions

31. Father

32. Former Cowboys coach

33. City in Finland

38. Run batted in

41. Got through

43. They darken skin

45. In a harmful way

48. Form of weaving

49. City of Angels hoopster

50. Caucasian language

55. Syngman __, Korean president

56. Sun up in New York

57. Paddled

59. Fishes

60. Affirmative

61. Nimble

62. Doctor of Education

63. Soviet Socialist Republic

64. A small island

CLUES DOWN

1. Cool!

2. Hebrew unit of measure

3. Swedish rock group

4. College army

5. Favor over another

6. Called it a career

7. Egg-shaped wind instrument

8. Israeli statesman

9. Hurries

10. Slog

12. Midway between south and southeast

14. Benedictine monk

19. Self-immolation by fire ritual

23. Family of regulator genes

24. Surrendering

25. Political action committee

26. S. American plant

27. Long-term memory

28. Bark

29. Breathes in

34. Take hold of

35. Everyone has one

36. Valentine’s Day color

37. Drivers’ licenses and passports

39. Outer walls of castles

40. Enters with force

41. One thousandth of an inch

42. Deceased Chinese politician

44. Sugary secretion of plants

45. Expressed pleasure

46. Shelter

47. Utilizes

48 Forest resident

51. Fashion accessory

52. A sharply directional antenna

53. __ Kristofferson, actor

54. A bad place to end up

58. MLBer Gordon

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, your friends have stepped up to support you, and it is time to get together and enjoy one another’s company. Think about an activity that everyone can get behind.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, the people around you may work more slowly than you, so you will likely need to be patient this week while working on a particular project. Eventually things will work out.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, exercise caution when dealing with people who promise big returns on your investments right now. Avoid financial dealings with anyone you have not fully vetted.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, some people around you would like to use flattery to get you to do what they want. However, you are too savvy to fall for people who may be guiding you in the wrong direction.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Loved ones and friends in your life deserve your time and energy right now, Leo. Figure out a way to cut down on hours spent on the job this week.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, things going on in your life right now may be a bit more confusing than you anticipated. It can be stressful, but with some assistance from others you will get through the situation.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Someone in your life who has not always been on your side has been changing his or her ways lately, Libra. You may want to reevaluate the relationship soon.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you have been working hard to avoid conflict with someone close to you, but it could start to feel like more effort than you can care to keep up.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

An interesting travel opportunity is coming your way, Sagittarius. When the news arrives, take advantage of it and start planning your itinerary.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, is your schedule flexible right now? Try to rearrange things to take advantage of some last-minute recreational opportunities. You deserve to have more fun.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you may be feeling moody and introspective right now. Take time to evaluate your dreams and the thoughts going through your head. There may be common threads.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Don’t let some ambiguous feedback adversely affect your mood, Pisces. You will never be able to please everyone, so focus on those people who are on your side.