YMCA Reopening Plans - Good Morning from Rockland - Episode #2

Welcome to the second episode, of our new weekly morning show called "Good Morning from Rockland". Join TVC22 host, Thomas Stockting as we provide a round up of the local news from the past week.

In this week's show

YMCA reopening in Clarence-Rockland 

The Clarence-Rockland YMCA is set to reopen to the community on the 1st of November. 
Having been closed since March 2020, the Y will reopen with slightly reduced services but, The Health, Fitness and Aquatics Centers are expected to be open to all ages - including various fitness classes and swim programs; There will be Child and Youth Programs (limited); As well as Select registered programs (available for a short season - Nov. to Dec.). Programs will be expanded as time goes on and COVID-19 health protocols will need to be followed. 

Covid-19 Update

There are currently 23 cases in Prescott-Russell of which 7 are in Clarence Rockland.
In the region there are currently 9 people in hospital, of which 8 are not vaccinated and there 4 cases in intensive care. Sadly there has been another death from the virus in the region last week, a 58 year old with underlying health conditions; they had not been vaccinated. New data from the EOHU shows that positive antigens found in wastewater could be a useful tool in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Nation Conservation Fundraiser 

An online fundraiser is being presented once again by South Nation Conservation this fall, to raise money for its tree planting initiatives next spring. Covering a 4,441 square kilometer area in Eastern Ontario, SNC’s 2021 fundraiser is titled “South Nation Wood Creations” which will showcase an array of woodwork ranging from furniture, art and signs, all crafted by local artisans. John Mesman, SNC’s Community Lands and Outreach Lead called it: “a great opportunity to support small businesses… while… showcasing local talent and contributing to a healthy environment”.u items will be available to view online starting the 8th of October, and silent bidding will take place between the 12th and 29th of October.

New sports complex breaks ground in The Nation

A traditional groundbreaking ceremony took place in The Nation on Monday as work has begun on the new Nation Sports Complex in Limoges. Described as a building that will become the “pride” of the Nation for “generations to come”, the groundbreaking was attended by educational representatives, The Nation councilors and Mayor François St-Amour.  The building will include 2 soccer fields, a walking track and a community center that will be able to accommodate 150 people as well as providing softball, frisbee, yoga, football and many other activities for people of all ages. Work will continue throughout the winter on this 14 million dollar complex and should be completed by the end of 2022.

Priorities set for Eastern Ontario.

The extended summer break has ended for the provincial politicians in Ontario as work resumed at Queen’s Park on Monday. As the priorities were discussed it will come as no surprise that the lack of Affordable Housing was a big topic for Eastern Ontario, with about 700 families on the waiting list in Clarence-Rockland alone.Warden for the United Counties of Prescott-Russell, Mr. Stéphane Sarrazin heaped praise on the infrastructure investments announced by the Ford government, but pushed for the United Counties of Prescott-Russell to be prioritised. Warden Sarrazin, who was announced as the Conservative candidate for next year’s provincial elections, wants to see promises regarding the enlargement of highway 174, with some form of financial plan in the 2021-2022 budget. 

Retired math teacher biking across Canada

Adam Hoerdt, a retired math teacher from Waterford, Ontario, is cycling across Canada to raise awareness for his son’s rare genetic heart disease, which has left him in critical condition. 
TVC22 journalist Bruce de la Cruz was able to talk with Adam at his pit stop in Alfred, and find out the sort of lengths a father will go for his son. 

& a Look at the Clarence-Rockland Ringette Open Session;

The Rockland Nats have started their season but they aren’t the only players taking to the ice with sticks in their hands as the Clarence-Rockland Ringette Association held an open session last weekend. With the Ice time funded thanks to Councilor Cardarelli, we went down to the CIH Arena to speak with the president of the association about the benefits of this team game, especially in promoting positive mental health for young girls…