Markham Stouffville Review, May 2023

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8 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY MAY 2023 Bringing high-speed internet access to more homes Markham Theatre’s season wraps up this month All Canadians need reliable and affordable high-speed internet, no matter where they live. The governments of Canada and Ontario are taking action to bring high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities. More than $48 million in combined federal and provincial funding will go towards a project by YorkNet to bring highspeed internet access to over 3,800 homes in York Region. “Through our own dark-fibre network, operated and managed by YorkNet, we are building an affordable, reliable and sustainable network across York Region that also supports our regional operations,” York Region CEO Wayne Emmerson said. These generous contributions will help the region expand its network and target thousands of underserved homes by 2025. Thank you to our funding partners who share our collective goal of creating equitable access to high-speed internet, an essential service in today’s new digital world.” “People in Markham-Stouffville have been patiently waiting for high-quality broadband to their homes”, said Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham–Stouffville. “Countless neighbours have told me about the challenges of accomplishing basic online tasks that we take for granted, from checking email to a video call with family and friends. Our government is getting it done once again by providing this crucial funding for high-speed internet access.” This project is part of an existing partnership between Ontario and Canada. On July 29, 2021, the governments announced their partnership to support large-scale, fibre-based projects that will provide highspeed internet access to more than 280,000 households and businesses across the province. This historic agreement was made possible by a joint federal-provincial investment totalling more than $1.2 billion. This announcement brings Ontario closer to achieving its goal of making highspeed internet accessible in every community across the province by the end of 2025. “Access to high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for success in the modern world. By investing in projects like YorkNet, we are bridging the digital divide and empowering communities to thrive in the digital age,” said Logan Kanapathi, MPP for Markham–Thornhill. “This investment of over $48 million will bring reliable high-speed internet to over 3,800 homes and businesses in York Region, creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth. Together, we can build a stronger and more connected Ontario, where everyone has the tools they need to reach their full potential.” Program gives adult offenders a second chance First-time offenders and those who commit minor offences will have a chance to avoid prosecution thanks to a new precharge diversion program. “Research has shown that keeping offenders out of the criminal justice system is one of the best ways to keep them from re-offending,” York Regional Police (YRP) Chief Jim MacSween says of the year-long pilot program, which came into effect in April. Pre-charge diversion will allow adult offenders to take immediate responsibility for their actions and work to make amends with those affected by their crime through community-based sanctions. It will be offered at an officer’s discretion for offences that include non-violent, low-level crimes. The program is being facilitated in partnership with the John Howard Society of York Region. The John Howard Society is a not-for-profit organization that delivers programs and services focused on crime prevention, intervention and re-integration. Conditions will vary based on the nature of the offence and could, for example, connect offenders with support services to address unmet needs like mental illness, homelessness or addiction. “This program demonstrates the commitment YRP has to the well-being of everyone in our community, including those who have made mistakes,” says MacSween. Markham Theatre’s current season comes to a close in mid-May with one last great show. On May 12, Ray on My Mind closes the theatre’s current season. This highenergy celebration of Ray Charles’ life and music is a blend of concert and theatre. Master pianist/vocalist, Kenny Brawner plays Ray and leads his 11-piece orchestra and three female vocalists, performing the legend’s popular hits like What’d I Say?, I Got A Woman, Mess Around, Georgia on My Mind, Baby It’s Cold Outside, and many more. “The lead in this is just amazing,” theatre GM Eric Lariviere says. “This is above and beyond what you see in cover shows in Student raising awareness of ‘silent killer’ After watching his grandparents struggle with ‘the silent killer,’ a local student decided to “make a move” and offers seminars about hypertension, a health condition that primarily affects older people and especially those in the Black community. “I have both Indian and Jamaican grandfathers who both suffer from high blood pressure, also known as ‘the silent killer,’” says Noah Bryan, a Grade 10 student at Bayview Secondary School and founder of The Make a Move Foundation. “I have witnessed my grandfather in severe heart failure, needing oxygen just to breathe, and later learned that this was linked to uncontrolled blood pressure,” he says. “Your current health is the result of a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and I have learned that their family history and lifestyle were huge contributors to their current health.” Bryan created his foundation after learning that hypertension and diabetes are the leading causes of mortality globally and their incidences vary greatly based on race, education and socioeconomic status. His mission: Empowering underserved communities to be proactive in managing medical conditions to prevent immediate and generational adverse health consequences. High blood pressure – also called hypertension – is the No. 1 risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease but many people with the condition feel fine and aren’t even aware their blood pressure falls into the high-risk category, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada warns. Because the risk of hypertension increases with age, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. It offers these steps to lower your risk: know your numbers and check your blood pressure regularly. Reduce the amount of salt you eat. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, whole grains and protein foods, while limiting highly processed foods and avoiding sugary drinks. Be physically active for at most regional theatres.” This tribute morphs into theatre when interwoven with the music and monologues depicting how gospel, blues, jazz, and country influenced Ray’s style while reflecting on American social history, his epic battle with drugs, and his triumphant return home. “When it comes to tribute shows, we always try to bring something extra,” Lariviere adds. “This show is more of a complete theatrical production. It’s quite different.” Mark your calendars for May 29 for the theatre’s 23/24 Season Launch event. Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information. Noah Bryan offers seminars about hypertension, a health condition that primarily affects older people and especially those in the Black community. least 150 minutes a week. Be smoke-free. Bryan worked with doctors to create Hypertension 101 – a seminar that explains in layman’s terms why it happens, how to control risk factors and how to monitor the condition in an environment that’s “perhaps less intimidating” than a doctor’s office. Bryan has also partnered with Bios Medical, a Newmarket company that makes medical equipment, to make blood pressure cuffs and logbooks available to seminar participants. “We know that home blood pressure monitoring is highly encouraged by doctors and can pick up hypertension before it is able to progress to the ugly consequences,” he says. Finally, he is committed to spreading the word about hypertension to as many people as possible through seminars and a social media campaign launched on Instagram: @themakeamovefd. Anyone interested in scheduling a seminar can contact Noah through Instagram. “In this way, little by little, I hope to expand these sessions to the Greater Toronto Area and beyond to continue to raise awareness, educate and put blood pressure cuffs in the hands of people who will benefit the most.”
MAY 2023 HEALTH 9 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW Nursing leader pays it forward to support other nurses BY MICHELLE LEE HOY Nursing has always been a part of Terri’s life. Her mother and stepmother were both nurses, and her eldest daughter also became a nurse, following in her mother’s footsteps. Terri always knew she wanted a profession that enabled her to help others. She began her nursing career in 1985. She loved the frenetic energy that came from providing direct patient care, and eventually she worked her way up to leadership roles throughout several organizations, including Markham Stouffville Hospital. Having returned to what is now Oak Valley Health – a health system that includes Markham Stouffville Hospital, Uxbridge Hospital, and the Reactivation Care Centre at Humber River Hospital (Finch site) – in November of 2022, Terri is now the Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for the organization. “We are at a very interesting time in health care where nursing is one of the most trusted professions but also a very vulnerable one,” says Terri. “We have the opportunity right now to dig deep when it comes to recruitment, but more importantly retention, so we need to listen to the voices of nurses and understand what inspires them.” Terri adds: “Early on in my career, I became interested in not only how to improve the lives of patients but also the lives and experiences of nurses.” In her clinical leadership role, Terri does peer reviews and appraisals annually to find out what went amazingly well for staff that year. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is something Terri asks all nurses, new and seasoned. Terri believes in the power of servant leadership and authenticity – she cares about what people want on a personal level and how she can help them on that journey. In her 30+ years as a health care professional, many people still to this day will call her and say, “you were the first person who saw something in me,” and this is what has driven Terri throughout her career to improve the systems that support nurses to thrive. It was once someone who saw something in Terri and provided her with guidance that led her to where she is today, and she believes in the philosophy of paying it forward. One of Terri’s priorities for nursing at Oak Valley Health is retention, and in order Spring is here, batter up Terri began her nursing career in 1985. to have that, it is crucial to understand why people choose to stay. While culture plays a huge role, staff want to go to work and be inspired, valued, and respected for their work, so it is important that the organization is considerate of this. What people are looking for now in a career is much different than 30-40 years ago. Work-life balance, wellness offerings, effective and timely communication, and the ability to provide high-quality care are high on the list of what nurses look for in their employers and what Terri strives for Oak Valley Health to be recognized for. Terri works tirelessly to ensure that the future of nursing at Oak Valley Health has a solid foundation laid from the beginning to ensure that the health care system will continue to benefit from the passion, drive, and commitment of its nurses to provide the very best patient care possible. To do this, Terri believes it is important to support nursing staff in their professional development and give them the opportunity to hone in on the areas of practice that best suit their skills and abilities, and discover where their passions lie. The culture at Oak Valley Health is one that is driven by excellence. Not only does the organization invest in their employees through professional development, there is also much work done behind the scenes through the Professional Practice team – a group of nurses who strategize and provide education to their peers across the organization – to ensure that the structure, tools, and education strategies are there to meet the needs of each kind of learner. In reflecting on her time at other organizations, Terri wants Oak Valley Health to raise the volume on our successes and what we’re good at. Terri adds: “We need to be big and bold so that the community we serve will see and know us for our honoured-to-care culture and values that are engrained in all of the work that our nurses (and all staff) do.” May 8-14 is National Nursing Week, and on behalf of Oak Valley Health, Terri thanks all nurses for their hard work, dedication and compassion they bring to provide extraordinary patient care every day. BY JAY MEILIUNAS Are you a baseball fan looking for a great place to play in Stouffville? Look no further! Stouffville has a rich history of baseball, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the sport this summer. Stouffville is home to several baseball leagues and teams, catering to all ages and skill levels. The Stouffville Yankees are a wellknown local team that has played for over 30 years. The team competes in the Greater Toronto Baseball League and has won several championships over the years. For younger players, the Stouffville Minor Softball Association offers co-ed softball for children ages 4-18. The association also provides competitive opportunities for more advanced players. Stouffville boasts several excellent baseball facilities, including the Stouffville Memorial Park and the Bethesda Park Diamonds. These facilities offer well-maintained fields and ample seating for spectators. The Stouffville Memorial Park features one adult baseball diamond, while Bethesda Park has two adult diamonds and one youth diamond. These facilities are perfect for both practice and games. If you are looking for batting practice, there is always Timber Creek which has batting cages which is a cost-effective way to get those “swings” in and has a variety of different speeds for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just about to jump in, Stouffville is a great place to play baseball. With a range of leagues and teams, top-notch facilities, and a supportive community, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get involved and have fun. There are lots of opportunities to meet new people and celebrate team successes. “Having won the Provincial Championships in 2007 with The Stouffville Storm Junior Mites at such a young age was a great experience,” says Cameron Ross (Right Field). So grab your glove and head out to the diamond – we’ll see you there. Visit wssa.ca/registration for more information or to register by May 31.
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Markham Stouffville Review, May 2023

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