What part of owning your own business brings you the most

happiness? The positive feedback you get from our local residents and just as important

from our tourists what beautiful things we have to offer. I am truly blessed with the support I have received.

Play Stay Live Weekly Newsletter June 4, 2020

We had so much fun last week!

All of this positive input from community rockstars had to continue:

Tell me something good…

Blind River's Downtown will see new banners this year, flowers, and more projects are underway. Can you share with us why aesthetic

improvements are critical to local downtown merchants? Programs are important because it helps us as a small community get recognized for the value and the beauty that a small town can offer.

Foundations Matter Whether building a house or getting ready for your day,

foundations matter. The right undies can save your back and

shoulders from strain. Self-care is more than a mani-pedi and

facial in front of Netflix. Take care of your body!

We pestered Sherri, who took the plunge to not only be a

merchant, but also a resident and landlord of our Downtown!

Sherri was a part of the CIP movement and shared her thoughts

on the importance of Blind River’s Downtown projects:

Sherri, you were a part of the Committee that brought the Downtown

Community Improvement Program to life. Why is it so important to you that programs like this exist?

Being the core of Blind River “prettying” things up makes it more inviting for tourists and our local people to stop and shop local. Not only owning my

business, but living on main, this is my back and front yard!

Bee Kind

something Our roadside flower beds

are looking great!

Here’s to finger nails jam-

packed with soil, long-lasting

blooms, and teamwork.

Thank You to:

Ellis, Judy, and Mandy!

Sellers Beach is slowly adding in

furniture for you to rest and relax.

A big thank you to the Blind River Rotary

Club for sponsoring new seating for this

site!

Please do not move the furniture. Please

remember that we do not sanitize seating.

Be Careful and Enjoy❤

Thank You Rotary

something good…

Local Activities Who says distancing has to be boring?

Here are simple and doable activities to enjoy

right here, at home, in Blind River!

Photography

Wheeling, Walking, Scooting, Cycling

Painting and Sewing

Gardening

Building Bird Feeders

Planting Veggies and Fruit!

Freshen up your backyard or patio oasis

Fishing

Reach out to a service club

Paint your patio furniture—a cheap and easy facelift!

Bake and cook

Try a new hobby

Kayak (wear your PFD!)

Be nice to each other

Paint your front door

Grow your own herbs for tea this winter

Plant pumpkins and be Hallowe’en ready!

Put your hummingbird feeder out

Create driftwood art

How do you prefer shoppers reach out to you to purchase their supplies? Now with Covid 19 I prefer People with larger orders to call me and I can prepare it for them. Then It is ready for them. People can just come in also, I just have a 2 person limit in the store. If it gets too busy, sometimes people have to wait outside. (But) Usually not for too long. I accept cash and card payments (and) I am always sanitizing! What message do you have for locals right now? My message for locals right now is to keep the 2 metres distance and hand washing. Thank You.

BEACHES ARE OPEN

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice…

Everywhere you look online, you see the movement of upcycling jars, storing your precious spices, adding hand-written labels to baking supplies, as well as stowing goodies in a way that’s both pleasing to the eye while promoting a greener way of life. Wash those great wide-mouthed salsa jars, sauce, jams, you name it. Some spray paint to the lids (if you choose) can create a charming surprise when you open your pantry door. Why repeatedly buy items in throwaway containers when a quick wash and refill can be done right here in Blind River! Marcel Jacques has been leading this movement by promoting bulk supplies Downtown! Marcel was kind enough to spare a few minutes between sanitizing his wonderful store and taking care of customers. Buying supplies in bulk is a really great way to help the environment. Can you share with us why this is important? Buying supplies in Bulk is great for the environment because It saves on a lot of packaging. Also People can bring in their own containers and I can fill them up for them.

✓Please, no groups larger than 5

✓Enjoy beach time with your

household

✓Don’t share beach toys

✓Please stay home if you’re ill

✓No littering, wildlife can choke or be

poisoned

Four Sands

Sellers

Old Mill

Another recycling win for Blind River: Over 500 tires left the landfill today to be recycled! If you want to clean up and dispose of your old tires, please remove the rims and bring to the landfill site. There is no charge for these as long as rims are removed. Thank you for helping us do our part to keep recycling rubber products!

Service above Self

It seems Rotary has had to pivot its 2020 plans, however pivot has not meant stop! We are seeing the great Rotary logo pop up all over town, can you share your Club goals with us for this year?

Yes, Rotary is adjusting, and our planned fund-raising events are either cancelled or on hold at the moment. We are maintaining our support for some of our priorities – scholarships for high school students, awards for Grade 8 graduates, prizes for the library programs, to give a couple of examples. The help from the Cameco Covid-19 Relief fund is greatly appreciated. However we have shifted to seeing if there are ways we can support the community. We have set up a telephone calling program, for anyone who feels isolated and would enjoy chats with a Rotary member. We are rolling out a “thank you to essential workers” initiative. We have provided a lunch to hospital and Golden Birches staff, as well as, with support from Tim Hortons, coffee and donuts to businesses around town such as the pharmacy, the Post office, the OPP, the banks … more to come next week. And one of our members came up with a creative idea to thank truck drivers – we have signs along the highway, and at times there will be a Rotary member holding them and waving to drivers! We have limited funds, but are looking for other ways to provide support as well.

Why are collaborations so important to Rotary?

Rotary’s motto is “Service above Self” – and the best way to accomplish that goal is to collaborate with others to get the most out of our efforts to help. For example, we are happy to have collaborated with the Town of Blind River to provide the new tables and bench at Seller’s Beach, new interpretive panels at the Museum, and the refurbished flower bed on Woodward Ave. What message do you have for residents of Blind River at this time?

We are proud of Blind River residents for their cooperation with the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, their patience, and their respect towards those that are serving the community at risk of their own health. We are lucky to have low Covid-19 numbers in our area, but must continue to be careful since the virus is ubiquitous and sometimes hidden, and could surge at any time without vigilance on all our parts!

If you ever attend an event in Blind River, you’re more than likely going to see Rotary presence. Whether their board members are creating initiatives that support community access, beautification, public space rejuvenation, or a myriad of family friendly experiences, this group doesn’t stop. Those in Blind River can attest personally to Rotary’s commitment to service above self. It was a pleasure to reach out to Eva, our local Rotary Club President.

BOOM CAMP

Trails

Great Lakes

Waterfront

Trail

Penewobikong

Voyageur Trail

The Store with the Green Door Wandering downtown, it’s hard to miss a stunning pop of jadeite—a welcoming and rich hue that leads you to an artist’s nook and studio. Local entrepreneur, Jenn Kelly made time to answer a few quick questions: How have you used nature to keep your spirits high? Lucky are we to live where there is many a tree : ). I have spent quite a bit of time over the last two months communing with nature. Walking lots…. on our bountiful trail systems. The trails around the water tower…the trail beside highway 17 …the trail at the end of young fox…first skiing on the Boom Camp trails and then now walking them again. (Once the ban was lifted.). and sitting on the beaches…listening to the waves caress the shores of Huron. and of course of recent Kayaking ….Blind River has such an amazing array of lakes and rivers to explore! I have just begun ! I have been on Lake Huron thus far and Blind River. There is nothing quite like it ….the sound of the water lapping on the hull and the sound of water dripping off the end of the paddle….silently gliding thru the water. These experiences have helped ground me in the chaos the whole world has been facing… Please share why Blind River has it all. Blind River….the corner stone is the community of amazing people…we have been bound together in a close knit cocoon though have been responsible and kept each other at a distance and therefore COVId 19 has been kept at bay. We have many many talented people amongst us too ...artists/muscians volunteers that help maintain the beauty of the gardens and green spaces around the town. it has been an honour to be welcomed into the community ….We are nestled along the shores of Lake Huron and then are surrounded by lakes , lakes and more lakes with beaches to explore and comb for driftwood (a fav pastime of mine)…and our top notch marina and along with the trail systems..for hiking and biking too !

Question three is—no question. Share your thoughts with us... Once again …it is the people of our community …I am so grateful to be living here in Northern Ontario where the community values have been so strong and supportive! We have been kind and caring towards each other. I have had the opportunity to do inner reflection and spend time with family (playing cards/cooking/cleaning and baking and (eating the baking lol!) Then there is the zoom family….yoga in the mornings…face time and the ancient art of talking on the phone (my thumbs were sore from texting!) with family and friends from afar….has helped keep them near. It certainly is a breath of fresh air (literally) to be in the midst of a world wide pandemic and see such strong family and community values. Also Thank you …to all the front line workers! We wouldn’t be virus free without you. A big shout out and THANK YOU to all the talented artists that have been supplying art to Intreegue Studio and to all that have shopped locally : ). If you have handcrafted items that you would like to share or if you have someone you think is a budding talent please call to set up a time or email jenny.kelly367@gmail.com. I can do curbside pickup and will deliver to your doorstep too! Part of Intreegue Studio is a photography studio and I am now able to offer (safely) Passport and PAL photos. I am offering outside photo sessions to families with a 15% discount. Now that spring has sprung and summer is budding around the corner and the more spaces are opening peoples spirits are lifting…though we still need to be cautious the light is at the end of the tunnel : ). Stay kind and strong and safe…..Sincerely, Jenn

Do not litter or feed wildlife

Please distance on the trails

Respect other hikers and walkers

Do not mark, etch, or damage any trees

Trails are open.

Please leave them as you found them.

FREE Resources Available

Our team leads at the GEMS program miss their group participants!

Helga and Cindy have packages of

resources and materials that they will drop at your door. These are filled with games,

tools, and even exercises!

Prescription & Pharmacy For Prescription Refill Requests at Mitchell

Pharmacy

1. Use “diem for IDA” App

2. Or Call 705-356-2633 to speak with Dispensary Staff

For Curb Side Pickup at Mitchell Pharmacy

1. Prepare your list (including completed prescriptions)

2. Call 705-849-7739 to place your order

Children’s Aid

NSHN MEMO

Please email:

helgamoore@alzheimeralgoma.org Please text or call:

705-227-1242 and ask for Cindy

We will get through this together,

Algoma!

Effective immediately, all appointments for essential and urgent outpatient laboratory services must be coordinated by the patient’s provider.

The Blind River Site will no longer be booking appointments with patients directly.

Appointments must be booked and communicated to the patient by their provider’s office.

The NSHN Laboratory is not accepting any walk-in patients. Please do not visit unless a pre-scheduled appointment has been arranged through your provider’s office.

Individuals requiring bloodwork that is not deemed essential or urgent are encouraged to visit

Dynacare in Elliot Lake (705-848-5388).

NSHN apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Mitchell Pharmacy

The Children’s Aid Society office in Blind River is currently closed due to

Covid-19 precautions.

To make appointment or if you have any concerns about a child or youth,

please call 1-888-414-3571

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE

Meals on Wheels

Click Here to Explore

Opportunities and

Tools through North

Shore Health

Network!

Helpful

FIRE INFORMATION

A permit is not needed if started after 7pm when fire is contained

Please make sure your fire is put out fully once you’ve finished. A small

spark can mean lost homes and lives.

Never leave a fire unattended.

A PERMIT IS NEEDED

A permit is needed if you want to burn during daylight hours(7am-7pm)

and/or want to burn brush piles.

For more information please visit www.blindriver.ca or contact

The Fire Hall

Click Here to be Brought to the Fire

Department Info Page

BE

SA

FE

BL

IND

RIV

ER

6’ Space between

friends

No group sports

If you’re ill, please

stay home

Parks and Trails are

not sanitized

Algoma Public Health

Frequently Asked Questions

From Algoma-area business Q: What is the current recommendation for wearing a mask in public?

A: As of May 20th, 2020 the Public Health Agency of Canada and Public Health Ontario are now recommending that Canadians wear a face covering (non-medical mask such as a cloth mask) to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 when physical distancing and keeping two-metres’ distance from others may be challenging or not possible. Learn more Q: What are the current recommendations regarding travel?

A: Please see our website for the current situation in Algoma. Q: Who is responsible for ensuring patrons are physical distancing and following precautions?

A: Both individual and business have a role to play. Please visit the COVID-19: Guidance for Workplaces web-page by Algoma Public Health to access resources that may assist you. Q: What is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

A: Staying home as much as possible, practicing physical distancing, regular hand hygiene and staying home when sick. Q: When can my business reopen?

A: These decisions are made by provincial authorities, local public health cannot provide permission to pre-emptively open businesses. Q: Should we keep working from home if possible?

A: YES. When possible, continue working from home to limit your exposure to others. Even as the province moves through the phases of reopening we need to continue to practice physical distancing and put other precautions in place. Q: What if we are unable to physically distance 2 metres between coworkers?

A: It is recommended you contact your human resources department and/or a health and safety representative. Workers who think they are working in unsafe conditions should report their concerns to Ontario’s Health and Safety Contact Centre, at 1-(877)-202-0008.

COVID-19: Key Updates on Workplace Re-Opening for Algoma-area Businesses

With the province announcing the re-opening of specific business sectors, a recap of stage 1 and workplace resources can be found below. Any questions regarding the re-opening can be sent to healthyworkplaces@algomapublichealth.com, or the Healthy Workplaces information line at (705)-942-4646 ext. 3273 or at 1-(866)-892-0172.

This email and phone line is answered by APH’s public health inspectors and public health nurses. You can also visit our COVID-19: Guidance for Workplaces web-page that has additional information and resources.

Workers who think they are working in unsafe conditions should report their concerns to Ontario’s Health and Safety Contact Centre, at 1-(877)-202-0008.

Table of Contents

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) • What has Re-Opened during Phase 2 - Stage 1?

o Detailed List of Stage 1 Openings

• Introduction of Workplace Resources Web-page

o New Resources

o Survey Screening Poster o Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Update

• Opening Safely in Algoma

• Resources

• Contact Us

Introduction of COVID-19: Guidance for Workplaces Resources

New Resources

Algoma Public Health has complied a list of resources for employees and employers that can act as a guide for businesses in the process of reopening businesses to ensure safety for their employees, customers and the general public.

• Redistributing Responsibilities

• Physical Distancing

• Workplace Hygiene

• Cleaning and Disinfecting

Additional sector-specific guidelines and posters are also available from health and safety associations to help protect workers, customers and the general public.

Survey Screening Poster

A workplace screening poster is available for download and can be used by workplaces.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Update

As the economy gradually reopens, Prime Minister Trudeau announced the following measures to support Canadian employers:

• The eligibility of the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program has now been extended to include:

o Businesses with sole proprietors (e.g. hair salon owners, independent gyms and local physiotherapy businesses);

o Those that rely on contractors; and

o Family-owned businesses that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll.

Opening Safely in Algoma

Protect yourself, loved ones & your community in Algoma. Algoma Public Health has created several posters that can be freely downloaded and used for workplaces and community spaces.

Resources

• Worksite Signage (ENG) (FR) o Welcome Home. Go Straight Home o Feeling sick? Get home quick! o Physical Distancing - Protect yourself and your community

• Do Not Enter Signage (Algoma Public Health) • Resources to Prevent COVID 19 in the workplace • Preventing COVID-19 in the workplace: Employers, employees and

essential service workers (PDF) • COVID-19: For businesses and employees • See how your business can help fight COVID-19

• Government of Canada: COVID-19 Resources o About Non-Medical Masks and Face Coverings o How to Put On, Remove and Clean Non-Medical Masks and Face

Coverings • Public Health Ontario: COVID-19 Resources

o Wear a Face Covering when Physical Distancing is a Challenge o Take Care of Yourself and Each Other o Physical Distancing

o Guidance from health and safety associations

You are not alone. We are all in this together!

Need help with the above resources? Call: (705)-942-4646 ext. 3273

Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Email: healthyworkplaces@algomapublichealth.com

Collection occurs every Thursday as scheduled.

Bulk Pick Up will continue on the third Monday of the month.

Please call 705-356-2251 to arrange for pickup. The Landfill site remains open during regular hours.

The Blind River Horticultural Society is

hosting its first-ever online garden tour!

We want to see your hard work! Warm weather and sunshine have

surely caused garden action!

As your gorgeous plants emerge, and yards come to life, please post

your photos on Facebook.

Let’s grow together.

Click to Visit our Page!

Canada Summer Jobs 2020 Temporary

Flexibilities for Employers

Click Here!

Trash Collection

The following public recreation areas are

CLOSED as per the provincial order 104/20 issued March 30,2020

o Playgrounds

The Provincial Offences Act has been updated to include offences contrary to the Emergency Management and Civil

Protection Act (EMCPA). Contravention of the Act can lead to

fines of $750 to $100,000.

Let us shop for you

Our Food Delivery Program is working to assist those making the choice to distance. Whether the decision has been made for medical reasons or

family dynamic, we are here to help.

Please call 705-356-2251 x222 to place your order on Tuesday please for delivery the following business day. We are asking that orders be

placed Tuesday to streamline community services. Thank you!

ADSAB would like to remind the public that all support systems within our newsletter are still

relevant and available.

ADSAB continues to do Ontario Works Emergency Applications, Applications for Subsidized Child Care and Housing. All of the information can be found on our website www.adsab.on.ca or by

calling the office.

For More FREE Links Click Here!

CLICK HERE FOR BROCHURE

Food Program

Playgrounds &

Recreation Support & Resources

Service above Self. The Blind River Rotary Club is ready to make calls to those needing light-hearted

conversation by phone!

Do you need to chat with someone to feel connected? Do you know someone personally who

can use this type of attention?

Our Rotary President, Eva Whitmore would love to hear from you so she can pair you or your loved one

with a fellow Rotarian.

Eva can be reached by phone (text or call): 705-989-6354, or email: evamwhit@gmail.com. Please leave a message and your call will be

returned quickly!

Bag Tags

Stay Home!

Clean!

Let us collect your extra bags!

Keep up the great work cleaning those ignored closets, rooms, and workshops.

In order to reduce trips to our landfill, as well as reduce interactions with staff at the site,

we are offering bag tag bundles through Town Hall.

Simply call 705-356-2251 to order tags.

Tags are only 5/$10 and can be paid by credit card or e-transfer.

Tags will be sent your way!

HELP!

Please stop littering in our forests.

Let’s work as a team to keep Blind River looking beautiful!

There are several tools to use to help get rid of unwanted items.

THANK YOU

Pets & Cups

Additional trash cans have been placed along the Highway 17 trail.

Please bring a bag along to pick up after your pets and throw away your

cups when finished.

Landfill

Hours of Operation

Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday

10am-6pm

Saturday

9am-5pm

Please remember you can also bring 2 free bags to the landfill!

Yard Waste

You cleaned your yard…

Now what!?

STOP!

DO NOT dump it in the bush

DO NOT dump in the ditch

If you are unable to compost yard waste at home, the landfill accepts all yard

waste for FREE

JUNE 15, 2020 JULY 20, 2020

AUGUST 17, 2020

Click for More Info!

Hold EACH OTHER accountable to

a CLEAN COMMUNITY!

Landfill Yard Waste

Pets & Cups

Bulk Pickup

LEAP: Algoma Power Customers

Help with payment of Algoma Power Utility Arrears. This program is also available for Hydro One Customers.

Must apply through the ADSAB Office

15 Hanes Ave. Blind River, ON P0R 1B0

705-356-2263

I want to pay my bills on time—do I have to defer?

The Municipality understands our

variety of residents and businesses.

Council has authorized a deferral to help those who need it. You are

welcome to pay your taxes, water, and other fees at any time to Town Hall.

A reminder that we accept e-transfer

and pre-authorized payments. Please see our ADSAB notes in this flyer if

you need help paying bills.

Please call 705-356-2251 for balances, payment arrangements, or to set up pre-authorized payments.

We are here to work with you.

Need more information? www.blindriver.ca

Food Bank Are you struggling to feed your family?

Please email: blindriverfoodbank@gmail.com to ask questions about becoming a client. Interested

in donating?

Please email: blindriverfoodbank@gmail.com

Services are available, please use them

Algoma Shelter Assistance Program

(ASAP)

Financial assistance to help prevent homelessness through various

means of support. Do not need to be on assistance to qualify. Special

circumstances as a result of COVID19 will be considered. Application is available at all ADSAB offices and Online.

Complete and submit to the office to apply.

English ASAP Application

French ASAP Application

Housing & Rent Subsidies

Apply for Housing and Rent Subsidies within the Algoma District. Application is available at all ADSAB

offices and online. Complete and submit to the office to apply.

English Rent Geared to Income

Housing Application

French Application

SURPLUS SALE

The Town of Blind River is accepting sealed bids for the following

equipment:

As-is condition of five (5) – 56’ long Dock Sections, Samson Posts included, and five (5) –

25’ long Main Sections available for inspection at the Blind River Marine Park Launch area.

The ten (10) dock sections are surplus as one lot, the successful bidder is responsible for pick

up and transportation.

Please drop off your sealed bid at the Town Hall (11 Hudson Street) in the lock box no later

than 3:00 p.m. on June 11, 2020. Clearly marked ‘Surplus Dock Sections’.

Bids will be opened at 3:05 on June 11, 2020 and successful bidder notified.

Payment is due by Friday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. or the next successful bid will be notified.

Acceptable forms are payment:

E-transfer or certified cheque. Full payment must be received prior to equipment release.

Bids accepted until 3:00 p.m. on June 11, 2020

Proposals may be submitted by:

Mail or In-Person in a Sealed Envelope

The Town of Blind River

ATTN: Kathryn Scott Re: Surplus Dock Sections

11 Hudson Street

Blind River ON P0R 1B0

We thank those for submissions; however, the Town reserves the right to accept or reject the lowest or any bid.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING & RECREATION

PLAY SAFE | TRAILS & PARKS

6’ Space

between

friends

No group

sports

Bring your

own water

Restrooms

are not

available

Trash you

bring, goes

home

Limit touching

trash cans

If you’re ill,

please stay

home

Parks are not

sanitized

DO NOT Touch play

equipment

DO NOT touch Items

in our trails

PLEASE

Wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge.

Do: Do not: Do not wear a medical- grade mask as these should be reserved for our health care workers.

Wear a non-medical face covering like a cloth mask.

Wash your hands before putting it on and immediately after taking it o .̃

Do not share face coverings with others.

Make sure it fits well and covers your nose and mouth.

Do not touch or move your face covering when wearing it.

Do not place on children under the age of two years or on anyone who can't take it o˜ on their own.

Change your face covering when it gets slightly wet or dirty.

Do not use plastic or other materials that you can't breathe through as a face covering.

Wash your face covering in hot water with detergent after each use.

Dispose of single-use face coverings into a lined garbage bin and wash your hands.

Do not re-use face coverings that cannot be cleaned.

It is recommended you wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge. Stop the spread of COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to continue to stay home as much as possible, wash your hands thoroughly and often, and stay 2 metres apart from others.

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus