FREE INSIDE… Sean Conway honoured by Ontario p.3 Shop local in lockdown p.6 Valley chief medic on Covid p.10 FRIDAY JANUARY 8, 2021 Welcome to Doctors Ostapowicz ELSER LEE ARCHER BARRY’S BAY We welcome Doctors Daniel and Teresa Ostapowicz to the Valley. These inter- nationally-trained physicians of Polish heritage began their practice here in November 2020 and have both been a part of this community in the past. Teresa’s Valley history starts with her family, as her father was a boy scout at the Kaszuby camp. Teresa has main- tained longtime friendships with neigh- bours of the family cottage on Wad- sworth Lake since she was seven years old. So it was a comfortable choice to set up practices in an area they were already familiar with, both having com- pleted a medical rotation here in 2015. Teresa worked with Dr. Coulas, and Daniel with Dr. Atfield in Barry’s Bay and Dr. Joo at Rainbow Valley Commu- nity Health Centre in Killaloe. Following university in Canada, the couple met at Jagiellonian School of Medicine in Kraków, where classes were in English but patients were served in the Polish language. Both Teresa and Dan did advanced stud- ies and residencies at Ottawa Civic and CHEO, as well as in the U.S. (Yale Doctors Daniel and Teresa Ostapowicz with children, Laura (left) and Emilia. Medical Centre and the Mayo Clin- ic), so they come to the Valley with a Daniel said, “It’s pretty special that it’s the EPIC system and other electronic wealth of experience. Even in Ameri- the first Polish community [in Canada]. medical records that allow a doctor to can cities they learned to become We both like the outdoors — I used to view critical information and imag- resourceful physicians because local run ultra-marathons in the mountains ing on demand. They also applauded hospitals in some neighbourhoods out west and Teresa was a long distance telemedicine services that strengthen lack necessary resources. runner in university. We love this area.” the relationships with larger area hos- They explained what led them to One often sees Drs. Teresa and Dan- pitals and provide increased access to establish a practice together in Bar- iel Ostapowicz walking their children, specialists in the comfort of a patient’s ry’s Bay. Teresa said, “Before graduat- Laura and Emilia, with the stroller or home or rural hospital. ing medical school in May 2016 we of- sharing roles as parents and doctors. All in all our two new Doctors Osta- ten were a team — it was natural for us During the interview they praised powicz explained that taking over Dr. to work together in our work life and the local Emergency department de- Atfield’s practice in Barry’s Bay and area home life when married. It was always scribing a team of excellent nurses allows them to provide a level of service our dream to raise our family together and doctors. They remarked on cre- expected in an urban centre while they and open a practice. We believed that ative and resourceful medical services can enjoy the benefits of a rural com- could work here.” from Pembroke and Ottawa including munity they now call home. www.madvalleycurrent.com 2 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT $224,183.50 for Catch The Ace winner YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL INFORMATION in the Madawaska Valley and area To list your event, business or organization email [email protected]. Most listings are free. Pat and Lorna beam for the cameras as they hold the cheque. Lorna Leach and husband Pat Leach care Foundation Catch The Ace draw. of Micksburg are no strangers to Bar- Not only that, but her chosen number, ry’s Bay. Over the years they’ve been 26, (son Nat’s birthday is July 26) was here many times and had even re- the number of the envelope containing cently visited to have lunch at the Ash the elusive Ace of Spades. Grove Inn. That meant instead of just winning But on Dec.18 their trip to the Bay a substantial Weekly Prize of $9,070 was for a very different purpose indeed. the progressive jackpot of $215,113.50 BAYBERRYDESIGN.CA Lorna’s ticket was drawn the evening was rolled into Lorna’s winnings, so the before in the St. Francis Valley Health- amount on her cheque was $224,183.50 MKC Director wins the 2020 Marilyn Alexander Tourism Champion Award BARRY’S BAY On December 17, 2020 the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) cel- ebrated the winners of the 2020 Ot- tawa Valley Tourism Awards during a virtual event. OVTA Awards celebrate Thanks for supporting the Legion. the dedicated, creative and passionate tourism operators and individuals in PANCAKE BREAKFAST the Ottawa Valley. SUNDAY JANUARY 24 Barry’s Bay resident, Stefani Van Wijk 8 am to 12 pm received the 2020 Marilyn Alexander Tourism Champion Award, a commem- Adults: $12 • Kids 6 to 12: $6 orative award recognizing an individual Under 6: free OVTA member who is an active tourism Social distancing regulations in place. champion for the Ottawa Valley. As Direc- tor of the Madawaska Kanu Centre — a CLUB ROOM: Re-opens Jan.23 at three-generation family business — Ste- and this year appreciation for the wilder- 2 pm. Open Monday, Wednesday, fani believes in working collaboratively ness and outdoor recreation has soared. Saturday, from 2 pm to 6 pm, and developing strong partnerships with We’ve learned so many things this year local businesses and the community. and I’m hopeful we can move forward in and Friday 2 pm to 8 pm “I’m so honoured to receive this award,” a way that cares more about each other, Follow us on Facebook exclaimed Stefani Van Wijk. “Challenges our unique needs, our health, the land make us realize what’s important in life and the watershed.” www.madvalleycurrent.com 2 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT FRIDAY JANUARY 8, 2021 | 3 Barry’s Bay’s Sean Conway receives Ontario’s highest honour MARK WOERMKE BARRY’S BAY Residents of the Madawaska Valley and the riding of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pem- broke, will be particularly interested to learn that Barry’s Bay’s Sean Conway has received this honour. Conway, who was Ontario’s youngest MPP when he was first elected in 1975, served Ontarians and his constituents until 2003 in a variety of ministerial and critic roles, as Government House lead- er and as Deputy Leader of the Opposi- tion. Since his departure from elected politics, he has continued to offer his talent, knowledge and experience in a variety of roles. CLEANERS NEEDED In his Order of Ontario profile, Con- NOW HIRING way is acknowledged as having served Sean Conway, above. The Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Cleaning Crews (Barry’s Bay, Ontario with great distinction as a leg- Governor of Ontario announced Pembroke, Renfrew) islator, public policy expert, advisor, the appointment of 47 outstanding • Full-time and part-time educator and author, and it is noted Ontarians to the Order of Ontario, the positions available that his “captivating and legendary ora- province’s highest honour on January 1, tory” in the legislature earned him the 2021. Of the 47, 22 are for the year 2019 • Various shifts, including some respect of all parties. while 25 are for 2020. PHOTO: WM ENRIGHT weekends When interviewed by The Current, • Immediate start-date Conway indicated that he had been the Ottawa Valley and the remarkable • Wages based on experience made aware of his appointment a few men and women who made it.” days before Christmas when he was Jayne Brophy of Pembroke, who was We are a fast growing contacted by the Lieutenant Gover- Liberal riding association president commercial cleaning company nor’s office; the Minister of Heritage, for a number of years and worked on that offers on-the-job training to Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa Ma- many of Conway’s campaigns, was very honest and enthusiastic people cLeod; and local MPP and Ministry of pleased to see Conway recognized, who have good work ethics, Resources and Forestry John Yakabus- “Sean dedicated everything to working want to be recognized for their ki, “I am very honoured to have been on behalf of the residents of Renfrew efforts, and who care that they selected for this distinction and I want County and Ontario. He is an historian are making a difference in the to thank all those who supported my who relishes the history of our county places they work. nomination.” and our province, and he uses his tal- By joining our team, you will Characteristically, Conway acknowl- ents to make both a better place.” develop the cleaning and edged his deep Ottawa and Madawaska Barry’s Bay’s former mayor, John Hil- sanitation skills required to Valley roots, “The citation announcing debrandt, who has known three gener- give outstanding service to our my selection to the Order made refer- ations of Conway’s family, was happy to valued clients. In return, we ence to the fact that I seemed to enjoy see another native son recognized for reward outstanding service with making speeches. Growing up in Barry’s his contributions. Hildebrandt spoke of Bay, I have to admit that I was greatly Conway’s “Valley common-sense,” his opportunities to grow within influenced by the very strong oratori- encyclopedic knowledge of the area, the company in supervisory and cal tradition of the Ottawa Valley. As a and the fact that his position “never management roles. We may youngster, I listened to very accom- went to his head.” be growing, but have not lost plished public speakers like Joe Greene, “In my mind’s eye, I still see him sight as to how valuable our Arthur Maloney, and Paul Martin Sr.