Construction on the new Riverview Public School is ahead of schedule and is one of three major projects ongoing in the city currently. The water treatment plant is receiving a 28 million dollar upgrade and the Duke Street overpass is being completely rebuilt; these projects have brought many jobs to the community and kept our local trades people working hard. A new OPP detachment is slated for construction in the new year and the Aspenware Plant site is now ready for sod turning (with it comes 125 new jobs to Dryden). And the federal government has provided Domtar with 22 million dollars in funding to help build a co-generation plant at the mill ensuring profitability and stability for years to come http://foresttalk.com/index.php/2010/05/22/22-7-million-for-domtar-s-dryden-pulp-mill.

I am attaching a couple of pictures left from our visiting medical student in closing; enjoy the long weekend everyone and safe travels to those who are getting away for a bit.

What a great weekend in Dryden with temperatures in the high twenties, clear skies and rides galore at the Fall Fair the end of summer was quite enjoyable here. Thousands from town and the surrounding area took in three days worth of entertainment at the Agricultural Centre/Fair Grounds, 16 teams took to the baseball complex in a thoroughly enjoyable mixed slo-pitch tournament over the weekend and the Windsurfing Club enjoyed perfect (sunny and windy) conditions Sunday at Sandy Beach Park.  There was a definite energy about town as local shops teemed with shoppers preparing for school this week and neighborhoods were bathed in the smell of fresh bbq.

The DRHC (www.dh.dryden.on.ca) is also busy with fresh faces and energy as we welcome our latest clerks to the community. Two third year students from NOSM (www.normed.ca) are in Dryden for 8 months and have a nice orientation week set up with time set aside for sailing, aerial tours, some golf and fine dining. Another third year medical student will be leaving Dryden this weekend but has knocked a few items off her bucket list (windsurfing, sailing) while in town. And a visiting General Surgeon left town with a lot to think about; we have booked her for a return locum visit to assess the workplace fit.

If you are interested in an elective placement in Dryden or potential work (locum or full time) I’d be more than happy to chat/set up a site visit. Northwestern Ontario is a great place to live, raise and family and play.

Have a great week!

Chuck

The Dryden Fall Fair arrives in Dryden for three days at the Agricultural Centre (http://www.drydenfair.ca/fair/) and as always a great show is expected by all. Equestrian Displays, rides galore and obscene amounts of sugar make the fall fair a great weekend for children (and dentists perhaps).

Dr. Cary Pettinger and his family will be among those in the crowd as they get settled into the Dryden lifestyle; school for their daughter begins this fall and the family is genuinely happy to be in Ontario. Dr. Pettinger is a full time ER physician here and he has also among the regions’ best fishermen having won two tournaments this summer.

Tomorrow the DRHC hosts a General Surgeon and her family for a site visit in Dryden; the family of five is taking a close look at Dryden and we hope to have positive news to report on that front.

It’s a slow news day here otherwise, too busy with preparations for the visit.

ttyl,

c

Dr. Adam Moir is a 2nd year resident from NOSM in Thunder Bay and he will be coming to Dryden in February for the final portion of his residency. His wife Nancy and son Emerson will be joining him as well; Dr. Moir has signed a return of service agreement with Dryden and the family decided to get an early start by moving here earlier.

Local product Dr. Bruce Cook is in his first year of residency at NOSM and is eager to join the growing group of young physicians that have committed to Dryden over the past three years…I think his mom might be a little excited about the prospect of having her son and young family a little closer to home as well.

A number of General Surgeons are scheduling OR and clinic time to help fill the void left by Dr. Dawes and Dr. Shahi. We were fortunate to have the services of both surgeons here for over 8 years and they will be missed. Alas life goes on and we will be hosting a General Surgeon next Thursday; this will be the second Surgeon to visit Dryden in a month and we are hopeful our efforts will be rewarded. It’s a great set up and hopefully the community is to their liking.

That’s all my news for a Tuesday morning, take care!

C

• Both arena dances were packed, 1500 in total attended and the music was great but secondary to the warm fuzzies in the building. So much catching up with old friends.
• The parade was a massive success, 1000’s lined the streets and the autograph session with Chris Pronger was grand; he signed for everyone!
• Rocking the River will likely become an annual event, what a display and the banks along Cooper Park were packed. Beach Volleyball…Aberdeen (Canadian Band) playing…smokies, popsicles…wow.
• Stomping Tom and The Stereos all played to capacity crowds over 500 strong in the community auditorium.
• Civic Pride Day had turn of the Century Games, street performers, downtown closed to vehicle traffic, buskers everywhere, a Town Crier…what a great turnout. My fave…pie and ice cream for a nickle.
• Strongman Competition was impressive…I withdrew my entry due to sprained hair…those were Big Guys!
• The Can Am Windsurfing Championships start tomorrow, three great days lined up at Sandy Beach.

Whew…and tonight i’m off to the Cemetery for the midnight tour and stories…should be fun.

Visit www.ckdr.net or www.drydenobserver.ca for pictures and coverage of it all…it’s been unlike anything this town has ever put together.

Ciao,

Chuck

Ken Dryden and Fred Eaglesmith (www.fredeaglesmith.com) are in town as part of the celebrations; you can listen to both up close and personal at Pappy’s Cafe and Coffeehouse in Wabigoon. Pappy’s has created a wonderful venue for 35 or so people to enjoy an eclectic mix of musical talent. Ken Dryden doesn’t fit into that definition but his qualifications are nonetheless impressive; 6 Stanley Cups, best selling author, former president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, accomplished lawyer and current MP for York Centre in Toronto, NHL Hall of Famer and ranked as the 25th greatest player ever in hockey. I think he’ll have an interesting story or two to share this Friday night at the cafe. Fred Eaglesmith is a musical legend of note having over 20 albums to his credit and a June 18th appearance on the David Letterman show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdUAjwHWYSI&feature=related). Fred has graced the stage of the Dryden Performing Arts and Cultural Centre three years ago and this booking at Pappy’s brings a world class talent literally to your living room. Needless to say both events are sold out.

August 2nd Dryden’s first ever “Wake Party” will have the Riverview Lodge and Wabigoon River alive with activity; waterskiiing expos, live music, wakeboarding demonstrations by a regional performance team, a beach volleyball tournament and kayak and canoe lessons make for a fun day. www.experiencedryden.ca

August 5th Dryden hosts the Canadian National Masters Windsurfing competition over two days at the Sandy Beach park on Wabigoon Lake. The city has transformed what was an wonderful recreation spot into something quite amazing; tonnes of sand was hauled in to expand the beach area and with the new playground structures in place the pavillion will be packed with families taking in the sites (and smells of bbq). Don’t miss out!

Morning breakfast specials everyday at various local haunts during Centennial Week will provide the energy required to attend/participate in all the activities planned. The Family Classic Festival on August 3rd will overtake City Hall as the street is closed for the afternoon for turn of the century games (the smart money is on City Manager Arie Hogenboom to win the beard contest!). Pudding eating contests, cotton candy machines, fresh pie and ice cream for a nickle (yes a nickle!)…it’s going to be a fun day…it’s a great time to be in Dryden! I will post pictures throughout the week showcasing the various events for those that can’t be here.

On a health care note, Dr. David Goulet will be arriving this week in Dryden to start practice in Family Medicine and Anesthesia. We are thrilled to have Dr. Goulet and his family choose Dryden and we look forward to helping the new family (twins!) get settled into home life here. The Warm Dryden Welcome with gifts from over 50 different businesses will be scheduled for early September once the Goulet’s have had time to unpack and get accustomed to their new environment.

That’s all my news for this week…a little long winded but lots to share.

Ciao,

C

The DRHC is hosting a three day site visit with a General Surgeon interested in working full time in Dryden. Last evening we enjoyed bbq steak and chicken at the waterfront home of our Chief of Staff Dr. Karen Mazurski. Today Senior Management enjoyed the East Indian Buffet at a local restaurant for lunch between tours of the DRHC (www.dh.dryden.on.ca) and the city of Dryden (www.dryden.ca). This evening the physician staff will be joining the Surgeon for supper at the Riverview Lodge (http://www.theriverviewlodge.com/). Three other General Surgeons have offered their services on a locum basis and we are in the middle of setting up a schedule to accommodate their availability and ensure continuity of care for their patients.

Our recent visit with Dr. Stefan Hofer with the University Health Network in Toronto has resulted in quarterly clinics offering reconstructive plastics clinics in the O.R. (primarily for patients with mastectomies). 

July 30th marks the opening of Homecoming Week in Dryden and Chris Pronger will be leading the way (www.chrispronger.com) with the Parade and Meet and greet at the Dryden Arena. Two big arena dances featuring some top notch live bands will have feet tapping and hips shaking as the Sensational Hot Rods and Shades of Blue rock the rink.

Blueberries are now in full bloom and I’m off for some picking. Hope you are having a great summer!

C

Sunset last night on Wabigoon Lake

Too much to list here but the Dryden Centennial Homecoming Week is loaded with concerts, dances, wake board/water skiing expos on the river….it’s going to be fun! People are returning to town already as there are many familiar faces out on the streets and in the neighbourhoods  in advance of the celebration. To see the final Dryden Centennial Celebration listings view:  http://www.dryden2010.com/events.htm

Dr. David Goulet will be arriving at the end of July with his wife Tiffany and newborn twins Abby and Chloe; Dr. Goulet is starting his family and anesthesia practice in Dryden after signing a four year return of service agreement with the community. With family down the road in nearby Thunder Bay Dryden was a good choice for the couple and we couldn’t be happier.

The DRHC and the Dingwall Medical Group welcomes Audiologist Tanya Bowyer to town; we have been without the regular services of an audiologist since the Canadian Hearing Society moved to Kenora (budgetary cuts).Monday was day one in the clinic and the physicians are happy to have their new colleague right down the hall for referrals and consults. Information or appointments for services can be obtained at 223-7067 or tanya@ehscanada.com.

Last evening I managed to sneak out onto the lake for an hour of fishing and was able to capture one of what we hope will be many great sunsets this summer. The fishing was average but the scenery more than made up for things, hope you enjoyed the photo. Have a great week!

C

Beach Volleyball, Fly Ball races, a magicians show, belly dancing expo(!), face painting and the Concert in the Park provided brought thousands to the Arena and Cooper Park boardwalk for what was a great Canadian day. The festivities for Moose Fest continue today with the equestrian riding competition at the Agriculural Centre and the Strong Man competition and Soap Box races are set for Saturday. The ever popular Teddy Bear Picnic closes the Moosefest celebration at Sandy Beach Park.

For pictures from the event visit www.ckdr.net and click on the Community Photo Album.

Have a great weekend!

C

On July 7th the Medical Staff are hosting a meet and greet breakfast with Dr. Stefan Hofer followed by supper that evening at the residence of Dr. Michael Cortens. Dr. Hofer will be working in the O.R. on a regular basis performing breast reconstructive surgery for women that have had a mastectomy. Dryden is geographically midpoint to many of the larger communities in Northwestern Ontario and is the ideal location for this service.

The Engineering Department completed the installation of a heat exchanger in the exhaust stack for the steam boiler system. The unit reclaims energy  by removing heat from the exhaust gasses and transferring it to the domestic hot water that is used for laundry, kitchen and approximatley 40% of the rest of the building. After only 2 months of operation we have reduced our greenhouse emissions from our stack by 39931 pounds (18 tons of CO2). A major roof top solar panel project is also in the works as the DRHC continues to get greener by the year.

On July 16-17 the Emergency Medical Primer course is scheduled for the Dryden Regional Health Centre with a large number of the regional ER physicians and GP’s slated to attend. And the Cardiac Rehab program has expanded it’s program from 3 to 6 months to accommodate more patients. The DRHC Emergency department will also receive a staffing boost in the fall of 2010 with the addition of one nurse to provide supports until 11:30pm. With two nurses on from 7am-11pm (and one EMT clerk Monday-Fri 8-4) the ability to move patient flow will be enhanced and we can continue our performance of exceeding the provincial wait time standards for Emergency Room Care.

That’s all my news on a Monday morning; hope you had a great weekend. If you are interested in seeing our community up close and personal we’d be more than happy to arrange a community site visit. Drop me an email at cschmitt@dh.dryden.on.ca.

C