The Mural

Hello! Our February issue will highlight pets! Pets are a cherished addition to many a family, and have been especially appreciated during the pandemic. For some in isolation, a pet can play a very important role in maintaining mental health. If you have a photo of your pet that you would like to share with our readers in our upcoming issue, send it to [email protected] (Include the name of the photographer, pet's name and owner's name, and, if you like, a little message about your pet.)

The community of Athens lost a well respected and valued member this week, Sidney Sytsma. Sidney and his wife Joanne remodelled what was the Swan’s Store (Gamble Hotel) building several years ago. Their vision, dedicated hard work and detailed care is evident in the transformed space that is now The Village Store, which has become a valued essential business and busy community hub. Sid’s friendly and accommodating nature was so appreciated. The store is the site of many community contacts and gives back to the village in many ways. Sidney will certainly be missed. We extend our sincere condolences to Joanne and family. (File Photo: Sidney Sytsma with wife Joanne and Mayor Herb Scott at The Village Store ribbon cutting several years ago)

Happy New Year!Happy New Year!

ATTENTION Readers/Advertisers: We have just been informed that no one in Seeley's Bay has yet received their December 16 issue and that this delay is a regular occurrence. Seeley's Bay Post Office has just confirmed that they have not yet received copies for distribution through the Canada Post distribution network. We have just confirmed that this issue is caused by Alta Vista Station Canada Post holding the copies for at least a week for no apparent reason. If you have not received your copy, or if you received your copy late (i.e., more than 3 working days after publication date) please send an email to [email protected] with your name and complete mailing address. Thank you for your help in resolving this issue. We want to ensure ALL of our 12,000+ readers receive their copies on time, every month.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Many blessings to you and your families.Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Many blessings to you and your families.

Media Release For Immediate Release December 23, 2020 (11:00 a.m.)...Continue reading

News Release For Immediate Release November 23, 2020 Local Development Corporations Providing Additional Small Business Pandemic Relief Funding...Continue reading

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Media Release November 20, 2020... Leeds Grenville COVID-19 Mobile Testing Unit Starting November 24, 2020, COVID-19 testing provided by the Leeds Grenville Community Paramedic Outreach Program will be done indoors (no longer a drive thru model). The mobile unit is an extension of services provided by the Brockville COVID-19 Assessment Centre. Recently, the Brockville Assessment Centre changed to an online booking system that is very safe, easy and quick. To book an appointment at the Brockville Assessment Centre, visit this link to the new booking system. If you don’t have access to the internet or are having difficulty, contact: 613-704-1441. The goal of this program is to offer COVID-19 assessment and testing in our more rural areas throughout Leeds and Grenville. This will improve access to testing, especially for those that have transportation concerns. In home testing can also be arranged for those with transportation and/or mobility concerns by calling the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5856 x 2222. Information about the hours, schedule, and links to book appointments can be found online or by phone at 613-704-1441. Appointments can be booked until 12:00 pm (noon), the day prior. Testing eligibility: All people with at least one symptom of COVID-19 provided that symptom is not from an existing condition (i.e., allergies). Please see the list of symptoms on the assessment tool. People who have been informed that they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive to COVID-19. You will be alerted that you are a close contact by Public Health or through the COVID Alert App. Those following Public Health, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long Term Care guidance for targeted testing. This includes people in high-risk settings such as workers, residents and visitors to Long Term Care homes, homeless shelters or other vulnerable congregate living settings. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment, bring your health card if you have one and wear a mask upon entering the testing clinic. Locations: Lansdowne Community Hall, 1 Jessie Street; North Crosby Community Centre, 875 Concession Road 8, Rideau Lakes; Athens 76 Arena, 35 Henry Street; Prescott Leo Boivin Community Centre, 444 Prince Street; Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read Street; Johnstown South Edwardsburgh Community Centre, 24 Sutton Drive. For more information about testing for COVID-19, visit the Health Unit website. There is information about all Assessment Centres in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark area.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre to host virtual job fair for nurses FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 29, 2020... KINGSTON, Ont. Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is hosting a virtual career fair for nurses on Tuesday, Nov. 10 to give Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) an opportunity to learn about the specialty of Internal Medicine and related sub-specialties, and meet with professional practice leaders and members of the Recruitment Team. As one of Kingston’s largest employers, KHSC is home to nearly 5,000 staff, more than 2,000 health-care learners and 1,000 volunteers who are committed to partnering with patients and families to ensure KHSC continually provides high quality, compassionate care. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is southeastern Ontario’s complex, acute and specialty care, research and teaching hospital, said Stephanie Abrams, KHSC’s Lead Recruitment Advisor. Fully affiliated with Queen’s University, we are ranked as one of Canada’s top research hospitals. As an academic health sciences centre, we attract some of the nation’s brightest learners to pursue their health care education, which helps to create the capacity to provide highly specialized services close to home, Abrams said. We train thousands of students every year and are home to hundreds of researchers whose curiosity drives them to make ground-breaking advancements in health care. KHSC is also a place where you can take part in year-round educational opportunities to enhance your clinical and leadership skills. We also have many programs and policies in place to keep people safe in our workplace, to promote respect and diversity, and a growing recognition program for employees. We are looking forward to meeting candidates who enjoy a fast-paced environment and are committed to patient-centred care and a commitment to life-long learning to join our family. Located in Kingston, Ont., KHSC is close to nature, an amazing restaurant scene, and enjoys a profound sense of community. Kingstonians are among the happiest people in the country and Kingston has been rated as the eighth best city in Canada for millennials to live in. To learn more or to register for this event, please visit www.KingstonHSC.ca or send an email Jon Turner, Recruitment Coordinator at [email protected].

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020 ONTARIO INVESTS OVER $1.4 MILLION IN AREA MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE ... (BROCKVILLE) Area municipalities will receive more than $1.4 million for local infrastructure projects through Ontario’s new COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark announced today. I’m proud that our government continues to deliver on the commitment we made to support our local municipal partners by providing them with the resources they need to build and repair roads, bridges and water and wastewater systems, said Clark. This critical infrastructure is not only necessary to ensure our communities remain great places to live, it helps us attract new investment and create jobs as our economy continues to recover from COVID-19. Investments across Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes are as follows: MUNICIPALITY ALLOCATION United Counties of Leeds and Grenville $150,525 North Grenville $100,000 Rideau Lakes $100,000 Elizabethtown-Kitley $100,000 Leeds and the Thousand Islands $100,000 Augusta $100,000 Edwardsburgh/Cardinal $100,000 Merrickville/Wolford $100,000 Athens $100,000 Front of Yonge $100,000 Westport $100,000 Prescott $100,516 Brockville $105,632 Gananoque $114,827 TOTAL $1,471,500 The funding announced by MPP Clark today is a part of Ontario’s approximately $250 million commitment to municipalities through the COVID Stream to assist with local infrastructure projects. This investment provides the predictable and stable infrastructure funding municipalities have asked for in the wake of COVID-19, said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. With this COVID Stream funding, we are working directly with our municipal partners to deliver community infrastructure. In accordance with Federal government guidelines, all applications by municipalities for projects to be funded through the stream must be submitted no later than March 31, 2021. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2021.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! BROCKVILLE CITY LEADERS TRAINING ON ANTI OPRESSION/RACISM Brockville Ontario November 18th Unity and Equality Alliance is happy to announce this training event with KETCIA Peters Group. Our city is taking a progressive/pro active approach to tackling anti racism.... When People of Colour have issues, it is best when people in leadership positions are readily prepared to deal with them. Without the proper training the outcome may be devastating for adults or children going through the experience. It can lead to suicide or mental health crisis and ultimately pushing the affected individuals to leave our city. In today’s reality of cyber bullying many youths are subjected to online racism. Our city leaders want to be an example of proactively tackling those issues head on. This Challenge is not easily solved but conversations and education might be a concrete action step forward. List of attendees: Brockville Chief of Police and 4 officers City Counsellors Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP’s) Member of Parliament (MP’s) Member of Catholic and Public Board of Education All High School Principles Employment and Education Centre representatives Reverend Norm Johnston Youth Services Health Unit Harm reduction representatives Youth reps from Crosstown Impact and Youth Collective Brockville Media Member of Brockville Library Unity and Equality Alliance was designed to be the middleman helping People of colour get results by creating a safe city for all. This initiative started from a meeting Between Cindy Casselman and Police Chief Scott Fraser. Scott Fraser supported and encouraged the idea of tackling this issue collectively. We encourage other Cities to take the same approach.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 ONTARIO HELPING SENIORS STAY SAFE AT HOME LONGER: MPP CLARK ...Continue reading

DEAR ADVERTISERS: Enjoy an extra 10% OFF in our NOVEMBER issue, on ALL ad sizes for the following Features and Highlights! (NOTE: Our final two 2020 issue dates are Nov.4 and Dec.16 (we will only have ONE December 2020 issue due to extensive event cancellations). DEADLINE for November issue ads: Oct. 28): - Remembrance Day Feature (Poppy ads; events) - CHRISTMAS SHOPPING (Gift Guide; Shop/save Local; Black Friday; etc)... - Farm Feature (Farmer's Markets; Equipment Sales/Maintenance; etc) - Winter Recreation Feature (Tourism; Winter Sports) - Seniors' Highlight (Focus on Winter Months) - Health Tips Highlight (Focus on Winter Months) This is your opportunity to advertise for local Christmas shopping BEFORE mid-December, and to receive an extra 10% discount! Email: [email protected]

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Media Release October 27, 2020...Continue reading

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 RECONNECT FESTIVAL AND EVENT PROGRAM NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS ... (BROCKVILLE) Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark announced today that the Ontario government has opened the application window for the Reconnect Festival and Event Program. The new, $9-million initiative will help municipalities and event organizers safely reconnect people to their communities through online, drive-through and other innovative experiences. Our government recognizes that festivals and special events make enormous contributions to our economy and quality of life in Leeds and Grenville, said Clark. I am pleased that we are supporting local event organizers in creating safe, innovative experiences that will help in getting people connected with their communities again and provide a positive economic impact during this challenging time. COVID-19 has had an unprecedented and devastating impact on our local festivals and events, said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. This important investment through the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program will continue to support Ontarians as they reconnect and experience all their local communities have to offer. Funding may be used for eligible expenses such as programming and production, promotion, mobile applications and website development as well as the implementation of health and safety measures. This funding will be used to ensure public safety requirements are met, while developing creative programs such as virtual Remembrance Day events, holiday parades with drive-by static floats, drive-in music concerts and movies and holiday tree lightings. The application period for the Reconnect Festival and Event Program runs from October 8 to December 1, 2020. QUICK FACTS: The Reconnect Festival and Event Program is open to organizers with a minimum $50,000 operating budget and the capacity to safely reconnect Ontarians with their communities. Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting more than 400,000 jobs and generating over $36 billion in spending.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 AREA LONG-TERM CARE PROJECTS TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL $14.5 MILLION MODERNIZED FUNDING MODEL WILL PROVIDE EXTRA $6.9 MILLION FOR...Continue reading

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 ONTARIO HELPING TO PROTECT MOST VULNERABLE IN LEEDS & GRENVILLE ...Continue reading

MEDIA RELEASE: Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit October 20, 2020...Continue reading

Residents of Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands Encouraged to Test Home for Cancer-Causing Gas (Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands, ON) October 20, 2020: Radon is an odourless, tasteless, and colourless gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. With Canadians spending extra time at home this year because of Covid-19, and now with cooler weather starting to settle in, it is more important than ever that all Canadians know what their home radon leve...Continue reading

MEDIA RELEASE: Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit October 7, 2020...Continue reading

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 11, 2020 United Counties of Leeds and Grenville... Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit goes virtual creating additional space for participants to join. After selling out the past four years, the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit’s virtual format this year is allowing more individuals to join the region’s top event. The 12th annual Summit will be a live webcast with feature keynote address by the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. In addition, Dr. Trevin Stratton, Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, will be providing a global and national snapshot of the economy. Lisa Severson, Communication / Stakeholder Relations Officer for Eastern Ontario Regional Network will give an update on Eastern Ontario’s connectivity and finally Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager for Leeds Grenville, will provide a regional update. These top notch speakers will give attendees the most up-to-date information from a national, provincial and local perspective. The Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award will be presented at the Summit. Also called the Warden’s Award recognizes and celebrates a volunteer who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy. This year’s nominees include Karen Bedard - Municipality of North Grenville, Janet Campbell - Village of Merrickville-Wolford and Wendy Merkley - Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. The afternoon portion of the agenda will be interactive chat room sessions focusing on the Regional Economic Development Priorities of: Small Business, Local Business Marketing and Promotion Tourism Agriculture and Food Manufacturing, Transportation, Logistics and Warehousing Workforce New Economy Opportunities Participants will have an opportunity to provide input on the types of initiatives and opportunities the region should be considering. The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office delivers the Summit in partnership with MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board and the 1000 Islands, Grenville and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporations. Participants can enjoy all or a portion of the day’s sessions. Advanced registration is required to receive the webcast link. The advanced agenda and registration information is available at www.investleedsgrenville.com/summit2020 or you can call 613-342-3840 ext. 5362. In support of local food products, Counties Economic Development is proud to partner with My Local Markets. Optional food packages are available for $25, $50 and $75, free delivery within Leeds Grenville.

Media Release Immediate Release: October 19, 2020 Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario...Continue reading

The October 2020 issue is now on issuu.com Enjoy!

In memory of many, in honour of all...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2020 ONTARIO INVESTS $2.5 MILLION IN GREENFIELD GLOBAL JOHNSTOWN PLANT ...Continue reading

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE United Way Leeds & Grenville and the Brockville and Area Community Foundation collaborate on second round ECSF Funding to help the most vulnerable in Leeds & Grenville Brockville, ON - Monday Oct. 5, 2020 United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) and the Brockville and Area Community Foundation (BACF) are once again accepting funding applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) starting on October 5, 2020. ...Continue reading

MEDIA RELEASE: October 4, 2020 Brockville COVID-19 Assessment Centre open for appointments Monday, October 5, 2020... The Brockville COVID-19 Assessment Centre will be transitioning to an online appointment booking system. It will take some time to get the new online system up and running. In the meantime, individuals that meet the new COVID-19 Testing Eligibility Criteria can self-present to the centre on Monday, October 5 between 10:00am 5:30pm to confirm eligibility for testing and to receive an appointment time. There is no need to call ahead, and we anticipate at this time we can accommodate same day appointments, please watch our social media posts for updates. The new COVID-19 Testing Eligibility Criteria includes those who: Are showing COVID-19 symptoms; Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by your public health unit or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app; Are a resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by your local public health unit; and Are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care. Until the new online appointment booking system is implemented, the Brockville COVID-19 Assessment Centre will continue to operate with individuals self-presenting to confirm eligibility for testing and to receive an appointment time Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:30pm; and on weekends from 10:00am to 2:30pm. The Brockville COVID-19 Assessment Centre is located at the Brockville Memorial Centre, 100 Magedoma Avenue in Brockville and is partnership between local Family Health Teams, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, and the Brockville General Hospital. More information about eligibility for COVID-19 testing is available on the Health Unit’s website, along with information about all local COVID-19 Assessment Centres and pop-ups. Visit https://healthunit.org//covid-/assessment-testing-results/ or call 1-800-660-5853 for more information. For updates you can also follow @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twit

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Media Release October 1, 2020... Mandatory Face Covering/Mask Instruction Continues On July 6, 2020 Medical Officers of Health from Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health and Ottawa Public Health announced a regional approach to the use of face coverings/masks in enclosed public places within their respective jurisdictions. An Instruction was issued in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 and required businesses to adopt a policy to ensure facial coverings/masks are worn inside enclosed public spaces/settings that are openly accessible to the public. The Health Unit implemented numerous activities to support the implementation of the Instruction related to communication, consultation, and enforcement. A commitment to review the Instruction at the end of September, 2020 was made by Dr. Paula Stewart. The review of the Instruction has identified that the risk of COVID-19 continues in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark with an increasing number of people infected with COVID-19 since late August; and upward trends in cases for all neighbouring health units, particularly the Ottawa Public Health region. A review of research evidence supports the use of face coverings/masks for source control by decreasing the amount of secretions from the mouth and nose that enter the air around the person. Research indicates that community use of face coverings/masks, combined with additional COVID-19 precautions like staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, physical distancing and regular cleaning, helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Local surveys identified that almost all business operators in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark and the public have complied with the Instruction, and many have contacted us directly to express their strong support for the Instruction. After a careful review of research evidence, I have decided that the Face Covering/Mask Instruction for Leeds, Grenville and Lanark will continue as long as the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 is in effect, states Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health. Preventing COVID-19 is a community effort, and the continued use of face coverings or masks in enclosed public spaces and settings is one way that the community can work together to protect each other and prevent the spread of COVID-19. I am pleased that local business operators and the public have been complying with the Instruction. A link to the Instruction extension document will be available on our website: https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 25, 2020...Continue reading

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Media Release September 24, 2020... Pop-Up COVID-19 Testing this Friday in Athens A number of local health agencies have been working together to deliver services at the COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Leeds-Grenville and are planning several options to increase capacity for testing in the area. A pop-up (temporary) testing centre will be open this Friday, September 25 in Athens to help increase access to testing for the community and to reduce the pressure on the nearby COVID-19 Assessment Centres as more permanent solutions are being completed. Testing will be performed by community paramedics from the Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service. We know that it has been challenging for people who have symptoms, or who have been advised by public health to be tested, to access testing centres because the demand has been so high, says Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. I am pleased at the quick collaboration with community partners to facilitate testing in this area. The pop-up drive-through testing will take place at Centre 76 Arena (Fair Grounds), 35 Henry Street in Athens on Friday, September 25 and will run from 10AM to 6PM. Vehicles are asked to enter off Elgin Street North (County Road 5) through the gate, go left around the track to the arena parking lot and wait for directions. Anyone attending the pop-up testing is required to have a Health Card and Driver’s License, and to wear a mask. To obtain contact information for the COVID-19 Assessment Centres, please check with the hospital website associated with each COVID-19 Assessment Centre or contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 or Telehealth Ontario (toll-free) at (866) 797-0000 or Toll-free TTY at (866) 797-0007. For information about other local COVID-19 Assessment Centres, and future pop-up centres and mobile testing, please visit the Health Unit website https://healthunit.org//covid-/assessment-testing-results/ , follow the Health Unit on social media, or call 1-800-660-5853. This is a partnership between Brockville General Hospital, Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and local primary care provid

For Immediate Release The Aquatarium is THRILLED to announce the 2020 Fall Operating schedule Now operating: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through Thanksgiving (more dates to follow).... Starting September 18th the fall hours of operations will be: Fridays & Saturdays 10:00am-8:00pm Sundays 10:00am-5:00pm Fridays: 10:00am-2:00pm AQ will be offering 1.5 hour safe, socially distant, guided tours for up to 15 guests, geared towards adults. 4:00pm 8:00pm Guests of all ages are welcome to attend the facility for socially distant, self guided tour. AQ Ambassadors will be on the exhibit floor to monitor social distance practice and assists guests at all times. Guests who carry an Access 2 Entertainment card will not have to register or pay for their accompanying person. Saturdays & Sundays All ages friendly. Guests can come in for a socially distant, self guided tour, or, are welcome to join any of the complimentary on-going guided tours as added value to their ticket price. Note that some of our usually interactive exhibits have been modified to be compliant with covid protocols. Note that infants 3 years and under do not have to register or purchase a ticket Saturdays and Sundays. Guests will be admitted by times and no more than 30% of our capacity will be inside the AQ at any one time. In accordance with the Covid-19 protocols. Aquatarium appreciate guests’ patience with the facility as they adapt to the new ways of operating in these uncertain times. They ask that guests will recognize and adhere to the Lanark Leeds & Grenville Health unit’s guidelines and remain 6’ away from other guests that are not a part of their immediate party and wear a mask at all times while inside the facility. The Aquatarium remains cognizant of everyone’s safety and are doing our very best to ensure Covid-19 safe protocols are being followed by offering timed visits, size limits, floor markings, hand sanitizing stations at all exhibits, extra sanitation staff on top of our regular cleaners and AQ Ambassadors monitoring each floor. Social distancing will be recognized as well as guests and staff will be required to wear a mask while inside the Aquatarium facility. Curious to know more about mask protocol? We follow these guidelines: https://healthunit.org/health-infor//face-coverings-masks/ Given the nature of the current pandemic, please know that these protocols and procedures may change without notice. Please check the Aquatarium’s website for the most up to date information before each visit. Aquatarium would like to thank you for your patience as they navigate the new norm. Tickets are available and to be pre-booked online at www.aquatarium.ca

MEDIA RELEASE: Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit September 11, 2020...Continue reading

September 14, 2020 For Immediate Release Attention City/News/Editors... ‘‘United Way Leeds & Grenville announces its 2020 Campaign goal!’’ Brockville, ON. - United Way Leeds & Grenville announced today that their annual campaign goal for 2020 will be $738,000. The 2020 goal reflects the growing need in the community. It is also an ambitious goal, as United Way has limited opportunity to raise funds through community events this year. Funds from workplace campaigns, where a lot of their target is raised, may also be limited. Many businesses and workplaces have been affected by the ongoing pandemic and will modify their campaigns. United Way is however, excited to announce the Leadership Challenge Grant. Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, new Leadership donors can increase the impact of their gift. Donors who increase their donations to $1,200 will see their donation matched and donors who are already Leaders of the Way (donations of $1,200 or more), and add at least 10% to their gift will also see their increase matched. This is one way to help fill the gap. ‘‘I am willing to step up and do extra because I believe in the United Way and our Community’’ said Campaign Chair Terry O’Reilly. ‘‘The needs are even greater due to the pandemic. Please step up with me, try to reach a little deeper and give from your heart to help the United Way meet those extra needs.’’ Trish Buote, Executive Director United Way Leeds & Grenville echoed Terry’s comments. ‘‘The needs are great in 2020 as our agencies work hard to meet the complex issues faced by their clients. In times of crisis, we need to come together and work to make sure immediate needs are met and the most vulnerable members of our community are taken care of. We are asking people to continue to show their local love, continue investing in our community if they can and, if possible, to consider increasing their gift. Our community needs your support to recover and to thrive.’’ About United Way Leeds & Grenville United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit agency that supports over 20 local partner agencies in the community. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. UWLG is dedicated to bringing people together to build vibrant and caring communities. For more information, please visit www.uwlg.org. _____________________________________________________________________________________ For more information, please contact: Trish Buote Executive Director United Way Leeds & Grenville Email: [email protected] Phone: 613-342-8889 (office) 613-246-1927 (cell) www.uwlg.org

Press release September 16th, 2020 JUST BECAUSE CERB IS ENDING, DOESN’T MEAN SUPPORT IS.... Leeds and Grenville-The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville created the SSRF (Covid Relief Fund) to support residents of Leeds and Grenville who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. It helped me in a time when I wasn’t able to get any jobs due to the pandemic, so the money I received helped me to pay some bills. I am very grateful I made the decision to call the employment office (EEC) and got them to help me with getting some support from the relief fund.- SSRF (Covid Relief Fund) recipient. Distributed through the Employment and Education Centre, the Covid Relief Fund is designed to help individuals and families cover the costs of everything from rent, food, school supplies, personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, and more. Another SSRF (Covid Relief Fund) recipient said, I was able to buy groceries, cleaning supplies and get caught up on my hydro bill. It pretty much helped keep us above water. The Employment + Education Centre offers multiple financial services along with the SSRF (Covid Relief Fund), covering everything from budgeting basics and financial literacy, to money management and cash flow analysis. We are encouraging people to think outside of the box. If you need support for something that might not be covered by the Covid Relief Fund directly, why not save money in one area, to cover the cost in another? It doesn’t hurt to reach out and talk about your options. said Martin Carette, Financial Coach. Not sure if something is covered by the SSRF? Just give the Employment and Education Centre a call and their financial coach will work with you to figure it out. You can contact the Employment and Education Centre’s Financial Coach, Martin at 613-498-2111 ext. 234 or [email protected]. Martin Carette, Financial Coach The Employment + Education Centre [email protected] 613-498-2111 ext. 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 WHAT: The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office will be joined by Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, Warden Pat Sayeau, Executive Director of the OBIAA Kay Matthews, along with staff and community members, to announce Digital Main Street funding to help small businesses digitally transform.... DATE: Friday, September 25, 2020 TIME: 2:30 p.m. LOCATION: Spencerville Clock Park, at the intersection of County Rd 44 and County Rd 21 (across from SpencerCity Bar & Grill) in Spencerville, ON.