Lightning-fast responses earn Lightning Bolt certificates
By Cecilia Nasmith
Teamwork, action, compassion and perseverance were the clear themes throughout 17 stories shared Wednesday at the fifth annual Survivor Day event hosted by Northumberland County.
Nearly 100 first responders, as well as four bystanders, were recognized with Lightning Bolt Certificates for their role in successfully resuscitating local residents suffering from cardiac arrest in 2018.
Andrew Maloney was one of those saved. He collapsed in his home three weeks before Christmas, after experiencing chest pains off-and-on for a few days. His daughter Deanna had just taken a first-aid and CPR course just days prior to this event and recognized the magnitude of the emergency.
Deanna put her new skills to work, starting chest compressions until first responders arrived. Dispatch personnel, firefighters, and paramedics worked together to deliver the urgent care Andrew required, and he was present Wednesday to offer a personal thanks to those who saved his life.
“This story is an important example of the community links that are so vital to the full chain of care,” Northumberland Paramedics Chief Bill Detlor said in the press release.
“With increasing numbers among the general public trained in CPR, and with the availability of public-access defibrillators and the use of defibrillators by first responders, we have increasing instances of lives saved in circumstances where this was previously unimaginable.
“Survivor Day is a unique opportunity to recognize the dedication and skill of our local first responders, to applaud the bystanders who jump into action in moments of crisis, and to highlight how this type of collaboration is improving health outcomes throughout our community.”
Immediate CPR, in combination with early access to automated defibrillation, may increase the chance of survival for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest by 75% or more, the press release said More than 40 public-access defibrillators are located in sports and high-traffic facilities throughout Northumberland. With increasing numbers of defibrillators in the community and public commitment to CPR training, everyday citizens are increasingly becoming part of the emergency-response system, which increases the likelihood that first responders can save a life.
Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate addressed the gathering on behalf of county council.
“It is important that we take this time to recognize the vital contributions made by our first responders to a strong and vibrant community,” Crate said,
“Emergency services personnel regularly operate in high-pressure situations, and we heard examples here of the great skill, professionalism and compassion they bring to their work.
“I wanted to extend my sincere congratulations to all Lightning Bolt Certificate recipients—your community thanks you for your service.”
Antonio Sarmiento Arrested
A 49 year old Cobourg man is facing allegations of Sexual Assault and Sexual Exploitation after Port Hope Police commenced an investigation into a complaint that was filed with Port Hope Sexual Assault Investigators in August 2019.
The allegations date back to 2017. Investigators allege there were several encounters of a sexual nature with the same victim during the 2017 and 2018 calendar year.
The man was arrested on the 12th of September. Carlos Eduardo Sarmiento AKA “Antonio Sarmiento” is accused of 7 counts of Sexual Assault and 3 counts of Sexual Exploitation.
He will appear in court later in October. Port Hope Police are continuing the investigation anyone with information is asked to call The Port Hope Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 905-885-8123 EXT 222.
Marie Dressler House honours Canada's Women Film Pioneers
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Marie Dressler Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce a new addition to Marie Dressler House – a new museum to be located inside the premises named Canada's Women Film Pioneers.
Marie Dressler Foundation president and chair Rick Miller said in the announcement that, in addition to Dressler, two other women will be honoured for significant achievement.
“In the first four years of the Oscars, the Best Actress Award was given to three Canadian actresses who found their way to Hollywood – Mary Pickford, Norma Shearer and Marie Dressler,” Miller said.
“This is a glorious history for young Canadian women to learn about, because these women pioneers were also producers, studio founders and very savvy businesswomen who achieved unheard-of prestige and rank in an age where very few women ever attained any positions of power.
“These women were the power in Hollywood, a feat never seen again.”
The foundation has formed key partnerships with the Mary Pickford Foundation, Darin Barnes (NormaShearer.com) and the Toronto International Film Festival Film Reference Library, each of which is providing generous in-kind donations of content for the new museum.
For Debra Kwinter, director of TIFF's Share Her Journey program, the achievements of Canada's women film pioneers inspires an important question – if these amazing women could do it then, how can we help do it now?
Their example has been an inspiration for this TIFF program, which provides funding for women filmmakers to create the opportunities to increase their presence in front of and behind the cameras, with the goal of achieving that same strong voice in the industry.
The University of Toronto Master of Museum Studies program will create the interpretive design of the new interactive museum. It's the second time this program has been involved in creating a new interpretive plan for Dressler House, Professor Cara Krmpotich (director of the museum studies program) said in the press release.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership for this new expanded museum.”L
The foundation has also partnered with the Town of Cobourg in a new long-term cost-sharing arrangement for the use of the municipally-owned birthplace of Marie Dressler.
“We are excited about this new cultural asset for Cobourg's residents, and look forward to having another engaging attraction for visitors to Experience Cobourg,” Mayor John Henderson commented.
It will be a unique attraction, Miller stated.
“While featuring Mary Pickford, Norma Shearer and Marie Dressler, there will be significant on-line content highlighting the presence of women in the film industry and research into other Canadian women's contribution to the film industry.”
Cobourg announces Mayor For The Day contest
By Cecilia Nasmith
CORRECTION: Please note that the Mayor for a Day contest is open to students in Grades 7-10 and not Grades 5-8 as previously stated. We apologize for this error.
The Town of Cobourg and Mayor John Henderson have announced this year's Mayor For The Day contest, which will see one lucky student named as town mayor for Oct. 21.
This coincides with Local Government Week, an initiative of the Province of Ontario, Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for the purpose of increasing youth and public awareness of the important role local governments play in their communities.
The Town of Cobourg will be celebrating local government and the importance of civic institutions on Oct. 21, with observances including the naming of a young Mayor For The Day.
The contest is open to students in Grades 7 through 10. It is planned as a way to encourage young people to think about public service and future community leadership – and to share their thoughts on how to make our community a better place to live, increase student interest and enhance student awareness.
“I am looking forward to this year’s Mayor for the Day contest, as it is important for me to connect with youth in our community and engage with potential community leaders,” Henderson said in the press release.
“It’s also equally important to ensure our youth understand the role municipal government plays and the powerful impact we can all have on our community.”
This year's Mayor For The Day will tour municipal facilities, spend time with the mayor and officially open that day's council meeting. As well, the winner will see Second Street renamed in his or her honour for a week.
There is also a bonus for the winner's class, as the mayor will visit these student for a special lunch, where he will help educate and answer questions on municipal government.
To apply, complete the on-line application form, and/or upload a one-minute video answering the following questions:
Why would you like to be Mayor For The Day?
What concerns (up to a maximum of three) do you have about your community and, if you were mayor, what changes would you make to address them?
Highlight one youth program that is important to you - related to the arts, culture, athletics, non-profit environmental or civic pursuits – and tell how you have benefited from this program.