Access Free Digital Audio Books!

City of Kawartha Library Introduces Free Digital Downloads!

City of Kawartha Library now has a wide range of free audio books and eBooks available for residents to download and enjoy on their computers or portable devices. Enkoying these resources is as easy as 1,2,3 !

Free Digital Audio Books

Now residents can listen to popular books, including novels, non-fiction, and how-to books on their computer, or make them portable by transferring them to an MP3 player, iPod or PDA. Digital audio books can be enjoyed at home, at work, or when you travel, and can be downloaded from home. Windows MediaPlayer version 9 or higher is required.

Free Digital e-Books

Download and read electronic books, including novels, non-fiction, and how-to books on your computer, or make them portable by transferring them to your handheld digital device such as the Sony, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Literati, Pandigital e-book reader. E-books are also compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, or Android. Electronic books can be enjoyed at home, at work, or when you travel, and can be downloaded from home. Adobe Digital Editions software is required, and is available free from the Overdrive website.

How to Start Enjoying Free Digital Downloads from Kawartha Lakes Library

1. Log in with your Kawartha Lakes library card barcode and PIN number to download and 'borrow' these items – anywhere, anytime.
2. Go to the Download Centre at www.downloadcentre.library.on.ca
3. Click on the Quick Start Guide link for step-by-step instructions on installing and registering free software, borrowing and downloading items. The Getting Started tab also includes a Digital Help FAQ and information about compatible portable devices.

What do you like best about this new free service? Drop us a comment and share your opinion. Have you used this new service yet?

Free Christmas Dinner!

Yumm! Turkey and trimmings!

Alone Christmas Day? Anyone wanting to have a bit more company on Christmas can head over to the Cameron Community Church hall.Ralph Whyte and his wife Bev, are organizing a Christmas dinner for noon at Cameron Community Church, 4075 Highway 35, Cameron -right in the middle of the village. If you are interested in attending or volunteering, call the Whytes at: 705- 454-9513.
A free will offering will be taken,and anyone wanting to take part in a gift exchange is welcome to participate,but both of these are optional.
The aim is to make it a fun day for everyone

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ShesConnected-Kawartha Lakes Mums Reaching Out!

Here We Grow! Branching Out!!

Kawartha Lakes Mums is now in the ShesConnected blog Directory,as well having another home away from home.Hope you will join in the fun!ShesConnected welcomes women to set up personal and professional profiles on their site,and list up to 5 blogs for each. I searched for a Kawartha Lakes Mums group to join on te site,and finding none,set up a space there to welcome mums from ShesConnected to join us. ShesConnected offers an annual conference as well as opportunities to work with brands too. Check it out!

Want to join in the fun?  Here is the door to our new space on ShesConnected to make it easy to move between the two spaces.

Does Your Little One Have The Flu?

It can be difficult when wee ones are sick,or even adults for that matter,to know weather it’s a cold,or the flu,and if you need to get to the hospital,or to just keep managing at home. The government of Ontario has posted a new handy self-assessment tool online that can help,along with these handy tips for keeping the flu away. Do you have any tips to share for keeping the flu away? Please drop a comment below with your ideas,and let’s keep everyone healthy this year!

Top 10 Tips for Avoiding the Flu

1. The best way to avoid the flu: Get the flu shot.  It's free.

The flu shot helps your body build the defences it needs to protect you from the flu. It can prevent the flu from taking hold up to 90 per cent of the time among healthy adults and children.

2. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

Proper hand cleaning guards against and limits the spread of many illnesses. Viruses can live on your hands for up to five minutes and they can live on hard surfaces - like counter tops and telephones - for up to two days. Wash hands for at least 15 seconds.

3. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy.

Hand sanitizer needs to be at least 60 per cent alcohol to be effective. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are as good as soap and water to clean your hands. But if your hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water.

4. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Cough into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue. The droplets that come out when we cough or sneeze can carry the flu virus and land on other people or surfaces.

5. Stay home from work if you are sick.

When you're not feeling well, the best thing you can do for your own health and the health of your co-workers is to stay home.

6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

The flu virus usually enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth, and your hands touch objects and surfaces that may have viruses on them, including the flu virus.

7. Avoid large crowds of people where viruses can spread easily.

This might be a challenge when you're shopping and socializing during the holidays. Stay aware of your health and the health of others when you're out and about. Avoid people who are sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.

8. Clean germ-spreading surfaces like purses or gloves.

These items come in contact with contaminated surfaces when you set them down on areas like tables and countertops, spreading germs and viruses. Wipe these surfaces with disinfecting cleaner regularly.

9. Eat well, exercise and get enough rest.

Keeping your immune system strong will lessen your chances of getting sick. Eat well, exercise regularly and get enough sleep to keep your health in top shape.

10. Did we mention get your flu shot?

We can't emphasize this enough. The flu shot is the most effective way to avoid the flu. Get the vaccine for free at your doctor's office.

'We've all learned a lot about reducing the spread of flu in our communities. I see people taking these precautions all the time and I encourage everyone to keep it up.' offered Dr. Arlene King, Chief Medical Officer of Health, adding 'We owe it to the people we spend time with to do what we can to stay healthy and avoid catching the flu.'

To figure out if you have the flu, or a cold, use the handy  online flu self assessment tool .

Do You Breastfeed? Lindsay News You Can Use!

Breastfeeding Mums Get Nursing Space!

Until December 23, Lindsay Square Mall is hosting a breastfeeding station in their Centre Court. in partnership with the newly formed City of Kawartha Lakes Breastfeeding Coalition.
You might call this a food court for babies.That is one way to describe a new breastfeeding station that has been set up for the holiday season at Lindsay Square Mall. The space includes privacy panels to allow breastfeeding mothers a quiet space to nurse their babies, while taking a break from shopping. The space also has a small play area with toys for younger children can use.

'Having a dedicated place to breastfeed a baby makes it a lot easier for nursing mothers, especially if they are out shopping or running errands at the mall,' says Tracey Westlake, a breastfeeding coalition member and a Family Health Nurse with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. adding,'We’re really pleased the mall is providing this space for breastfeeding mothers in the lead up to the holidays.'

Health Canada recommends women exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life, as breast milk is the best food for optimal growth. Studies show breast milk is best for babies, as it helps to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, asthma, ear and upper respiratory infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and certain types of cancer.

'One of the main goals of the Coalition is to increase breastfeeding awareness in the City of Kawartha Lakes,' says Megan Gill-Vanderweilan, the local La Leche League Coordinator.adding By creating breastfeeding-friendly public places, like the one at Lindsay Square, we hope to support and encourage more women to breastfeed their babies.'

Earlier this year the HKPR Health unit participated in a flash mob to get the word out that supporting breastfeeding is everyon’s responsibility. Here is the video of the flash mob event..
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The local Breastfeeding Coalition includes representatives from Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay La Leche League, Ontario Early Years Centre, HKPR District Health Unit, Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes, Midwives of Lindsay, as well as private lactation consultants.
For media inquiries, contact:
Tracey Westlake, Family Health Nurse, HKPR District Health Unit, (705) 324-3569,
or Megan Gill-Vanderweilan, Lindsay La Leche League, (705) 328-2316
Do you or did you breastfeed? Drop us a comment and share your opinions about what you think about the temporary breast feeding area at Lindsay Square Mall.

Win Patricia Sands' Award-Winning Novel ‘The Bridge Club’! (CA,USA)

Omemee Pigeon eFlyer presents the second in their 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!  Patricia Sands’ award-winning novel,The Bridge Club, explores the great friendships of women. Do you have a group of BFF’s? This book reminds me of what we are trying to establish here online in the City of Kawartha Lakes – a supportive community of women.This giveaway is open to Canada and USA.

Eight women. Four decades of friendship. One unimaginable request.

Whether your BFFs are in their twenties or sixties, everyone has a story. The Bridge Club reminds us of the complexities of women’s friendships through an entertaining and often moving tale of eight women whose lives intersect once a month initially to play the game of bridge. 
What began as one night turns into four decades that span the segments of a woman's journey from youthful optimism to embracing the challenges and opportunities presented in later years. Based loosely on the author’s own bridge club, the story weaves the reader through a maze of life's inevitable scenarios.
This is a novel for anyone who values friendship. Not simply the 'Hi, how are you?' type of friendship but rather the kind that weathers all sorts of storms, unselfishly celebrates triumphs, and hums along year after year with never an unkind word. It does exist.
Through laughter, tears, and everything in between the story meets life head on and affirms that building a strong foundation of friendship is a priceless asset.
You can win one (1) copy either paperback or e-book - your choice of Canadian author Patricia Sands' award-winning novel The Bridge Club.  It’s an easy Rafflecopter entry and end Thursday Dec 14 2011.
Ready to enter?
Go to:Win Patricia Sands’ Award-Winning Novel on Omemee Pigeon eFlyer be sure to tell them we sent you! What kind of books do you like to read? Would you be interested in forming an online book club? I noticed Patricia offers a book club package on her site. Pop up for a chat on the Kawartha Lakes Mums Facebook page or Tweet us @KawarthaMums ~Suzanne

Share Your Favourite family MockTail Recipe!

Alcohol-Free Drinks- Bring Families Together!

When it comes to staying safe this holiday season, Kawartha Lakes  residents may want to raise a glass to a refreshing party drink that provides non-alcoholic cheer. Mocktails alcohol-free drinks can be perfect party beverages for designated drivers, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, families, and anyone looking for an alcohol-free drink HKPR Health unit offers a free pdf booklet of Mocktail recipes,and great tips on getting the whole family into a spirited Holiday mood without the ‘spirits’.Do you have a favourite mocktail recipe? Please share it in the comments below.
Check out this video and the tips below to help you have a healthier,happier, holiday.

New Accessible Lindsay Transit Bus Stops Will These Help You?

Lindsay Transit Introduces Accessible Bus Stops

Tomorrow I'm taking my first ride on the Rural Transit system into Lindsay from Omemee. With Transit being offered for free until December 17th in Lindsay and on Rural Transit routes,it is a perfect opportunity to check it out. A few months ago, this would have been impossible, for although the rural busses are accessible, and the bus goes right past my door, the walk to where I would have to catch the bus was definitely beyond my physical abilities. Thankfully, I received a healing, and I am now able to walk much further, so  I'm looking forward to reviewing the Rural Transit and Lindsay Transit System. Will you be on the busses too? Please help improve our transit system by sharing any insider info with others.

I am pleased to see Lindsay Transit is adding accessible bus stops to its routes, but it makes me shake my head in disbelief that they had accessible busses without accessible stops. Does this not strike anyone else as odd?

Accessible Lindsay Bus Stop Details

Here are the details of the accessible bus routes in Lindsay.

From the City of Kawartha Lakes Website:

December 5th Lindsay Transit will start using ramps at several accessible bus stops which will be noted by the universal blue wheel chair logo on the bus stop sign. In total there are 22 accessible stops with plans for more in the future.

“This is the beginning of our plan to be fully accessible by 2025,” said Transit Supervisor Todd Bryant.

The accessible stops can be found at:

The Blue Route: William @ Kent, St Paul @ Flynn, Colborne Extenda Care, Queen @ HWY 36, Kent St @ Mill, Russell @ St Lawrence, Russell @ Lindsay St, Kent @ Cambridge, Adelaide @ Bond, Caressant Care McLaughlin, Lindsay Square Mall and Kent @ A&W.

The Red Route: William @ Kent, Lindsay @ George, Victoria Manor, Lindsay Square Mall, Kent @ A&W, Georgian @ Melbourne, Russell @ Lawrence, Russell @ Lindsay

The Green Route: William @ Kent, Kent @ Armoury, Giant Tiger, Angeline @ Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay Square Mall, Kent @ A&W, Adelaide @ Bond.

Lindsay Transit and the Rural Transit Routes are offering free transit until December 17th.
See the Lindsay Transit pdf map and Schedule

Source: http://www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/news/lindsay-transit-introduces-accessible-bus-stops

What do you think of the stops they chose to make accessible? Are there others you might have made a greater priority?

Suzanne for @KawarthaMums

Bobcaygeon Santa Claus Parade

Saturday, December 10th Bobcaygeon Santa  Claus Parade starts at 5:00pm
705-738-2202
www.bobcaygeon.org

Spotlight on Kinmount – What Info Can You Add?

Wikipedia is a free online resource edited by its users. This entry about Kinmount could use some input from Kawartha Lakes Mums. What insider information do you have that you could share about Kinmount?

Free Rural Kawartha Lakes Bussing! Will You Use It? [Poll]

Merry Christmas From City of Kawartha Lakes!

Kawartha Lakes offers free rural bussing starting Monday December 5th,and running till will you be taking the bus? If not why won;t you be taking the bus? Your opinions are important to improving this service. Rural busses run on Mondays,Tuesdays and Thursdays in the City of Kawartha Lakes.There are four rural bus routes currently in operation:

1A – Kinmount, Burnt River, Fenelon Falls, Southview Estates, Cameron, Pleasant View Trailer Park Every other Monday

1B – Norland, Coboconk, Fenelon Falls, Joyvista Estates Every other Monday

2 – Victoria Place, Bobcaygeon, Dunsford Tuesdays

3 – Bethany, Omemee, Riverwood Estates, Lindsay, Chandler’s Corners, Oakwood, Little Britain Thusdays

Busses only stop at bus stops,and usually you can only buy tokens at the Municipal Services Centres. The busses are accessible ,but strollers must be in a folded position. Have you taken the rural transit? What did,or didn’t you like about it? Please take our poll,and add your comments below.

Little Britain Santa Claus Parade –More Details Wanted!

Can you help Kawartha Lakes Mums?

We have few details on this. Are you entering  a float?  We;d love to see pictures of it/ Do you go to the parade/ Where is the route? This is all we have so far:

Friday, December 9
Little Britain Santa  Claus Parade
Parade starts at 7:00pm

Suggestions Wanted - Great Indoor Non-Messy Activities?

What Suggestions Do You Have for Great Indoor Non-Messy Activities?

Company coming in a few minutes? Just cleaned up crafts and need a time filler? What ever your reasons for wanting a non-messy activity it;s great to have some that kids love in your bag of tricks. As a Blogger for Circle of Moms, the question of the week was - 'What are your favourite indoor non-messy activities?' I'm curious to find out what other Mums in our City of Kawartha Lakes have in their bag of tricks. Here are five of mine:

1. Recycled Paper Skating - Use blank sheets of papers from the recycling bin,and 'skate'around. -Picked this one up from Heather G at Trinity United Church Omemee - Kids love it!
2. Story Sharing - Set a timer then start a story,with the next person joining in when the timer stops. You can make it more challenging by putting in a word that must be used.
3. 'The Nursery Rhyme Song' - Otherwise known as 'The Second-Story Window' This is great fun for all ages as people rack their brains trying to think of different nursery rhymes. I'll record this and add it in a future post.

Oops Got to run! catch you later!

Suzanne S.