Storen shares News, Views and Tales That Amuse
By Cecilia Nasmith
News, Views and Tales That Amuse would have been a wonderful name for Diana Storen's column all those years she published it twice a month in Northumberland Today.
Now that she has collected dozens of her favourites into book form, it makes a perfect title for its eclectic content.
“I think I've always wanted to do this,” Storen reflected in a recent interview.
Hannah is the cover girl, who – along with her friend Thomas – is one of two tabby cats who have been in her Cobourg home for three years. A fitting choice, as the author has decided that all proceeds will support the Northumberland Humane Society. Furthermore, for every copy of the book she gives away, Storen will make a donation to that organization.
Her long-time readers will certainly know what to expect, essays and accounts on any and every topic that she considered worth putting pen to paper about.
The surprise will be the biographical element, said her best friend and partner Gayle Carver.
“There's a lot of Diana in the book,” Carver said.
In fact, Storen recalled a friend reading it and telling her, “I've known you since 1972, and I didn't know all that.”
Storen's book has the whole scoop in the dedication (to Carver and her sister Jo-Anne Storen) and foreword.
Many threads that began in Storen's childhood were followed to enjoyable and rewarding ends. For example, she discovered the violin at age nine and, as an adult, has enjoyed decades of performing with the Concert Band of Cobourg.
She loved the old Sea Hunt TV series, and has since discovered the wonders of scuba diving on her own.
As for the beloved black-and-white cat that her mother allowed her to have, Whisky proved to be the first in a long line of amazing animals she would take to heart.
She set up a darkroom in her parents' basement at age 13 and, in later years, became an accomplished photographer.
She was first published in Port Credit at the age of 11, when the home-town paper ran the poem she wrote. She would pursue writing on her own and, later, get a regular column in Northumberland Today (which often included some of her photography).
The author was raised in Mississauga, and travelled widely throughout Europe as she studied modern languages. She had never heard of Cobourg until she applied for a teaching job in that town, but would teach happily there for three decades.
Storen is grateful for the help of Julie Bogart, owner of Let's Talk Books and one of three principals of Morning Rain Press.
It was a pleasant surprise to meet up again with Bogart, whom she taught at CDCI West. She would also work with another West alumna, Joanne Clendenning, on the photography for the book.
“I did all the pictures, except for three,” she said.
Storen gathered roughly 100 of the columns she wrote for Northumberland Today and added four pieces she prepared as assignments for writing class and one poem.
Each column has the date it appeared at the top (going back as far as 2000), and she took months to organize them into categories.
“Jennifer said I should have three to five. I have nine,” she said.
Music Matters explores what music has meant to her, from her earliest explorations to her wonderful experiences with the Cobourg band.
Our Community And Beyond overlooks nothing, from the creatures in her back yard (she has a wonderful piece taking on the persona of Rosie, the single raccoon mother who scavenges in Victoria Park) to a true incident of domestic violence.
Important Issues covers matters both near (like the failed incinerator project that was slated for Wesleyville) and far (a warning to Americans about certain politicians) and even below the surface (a reflection on why we should care about the coral reefs, complete with her underwater photography).
Animals Enhance Our Lives introduces us to animals who have impressed the author, like Bonnie (the dog who struggled with a disability). Then there was the incredible array of fauna she encountered at her resort in Mexico (including a fascinating pair of pigs).
Special People includes three whom Storen considers among the most special. A piece on Carver's tenderly caring for her ailing mother has a beautiful and touching photo with it. Storen's mother Mavis rates a piece because of her timeless allegiance to the Montreal Alouettes. Then there's her father Hank, shot down during the Second World War in an accident that killed the pilot and left him seriously injured – his subsequent determination to return to duty challenged his care givers immensely.
A Scribbler's Potpourri includes reflections on the triumphant Vancouver Olympics and a new eco-friendly car that was barely bigger than a breadbox.
Mother Earth carries the warning that our love affair with plastic must end and a loving recollection of how her mother was a pioneer in the concept of recycling.
No Happy Ever-After is designed to challenge. Its essays include tales of animal cruelty in support of big business, a statement of solidarity with the murdered Charlie Hebdo journalists and a cry of despair over America's gun culture.
Tales To Amuse And Delight offer a happy ending (in spite of the name of the preceding chapter). Even so, it contains one charming piece about the exploits of Bruce the Moose around the Toronto area that has a melancholy undertone – it is the piece she submitted Nov. 27, 2017, before she learned that the newspaper had been folded.
It all adds up to a pleasant read that brings back wonderful memories, teaches us a few things and provokes more than a few hard questions. And every purchase promotes a cause dear to the author's heart.
Copies are now available at $20 each. Storen said that a limited supply may be available in Cobourg at the Northumberland Humane Society Thrift Shop on Covert Street or at Let's Talk Books – which reopens Feb. 1 at its new location at 25 King St. E. But she said it's probably easier for anyone interested in purchasing a copy to contact her by e-mail at dianadiv@eagle.ca to make arrangements.
Cobourg offers winter safety tips and regulations
By Cecilia Nasmith
As the snow and ice start to accumulate, the Town of Cobourg reminds residents of some important winter-safety tips – and regulations, including the bylaw regarding the removal of ice and snow from roofs and sidewalks.
Shovel your sidewalks. Show friends, neighbours and family members you care about their comfort and safety by keeping the sidewalk in front of your home clear of snow and ice (Bylaw 081-2014 applies here).
Be safe around snow ploughs, Drivers should stay three car lengths behind a snow plow to allow for a safe stopping distance, and never cut off one of these vehicles. Pedestrians and parents should always assume that the snow plough driver has not seen them – and accordingly, should move off the sidewalk and into a yard for greater visibility. Never play on or make forts or tunnels in road-side snowbanks.
Keep gas meters clear. Although this outdoor meter is designed to withstand winter weather, heavy or hard-packed snow and ice can pose a safety hazard. Keep it from building up on and covering the meter.
Make hydrants visible, Residents and snow-removal companies are reminded not to shovel or blow snow onto hydrants. The town extends its thanks to citizens who take the time to clear snow and ice from hydrants, providing quicker access in case of emergency.
Clear snow and ice from fire escapes, exit doors and other emergency exit points to allow for safe evacuation in case of a fire emergency.
Place garbage and recycling where it can clearly be seen and safely collected. Choose a collection area at a safe and visible ground-level location, such as the right side (as you face the street) at the end of your driveway. If you do not have a driveway, place it on the boulevard closest to the curb. If there is no boulevard, place it on the right side at the end of your walkway. Keep a path from the road to your collectibles clear of ice and snow in order to avoid injury to workers – and, in that connection, please remove bungee cords and other tie-downs from green bins and garbage cans set at curbside.
Do not park overnight on town streets through March 31. This is provided for in Bylaw 080-2014 in order that streets are kept clear for snow ploughs to respond to winter weather event. You can be fined or towed for violating this bylaw.
Businesses are asked to keep sidewalks clear of hazardous snow and ice. If your business fronts onto pubic sidewalks, it is your responsibility to remove snow and ice (including roof-top snow, ice and icicles that pose a pedestrian hazard). This must take place “as soon as is practicable but, in any event, not later than 24 hours after the end of the precipitation that caused the snow and ice.” Those who don't will be charged the cost for clearing, and could face a fine of up to $5,000. Please note that it is also illegal to move snow on to streets or sidewalks.
Remove icicles hazardous to pedestrians. This applies to every building owner and occupant in town, and includes icicles hanging from the roof that pose an immediate danger to pedestrians. Those who fail to comply will be charged the cost of clearing the icicles and could face a $5,000 fine.
Prevent water from freezing around electrical lines. Keep eavestroughs clear of debris so water can run safely away before it freezes. Ice can build up where overhead where electric wires attach to the home, posing a dangerous and costly situation. Bear in mind that the root of the problem may be poor attic insulation. Never attempt to clear ice from around electrical-service wires on your own.
For more information (or if you have any questions) contact the town's Legislative Services Department at 905-372-4301 or e-mail bylawenforcement@cobourg.ca.
Cobourg Public Library declares Feb. 14 Patron Appreciation Day
By Cecilia Nasmith
Valentine's Day is synonymous with chocolate- and that's also true at the Cobourg Public Library, where patrons are invited to stop by for free Lindors chocolates as their way of observing Patron Appreciation Day.
Feb. 13 is an even bigger splash, actually, as the library stages its seventh annual observance of James Cockburn Day on the Father of Confederation's 200th birthday. Library staffers and volunteers have been working with town staff to arrange a variety of demonstrations, workshops and presentations at Victoria Hall. Teachers are invited to organize a visit for their students by calling 905-372-9271 ext, 6120.
Other February dates to remember include Feb. 5, when the Teen Advisory Group meets from 4 to 5 p.m. when young people are welcome to hang out, enjoy some snacks and offer their thoughts on library programming. Participants may also be eligible to receive credit for their schools' Community Service Hours requirement.
And for Bewdley patrons, it's Book Club day on Feb. 27. The meeting runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and readers are invited to call the branch to register.
The library reminds patrons of its regular weekly programming.
Mondays, join the Needle Nuts Yarn Circle from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Mondays and Fridays, Movie Time is 2 to 4 p.m. A complete listing of films is available at the library,
Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. is Family Story Time, with stories, activities, rhymes and a craft for preschoolers. For February, these include Curious George, Valentine's Day, Families and Royalty.
Thursdays, bring your supplies and ideas to the Needle Nuts Yarn Circle at the Bewdley ranch from 7 to 9 p,m, Refreshments will be provided.
Also at the Bewdley Branch, Fridays are Family Story Time from 10 to 11 a.m., a time for preschoolers to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and crafts that enhance pre-literacy skills.
Fridays at the Cobourg branch are Tinker Table Fridays, During library hours, drop in to enjoy different hands-on activities each week.
To register for programming, call 905-372-9271 or visit https://calendar.cobourg.ca./library/.
If you need help around the house, there's Home Help
By Cecilia Nasmith
Community Care Northumberland's Colborne office is reaching out to seniors and others (such as those recovering from an injury or illness) who need help looking after their homes to let them know that there is help.
The Home Help and Maintenance Program is available to Cramahe Township residents, thanks to a team of brokered workers co-ordinated through Community Care.
“Home Help brokered workers do not help with your personal care but, instead, focus on indoor tasks such as meal preparation, laundry, changing beds, dusting, floor mopping, ironing, vacuuming and general cleaning and tidying,” regional community-relations co-ordinator Alicia Vandine said in the agency's press release.
“The hourly rate is set at the reasonable rate of $15 per hour.”
For those who need help with such outdoor tasks as yard work and snow removal - or heavier house-cleaning duties like wall washing and window cleaning - Community Care Northumberland has Home Maintenance brokered workers ready to tackle these jobs too. The fees for these services are negotiated between you and the Home Maintenance brokered worker before the job begins, so there are no surprises.
Community Care recognizes that staying in one's own home is preferable to moving to an assisted-living facility. This is more easily done when you don't have the stress of seeing day-to-day tasks pile up.
Community Care Northumberland is there to help. Cramahe residents are invited to call the Colborne office at 905-355-2989 to see if their Home Help and Maintenance service can help them manage their household tasks.
Cobourg invites citizens to participate in Cultural Master Plan process
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg invites citizens to participate in the process that will shape its first-ever Cultural Master Plan.
With this process, the town's press release said, Cobourg joins leading Ontario municipalities in an exercise that will promote itself as a creative and vibrant community with rich and diverse cultural resources that contribute towards growing the local economy and enhancing quality of life.
“Essential to the vibrancy and success of any town is a well-instituted and robust arts-and-culture sector, not only because the sector creates job and drives economies, but also because the $27.7-billion Ontario arts industry contributes to residents' quality of life and visitor experience,” said Councillor Adam Bureau, co-ordinator of arts, culture and tourism.
The end result will be a cultural vision for the Town of Cobourg that identifies concrete strategies and actions to support cultural and broader economic-development goals. The Cultural Master Plan will become the foundation and substance for future cultural planning and service delivery for the town.
An extensive public-consultation process to engage community input, research into the local arts and cultural environment and best practices from around the country will be part of the process, with a number of specific objectives in mind:
Assessing the health of Cobourg's cultural sector.
Identifying the town's current involvement in the cultural sector.
Deepening engagement of residents with culture in all its forms.
Identifying service gaps and improving over-all cultural-service provision and strategies.
Specifically identifying the town's future role in Cobourg's arts-and-culture sector.
