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Winter Wonders, Digital Boosts, and Inclusive Care: Whitby's Vibrant Updates Await!

Issue #008

08 Dec

Issue #008 - December 8, 2023

In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 👶 Unlock the Joy of Learning: Whitby Recreation Services Winter Preschool Programs

📚 Anonymity Empowers History: $250,000 Boost for Whitby Library's Digital Archives

🚔 Whitby Shocked: Unprovoked Attack Leaves Youth Hospitalized

 🚨 Fatal Collision Shakes Whitby Community: 79-Year-Old Victim Struck by Car

 👍 Supporting Every Family: Durham's Legacy of Inclusive Community Care

 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Caring Beyond Limits: Sloane’s House Envisions a Haven for Children and Families

 🎄Festive Delights in Whitby: A Guide to Holiday Cheer (Reprint)

 🏒 Overtime Heartbreak: Ottawa 67’s Edge Oshawa Generals in Intense Showdown

 📅 Whitby Events

Unlock the Joy of Learning: Whitby Recreation Services Winter Preschool Programs

bethbap kids cars toys road carpet

As winter settles in, Whitby Recreation Services is gearing up to provide a diverse array of engaging preschool programs for the community. Titled "Winter Ready for School," the initiative offers a variety of educational and entertaining activities tailored for young learners aged 2-5 years.

One notable offering is the "Ready for School" program at McKinney Centre and Brooklin Community Centre and Library. Designed for children aged 4-5 (must be 4 years old by December 31, 2024), the program includes sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, running from January 15 to March 29, 2024, at different locations and timings. These sessions aim to foster essential skills in an interactive and supportive environment.

In addition to the "Ready for School" program, Whitby Recreation Services introduces two exciting preschool programs:

Tot Science:

Ages 2-5 years

Wednesdays, January 17 - March 27, 2024, 11:30-12:15 p.m.

Dive into the world of science with fun experiments, circle time, songs, and free play.

Messy Family Fun:

Ages 1.5-5 years

Fridays, January 19 - March 29, 2024, 9:15-10:00 a.m.

Caregivers and tots collaborate on messy and creative craft projects, accompanied by stories, songs, and finger plays.

Moreover, parents can participate in "Parent and Tot Theme Days," an opportunity for children aged 1.5-4 years to engage in seasonal and theme-based activities every Friday from January 19 to March 29, 2024, from 11:30-12:15 p.m.

For those seeking a more flexible approach, Whitby Recreation Services offers "Preschool Fun Play Group," a drop-in program on Thursdays and Fridays, creating an unstructured, open-play setting for children aged 0-5 years.

Spaces are limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to register promptly. For further details and registration, contact Whitby Recreation Services at [email protected] or 905.655.2889.

Anonymity Empowers History: $250,000 Boost for Whitby Library's Digital Archives

The Whitby Public Library is set to expand the digitization of its growing archival collection, thanks to a generous anonymous donation of $250,000 from the Durham Community Foundation. The donation, spread over five years, aims to enhance the library's research collection, allowing for increased accessibility to Whitby's historical records. Geoff Anderson, Chair of the Whitby Public Library Board, expressed gratitude for the donor family's commitment to making the community's history accessible. The library's archives, crucial for preserving Whitby's history, including a historical photograph and newspaper database, receive over 64,000 page views annually. The funds will further support the digitization efforts, enabling researchers, students, and genealogists to easily access Whitby's history. Rhonda Jessup, CEO of the Whitby Public Library, welcomed the donation, emphasizing its transformative impact on the library's archival capabilities. The initiative is expected to meet the growing demand for archival resources and foster a broader engagement with Whitby's rich history.

Whitby Shocked: Unprovoked Attack Leaves Youth Hospitalized

A disturbing incident occurred in Whitby as a male youth was assaulted in a fast-food plaza after refusing to surrender his jacket. The assailant, described as a five-foot-five to five-foot-eight male with scruffy facial hair, sprayed a noxious substance in the victim's face before fleeing on foot. Emergency services were called, and the victim was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Durham authorities are actively seeking the suspect, who was last seen wearing a black ski mask, a black hooded sweater, and dark pants. The incident highlights the importance of community awareness, with law enforcement urging residents to provide any relevant information for a swift resolution.

Fatal Collision Shakes Whitby Community: 79-Year-Old Victim

Struck by Car

After the Donald Trump Rally in Phoenix, protestors classed with the police. Tear gas flew both ways.. and eventually the police dispersed the peaceful protestors. The air.. was spicy.. i have a lot of photos from this night if nayone wants to use more. Here is our video recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJGUIMWrL3Y&t=0s&list=PLZ-RIhY52KR15j928hDU6BNWvjMoRIteX&index=99

A tragic incident unfolded in Whitby as a 79-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a northbound Chevrolet Cobalt while attempting to cross Thickson Road South near Applewood Avenue. Durham police responded to the collision, and despite immediate medical attention, the woman succumbed to severe injuries while being transported to a hospital. The Cobalt's driver remained on the scene and cooperated with authorities. The Collision Investigation Unit conducted an inquiry, leading to road closures for evidence collection. Authorities are seeking information from witnesses and encouraging them to contact the police or provide anonymous tips to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers, with a potential $2,000 cash reward for valuable information. Detectives can be reached at 905-579-1520, extension 5267. For those preferring anonymity, tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, with the potential for a $2,000 cash reward for valuable information.

Supporting Every Family: Durham's Legacy of Inclusive Community Care

girl friends hands piled togethger

For over four decades, Durham Family Resources has been a steadfast pillar of support for approximately 500 families annually across the Durham Region. Founded in 1978 through a collaborative effort involving families, service providers, and the Ministry of Community and Social Services, the Association remains dedicated to providing individualized day and living supports.

With a mission rooted in fostering meaningful, community-based experiences, the Association has continually evolved to meet the diverse needs of families with a focus on:

Individualized Approaches:

Prioritizing tailored support that centers around meaningful, community-based experiences for those receiving assistance.

Family Leadership:

Empowering families through learning, networking, and collaborative partnerships to support family members with disabilities.

Rights and Interests Protection:

Advocating for and safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Governed by a voluntary board of directors with varied expertise and experience, the Association adheres to clearly articulated values and principles. Their primary focus lies in delivering responsive and high-quality services that address the unique needs of each family.

Durham Family Resources underscores the importance of good family life, asserting that communities bear a fundamental responsibility to welcome and support individuals with disabilities. The organization firmly believes that, with adequate support, families offer the safest, most consistent, and loving environment for their members with disabilities.

As a testament to their commitment, the Association hosts learning events open to all interested families, fostering a sense of community and shared knowledge. Durham Family Resources remains unwavering in its dedication to promoting valued social roles for people with disabilities, advocating for inclusivity, and championing the importance of supportive communities.

Phone: 905-436-2500 [email protected]

Caring Beyond Limits: Sloane’s House Envisions a Haven for Children and Families

Playing in mud and streams is the best thing. This is three of my nephews / nieces and one of my kids after some muddy fun at Mottisfont house in Hampshire. Mottisfont is well worth a visit, a fantastic old house set in beautiful gardens along the river Test.

Nestled in Whitby, Sloane's House emerges as a sanctuary for families with children facing complex health needs, offering a haven of respite and specialized care. Catering to children up to twenty-one years old, the facility becomes a supportive community, enveloping families in the care of dedicated professionals. Open to those residing in Durham Region and surrounding underserved communities, Sloane's House aims to bridge the gap for families seeking respite and end-of-life care closer to home.

This haven, designed for rejuvenating respite stays, boasts engaging programs tailored for children and young individuals. As parents and caregivers take a well-deserved break, their children find solace in a nurturing environment. For those on their end-of-life journey, Sloane's House becomes a place of specialized care, prioritizing quality of life in the remaining days.

The pressing need for such a facility is underscored by the estimated 1,900 children with medically complex needs in Durham Region and surrounding areas, with 800 in Durham alone. Sloane's House envisions becoming a comforting "home away from home" for families, where experienced professionals align their care with the family's shared values, beliefs, needs, hopes, and goals.

In collaboration with Grandview Children’s Treatment Centre and other organizations, Sloane's House seeks to provide comprehensive services. Currently, families in Durham Region must travel to Toronto or Ottawa for respite, palliative, and end-of-life care. Sloane's House aims to change this narrative by offering a local haven of care and support.

While the vision is grand, the realization of Sloane's House is contingent on community support. With the land secured, fundraising efforts are now underway to turn this vision into a reality. Every contribution counts, and support from the community is not only welcomed but crucial to bringing Sloane's House to fruition.

Festive Delights in Whitby: A Guide to Holiday Cheer

As we continue to enjoy the month of December, Whitby transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with Christmas lights, ushering in the spirit of the season. Here's a curated list of the top activities in the Town to immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays:

Whitby Lights The Night

Witness the enchantment of over 100,000 magical lights and ground displays at Whitby Civic Park and Celebration Square every night from 6 to 10 p.m. Don't miss the iconic WISH sign, providing the perfect backdrop for an Instagram-worthy selfie.

Stuff-A-VW-Taos Toy Drive

Participate in the holiday spirit by contributing to the "Stuff-A-VW Taos" toy drive, a collaborative effort between the Town and Owasco Volkswagen. Bring new, unwrapped toys to the Iroquois Park Sports Centre from December 4 to December 22. Help fill the holiday-themed Taos in the lobby, and The Salvation Army will ensure these contributions reach local families in need just in time for Christmas.

Lace Up Your Skates

Embrace the winter chill with friends and family at Iroquois Park Sports Centre or McKinney Centre. Check out the schedule of free public skating sessions, generously sponsored by Gerdau. For details, visit whitby.ca/Skating.

Make A Splash

Dive into the festivities with a free swim at the newly renovated Whitby Civic Recreation Complex pool until December 31. Thanks to Gerdau, swimming sessions from December 27 to 29 are sponsored. Find the schedule at whitby.ca/Swimming.

Support Local and Shop Where You Live

Embrace the holiday spirit by exploring, shopping, and loving local. Discover the charm of the Town's two historic downtowns, offering great shopping, craft breweries, arts culture, and unique culinary creations. Explore a list of outstanding Whitby businesses for your holiday shopping at your leisure.

As Whitby twinkles with festive lights and joy, seize the opportunity to engage in these activities, creating cherished memories with loved ones throughout the holiday season.

Overtime Heartbreak: Ottawa 67’s

Edge Oshawa Generals in Intense Showdown

In a high-stakes matchup between the Oshawa Generals and the Ottawa 67’s in the OHL, the 67’s secured an overtime victory, maintaining their lead in the season series. The game saw the 67’s take an early lead with a clever redirection by Brady Stonehouse setting up Chris Barlas. Despite the Generals struggling with discipline, they escaped the first period down 1-0. The 67’s extended their lead to 2-0 in the second, but the Generals responded, narrowing the gap to 2-1 with a goal from Stuart Rolofs. The Generals pressed for an equalizer in the third, finally tying the game at 2-2 with a late goal from Matthew Buckley. However, in overtime, the 67’s secured the win in just 41 seconds, with Cooper Foster breaking Generals' hearts for the second consecutive game. The Generals will conclude their road trip with upcoming matches against the Windsor Spitfires and Sarnia Sting.

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