In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 🏓 Abilities Centre Welcomes New Era with Michael Cvitkovic as President & CEO

 🏥 Ontario Launches New Unit to Tackle Long-Term Care Non-Compliance

🛩️ Emergency Plane Landing in Ajax: Pilot Safely Glides Plane, Avoids Injuries

🚔 Manslaughter Parolee Arrested at Pickering Casino for Curfew Breach

 🩺 Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre Sets $8 Million Goal for Vital Expansion

🏆 Trivia

 🏅 Ontario Tech Honours Mikkelsen and Kassa as Student-Athletes of the Week

🎖️ Durham College Honours Larsen and Egan as Top Athletes of the Week

 📅 Whitby Events

Quick Links

• Weather

• Local News

• Crime

• Business

• Business Spotlight

• Sports

• Trivia

• Events

• Business Directory

• Trivia Answer

Abilities Centre Welcomes New Era with Michael Cvitkovic as President & CEO

Michael Cvitkovic, a prominent figure in the Canadian sports industry, has recently been appointed as the new President & CEO of the Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ontario. Cvitkovic's impressive career spans decades, during which he has significantly contributed to the growth of various sports and recreation brands in Canada, including the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club, Tennis Canada, and the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

Cvitkovic's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement is evident through his leadership roles in important events like the 2017 North American Indigenous Games and the 2010 Paralympic Games. His expertise in marketing, budget management, and community partnerships has been crucial in fostering inclusive environments in sports and recreation.

The Abilities Centre, known for its dedication to inclusivity and innovative programming, conducted a national search with Mirams Becker Executive Search Specialists and selected Cvitkovic, a Whitby resident, for his extensive experience and commitment to community development.

Cvitkovic expressed his honor in joining the Abilities Centre, recognizing its potential as a world-class venue for promoting inclusivity. His background as an Olympic broadcaster and sports radio host, along with his work in sport and cultural initiatives, will be instrumental in upcoming projects like the 2028 International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament.

Cvitkovic is set to begin his role on March 1, 2024, succeeding Ross Ste-Croix, the current Interim President & CEO, who will resume his position as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. Read more.

Ontario Launches New Unit to Tackle Long-Term Care Non-Compliance

The Ontario government has launched a new Investigations Unit to enhance the quality of care and safety of residents in long-term care facilities. This initiative, backed by a $72.3 million investment, features a 10-person team specifically tasked to address severe non-compliance issues in long-term care homes.

The unit's primary focus is to investigate serious allegations such as abuse, neglect, non-compliance, suppression of mandatory reports, and negligence by corporate directors. Ontario's Minister of Long-Term Care, Stan Cho, emphasized that these investigators will add accountability to the sector and address severe forms of non-compliance.

The investigators have undergone a comprehensive 19-week training program, encompassing various aspects of inspections, legislation, investigative techniques, and court procedures. They are designated as Provincial Offences Officers under the Provincial Offences Act and will investigate offenses under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act. Their role is distinct from inspectors, as they focus on determining if an offense warranting prosecution has occurred.

This unit complements the existing inspections program and is part of a broader effort by the government to strengthen compliance in the long-term care sector. Other measures include doubling the number of field inspectors, implementing a new IT system for tracking work, and introducing new compliance tools like administrative monetary penalties. This initiative represents a commitment to ensuring that Ontario's seniors receive the care and quality of life they deserve. Read more.

Emergency Plane Landing in Ajax: Pilot Safely Glides Plane, Avoids Injuries

Durham Region Police have closed off the area around Bayly Street East and Audley Road South in Ajax following a small plane crash. The pilot successfully executed an emergency landing on the road after the engine failed. The incident led to damage to the aircraft and some light poles, but no injuries were reported. Read more.

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Manslaughter Parolee Arrested at Pickering Casino for Curfew Breach

In a recent operation, the West Division police responded to a tip regarding a parole violator at Pickering Casino Resort, located at 888 Durham Live Avenue. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) had informed the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) about a 32-year-old male from Guelph, previously convicted of manslaughter and currently breaching parole conditions by staying at the resort. The police team promptly apprehended Che’Don Jackson at the hotel, ensuring a peaceful arrest.

Jackson is now being held at a Correctional Services Canada facility to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Sivakumar of West Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1901.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward. Read more.

Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre Sets $8 Million Goal for Vital Expansion

The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre (Best Centre) in Whitby, Ontario, is embarking on an ambitious campaign to raise $8 million for the expansion and renovation of their facility. This campaign, known as the Building on the Best Expansion Campaign, was initiated in 2018 to meet the growing needs of patients living with life-threatening type 1 diabetes.

The Best Centre, having navigated the challenges of the pandemic, is now gearing up to begin the first phase of its expansion this coming fall. The rapid population growth in Durham Region has significantly increased the demand for healthcare services, including those provided by the Best Centre. This surge necessitates immediate expansion to accommodate the rising need for specialized type 1 diabetes healthcare and mental health support.

Lorrie Hagen, the Executive Director of the Best Centre, has highlighted the pressing need for more space to continue providing high-quality care and to manage the growing demand for their unique community-based healthcare services. The revised fundraising goal of $8 million is a response to the inflated costs in the construction industry, a trend observed throughout the pandemic.

The Best Centre is actively seeking support from the community and the province to reach their $8 million goal and successfully launch the much-needed expansion. Read more.

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Ontario Tech Honours Mikkelsen and Kassa as Student-Athletes of the Week

Katie Mikkelsen and Caleb Kassa have been named Ontario Tech student-athletes of the week. Mikkelsen scored a game-winning goal in hockey, while Kassa led his basketball team to a historic 10-win mark, contributing both defensively and offensively. Read more.

Durham College Honours Larsen and Egan as Top Athletes of the Week

Amanda Larsen and William Egan have been named Durham College's student-athletes of the week. Larsen led the women's volleyball team to a comeback win, while Egan was pivotal in the men's team victory, with both contributing significantly in their respective matches. Read more.

In the early days of its settlement, the township of Whitby was surveyed and named by a surveyor from a particular region. From which part of England did this surveyor originate?

• A) The southern part of England

• B) The western part of England

• C) The northern part of England

• D) The eastern part of England

Answer posted below.

January 17th

• Older Adult Information and Active Living Fair - Clarington - 9:00AM-1:00PM

• A Taste of Italy - Oshawa - 1:30PM-3:00pm

• Durham College Program Information Night - Whitby - 5:30PM-7:30PM

• Trivia - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 18th

• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain Workshop (55+) - 9:30AM-12:00PM

• Quick and Healthy Snack Foods with Sylvia (55+) - 1:30PM-2:30PM

• Euchre - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 19th

• Rise and Shine Breakfast - Oshawa - 8:30AM-10:00AM

• Dylan Gott Comdey Show - 8:00PM

• 80's Night at Bullocks Pub - 9:00PM-12:00AM

• Live Music with Dino Stakos - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 20th

• Afternoon Tea - Chanterelle Bistro - 11:30AM-2:00PM

• World Religion Day - 2:00PM-4:00PM

• Saturday Studio Winter 2024 - 10:30AM and 1:00PM

• Dylan Gott Comdey Show - 8:00PM

• Live Music with Cale Crow - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 21st

• Whitby Firefighters vs NHL Hockey Heroes Charity Game - 2:00PM

• BMO Free Public Skate - 2:00PM-3:45PM

January 25th

• Wellness for Weight Loss Program with Sylvia - 1:30PM-2:30PM

February 3rd

• Afternoon Tea - Chanterell Bistro - 11:30AM-2:00PM

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