Submitted by Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan
North Grenville Public Library is Virtually Open
During closure due to COVID-19, the North Grenville Public Library has become creative in making programming and resources as virtually accessible as possible. Watch the Library’s Facebook page and website homepage for fun activities, resources and video events, including weekly story times with Library Sue and Mme. Kathy (in French). The Library is also busy building new pages on its website, listing all kinds of great free resources. Want to learn how to knit, or learn a new language? How about watching some exciting Cirque Du Soleil video highlights, or taking a virtual field trip? There is something for everyone.
You can use your library card to access the eCollections, including eBooks and eAudiobooks, as well as Ancestry Online and other databases. If you don’t have a card, you can now register online! Visit ngpl.ca for more details. Wifi continues to be available from the Norenberg Branch parking lot.
Remember that the book drops are closed during this time. Due dates are extended until after re-opening of the Library and all fines are suspended. If you have any questions or need assistance, library staff will respond to email or phone messages within a couple of days.
On behalf of the mayor and my fellow councillors I want to express my appreciation to CEO Rachel Brown and all the library staff who continue to provide our residents with this valuable service.
The NG Trails remain open
As I write this, the trails in North Grenville are open and Mayor Nancy Peckford and my fellow councillors hope that these will remain open during the pandemic restrictions.
There is solid evidence that a walk in the woods is very good for mental and physical health.
Following are tips from an article on mindful walking on The Great Trail which will apply to our local trails.
- Choose the right trail for you. Consider the distance and the terrain. Stay close to home.In NG we have the Ferguson Forest Trails, Settlers Trail, Rail Trail and Dickinson Trail.
- Check for updates from the municipality or the Ferguson Forest Centre. If trails are closed the notice will be posted on the website and Facebook pages.
- Take a break from tech. Keep your cell phone with you for emergency use. Silence it and take the opportunity to enjoy the serenity of nature.
- Practice physical distancing. Make sure that you keep a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) between you and others. Smile and greet others from a distance. Don’t congregate. Park and walk!
- Walk at a comfortable pace. Be mindful of your footing and take in the beauty of the nature around you.
- Wash your hands! As soon as you get home wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
The Ferguson Tree Nursery is deemed an essential service and remains open. It is most important that when accessing the trailheads and using the trails, you do not interfere with the work of the nursery employees. To minimize interference, it is recommended that the parking lots off CR 44 be used if you do need to drive to the trails.The roads in the FFC are temporarily closed to public vehicles.
The Ferguson Forest Dog Park is closed so if you bring your dog on the trails please keep it on a leash and pick up any dog waste. If you are biking on the trails please be respectful of those on foot. Keep our trails clean!
Together we will all get through this time of restrictions. Stay safe, stay healthy and reach out if you need anything. Our community has strong support available. The NGM website has a great deal of information available and you are welcome to contact any of your council members. We are here for you.
