Friday, May 22, 2020 3 Brooklin Town Crier Fearmongers vs Caremongers First came the Fearmongers: the hoarders of toilet paper and lysol wipes, the Costco food samplers, the people who made even the sanest of us start to question if we should be building bomb shelters. Then society changed. We realized hygiene and social distancing were the real weapons against the virus. Meanwhile, toilet paper once again appeared on shelves. For all the disappointing and disturbing behaviours we've witnessed, thankfully we still have goodness right here in our town. Meet Caremongers, a group started by a small number of individuals in Whitby to aid wherever the need exists. Now numbering over 2000 (according to the Caremongers Whitby Facebook group), they have met community needs like no other group has. They've held food bank drives for local shelters; hoisted signs to thank front line and health care workers; delivered meals; grocery shopped for our most vulnerable; and have reached out to those who are isolated to see what they can do to help. Truly this group has stepped up in ways that make my heart swell with pride. Yes, I knew many before from church and service groups and other volunteer roles. But they have become a well-oiled, focused machine. Both Paul Rolland and Niki Lindquist who head the group would be quick to recognize others as the worker bees, which they are. Caremongers divides Whitby into seven colour-coded zones. For instance, the north ward is red, pink and purple. If you would like to help or if you need help, you can reach them at 1-888-431-6711 or on Facebook. Now if I can only find some flour and yeast at the grocery store, my faith in humanity may be further restored. Stay safe, my friends. Our Brooklin Kids By Leanne Brown Kids Sports In A COVID Summer Like a lot of parents, I'm wondering what team sports may look like after all this isolation is over. No parents allowed to watch, much less grandparents? Fewer players on the ice/field? What about locker rooms? Restarting Ontario will be a whale of a task. It gets more complicated with the expectation COVID-19 may hang around for a while with residual waves . Everything will be impacted including, of course, recreational sports and activities. We aren't ready to hit the ice or field just yet and we know that, when it comes to sports, it's less risky outside than inside. So what do we do if kids sports are cancelled for the summer? To begin with, individual sports could likely start up again, which means those in team sports may need to consider individual sports as an alternative. Biking, tennis, skateboarding and golf surge in popularity. But even these will be affected since group lessons will be limited or not even be allowed. Still, there will always be the serious athletes who find a way to train. Most are already doing something. Whether through online fitness and skills classes or working on their shots in the driveway, kids who are really into their sport will always find a way. Parents need to encourage this passion but it shouldn't be forced. While this is a time to keep up the skills or work on something you want to improve, kids shouldn't feel pressured into heavy duty training. And what of the kids who play just for fun? I expect a few will not return to their sport. This is why it's so important for sports organizations to keep their registrants engaged. If children don't return, smaller organizations could fold or offer only reduced options. We may be looking at a long period of free play. No organized sports will mean families or small groups might play pickup basketball or road hockey in the driveway or street. Perhaps if parks reopen, there will be a small soccer game or parent pitching to his kids on the ball diamond. For some, this could be the perfect summer to spend at the cottage or enjoy backyard evenings without the need to rush off to a field for a game or practice. Whatever summer ends up looking like, we will be back at those hectic sports schedules at some point. So let's enjoy the break. Alzheimer's Events To Show Support The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's is going online and nationwide! The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region (ASDR) invites everyone to move on Sunday, May 31, along with Alzheimer Societies from across Canada. While we can't physically walk together right now, we can still connect virtually. That's why we have decided to go virtual. Do a dance, climb the stairs, jump rope, walk around the house or around the block. ASDR is also organizing a motorcade for memories across the region on Saturday, May 30, to join with long-term care and retirement homes in our community. Convoys will start at 10 a.m. The Whitby convoy will begin from Fairview Lodge, Chartwell Colonial, and Village at Taunton Mills. Once you RSVP, ASDR will send you details on meeting locations and instructions. For clients, caregivers and families of over 10,000 Durham Region residents who live with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the social and physical isolation is extremely challenging. Founded in 1979, the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life of people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias and their care partners. For more information contact: Michelle Taylor, Manager, Events and Communication 905-576-2567 ext. 5222 mtaylor@alzheimerdurham.com www.alzheimer.ca/durham