BLACKSTOCK by Tammy Phillips

On March 31st, Ontario’s education minister announced an e-learning plan for the province’s students during COVID-19 school closures. It will begin April 6th. School closures have been extended and in effect until at least May 4th. Effective Friday, April 3rd, Mayor Bobbie Drew declared a State of Municipal Emergency to elevate Scugog’s readiness to respond to COVID-19. The declaration of a municipal emergency provides ultimate emergency decision powers above what the delegation of authority provided. The Township will operate under the legal authority established in the Scugog Emergency Plan. CAO Paul Allore will lead the Township Emergency Operations team and Chief Mark Berney, from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, is the Community Emergency Management Coordinator. Township facility closures and cancellations have been extended through May 31st. As a reminder, there is a burn ban in effect. Penny’s Mini Mart has been an offering up a selection of staples to seniors and others in need during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Kudos to our community store in offering toilet paper as well as food items such as onions, potatoes, juice boxes, pasta, corn and cans of tuna. Customers are also provided free gloves and the use of hand sanitizer when they enter the store. They ask that you only take what you absolutely need so there is enough for others to do the same. Worship services at Blackstock-Nestleton United Church and Blackstock Euchre are cancelled until further notice. Blackstock community news items can be emailed to link2tammy@gmail.com by 12 noon on the Monday prior to publication.