6 Friday, January 15, 2021 brooklintowncrier.com Alzheimer Society's Video Series: Alicia's Story In honour of January being Alzheimer's Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region (ASDR) has launched a four-part short film series that follows Alicia, a vibrant mother and grandmother diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 10 years ago, and her family as they confront this disease. The films take viewers inside their lives as they share their story including the challenges and heartbreak they face as well as the feelings of togetherness and moments of laughter. "I hope by sharing our story, it shows others who are going through similar situations that they are not alone," says Judy. "Sharing and connecting with others is so important. It changes everything." "We are so thankful to Alicia and her family for sharing their important story," says Denyse Newton, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Durham Region. "Their story helps represent the other 1.1 million Canadians who are currently affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia and reminds us about the importance of support and the power of love." The video series is available at https://bit.ly/alicia-story. Alzheimer's disease (and other dementias) is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that slowly weakens memory, thinking, skills and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. There are 25,000 new cases of Alzheimer's disease diagnosed in Canada each year, a number that is expected to triple by 2050. The annual cost of caregiving today provided by family members and friends is likely going to balloon from its current $12 billion. That is why building connections that matter is at the heart of what the Alzheimer Societies across Ontario do. What are your risks of developing dementia? The Alzheimer Society will also present free online workshops, including a presentation highlighting the impacts of sex and gender on brain health on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at 6 p.m. It will answer questions about the roles hormones play, the influence of genetics, and social factors. The ASDR is also offering an Introduction to Mindfulness class on January 27 at 6 p.m. You can also "attend" (virtually) one of the ASDR monthly Care Partner Support Groups or register for its Next Steps for Family and Friends online workshop series. For more information about ASDR's January 2021 Alzheimer's Awareness Month events, please contact our Public Education Coordinator astephenson@alzheimerdurham.com or register online at asdr.eventbrite.ca. So long 2020! Whitby Regional Councillor Rhonda Mulcahy Answers from December 15, 2020 As 2020 came to an end, some had this overwhelming feeling we would kick one awful year to the curb and replace it with a shiny new one. I'm optimistic 2021 will rise from the pandemic ashes though we are still a long way away from the herd immunity vaccines will provide. Like most people, I spent Christmas and New Year's hunkered down at home. And, yes, I was outraged that some politicians hit the beaches for a break. I, too, am tired of TV. I miss my skis. I miss my parents. I miss sitting in a restaurant. Last Monday, a friend texted me they lost a parent to COVID. Which is to say we need to continue to be sensible and sensitive to one another. It is illegal to trespass. Tobogganing fans should read Leanne Brown's column about the great places where you can go for that; but Winchester Golf Club is not one of them. I've addressed this for ten years. It is a golf course, not a playground, and they do not allow tobogganing since it damages their greens. More importantly, as we recently learned, rescue from that hill requires special equipment which may leave injured people waiting a long time. DRPS has been notified to watch for trespassers. As to the budget, there are rumblings about record lows. We know people are hurting and so we're doing our best to see what we may be able to reduce or delay, keeping in mind we have services we must provide. To let us know about where you think we should or shouldn't be looking for money, email us council@whitby.ca The new sport centre. I had a one-on-one with the architects, the same ones used for the Whitby main branch and Brooklin libraries. User groups have provided their input and the public process is coming up soon. I hope everyone will be vocal about the project and I'm sure many comments will reflect my own. Do not hesitate to provide ideas. Though we have a budget to abide by, I know I'm looking at this with an open mind. Watch for the public process announcement on whitby.ca and in this paper. The highway 12/7 by-pass and its environmental assessment (EA). I think 10 options have been presented. Even though the input process is closing, you can still submit comments to planning@whitby.ca. The purpose of the EA is to gain control over downtown Brooklin and re-route the through traffic. At council, we need to remain neutral and not influence the results of the EA. But be assured we are listening and have opinions which we will one day be able to share. Vaccine roll out. We're in the roll out's infancy and retired Gen. Rick Hillier is sending updates to councils across Ontario as it evolves. I suspect we will see mass vaccine sites in large public structures at some point. We're having discussions about where those will be locally. Until then, you know what to do to stay safe. The Brooklin Secondary Plan (BSP) is still rolling along in the background. We have subdivision plans coming before council at public meetings as early as February 1st. We just listen at this point. This is YOUR opportunity to provide commentary. Understand that the zoning and land use is already determined through the BSP. We cautiously roll into 2021 and I am grateful for my blessings and my community. Indeed we have a lot of work to do to rebuild our community after this and I hope you will join me in supporting our small businesses whenever possible. Remember: while we're all in different ships, we're sailing in the same turbulent ocean.