I’ve been writing about Dunvegan’s Winter Carnival ever since I took over this column in 2012. So, when I sat down at dawn to do so again, I pondered what I could say that I hadn’t already touched upon in years past. There’s really nothing all that new about Carnival 2019. But then, upon reflection, I concluded that that’s a big part of its appeal. It’s cozy and comfortable, like an old flannel shirt.
Our hamlet’s annual winter celebration will be held this coming Saturday, February 2nd. And once again it will start off with an amazing Pancake Breakfast that, in addition to griddle cakes drenched in locally-sourced maple syrup, will also feature scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast sausage, muffins and a host of appropriate hot and cold beverages. The Carnival Breakfast will be held at the DRA Hall, 19053 County Road 24 from 8:00 AM until 10 AM. The cost is just $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children five to twelve. Kids under five are free.
After the breakfast closes at 10, the rest of the Carnival activities take place east of Dunvegan at 19314 County Road 24. And remember, there’s no admission. It’s all free (including the sleigh rides). And it is open to one and all; you need not be a Duvegan resident to participate. Every year, we welcome folks from all across Glengarry and much further afield.
For many families, one of the highlights each year is taking a ride (or two or three) on Dan Lacombe’s horse-drawn sleigh through our back bush. There’s something magical about the sway of the sleigh, the swish of the runners, the sweet song of the bells and the clouds of steam from the working team.
Another favourite spot for young and old alike is back at our pond. Assuming all goes well with the snow-clearing volunteers, there will sliding down the hill on to an icy runway; skating for the entire family; a roaring bonfire for the quick warming of chilled fingers and toes; plus the return of last year’s new hit: CrokiCurl. As it’s name implies, CrokiCurl combines the fun of both curling and the uniquely Canadian board game of crokinole. It’s easy to learn, a hoot to play and great sport for the entire family.
For the younger crowd, there’s the annual scavenger hunt through the woods on a trail reserved just for this. I also believe the ponies that were such a hit with the scavenger hunters (and many more) last year will be returning.
In the early afternoon, the Duvegan Snolleyball team will take on upstarts from other corners of the County to play volleyball in the snow. Whether you opt to play… or just watch… it’s a whole lot of fun.
Terry and I will once again open up our home to cold and hungry Carnival goers. There, families can take a much-needed washroom break, warm their toes by the fireplace, visit with old friends (and make new ones) and refuel with complementary mugs of hot chocolate, piping hot bowls of hearty hamburger soup and home-baked rolls and jam.
If you thought about stopping by in previous years, but just haven’t made it, why not make 2019 the year you take the plunge. You won’t regret it… and we’d love to show you our hospitality.
Free psychotherapy available
I’m in Toronto as I write this to attend a meeting on improving the lot of family caregivers. So this week’s column will be a bit shorter than usual. However, as this Wednesday is Bell “Let’s Talk Day,” I wanted add my voice to the conversation and bring an exciting new development to your attention: Ontario’s “Increasing Access to Structured Psychotherapy” (IASP) program.
IASP provides short-term, face-to-face Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for adults experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And the good news for families and their loved ones dealing with these issues is that the service is free. Which I believe is a first for a Canadian health care system.
For those of you unfamiliar with the technique, CBT is problem-focused and goal-oriented. It helps clients change how they react to troubling thoughts or situations by developing coping tools and techniques that promote their strengths, enhance recovery and improve their quality of life. The Ontario IASP program offers up to twelve sessions. Now this may not sound like many, but research suggests that motivated clients can begin to see improvement after just one or two consultations.
All therapists in this program are health care professionals (social workers, nurses, psychologists, etc.) who have undertaken intensive CBT training. They, in turn, are closely supervised by clinical psychologists with expertise in CBT.
To access the program, the person taking the therapy must be referred by a physician or nurse practitioner who must complete and submit the IASP referral form. Your family doctor most likely knows about the program and has the referral form on their office’s computer system. If not, insist that they find out about it.
In Eastern Ontario the IASP program is led by The Royal Ottawa and is delivered in this region in collaboration with the hospitals in Hawkesbury and Cornwall. If you think you or someone you know might benefit from free CBT counselling, I urge you talk with your family physician or nurse practitioner. I know that bilingual therapists are available in both Hawkesbury, Cornwall and Ottawa… and the wait times aren’t too long. Yet.
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