1111 Elgin Street West, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, K9A 5H7
Phone: (905) 372-8913 or 1-800-396-6626 Fax: (905) 372-2711 Email: northumberland@fourinfo.com 

FEBRUARY 2001 NEWSLETTER
You are visitor #:

In this Issue

Friends of Music Concert Series

Ontario Works - Application for assistance changes

New Adult Day service in Brighton

NCSSO - Spring Lecture Series

Capitol Theatre Calendar of Events

The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall

Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Events

3rd Annual Valentine Days: A Week of Gifts for Your Body and Mind

International Women's Day

Big Brothers  Bowl for Millions 2001

Heating Rebate Cheques

The Brighton Focus Group

Winterfest Activities at Presqu'ile Provincial Park

Quit Smoking 2001 Contest

Northumberland County Community Care 

Courage to Come Back Awards 2001

Telehealth Ontario 

An International Year of the Volunteer Celebration

Area Code Changes Affect You

Ontario's Drive Clean Program

The Canadian Hearing Society  and Human Resources Development Canada

Health Care Health and Safety Association of Ontario

FRIENDS OF MUSIC CHILDREN'S SERIES 2001

This concert series is geared to children aged 3 to 12.

Concerts are at 2:00 p.m. at the Port Hope Lions Recreation Centre (Gifford Street), except February 18th at St. Mary's Elementary School.

• 5 concert subscription for family (4 or more)                    $80

• 5 concert subscription for 1 person                                    $25

• single ticket to each performance available at the door      $9 per person

Subscriptions available through Capitol Theatre box office (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday), and by phone with a major credit card at (905) 885-1071 or toll free 1-800-434-5092. For more information, call  Jane Brgleg at (905) 885-0923.

Ontario Works - Apply for Social Assistance

NEW Service Delivery Model (SDM) for Social Assistance in Ontario

New business processes and new technology are all part of the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ plan to transform the delivery of social assistance in the Province of Ontario.  This initiative will bring some of the most significant changes we have experienced in 30 years. 

This NEW Service Delivery Model (SDM) includes both the Intake Screening Process and Interactive Voice Response (IVR).

The Intake Screening Process is designed to streamline social assistance applications across the province, and features two standardized steps:

ü      Telephone Screening – The 1^st step is a telephone-based application process to explore applicants’ potential financial eligibility. 

Applicants will contact Intake Screening Unit (ISU) at 1-877-272-8610.  At the ISU, a Intake Screener will speak to callers and take them through the application process over the phone.  At the end of this Intake Screening, potentially eligible applicants will be scheduled for an Intake Verification interview and Ontario Works information session at their local office.

ü      Intake Verification – During this 2^nd step, applicants will attend an employment information session and an face-to-face interview, in the local office, to complete their application.   At this time, information is reviewed, eligibility is confirmed and required forms are completed, including the development of a Participation Agreement.

It is important to note that people who are in crisis or unable to be screened over the telephone will still be able to access service at their local office.

The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is a new telephone system that provides toll-free access to important program announcements and selected personal case file information for Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients.  

To access the information, OW / ODSP recipients simply call 1-800-808-2268 and enter a personal identification number to access their file information such as cheque amount and release date, details of payments and overpayments, case status and so on.

The NEW Service Delivery Model (SDM) is scheduled to be fully implemented across the province by the year 2002.

Call the Intake office at 1-877-272-8610, TTY 1-877-272-8613 to apply for assistance.

Intake Screening Unit hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

VON opens new adult day service in Brighton

    The Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) Hastings, Northumberland and Prince Edward branch is pleased to announce the opening of another day service in Northumberland County.  The Lighthouse Adult Day Service is located at Brighton Area Community Care, 36 Maine Street, and opened January 15, 2001.

    VON currently operates a day program in Cobourg four days a week.  The Brighton site is initially open one day per week, Monday, with hours of programming from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    The Lighthouse is a cost-effective program designed to serve the frail elderly adults with cognitive and/or physical impairments, who are living in the Brighton area and require help from family or in-home care givers.

    The Lighthouse offers a pleasant social-recreation experience that focuses on helping each client maintain an optimum level of independent functioning, providing a safe, secure environment for clients to socialize and make new friends.  

    A team of professionals - including a recreation therapist, activity aide, registered nurse and trained volunteers - staff the Adult Day service.  For more information on how to join the Lighthouse Adult Day Service, please call the Brighton area Access Centre at 613-475-2207 or the VON Northumberland Adult Day Service at 905-377-8659.

Northumberland Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario

Spring Lecture Series 2001

"Brian's Law": Is it Justice For All

The Historical Perspective: Laying the Foundation...

An overview of Mental Health Law in the last 10 years culminating with Brian's Law.  The guest speaker is Mr. Anthony Balka - Barrister & Solicitor of the Law firm Snell, Balka, Saad.  

This lecture series takes place at Saint Michael's Parish Centre, Cobourg (corner of Division and Havelock Streets) on Wednesday February 28 at 2:30 p.m.  Coffee and refreshments will be served after the meeting.  Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Course for Parents

For parents who want to learn how to communicate better with their children, resources from various Christian agencies are available online.  One recent addition is a free online course put together by Gary Screaton Page, an author, minister and parent based in Welland, Ontario.

Page's course, Being the Parent YOU Want to Be, is based on his book of the same name.  The course is available on the Parenting Today's Teen Web site at www.parentingteens.com .  Click on classes

Capitol Theatre

February Calendar of Events

The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall

The Northumberland Players celebrate their 25th anniversary with one of the funniest musicals ever written.  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time tested 2000 year old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus, with the infectious energy of Vaudeville.  The result is a non-stop laugh fest in which a crafty slave struggles to win the hand of a beautiful courtesan for his young master, in exchange for his Freedom.  The collaboration between M*A*S*H* writer Larry Gelbart, Burt Shevelove and Stephen Sondheim will be presented February 23, 24, 2, 28, March 1, 2, 3, 2001.  Tickets for the evening performances are $20.00 with an $18 matinee price.  (matinees February 24, 25, March 3,4).  Call 377-2210 to reserve your tickets.  Theatre style reserved seating.

Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority

Something for everyone.  Enjoy the Ganaraska in one of this year's public programs.  There are some old favourites, such as the Owl Prowl, along with a few new events including a bird banding demonstration.

Admission prices are noted for each program: families / adults / students & seniors.  Members of the Ganaraska Forest will receive a $2 discount on family rates and a $1 per person discount on all other admission rates.  Programs may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Pre-registration for all programs is required unless otherwise noted.  Please call 905-797-2721 for information and to register.

Moonlight Ski
Saturday, February 10th, 7-9 p.m. 
Ganaraska Forest Centre
Enjoy the Ganaraska ski trails by the light of the moon, then join us for hot chocolate afterwards in this fun evening program.  In case of cloud cover on the 10^th, the alternative night will be February 11.
$12 / $6 / $4 / Free with GF Ski Membership.

Owl Prowl
Saturday, February 25th, 7-9 p.m.
Ganaraska Forest Centre
Come prowl for owls in our 4th Annual Owl Prowl.  We'll start with a slide show and displays at the Forest Centre before venturing out into the forest for a guided walk to hear (and if we're lucky see) them in their natural habitat.  Please dress warmly.
$12 / $6 / $4 

3rd Annual Valentine Days: A Week of Gifts for Your Body and Mind
The Women's Health Care Centre is once again hosting a series of workshops during the week of February 12th to 15th. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, February 12th

• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  Craniosacral Therapy
  An energy-based body work therapy to treat trauma and to promote overall health and well-being at any age. Presented by an experienced craniosacral therapist.
  Presented by Ravi-Inder Soligo, Registered Massage Therapist

• 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Prevention is the Key to Health
  Most women wait until they are unwell before paying attention to their health. The 20s and 30s are an ideal time to start a balanced holistic lifestyle to prevent problems later and deal with stress, lack of energy and PMS. During this fun and interactive session, you'll find out why nutrition is so important even if you feel young and healthy
  Presented by Louise Racine, Registered Nutritional Consultant

Tuesday, February 13th

• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  Relaxation & Inner Awareness - Creating My Special Place
  Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a small blanket for relaxation exercises.
  Karen Page, Yoga Teacher and Relaxation Therapist

• 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Stress & the Mind-Body Connection
  Understand how stress affects your health and learn how to manage it effectively to maintain optimal health.
  Presented by Shauna Clark, Homeopathic Practitioner

Wednesday, February 14th

• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  Connecting with Spirit
  An opportunity to connect with heart and soul. Enter the mystery of self and discover the "old" ways of calming and peace.
  Presented by Reverend Gai Burns, Spiritual Guide and Mentor

Thursday, February 15th

• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  How Heart Healthy are You?
  Learn about the risks women face for heart disease. Complete a heart health risk assessment and receive personalized feedback on your own heart health profile.
  Presented by Adele Folz and Anne Adair, Hearts Alive Peterborough

• 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  What to Cook When You're Too Busy to Cook; What to Eat When You're Too Busy to Eat
  It's 4:45 p.m. and your family wants food on the table by 5:30 p.m.  Need ideas for dinners that can be ready NOW? Join a Public Health Nutritionist to learn tips about preparing healthy meals in 30 minutes or less.
  Presented by Carolyn Doris, Registered Dietitian, Peterborough County-City Health Unit

The price for each workshop is $2.00 waged, and $1.00 unwaged. Register early by calling (705) 743-4132 or 1-800-419-3111. Space is limited.

In Celebration of International Women's Day - March 9, 2001
Northumberland Services for Women 
presents it's 6th annual conference addressing: 
The Effects of Violence On All Of Us.

Location:     Columbus Community Centre
                    232 Spencer Street, East, Cobourg.
       

Cost:            $30.00 per registration - This includes lunch.

Registration:  On a first come first serve basis.  Due to available seating and high demand, PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED for registered individuals by March 2nd, 2001 to secure spot.

To register fax  "Name", "Agency", and "Telephone #" to (fax) 905-373-4800 by March 2nd, 2001 or forward to Northumberland Services for Women, 32 Swayne Street, P.O. Box 935, Cobourg, Ontario, K9A 4W4

Agenda

THE POLITICS OF RAPE
"JANE DOE"

Jane Doe is the woman who successfully sued the Metro Toronto Police Force for negligence and gender discrimination in the investigation of her rape which took place in 1986.  Jane was sexually assaulted by the "Balcony Rapist".  She will share her experience with the police and the legal system.

****Jane Doe's real name or photograph cannot be published due to a Media Ban. ****

POLITICAL AND CULTURAL EXPRESSION THROUGH MUSIC
FAITH NOLAN

Faith is a composer and guitarist, as well as social activist whose style varies from blues and folk to jazz,  with a taste of funk and reggae.  Her songs come from a deep commitment to the struggles of people throughout the world.  "Music is a powerful tool that can be used to political and cultural expression."  Her music is her political work, a politics firmly rooted in her being working class, a woman, African Canadian and lesbian.  Faith will be singing some songs about women and speaking on a range of topics including women's equality, anti-racism, poverty, and native people.

Big Brothers  Bowl for Millions 2001
"Have a ball and help raise funds to support your local Big Brother agency"

Port Hope
Saturday, February 10, 2001
1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 & 5:00 p.m.
Pinecrest Sports Centre
Toronto Road

Cobourg
Saturday, February 17, 2001
1:00, 2:00, 3:00 & 4:00 p.m.
North Shore Lanes
Northumberland Mall

Join in the fun!!
"Bowl for Millions" is Big Brother's major annual FUNdraiser and has been running in the community for the past 18 years.  This event brings together families, friends, and co-workers to share good times and the opportunity to help children in our community.

No Experience Required

• Organize as many teams as you like of 4 to 6 players

• Individual bowlers or teams of 3 or less can be accommodated

• Have your team members collect as many sponsors as possible on a flat-rate basis i.e. $5, $10, $15 etc.

• Each bowler requires a sponsor sheet and must collect a minimum of $15.00. (Unused pledge sheets must be returned to Big Brothers)

• Bowlers must bring pledge sheets and money (cash, cheques or VISA) with them to the bowling alley

• Sponsors will receive a tax receipt from Big Brothers upon request

• Alternative bowling dates/times can be arranged on an individual basis if necessary

Win Prizes Galore

• Win the Grand Prize!!
      - Bowlers bringing in pledges of $100.00 or more win a T-shirt plus qualify for the GRAND PRIZE DRAW.  Extra chances will be awarded for each additional $50.00

• Win Other Fun Prizes!
      - Door prizes drawn every hour
      - Trophies and prizes awarded for highest amount brought in by a team and an individual
      - Trophies awarded for highest score for a team and an individual.
      - 50/50 Draw each hour

This years grand prize is a one week vacation in a deluxe lakeside cottage at Golden Beach Resort, Rice Lake. Approximate retail value of $924.00
Draw to be held at the Big Brother office February 28, 2001, 3:00 p.m.

For Team Registration forms pledge sheets please call Big Brothers of Cobourg - Port Hope & District 17 Ontario Street, Unit 2.  Port Hope, Ontario L1A 2T7 
Phone (905) 885-8435
Fax     (905) 885-4392

Heating Rebate Cheques

    More than 11 million Canadians will benefit from federal heating expense rebate cheques - $250 for couples and $125 for singles - in early February.
    The bulk of the cheques going to low-income and middle-income Canadians will be mailed on January 31, with the rest being sent during the first week in February.
    Everyone who is currently eligible to receive the Goods and Services Tax (GST) tax credit will receive a heating expense cheque.
    The one-time heating expense rebates, meant to reduce the burden of rising heating costs, were announced by Finance Minister Paul Martin in his October 18 economic statement.
    Between 8 million and 9 million heating expense rebate cheques are expected to be distributed to singles and families at a total cost to the federal government of 1.3 billion.
    While eligibility can very depending on an individual taxpayers' situation, those who qualify are:

• Single individuals with an income in 1999 of up to $32,500

• Married or common-law couples with on child and a combined income of up to $36,600.  (The cut-off rises by about $2,100 for each child

• Single parents with one child with an income of up to $36,600.

Only those currently receiving the GST will receive heating expense rebate cheques.

The Brighton Focus Group

Come out for an informative presentation/discussion on the current respite and residential services being offered in Brighton and surrounding area for children and adults with a developmental/physical disability.

Presenters:  Don Schonhoffer, Deidre Finnan and Ruth Porter from Northumberland Family Respite Services.

Date: January 24, 2001

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: The Brighton Project - 47B Elizabeth Street, Brighton (between Square Boy and Dixie Lee).

R.S.V.P.: to Leslie Steeves at (613) 475-5557
Everyone Welcome

Winterfest Activities at Presqu'ile Provincial Park

    Join us at Presqu'ile Provincial Park January 27 and 28, 2001 for the Winter Birding Workshops.  Activities for the weekend include guided hikes and slide presentations led by park naturalists, a winter bird feeding workshop, video presentations on Presqu'ile's natural history and children's activities.
    The slide presentations will be held daily at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 in the Nature Centre Theatre and will focus on winter bird identification.  The guided hikes will begin at the Nature Centre at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 and will last 45 minutes (proper winter footwear is recommended).  Remember to bring your binoculars and a mug for hot chocolate after your hike.
    The children's activities, winter bird feeding workshop and natural History videos will run daily from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Nature Centre.  Children's activities include building bird feeders to take home (along with some complimentary seed), using spotting scopes to examine the ducks in the lake and a colouring centre.
    For those interested in birds but unable to attend the weekends activities, be sure to check Presqu'ile's NEW birding website located at www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca.  This Site features weekly summaries every Thursday of the birds sighted in the park, and daily reports and updates of rare species.  The goal of the site is to provide visitors with the most accurate and up to date information available on birding at Presqu'ile.
    Admission to the park on January 27 and 28 will be a donation to the Brighton foodbank or you may enter with your season's pass.  There will also be a raffle for a Cedar birdhouse with the proceeds going to the foodbank so don't forget to purchase your ticket  at the Nature Centre.
    For more information on the Winterfest birding activities at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, please call (613) 475-4324.

Friends of Presqu'ile Park
Telephone (613) 475-1688 
Fax (613) 475-2209
Email: fmo@reach.net
Website: friendsofpresquile.on.ca
P.O. Box 1442
Brighton, ON. K0K 1H0

Quit Smoking 2001 Contest

If you're thinking of quitting smoking, the benefits of kicking the habit have just increased.  Not only will smokers gain better health by quitting smoking, but they now have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes through the Quit Smoking 2001 contest being offered throughout the province.

The contest is open to all Ontario residents who are daily smokers and who are 19 years of age or older.  (It is illegal to sell or give tobacco to anyone under the age of 19.)

Participants must submit their entry form by February 28, 2001, to qualify.  Entry forms are available through the local health unit, by calling the toll-free number 1-866-226-2001 or online at www.simcoehealth.org.

Entry forms must be complete and must include the names and addresses of one "support buddy" who is at least 19 years of age and who will be helping to support the participants efforts to quit.  Buddies become eligible to win prizes if the participant's name is drawn and they qualify as a prize winner.  Entries can be returned to your local health unit.

To be entered into the draw for prizes, a participant must be smoke free from March 1, 2001 to March 31, 2001.  The draw will be made on March 31, 2001, and contest  organizers will then verify the smoke-free status of all draw winners before awarding prizes.

Draw  prizes include:

• Caribbean Cruise for Two

• RCA DVD Players (seven available)

• One set of his and her watches

Smokers can get help preparing to become smoke free by contacting their local health unit for information about supports available to help them quit smoking.  Smokers are also encouraged to speak with their doctor or pharmacist for advice and aids that can help.

Northumberland County Community Care 

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the year 2001 as the International Year of the Volunteers (IYV 2001).  This global recognition allows countries the unique opportunity to highlight the achievements of generous and caring citizens, as well as to expand volunteerism within their communities.

Locally, Northumberland County Community Care is celebrating this much anticipated year with a number of events including a school poster contest, a county wide media blitz, a volunteer celebration in June and many other local community events.  

Coming Events

Brighton Area Community Care
Ongoing events:
Choral Group - Dining for Seniors - Shuffleboard - Chess
NEW!  Fun and Fitness - meant for older adults to improve flexibility and strength

Colborne & Area Community Care
Shrove Tuesday - Pancake day in February

Campbellford & District Community Care
Hastings Diner's Club - ongoing; 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month
Warkworth Diner's Club - ongoing; last Tuesday of each month

Prostate Cancer Support Group:
Public meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Market Building (across from LCBO).  Family and friends are welcome.  For more information, please call info Northumberland at 372-8913.

Office Numbers

Brighton Area Community Care                                Cobourg District Community Care
(613) 475-4190                                                        (905) 372-7356
Campbellford & District Community Care                  Colborne & Area Community Care
(705) 653-1411                                                         (905) 355-2989
Hastings Community Care                                           Port Hope Township Community Care
(705) 696-3891                                                         (905) 885-9860
Northumberland County Community Care (705) 653-0955

Courage to Come Back Awards 2001
Call for Nominations

The most courageous person you know could live next door.  Or in your own home.  Or work along side you.  Because one in four Canadians will be affected by mental illness and addictions during their lifetimes.

If you know someone who was overcome the challenges of living with mental illness or addiction, we invite you to nominate him or her for a Courage to Come Back Award.

Each year, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation honours extraordinary people who have chosen to use their experiences to contribute to the community.  Recipients will be recognized at the Courage to Come Back Awards Dinner, presented by Royal Investment Services, to be held May 10, 2001 at The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.

To submit your nomination or to find out more, call the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation at (416) 979-6909 or 1-800-414-0471.
Or visit www.camh.net.
Nominations must be received by Friday, February 23, 2001.

Telehealth Ontario - Coming soon to a telephone near you

• 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Health advice and information from registered nurses

• Services in English and French

• Translation support for other languages

• TTY access for people with hearing difficulties

• Connections to recorded health information, a pharmacist advice line and other telephone health services

It's 9 p.m., your baby has a slight temperature, she won't take her bottle and you can't get her to stop crying.  What do you do?  Your doctor's office is closed.  Should you take her to emergency - just to check it out?  With the new Telehealth Ontario phone line, a registered nurse who can help you decide what to do is close at hand. 

    Telehealth Ontario is a free telephone service you can call any time, day or night, to get health advice or information from a registered nurse.  The nurse will assess the symptoms and help you decide your best first step - whether to look after the problem yourself or go to your doctor, a clinic, a hospital emergency room or a community service agency.

    You'll be able to call Telehealth Ontario any time for free advice about your symptoms, illness or injury.  You can also ask questions about medications or request general health information on topics like healthy eating, quitting smoking and common illnesses.
    The nurses at Telehealth Ontario will use computer databases of medical information to help them answer questions and provide advice.  They can also connect callers quickly to more appropriate telephone services, like the Poison Information Centre.  
    You don't need to provide your Health Card number when you phone Telehealth Ontario.  Best of all, trained health professionals are providing the advice and information, so you know it's dependable.  
    Of course, 911 is still the first number you should call in emergency situations.

Telehealth Ontario is just one part of the province's plan to improve the health system by increasing access to services from home.  It's also another initiative, like free flu shots, designed to alleviate pressures on hospital emergency rooms.

It's easy and it's free....... and it's coming to your community soon
Starting in late February, if you live or work in the 416/905 (and the new 647/289) calling areas, you'll be able to call any time, day or night.  By the end of 2001, everyone in the province will have access to Telehealth Ontario.  

Introducing: 
A new initiative from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation
An International Year of the Volunteer Celebration

The United Nations has declared 2001 the International Year of Volunteers.  To celebrate, MCZCR has offered info NORTHUMBERLAND, the opportunity to submit a proposal to become a community volunteer summit host (There will be 47 host sites in the province).

A letter of intent has been submitted.  If the letter of intent is approved, we will need to form a community planning group to plan the actual summit - there are some mandatory elements (volunteer fair, presentation on Ontario's Promise - to be done by the government, invitation to local MPP). Planning committee will identify other methods to celebrate IYOV.

Our letter of intent includes three activities; a volunteer fair, a training day for voluntary organizations and a half day community planning session which will focus primarily on expanding the "Day of Caring".

Events Must be held by the end of June.  Maximum amount of funding is $10 000.

A series of capacity-building resources will be released throughout International Year of Volunteers (IYV) 2001.  These materials will be available online from the Canadian IYV 2001 Web site at www.iyvcanada.org.
Printed copies will be available at cost.  There are also promotional items such as: Lapel Pins, Lapel Button, T-shirts, Posters, Thank You Cards and more coming.  You can order these items online at www.iyvcanada.org or call the IYV 2001 toll-free number at 1-800-670-0401 for an order form. 

Would you or your organization be interested in participating in, or planning this event? 
Please call, fax or email Lori at info NORTHUMBERLAND

• Phone: (905) 372-8913 or 1-800-396-6626 

• Fax: (905) 372-2711

• Email: lori@fourinfo.com

"A reminder from info NORTHUMBERLAND: Our volunteer opportunities database is now online.  If you haven't already submitted volunteer opportunities and are currently looking for volunteers, call our office to receive a questionnaire."

Area Code Changes Affect You

New area codes and local 10-digit dialing are coming soon to the 416 and 905 areas
These changes affect:

• How you make local calls in the 416 and 905 areas

• How your phone and other telecommunications equipment works

• The are code you will receive when adding new lines

Local 10-digit dialing is the way of the future.  As of March 5, 2001, callers in the 416 area code and as of June 9, 2001, callers in the 905 area code will have to think of their area code as part of their telephone number and "add the code" when making local calls.  This will allow two new area codes - 647 for Toronto's 416  area, and 289 for the surrounding 905 communities - to be added next year.

    During the transition period that lasts for two months prior to the official introduction of the new area codes, local voice calls dialed using 7 digits may be preceded by a recorded announcement reminding the caller to dial 10 digits the next time.  The call will then be connected..
    These recorded  announcements will disrupt local data calls (fax, modem, etc.) dialed on a voice line using only 7 digits - another reason why it's important to have made necessary changes to your equipment prior to January 8, 2001 in the 416 area and April 7, 2001.

Ontario's Drive Clean Program

Ontario's Drive Clean is a new vehicle emission testing program to reduce smog and its harmful effects on the air we breathe.  Under the program, designated vehicles in areas with serious smog problems must pass a clean air test.  Those vehicles failing the test must be repaired and retested.  Cars, trucks, and buses, are the single, largest, local source of smog-causing pollutants in Ontario.  They release nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microscopic dust particles that react together in he presence of sunlight to create smog.  

Which vehicles are required to pass the test?

    If you own a passenger car or light-duty truck in the Drive Clean program area, it will have to pass a Drive Clean Test every two years prior to renewing the sticker on the licence plate.  This applies to vehicles that are more than three years  old and less than 20 years old. (based on the model year of the vehicle).  You will be notified  up to 90 before the deadline for renewing your vehicle licence plate.    
    As well, the test applies at change of ownership.  If your vehicle is less than 20 years old, and if the ownership change must have a safety certificate to be effective (eg. at resale), it must also pass a Drive Clean test.
    Vehicles 20 years or older, light-duty commercial farm vehicles and motorcycles are exempt.

Testing at registration will alternate between odd-year models and even-year models.  For example, in 2001, even model-year vehicles will be tested.  In 2002, odd model-year vehicles will be tested.

Who is affected and when?

The programs applies to owners of passenger and light-duty vehicles in the Greater Toronto Area and in the Hamilton-Wentworth Region.  Effective 2001, the program will expand to 13 urban areas and commuter zones in southern Ontario between Peterborough and Windsor.

The cost to have the test should be no more than  $30 and no more than $15 for a retest if your vehicle fails the initial testing and has repairs, providing it is done at the same facility.

9 Tips for Driving Clean

1. Is your vehicle in tune? A poorly tuned engine can consume an average of 10 percent more fuel.

2. One equals 20.  One poorly tuned vehicle can emit pollutants equivalent to 20 properly tuned cars.

3. Don't let your engine idle.  Excessive idling pollutes.  Turn off the engine whenever you can.

4. Low tires put pressure on fuel.  Properly inflated tires improve fuel performance. 

5. 90 is optimum.  The best fuel economy for most vehicles is under 90 km/h.

6. Light is right.  The heavier the car, the more fuel it burns.  Avoid unnecessary weight.

7. Plan your trips.  Save money by planning activities and combining errands to reduce the number of times you start your vehicle.

8. Share the ride.  Carpooling or ride sharing reduces the number of vehicles on the road.

9. Be aerodynamic.  Reducing wind resistance on the highway cuts fuel consumption.  Try rolling up the windows and opening the vents.

The Canadian Hearing Society  and Human Resources Development Canada

The Employment Services Department assists clients who are Deaf, Deafened, or Hard of Hearing in the Durham, Peterborough, Victoria and Northumberland Regions.  The department offers the following services:

Information and Assistance Regarding the Following:

• Technical Devices / Work Site Accommodations / Targeted Wage Subsidy / Ontario Disability Supports Program / Opportunities Fund / School and Training Options / Maintaining Employment

• Discussing Career Goals and the Hidden Job Market

• Developing Resumes and Cover Letters

• Finding and Researching Job Leads as well as Practicing Interview Skills

• Using the Job Bank / Researching on the Internet

Voice (705) 743-1573                TTY (705) 743-1621                    Fax (705) 741-0708
Voice 1-800-213-3848               TTY 1-800-213-0514                  Fax 1-800-360-6264

Health Care Health and Safety Association of Ontario

White Cane week starts Monday February 5th, 2001.  

This is "Heart Month."  Contact your local Heart and Stroke Foundation office for promotional ideas and heart health information.

Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA)/ Ontario Home Health Care Providers Association (OHHCPA) Conference "Working Together in Harmony" will be held from March 5,6,7 in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  For more information, call the ONHA at Tel. (905) 470-8995.

Cobourg Public Library

Learn more about Dr. Barnardo's "little immigrants".

Come to the 
Cobourg Public Library
Saturday, February 24th
1:30pm - 4:00pm

for a presentation by Mrs. Ivy Sucee, founder of the Hazelbrae-Barnardo Group from Peterborough and recognized by Barnardo Aftercare in England and Home Children Canada.  
Donations gratefully appreciated
For more information contact the Cobourg Public Library 372-9271

Art Gallery of Northumberland

The Art Gallery of Northumberland is pleased to announce the opening of two exhibitions on Saturday January 27, 2001 at its location in Victoria Hall, 55 King St.  The Opening is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Janet Read, a Port Hope artist, musician and poet, will be present at the opening.  This is her first solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of Northumberland.  Read, working in oil on canvas, is an abstract painter, who has said of her work, "Abstract painting offers a condensation of emotion and experience that is most intertwined, since it occupies the territory of the interior vision of an artist.  My paintings are poetic fragments of my experience in the world; of colour, of light, of thought, of place, of memory and history.  Colour attracts me for it expresses emotions with immediacy, appealing to the deepest fundamental level of our experience and memory.  My work invites the viewer to feel deeply and imagine wisely."

The Robert Motherwell: Octavio Paz Suite, of twenty-seven lithographs by the late American astist are a significant part of the Gallery's permanent collection.  Motherwell was one of the group that founded what came to be know as Abstract Expressionism.  For them modern  painters painted, not what they saw, but what they felt to be true.  Octavio Paz was an internationally recognized Mexican Poet.  The three poems by Paz in this collaboration with Motherwell are, "San Ildefonso Nocturne", "Return" and "Skin Sound of the World".  Each image is accompanied by a few lines from the poem.  Each poem also appears in its entirety in both Spanish and English.

The exhibition will be open until March 10, 2001.  The Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For further information call the gallery at 905-372-0333

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If you have a service or community event that is relevant to Northumberland County that you would like to see posted in our newsletter, please email/fax us the information before the 20th of the preceding month.

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