in patient tub and shower room a reality at clinton hospital
 Participating in the Ribbon Cutting were (l-r): Ron Lavoie, HPHA Board Chair; Jane Muegge, CPH Foundation Director; Darlene McCowan, CPH Foundation Coordinator; Barb Dalgliesh, CPH PSW; Laura Brown, CPH Manager Inpatient Unit and ER) and Andrew Williams, HPHA President and CEO. (Photo by Amanda Dobson, HPHA Corporate Communications specialist)
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, staff of Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) along with members of Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) Management, the CPH Foundation, the CPH Auxiliary, and the HPHA Board of Directors, joined together for the official opening of the new accessible tub and shower room on the inpatient unit at the hospital.
Greetings and words of gratitude were expressed by both Darlene McCowan, CPH Foundation coordinator and Andrew Williams, HPHA president and CEO, followed by the official ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the new room.
In 2017, HPHA identified that the hospital needed a new accessible tub, as well as a chair lift with scale for the inpatient unit. In 2018, the Foundation transferred $57,352 from funds raised at Clinton Raceway’s 2017 Legends Day, to purchase the tub, the lift and to cover costs associated with the installation. Early in 2019, as plans moved forward with the tub project, HPHA identified an additional need for funding for an accessible shower in the same room, along with associated renovation costs. The CPH Foundation Board of Directors decided that funds raised at both Clinton Raceway’s 2019 Legends Day and the 2019 CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon would be used towards the accessible shower room project. With approximately $120,000 needed additionally to complete the accessible tub and shower room, Legends Day raised $55,691 towards the project and preliminary numbers show that this year’s Radiothon has raised an additional $28,000. Funds raised from both events will be transferred to HPHA once final numbers have been calculated.
At Wednesday’s celebration, Laura Brown, manager Inpatient Unit and ER, had the honor of cutting the ribbon, followed by a tour of the room led by Barb Dalgliesh, CPH PSW. The new room looks wonderful and was designed with both patients and staff in mind. The shower and tub are accessible for patient needs, while optimizing functionality for staff.
The CPH Foundation is truly grateful for the support of community partners, those who participated in the fundraising events and to the donors who make projects like this possible. Organizers noted it is amazing how people come together in support of our hospital and the health care of our community.
transition bed program offered in Clinton late November
 The Ribbon Cutting for the new Mental Health and Addictions Transition Bed Program brought together the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance’s Helpline and Crisis Response Team members with community partners and dignitaries. The program is expected to begin accepting clients late November. (Submitted photo)
The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) held an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their new Mental Health and Addictions Transition Bed Program on Oct. 30.
Huron and Perth residents experiencing a mental health and/or addictions crisis will now have access to an additional resource when the six transition beds in Clinton officially open in late November.
The Transition Bed Program has been made possible through the generous funding from the Ministry of Health with the valued support of the South West Local Health Integration Network (SWLHIN) and community mental health and addictions partners.
This is the first type of transition bed facility located in Huron and Perth counties with a typical stay being three to five days.
The goals of this program are to:
• Provide short-term support for people of all genders, who are 18 years of age and older, who are experiencing mental health and addictions crises; are at risk for homelessness, may be involved with the justice system and can be safely supported in the community.
• Support clients during their stay utilizing Transitional Case Workers and Crisis Workers. Staff assist clients to create and implement a plan for enhanced stability and meet urgent needs in a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Provide a safe and comfortable alternative when hospitalization is not appropriate.
• Connect clients experiencing mental health and/or addictions issues to community resources.
The home, property of the Clinton Public Hospital, has been fully renovated and includes a common area, kitchen and simple dormitory-style bedrooms for clients. Beds will be accessed through the Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team, 1-888-829-7484, and referrals can be made by individuals, family members, caregivers, health care providers, physicians, community agencies or police.
Watershed champion grants available for area schools
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) invites local schools to help their community and to become Watershed Champions. The local conservation authority offers four grants of up to $500 each. The grants are for local schools to complete projects that: improve surface and groundwater quality, forest cover, and overall watershed health; and may also include a public educational event or activity.
The 2019-2020 school year is the third year of the grant program. An application form and guidelines are available online at abca.ca. You may email completed applications to diszczuk@abca.ca by Dec. 16. All schools with funded projects will be notified by the end of January 2020.
“We know that schools want to improve their student outdoor learning spaces and we are excited to offer Watershed Champions Grants again for local schools through our continued partnership with NextEra Energy Canada,” said Denise Iszczuk, Conservation educator with ABCA. “We have been impressed with the projects that have been completed by schools and we are looking forward to reviewing applications which help to improve soil, water and living things in our watershed.”
Past Watershed Champions include: Precious Blood Catholic School, Exeter; Stephen Central Public School, Crediton; East Williams Memorial Public School, Ailsa Craig; and Wilberforce Public School, Lucan.
Watershed Champions Grant projects provide solutions to environmental challenges (such as water quality; forest conditions; soil health; and habitat for species; etc.) with measurable and manageable actions. The projects need to be completed by June 2020.
Schools can apply for one of two categories: 1) Creating Awareness; and 2) Taking Action.
The Taking Action category is a hands-on positive action for a project which monitors, implements, or researches water, soil, and living things: such as clean water diversion including rain gardens; controlling erosion; enhancing wildlife habitat; grassland restoration and enhancement; improving streams; planting native trees and shrubs; wetland restoration and enhancement; creating a living snow fence; cleanups; and collecting and reporting on environmental features including performing a tree inventory.
The Creating Awareness category recognizes an educational project which promotes and encourages positive action – such as being a community ambassador for actions that protect water, soil, and living things; promoting responsible practices such as water conservation or proper disposal of harmful chemicals and household hazardous waste; raising awareness through the Yellow Fish Road™ program; creating education and/or recreational opportunities; developing a school carbon offset program or a school Conservation Strategy; or sponsoring a guest speaker.
These Ausable Bayfield watershed schools are eligible to take part in the contest: Huron Centennial; Seaforth; St. Columban; St. James; St. Patrick’s (Dublin); Bluewater Coast; St. Boniface; Wilberforce; Grand Bend; Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Central Huron Secondary School; Clinton; Huron Christian; St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School; St. Joseph’s (Clinton); Adelaide W.G MacDonald; Bosanquet Central; East Williams; Exeter Elementary; Precious Blood; South Huron District High School; McGillivray Central; North Middlesex District Secondary School; Parkhill West Williams; Sacred Heart; and Stephen Central.
The Watershed Champion Grant is possible thanks to funding support by NextEra Energy Canada, LP. Information about the Watershed Champion Grant is on ABCA’s website (abca.ca).
Naftel's Creek Conservation Area site of HASAR training
 Visitors to Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area on the weekend of Nov. 9-10 should be aware that teams of HASAR searchers will be running training exercises there during that time period. (Submitted photo)
Visitors to Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area on the weekend of Nov. 9-10 will notice teams of searchers combing the wooded area in a training exercise that’s the final step in their certification to provincial standards for search and rescue.
The conservation area will remain open to the public while approximately 15 volunteers in red hats, grey uniforms and safety vests work through a search scenario, responding to new and changed information. It tests what they’ve learned in six months of classroom training and field exercises.
“It’s important that our volunteers undergo a rigorous certification process established by the Ontario Search and Rescue Association. They need to be prepared when we’re called in by the Ontario Provincial Police to assist in searching for missing persons,” said Heather Boa, who is the public relations officer for the newly established non-profit organization that includes professional trained volunteers available for deployment for methodical land and water searches for lost people in Huron, South Bruce, Perth and Lambton Counties.
The training exercise takes place Nov. 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to HASAR may find more information by visiting online at www.hasar.ca
nominate a remarkable citizen
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson is pleased to invite people throughout the riding to nominate and recognize the remarkable dedication and volunteer work done by local citizens.
The 8th Annual Remarkable Citizens Awards evening will be hosted by Thompson during her annual New Year's Levee event, which will take place at the Teeswater Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 (if necessary, the snow date will be Jan. 15.).
Each year, Remarkable Citizens Awards are handed out to respected and dedicated community leaders, volunteers, and residents who have made a positive impact within the riding of Huron-Bruce. To date, 138 remarkable citizens have been recognized.
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of every community, and I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet so many across the riding,” Thompson said. “It never ceases to amaze me how dedicated these special people are. They help make their communities better in so many different and impactful ways and I look forward to honoring even more citizens from our riding this year."
To nominate someone, describe in approximately 250 words, the person’s contributions to the community and why you feel they are deserving, and send it to diane.foxton@pc.ola.org. Also include two pictures of the nominee.
Nominations can also be mailed or dropped off at either constituency office: Blyth (408 Queen St. PO Box 426, N0M 1H0) or Kincardine (807 Queen St. Unit 3, PO Box 834 N2Z 2Y2).
Nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. For more information, contact Diane Foxton at 519 396-3007.
“There's no better way to kick of the New Year than recognizing remarkable people who are making a difference in our communities," Thompson said.
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the knitting pilgrim
Huron Shores United Church in Grand Bend is hosting 'The Knitting Pilgrim' on Sunday, Nov. 10.
Starting at 4 p.m., this popular one-man theatrical artistic presentation has been touring southern Ontario to rave reviews. Storyteller Kirk Dunn recounts his artistic and spiritual journey as he created three large hand knit tapestry panels that depict the symbols of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The beautiful elaborate panels are part of the event and audience members have a chance to view them up close and engage in a discussion after the show.
In this age of polarization, fear and division, it's a wonderful story of unity and our commonalities, appropriate for all generations.
Tickets are $12 each at ticketcsene.ca or will be available at the door of Huron Shores United, 25 Main St. Grand Bend.
CPH X-ray suite
Thanks to the generous support of the Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) Foundation and their donors, the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA),has purchased a new Digital X-ray suite to replace its aging equipment at the CPH site.
In order to install this new equipment, outpatient X-ray exams at CPH will not be available for six to eight weeks starting on Nov. 12.
Outpatients requiring X-rays during this time period are asked to visit another hospital. Hours of operation at the Seaforth Community Hospital site of the HPHA have been extended from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to accommodate the extra volume.
Inpatients and Emergency Department patients who require X-rays during this time will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In some cases X-rays may be provided by a portable unit or by transferring the patient to another hospital site.
With the installation of the new state-of-the-art X-ray equipment, patients will benefit from higher quality images which in turn facilitates accuracy in interpretation and diagnosis. The new equipment will also improve efficiency as exams will be performed in a shorter amount of time.
Appreciation is extended for your patience and cooperation as this work is completed.
livery filmfest
Many thanks to the over 100 film enthusiasts who came to the first of three films in this fall's Livery Film Series. From past audience surveys, we know that some of you travel from as far as Belgrave, Brussels, Blyth and Bayfield. You won't want to miss the upcoming film for November.
Nov. 21 brings Bill Nighy and Sam Riley in the comedy/drama/mystery film “Sometimes, Always, Never”.
The film will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Park Theatre in Goderich. Tickets at the door are $12. Mark your calendars and check the Livery Facebook page or website before you set out: www.thelivery.ca.
Airforce Show
The MacKay Centre for Seniors in Goderich will be the location for Sgt. Wilson’s Airforce Show as they present, “The Vintage Sound of the 40s and 50s” on Dec. 6.
From Almelo-The Netherlands Music at the Hangar will feature music by the Andrew Sisters, Glenn Miller, Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe and others.
There will be two shows at the centre, located at 10 Nelson St E. in Goderich, the first at 2 p.m. and a second at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Please call 519 524-6660 for tickets. The production is sponsored by the ABC Investments.
hc cultural summit
The County’s Cultural Services Department is working on the development of a new Huron County Cultural Plan. The new Cultural Plan will identify strategies to build and support the local arts, culture and heritage sector in Huron County.
As part of that work, the department is holding a Huron County Culture Summit on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blyth Memorial Community Hall, 431 Queen Street, Blyth. At the Summit, participants will have an opportunity to review the list of strategic areas that have been identified for the new cultural plan as well as provide input on potential actions within those areas of consideration.
Public art has been identified by the arts and culture sector as an area for growth and support. Sonya Poweska, Culture Program specialist with the City of Waterloo, has been invited to speak about the types of public art and public arts programs as a starting point to a discussion about what type of public art program people would like to see in Huron County.
Between the guest speaker and work on the new Cultural Plan, participants will hear about the work being done by five arts, culture and heritage organizations and get to meet the people behind those groups doing good work in the arts, culture and heritage sector of the County.
If you would like to attend the Huron County Culture Summit on Nov. 9 please RSVP to Rick Sickinger, Cultural Development officer, at rsickinger@huroncounty.ca or 519 482-5457 Ext. 2730. Lunch is provided to those that attend.
Anyone who is unable to attend but would still like to provide your into the new Huron County Cultural Plan please complete the online survey available at creativehuron.ca.
horticultural society - clinton
“Essential Oil 101” presented by Sue will be the focus of the next Clinton Horticultural Society meeting on Nov. 20.
All are welcome to attend the meeting that will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the OMAFRA building, 100 Don Street in Clinton.
living wage
Living Wage Week in Ontario runs from now until Nov. 8 and United Way Perth-Huron’s (UWPH) Social Research and Planning Council (SRPC) is taking the opportunity to announce the new Living Wage of $17.55 an hour for Perth-Huron, up slightly from last year’s figure of $17.44 an hour.
“The importance of a Living Wage — and the benefits to individuals and challenges for employers — is a meaningful discussion,” said SRPC Manager Joelle Lamport-Lewis. “Too many local people are forced to make hard decisions for their families on how to allocate extremely limited resources. The SRPC and UWPH want to be at the forefront of ongoing discussions to improve local lives.”
Calculated annually by the SRPC, the Living Wage is based on the living expenses of a family of four with both adults working full-time for 35 hours a week, once government transfers and deductions are accounted for. Everyday expenses included in the calculation are food, housing, utilities, childcare and transportation.
“It’s important to keep numbers current so the calculation continues to show the reality of living in our region,” added Lamport-Lewis. “For example, housing costs in Perth and Huron have increased in recent years and that’s not yet reflected in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation rental reports. If housing costs continue to rise, adjustments may have a significant impact on our Living Wage Rate in the future.”
For more information about Perth Huron’s Living Wage, visit http://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/srpc/living-wage-report/.
In Perth and Huron Counties the reality is stark; one in two households earn below the current Living Wage level. Families working hard in minimum wage positions or juggling two or three part-time jobs are making difficult decisions between paying rent or purchasing healthy food — and paying other bills late if they can at all — creating constant stress. Shame, guilt and depression are common and the daily struggle to make ends meet creates an environment where it is hard to focus on anything other than survival, leading to a perpetual cycle of poverty that hurts individuals and deepens divisions within communities. The Living Wage offers a way out of this cycle for individuals and communities.
“Employers across Perth and Huron have been very open and willing to listen to the benefits of a Living Wage,” added UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Paying a Living Wage isn’t always an easy decision, but business owners also understand this is about more than paying someone a dollar or two more per hour. It’s about building a stronger workplace environment and investing in the long-term health of the communities we care about. Employers who pay a Living Wage or more and have already certified are also telling us it’s improving their bottom line, so this can be an opportunity for businesses as well as a benefit to workers.”
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