Review-Mirror

Lanark and Leeds Grenville Public Health Unit Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paula Stewart presented Rideau Lakes council with the science justifying the spraying of roadsides for Wild Parsnip. She is satisfied the pub- lic health menace of the weed justifies the risks of spraying roadside spray- ing with Clearview. This past summer the United Counties of Leeds Grenville conducted a sec- ond year of a spraying pro- gram which will be con- ducted biannually. This years'spraying included the eastern end of the township. The plant is distin- guished by a yellow umbrella growing from a rosette of leaves which in its second year produces flowers. Contact with the Wild Parsnip sap, which con- tains Furocoumarins, can cause inflammation and blister if exposed to sun- light. The Fumocoumarins can cause persistent issues because they can stay within the skin. The pesticide is regis- tered for non-crop use areas and has a low toxici- ty said Stewart who noted it does not bioaccumulate and when it is absorbed by animals and humans it is rapidly excreted. "It's really important that you pay attention to the science. It's important you look at the science," said Stewart who has done an examination of the pub- lic risks of the chemical. Getting rid of wild parsnip is also good for other creatures, including bees which thrive on the plants which the Wild Parsnip displaces. The plant can take its time in taking over the competition since its seeds can remain in the soil for five years. Counties staff have rec- ognized that there mission in controlling the plant can't be eradication. "We're not trying to eradicate it. We're trying to control it, said Rob Ross, a counties supervi- sor. Private citizens also have the responsibility for the plant's control if it takes hold on their land. In January 2015 the plant got 'elevated' to the noxious plant. Authorities have the power to order the destruction of plants on private land. More information on Wild Parsnip is available on the health unit's web- site www.healthunit.org under the Environmental Health tab. Ontario has appointed Kevin Empey as Hospital Supervisor for the Brockville General Hospi- tal, to address the organi- zational challenges identi- fied by the South East Local Health Integration Network Board. Empey will take the necessary steps to improve the functioning of the hos- pital, which includes re- establishing a board. He is a well-respected, senior health care leader with a strong financial background and a track record of hospital manage- ment. Most recently, Mr. Empey served as President and Chief Executive Offi- cer of Lakeridge Health in Toronto from 2008 to 2016. In his role as hospital supervisor, Empey will have the authority to exer- cise all of the powers of the hospital board, the cor- poration, its officers and employees. He will start his work immediately and will report directly to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. "I welcome (the) announcement that Kevin Empey has been appointed as supervisor at Brockville General Hospital. "With his experience and ties to the local com- munity, he is well-suited to this role at BGH. I appreciate his commit- ment to work co-opera- tively with the community and look forward to meet- ing with Mr. Empey soon," MPP Steve Clark said in a press release. Empey is a Chartered Accountant and graduate of Harvard's Advanced Management Program. He is also a guest lecturer at the University of Toronto, and York University. He has been heavily involved in transforming hospital services through the shared clinical and support services and pri- vate/public partnerships. In April 2016, he was appointed Chair of Ontario's Healthcare Sec- tor Supply Chain Strategy Expert Panel. He previ- ously served on the board of the Ontario Hospital Association. The Review-Mirror October 13, 2016 – 16 Health Unit backs up science of wild parsnip spraying Province appoints supervisor for Brockville General Hospital On Saturday The Lockmasters House Museum opened for a last day of the season visit with local historian Sue Warren interpreting. Visitors could also take advantage of tours of the community by Joan Delaney and Rideau Tours owner Anne Marie Forcier. The R.O.L.L. Aid Food Drive takes place this Sat- urday, October 15 with a team of volunteers going out into the Lyndhurst and Seeley's Bay area commu- nities for donations. Donations will be col- lected door to door from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. St. Luke's Thrift Shop in Lyn- dhurst and the Legion in Seeley's Bay are drop-offs for donations. The food bank, which began in 1998, has served an increasing number of households each year. Clients of the food bank can use the service once a month during the weekly Tuesday 10:00 to noon opening hours. The organization, which is operated by a board of directors has charitable status and can issue tax receipts for dona- tions. For more information or to volunteer for the food drive, please contact Donna at 613-387-3245. Seeley's Bay area food bank fall drive Saturday

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