Ontario Public Libraries Week Ending

The Wawa Public Library's wrapping up its celebration of Ontario Public Libraries Week.

The local library's been holding various festivities over the week, including its semi-annual book sale ending tomorrow, a Music Night on Tuesday, and a colouring contest ending with a draw today.

Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains it's all meant to get people thinking about the library, and look into what's offered.

Suzie Jarrell Explains Ontario Public Libraries Week

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell highlights another key part of this week: the Food for Fines campaign allows anyone with a "small fine" - under $10 - to bring in a non-perishable food donation for the Wawa Food Bank and have their fine forgiven - that campaign ends tomorrow.

Final Early Assistance for Wawa's Electronic Voting

Today is the last chance for Wawa voters to get help with the municipality's new electronic voting system before Monday's municipal election.

While votes can be cast via phone or online anytime before the close of voting, assistance is available at the Municipal Offices between 10 a-m and 4:30 p-m.

Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill emphasizes voters need the PIN code included in their voter information package in order to cast a ballot electronically, which is the only option this year.

Maury O'Neill Explains Wawa Election Electronic Voting PIN

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill urges anyone who hasn't received the package to contact the Municipality to ensure they're included on the voters' list.

Voters can be added to the list at the Municipal Offices until they close at 4:30 this afternoon, or at the voting assistance event being held at the Community Centre from 10 am to 8 pm on Election Day, Monday, October 22nd.

Chapleau Holds 2nd Advance Poll

Chapleau voters eager to cast their ballots for the municipal election can do so today.

Two advance polls will be held today, giving voters the opportunity to vote for one of two mayoral candidates, up to four of the six candidates for Council, and a school board trustee, if you are entitled to vote for the English Public or French Separate board trustee.

The first advance poll saw 183 ballots cast, about 10.8 percent of the 1694 eligible voters on the Township's voting list.

Potential voters can check if they're on the voter's list at the Township Office, and are reminded to bring I-D to cast their ballot.

The advance polls run from 9 am to 1 pm at the Cedar Grove Dining Room, and from 2 pm to 8 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

These will be the last chances for Chapleau voters to cast ballots before Monday's municipal election date.

More Wawa Electronic Voting Assistance

Wawa voters looking for help with the municipality's new electronic voting system are getting a chance for assistance this afternoon.

Special electronic voting assistance will be provided from 2 to 4 this afternoon in the Economic Development Corporation lobby.

Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill emphasizes voters need one important thing included in the information packages sent out in recent weeks.

Maury O'Neill Emphasizes PIN Needed For Electronic Voting

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill reminds Wawa residents who didn't receive the voter package to contact the Municipality to ensure they're on the voter's list - voters can still be added up until the end of voting, though there are some requirements to do so, with the Municipality or municipal website able to provide that information.

In addition to this afternoon's event, voting assistance is available at the Municipal Offices between 10 am and 4:30 pm weekdays up to - and including - this Friday, and at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 10 am to 8 pm on Election Day, Monday, October 22nd.

CHADWIC Home Supported by Brookfield Renewable

A local women's shelter is getting some major support.

Brookfield Renewable has announced a total of $45,000 for three Algoma District women's shelters, supported by the company's annual fundraising golf tournament.

CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois says she was pleasantly surprised by the support.

Paula Valois on Brookfield Donation to CHADWIC Home

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

CHADWIC Home supports Wawa, Chapleau, and all other communities and First Nations within North Algoma.

In addition to the $15,000 for CHADWIC Home, Brookfield Renewable's also donated $15,000 to Women in Crisis (Algoma) Inc. out of Sault Ste. Marie, and $15,000 to the Mississaugi Women's Shelter of Blind River.

Wawa Winter Parking By-Law Takes Effect

As the snow arrives, the Municipality of Wawa's reminding the town's winter parking by-law is now in force.

Intended to help with snow clearing efforts, the by-law applies from October 15th to May 15th, prohibiting parking on any street between 1 am and 8 am - and the Municipality reminds it's also illegal to park on any boulevard.

The Municipality warns any vehicle, trailer, or vessel found breaking the rules will be removed, with the owner fined and charged for the removal cost and daily storage fees, which will need to be paid in full before the item's released.

Wawa Public Library Celebrates Ontario Public Libraries Week

Ontario is celebrating public libraries this week - and Wawa's library is marking the occasion.

Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains the Wawa Public Library is holding its semi-annual book sale.

Suzie Jarrell Highlights Wawa Public Library Book Sale

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell also notes a special contest for the kids.

Suzie Jarrell on Wawa Public Library Colouring Contest

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell highlights another key part of this week: the Food for Fines campaign will allow anyone with a "small fine" - under $10 - to bring in a non-perishable food donation for the Wawa Food Bank and have their fine forgiven.

There will also be a Music Night event with Don Charbonneau and friends at 6 o'clock Tuesday.

Wawa Coffee With Candidates Event

Wawa voters have another chance to hear from local Council candidates tonight.

Wawa Economic Development C-E-O Maury O'Neill explains the EDC is hosting a "Coffee With Candidates" event as a follow-up to the "All-Candidates Night" held early this month.

Maury O'Neill Explains Wawa Coffee With Candidates Event

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill notes the "come and go" event will see each of the seven candidates set up at their own table for residents to approach them.

Coffee With Candidates runs from 6 to 7:30 tonight at the Community Centre Banquet Room.

2nd Wawa Electronic Voting Assistance Event

Wawa voters looking for help with the municipality's new electronic voting system are getting a couple chances for assistance this weekend.

Special electronic voting assistance will be provided tomorrow, from 9 am to 1 pm at the Lady Dunn Health Centre and 1 pm to 5 pm at the Mountain View Apartments.

Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill emphasizes voters need one important thing included in the information packages sent out in recent weeks.

Maury O'Neill Warns PIN Needed To Vote in Wawa Election

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill encourages any Wawa residents who didn't receive the voter package to contact the Municipality to ensure they're on the voter's list - you can be added up until the end of voting at 8 p-m on Monday, October 22nd, though there are some requirements to do so, with the Municipality or municipal website able to provide that information.

In addition to tomorrow's voting assistance events - and another at the EDC lobby next Wednesday - assistance is available at the Municipal Offices between 10 am and 4:30 pm weekdays up to - and including - next Friday, October 19th.

Mary Culhane Wins Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Vacation Draw

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is thanking the community for its support, as the organization's wrapped up its annual Dream Vacation Lottery.

Foundation Director Louise Moran and Chair Lina Rody say one lucky winner has been chosen.

Louise Moran and Lina Rody on Dream Vacation Winner

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rody says Culhane had not indicated whether she'll be opting for the prize package of a $2900 travel voucher with $1600 cash, or simply $4500 cash.

As for the success of the draw, Foundation Director Louise Pihelgas and Chair Lina Rody say there was great support.

Louise Pihelgas and Lina Rody on LDHCF Support

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Funds raised through this year's Dream Vacation Lottery will support the second phase of a digital radiography upgrade for the local hospital - the Foundation had already raised $150,000 for the first phase of that project.

Chapleau Recreation Centre Grand Re-Opening

Chapleau's Recreation Centre officially re-opens its doors tonight.

A "Grand Re-Opening" event will be held with opening remarks followed by a tour of the Rec Centre and demonstrations of the audio and visual capabilities of the Community Hall and Curling Lounge.

The Chapleau Fire Department will also be holding its annual open house, just outside of the Recreation Centre.

A release from the Township notes renovations at the Rec Centre are "valued at $1.75-million", funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, FedNor, and local sponsorships, including "generous contributions from Goldcorp Borden Gold, the Rotary Club of Chapleau, and the New Horizon Rebekah Lodge 391" - the outside funding covers 96 percent of the costs, with the Township's own costs totalling less than $75,000.

The Grand Re-Opening event begins at 6 o'clock.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Dream Vacation Draw Arrives

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is readying for the end of a major fundraiser: the annual Dream Vacation Lottery.

Foundation Vice President Susan Switzer reminds that winner will receive a big prize.

Susan Switzer on LDHCF Dream Vacation Lottery Prize

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patricia Lalonde - a director with the Foundation - emphasizes the fundraiser supports important equipment purchases at the local hospital.

Patricia Lalonde on LDHCF Dream Vacation Lottery Purpose

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Both Lalonde and Switzer commend the community for their support, noting the Foundation has already raised nearly half-a-million dollars since it was founded in 2009 - and they note more volunteers are welcome.

Tickets for the Dream Vacation Lottery will be available at John's Valu-Mart and the hospital's admitting desk until about 2 this afternoon - or until they sell out - with the draw to be made at the hospital at 4:30.

Wawa Electronic Voting Assistance Event

Wawa voters looking for help with the municipality's new electronic voting system are getting a chance for assistance today.

Special electronic voting assistance will be provided this afternoon, as explained by Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill.

EDC CEO Maury O'Neill on Wawa Election Voting Assistance

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

This is in addition to assistance provided at the Municipal Offices between 10 am and 4:30 pm weekdays up to - and including - Friday, October 19th.

Other voting assistance events will be held on Saturday, October 13th at the Lady Dunn Health Centre (from 9 am to 1 pm) and Mountain View Apartments (from 1 pm to 5 pm), at the EDC lobby from 2 pm to 4 pm next Wednesday, October 17th, and at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 10 am to 8 pm on Election Day, Monday, October 22nd.

Wawa Coffee With Candidates Event Announced

Wawa voters will have another chance to meet with local Council candidates next week.

A notice on the Wawa Economic Development Corporation website shows a "Coffee With Candidates" event is planned for 6 to 7:30 pm on Monday, October 15th, encouraging people to "drop in and enjoy coffee and cake and meet with mayor and municipal councillor candidates one-on-one".

The idea had been floated by EDC CEO Maury O'Neill at the end of last week's All Candidates Night event, suggested as a more informal opportunity for voters to meet with candidates and ask them questions.

Tim Hortons Wawa Raises Over $2500 For THRIVE

Wawa's Tim Hortons is thanking the community for its support in the annual Smile Cookie campaign.

$2542 was raised through the annual campaign late last month, supporting THRIVE, the former "Children's Rehabilitation Centre of Algoma".

Speaking before the campaign, occupational therapist Jamie Kirk noted the support would mean a lot for the local office.

Jamie Kirk on Smile Cookie Importance to THRIVE Office

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

THRIVE is a multi-disciplinary team that provides services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology in the community, daycares, schools, and the home environment to children of various ability 0-18 years of age.

Electronic Voting Opens for Wawa Municipal Election

Voting opens in Wawa's municipal election today.

The voting period opens at 10 o'clock this morning - continuing until 8 p-m on the October 22nd Election Day - and Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill reminds this year's election will be done electronically only.

EDC CEO Maury O'Neill on Wawa Election Electronic Voting

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill notes those who haven't received their letter should check with the Municipality to ensure they're on the voters list, and assures there will be electronic voting assistance available through the voting period, including at the Town Hall weekdays through October 19th, and at the Wawa Goose Club from 1 to 5 tomorrow afternoon.

While Mayor Ron Rody's been acclaimed for a second term, voters will be able to vote for up to four of the seven candidates running to be councillors (James Brown, Cathy Cannon, Bill Chiasson, Mitch Hatfield, Robert Reece, Pat Tait, and Sandra Weitzel), and may vote for a local school board trustee, if aligned with the English public or French separate school board.

Wawa BIA Hosting Candidates' Night For Municipal Election

Wawa voters have a chance to learn more from Council candidates tonight.

Maury O'Neill explains the Wawa Business Improvement Area is offering the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of Council candidates.

Maury O'Neill Wawa Outlines BIA 2018 Candidates Night

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While incumbent Mayor Ron Rody’s been acclaimed for a second term, there are seven candidates running for four seats: current councillors Bill Chiasson, Pat Tait, and Sandra Weitzel, as well as James Brown, Cathy Cannon, Mitch Hatfield, and Robert Reece.

This comes just a week before electronic voting is set to open, with residents able to cast ballots via phone or online starting at 10 am next Tuesday, October 9th - the day after Thanksgiving - until 8 pm on Monday, October 22nd, the province-wide municipal election date.

Tonight's Candidates' Night starts at 7 o'clock, at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Chapleau's 2nd Candidates' Night Arrives

Chapleau voters are getting another chance to hear from Council candidates.

Just a day after the first advance poll, the Rotary Club of Chapleau is hosting a Candidates' Night event this evening, offering residents a chance to meet the candidates for mayor and Council, listen to them debate, and ask questions.

There are two candidates for Mayor: first-term incumbent Michael Levesque; and businessman and previous candidate Ryan Bignucolo.

Six people are running for four seats on Council: current councillors Gerard Bernier and Rick Smith; former councillor Lisi Bernier, currently acting vice principal at Chapleau High School; Chapleau Public School principal Nicolle Schuurman; Our Lady of Fatima elementary school principal Natalie Tessier; and local teacher Alex Lambruschini.

Jacques Tremblay will act as moderator for the Candidates' Night, which runs from 7 to 9 at the Curling Club Lounge.

Northern Lights Ford Wants to Scare Hunger

A Wawa car dealership is looking to "scare hunger" this month.

Northern Lights Ford's is again launching the "WE Scare Hunger" campaign locally, collecting non-perishable food items to support the Wawa Food Bank.

Service advisor Lonna Rilley explains the campaign is a nationwide initiative of Ford Canada and the WE charity.

Lonna Rilley Explains Local WE Scare Hunger Campaign

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rilley notes there are a few ways to donate: drop off donations at the dealership; contact the dealership to make arrangements for pickup; or go to John's Valu-Mart on the 20th or 27th, when Northern Lights Ford will be there to accept donations.

The "WE Scare Hunger" campaign continues until the end of the month.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Dream Vacation Raffle Draw Approaching

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is readying for the end of a major fundraiser, as a winner will soon be chosen for the annual Dream Vacation Lottery.

Patricia Lalonde - a director with the Foundation - notes the fundraiser supports important equipment purchases at the local hospital.

Patricia Lalonde Explains Dream Vacation Lottery Purpose

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The fundraising draw offers a chance for someone to win their choice between a $2900 travel voucher with $1600 cash, or simply $4500 cash.

Organizers emphasize only 2000 tickets have been printed and less than 200 are left, available for now at several local businesses and - for the weekend only - through Foundation directors.

Tickets will also be sold at the hospital until they sell out, or about 4 on Wednesday, October 10th - the draw will be made at the hospital at 4:30 that afternoon.