Friday, October 30, 2009

Challenge Met

The challenge to get women over the age of 50 to have a mammogram is being hailed a success.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program sought out 150 women over 50 to visit its sites in Kenora, Thunder Bay and Fort Frances as part of a one-day breast screening promotion.

The OBSP says over 175 women were screened during the Monday's event.

Awards Night Delayed

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is moving its annual business awards celebration to a new date.

The event which is normally held in late October or early November is now being planned for early in the new year.

Chamber Manager Anthony Mason says because of his hiring in September, it was felt there wasn't enough time to prepare for a fall event.

Details of when the event will be held are expected to be released later next month.

Farmers' Market Turns 25

Vendors and visitors to the Clover Valley Farmers Market will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend.

The market's summer season comes to a close Saturday.

Deb Cornell of Rainy River Elk Company, and one of the market's shareholders, says the market has helped local farmers.

"A lot of farmers have market their products through Clover Valley Farmers' Market," says Cornell, "and they've had a committed customer base. We have got a lot of people who do want local products who want to support local farmers and appreciate the good products that are produced locally."

As part of the celebrations, the market will host a luncheon of local foods beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Police Patroling Gate Night

Provincial police will be out in force tonight to ensure so-called Gate night activities are kept to a minimum.

Typically police receive a number of calls regarding acts of mischief on the night before Halloween.

Constable Anne McCoy says whether its eggs tossed at homes or soap on the window, its still a crime.

"We're aware of that," says McCoy, "that people do go out and make these choices. But we need to come together as a community and we need to keep our eyes and ears open and know who's in our community and if they are acting suspicious."

McCoy says if anyone sees anything suspicious in their neighbourhoods call police.

Couchiching Clinic Today

The Couchiching First Nations Health Care Centre will be holding an H1N1 vaccine clinic today.

It happens at the "Seniors Complex" on Couchiching for residents aged 55 and older ONLY.

The clinic is from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Health Officials Appeal

Health officials are urging people to be patient and to let those in priority groups get their swine flu shots first.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Arlene King and Health Minister Deb Matthews made the appeal at a news conference yesterday.

It comes as clinics, mostly in southern Ontario, have been swamped this week, and two Toronto clinics had to close their lineups.

Among those reporting larger-than-expected lineups was a clinic in Owen Sound, where people started showing up at 7:30 in the morning.

King and Matthews both say there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants it.

Local Clinics Well Attended

Residents in northwestern Ontario are taking advantage of the H1N1 flu clinics being offered by the Northwestern Health Unit.

Those clinics began this week and will run through November.

Director of Health Protection Arlene Lasinki says while exact numbers have not yet been compiled, attendance has been brisk.

"There's a lot of interest in the H1N1 vaccine," says Lasinski, "and I think it's great that people are taking advantage of getting that vaccine."

Lasinski says unlike southern Ontario clinics that are experiencing long waits, health unit staff have been able to accommodate local demands for the H1N1 shot quiet effectively.