July 14

Hwy 17 widening announced

Ontario is to widen 22.5 kilometres of Hwy 17 to four lanes between Arnprior and Renfrew. The announcement on July 11 said the project from Scheel Drive to three kilometres west of Bruce Street in Renfrew County would include four new interchanges, and will reduce congestion and improve safety. According to a CBC News report construction work may begin within two to three years with completion estimated to be in approximately ten years.

18^th annual Bonnechere Authors Festival in full flow

Book lovers can still enjoy two more Authors’ Talks at the Bonnechere Authors Festival in Eganville:

• Monday July 22: Mark Bourrie, journalist, historian, lecturer and author of several acclaimed books. His latest is “Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson”.
• Monday July 29: Joyce Wayne and her high-energy historical fiction spy novel “Last Night of the World”, whose central figure is a Canadian woman spy.

Authors’ talks take place in the Eagle’s Nest at the Eganville Arena. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with homemade desserts and drinks available. The authors will speak at 7:30 p.m., followed by an opportunity to purchase books and have them signed. Preceding the talks, the community is invited to join the authors for dinner on the river patio at Rio Tap & Grill, the 2019 BAF Presenting Sponsor. Rio is offering a special priced Authors Festival Menu with choice of appetizer & entrée starting at 5:00 p.m.

Wellness Walk offered weekly in Barry’s Bay

Mark Tuesday mornings on your calendar to join a Wellness Walk to help nourish your physical and mental health. Led by a member of the Madawaska Valley Family Health Team, the Wellness Walk leaves St. Hedwig’s Parish at 10:30 a.m. and follows a circular route beside the lake for a total distance of 1.8 km. The Wellness Walk happens rain or shine and is open to all ages, although children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. More info at 613.756.9888 Ext. 5.

Police continue to receive complaints for AMBER Alerts

The OPP advises that Ontario AMBER Alert program is an instrumental tool in assisting both the public and police with locating an abducted child who may be in danger. They remind the public that calling 911 or any emergency service communication centre is not an appropriate venue to complain about AMBER Alerts.

The decision to utilize the Ontario AMBER Alert is based on established criteria, and is not taken lightly. In 2019, there have been five AMBER Alerts activated. As a direct result of these Alerts, four assisted in the safe return of the child/children and one with the apprehension of a suspect.  The OPP recognizes the inconvenience the Alert may have caused, but will not apologize for using all of the tools available to help locate a child. For more information regarding Canada’s emergency alerting system please visit the Alert Ready website.

Compassionate Teen program leads to volunteer hours

Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care is pleased to offer “Compassionate Teens: Aging and Dementia Awareness” workshop as part of their Compassionate Teen Program. Students will learn: about aging and dementia, communication skills, meaningful activities to interact with people with dementia and discover how engaging with elderly seniors can be very rewarding. The afternoon workshop is on Wednesday, July 31 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Education Room at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. To attend, please RSVP at Madawaska Valley Hospice, 613-756-3045, x 350 or apply at mvhospice@sfmhosp.com

Students will be able to participate in weekly supervised volunteer opportunities following this workshop and acquire volunteer hours towards their high school diploma or for their resume.

Film shot in the Valley ready for distribution

Matthew Campanile, a filmmaker who enjoyed many summers in the area, has completed his film set in the Valley called The Manhattan Project. The Current will soon publish an interview with Campanile but in the meantime film buffs can click HERE to view the trailer.