We are a few steps closer to the realization of an expanded and modern Medical Centre in Apsley. The current centre is too small to meet today’s and tomorrow’s needs for health care, and poses some problems for our current doctor and dentist. There is currently not enough space for the second medical practitioner we so badly need, and a new facility will help make our community more attractive to prospective candidates.

 In April, Council hired The Goldie Company to conduct a capital fundraising planning and feasibility study. The results will give us a good idea as to how much money can reasonably be raised through a capital campaign, and will lay out a plan to achieve that goal.  The final report will be presented in June.

 We have discovered that the site of the current Medical Centre poses some problems. We are reluctant to demolish the existing building as it could be used for another purpose. However, the site doesn’t have enough room for the old plus the new building and a septic system large enough to serve both. There is  also evidence that there could be problems with a basement as the current site may be over a peat bog.  The alternate site of choice is the 26-acre township-owned property at the corner of McFadden Road and Jack Lake Road. Investigations as to its suitability are under way. Needless to say, much help from people in North Kawartha will be needed if a new Medical Centre is to become a reality.

 With the arrival of the mosquitoes, concerns about West Nile Virus arise. While the virus effects only a fraction of those who are bitten by infected insects, and only a fraction of those become seriously ill, those that do can be very ill indeed. There is some comfort in the evidence that suggests the type of mosquito that carries it is an urban dweller and doesn’t do well in areas like ours, but we still need to be prudent and watchful.  The Peterborough County-City Health Unit is asking the public to report any dead crows immediately by calling 743-1000. Dead Crows are the early warning signal that the virus is in an area, giving time to take other action as appropriate. County Council has set aside $100,000, matched by another $100,000 from the Province to deal with the issue. If warranted in specific areas, larvacide will be applied to standing water, and as a last resort, spraying for adult mosquitoes may occur. Council is also considering an appropriate Standing Water Bylaw.  I say appropriate as it would be rather ridiculous to expect people to get rid of all standing water on their properties in terrain like ours with its wetlands, swamps, and ponds.  However, getting rid of old tires, and any other receptacles that can catch and hold rainwater from around your property is advised. If you collect water in rain barrels, they should be screened.  A few fingerling goldfish will also help.  Most of us who live in mosquito country already know about bug shirts, avoiding being out at dusk and dawn, and effective insect repellents.

 Some people who volunteer in communities develop their critical facilities more finely than their creative facilities. If creative people had listened to negativities, we would not have personal computers, cars, airplanes, electricity, etc.

 The creative process works in two stages. The first is the idea producing stage, when ideas flow freely. The second is the critical, or “editing” stage, where you hold each idea up for scrutiny and see if it is practical.

 Many of us make the mistake of mixing the two stages together. During the idea processing stage, we are too eager to criticize an idea as soon as it is presented. As a result we shoot down ideas and make snap judgements when we should be encouraging the production of ideas. Many good ideas are rejected this way. Don’t be critical; be creative and you will become productive, and this benefits everyone.