KAPOA Spring Newsletter 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I Hope all our members are safe and well in these trying times, as covid 19 gives us an unusual start to 2020. It’s been difficult to try to adjust activity schedules for this year and in some cases, there was a need to cancel.

Bay Days, which has always been a major membership drive for KAPOA has been cancelled for this year, and we have decided to waive 2020 membership renewal for all members who have paid their membership in 2019. There are some members who felt that they were able to pay for their 2020 membership and have done so. We thank them for their support. New members can submit their membership dues to KAPOA Box 297,Barrys Bay, On K0J 1B0, or by e-transfer to pay.kapoa@gmail.com the password is kapoacares.

Our AGM is an area of concern as we are debating whether government restrictions will be lifted so that more than 5 people can gather and if so, would people be willing to attend or would they be cautious? This year would have been an election year for KAPOA directors. Some directors have volunteered their time well beyond their term and are ready to pass the responsibilities to new volunteers. The AGM is currently scheduled for July4and is to be held at the Senior Centre In Barrys Bay. If the AGM is cancelled, the elections will be held at the AGM in 2021. KAPOA has been in existence for some 40 years and has survived due to the tireless efforts of volunteers that have stepped forward over the years and donated their time. I encourage members who have time to contribute to step forward and become active in this great organization so we can keep KAPOA alive for another 40 years!

I would like to thank our directors and volunteers who have done an amazing job in making KAPOA such a wonderful organization, and in some cases had to put up with me and some of my ideas.

The KAPOA Poker Run is scheduled for July 25 and is a big fund raiser for St. Francis Hospital. Due to concerns with covid-19, director Lynne Maclean and the poker run committee will be deciding if the event can be launched this year. If all fails, we are hoping that things might clear up in time for the Regatta which is a fun filled successful family day held August 1st.

The Chippawa development has some ongoing environmental concerns that need to be addressed before there is a final approval, however there are people that would rather see the project scrapped, which is not likely.

The Algonquin Treaty is in its final stages and concerns are being accepted from property owners who are affected.

This year there has been no flooding on Kamaniskeg and say what you may, but the popular belief is that Ontario Power Generation has been keeping a better watch and management of the Madawaska River.

St.Francis Memorial Hospital is not handling any covid19 cases, people infected are being sent to Pembroke Hospital which is about an hour’s drive away from Barrys Bay.

Water quality testing of Kamaniskeg Lake and other lakes in Hastings Highlands will be put on hold as the labs are not accepting samples for the time being. The local food banks are really being hard hit now a days, so if you are able to contribute something to the food banks, it would be greatly appreciated.

Night burning is allowed in Hastings Highlands and there is a total fire ban in Madawaska Valley as of Sunday May 31st. Please be responsible and help keep our area safe from fire.

Ed Kobylka

Covid-19

The Risks – Know Them – Avoid Them

Andy Boyd Vice President

From insideottawavalley.com

Expect local COVID-19 testing to ramp up in Renfrew County. The County of Renfrew Paramedic Services is making additional testing available at pre-scheduled testing site locations throughout the county in the coming weeks. Dr. Robert Cushman, acting medical officer of health for the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) said he “encourages testing of any resident who is symptomatic or has concerns that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.”

In response to Phase One of the provincial government’s reopening framework, which eases mobility restrictions and other public health measures in the communities, testing is available for all symptomatic (those with at least one symptom of COVID-19, even mild) and asymptomatic (those who are either at risk of exposure through employment, including essential workers, or concerned they have been exposed to the virus) residents.

Do you require COVID-19 testing in Renfrew County?

Those who wish to be tested are asked to contact the Renfrew County Virtual Triage Assessment Centre (RCVTAC) at 1-844-727-6404 or the RCDHU at 613-735-8654 or 1-800-267-1097 to pre-register. They will receive a date and time for the next clinic depending on their location.

There are clinics ongoing in Renfrew, Arnprior, Pembroke, Petawawa, Cobden, Eganville, Deep River and Barry’s Bay.
For more information visit rcvtac.ca

Brush Disposal

To avoid the potential of burning by residents and the fire ban now in effect, the Township has two brush drop off locations at:

Site 1: Yard #2 39844 Combermere Road. Signs are posted directing individuals where drop off.

Site 2: Bark Lake waste disposal site. Located at 21956 Highway 60, 12 Km West of Barry’s Bay. This location is accessible during regular hours.

Please note that these two sites will accept residential brush free of charge until June 30 2020.

Due to COVID-19 the Bark Lake Mall is closed until further notice.

Madawaska Food Bank

(December 2019)
Trish Whitfield president of the Madawaska Food Bank receives a donation of $200.00 from KAPOA director of communications Leonard Furtado

Barry’s Bay Christmas parade December 2019

22 floats were entered in the parade this year. First prize of $200.00 went to the Ashgrove Inn for the gingerbread house. Runner up prizes of $100.00 were awarded to Barry’s Bay Metro for the shopping cart train and to Ottawa Valley Physiotherapy for their Harry Potter themed float.