Consider This Northumberland

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Retired head of Green Wood Coalition reflects on more than 30 years of community building

David Sheffield

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

More than 30 years ago, David Sheffield attended a potluck dinner at Green Wood Towers in Port Hope. The meal changed his life. He went on to create the Green Wood Coalition, a non-profit aimed at helping those who lived on the margins in the community. Slowly, it would gain attention. There would be challenges but also successes. Continue Reading →

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Warden responds to Cobourg mayor’s suggestion to separate from Northumberland County

Sign encampment

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a recent committee meeting of Cobourg council, Mayor Lucas Cleveland said Cobourg’s efforts to deal with the encampment on King Street were only dealing with the symptoms, but not the sickness. The sickness the mayor was referring to was Northumberland County’s efforts to address the situation. The county is responsible for housing and homelessness. Cobourg is not. This limits what the town council can do to address the ongoing concerns raised by the public. Continue Reading →

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Biologist offer insight into challenges and pluses to fishing sanctuary on Ganaraska River

Chinook Salmon

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Nearly 30,000 Chinook Salmon migrate through the lower Ganaraska River in Port Hope to spawn upstream. It is one of the largest in Ontario. This magnificent display of nature attracts tourists and anglers from far and wide. However, the stretch from Corbett’s Dam to the mouth of the river is a hotbed of controversy. The shallow waters and pools expose fish to unscrupulous people who illegally snag or net fish. Continue Reading →

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Tragic death leads to debate about opioids within Alderville community, says chief

Opioids

The show (full interview):

International Overdose Awareness Day was last week. A tragic death caused by a drug overdose took place in Alderville recently. It was a reminder that no community is immune. First Nations people are seven times more likely to die of a drug overdose as compared to non-First Nations people, according to a recent study done by the Chiefs of Ontario. It is an organization representing 133 First Nations in the province. Continue Reading →

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Walk-in clinic re-opens following year of challenges to serve patients who don’t have a doctor

Port Hope Walk In Clinic

The show:

The full interview:

After a year of hard work and numerous challenges, the walk-in clinic in Port Hope re-opened with a soft launch earlier this month. As everyone slowly finds their sea legs, the clinic hopes to serve a growing population in Northumberland without doctors. In this early stage, the hours are irregular. People need to check the county’s website or call to find the days and times it is open. In this interview, county officials will explain what is going on and why. Continue Reading →

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Alderville member and new Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke shares roles, responsibilities, and life

MARSHA SMOKE

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Marsha Smoke is a quiet, humble individual who lives in Alderville. When you meet her, she is soft-spoken, listens intently, and chooses her words with great care. Marsha Smoke is also the new Southeast Regional Chief for the Anishinabek Nation. Northumberland is part of the area she serves. Smoke is a longtime advocate of Indigenous rights dating back decades. Continue Reading →

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Northumberland Federation of Agriculture reps give insight into expanded wellness program

Dairy farmer

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The harvest is in full swing. It is the time of year when we enjoy the bounty farmers provide annually. But at what cost? Three-quarters of farmers in Canada suffer from moderate to high stress. One in four contemplate suicide, according to a study done in 2021 by Guelph University. Continue Reading →

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Farmer’s mental health a priority for Northumberland Federation of Agriculture

farmer fatigue

The show:

Amid the pandemic in 2021, a group of farmers realized the toll it was taking on mental health. Besides the usual pressures of Mother Nature and fluctuating commodity prices, farmers faced increased isolation and a host of other challenges. Paul Burnham, Bruce Buttars, and the late Sid Atkinson came on this show to talk about the situation. As part of the conversation, it turned to mental health. Out of this concern, the local federation initiated support for farmers. Continue Reading →

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Young entrepreneurs from across county showcase variety of talents and unique enterprises

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Young people stood inside Staples in Cobourg this week, showing off their talents. They are part of the Youth Entrepreneurship  Showcase, which displays the various businesses they ran over the summer. In this interview, you will learn about two programs the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland runs for young people. The first is the Summer Company, which gives micro-grants to high school and university students. Plus, you will discover the My Future My Career program, where children ages eight to 14 can get up to $500 to create their own business. Continue Reading →

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Public decorum foremost after zero tolerance policy reminder issued in Alnwick-Haidmand

Alnwick-Haldimand Township town hall

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Several municipalities in Northumberland have implemented policies regarding public behaviour towards staff and politicians. A growing number of incidents has spawned this response, as some residents are becoming increasingly rude and belligerent. Meanwhile, members of the public argue they are frustrated by a lack of transparency and consultation. In this interview, the issue of public decorum is front and centre. David Dawson, Chief Administration Officer of Alnwick-Haldimand, sent out a public reminder to residents about its Zero Tolerance policy after an incident. Continue Reading →

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