Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Superstitious? It's Friday the 13th:
Taking extra caution out there today? The fear of the number 13 has been given a scientific name: "triskaidekaphobia". Addtionally, the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia (say that five times fast). The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, originating from the story of Jesus' last supper and crucifixion, in which there were 13 individuals present in the Upper Room on the 13th of Nisan Maundy Thursday, the night before his death on Good Friday. Have any superstitions about Friday the 13th? Be sure to check back with Sudbury.com later today to share them with us.
Northerners live 3.5 years less and other key findings in health report from province’s top doc:
The health of Ontarians is improving, but not everyone is moving forward equally, according to a recent report by Ontario’s chief medical officer of health. Dr. David C. Williams released his 52-page annual report for 2016, “Improving the Odds: Championing Health Equity in Ontario,” last month. The report shows that “while the mean is getting better, there are sectors that are behind or even worse,” said Williams. In fact, the health of people in some areas is deteriorating. According to mortality rate information contained in Health Quality Ontario’s Northern Health Equity Report, the life expectancy of residents of northern areas is 2.5 to 3.5 years less than in southern Ontario. Find more on this story here.
Public meetings set for the art gallery/library/convention centre project:
Residents are invited to public input sessions in the coming weeks to share their ideas and vision for the proposed library/art gallery and convention and performance centre. “The two projects will be located on the site of the current Sudbury Community Arena, and will be known as The Junction,” a news release from the city Wednesday said. The first open house takes place downtown April 16 from 2-8 p.m. at the McEwen School of Architecture, 85 Elm St. Residents can drop in anytime during the session to share their ideas for the future site of The Junction. Representatives from Greater Sudbury and key partners will be in attendance to provide information and answer questions. Several other sessions are planned between April 17-27.
Jerseys for Humboldt: Sudbury support continues as more jersey photos pour in:
People were asked to wear their sports jerseys or green and gold clothing on Thurday, April 12 to stand in solidarity with those affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. Jersey Day organizer Jennifer Pinch said in a Canadian Press story she wants Humboldt to know it's not alone. She asked anyone who wears a jersey to photograph themselves and post it on social media with #jerseysforhumboldt. Sudbury.com received dozens of photos of Sudburians showing their support on Jersey Day. Check out the photos here.
Twice as nice: Special donation follows BESTECH announcement of 100K for NEO Kids:
Keeping children closer to home is what inspired a $200,000 donation to NEO Kids Health Centre at Health Sciences North Thursday. Every year, approximately 3,900 children from across the Northeast make 10,000 trips to Toronto, Ottawa and London to receive the specialized care they need. Gifts in support of the future NEO Kids Health Centre at HSN mean new clinics and more pediatricians will be available to families of sick children in our community; this is especially needed on account of a 30 per cent increase in southern service use made by these families in the past five years. Two donations of $100,000 were made, with BESTECH VP and Co-CEO Denis Pitre making the first, and having his donation matched by BESTECH President and Co-CEO Marc Boudreau.
Sudbury citizen survey begins this weekend:
The City of Greater Sudbury has launched the 2018 Citizen Survey in an effort to engage residents in decisions that affect programs, services and policies. The City has retained Metroline Research Group Inc., a national marketing research company, to survey 1,200 random households for levels of satisfaction with local quality of life and opinions on municipal services. Metroline Research Group will provide a statistically valid survey of 1,200 residents, conducted by telephone. Residents of legal voting age who are contacted by Metroline Research Group are encouraged to participate in the survey. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete.
Sudbury's environmental leaders honoured for going green:
For the second year in a row, Green Economy North celebrated environmental leaders at their second annual Evening of Recognition on April 12. A total of six nominees were up for the 2018 Environmental Champion Award, with three winners taking home some hardware. The winners of the 2018 Environmental Champion Awards are, Greg Cantin- Cantin Insurance Services LTD, The Co-operators, Max Burt- Burt Country Farm Meats, and Hiawatha Osawamick- Hiawatha’s Catering. Check out the rest of the nominees and other winners here.
Meet your Telus Cup Wolves: We slide into centre for Thursday's rapid fire:
In the run-up to the Telus Cup, which kicks off April 23, Sudbury.com is helping you learn a little more about the local players who will be representing the Nickel City at the national event. Every week day around noon, check with us for a new Rapid Fire spotlight on a Nickel Capital Wolves players. On Thursday we introduced you to No. 11, Nickel Capital Wolves centre Tommy Vlahos. Who's his mentor? His favourite hockey team? And the ultimate question: Tim Hortons or Starbucks? Get to know Tommy and more than a dozen other Nickel Capital Wolves players in Sudbury.com's rapid fire Telus Cup video series. Check out the video here.
Friday Weather:
Mainly cloudy for Friday with a 60 per cent chance of flurries changing to 60 per cent chance of rain or flurries late in the afternoon. Today's high will be 2. Rain changing to snow near midnight this evening with up to 4 cm of snow. Overnight low will dip to -10. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
