The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

J durhamrcgion.com THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ August 9,2006 ♦ Page A3 West Nile lands again in Durham Region confirms crow in Oshawa carried virus BY ERIN HATFIELD Staff Writer DURHAM - Durham has confirmed the season's first case of West Nile virus in a bird. A crow picked up in Oshawa on July 24 tested positive for the virus. "What it means for us is now we know that West Nile virus is present in Durham Region," said Laura Freeland, a senior public health inspector with the Region's West Nile program. "It just serves to confirm what we thought was the case." Ms. Freeland said the confirmation. should serve as a reminder to residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes. "It is to be expected we would find two ■ or three weeks following the positive lest of a bird that then we would find it in mosquitoes," Ms. Freeman said. West Nile virus-is, a mosquito-borne disease that cycles between birds - and mosquitoes, Ms. Freeman explained. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Feeding on the blood of a bird carrying the virus infects mosquitoes and can then be passed onto humans through mosquito.bitcs. No human cases have been reported in Ontario so far this season. The Region has been conducting West Nile virus surveillance since May 15, a seasonal practice started in 2002. Ms. Freeland said the Region relics , mainly on calls from the public to report dead birds. To date, the health department department has submitted 34 birds for testing. Crows, blue jays and raptors are tested. Last year eight cases of West Nile in birds were confirmed in Durham. The last case of West Nile in a human in Durham was in 2003. With the confirmed case of West Nile Celebrating a century of life Six generations of same family mark resident's 100th-birthday BY DAVID BLUMENFELD ■ Staff Writer WHITBY-- Vera Johnston has seen remarkable changes since her birth 100 years ago, but the centenarian doesn't think the momentous birthday is any big deal. Wearing a pink dress with a matching : shawl, Ms. Johnston was calm in the face of all the attention as friends and family (six generations to be precise) arrived at Sunnycrest Nursing Home in Whitby on Thursday to help the super : senior celebrate her birthday in grand style. ;,■■■. . / - "Should I blow those out?" she asked when she saw the candles on her birthday birthday cake. "Quite a birthday cake." When asked how it felt to turn 100, Ms. Johnston seemed indifferent to the " milestone; "Not much different than any other day," she said. Born Aug. 3, 1906 in the prairies of Manitoba; Manitoba; Ms.. Johnston was three yèars old when she came to Durham. Raised by her aunt on a farm nn the Village of Tyrone, in northern Clarington, Ms. Johnston Johnston married and raised six children. Her hus- : - ' ' ■ ~ band,' Charles, who she was married to for 62 years, died about 20 years ago. "When you have a mother that turns 100 years of age that's pretty special," said Dorothy Hooper, her 81-year-old daughter. "There's not too many people that live to be that age. I think she's got those super genes." No stupid questions ! Q. Do casinos pump oxygen in to Walter Passarella / Metroland Durham Region Média Group One of Vera Johnson's 29 great grandchildren, Robbyn Egan, offers up her best wishes for a happy 100th birthday. Ms. Johnston was originally from Tyrone in Clarington and has 22 grandchildren and at least two great, great grandchildren. 'It's quite an accomplishment to see someone reach 100. We're all very liappy for her.' - Emily Goemans Ms. Hooper said her mother had three sisters, one that lived to' be 92 and another that reached 89, but that her mom has set the record so far. Ms. Johnston has 22 grandchildren, grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren great-grandchildren and a few great- great grandchildren' as well. "She has lived longer longer than any of her family," family," Ms. Hooper said. "I think it's wonderful. She's my dearest mother, "--~-- she couldn' t be any more wonderful. We just love her to pieces." Although Ms. Johnston's state of mind can fluctuate because she has Alzheimer's Alzheimer's disease, her son, Reg Johnston, 65, said the family is feeling really good about her reaching 100 years of age. - "We've notified the family there's still a lot to come... and we're all taking it as a pretty special event," he said. "I think it's pretty impressive to reach that age in life. We're quite happy for her, and she seems to be doing welk" Emily Goemans, the life enrichment director at Sunnycrest, said the nursing home just wouldn't be the same without Ms. Johnston. "She's such an active lady for being 100," she said. "She's very talkative with us all, participates participates in all kinds of things that go on in the home and is very friendly to all the residents and staff. She's quite lively for being 100. It's quite an accomplishment to see someone reach 100. We're all very happy for her." „ In addition to receiving formal recognition recognition from the Town of Whitby and Region of Durham, Ms. Johnston also received letters from the Government of Ontario and Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulating her on her 100th birthday. A. At snopes.com, in a story they pulled from : a newspaper and share i with their web visitors, the i oxygen myth is reputed ■ by a Jim Mundy, who in 1996 was the director of j corporate communications i for Casino Windsor. He said such an act would be a felony. ' • Offering 18 years of dedication and experience • Competitive and Recreational Programs available • All types of Dance Fall Recreation Dance Special Register 2 for the price of 1 aS"* DCr.lCTDATIrtKI* Ever y Mon ' Tues - Wed - Thurs IICUI3 I |\HI ivn. 12 - 3pm & S - 8pm 'til Sept I4 Kinsmen Squirt Timbit Hockey Registration Learn to Skate & Hockey Introduction Boys & Girls Ages 4,5, & 6 $175.00 cash or cheque Wednesday August 16th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Garnet B Rickard Arena Bowmanville 23 years of experience & dedication If You Are ... Moving Expecting a Baby Planning a Wedding New Business Appointment Looking for a Career Call Welcome Wagon Todayl Call: Internet: 905-434-2010 Mfe-coM 'SinchI 19311 eg. www.welcomawaqon.of^MLaL-siN.^iouiji^ bringing Local Community Information & gifts It's absolutely FREE! What's going on in your community? @eventsdurhamregion.com >, yN '• ML .* * , -k "Check out our fabulous teachers who create our newest dance stars" Exciting new programs! Theatre Dance Academy - leads the way! *** * IniAiii * DANCE* , Academy* Ages 2 1/2-to Adult Fantastic year end shows Exams, recreation and competition classes Specially designed sprung floor Experts in boys classes Summer camps and summer dance workshops Our students are going placesl ...our alumni consists of shows in L.A., Las Vegas, Europe, cruise lines, Wonderland, Raptors Dance Team, Stratford Festival and Much Music Videos. Classes in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Aero, Hip-Hop and more... Voted "Best Donee Studio 1 by Readers' Choice Awards for 7 consecutive years REGISTRATION Returning Students: Tuesday, August 19, lZ-8pm. New Students: Tuesday, August 22, 2-8pm .. CQUMKE gn/«o.-ægofiMctta m.n. - kkaBk. Ah^iih' WaAasdov Ateeat U I2.fa« Ms. Freeland remind residents to lake precautionary measures to protect against mosquito bites. The health department recommends: • Avoiding areas with lots of mosquitoes; mosquitoes; • Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active; • Use a mosquito repellent that contains contains DEET; • Wear light-coloured clothing, including including long.sleeves, pants, socks and a hat to cover exposed skin; • Make sure all windows and doors in the home have tight-fitting screens and are in good condition; and • Get rid of stagnant water around the outside of the home to help eliminate potential breeding sites. For more information on West Nile virus or to report sightings of dead crows, blue jays or raptors, call, the health department's environmental help line at 905-723-3818 or I-888-777-9613, ext. 2188. Sightings can also be reported online at www.region.durham.on.ca. ; HERONGATE BARN DINNER THEATRE 2885 Altona Rd., Pickèring presents... An evening of art and music featuring RRACandthe Gypsygrass Band ON SATURDAY AUGUST 12 AT 5PM AHTT'17' Ù. \ A CAIJ.TO RESERVI Vil Li V JLv TOUR TICKETS!! Great Food • Great Shows • Great Price (905)472-3085 more updates at durhamresiion.com THE BETHANY HILLS SCHOOL Open House August 16 & 23,2006 4:00pm to 8:00pm Junior School, JK - Grade 6 Co-ed Day School (Kindergarten is full day, everyday) Senior School, Grades 7 - 12 Day /Boarding - Girls Only for more information contact: www.bcthanytiills.on.ca infol@bcthanyhills.on.ca (705) 277-2866 We Seek Wider Horizons COUPON COUPON COUPON r BROxEiWINDSHIELD? FREE DEDUCTIBLE ON MOST INSURANCE CLAIMS „ auto glass \ Div. of 1303459 Ontario Ltd. Vov&t 164 Baseline Rd. E., Bowmanville 905 623-8451 FREE MOBILE SERVICE 1-800-658-3904 Guaranteed Urethane Installation . Coupon Expires August 15,2006 Some Restrictions Apply (•HlUfil COUPON COUPON COUPON marks the spot for loOl ToN Things toDo at the 00 It's all FREE with your paid admission! For more infoand to order tickets visit www.TheEx.com. > Human Cannonball j >IAMSSuperDogs (Cabaret Cirque Envoi > Imaginaire: Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show (Aug 25-Sept 4) > Canadian International Air Show (Sept 2-4) i ...and a whole lot more! ItT S CO TO™ E tx I Canadian National Exhibition A ,i. s' :S S-rtr-'D- 1 , 20C0 ,\nv.. T ne£x.cor 5$ Live with us in our beautiful retirement residence for 3 months and receive the 4th month FREE! Call today to book your appointment! Discover today what makes living at White Cliffe Terrace so special. White Cliffe Terrace /-- """ --\ White unite terrace (WHITE CLIFFE) 1460 Highway 2, Courtice 1 L*---Al_: 1 ' one eno nfiAo 1 KKTIUKMKNT HKMIDIvNCK 905 579-0600 www.diversicare.ca Ul'Ulllt Drop by for a tour... wed loir to see you