Author Archives: szpinner

WEBSITE of the City of Pickering

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MAR. 24 – Sunday Afternoon BIG BAND

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APR. 4 – Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Assoc. AGM

Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association will be holding their AGM at the Chestnut Hill Recreational Centre, 1867 Valley Farm Rd., Room 2-3, April 4, 2024, at 7:00 pm. Guest speakers will be Maurice Brenner – Regional Councillor and Richard Szpin – local blogger. Regular business of the … Continue reading

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MAYOR ASHE on TECHNOLOGY

Recently, we spoke with Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe about the use of digital devices. __________________________ Q. What are your views about digital devices? A. Digital devices are tremendously useful devices for productivity. I use them all the time relying mostly … Continue reading

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RESPONSE TO: Mayor Ashe interview on technology and Internet use

Mr. Mayor, You present a valid case for use of technology and the Internet. I agree with you completely. The Internet and computer access to it with digital devices is an absolute necessity in today’s world. I saw a 91 … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Council Meeting (2-26-2024) Highlights

(To access the detailed Council Highlights, CLICK –> FEB Mins) Council receives and endorses Whitby’s request for Province to remove tolls on Highway 407 in Durham Region Whitby has asked Ontario to temporarily remove tolls on Highway 407 (in Durham … Continue reading

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The Bone Garden, Tess Gerritsen

The Bone Garden, Tess Gerritsen Synopsis Present day: Julia Hamill has made a horrifying discovery on the grounds of her new home in rural Massachusetts: a skull buried in the rocky soil – human, female, and, according to the trained … Continue reading

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Trips to Europe taken by Ashe and Pickles

Did you hear that Mayor Ashe and Councillor Pickles travelled to Europe (Germany, Belgium and more) a month or so ago? On whose dime? Who paid for the trip? If the trip was reported anywhere, the information was not easily found. … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Toronto HOT LINE reveals city employee waste, fraud and corruption

Some employees in the City of Toronto have been reported as being guilty of fraud, corruption, conflict of interest and waste according to the City’s auditor general. Read the full story -> FRAUD & WASTE The take away City of … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Governments pay lip service to growing problem of Food Bank use

Lip service, no more, is what governments seem to be doing about the growth in the number of Food Bank users. TorStar contributor writes about the problem:  Food bank demand won’t fall with inflation Source: Jonah Prousky, Toronto Star contributor, … Continue reading

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* * * PICKERING WEBSITE: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly * * *

This review of the City of Pickering website at www.pickering.ca is in development Residents of Pickering looking for information about the City of Pickering will find an abundance that at the City’s website. However, the design, presentation of the material, … Continue reading

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CRIME: Car theft and how to reduce your risk

Car theft in Canada is growing at an alarming rate. There are numerous things you can do to reduce the risk of your auto being stolen…the responsibility of doing any of these things rests with you. Faraday bags/boxes The are … Continue reading

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NEWS: Trusted news sites

BBC (Monthly Visitors: 518 Million)                               www.bbc.com/news NPR (Monthly Visitors: 82 Million)                                www.npr.org/sections/news/ Reuters (Monthly Visitors: 68 Million)                           www.reuters.com/ Associated Press (Monthly Visitors: 41 Million)           apnews.com/ PBS NewsHour                                                    www.pbs.org/newshour/ CBS News                                                           www.cbsnews.com/ The Guardian                … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: City council needs to be more transparent

The City of Pickering council carries out its responsibilities with diligence and dedication but it may be remiss in keeping its residents well informed. When the Councillor Robinson kerfuffle erupted months ago, residents heard very little if anything from other … Continue reading

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POLICE REPORT: An interactive map showing locations of crime, theft, and much more

The Durham Regional Police Service provides a lot of valuable information about criminal activity, violence, driving incidents, and much, much more. The service is an interactive MAP that navigates to various displays of information showing numbers of incidents, locations of … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Consider joining the Age of Technology

Telephones were strange devices at one time. Look at them now! Computers Computers are like telephones were, strange devices that are challenging to use. Telephones were too. Often, computers can be frustrating to use. Remember waiting for your telephone party … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Koffee with Kevin

Koffee with Kevin: Mayor’s Town Hall Mayor Kevin Ashe, City of Pickering mayor, held another Town Hall at Heaffles recently. Given it was held on a business day afternoon, the turnout was a very respectable close to a hundred people. … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Pickering must be more transparent about city matters

Here’s an interesting tidbit about City of Pickering Council meetings…. The Integrity Commissioner submits reports to the City of Pickering Council… Last report was July, 2022 ___________________ Given that there have been kerfuffles and upheavals in City of Pickering Council … Continue reading

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The BROKER, John Grisham

The Broker, John Grisham New York Bestseller…questionably! Synopsis In his final hours in office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Book bannings threaten intellectual growth in our children

Book Banning Dan Rather, retired CBS News broadcaster, is a 92 year old blogger. His blog, STEADY, is a timely commentary on current issues facing Americans but often what he writes applies to the rest of the world, such as … Continue reading

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RESPONSE: Idea may have merit but much to be wary of (Feb 21 24)

Related to information about City Government activities; a weekly/monthly flyer, created by the city; could be produced and sent to the community.   To include activities and announcements outside of the city government that will mean its an outside entity … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Responses regarding the idea of a COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

This is an ongoing list of comments and opinions received in response to the “PICKERING NEWSPAPER” idea: From BRS:     $$$ I hear what you are saying but like it or not newspapers started a slow death years ago. Even … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: “Ontario Government Delivering on Commitments to Get it Done”

Ontario Government Delivering on Commitments to Get it Done Read the proposed legislation at –> GET IT DONE On the face of it, this new proposed legislation made by the Ford government of Ontario seems to be worth merit, after … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: ‘Transparency’ a real problem in City affairs?

City of Pickering; Trip to London, Zurich, Amsterdam and Germany – Update.   Councilor Pickles’ expense report for November shows he travelled to London, Zurich, Amsterdam and Germany. We also know Ashe went to some of these locations as well. … Continue reading

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PICKERING: An example of mayor using the STRONG-MAYOR powers act

“TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION”!   Kevin Ashe use of the Ford government granted “Strong Mayors Powers”, even when he said during his election campaign that he would not use, is looking more and more like a burgeoning dictator. The remaining Councillors, … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Myths surrounding HOSPICE CARE

Death is a part of life, but decisions surrounding death often can be difficult. Hospice, which is for patients who are in the last phases of their incurable disease, is one option. Every year, about 1.7 million Medicare recipients receive this type … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: Should City of Pickering have a community newspaper?

We want to hear from you…     Consider: Is there a communication problem with the City of Pickering? Are people justified saying City information is difficult to find? Is there a better way to get information to residents besides … Continue reading

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NEWS: RECALL of food items

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BOOKS: !NDIGO – not touting it but recommend browsing there

Normally, I don’t tout corporations. However, in the case of !NDIGO, there’s a story behind it that encourages me to support the company. The story is about ageing and still being a valuable member of the community when retirement would … Continue reading

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OPINION: Difficulty getting news/info from the City of Pickering? GET BACK TO ME

Do you find getting news about and from the City of Pickering very problematic? The City of Pickering website The City’s website is a confusing, disarray of information though it has been somewhat streamlined or made easier to navigate compared … Continue reading

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OPINION: We’re becoming more like automotons every day

Do you know the meaning of ‘sheeple?’ These are people who act like sheep following a woolly leader wherever it leads them without question. Each day our society is inundated ceaselessly and repeatedly by imperative messages directing us to unanalyzed … Continue reading

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OPINION: Black journalists enrich and diversify discourse

The Toronto Star has many outstanding writers and contributors, one of whom is PUBLIC Page Editor, Donovan Vincent, whose responsibility is to oversee submissions to the Star’s Insight section. [Read his full article at Vincent ] He does a marvellous … Continue reading

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NEWS: Homelessness and opioid supports needed from Oshawa to Pickering, region says

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TRAVEL: Canada Has Issued Travel Advisories For These Popular Vacation Spots In 2024

TRAVEL ADVISORY [See UPDATE at end of article] Canada Has Issued Travel Advisories For These Popular Vacation Spots In 2024 Source: Sofia Misenheimer, Associate Editor, MTL Blog As 2024’s travel season kicks off, Canadian travellers looking to explore the world … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: The seeds of HATE sown by technology, nurtured by people

Recently, Dr. Barbara Perry, Director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, wrote an essay for Maclean’s Magazine, “Far-right politics will fuel extremism.” [ See FAR-RIGHT POLITICS ] Dr. Perry states the roots of right-wing extremism, … Continue reading

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AGEING: Lookin’ for my lost shaker of salt

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The SNOWMAN, Jo Nesbo

The SNOWMAN (Harry Hole #7) By Jo Nesbø Synopsis Internationally acclaimed crime writer Jo Nesbø’s antihero police investigator, Harry Hole, is back: in a bone-chilling thriller that will take Hole to the brink of insanity. Oslo in November. The first … Continue reading

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ANTHONY’s NOTES: *** IN PERSON ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL ***

COMING YOUR WAY… Oct. 29 – SOUTH ROSEBANK – 1 pm  Nov 1, 4:30 pm – Nov 01, 6:30 pm Pizzeria King. 2062 Liverpool Road Nov 3, 3:30 pm – Nov 03, 6:00 pm 6ixside Burger, 18-1450 Kingston Road Nov … Continue reading

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Share the LOVE.

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Share the LOVE..

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PICKERING: Town Hall Report, Feb 12/24

Ward 1 Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner co-hosted the Feb 12 Town Hall with Abdul Mir, executive officer of the Rougemount Community and Recreation Association. The main topic of the presentation of the town hall was Pickering Parks and Recreation which … Continue reading

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A note of thanks from Anthony

Hello My Conservative Friends,   I just wanted to personally say to everyone, I appreciate you all very much for coming out to our events thus far during this Nomination Campaign. I feel there is momentum and grassroots Conservatives are … Continue reading

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Why you should read a newspaper?

Why you should be reading a newspaper If you aren’t reading a newspaper, you are missing out on an outstanding opportunity to learn a lot, be entertained and most importantly become better informed. The Toronto Star is the creme de … Continue reading

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A GAMBLING MAN, David Baldacci

A Gambling Man David Baldacci Another winner from David Baldacci. Synopsis Aloysius Archer, the straight-talking World War II veteran fresh out of prison, returns in this riveting new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci. The 1950s … Continue reading

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BODY DOUBLE, Tess Gerritsen

Body Double by Tess Gerritsen Synopsis Boston medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles literally meets her match–and must face a savage serial killer and shattering personal revelations–in the brilliant new novel of suspense by the New York Times bestselling author of … Continue reading

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QUITE THE BUS used by DURHAM REGION TRANSIT in 2024

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HEALTH: Urine colour may yield health issues

While normal urine color typically ranges from pale yellow to amber, shifts in colors can expose potential health concerns. The five common variants. [Please note the colours may not be accurate, but are an approximation. Bottom line, the colour of … Continue reading

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COMMENT: It’s history

As a former teacher of history, I feel I have some right to comment on history commentaries. To begin, I cannot feel but irritated and upset at how people bandy about with comments or generalizations about BLACKS and BLACK HISTORY … Continue reading

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It’s Time to Face the Whole Truth About the Atlantic Slave Trade

Council members should study HISTORY a bit more before making sweeping generalizations relating to BLACK HISTORY. It is always beneficial to become better educated. Read more —> ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

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HEALTH: Sleep disorders, sleep problems, insomnia

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CULT and CLOWN show

T**** commentaries and stories are sad and tiring. We have heard enough about this clown but the stories never cease. Maybe it’s like cancer, we are very afraid of it, so afraid that we can’t avoid talking about it, knowing … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Bullet casings found on Pickering waterfront

PICKERING is entering the big bad world, the real world of crime, assaults, thefts and violence. See it? Report it! Emergencies:   9 1 1 Non-emergencies: 1-888-579-1520

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Pickering approves $58.39 million construction tender for Heritage & Community Centre

The Pickering Heritage & Community Centre project is a go again after Council agreed Monday to accept a construction tender that will set the city back more than $58.39 million, a figure rejected last year as being too far over … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Vitamin D – deficiency and its treatment

Common Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency and How to Treat Them Source: HEALTHLINE –Lisa Wartenberg, MFA, RD, LD–– Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include: Fatigue and tiredness frequent illness anxiety and depression bone and back pain bone pain muscle … Continue reading

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Royal Canadian Mint commemorates BLACK HISTORY Month in 2024

The Royal Canadian Mint is offering a silver coin commemorating BLACK HISTORY Month.  Cost: $ 104.95  For more information… click –> MINT

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CONTROVERSY: CBC newstory RE “Councillor – BLACK History Month”

Read CBC News story regarding the Robinson-Black History Month controversy at CONTROVERSY

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EDITORIAL: Black History Month statements made by Pickering Council members

There’s an addendum to this article…see the end of the article. Recently, a commentary written by Councillor Lisa Robinson was published in The Oshawa/Durham Central Newspaper. It is important that many people be informed about what the councillor wrote. Councillor … Continue reading

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TRAVEL by car: QUEBEC Eastern Townships ( 2024 edition )

Notes and Highlights of our recent Quebec Eastern Townships tour, 2024 Each year, we revisit Quebec, the Eastern Townships, a region that’s like a mini, easily-reached European tour. It’s got a lot of bang for the buck: excellent food and … Continue reading

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MAYOR’S MSG: *** Mayor Ashe’s Official Statement on His Majesty King Charles ***

On behalf of all Members of Council, our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty King Charles as he undergoes his treatment for cancer.  We wish His Majesty and the Royal Family strength, comfort, and support as they navigate this … Continue reading

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GOOD COMPUTER USERS FOLLOW THE 10 COMMUNICATION COMMANDMENTS

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Which COMPUTER PERSONA are you ?

Click –>  10 commandments of GOOD COMPUTER USERS

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EDITORIAL: Nuclear mismanagement continues and threatens masses of the population

Pickering residents’ lives continue to be endangered thanks to OPG and the City Council’s acceptance of its policies. The Pickering Nuclear plant has been resurrected by the Government of Ontario resurrecting the same old endangerment to the lives of not … Continue reading

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CINEMA: * * * A very worthwhile movie – FREE STATE OF JONES * * *

FREE STATE OF JONES starring Matthew McConaughey ____________________________ This is an excellent movie depicting the determination of a Confederate army deserter in his dream of affecting change to American society. He wants the nation to accept his view that no … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: * * * Cancel Valentine’s Day ? * * *

Recently, Yuthika U. Girme, Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, wrote a commentary in the Toronto Star asking readers to consider the cancellation of Valentine’s Day. [Read the Toronto Star article at “CANCEL“] This commentary is about as … Continue reading

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PICKERING: CAPITAL BUDGET 2024 & FORECAST 2025-2033

<— CLICK IMAGE to access the full document The CAPITAL BUDGET is a monster of a document, 210 pages. It is not meant for those frail of heart. For those uncomfortable with numbers, it is best to scan through the … Continue reading

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UNITED NATIONS: International Decade for People of African Descent, 2024

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PICKERING COUNCIL: Council Meeting, Feb 5, 2024 , 1:00 pm

Special Council Meeting Agenda February 5, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 1:00 pm Discussion of Director, Finance & Treasurer Report There are no delegations as of Feb. 2, 2024. [pdf-embedder url=”https://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PICKERING-COUNCIL-MEETING-re-BUDGET.pdf” title=”PICKERING COUNCIL MEETING re BUDGET”]  

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NEWS: All the weather prognosticating varmints predict early spring

There are 4 of the prognosticating varmints:  Ontario’s Wiarton Willie Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam Quebec’s Fred la Marmotte and Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil Canada’s famous prognosticating rodents appeared to reach a consensus on Groundhog Day, as furry forecasters spanning three provinces … Continue reading

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AGEING: * * * 5 things seniors should NOT DO at 65 and older * * *

Five things senior citizens should not do at the age of 65 and over? Source: Quora – Steve Darfler, Former Global Research & Technology Directory Don’t forget how fast the last 20 years have passed. The next 20 will be … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Questions to ask your DOCTOR

Amica Pickering did a presentation dealing with QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR and there were many valuable suggestions and much good advice. Lisa Furlong, the presenter of this information session is Director of Wellness, Amica Pickering. These are the important … Continue reading

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MAYOR’S DESK: 40 yr. old PICKERING NUCLEAR PLANT to be refurbished

Pickering: Backroom bonanza for nuclear interests? In yet another backroom deal bonanza, the Ford government has signed off on a plan to rebuild four 40-year-old nuclear reactors at North America’s third-oldest nuclear plant – the Pickering Nuclear Station in the eastern … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Mayor Ashe Newsletter

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.szpin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ASHE-Newsletter-January-2024.pdf” title=”ASHE Newsletter January 2024″]

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PICKERING: Mayor Ashe’s Official Statement on Announced Refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station

Read Province of Ontario’s News Release – Ontario Supporting Plan to Refurbish Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Pickering, ON, January 30, 2024 Today marks a monumental step forward toward a cleaner, more vibrant, and sustainable future for the City of Pickering … Continue reading

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Ontario Black History Society: A valuable site for Black History information, 2024

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Our BLOG has many valuable suggestions and topics

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The Benefits of Talking to Seniors

The Benefits of Talking to Seniors “Conversation is a meeting of minds with different memories and habits. When minds meet, they just don’t exchange facts: they transform them, reshape them, draw different implications from them, and engage in new trains … Continue reading

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FEDERAL GOVT: National Summit on combatting Auto Theft

Government of Canada Announces National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft Source: Public Safety Canada News release: Montreal, Quebec Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and … Continue reading

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HEALTH: 3 Harmful effects of skipping breakfast

3 Harmful Effects of Skipping Breakfast Source: Epoch Helalth – Naiwen Hu Taking time to prepare and eat a hearty breakfast supports overall mental and physical health. Sleep, breakfast, and health are closely intertwined. Eating breakfast the right way can … Continue reading

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HEALTH: How much water should one drink per day, really?

How Much Water Do I Need to Drink? Joyce Lee for The New York Times Your water needs change as you age, and can also depend on your exercise habits and even where you live. Q: How much water does … Continue reading

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TRAVEL by car: QUEBEC Eastern Townships ( 2023 edition )

Notes from a Quebec touring of the Eastern Townships…(2023 edition) Quebec visits are like visiting France, even more so these days with their language exclusion legislation, French everywhere. The only place English is used is in restaurants where menus have … Continue reading

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Pickering Public Library – a treasure trove of information and assistance

Public Libraries are a treasure trove of valuable information and useful assistance. Recently, the Toronto Public Library was hacked. Service to the public was disrupted. Valuable information was stolen. Since the incident, the TPL has made some important modifications to … Continue reading

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HEALTH: USA vs CANADA costs of HIP REPLACEMENT

VS  $31,000 to $45,000   vs  $0 A comparison of the cost of HIP replacement surgery Expenses associated with hip replacement surgery include:  costs vary depending on where you live device type length of stay in the hospital insurance coverage after-care … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: The world’s turned upside down

Too bad we aren’t hearing them! The world is turned upside down. Kids run the schools as they wish. Cops are publicly denigrated for doing their job. Parents are accused of child abuse in gender use. Nations are accused of … Continue reading

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HEALTH: HIP OPERATION…final notes and comparative COSTS

Jump to the   at the bottom. Changes are incrementally small now, so I will be writing less but as there are people with joint, knee, and hip afflictions, I think it is important to keep this blog going. [ … Continue reading

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POLITICS: After the US presidential election, 2024

“Trump defeats Biden with by a narrow margin!” You’re reading it here first…we predicted the milestone in history in 2016. Check it out on our website. Now we are going to predict the November 2024 presidential election… Trump will win … Continue reading

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YACUB: Saying NO to mandatory vaccinations

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PICKERING: Report – City Council Meeting 1-22-24

An abbreviated and official report of the Pickering Council Meeting of Jan. 22,2024 [The summary is primarily a summary of the delegations who addressed the Council. For a full view of the meeting, confer with YouTube by clicking on MEETING … Continue reading

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CINEMA: NETFLIX is going to cost you more…surprise, surprise!

Netflix confirms its ad-free Basic plan is being ‘retired’ — and subscribers will be forced to choose between ads or another price hike Source: Tom Pritchard, Jan. 24, 2024 As if Netflix wasn’t getting expensive enough, the streamer has now … Continue reading

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CINEMA: Oppenheimer may sweep the Oscars

2024 Oscar Nominations‘Oppenheimer’ Leads the Way With 13 Nominations     <– Click for the full story

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UBER DRIVING: A short career for me….

[ I thought UBER driving was an easy career. It wasn’t that difficult but mine lasted just one shift. ] I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes, I honked again. Since this was … Continue reading

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PICKERING COUNCIL News: It must be something in the water….

It must be something in the water… 2023 saw the engagement and wedding of Ward 2 Councillor Mara Nagy….roll forward to 2024, and now Regional Councillor Ward 2 Linda Cook is engaged. Whether the Pickering Water Department is pixie contaminated … Continue reading

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PICKERING: No injuries after gunshot goes through patio door at Pickering apartment

They’re coming closer and closer… Sad to write, but “Safe, secure and stable Pickering is no more!” They coming closer and closer every day…now they’re here in the heart of good old Pickering. Read more at Pickering_PISTOLS

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BITSnBYTES: WEDDING RING, on a finger or in the nose ?

The history of wearing wedding rings In weddings around the world, exchanging rings is a crucial part of the ceremony, a moment in which a couple’s promises are sealed with a tangible token. This simple piece of jewelry does a … Continue reading

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SCAMS: More scams alert…authors especially take note

Authors especially…take note. There are two scams aimed at authors that I am aware of. One involves a so called marketing company that has read your book, and finds it worthy of their attention. They want to make it a best … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Tired all the time?

Reader’s Digest writes about this problem with fatigue. The Reader’s Digest article titled “Tired all the time” discusses the common problem of chronic fatigue and provides insights into its possible causes and ways to combat it. The article highlights the … Continue reading

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NEWS: You doubt the power of the people??? STOP!

So you think you don’t have power. “You” don’t, alone…but when there are many of “you’s,” thousands, then you do have power. So the next time you are skeptical about your individual power, read this story. Loblaws irks me to put it … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Foot problems?

Do you have problems with your feet? A foot?  Read the column presented by Ian McClymont at Pensioner Fitness

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POLITICS: An American Congressperson to watch: Jasmine Crockett

JASMINE CROCKETT Here’s an American politician that may be worth watching in the near future. While showing a photo of the secret files stored at Mara Lago, she is quoted as saying the “national secrets are in the shitter” (paraphrased … Continue reading

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EDITORIAL: A message to Pickering – simplify, promote, publish….repeat

The City of Pickering is becoming a more exciting and dynamic city in which to live each year that I live here. There are tons of events, activities and things to do, all around the city. There are festivities and … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Strong Mayor Act, Bill 3

The Ontario Government passed the Strong Mayors, Housing Act in 2022 and it has grown into a very controversial, hotly debated and vigorously contested piece of legislation. The Strong Mayors section of the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, assigns … Continue reading

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PICKERING: CIVIC AWARD WINNERS

  Front Row: Paul White, Pres., Fairport Assoc., Purvi Fernandez, Treasurer, Shawna Stanleigh, Website chair, Kevin Ashe, Mayor, Shaheen Butt, Councillor Ward 3 Middle Row: Phil Warne, V.P., Chris Van der Vliet, Director, Craig Bamford, Director Back Row: Marisa Carpino, CEO, … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Shirley Curtis – Seniors take note !!!!

Shirley Curtis is a long-time resident of Pickering, a newbie octagenarian who’s going on 40 or 50 at the most. Sharp as a tack, on top of her game, whatever it is, and right up there on what’s going on … Continue reading

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TOWN HALL, WARD 1, FEB 12th, 7 pm, GEORGE ASHE COMMUNITY CENTRE

The February Town Hall will be a collaboration of Councillors Brenner and Cook with the Rougemount Community and Recreation Association. The Town Hall theme is “Engagement of the Community in Rougevalley Park.” The City PARKS staff will be the primary … Continue reading

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WHITE HOLES, Carlo Rovelli

White Holes By Carlo Rovelli (2023)           Synopsis: A mesmerizing trip to the strange world of white holes from the bestselling author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and The Order of Time Let us journey, … Continue reading

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NEWS: FOOD RECALL – Cap’n Crunch and Quaker Products

Granola bars, cereals, yogurts and parfaits are being recalled across Canada. Click –> RECALL 

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HEALTH: INSOMNIA – can be more than just sleepless nights

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, even if you have ample time and a bedroom environment conducive to restful sleep. An insomnia diagnosis requires these sleep troubles to also cause daytime impairments, … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Maintain good balance with these 4 easy exercises

HEALTH: Balance Exercises Source: ‘Pensioner Fitness,’ Ian McClymont Good Balance Maintaining good balance is a fundamental aspect of senior well-being. As we age, changes in muscle strength and flexibility can impact our stability, increasing the risk of life-threatening falls. Also, … Continue reading

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CINEMA: 6 movies that don’t deserve Oscar nominations for best movie

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player, widely considered one of the greatest in the sport’s history. Born in 1947, he played 20 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Budget 2024 – what you need to know

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THE CIRCUS TRAIN, Amita Parikh

The CIRCUS TRAIN By Amita Parikh         Synopsis Lena Papadopoulos has never quite found her place within the circus, even as the daughter of the extraordinary headlining illusionist, Theo. Brilliant and curious, Lena yearns for the real-world … Continue reading

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HEALTH: Social isolation and loneliness

Reach Out and Touch Someone By Michael McFarland Can’t you feel it in your heart now? A new thing is taking shape. Reach out and touch a hand. Make a friend if you can © Universal Music Publishing Group. The … Continue reading

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PICKERING: Walnut Lane extension – more than $1.1 million over budget

Walnut Lane extension, Pickering: more than $1.1 million over budget Council approves extra funds: Tenders came in over budget for a project that some residents say isn’t necessary By Kristen Calis Thursday, January 11, 2024 Pickering council has approved extra … Continue reading

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FIND A DOCTOR – search for a doctor in Ontario

Search for a doctor assistance College of PHYSICIANS and SURGEONS ONTARIO Ph:  416 967 2600 Website:  DOCTORS

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WEBmd: drugs and illness conditions explained

Drugs, medications explained Illnesses, conditions and symptoms explained Website: WEBmd

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DRUGS – medications and conditions explained

Drugs, medications explained Medical conditions, symptoms and treatments explained Website:  DRUGS

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McMASTER OPTIMAL AGING PORTAL – Health & Wellness information for Aged

Health and wellness information for Seniors Information in these areas: Website:  McMaster

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BAYCREST – HEALTH CENTRE for OLDER ADULTS

BAYCREST An academic health sciences centre providing a continuum of care for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, long-term care and a post-acute hospital, all within one campus. Health programs and services for older adults Various types of living facilities for seniors Health … Continue reading

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Toronto PHYSIOTHERAPIST for overall physical development and pain relief

ROSEMARIE LYNETTE PHYSIOTHERAPIST LOCATED IN TORONTO SPECIALIZING IN OVERALL BODY EXPERIENCE TREATMENT FOR PAIN EXERCISE PROGRAMS TO RELIEVE PAIN AND DEVELOP FLEXIBILITY Website:  LYNETTE 

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ONLINE PHYSIOTHERAPIST – joint flexibility

PETRA FISHER PHYSIOTHERAPIST specializing in JOINT EXERCISES ONLINE Website:  FISHER

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AGING: INFORMATION SOURCES for SENIORS

Here is a list of sources that are of use to AGING SENIORS: BAYCREST CENTRE This website is the presented by the BAYCREST GERIATRIC CENTRE in Toronto. It offers material relevant and regarding aging. 

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PICKERING: Joint Town Hall co-hosted by Regional Councillors Cook and Brenner

Monday, Jan. 15, 7 pm WESTSHORE COMMUNITY CENTRE Regional Councillors Linda Cooke (Ward 2) and Maurice Brenner (Ward 1) will co-host a town hall on Jan 15, 7 pm at the Westshore Community Centre. As they did in their previous … Continue reading

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AGING CHANGES: Feel like I am slipping, about to fall…

At 76 I notice that sometimes I feel like I am slipping even though I am not and GRAB for something. I am also almost tripping over objects. So far I just bang my foot. Either I did not notice them (despite … Continue reading

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AGING CHANGES: Knee stiffness, Mental confusion/loss of train of thought

[77 years old] Two disconcerting changes I have noticed and which are bothersome are that my knees become inflexible when I wake up or after hours of sitting. The seem to lose elasticity and ease of movement, though that is … Continue reading

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CINEMA: (movie) Inocente

Inocente (Thriller) Netflix Synopsis Harlan Coben has produced numerous mini-series showing on Netflix and many of his works are engaging and entertaining works [Most notable: Fool me once, Stay Close,]  Inocente is based on an accidental killing that leads a … Continue reading

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CINEMA: Picking Oscar winners is a fun game

Jan. 23 – Oscar nominations to be announced Mar 10 – Academy Awards – Oscars The Hollywood Oscar, the Academy Awards, is an annual award ceremony that honors outstanding achievements in filmmaking. It is presented by the Academy of Motion … Continue reading

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