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Suzanne Sholer
Omemee news,events,and views from Greater Omemee Area, Ontario, Canada. Covering rural news between Peterborough and Lindsay. Submit your news!
When we first received this email,we weren’t sure if this was a hoax, or a phishing scam,so kept it under wraps. It is official! In our attempts to make it easier for people to find venues,and businesses in our rural area, Omemee Pigeon eFlyer has become one of the top contributors to Google Canadian maps. We’d like to share the letter we received with our readers:
Hi Google Map Maker!
We’re with the Google Map Maker community team and wanted to introduce ourselves to you. You’re one of the top mappers in Canada since last month’s Google Map Maker launch for Canadian editing, and we’re dedicated to supporting avid mapping users like you.
We’d be delighted to send you a gift from Google Map Maker based on the great mapping you’re doing!
Also, we’d love to find out more about your interest in mapping. Could you take just a moment to fill out this very brief form, sharing with us what excites you about mapping?
Finally, we warmly welcome you to join the North American Map Maker forum to interact with other mappers working on the North American region. We also recommend you visit the Map Maker Community, learn more about the application and introduce yourself to other members.
Welcome and happy mapping!
Warm regards,
Adam, Catherine and Andrew
Do you need help fixing your location on Google maps? Email Omemee Pigeon eFlyer! We can help!
Recycling and Waste Pickup is on Holiday scheduling this week so if your pick up is regularly Monday it's Tuesday,Tuesday-it's Wednesday,and so on. White or clear bags are very difficult to see against the snow.Residents are asked to please use black or green bags during the winter season. This Week is green box fibre recycling.
Residents are reminded to bring formerly live Christmas trees to any City landfill site,where they will be composted along with any other yard waste . Please remove all ornaments, tinsel and other decorations for your tree to be accepted at no cost.
This week's Green Bin fibre recycling pick up includes the following recyclables in your bin:
Wrapping Materials –Non-metallic wrapping paper and greeting cards. Gift bags accepted with rope, metal handles or other decals removed.
Newspaper/Fine Paper – Newspapers, insert flyers,
catalogues, magazines, phone books, mail, writing paper and envelopes (including window envelopes).
Other Packaging – Brown paper bags, fibre egg cartons, toilet/paper towel rolls and paper coffee cups (without plastic lids – those go in the blue box).
Boxboard – Boxboard includes cereal, cracker, detergent, drug, shoe, gift and tissue boxes. Remove liners and handles. Wax coated boxes such as frozen food boxes and ice cream cartons can also be added to your green
box.
Corrugated Cardboard – Cardboard has a rippled layer in the middle and includes clean pizza boxes. Remove tape and other material from boxes. Break into flat pieces and bundle. The bundle must be no larger than your green recycle box. Maximum size:
2ft x 2ft x 2ft or 61cm x 61cm x 61cm.
Books – Hard and soft cover books.
Shredded Paper –in a plastic bag
Did your cat, dog,kid, or car leak on your paper? Did your kid blow their nose on it? –Anything dirty-THAT’S GARBAGE! Here are some other types of paper besides paper towel / facial tissue that are not accepted in our recycling:
Extra garbage bag ties can be purchased for $3 each at:
Have questions about Curbside Collection?
Contact Miller Waste Systems Inc. at 1-888-557-4711 or www.millergroup.ca
Omemee Christian Outreach meets regularly Monday evenings for dinner, prayer, praise and Christian Fellowship at 6:30 pm at Christ Church Anglican. For the next two weeks however,there will be a change of pace.
For the next two weeks, rather than meeting at Christ Church Anglican,Omemee Christian Outreach welcomes you to join in a bit of holiday fun Wednesdays at noon at the cabin on Harry Peeters farm,just outside Omemee.
Harry Peeters has invited everyone to fun and fellowship at the cabin on his farm,just outside Omemee - pitching horseshoes.For the next two Wednesdays, come join in the fun at Harry's cabin at the back of their farm pitching horseshoes -good wholesome fun, and great friends.
For more information call Harry Peeters.
Devil's Elbow Ski Area,Bethany-with popular ski hills south of Omemee is open! Local skiers are thrilled!
Three of Devil's Elbow 11 slopes and two ski lifts are open in Bethany, Ontario.The three slopes currently open include: Grove an Intermediate slope,and two novice slopes: Sitzmark,and Bunny Run. Devil’s Elbow opened three weeks late this year,due to unseasonable conditions,so local skiers and snowboarders are thrilled that Devils Elbow is open.With a base depth of 30 cm,the snow surface condition is machine-groomed and granular. Devil's Elbow received about three centimetres of snow,and the cold weather is keeping skiers happy. Devil's Elbow, Bethany was closed Christmas Day and reopened this morning at 9:30am.Slopes will be open till 9:30am until 4:30pm daily until the end of the season in March. If you want to grab breakfast on the slopes,’The Grill’ opens at 8 am.Daily conditions can be found at www.devilselbow.com.
Skis,poles,boots,snow boards/blades,helmets,wrist quads and more are available at Devils Elbow through Parnell's Ski Services Limited.You can rent equipment by the day,or for three hours at a time.With it being extremely busy during the holidays,you may want to call ahead to find out availability.705 - 277-1038
Kawartha Ski and Snowboard School offers Ski Lessons at Devils Elbow Ski Area. Whether you're a first timer or a seasoned veteran they have an instructor who can help you improve your skiing skills. Their staff are C.S.I.A. certified and knowledgeable in modern teaching and skiing techniques.
Never skied before? let one of their instructors guide you through the exciting process of learning to ski. They will assist you in a safe and relaxed environment. They even guarantee first time skiers who take a private lesson will be able to link turns by the end of the lesson!
Intermediate skiers have a lot to gain from both private and group lessons. At this stage in skiing it is important to receive feedback from a qualified instructor so you can avoid developing bad habits, and get guidance for improving in the future.
Skied for years, but feel you've reached a plateau? Try a lesson with one of their Level III or IV instructors. You can break out of that rut!
Devils Elbow Ski Area, Bethany Ontario offers group rates,if yu book in advance. Group rates for the 2011-1012 season have yet to be posted,but give them a ring,at a 705 -277-2012 and tell them the Omemee Pigeon sent you-they may just give you an extra special deal-hey it’s worth a try!
Devil's Elbow's spacious two floor chalet provides all the conveniences in a relaxing atmosphere. Visit 'The Grill' located in the main chalet at Devil's Elbow. 'The Grill' a full service cafeteria offers a wide variety of hot and cold foods and snacks. “The Grill' serves breakfast daily from 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Devils Elbow Ski Area,is located at 878 Bethany Hills Road,
Bethany, Ontario Canada. See more details at www.devilselbow.com.
Anne Marie Battten,grew up in Downeyville, and works as a street nurse in Toronto, Ontario, ministering to the needs of the homeless,poverty stricken seniors, and the marginalised. In today's article, Anne Marie shares her Christmas wish with you. Anne
Currently, on any night in the city of Toronto, there are people sleeping outside. City shelters are generally full. In our outreach volunteer meetings, stories are frequently shared about the lack of available beds. Fortunately, faith based communities have a program called 'Out of the Cold' that is generously run by volunteers. This is an excellent and much appreciated service where people are served a warm meal and sleep indoors usually in a church or meeting room. Each night of the week a different location is open to provide this service. As travel is involved though, this is a barrier for some who wish to access this service.
The 2012 Toronto city budget proposes severe cuts to shelter beds,and many tenants will be displaced by the Toronto Community Housing Corp. properties being put up for sale. Given this situation, we organized an 'Occupy Toronto Homes for the Holidays'.rally on Thursday December 15, 2011.
We proposed the idea of bringing all those facing homelessness to Nathan Phillips Square to share a hot meal. All those who attended were asked to bring a pot luck item and a toy for children in need. At the same time, it was brought to my attention, that there were some children who could not qualify for the city-run Christmas Program. Many worked very hard with food preparation and set up. With the use of social media and 'Occupy Toronto' volunteers spreading pamphlets for many hours, our event was organized. We gathered in front of the gigantic Christmas Tree. Despite the rainy day, we received four tables of donated food and a warm lunch was served. We collected a generous donation of toys for children who could not receive city assistance.
We were fortunate to have a sound system donated for the event, and some who are experiencing homelessness, spoke about the need for housing and having to sleep outdoors. Some shared their experiences of trying to obtain a shelter bed, when none is available. One woman shared a poem with us. One man shared how he works day labour, yet still remains homeless.
We discussed that winter is coming, it was 10 days before Christmas and many wished for a 'Home for the Holiday'.
When it came my turn to speak, I discussed the meeting we had with the city, and how no extra shelter beds were opened for those evicted from St. James Park. I talked about shelter overcrowding, and proposed closing of three city shelters, and cuts to five more as well as the TCHC properties being put up for sale leaving tenants displaced. I spoke of how Canada is still the only G8 country without a national housing strategy.
There were several media in attendance but unfortunately, we did not see much coverage of this event. Sadly, the holiday season is now here and the cold January weather is right around the corner. We continue to talk, we continue to advocate, hopefully we can keep people safe.
Christmas-Several thousand years ago a baby born in a manger changed the world as we know it. Today, Christians around the world, still mark his birth. Locally,many churches are holding special services tonight, and tomorrow.You are welcome to join in the celebrations, and find out for yourself more about why Christmas is celebrated. Here is a list of some of the many services and celebrations you are welcome to attend, There are more details available in the Omemee Events Calendar.Please add more services in the comments below.
Wishing you and Yours All the Joys and Blessings of this Miraculous Christmas Season
~Suzanne Sholer Omemee Pigeon eFlyer (editor)
Tonight, Get Bent Records celebrates the Winter Solstice with the release of a new 7" vinyl recording made at Doug Kennedy;s barn on Grassy Road just outside Omemee.
Get Bent Records is a boutique music label focussing on the grass-roots development of independent musicians sharing in their do-it-yourself attitude, ethical philosophy, and penchant for high-fidelity sound.
Over the last 4 years Get Bent Records has developed and supported a list of widely talented independent bands and artists from the Durham Region and surrounding areas in Southern Ontario, including The Micronite Filters, The Recroom, BradleyBoy MacArthur, Jeff Leech, Ron Warne, the DGB and more.This latest release by The Standstills was recorded at Doug Kennedy's barn on Grassy Road,just outside Omemee.
The 7" brown vinyl record features 2 new songs by The Standstills-Jesus on side A and The Wolf on Side B. Artwork being provided by Renee Couture of The Standstills.

Here is side A of the Standstills,a 45 rpm 7 inch brown vinyl single, with Jonny Fox on Vocals and Guitar,and Renee Couture on Drums and Percussion. This was recorded at the Kennedy Barn in Omemee, Ontario. The record is now available through the band, and Get Bent Records.com
Tonight's launch party will take place at The Bombshell 15 Simcoe St N. 905-725-7100, Oshawa, Ontario starting at 10pm. For more information see the Winter Solstice Celebration & The Standstills 7 inch release events page.
Need a record player to enjoy this vinyl? Check out Abbey Road Rocks Omemee.
Ontario is offering everyone ten helpful tips to stay healthy and reduce the risk of spreading the flu and other viruses to your friends and family this holiday season.
'I want everyone to have a healthy and happy winter in Ontario.' shared Deb Matthews,Minister of Health and Long-Term Care adding,'No one wants to get the flu, but luckily there are some simple steps you can take to avoid getting sick -- including getting your free flu shot.Let's all do our part to stay healthy and prevent the spread of flu.'
1. The best way to avoid the flu: Get the flu shot. It's free.
The flu shot helps your body build the defences it needs to protect you from the flu. It can prevent the flu from taking hold up to 90 per cent of the time among healthy adults and children.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
Proper hand cleaning guards against and limits the spread of many illnesses. Viruses can live on your hands for up to five minutes and they can live on hard surfaces - like counter tops and telephones - for up to two days. Wash hands for at least 15 seconds.
3. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy.
Hand sanitizer needs to be at least 60 per cent alcohol to be effective. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are as good as soap and water to clean your hands. But if your hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water.
4. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Cough into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue. The droplets that come out when we cough or sneeze can carry the flu virus and land on other people or surfaces.
5. Stay home from work if you are sick.
When you're not feeling well, the best thing you can do for your own health and the health of your co-workers is to stay home.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
The flu virus usually enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth, and your hands touch objects and surfaces that may have viruses on them, including the flu virus.
7. Avoid large crowds of people where viruses can spread easily.
This might be a challenge when you're shopping and socializing during the holidays. Stay aware of your health and the health of others when you're out and about. Avoid people who are sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.
8. Clean germ-spreading surfaces like purses or gloves.
These items come in contact with contaminated surfaces when you set them down on areas like tables and countertops, spreading germs and viruses. Wipe these surfaces with disinfecting cleaner regularly.
9. Eat well, exercise and get enough rest.
Keeping your immune system strong will lessen your chances of getting sick. Eat well, exercise regularly and get enough sleep to keep your health in top shape.
10. Did we mention get your flu shot?
We can't emphasize this enough. The flu shot is the most effective way to avoid the flu. Get the vaccine for free at your doctor's office.
'We've all learned a lot about reducing the spread of flu in our communities. I see people taking these precautions all the time and I encourage everyone to keep it up.' offered Dr. Arlene King, Chief Medical Officer of Health, adding 'We owe it to the people we spend time with to do what we can to stay healthy and avoid catching the flu.'
To figure out if you have the flu, or a cold, use the handy online flu self assessment tool .
Jim Truswell- Local wine lover, blogger, photographer, and computer ‘expert’ who is searching perhaps in vain for someone to pay him to drink wine, blog rude comments, take photographs, and play on the computer. Failing this, he would be happy to accept unclaimed winning lottery tickets, and/or return bottles for the deposit. Will blog for a free meal ... or even leftovers. Will drink wine ... no reason required. Will blog ... for kicks and giggles. Will photograph at the drop of a hat ... especially if women are involved. Will play on the computer ... in his sleep. Pity him ... and give him a nice glass of wine. You can catch more of Jim's Wine Reviews on his blog: Jim's Random Mostly Wine Ramblings & Babblings Image of Turkey from Laurenbeth93 Schoolhouse Toys offers unique handmade toys from reclaimed wood, fallen trees and other older wood materials created by Justin and Kim Oliver, near Pontypool, Ontario. Justin, an artist, and Kim, a mom, author and holistic nutritionist, are raising their little boy Reece just south of Omemee, in an old, one room schoolhouse. Schoolhouse Toys is a new venture for Justin and Kim Oliver.
'Schoolhouse toys was an extension of our desire to provide Reece with open ended toys which would allow his imagination to run wild without limits.' shared Kim adding. 'A few mums in a natural parenting group I belong to expressed an interest in these toys, and Schoolhouse Toys was founded.'
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Schoolhouse Toys take their lead from Mother Nature. Mother Nature never creates two trees alike, and so, no two toys are the same. Each toy is unique and different, much like the children who will play with them. The toys respect Mother Earth and will live on for generations to come.
'It is our desire to inspire creativity, imagination and delight in the children who play with our toys.'shared Kim Oliver, adding' Justin and I are having fun creating toys, and Reece is enjoying testing them out.'
Currently Schoolhouse Toys are available within the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada - including the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes area, near the Olivers' home, and they are looking forward to extending their services in the near future.
For more information about the Schoolhouse Toys or to place an order see the School Hoare Toys blog or email kimcorrigan_oliver AT hotmail DOT com
December 15, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit approved a new four-year collective agreement with its staff represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
The Board of Health for Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit approved the contract at its meeting in Port Hope last week. Under the agreement, CUPE staff will receive the following salary increases:
CUPE represents approximately 90 employees who work as public health inspectors, dieticians, administrative staff, health promoters, dental hygienists and communications staff.
'We were very pleased to have reached a four year agreement with CUPE,' shared Susan Bickle, Director of Administration and Human Resources with the Health Unit. adding 'This new contract provides us with some stability for the next four years and provides our CUPE staff with an increase after seeing no salary increases in the last
negotiated contract.'
Bickle says the Health Unit has been working hard as an organization to be fiscally responsible during tight economic times and stay within the allocated funding provided by the province. As of November 30, 2011 the Health Unit had expenditures of $15,530,762. The next Board of Health meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2012 at the Lindsay office.
Justin Smith,age 25, Peterborough is wanted in connection with a violent assault and robbery which took place December 18, 2011.
December 18, 2011,a Peterborough resident was assaulted, and had his school bag, personal belongings and clothing taken by two suspects. The 27 year old male victim who is known to the suspects, was then driven out of the city and left in Peterborough County where he was located by the Ontario Provincial Police.
December 18, 2011 the PLCPS arrested one of the suspects Geoff Smith age 21 years of Trailview Drive, Peterborough. Geoff Smith was held in custody for a court appearannce on December 19th to answer to the charges of robbery with violence, utter threats and assault.
The investigation is continuing and the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service have issued a warrant for the offences of robbery with violence, utter threats and assault for Justin Smith age 25 years of Peterborough.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police at 705-876-1122 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
Zumba! Everyone is talking about it-now try it! Zumba,a Latin-inspired exercise program created by dancer and choreographer Alberto 'Beto' Perez in Colombia during the 1990's involves fun dance and aerobic elements.You can join in the fun at Phoenix Dance Studio. 
Sarah’s Belly Webstore offers convenient online shopping through PayPal You can also book Performances, and group workshops.Friday December 16, 2011, just prior to 4:00 pm police and fire were called to the vacant Materbrand building on Crawford Drive, Peterborough to respond to an electrical fire at the transformer station located on the property. When they arrived they located a deceased male. The male was later identified as James Dexter Jenney age 43 of no fixed address.
Evidence at the scene seems to indicate Jenney was an intruder on the property cutting copper wire, and may have fallen making contact with a live feeder line. Just prior to this incident, witnesses observed a male climbing the tower with a second male watching from the ground. As this incident was being investigated, officers were advised that on the same date a few hours earlier, a 55 year old male also of no fixed address, walked into a nearby medical clinic suffering from electrical burns. He was taken to hospital and then transported to a Toronto hospital. Due to his injuries, investigators have not been able to interview him. The investigation is continuing.
Anyone having information about Jenney’s activities that day, or whom he was with at the time of the incident, is asked to call Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers .


In the hustle and bustle of people coming and going from homes at Christmas time, locking the door sometimes gets overlooked,much to the delight of thieves. Peterborough Police Services have issued a reminder to everyone to please remember to lock up!
December 17th, 2011 between 2400 -0700 hrs a break and enter occurred at a Wildlark Drive residence while the home owners were asleep. An unknown suspect entered the residence through an unlocked rear door. The suspect searched through the Christmas envelopes before taking the keys to the vehicles in the driveway and searched them for cash. An unknown quantity of cash was obtained from the envelopes. A small quantity of cash was obtained from the vehicles.
Remember:
The holiday season is a time to give, but it is also a time when some people may try to take advantage of the giving spirit. The Ontario Government offers some helpful tips, and resources for consumers to protect themselves.
Gift cards have become a popular choice for many shoppers. Although Ontario was the first province to ban expiry dates on gift cards and certificates holding a specific dollar amount, fees and expiry dates can still apply to some types of cards and certificates. Read and understand the terms and conditions before purchasing.
Another giving trend is online shopping, Ontarians,are advised that gifts like electronics or sports equipment need to meet Canadian safety standards. Watch for the CSA approval when shopping online internationally.
Making donations to charitable organizations is a third popular giving choice.Earlier this year,Rev Mary Margaret Boone of Janetville outlined some of the pitfalls in her article Margarett Best,Minister of Consumer Services, recently explained the importance of giving wisely in a news release.
'We encourage Ontario families to enjoy the holidays and feel good about giving,' stated Margarett Best Minister of Consumer Services, adding 'but we urge Ontarians to be smart consumers.'
Two resources consumers can use when making charitable gifting decisions are The Canada Revenue Agency, and CanadaHelps websites,where consumers can find a list of registered charities.
To help families protect themselves, the Ontario Government also offers the following Tips:
Following these tips may make for a healthier and happier Christmas.
"Name an item available from Franklin Farm Herbals that you would like to win in a future Giveaway.’Need a hint? Check out Jill’s Kawartha Herbs product list on her site. There are lots of fun bonus entries too!
'Really,you have to thank Linda Hum for the window magic.'shared John Cuthbert,adding 'Linda creates the magic in our windows.'One element, sadly missing this year, is the Santa Claus who used to climb up and down a ladder.Visitors to the store would stand for ages trying to figur out the mechanics of Santa,as he travelled up and down his ladder.
'Unfortunately,Santa was in a sad state of repair this year,when we went to put him in the window' Linda confided adding,'We're hoping to find another Santa to add to the window next year.'Omemee Countryside Pharmacy, is bustling with shoppers picking up packages ordered through the Sears Online, or selected from the many lovely gifts on display. Shoppers are reminded to pick up a Free Hallmark pocket calendar,and Countryside Pharmacy IDA wall calendar to prepare for the New Year.
On the 12th of December 2011 at approx. 2:30 p.m. a 78 year old female was walking east on Simcoe Street. in the south side crosswalk at Aylmer Street A west-bound truck on Simcoe, made a left turn at Aylmer, and struck the female in the crosswalk.
Injuries to the pedestrian did not appear life threatening at the time of the collision. However the pedestrian was transported to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto on the 13th of Dec. with internal injuries and passed away on the 15th of December, 2011.
The driver of the truck, 51 year old Ricky Stockdale of Peterborough was charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian.
It may surprise you to learn that children are the largest group of food bank users in our province.
When schools close for the winter break, children living with chronic hunger do not have access to the nutrition provided by their school's breakfast club or meal program until they return to class in January.
Together, we can ensure that these children receive the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow into healthy adults.
* $25 can provide 75 meals to a child in need
* $50 can provide 150 meals to children living with chronic hunger
* $100 can provide a family of four with dinner for two months
* $500 can provide 2,000 meals to hungry children in Ontario
Please make a gift today and help turn hunger into hope!
Thank you for your support and for giving hope to children, hope to families, and hope for a happy holiday season this year!
Sincerely,
Ontario Association of Food Banks
Omemee Pigeon eFlyer proudly presents the third in our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways! For our third day,Bear Essentials Millbrook is offering a prize to delight children on your list,and the young at heart –a Green Toys™ Dump Truck! The lucky winner will be able to pick up their Green Toys™ Dump Truck in person at Bear Essentials Millbrook in time for Christmas Gifting!
Need help hauling a big load while helping save the planet? Green Toys™ Dump Truck is ready to get working. Made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers. This really is the most energy efficient vehicle on this or any planet. The super cool co-design has a workable dumper and no metal axles. The truck, and many other Green Toys are available at Bear Essentials for $39.99
Bear Essentials,also known as Millbrook Bears, is giving away one Green Toys™ Dump Truck to one of our lucky subscribers. Now you can win a great Green Toys™ Dump Truck for that special person on your gift list,or for yourself to enjoy! Each pound of recycled milk containers used in creating Green Toys™ saves enough electricity to run a laptop computer for a month.
Gift It!
Dying to browse through Bear Essentials’ selection of fabulous gifts? Want to get a jump on your Christmas shopping? Bear Essentials is a Gift, Garden and Home Decor store in Millbrook, Ontario. Visit their website www.millbrookbears.com Bear Essentials Millbrook carries everything from Organic bread, tea and coffee to Green Toys. They have greeting cards, pottery, The Thymes Bath, Body and Home, jewellery, Spinning Rings, Tea Forte, Boyds Bears, Bearington Bears, Russ Berrie, Diecast Collectables, Bamboo Towels & Robes, Organic Cotton and Bamboo Sheets, Comforters, Lamps, Furniture, etc. etc. In short, they're the closest thing to a General Store that you will find today.
Win It!
December 12th, 2011 the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service was called to investigate an arson that occurred in the area of Mary Street and Lindsay Street, City of Kawartha Lakes. At approximately 9:43 pm, a pick-up truck was set on fire. There were no injuries as a result, and the fire was quickly extinguished causing only minor damage.
City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service is requesting the assistance of the public to investigate this offence. A dark coloured car with distinctive air intake scoops on each side of the hood and a loud aftermarket exhaust was observed being operated with a group of males acting suspiciously. Any member of the public can provide information on this crime directly to the police service at 705-324-5252, or anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477)
Impaired drivers –we usually think about them being on the road after closing time,but a recent RIDE program showed drunk drivers can be on the road at any time. Drinking and driving,especially at holiday times is a large problem in rural areas,where there are fewer alternate transportation methods. Partiers are cautioned to 'think before they drink',and either stick to festive mocktails,or budget a taxi ride home into their party plans.
MADD Canada estimates there are about 3.7-4.4 deaths per day in Canada caused by impairment.Does drunk driving make you mad? Then MADD needs you! In 2002,Carol Ryan's husband Terry, a Durham Region Police Service officer,was senselessly killed by a drunk driver. This spurred Carol's involvement with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Unfortunately,not enough volunteers were available to assist in getting the word out about this important issue. Lindsay Post recently reported the local MADD Chapter in Lindsay closed after Carol,the president, announced she was stepping down.
'I feel like I've done all I can with MADD,' Ryan told The Lindsay Post.
If you are fed up and want to get MADD,then Ontario Region, Renata Cvitkovic, 1-800-665-6233, rcvitkovic@madd.ca would like to hear from you.
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December 10th, 2011, City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service conducted a RIDE Program. At 6:46 p.m., a vehicle was investigated near Highway 36 and Parkside Drive, City of Kawartha Lakes. Following the roadside alcohol screening test, 57 year old, Sharon Gray of Janetville, was arrested for exceeding the blood / alcohol level. Ms. Gray was released on her promise to appear to a January 19th, 2012 court date.
During this RIDE Program, police checked dozens of motorists for alcohol.Following an investigation in the area of Logie Street and Riverview Road at 1:11 am on December 11th, 2011, one other motorist registered a warn on an roadside screening device although no charges were laid, the male driver was issued a MTO administrative three day license suspension
Sources:
http://www.madd.ca
Lindsay Post Local MADD chapter closes its doors<
Free dental care -not a gift local residents will find at shopping malls or big-box retailer this holiday season. Free dental care for children 17 years and under may be available through the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. 
'No dental insurance? No way to pay for your child’s dental care? No problem, because free dental care may be just a phone call away,' says Anna Rusak, a Health Promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit.
The Health Unit administers a number of financial support programs that may be able to cover dental care costs for some children and teenagers in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County. These programs include: Healthy Smiles Ontario, which covers checkups, cleanings, fillings, scaling, X-rays and other preventive dental services; and Children in Need of Treatment that provides financial assistance to children and youth in need of urgent dental treatment. Ontario Works also covers the cost of basic dental treatment for families who rely on social assistance.
'Seeing a dental professional, as well as regular brushing and flossing, are important parts of maintaining good oral health. However dental care is not covered under OHIP, and many people do not have private insurance coverage or cannot pay out-of-pocket to cover the costs,' says Rusak. adding 'That means some families may skip regular dental visits.'
A recent report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives finds one in six people needing dental treatment avoids going to the dentist because of cost. According to Rusak, oral health can affect the overall health of a person. In the case of children and teens, untreated oral diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease can negatively affect eating, sleeping and learning at school, and may ultimately have an impact on healthy growth and development,
To find out if a child or teenager qualifies for coverage, families are encouraged to call the Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 247. Local residents can also find out more by visiting http://www.hkpr.on.ca/healthy-babies'Make the right call and contact the Health Unit to see if your child qualifies for dental care coverage,' advises Rusak , 'It may pay off in a healthier, happier holiday season for your family.'
Michael Marinier scored more free publicity for his magic mushroom enterprise courtesy City of Kawartha Lakes Police Services and local papers. December 8th, 2011 City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service intercepted a package being transported via a courier company. Investigations revealed that the package contained four pounds of marijuana with a street value of $18,000.
Police continued the investigation, and on December 9th, 2011 executed a search warrant on a Queen Street residence, where 42 year old City of Kawartha Lakes resident, Michael Marinier was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purposes of Trafficking. As a result of the search of residence, 28 grams of Psilocybin aka Magic Mushrooms, with a street value of $300 was also seized. Mr. Marinier was charged with Possession for the Purposes of Tracking and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was remanded into custody pending a bail hearing to be held on December 12th, 2011.
This is not the first opportunity Michael has enjoyed the hospitality of the City of Kawartha Police, and room service at a 'crowbar hotel'. Just this spring Lindsay Post and Kawartha Lakes This Week awarded Mr.Marinier free advertising on their sites,and the latter even threw in a free full colour photo of his inventory. Mr.Marinier will be residing at the crow bar hotel over the weekend.until his bail hearing on Monday. Meanwhile his usual clients may need to make other arrangements.
Sources: My Kawartha One Arrested in Queen Street Bust.. Lindsay Post policebriefs
Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service's Dispatch Centre received 14 accidental 911 calls from citizens, during the past 24 hours. A large number of these calls were as a result of 'pocket dials' where 911 was contacted unintentionally. Each of these calls need to be addressed, making the dispatch centre exponentially busy. Despite these calls turning out to be unfounded, they still require an immediate response by police, and tie up one of the Communicators until confirmation can be made whether or not the call is an emergency call.
Police Communications staff coordinated 87 emergency calls for service during the past 24 hours, the majority of these matters involved multiple calls from our public pertaining to the same incident. Peterborough Lakefield Community Police would like to ask the public's assistance in avoiding these unnecessary calls by locking cellular phones when not in use. The life you save may be your own. Image from