FREE Income Tax clinics
It’s that time again, and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program offers trained volunteers to prepare and e-file your tax returns. This collaboration between community organizations and Canada Revenue Agency will run during March and April to assist eligible people with simple tax returns and low/modest income. (individual $35,000; couples $45,000; add $2,500 per child) For more information or to book an appointment please call:
Barry’s Bay: Christine 613.602.3591
Killaloe: Jeanette 613.757.3108
Whitney/Madawaska: Sylvia 613.412.9962
Valley Manor residents receive second-dose vaccination
In just “two hours and 20 minutes from start to finish” on February 26 all residents at Valley Manor Long Term Care in Barry’s Bay received their second round of COVID-19 vaccinations. In a press release dated Feb.26 Valley Manor CEO Trisha DesLaurier said, “Valley Manor held its second dose of vaccinations today for residents and the small group of staff that received their first dose in late January. Vaccinations were held in each resident’s room for this round.” She said the Moderna vaccine was used. “We are totally elated to have that final layer of protection for our residents here at the Manor and it is an excellent way to end the week and the month of February,” said DesLaurier. She also expressed relief that all Valley Manor Staff vaccinations will be happening “very soon.”
Area food banks
Killaloe Food Bank: open on Tuesday March 2 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at 12 North Street, Killaloe (beside Buried Treasure). Details on Facebook/Killaloe Food Bank or email killaloefoodbank@gmail.com
Madawaska Valley Food Bank: open on Tuesday March 9 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 8 Martin Street, Barry’s Bay. All clients must wear masks. Upon arrival (no earlier than 8:30 a.m.) clients will be asked to form a line with their vehicles in the parking lot opposite the food bank. Please enter the parking lot (between Afelskie’s and the Ear Depot) FROM DUNN STREET, NOT MARTIN STREET. Details on Facebook/Madawaska Valley Food Bank or email mvfoodbank@gmail.com
Key messages for residents about the COVID-19 Vaccine
In a news release dated Feb.26, the Renfrew County and District (RCD) COVID-19 Vaccine Communications Committee and the RCD COVID-19 Command Table emphasized some key messages for all residents of Renfrew County and District regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. Click HERE to read the full press release in our COVID-19 section. The release explains that the Communications Committee will use various multi-media channels to explain who is next to receive the vaccine, and the prioritized groups will be notified once the details of a centralized, online vaccine booking system is finalized. The Communications Committee asks residents to be patient, and says you should not call your doctor or nurse practitioner just to get on a list or make an appointment; instead, only call if you have questions about your personal health status before you receive the vaccine. Alternatively, if you are without a primary care provider, you can contact the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (1-844-727-6404) to consult with a family physician.
Dr. Jason Malinowski, Chief of Staff at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, yesterday on social media emphasized that no one in this area is being called at the moment, so be wary if you receive a call from someone who wants your personal information — do not give it out. He said that Renfrew County will use its own online booking system, not the provincial one.
There’s still time to join Grief Support Group
This free Winter Grief Support Group was postponed and will now start on March 5th. Call Madawaska Valley Hospice for more details or to register. Tel 613.756.3045 ext.350.
Exercise snacks
Scott Lear of Simon Fraser University recently wrote about the benefits of short periods of exercise in The Conversation Canada. He said, “The new Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour published by the World Health Organization (WHO) are notable for what is missing: the minimum time for an exercise session.” Lear heads a research group that investigates the role of regular physical activity on health and disease. He says their “research indicates the health and fitness benefits from exercise begin from the very first step of movement.”
Similar to previous WHO guidelines, “these recognize the importance of regular activity on physical and mental well-being. The guidelines recommend a target between 150 and 300 minutes per week of moderate activity (such as brisk walking) or 75 to 150 minutes per week of vigorous activity (such as running) or a combination of the two.” Lear points out, ”People have seen their step counts decrease by up to 50 per cent during COVID-19.” If you find it difficult to fit exercise into your daily activities, exercise snacks may be for you. And we couldn’t resist a report about a bite-sized route to fitness in today’s bite-sized news!
This week’s COVID-19 test schedule
Remember to check out The Current’s Classified/Notices page for the latest Test Schedule and other useful community information.
