Volunteer Week
April 7-to 13 is Volunteer Week, an annual reminder to celebrate the volunteers in our community. Remember to look around and thank a volunteer. They’re everywhere!
Catch The Ace ticket sales begin Friday April 12
St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation has announced that tickets for the progressive jackpot lottery Catch The Ace will be available starting at noon on Friday April 12. Tickets cost $5.00 each (cash only) from the following locations (store hours will vary):
- Barry’s Bay: Barry’s Bay Esso, Charlie D’s, Pharmasave. St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, Valley Manor (Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
- Combermere: CO Country Market
- Killaloe: AJ’s Convenience, Killaloe Hardware
- Madawaska: Algonquin Bound Outfitters
- Round Lake: Round Lake Centre Food Market
- Wilno: Wilno Building Supply
Weekly winner takes 20 percent of the pot. Find the Ace of Spades to win 30 percent of the progressive jackpot. Weekly draws will be held Thursdays at 4 p.m. starting April 18 at the Ash Grove Inn, Barry’s Bay. Proceeds from the Catch The Ace progressive jackpot lottery go to Valley Manor Redevelopment.
MV Council to discuss water rates and set strategy date
A Special Council meeting has been scheduled for Thursday April 11 at 10 a.m. to discuss Water & Wastewater rates for the 2019 Madawaska Valley budget. On April 2 Council agreed that at the same meeting it would also set a date for its review of the Township’s strategic plans.
Renfrew County District Health Unit issues measles update
Ottawa Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles, so Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) will be investigating any potential contacts who reside in our area. On April 5 Dr. Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, said, “Currently, we have no confirmed cases of measles in Renfrew County and District (RCD); and there are no suspect cases under investigation as of today.”
RCD has some of the best immunization coverage in Ontario, with a 97.7% compliance rate for measles containing vaccine in our school aged population. To check your children’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that they are protected against measles, you can retrieve your child’s immunization record from their physician, using Immunizations Keep Ontarians Healthy (ICON) website (Click HERE to visit) or by calling 613-735-8666 to speak with a Public Health Nurse.
“If you believe you have been exposed to the measles virus it is important that you contact your health care provider before going to their office or visiting the emergency department, as special precautions may need to be taken when you arrive, to ensure for the safety of the staff and other patients,” says Courtney Trombley, Manager, Infectious Diseases.
Hwy 17 rumble strips could have fatal consequences
So warns the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA). Ish Theilheimer, Co-chair of OVCATA, issued a media release on April 4 following news of a plan to install rumble strips on Hwy. 17 between Chalk River and the Nipissing boundary. The road is the only route for trans-Canada cyclists with no alternative roads available. Rumble strips will force cyclists to ride in the main part of the heavily-travelled roadway. “We are very concerned about the absence of safe and suitable infrastructure for cyclists in the absence of any alternative roads or trails,” said Theilheimer and OVCATA secretary Ron Moss in a letter to Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek.
OVCATA is urging the Province to ultimately upgrade the abandoned former CP Rail line now known as the Algonquin Trail, but in the meantime the group says the installation of rumble strips could create real problems.
Schools, kids and family fun
- Sherwood PS hosts its Spring Bingo at the Barry’s Bay Legion on Thursday April 11. This school fundraiser (with cash prizes) kicks off with a Bake Sale at 6 p.m. Bingo at 7 p.m.
- St. John Bosco School in Barry’s Bay is continuing its Lenten Food Drive until April 17 to benefit the Madawaska Valley Food Bank. As part of its almsgiving initiative for Lent, Gr. 4-8 students will host a Senior’s Community Tea on May 8 in the school Library from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
- Easter Eggstravaganza hosted by MV Township is a family fun Easter Scavenger Hunt in Barry’s Bay on Saturday April 20. Start at 11:15 a.m. with Story Time at the Madawaska Valley Public Library. The Scavenger Hunt runs from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Complete your Scavenger Hunt with a slice of pizza, juice and prize at the last stop. $2 per person.