Take a Break at Quest Art’s March Break Madness Art Camps

Painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media projects and so much more will be explored at this year’s Quest Art March Break Madness Art Camps offered March 11 to 15. Photo provided.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 28, 2013 (Midland, ON)

Take a Break at Quest Art’s March Break Madness Art Camps

Like a break this March Break?

Then why not sign your budding young artist up for one of Quest Art’s March Break Madness Art Camps.

Quest Art is offering two art camps this year - one for ages 6 to 8, the other for 9 to 12 years old.

This dynamic program provides an exciting introduction to a wide variety of art techniques and materials.

The 6 to 8 age group will explore sculpture, clay whistles, drawing and painting fundamentals, pop art, and portraits, printmaking, and conclude with an art show.

The 9 to 12 years old age group will learn pen, ink and doodle techniques, experiment with watercolour, acrylic, and three-dimensional canvases as well as learn about various artists including Jim Dine, Laurel Burch, and Paul Klee. This camp will also conclude with an art show.

The camps will take place at the Midland Cultural Centre from March 11 to 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The camps are $125 for members or $135 for non-members.

Artists Jesse James and Kim Vaillancourt will instruct.

Preregistration is required for all camps, by calling Quest Art 705-526-ARTS (2787), visiting our art shop in the Midland Cultural Centre (333 King Street) or going online (www.questart.ca). All Quest Art programs are tax free and anyone who signs up for one of our March Break camps may be eligible for the Ontario Children’s Activity Tax Credit.

For more information, please visit our website www.questart.ca, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Quest Art

Quest Art is a charitable, not-for-profit-volunteer driven visual arts organization and is generously funded by its members, community supporters, and organizations as well as the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Established in 1995, Quest Art has offered quality visual arts programs that provide learning through continuing education, exposure through exhibition programs and interaction through community outreach. We are strong leaders in the local art community and engage the community through art activities.

Quest Art is located in downtown Midland, ON at 333 King Street in the Midland Cultural Centre. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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CONTACT:

Ninette Gyorody, Director/Curator

Quest Art

333 King Street, Midland, ON L4R 3M7               

705-526-ARTS (2787)

ninette@questart.ca

he Accessibility Directorate of Ontario – On the Move

Ministry of Community and Social Services Deputy Minister’s Office Hepburn Block Queen’s Park Toronto ON  M7A 1E9 Tel.: (416) 325-5225 Fax: (416) 325-5240

Ministère des Services sociaux et communautaires Bureau du sous-ministre Édifice Helpburn Queen’s Park Toronto ON  M7A 1E9 Tel.: (416) 325-5225 Téléc: (416) 325-5240

February 20, 2013

The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario – On the Move

Ontario is a world leader in ensuring a more accessible place for all, where every resident or visitor can participate fully. Ontario’s groundbreaking 2005 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act has resulted in new regulations and standards which are now in place to ensure all organizations take steps to both provide accessible customer service and build the accessibility needs of their employees into their human resources practices.

Since 2005, the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO) has been working with the disability, private and public sectors to develop and enforce accessibility standards, and promote greater accessibility awareness throughout the province.

The transfer of the ADO from our ministry to the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment announced in yesterday’s Throne Speech is the natural next step in the evolution of Ontario’s accessibility journey.

As partners in the collective effort to build a more inclusive Ontario, you are undoubtedly aware that in the next 20 years people with disabilities will represent 20 per cent of Ontario’s total population, and combined with an aging population, will represent 40 per cent of total income in Ontario — a major engine of Ontario’s future economy. A more accessible Ontario is good for our economy and our communities and will help generate $9.6 billion in new retail spending in the coming years, all of which will generate jobs and a contribute to a healthier economy.

The government is committed to a province which provides a level playing field for all, and has called on the private sector to increase the number of people with disabilities in the Ontario workforce. Aligning the ADO with Economic Development, Trade and Employment will ensure the employment potential of those living with a disability, and further advance the economic benefits for our businesses and communities. Having the vision and objectives of a more accessible Ontario fully linked with the province’s economic development and employment agenda represents an exciting and historical new phase for the ADO and the 1.85 million Ontarians who have a disability.

In the coming weeks and months, the plans for future actions and advances to realize that potential will become clearer, and the ADO will keep you informed of any changes or new developments associated with its transfer to a new home ministry.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services is very proud of the achievements and inroads which have been realized, and the leadership and commitment which the ADO and its staff have demonstrated while the Directorate has been with us. I am confident its commitment of partnership with you will continue as strong as ever as you continue your shared mission of achieving inclusion and employment opportunities for all Ontarians.

Should you have any additional questions in the coming days, I encourage you to connect with your usual contacts within the ADO.

Sincerely,

Marg Rappolt
Deputy Minister

La Clé d’la Baie Unveils Its New Logo!

Pour diffusion immédiate

Communiqué de presse

Penetanguishene, le 19 février 2013

C’est dans le cadre des festivités du carnaval d’hiver de Penetanguishene, devant plus de cinquante personnes, que le nouveau logo de La Clé d’la Baie a été dévoilé par le conseil d’administration et le personnel, samedi le 16 février 2013.

Depuis sa création en 1996, La Clé a diversifié et a augmenté ses services et ses programmes dans le comté de Simcoe, «nous voulions une image plus moderne, pertinente et représentative de l’organisme» a mentionné Madame Claudette Paquin, présidente du conseil d’administration de La Clé.

Quoique le nom légal de l’organisme ne change pas, «~La Clé~» sera maintenant le nom utilisé pour toutes activités promotionnelles et commerciales. La fleur du trille représente l'emblème de l'Ontario~; la fleur de lys verte la francophonie ontarienne~; la fleur de lys bleue la francophonie québécoise (par respect des nombreux Québécois qui vivent dans le comté) et la fleur de lys rouge la francophonie canadienne. D’autre part, les fleurs de lys pointant vers le centre, à l'intérieur du trille, signifient l'inclusion et représente la communauté francophone.  La vague, quant à elle, représente l’eau qui nous entoure.

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La Clé – organisme catalyseur travaillant à la promotion de la participation active des membres de la communauté, recherchant l’épanouissement et le développement harmonieux de la communauté, engagé à maintenir et à défendre les droits de la francophonie d’ici et d’ailleurs et à améliorer la qualité de vie et le mieux-être de la communauté francophone tout en lui permettant de vivre pleinement sa langue, sa culture, son identité et son héritage.

Renseignements~:

Claudette Paquin, présidente

La Clé d’la Baie en Huronie

claudettepaquin@yahoo.ca

      

 Press Release

La Clé d’la Baie Unveils Its New Logo!

Penetanguishene, February 19, 2013

During the Penetanguishene Winterama celebrations, on Saturday February 16, 2013, the new logo of La Clé d’la Baie was unveiled in front of a group of over 50 people by the Board of Directors and staff.

Since its inception in 1996, La Clé has diversified and expanded its programs and services throughout Simcoe County, “so we desired a modern and relevant image that is representative of our organisation” stated Madame Claudette Paquin, President of the Board of Directors of La Clé.

While the corporate legal name is unchanged,~“La Clé”~will now be the trade name for all promotional and commercial activities. The Trillium emblem represents Ontario; the green Fleur-de-lys represents the francophones of Ontario; the blue Fleur-de-lys represents Quebec francophones (recognising the numerous Quebecois who live in the county) and the red Fleur-de-lys is for Canadian francophones. In addition, the three Fleurs-de-lis point to the centre of the Trillium, which signifies inclusiveness and is representative of the francophone community.  Finally, representing the waters that surround us, the wave.

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La  Clé – a  catalyst organization working to promote active participation from community members, to seek balanced growth and development of the community, to commit to preserving and defending Francophone rights locally and elsewhere, and to enhance quality of life and well-being in the Francophone community while allowing it to fully live its language, its culture, its identity, and its heritage.

Information:

Claudette Paquin, Chair of the Board

La Clé d’la Baie en Huronie

claudettepaquin@yahoo.ca

Used Assistive Devices get new life!

 January 9, 2012

Used Assistive Devices get new life!

Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and Area (ILS) is a local, not-for-profit, charitable organization, founded in 1976 that exists to provide support and services to adults with physical disabilities or limitations to assist them to lead dignified, productive and independent lives. 

In 2008, the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integrated Network (NSM LHIN) supported the creation of the Accessibility Resource Centre (ARC) to guide mature adults through health transitions requiring assistive devices and other accessibility needs to continue to live safely at home.  Since its inception, ARC has assisted hundreds of seniors in obtaining financial support, through government and community sources, to purchase assistive devices which enable them to live safely and independently within the community. 

There is a growing demand for assistive devices and an increased need for financial assistance to purchase those devices. Many pieces of equipment are no longer being used. These assistive devices are often stored in basements and garages gathering dust, and cluttering homes, or they are dumped in local landfills. ARC is excited to announce a brand new service to address this issue.

The Assistive Device Exchange is a website, developed with the generous support of Community Connections and United Way of Greater Simcoe County, which allows used equipment to be re-used.  People with equipment, they no longer need, may list the equipment either for sale, or offer it for free. People who need equipment can search the website to obtain equipment at reduced or no cost.  

Re-use of equipment helps everyone:  De-clutter homes! Save money! Reduce waste!

Find, sell or give away equipment on the Assistive Device Exchange website today at www.assistivedeviceexchange.ca

Quotes:

Alison Pickard, CEO of United Way of Greater Simcoe County:

“This program is exactly what we mean when we talk about Community Impact.  It neatly fits the definition - identify a problem that impacts people’s safety, health , lack of finances and independence (one or two would work but especially when they ALL do) , grab it, research it , think creatively in  finding a solution – embrace partners along the way and be courageous in finding a unique solution. When the solution involves the environment as well - reduce, recycle and reuse - even more value is added.” 

Jill Tettmann, CEO NSM LHINLHIN:

“Finding ways to help North Simcoe Muskoka residents receive the support they need in order to stay in their homes is what community care is all about.  We believe the Exchange will enable everyone to come together with that common goal, and we applaud the initiative and innovation that brought this about.”

Dan McGale, E.D. Independent Living Services of Simcoe County

“The ability to use the support of various funders has assisted in developing a local solution to address this community problem.  The cooperation and partnership with community groups, and service clubs, has been essential in pulling this project together.  We look forward to its continued operations in Simcoe Muskoka.”

Quick facts:

Close to 2 million Ontarians have a disability – the majority involve mobility and require assistive devices.   - Stats Canada 2006

The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.9 million, or 14.2 per cent of population in 2011, to 4.2 million, or 23.6 per cent, by 2036.  By 2017, for the first time, seniors will account for a larger share of population than children aged 0–14. - Ontario Population Projections Spring 2012

The government will help 90,000 more seniors to receive care at home and fund an additional three million Personal Support Worker hours over the next three years.  – Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthcare

For further information on Independent Living Services, and the Assistive Device Resource Centre, please visit www.ilssimcoe.ca or mtizzard@ilssimcoe.ca at 705-737-3263.

Mayors' Day 2013

NEWS RELEASE

Olympian to be Guest Speaker at 2013 Mayors’ Day

For immediate release

The recent cold snap, followed by freezing rain, has made our streets resemble a bobsleigh run.  One of the world’s fastest women of the ice track will be the guest speaker at the 5^th annual Mayors’ Day Fundraiser for family physician recruitment on Friday, May 3, 2013.

Shelley-Ann Brown, of Pickering, Ontario represented Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games where she thrilled the hearts of Canadians when pushing her teammate Helen Upperton to a Silver Medal win!

Staged by the Southern Georgian Bay Family Physician Recruitment Program, the Mayors’ Day event will be held at the Brooklea Golf and Country Club with a breakfast presentation at 7:00am and a lunch presentation at 12 noon.  Money raised supports the recruitment program which attracts new family physicians to the Southern Georgian Bay region.

“Our volunteer organizing committee sources interesting speakers from different sectors each year,” explained Physician Recruitment Officer David Gravelle. “This year, sport is our focus, and we are fortunate to have Shelley-Ann Brown as our keynote speaker, with a message that will inspire and motivate.”

So how did a young person, born to  Jamaican parents who migrated to Canada decide to race down narrow, twisting, banked, iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled at speeds over 70 miles per hour?

According to her biography, Brown had been a high-level competitor in track and field for many years prior to pursuing bobsleigh. As passionate about education as she is about sports, Shelley-Ann completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and English in 2004 and a Masters in Educational Psychology in May 2006. This was accomplished while she attended the University of Nebraska on a Track and Field scholarship. The former sprinter/hurdler also gained All-American honors during her time at Nebraska.

Shelley-Ann was recruited to bobsleigh for the 2007 season and has been on the Canadian

World Cup Team ever since.

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Mayors’ Day – May 3, 2013

Even though she competes in a winter sport, she actually hates the cold and is convinced that one day she will move to a place where below zero temperatures, shoveling snow and scraping your windshield in the morning do not exist!

Shelley-Ann is firm believer in giving back and as a result is a very active member in her community.  In 2005, she founded and directed Camp E.D.I.F.Y in Scarborough, Ontario.

E.D.I.F.Y stands for Education and Direction for Intelligent and Fit Youth. It reflects her belief that children should be whole and healthy in every aspect of their being - whole in heart, whole in mind, whole in body and whole in spirit.

The Southern Georgian Bay Family Physician Recruitment Program is a community led initiative to recruit new family doctors to the Midland/Penetanguishene area. The committee is comprised of representatives from local sponsoring municipalities, Georgian Bay General Hospital, physicians and volunteers representing all sectors of the community.

“We anticipate a number of new retirements and slow downs from our roster of senior physicians this year and next,” said David Gravelle, Physician Recruitment and Retention Officer. “We have a recruitment plan in place and a strong pipeline of candidates to meet our community’s needs.  The funds from the Mayors’ Day and other events, such as the Glenn Howard Charity Golf Classic, assist us in meeting our objective of ensuring every resident has timeline access to primary care.”

Previous keynote speakers have included legendary Canadian broadcaster Valerie Pringle, noted lawyer and activist James Lockyer, author and playwright Dan Needles, and OPP Commissioner Chris D. Lewis.

The 2013 Mayors’ Day takes place Friday, May 3, 2013 at Brooklea Golf & Country Club in Midland. Tickets are $100 and are available for the 7 a.m. breakfast or the 12 noon luncheon. A tax receipt for the charitable portion will be issued by the Huronia Community Foundation. To order tickets, contact Susan Robillard at 705-533-2757

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Media Contact:

David Gravelle

Physician Recruitment and Retention Officer

Southern Georgian Bay Family Physician Recruitment Program

(705) 526-1300 ext. 5466

Ministry of Community and Social Services Accessibility Directorate of Ontario 6th Floor, Suite 601a 777 Bay Street Toronto ON M7A 2J4

Ministère des Services sociaux et communautaires Direction générale de l'accessibilité pour l'Ontario 6e étage, bureau 601a 777, rue Bay Toronto (Ontario) M7A 2J4

New Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces added to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)

On January 1, 2013, the Government of Ontario achieved another milestone in implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (Ontario Regulation 191/11) was amended to include accessibility requirements for the Design of Public Spaces (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment).

Beginning in 2015, public and private sector organizations will have to meet accessibility requirements when constructing and maintaining new or redeveloped elements of public spaces including:

• Recreational trails and beach access routes
• Outdoor eating areas for public use
• Outdoor play spaces (such as playgrounds)
• Exterior paths of travel (such as walkways across parks or between buildings)
• Accessible on- and off-street parking
• Service counters and waiting areas

Organizations are not required to make changes to their public spaces. The standard only applies when organizations build new or make major changes to existing elements of public spaces.

The new requirements can be accessed on e-laws by following this link:
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_110191_e.html

For further information on the Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces, please visit ontario.ca/AccessON.

Accessibility Enhancements to the Ontario’s Building Code

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) is developing potential enhancements to current accessibility requirements in buildings. Public consultation on potential updates to accessibility requirements in the Ontario’s Building Code is now underway. A consultation paper and details of the potential technical changes are available online. Stakeholders and the public have until March 1, 2013 to submit comments to MMAH.

To review the public consultation document for the Ontario’s Building Code visit:

www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page10160.aspx

For further information on the Ontario’s Building Code, contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:

Email: codeinfo@ontario.ca

Phone: 416-585-6666

Fax: 416-585-7532

 

Southern Georgian Bay Visitor Guide Book 2013

Southern Georgian Bay Visitor Guide Book 2013 ----  News Release

THANK YOU!!

Thank you to the continued support of our Members and advertisers for making the 2013 edition of the Southern Georgian Bay Visitor Guide Book a success again this year!!  This Visitor Guide Book is a highly visible full-color KEY Tourism Publication in Southern Georgian Bay area, offering affordable advertising rates.

THIS GUIDEhighlights and promotes Southern Georgian Bay tourism businesses and events in the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, and the Townships of Tay and Tiny:  Attractions, Accommodations, Restaurants, Marinas, Recreational Activities, Services...and more!!

THIS GUIDE strengthens Georgian Bay’s brand recognition and awareness as a tourism destination. Cross promotion of print and online marketing provides the opportunity for businesses to maximize their exposure through the use of direct website and email links.

THIS GUIDEwas recognized by branding slogan specialists of “I Love NY” and “Virginia is for Lovers”... They portrayed how the artwork symbolized all that they found important and strategic in creating a “lure” publication that looked “inviting” to the vacationers’ eye. They were impressed with the publication and could not say enough about its professional appearance.

THIS GUIDEwill be distributed across Ontario to Chambers of Commerce, Ontario Travel Centres, Visitor Information Centres, trade shows, local businesses, at community events and conferences, and direct mailing requests.  A total of 37,000 copies will be circulated.

THIS GUIDEis available for downloading in both English and French from the www.southerngeorgianbay.on.ca website.  The Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce website is an information portal designed to inform and assist visitors with their travel plans.

THIS GUIDEwill be available to the public as of January 1, 2013. 

Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce

Organization of Choice… Your #1 Business Link