CJRO News July 19th to July 26th, 2021
Hello, bonjour, and welcome to CJRO News on CJRO Radio. I’m Candice Vetter, reporting from North Russell.
Notice the sun has a distinct orange tinge? That’s smoke folks. To see where the smoke is and where it’s coming from you can visit firesmoke.ca and click on the map of North America. Air quality is affected across, well, almost everywhere.
Russell Kin Club’s spectacular Catch the Ace lottery has been won at last. The card picked was number 4 (a number I’ve been picking for months, darn it!), and the final jackpot was almost $667,000. Along with the weekly win of over $51,500, Shawn Stephenson of Brockville won a total grand prize of $718,466.50! Fifty cents? Very exact.
Kin members Doug Anthony and Cindy Anthony drew the winning ticket live on Facebook and announced that the club’s volunteers need a rest, and a new Catch the Ace lottery will start up in a few months.
Also in Russell Township, the Russell Sports Dome has reopened. A reservation will be required for members of the gym and for courts and fields. Reservations can be made online at Russell.ca or by phone at 613-443-9272. The Russell Fire Department issued a notice everyone can appreciate. It said the red tape that seals smoke and carbon monoxide alarms during construction is not always being removed before occupancy. The tape that seals these smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will prevent the units from functioning as intended. The tape is easy to remove.
Shopper’s Drug Marts in Ontario are providing Covid testing for people without symptoms for $40. The rapid tests from Abbott Panbio will be processed immediately at the pharmacy and clients will given results in writing. These tests are less reliable than PCR tests analyzed in labs, but could still have an important role to play in reopening. Keep in mind that anyone with symptoms can get the PCR lab test at government test sites for free.
Just over 70% of the Canadian population has one dose of Covid vaccine, and almost 50% have two doses as of July 18th.
Covid infection rates are dropping off, with 25 active cases in Ottawa, three in the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, and 136 new cases reported in the whole province on July 18th. The median age of patients is 34, partly because younger residents are some of the last to be getting vaccinated. However, as has been seen in some other countries, including England, reopening raises case numbers again, so stay cautious and socialize with care.
Following up on last week’s story about Ottawa City Hall considering extending Brian Coburn Boulevard in Orleans, the City did not agree to an interview but did provide answers to my questions. You can read the email at cjroradio.ca/news . you can also see a map of the proposed extension which would bisect one of Ottawa’s largest natural areas with a major highway.
National Drowning Prevention Week is the Lifesaving Society’s annual drowning prevention awareness event. With over 400 Canadians drowning in preventable water-related incidents annually, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60. The society put out key messages to remember which are:
1. Prevent Drowning. Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many.
2. Supervise Children. Always directly supervise children around the water - if you are not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
3. Boating Safety. Choose it. Use it. Always wear a lifejacket when in a boat.
4. Learn to Swim to Survive. In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety – could you survive a sudden and unexpected fall into the water?
5. Stay Sober In, On, and Around the Water. Alcohol consumption is a factor in many water related fatalities. Both alcohol and cannabis use impair balance, judgment, and reflexes. Stay sober when in, on or around the water.
6. Open Water Safety. Make smart choices before going in, on or around the water.
7. Be Water Smart All Year. You can save a life, yours, and someone else’s. Take a learn-to-swim, lifesaving or first aid class today.
For my interview with OPP Sergeant Dave Moffat on Local First, go to cjroradio.com/podcast and scroll down to Safe Boating Is Essential - May 2021.
A new scam is using the Geek Squad brand. I recently received an email which said, “We have successfully extended your service with us. We’re looking forward to many more years! Today is the renewal date of your membership with us for your computer. We have deducted $800 USD from your enrolled account and renewed the service for two years. Thanks a lot!” It then gives an order confirmation number and adds, “Remember that you are under no obligation; you can upgrade or abandon the service any time by dialling the number given below.” This is a way to get people to call them so they can then gain additional information. Do not call! This is a scam. Don’t cooperate.
A virtual fundraiser will be open from July 5th to September 5th 2021 via GoFundMe to help build Jonathan Pitre Park in the Township of Russell. The fundraiser’s goal is $100,000. The Township project is estimated at $292,000 for the fully-accessible park which will be near the Sports Dome at the western edge of Embrun. To donate go to Russell.ca and follow the links.
United Way East Ontario and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell recently announced a grant program for local initiatives which enhance social connections, inclusion and safety, and remove barriers to healthy nutrition; transportation, and mental and physical wellness. Grants are open to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, co-ops, municipalities, hospitals and schools. There are three funding levels: $4,000, $15,000 and $30,000. The deadline to apply is August 11th and all projects must be completed by December 31st. Information is available on the Prescott-Russell Volunteers website (VolunteersPR.ca) or by calling 613-632-0939, extension 125.
CJRO is looking for a sales representative to help us gain more community business partners. The position is commission-based. If you are interested in earning money and helping support the station so we can continue to spread news and interviews of local importance please contact cjrofm@rogers.com.
Students! We need you. We are seeking volunteers to help us with some technical aspects of running a radio station, to promote our stories and music through social media, and to spot news relevant to your demographic. Contact us through cjrofm@rogers.com or newscjro@gmail.com for more information.
We have a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cjroradio/
Do you have news that matters to our area? Do you have a local business? Do you have a story? Contact me by emailing newsCJRO@gmail.com.
I’m Candice Vetter. CJRO – Last on the dial, first for local news. Keep well.
