Dear Friends and Neighbours in Pine Meadows
“A Tennessee State trooper pulled over a pickup on I-65. The trooper asked, “Got any ID? ”
The driver replied, “Bout whut? ””
”Some people carry a yoga mat, which says a lot about them. I carry a placemat, which says a lot about me!”
I had to send you this message as we enter a very positive time in our battle against the Covid 19 virus. As we start this week the number of positive tests in Ontario have dropped below 1000 for the first time since February. The stay at home order will be lifted on June 2nd. The most important positive message is that many of our neighbours in Pine Meadows will be receiving their second vaccination this week. The media is advising us that as of May 31st, those 80+ years old can book their 2nd shot. This confused me, as we have been told by our local Health Department that we would be notified by them when our second dose is available. I referenced the WDG Public Health website (https://wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/covid-19-information-public/covid-19-vaccine-information/first-and-second-dose) and found the following. For residents 70+ and 80+, “We are currently contacting individuals in this group to book a second dose appointment in order of eligibility based on when you received your first dose. When you are eligible, you will receive a phone call or an email to book your second dose appointment. Thank you for your patience as we work through calling individuals in this group. If you got your first dose on or before March 6 and you have not received a second dose appointment, please call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 0.” For those residents younger than 70, “Most residents will be eligible for their second dose 16 weeks after your first dose. When you are eligible, you will be contacted several weeks prior to your appointment.” So, there is no need to worry about booking your second dose. Just wait for a contact from WDG Public Health.
Later this week you will see workers spraying deciduous trees in our community. It seems that our arborist has identified Gypsy Moth larvae in these trees. The spraying is being completed by John Wagner who is using the BTK Insecticide product. BT (bacillus thuringiensis) is a bacterium found naturally in the soil. More than 20 varieties of BT exist. The “kurstaki” variety (BTK) is used to control caterpillars. It is known to cause illness in many insect larvae, including caterpillars of pest species such as gypsy moth, spruce budworm and cabbage looper. BTK affects only the larval stage of caterpillars; it cannot be used to kill eggs, pupae, or adults. To work, BTK must be eaten by the caterpillar. Once ingested, the bacterium multiplies and releases toxic substances. The caterpillar’s gut is paralyzed and it stops feeding and dies within one to five days. Larvae are most susceptible to BTK when they are in the early developmental stages (which is now!). BTK has no known toxic effects on humans, other mammals, plants, birds, fish, or honeybees or other beneficial insects. Gypsy moth eradication programs use only water-based bacterial formulations, so the spray will not damage paints or finishes on automobiles, houses, etc.
I spoke with Don Vallery today regarding a couple of initiatives he has been working on for our community. One of these initiatives was a grub control procedure which he was testing on his own property. Apparently, this application did not work so there is no point in spending the money in Pine Meadows. The second is that Don spoke to John Wagner last year regarding a new weed control program. He has not heard back from John but will raise the question once again with him.
Stay positive everyone.
| Joe Piercey |
