The Cornerstone FEBRUARY 2019 Township Of O’Connor Emergency Contacts: Medical Emergencies: 911 Please note that the Township Office will be Closed: Fire: 911 Police: 911 Monday, February 18th for Family Day.

Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority 2019 calendars are available Municipal Office Hours

at the township office during regular business hours. Monday through Thursday: 9:00 am to Noon & 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Fridays: 9:00 am to Noon SPEED LIMIT: LOOKING FOR RESIDENT’S INPUT Office Phone: 476-1451 The Township of O’Connor Council are currently looking for resident’s input. Fax: 473-0891 Council are currently considering lowering the speed limit on Cronk Road to Garage: 476-1453 60 km per hour. They are looking for input on this possible change from the Community Centre: 476-1452 residents on Cronk Road, as well as the general public. Council will be discussing Website: www.oconnortownship.ca E-mail: [email protected] this further at their Council meeting held on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to express your opinion on this change, you may attend the Disposal Site Hours:

meeting in person or submit your written comments to be read at the meeting. Winter Hours (Sept 1 - Mar 31) For more information you may contact the Clerk-Treasurer, Lorna Buob at Tuesdays 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm 476-1451 during regular office hours. Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Summer Hours (Apr 1 to Aug 31) Tuesdays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm NOTICE

O’CONNOR COMMUNITY CLUB Dog Control Officer: David Frowen 707-3148 Annual General Meeting Building Permits:

Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 By-law Number 2016-12, passed June 27, at 7:00 pm 2016, being a by-law respecting

in Construction, Demolition, Inspections, and to set out the rates for permits within the O’Connor Council Chambers Corporation of the Township of 330 Highway 595 O’Connor states that building permits will be required for the construction, Volunteers are needed to join the O’Connor Community Club for 2019. erection, alteration, repair, removal, Volunteers assist with and lead engaging activities for residents and surrounding relocation and change of use of all communities. Without the volunteer base to organize and operate events and buildings or structures within the activities, these events cannot occur. Have an impact on your community and Township of O’Connor. If you are consider joining our team of dedicated volunteers and become a regular building anything larger than 108 square Community Club member. feet or a building with heating, you are Volunteer opportunities vary and may include: required to apply for a building permit. For

• Organize community events such as the Christmas Potluck, Strawberry more information please call the Township Festival, or children’s events Office or the Township’s Chief Building Official, Gordon Cuthbertson, at • Organize fundraisers to raise funds for programs to benefit our community 708-7548. • Assist at and/or bake for funeral luncheons Applications available on the Township • Assist with neighbourhood clean up website or at the office. • You may also bring your own ideas with you! We love to hear ideas of how Library Hours: you think you can help make a difference in our community! (Use of both branches is free for Contribute to your community in a positive way, meet great new people, build up residents of O’Connor) your resume and network. Women and Men of all ages welcome! Watch for upcoming meetings in the Cornerstone. For more information about volunteer Murillo Branch (935-2729) opportunities or to sign up for a volunteer position please call Lorna at 476-1451 Monday - 10 - 8 pm or send an email of interest to [email protected]. Wednesday 10 - 8 pm Saturdays 10 - 2 pm

PLEASE REFER TO THE TOWNSHIP WEBSITE AT Rosslyn Branch (939-2312) www.oconnortownship.ca FOR DETAILS ON THE Tuesday 10 - 8 pm TOWNSHIP SKATING RINK ICE CONDITIONS. Thursday 10 - 8 pm Saturdays 1 - 5 pm

We are still looking for volunteers to help keep the surface clear of Email: [email protected] snow. Those interested in operating the Township’s snow blower www.olsn.ca/oplibrary are asked to contact Kelly Johnson at the O’Connor Municipal garage at 476-1453 or the Municipal office at 476-1451. 1 COUNCIL MEETINGS Groundhog Day - The next regular meeting of Council will be held on Monday, February 11th & Monday, February 25th. The Saturday, February 2nd meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers Groundhog Day always falls on February 2. located in the Municipal Office located at 330 Highway 595. This traditionally marks the midpoint between Council welcome your involvement and interest in Council the winter solstice in December and the spring meetings and municipal issues. equinox in March. According to legend, if a groundhog sees Council welcome your involvement and interest in Council its shadow on this day, there will be six more weeks of winter; meetings and municipal issues. Join the meetings and if it doesn’t, then spring is right around the corner.

stay informed on what’s happening in your municipality. Happy Groundhog Day!! Draft agendas can be found online Friday afternoons prior From O’Connor Council & Staff to the Monday meetings or pick one up upon attending the meeting.

Mayor Jim Vezina - 577-6735 Councillors: Alex Crane - 473-9420 Jerry Loan - 768-0947 Wendy Handy - 344-2523 Bishop Racicot - 577-2215

SILVER MOUNTAIN FOOD GROUP

Attention People of the Northwest who are interested

in good quality food: Winter brings snow and snow brings out the plow trucks. Please use caution and slow down when approaching plow Silver Mountain Food Group is currently accepting trucks on Municipal roads and on Provincial highways and let new members. them do their job to ensure roads are clear and safe to drive.

We are the largest volunteer driven food buying club in When plowing and shoveling snow from driveways, residents , focused on providing members access to are reminded that it is illegal to push the snow across a “good quality food in bulk.” roadway. Ridges that are left behind can cause a potential hazard to motorists. Be cautious in inclement weather, slow Ordering twice per year with an emphasis on organic and down and always be aware of other drivers. conventional food basics like flours, gluten-free Drive safe. alternatives, oats, baking supplies, grains and legumes, as well as local goods. Snowmobile Safety and Trespassing We will be hosting an open house A reminder to all snowmobile riders to be responsible by April 6th - 7th respecting landowner rights. This respect starts with NOT 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. entering any private land without permission. at the Kakabeka Legion. Unauthorized entry of private land can lead to trespass Come and check us out. charges. Snowmobilers and parents of snowmobilers are asked to For more information or to join: remember or remind their children to Email: [email protected] drive ONLY on the snowmobile trails Facebook: or on their own private property https://www.facebook.com/groups/314659995829212/ (depending on their age and type of driver’s licence).

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT AT THE O’CONNOR COMMUNITY CENTRE! Celebrate Valentine’s

Book your special occasion at the Day with those you O’Connor Community Centre. The Centre's capacity is 132 people when a liquor license is love on Thursday, required. Maximum capacity is 162 people. Please call the Municipal Office at 476-1451 for more information or to book your event. February 14th.

O’Connor Hall Rental Fees: Happy Valentine’s

- Social with Liquor…………. $200.00 Day. - Hall Rental No Liquor………..$75.00 - Use of basement Kitchen…….$50.00

(A $50.00 damage deposit may be required.) From O’Connor Council & Staff

Hall rental applications can be picked up at the O’Connor 2 Municipal Office during regular business hours. Fire Department News Disposal Site

Since the last newsletter the O’Connor First Response Team Goal have responded to 1 call. To progress towards zero waste through an Make sure YOUR household is safe from carbon integrated waste management approach. monoxide poisoning. Homeowners and landlords are responsible for ensuring Why it matters their properties have working carbon monoxide (CO) As a whole, we throw away the equivalent of millions of alarms. This includes: barrels of oil per year, with significant economic, social, Testing: environment, and cultural impacts. When reused or recycled, there is potential for waste to be useful. • It is recommended that carbon monoxide alarms be There are significant costs that come with waste tested monthly or in accordance with the collection and disposal, as well as the creation of manufacturer’s instructions. greenhouse gas emissions and toxic substances. Batteries: Litter in our community can affect our quality of life and • Replace batteries in carbon monoxide alarms once a economy. Education and proactive measure can help year or whenever the low-battery warning sounds. prevent litter. • Know the difference between a low-battery warning and Fluorescent lights, electronic waste, and similar materials an emergency alarm – consult the CO alarm contain toxic chemicals which pose health and manufacturer’s instructions. environmental risks. Replace CO alarms: Visit thunderbay.ca/en/earthcare.aspx for proper disposal • In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. instructions. • Know what the “end-of-life” warning sounds like – You can help reduce waste by choosing items with less consult the CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions. packaging and avoiding items in single use plastic Landlords: container (i.e. bottled water, plastic bags). The purchasing decisions we make reduced the impact on • Landlords are responsible to ensure working carbon our landfill. monoxide alarms are installed and maintained in their Objectives for the City of rental properties. • The law requires landlords to test CO alarms in rental • By 2020, the amount of residential solid waste units annually and when the battery is replaced, generated annually per capita will have decreased by changes are made to the electric circuit or a change in 15% from the 2005 baseline. tenancy occurs. CO alarms must be tested by pressing • By 2020, the amount of commercial solid waste the test button. generated annually will have decreased by 15% from the • The law requires landlords to provide CO alarm 2005 baseline. manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to tenants. • By 2020, single use bottled water is phased out of Tenants: public facilities, schools, and public events in Thunder • The law requires tenants to notify the landlord if the CO Bay and a strategy to phase out the use of other plastic alarm is inoperable. containers will have been developed. • It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries • By 2020, reduce litter through a preventative or tamper with the alarm in any way. approach and a culture of litter prevention prevails. Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms. • By 2020, increase the diversion of hazardous waste If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer and use less toxic alternatives.

from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the Please contact the O’Connor Municipal Office at home immediately. Then call 9-1-1 or your local emergency 476-1451 during regular office hours for any questions services number from outside the building. If your CO alarm you may have regarding the O’Connor Disposal site. sounds, and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reached its "end-of-life" before calling 9-1-1. FIRE DEPARTMENT For any questions, please contact the Municipal office during CAN/BOTTLE BINS regular business hours at 476-1451. The O’Connor Fire Department Auxiliary has set up Pop SMOKE DETECTORS & CARBON Can, Beer and Liquor Bottle bins at the Disposal Site, the MONOXIDE ALARMS SAVE LIVES Fire Hall, in the village of and at Green Acres Variety. Please consider dropping off your pop/ The O’Connor Fire Department has for beer cans and/or beer/liquor bottles at any of these bins purchase Kidde instead of throwing them in the recycling bin at the Disposal Site. Smoke Alarms………………………...………..$25.00 Remove your pop can tabs and drop them off at the Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms……………...$25.00 O’Connor Municipal Office for Combination Smoke/CO Alarms…………….$35.00 charity.

These units can be picked up at the PLEASE NOTE: These bins are O’Connor Municipal Office during regular office hours. not for water bottles or other For more information on fire safety, please check the recyclables. Township website at www.oconnortownship.ca or come into the Township office during regular office hours and check out the available information pamphlets. 3 4 RADON TEST KITS FOR SALE

The Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge and Eco-Superior Environmental Programs have arranged for the Municipality to sell Radon Test Kits. The Kits are available at the Oliver Paipoonge Municipal Office at 3250 Hwy 130, the Murillo Library at 4569 Oliver Road , and the Rosslyn Library at 3405 Rosslyn Road. The price of a Kit is $50.00, which is the same price charged at Eco-Superior’s office in Thunder Bay. Persons wishing to pay by credit or debit card will need to go to the Oliver Paipoonge Municipal Office or to Eco-Superior at 562 Red River Road in Thunder Bay.

Radon Gas: High Levels of Gas can be Reduced

Over the last several years concern about radon across Canada and other jurisdictions has been increasing. Surveys have been and being undertaken to determine prevalence of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring, colourless, odourless, radioactive gas present to some degree in most soils. Since pressure is higher in the soil outside your basement than it is within, radon can seep into the basement through cracks, sump pump holes, floor drains, etc. Radon is a heavy gas so it does not tend to be found in the upper levels of a house. Cancer risk increases when radon is inhaled for an extended period of time. The risk gets higher the greater the concentration of radon and the longer the exposure to radon.

Early last month the Health Unit (TBDHU) released its radon survey titled “The Prevalence of High Residential Radon in Two Communities within the Thunder Bay District: Oliver Paipoonge and Marathon, Ontario.” The testing work was done over the winter of 2017/18 in Oliver Paipoonge. TBDHU decided to do the study there given the results of a survey done in the City in 2015 that found higher levels of radon in Neebing and McIntyre wards, which

Oliver Paipoonge Municipality borders. The following sentence in the Executive Summary provides the key finding: “Among the 188 Oliver Paipoonge homes that returned their radon detectors for analysis, 65% had radon in excess of the Health Canada guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3) of air.” Relying on established statistical methodology, at a meeting on November 14th TBDHU Manager of Environmental Health, Lee Sieswerda, told Council there is a 95% chance that somewhere between 58% and 72%, or the average of those two figures, 65%, of all homes in Oliver Paipoonge Municipality have radon levels in excess of 200 becquerels per cubic meter.

Get Your Home Tested – Now is the Time

The survey results from the Municipallity of Oliver Paipoonge indicate that there are high levels of radon in the Municipality. At the November 14th meeting Mr. Sieswerda advised homeowners should get their houses tested. He informed Council there are four major factors governing the prevalence of radon. The first is the concentration of uranium in the rocks. Radon is a bi-product from the decay of uranium. The second is the permeability of the soil. Some soils are harder for gases like radon to travel through. The third is the physical characteristics of your foundation and basement. cracks, sump pump holes, floor drains, window casements, etc. provide entry points for radon. The fourth is how you live in your home. If you don’t open windows, don’t open your doors much, and have an airtight house, air inside your home does not get changed much. It is more or less impossible considering these factors yourself to determine the prevalence of radon in your home. Mr. Sieswerda stressed the only way to know is to have your home tested.

Testing involves placing a radon detector in your basement for at least three months. Radon detectors are small puck-shaped units approximately 2.5 cm x 5 cm. The ideal time to deploy the radon detector is during the winter heating season, i.e., now. Radon levels tend to be at their highest in winter when people keep their windows closed and do not go outside frequently.

High Levels of Radon Gas can be Reduced

If your home has a high level according to your test, you should not be alarmed. Radon gas does not pose an immediate, acute hazard like carbon monoxide, ammonia, etc. Nonetheless it is serious and you need to understand that you can do something to reduce the amount of radon gas in your home. Measures like repairing cracks in foundations and covering up sump pump holes can make a difference. More extensive measures include installing a vent stack in the basement floor that allows radon under your home a pathway to the surface, or a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system that ventilates your basement without losing the heat or humidity inside your home. These measures have been found to be effective in reducing high levels of radon.

Questions and Information

Please contact the TBDHU @ 625-5900 or visit the TBDHU website at www.tbdhu.com to get answers to your questions or obtain further information. Another source for answers and information is the non-profit organization EcoSuperior, which can be reached @ 624-2140 or visit the EcoSuperior website at www.ecosuperior.org.

5 6 SENIOR HOMEOWNERS’ PROPERTY TAX GRANT

The Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant is a yearly grant provided to senior homeowners in the Province of Ontario to help seniors who have low incomes to moderate incomes, offset taxes on their property. Depending on your adjusted family net income, you may receive up to $500 yearly.

Eligibility

You qualify for this grant if you or your spouse or common-law partner, as of December 31 of the previous year: • paid Ontario property tax during the year • met either of the following income requirements: - you were single, divorced or widowed and earned less than $50,000 - you were married or living common-law and you and your spouse/common-law partner earned a combined income of less than $60,000 • owned and occupied your principal residence • were 64 years of age or older • were a resident of Ontario.

Grant amount

If you file your personal income tax and benefit return annually and qualify for the grant, you could get up to $500 each year depending on your adjusted family net income.

If you are single, separated, divorced or widowed

You could get $500 if your adjusted family net income for the previous year was $35,000 or less. If your income is over $35,000 but less than $50,000, your grant will be reduced by 3.33% of your income over $35,000.

If you are married or living common-law

You could get $500 if your adjusted family net income for the previous year was $45,000 or less. If your income is over $45,000, your grant will be reduced by 3.33% of your income over $45,000. You do not qualify for the grant if your adjusted family net income is $60,000 or more. Only one person per couple can receive this grant.

File your taxes to apply for the grant

You need to file your tax return to apply for this grant, even if you don't have income to report. You may qualify for the grant even if you do not owe income tax. To apply:

1. complete the ON-BEN application form (which is part of your general income tax and benefit return) 2. report the amount of property tax you paid on line 6112 on the ON-BEN application 3. submit the ON-BEN application form with your completed return

Learn more about the Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant and other tax credits and benefits at www.ontario.ca/page/senior-homeowners-property-tax-grant.

7 8 Hymers Fair News By Shannon Dodd-Smith

Welcome to a Fresh New Year! Along with it comes your Hymers Agricultural Society (HAS) Fresh New Board which will be announced in February!

So, we'll keep it simple with the following:

HAS is seeking a Treasurer/Bookkeeper! • It is a part-time position of no more than 10 hours a month maximum (not including Fair Weekend). • The qualified candidate will possess a working knowledge of Sage 50/Simply Accounting and Microsoft Office. • Duties include, but are not limited to: attending monthly board meetings to present treasurer’s report, preparation of all monthly bookkeeping, preparation of annual grant application, preparation of annual lottery licences and AGCO report for fair, sit as chair of budget committee, and handle all financial operations of Hymers Fall Fair. • An annual honorarium of $2,400.00 is offered to the qualified candidate. • Training from previous treasurer will be provided. Please apply by either Fax at 807-346-8480, or Email at [email protected], or Mail to Hymers Agricultural Society, c/o Debbie Hoover, 97 Cox Crescent, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 7K7 Spread the word! In the meantime, stay cozy and healthy; and enjoy garden-planning and seed inventories. 9 10 Excerpt from the OPP Monthly Newsletter

The temperatures are falling and winter is in full swing. So as good residents, many are turning to outdoor winter activities. It’s a great time to be outside and the winter doesn’t shorten the list of things available, it just changes it. I hope that all of our residents make good use of these winter months and take advantage of all that our area has to offer. I remind you that winter also brings basic driving challenges due to snow and ice on the roads. Inclement weather adds to the work that our officers deal with and drivers need to be prepared for increased wait times for officer response. Vehicle safety kits and communications are essential. Quite often we get into a mindset of going from one warm environment to another and we don’t dress for the potential to be stranded in the cold along the way. For yours and your family’s safety, please always travel with appropriate cold weather clothing. The Thunder Bay OPP are committed to the safety of our community residents and our local motorists. We will continue to be vigilant about the Big 4 causes of highway tragedies (speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired operation) and we encourage everyone to be responsible and safe on the highway.

OPP CHARGE MORE THAN 500 IMPAIRED DRIVERS DURING FESTIVE RIDE CAMPAIGN

The Festive RIDE campaign resulted in OPP officers removing 539 alcohol/drug impaired drivers from roads during Festive RIDE stops between November 23, 2018 and January 2, 2019. An additional 384 drivers where issued Warn Range Suspensions for having a Blood Alcohol Concentration in the .05 and .08 range. Officers conducted a total of 10,270 RIDE stop events throughout the province during the campaign, marking the first time the number of OPP RIDE stop events exceeds the 10,000 mark. During the previous (2017/18) Festive RIDE campaign, the OPP charged 587 drivers with alcohol/drug-impaired driving, issued 366 Warn Range Suspensions and conducted 9,830 RIDE stops.

"I am extremely proud of our officers for their commitment to keeping our roads safe over the holidays. Whether drivers were charged with alcohol-impaired driving, drug impaired driving or issued Warn Range Suspensions, the bottom line is that our officers took close to 923 impaired drivers off our roads and eliminated the threat they posed to those who were sharing the road with them that day." - OPP Interim Commissioner Gary COUTURE.

Tragically, there were 42 alcohol/drug-related road deaths on OPP-patrolled roads in 2018.

OPP COMMITED TO MAKE ROADS SAFER WITH NEW IMPAIRED DRIVING LAWS

Part 2 of Bill C-46 came into effect on December 18, 2018. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will begin to exercise new authority for investigating impaired drivers on Ontario roads. The OPP is reminding drivers that as of December 18, 2018, police can demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver without first having to suspect the motorist has been drinking. Under the new legislation, drivers impaired by alcohol now also face higher mandatory minimum fines and some higher maximum penalties. Until now, officers had to have a reasonable suspicion that a driver had alcohol in their body before demanding a sample. Drivers need to be aware that it is mandatory for them to comply with this demand and that those who do not can be charged with failing or refusing to provide a breath sample. Under the new legislation, drivers impaired by alcohol will also face higher mandatory minimum fines and some higher maximum penalties. (See penalties below).

"The new mandatory alcohol screening serves as an important deterrent to drivers who are impaired by alcohol, including those who believe they can avoid detection by police. So far this year, alcohol and/or drugs have been a factor in the deaths of 41 people on OPP-patrolled roads. Every person who uses our roads has the right to be safe. The OPP fully supports this and any other legislation that enhances our ability to reduce the number of preventable deaths attributed to this deadly driving behaviour." - Interim Commissioner Gary Couture, Ontario Provincial Police.

The OPP has laid more than 7,300 impaired driving charges across the province between January 1 and mid-November, 2018. If you suspect that a person is driving or about to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs, you should call 9-1-1 to report them to police.

Penalties for impaired driving as of December 18, 2018 Alcohol-impaired driving that does not cause bodily harm or death - mandatory minimum penalties:

First offence + blood alcohol content (BAC) of 80-119 mg: mandatory minimum $1,000 fine First offence + BAC of 120-159 mg: mandatory minimum $1,500 fine First offence + BAC of 160 mg or more: mandatory minimum $2,000 fine First offence of refusal to be tested: mandatory minimum $2,000 fine Second offence: mandatory minimum 30 days imprisonment Third and subsequent offences: mandatory minimum 120 days imprisonment

11 RURAL CUPBOARD FOOD BANK NEIGHBOURS HELPING NEIGHBOURS Kakabeka Falls CONMEE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX & Rural District RCL Branch #225 P. O. BOX 327 KAKABEKA FALLS, ON POT 1WO by: Gladys Grant, Public Relations All events take place at the Kakabeka Legion on Hwy 11-17 in Kakabeka Falls HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE! January food bank Call the events line for info. 473-9122 or check out our was a blistery cold day, but clients and volunteers braved the web page at www.kakabekalegion.ca weather and 48 Hampers were given out with a couple of emergency hampers being done during the month. 614 Hampers CRIB - February 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd were given out in 2018, a total of 1,382 clients of which 945 were Crib takes place every Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. adults and 437 Children. For more information, call Tim at 983-2998. A BIG THANK YOU to Mayor Kevin Holland on behalf of the board, volunteers and the clients, and communities we serve, for Sun. February 3rd - CASH BINGO Licence #M728890 12:45 - 3:30 p.m. his time served as a board member. His knowledge, guidance, and support was instrumental in helping us with our new building Fri. February 8th - DANCE WITH QUEST and we cannot thank him enough for his support. He will be 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. Admission is $8 per person which includes sandwiches, desserts, coffee and tea. greatly missed but we look forward to forming a new relationship with Conmee’s new representative, Councilor Leslie Kivisto and Sat. February 9th - GENERAL MEETING 3:00 p.m. we welcome her to the board! Sun. February 10th - BREAKFAST BUFFET A BIG THANK YOU to Mark Halabecki who in honor of his 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 PLEASE NOTE THE NEW HOURS birthday had friends and family donate to the food bank. A large ‘All you can eat’ Canadian and Finn pancakes, bacon, sum of money was donated with thanks to everyone who so sausages, scrambled eggs, hash browns, coffee, tea, juice, generously gave to a cause that is so close and dear to Mark’s toast and jam or try our "Made just for you" omelette. heart. Adults $12, Seniors $11 and children’s pricing as well. Join A BIG THANK YOU to North Country Cycle & Sports, The Hub the breakfast club and after 10 paid breakfasts you get a Bazaar, and the Gleeson Clinic in the City of Thunder Bay for free breakfast. having very successful food drives for the food bank. Always Sat. February 16th - DANCE WITH QUEST Greatly appreciated. 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. Admission is $8 per person which A BIG THANK YOU to White Fish Valley School for having a includes sandwiches, desserts, coffee and tea. very successful food drive with items being given to the food bank in January. Greatly appreciated. Sun. February 17th - CASH BINGO Licence #M728890 12:45 - 3:30 p.m. A BIG THANK YOU to the Kakabeka Legion for hosting another successful fund raising afternoon of music on January 27th with Sun. February 24th - AN AFTERNOON OF MUSIC JUST 4 YOU and OLD BONES. Thank you to the bands for 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. donating their time and talents to such a worthwhile cause. Also Students needing volunteer hours can get them at any of to everyone in attendance for their generous donations at the the Legion events. For bookings at the Kakabeka Legion door. please leave a message on the Legion line at 473-9122 or call The next Food Bank will be held on Wednesday, February 20th Gary MacDonald at 473-9631. with Intake (Registration) being done from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or they will have to phone for an emergency hamper, which is only given out once a year to any one individual! Volunteers will stay until all hampers are distributed. On Monday, February 18, volunteers will be at the food bank 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. preparing for food bank day. The veggie volunteers will be there from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19th. You are welcome to bring items at this time. Our school lunch program is still running and we would appreciate donations for this much needed effort. No one wants to see children go hungry at school. A tax receipt will be issued for a donation of $10.00 or more to the food bank as we are a Registered Non Profit Charity. The Building Fund is always accepting donations to help pay off our mortgage on the new building. Plastic and reusable bags are always welcome. Food and bags can be dropped off at the Rapport Credit Union or the Odena in Kakabeka Falls Village, both the Rosslyn and Murillo, Oliver Paipoonge Libraries, The Neebing Municipal Office, The O’Connor Municipal Office and The Conmee Municipal Office during business hours. An Afternoon of Music will be held on Sunday, February 24th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. hosted by the Kakabeka Legion with T BUGS and ROAD WORN CHAPS. Come for a great afternoon of music, fun and fellowship with a cash donation at the door. Dancing Welcomed. Next meeting is Wednesday, February 6th at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Conmee Complex. Phone number for the food bank is 285-0836 with any inquiries. Check us out on Facebook! Our Website is raisetheroof.com Mailing address listed above. 12 13 O’Connor Council & Staff would like to wish everyone an enjoyable Family Day Monday, February 18th.

TOPS #794 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

...a friendly local weight-loss support group

TOPS is a non profit, non commercial weight loss support group. We offer outstanding support to take and keep off pounds sensibly.

Please Note Time Change: The Nolalu chapter will be meeting every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. for the winter months at the O’Connor Community Centre. Weigh in starts at 11:00 a.m. in the basement and the meeting upstairs at11:30 a.m. Membership is $48.00 annually and $1.00 a week for dues. Bring a friend or family member and come see what we have to offer.

There are 16 TOPS chapters in the Thunder Bay and rural areas.

For more information, please call Rose Marie Shandruk at 577-5924 or Aria at 475-3588.

14 Ingredients Mediterranean • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Chicken • 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed • 2 celery ribs, chopped Orzo Soup • 2 medium carrots, chopped • 1 small onion, chopped Directions • 1/2 teaspoon salt • In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 6-8 • minutes or until no longer pink. Remove from pan. • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium-high • 1/4 cup white wine or additional reduced-sodium heat. Add vegetables, salt, oregano and pepper; cook chicken broth and stir 4-6 minutes or until vegetables are crisp- • 1 carton (32 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth tender. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Stir in broth, rosemary and bay leaf; bring to a • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary boil. • 1 bay leaf • Add orzo. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15-18 • 1 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally. • 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel Return chicken to pan; heat through. Stir in lemon peel and juice; remove bay leaf. If desired, top each • 1 tablespoon lemon juice serving with parsley. • Minced fresh parsley, optional

Commemorative Plaques

Celebrate a family member, friend or loved one and order a plaque TODAY! NATIONAL FLAG DAY The Township of O’Connor offers plaques to commemorate OF CANADA the special anniversary of 50 years or longer and birthday celebrations of 75 years or older for present and past February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day. residents of the Township. Visit Canada.ca/FlagDay to learn more!

If you know of anyone who would be celebrating either of Declaration of National Flag of Canada Day: these special events in the upcoming year, please contact the Municipal office within a few weeks of the event and a At the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965, plaque will be ordered at no charge. Canada's red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time. The flag belongs to all Canadians; it is an emblem we all share. Although simple in design, Canada's flag well reflects the common values we hold so dear: freedom, peace, respect, justice and tolerance. Canada's flag is a symbol that unites Canadians and expresses throughout the world and always our pride in being Canadian. The maple leaf flag pays homage to our geography, reflects the grandeur of our history and represents our national identity. Our flag thus honours Canadians of all origins who through their courage and determination, have helped to build and are continuing to build our great country: a dynamic country that is open to the future. Therefore, I, Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada, declare that February 15 will be celebrated henceforth as National Flag of Canada Day. Let us be proud of our flag! Let us recognize how privileged we are to live in Canada, this magnificent country that encompasses our history, our hopes, our future.

Jean Chrétien Prime Minister of Canada February 15, 1996 15 16 17 Thunder Bay After 5 invites Men and Women to

DRONES: WHAT THEY DO

Monday, February 25th, 2018 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Urban Abbey 308 Red River Road

Cost at the Door: $10.00 for coffee & dessert

Music: Youth Ensemble

Feature: T/Sgt. Dave Bel with police drone

Speaker:

John Sobolta - Retired Tactical team member To reserve by February 21st call Rose: 767-8461 or Connie: 630-0774 Visit us on Facebook Affiliated with www.rsvpministries.com

St. James’ Anglican Church Country Warmth in Christ John St. Road at Calvert Road, Murillo O’Connor-Conmee Fellowship Sunday Service: 11:00 a.m. Baptist Church (Please Note: No Sunday school at this time) Rector: Reverend Charlene Scriver Sunday: 10:45 a.m. 807-939-1103 [email protected] worship for all ages

Small Group Studies… please phone for information. St. Mark’s Anglican Church Country Warmth in Christ Last Sunday of Every Month St. Marks St., Rosslyn Village (except summer)… At 5:30 p.m., pot-luck supper, then at Sunday Service & Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m., a time of music, or a film, or a fun-night. Rector: Reverend Charlene Scriver Feel free to join us!! 807-939-1103 [email protected] O’Connor-Conmee Fellowship Baptist Church 3 Holomego Rd, corner of Hwy 595 Redeemer Lutheran Church Hwy 11/17, Kakabeka Falls, ON Sunday Service: 11:00 a.m. Pinegrove United Church Pastor Brad Julien 100 Hwy 130, Rosslyn 473-9164 www.redeemerlcc.ca (next to the Tbaytel tower) Sunday service: 10:30 a.m.

St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church 10 Porter St., Kakabeka Falls Sunday Mass: 11:00 a.m. Office: 939-1364 Parish Priest: Fr. Randal Morrisseau Email: [email protected] 18 935-2898 (Rectory) www.dotb.ca Website: www.PinegroveUC.org Rural Family Centre EarlyON Programs

Whitefish Valley School program runs weekly on

Mondays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Murillo Site program (4509 Oliver Road)

Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Wednesday 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Bring a nut free snack for your child.

Call 935-3009 for further information.

19 WHAT ARE YOUR FAMILY DAY WEEKEND PLANS?

GET YOUR CROSS COUNTRY SKIS WAXED UP AND HEAD TO ONE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL PARKS IN THE THUNDER BAY REGION.

WHEN’S THE LAST TIME KAKABEKA PROVINCIAL PARK YOU WENT DOWNHILL KAMVIEW NORDIC CENTRE SKIING OR LAPPE NORDIC SKI CENTRE SNOWBOARDING? SLEEPING GIANT PROVINCIAL PARK CHECK OUT WHAT OUR LOCAL HILLS HAVE TO

HOP ON YOUR OFFER AT LOCH SNOWMOBILE AND SEE LOMOND OR MOUNT BALDY! WHERE THE WIND TAKES YOU! Don’t Forget They Have Tubing Available Also!

DROP A LINE AT SUPERIOR OR ONE OF THE GRAB YOUR SKATES AND FIND A RINK! MANY INLAND LAKES AROUND It’s said that Thunder Bay has the THUNDER BAY! most outdoor rinks per capita in all of Canada, so you’ve got plenty of chances to skate or play hockey.

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