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2021 LET S LEAVE COVID BEHIND US

MAY BE DISTRIBUTED TO MEMBERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT Contents REGION 6 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Len MacPherson President Membership Teresa Holmes Regional Secretary Leslie Goode Treasurer Lech Reliszko VP Social Media Facebook Bill Murrell Regional Travel Coordinator Supplies Bill Reggler Padre Nancy Martin Special Events Disclaimer The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and may not be republished in whole or in part without the consent of the author

President s Message I sincerely hope that this message finds you and your loved ones well As always my thanks go out to Teresa our Newsletter Editor at Large and Regional Secretary for contributing and collecting articles for this newsletter Also special thanks go out to Region 6 member Mary Blois who has been a frequent contributor and all the others who contributed articles Without you we would not have a newsletter primary functions are the prevention of crime enforcement of municipal provincial or federal law and the preservation and maintenance of public peace may join IPA Canada as an Ordinary member Since this change six OC Transpo Special Constables have joined Region 6 Welcome aboard Since our last newsletter was published members have had the opportunity to vote for new IPA Canada Bylaws and a new Board of Directors Unfortunately only about 50 of Region 6 members cast ballots each time Even with the extreme boredom that comes with the pandemic I would be na ve to think that many members read the Bylaws and that is understandable you have an Executive Committee that will protect your interests Having said this there will be times when the Executive Committee determines that changes being proposed by the Board of Directors are not in the best interests of our Region or IPA Canada as a whole and if this happens members must make a concerted effort to vote when requested Information about the IPA Canada Bylaws is always available upon request Membership Despite the pandemic twenty four members joined our Region in 2020 and seven members joined so far this year Last year was the first year that no one left our region and five members from other regions transferred to Region 6 also a new record Let s hope the trend continues in 2021 Keep our newsletter alive Release your inner author and send us an article for our next newsletter One way you can help is to send a copy of this newsletter to your current and former peers One of the most positive changes in the new bylaws relates to eligibility to join IPA Canada Now anyone who is a sworn peace officer and whose INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA ipaottawa rogers com 3 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

LIFE IN QUARANTINE As we continue with our COVID stories and challenges as this subject impacts our daily lives I thought I would share yet another COVID story about family and perseverance and more importantly learning how to get along with others during these trying times Having preregistered online for provincial entry the timing was short at the borders with no traffic what so ever After two days and 14 hours of driving the ladies arrived at their cottage destination A majestic sight to behold the two were welcomed by a bald eagle as they wandered around the grounds The scenery was breathtaking with world record high tides Thankfully the ladies had a life savior in Mary s brother Paul who graciously delivered their groceries and copious quantities of ice cream and spirits the dear soul only questioned once why we went through so much ice cream only to be met by a menopausal glare from his sister This is a story about Mary and Teresa two single friends who are both from Nova Scotia were Military Police eventually worked together and had an urgent family need to travel home from Ottawa Setting the parameters both ladies have been living alone with fur babies Mary has 2 dogs and 2 cats and Teresa has 3 cats for a long time Both march to the beat of their own drum and both have strong determined attitudes doing what they want when they want The cottage was quaint and cold early start to the season yet the ladies quickly tucked in Mindful of the nasty spiders dangling from the ceiling setting their sights on unsuspecting tall people they managed quite well Mary being a consummate chef extraordinaire was tasked with making supper each evening while Teresa was Molly Maid Mary would produce homemade cookies while Teresa s idea of a snack was store bought vegetable bars Needless to say Teresa s good food went to the wayside after a few days Due to family circumstances there was a need to travel home to Nova Scotia during the month of April and May 2021 They decided after some deliberation it would be best if they made the road trip and isolate for the 14 days together at a family cottage Throwing caution to the wind the road trip commenced after receiving entry permission from the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia provincial borders So began the forced quarantine Mary is an early riser 06 30am and early to bed 10 00pm while Teresa absolutely loathed mornings and stumbled out of bed at 10 00am worked late and went to bed at 2 00 am 3 00am Neither provided much communication in the morning other than grunts and nods and Mary soon learned Teresa lacked all sense of decorum and humour until noon Teresa would pound away at the laptop until the wee hours of the morning listening to her Barry Manilow on her headphones as Mary was quite averse to the sound of his voice The road trip was uneventful stopping over at Motel Claude Quebec minutes from the New Brunswick border New Brunswick does not permit lay overs for the general travelers you must drive straight through to your destination if heading to Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland Motel Claude fitted the bill nice warm room and bed was ok Although they do permit dogs in the rooms only one dog per room which meant one long Greyhound had to sleep in Teresa s room needless to say the dog slept well INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA 6 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

Helping each other in a time of need keeping it fun mind you Teresa s interpretation of fun by scaring the bejeezus out of Mary at times was a lot to be desired and willingness to make it work was key Never in a million years did the two think as well as friends family and colleagues they would survive each other Even under dire protest insisting that Barry Manilow provided her inspiration in her writings Mary was stubborn headed and insisted NO to his music So it was to be Teresa walked around all day and all night with headphones and even got chastised for singing in the shower life could be tough at times Times during COVID are tough and sometimes unbearingly long With over 125 regional members as well as the recent addition of our Padre Bill Reggler no member should feel isolated or forgotten Although we are unable to get together physically each of us is only a telephone call an email or even Face Time away Teresa s morning routine sleep was interrupted daily by Mary s two Greyhounds who were delighted with extra company more so company that slept After their 06 30am morning business they would bound back into the cottage leap up on Teresa s bed and Daisy would flop down on her while Lily had to provide morning kisses Mary would daily be traumatized by Teresa s humming and singing attempts at yoga and mesmerized by her daily 10 km walks up and down the long cottage laneway Evenings were spent captivated by watching Poldark a PBS series Take advantage of our membership and don t be afraid to reach out and seek contact with another The two miraculously got along quite grand and no one went for a long walk off a short pier Having lived alone for quite some time and tending to one s own desires both were conscious and respectful of the other s needs There was no question or subsequent battle of who would do what chores which both think made a huge difference on the quality of life under one roof Both have a sense of humor which was definitely required during the prolonged quarantine and both were familiar and acceptable with each other s quirks INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA Have a Cookie 7 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

Connecting Flicker Moments in the Path Towards Wellness Sitting down to speak with Farid Yaghini the founder of Camp Aftermath you find yourself speaking to a man who is passionate articulate and experienced in the dangers of the world A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed to Canada s combat operations around the world you would think that Farid would be pessimistic about foreign policy and the effects it has on the mental health of those Canadians who did the bidding in our last war Far from it Farid is passionate about helping those who gave everything for this country and he knows firsthand how difficult it can be to attribute meaning when the sky turns black in a veteran s world It s about the flicker moments we attach to the positive moments Farid states emphatically a statement that begs clarification In all the traumatic experiences which combat can bring it s the small positive moments flickers which the mind yearns to hold on to In my experience it was the opportunity to discreetly provide supplies to a school for girls in one of the most dangerous and remote regions of Afghanistan Most soldiers and first responders are not always lucky enough to have those moments and hence why the core principle of volunteerism sits at the center of our program stress disorder PTSD access to these programs is seldom developed with the participant helping direct their own care Far too often it s a set schedule of doing these 10 steps and you will be cured of your diagnosis Camp Aftermath campaftermath org believes that people living with OSI PTSD should actively engage in the healing process Operational Stress injuries are not curable overnight there is no specific pill or medical procedure that cures the debilitating illnesses Experts who work with people with OSI know that it s a process of developing coping mechanisms creating social support finding the right clinician to assist and sometimes making sure the patient is on the right medications to make the new normal in someone s life This is the recipe for any successful wellness regiment which is where Camp Aftermath enters into the mix Camp Aftermath combines social support with the right mix of clinical care in order to tackle the issues members who are looking for new treatment options for OSI During Camp Aftermath s one year threephase program campaftermath org which includes a one year follow up under the supervision of mental health experts participants engage in various therapeutic activities including volunteerism yoga and meditation all while creating a sense of community with fellow participants This is what it looks like when you operationalize a peer support program that you find in your local police service or regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces It s not about building physical structures it is about the comradery and social connections that are formed as these structures are built It s what most veterans and first responders say drew them to put their hand up and enlist It s the idea of feeling connected and safe around your peers It s also about veterans and first responders including themselves in the society which they signed up to serve rather than seeing themselves outside of it It s community in the best sense of the word It s this premise of attaching meaning and achievement that help formulate the initial concepts around what Camp Aftermath can bring to the people who give of themselves It s what helped Farid through dark and confusing times after his deployments It s the premise that people need to know that their sacrifice means something and that there is still good in the world In the world we live in now we often feel disconnected from meaning and importance and believe that those who give so much get so little in return While there is no shortage of organizations and programs aimed at helping people who are living with operational stress injuries OSI and post traumatic INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA 8 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

WWW CAMPAFTERMATH ORG INFO AFTERMATHASSOCIATION ORG Camp Aftermath consists of a voluntary board of directors made up of veterans first responders and members from public safety institutions who not only care about supporting their peers but who are also passionate about helping others in need They also understand that we gain more by helping others than the people receiving our help Knowing that there are many pathways for people is an important aspect of the Camp Aftermath concept Most public safety institutions cannot support all programs that seem to pop up touting miracles in OSI Camp Aftermath s one year program which focuses on long term management of PTSD OSI through constant peer support guided by mental health experts is what differentiates this initiative from other treatment programs The outcomes have been positive for all participants including those who found a newfound purpose not only in volunteerism but also in having the confidence to engage in other meaningful activities such as art and new careers Previous participants point to the fact that they have built a sense of community centred around the flickering moment of the benevolence of helping build a better life for those subjected to abject poverty A key aspect of the program is that it is always evolving and rooted in the constant communications with participants both current and alumni This has led to positive changes in the program especially as it has been forced to pivot in Covid times Camp Aftermath is excited about Roto 3 campaftermath org a female only cohort that will commence in fall 2021 at Camp Garagona located in the Eastern Townships of Quebec Camp Gargona is a camp dedicated to helping clients with intellectual delays and those on the autism spectrum Working with Camp Garagona to assist in building infrastructure to help fellow Canadians create a better Canada is the perfect flicker moment in these pandemic times As Farid says If we can help others step forward out of this pandemic and create something we can all be proud of while bringing together those who are proud to serve we will have succeeded This is what Camp Aftermath is all about Furthermore Camp Aftermath is supported by an Advisory Committee campaftermath org which includes mental health experts and a member of the Ottawa Police Service Peer Support Unit Camp Aftermath s chief mental health expert Dr John Whelan himself a veteran and author with 30 years of mental health experience has been with Camp Aftermath since its inception Dr Whelan is joined by other mental health experts including Dr Shue award winning neurologist Lise Preston a social worker with expertise in supporting veterans and first responders and Dr Taylor who focuses on veterans and first responders they all bring science based therapeutic activities to the Camp Aftermath program It is Farid s view that programs built around flicker moments as a guiding principle must be evidence based and clinician led with people who have the expertise and passion for helping public safety members who have struggled with stress injuries Camp Aftermath is now accepting applications for interested female participants which includes veterans first responders and other public safety personnel who have been dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic Camp Aftermath has conducted two rotations since 2019 and has been following up with all participants to gauge both the short term and long term benefits of their experience with Camp Aftermath INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA Please visit our website at www campaftermath org campaftermath org or email info aftermathassociation org to learn more 9 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

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Region 6 Activity Challenge As the COVID 19 pandemic carries over to yet another year Region 6 members are still handcuffed by provincial restrictions no to camping golfing outdoor gatherings indoor gatherings closed restaurants and shops These restrictions are necessary to slow down stop the spread of the virus but they also have an impact on Region 6 activities such as monthly brunches and other social gatherings As a result we must be patient resilient and more so resourceful in seeking activities or hobbies that will keep us occupied and healthy both in mind and body As we are discouraged or prevented from assembling in groups Region 6 has decided to conduct a simple physical activity challenge that we hope will interest and benefit our members The challenge is to walk hike jog ski and snowshoe during the winter months the equivalent distance of the circumstance of Region 6 approximately 719 km For those with indoor gym equipment your kms count also Lastly for those of you that have a partner who does the family exercise please feel free to add him or her and you can remain the support coach Region 6 is bounded by the Ottawa River to the North the Province of Quebec to the East the St Lawrence River and Lake Ontario to the South and the Western boundaries Lennox Addington and Renfrew Counties to the West The top five distances will be published monthly on our IPA R6 Facebook page The first five R6 members to complete the 719 kms challenge will be acknowledged in our regional newsletter as well as our Facebook page Participating members are also strongly encouraged to submit photos of their walk hike jog ski snowshoeing as well as interesting sights or scenery they encounter along their journey Participants are requested to provide the following information when submitting their distances Name not required to give real name Date dates of activity week of month of Distance covered An Excel spreadsheet will be maintained and managed by Teresa for the year This challenge is being conducted in hopes of bridging the huge gap of not being able to get together and seeing each other s faces and listening to their stories The added bonus of fresh air and exercise is very instrumental in maintaining our life s balance during these difficult and trying times We hope you will all join in and send lots of pictures If you have any questions please contact Teresa at ipar6challenge gmail com IPA Region 6 s challenge is to make the commitment and time as well as effort to complete the 719 kms in one year from 01 June 2021 to 30 May 2022 This will be done on an honor system Participating members are encouraged to send in their weekly or monthly results to our Region Secretary Ms Teresa Holmes at ipar6challenge gmail com INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA MARK YOUR CALENDAR The Region 6 Annual General Meeting will be held at 1 00 p m 17 October 2021 As we get closer to the date additional information will be sent to members 11 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

My flowers are growing six feet apart Not by intention their just doing their part They are blooming with masks because that is all they know COVID lockdown for the second summer in a row The birds are chirping louder then I remember They have been my alarm clock since last September They are aware that being late for work and running out the door Is not something that happens much anymore We work and school from home Staying in our protective bubble or dome Our friends and family are seen only by Zoom The media is reporting stories of doom and gloom The end is in site Don t give up the fight Vaccine rollout has begun With the goal of happy days and lots of summer fun Pfizer or Moderna vaccine take your pick Either one is better then getting sick Thank goodness for yoga pants that is all I can say I am pretty sure my jeans don t fit anyway INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA 12 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

Over the last year I have learned to bake cookies like a pro My house has been renovated and painted from head to toe My cupboards are washed and my floors are clean I have binged watched every Netflix episode to be seen I am ready for this pandemic to be done I want to go golfing with my son I want to cruise with my daughter and see the world through travel All before the next lockdown comes and causes me to unravel I look forward to the time when we can all finally hug In the meantime I will continue being a lockdown slug I will follow the rules and stay at home Dreaming of the days when we can freely roam Do not be discouraged depressed or sad It will not be long before we see you friends family and Mom and Dad All the family together for a meal or two Laughing and being silly it is what we do Sending virtual hugs kisses and love your way Fingers crossed the lockdown will end in May by Laura Priems Laura is the daughter of Rev William Reggler Region 6 Padre INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA 13 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

Visit our Region 6 Suppliers INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA 14 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

WIN A FREE YEARS MEMBERSHIP For every member that recruits three new members in 2021 that member will have their membership dues paid for the upcoming year The Rules of Multiplication apply 6 members two years etc etc An application for membership may be found at https www cognitoforms com IPARegion6Ottawa MembershipApplication Send the above URL link to anyone interested in joining When completing the application request that the applicant enter your name as IPA Sponsor s Name at the bottom of the application form and or send an email to ipaottawa rogers com and let us know who you recommended Applicants who are recommended by a member are not required to attach Proof of Service INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA 15 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

Another Casualty of the Pandemic IPA HOUSE FRANCE BY PIERRE BARBAUD Although international travel is currently discouraged due to the COVID 19 pandemic we continue to highlight various IPA Houses and Apartments in our regional newsletter We are sad to announce that IPA France is planning on selling this property by the end of September 2021 According to M Jean Luc Chauvet House Manager the lack of visitors for two years has forced the sale Hopefully travel restrictions will be lifted soon and we can visit Jean Luc before the house is sold Location Accommodation 44 Avenue Gallieni 93250 Villemomble Paris The house has two levels House Manager Jean Luc The 1st floor has an apartment that accommodates a maximum of 4 people bathroom shower washbasin toilets separate of the bathroom one living room one room with a double bed and one room with two single beds and The studio on the ground floor has 2 single beds fitted kitchen bathroom shower washbasin and toilets Bookings ipahouse france ipafrance org Cost 40 euros for a couple per weekend 250 euros for 7 days Located in a suburb of Paris the IPA House is situated only 5 minutes walk from the Le Raincy Villemomble Railway Station Generally high season to travel to France is June and July There are numerous daily flights from Montreal and Toronto Note entry into France is currently closed to Canadian travelers due to COVID however in limited circumstances certain travelers may be permitted entry Paris captures the interest of many It is enriched with numerous medieval sites for the history enthusiasts high couture houses for the fashion enthusiasts as well as numerous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Paris is also famous for its cafes Not far from Paris and accessible by rail is France s alpine villages for the activity enthusiasts and the Mediterranean beaches for the relaxation enthusiasts The subway system is highly efficient and safe easy to follow and reach your destinations The same applies to France s rail system There is an extreme ease and safety for city municipal and provincial travel throughout France Car rentals in France are also exceptionally easy most equipped with a GPS The author has used the car rental company SIXT for many years throughout France and Europe with no incident INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA 16 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

Travel Distance From IPA House 15km to City Centre Versailles 40km Fontainebleau 80km Disneyland 80km INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA 17 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

What is Perkopolis Technical Difficulties Perkopolis is an on line discount program that provides companies and associations across Canada with access to exclusive discounts on various products and services Our Region qualifies to offer our members access to these discounts If you encounter any difficulties registering please contact Perkopolis s bilingual helpline below Perkopolis is 100 Canadian owned and operated and was originally founded under the name Concierge Connection Initially Concierge Connection provided on site concierge services to organizations in the greater Toronto area only In 2009 Concierge Connection was rebranded as Perkopolis and has since grown to be the largest provider of discount programs in Canada Today over 2000 organizations place their trust in Perkopolis to deliver unique programs found nowhere else Eligibility All Region 6 members are eligible to register Your spouse and children may also use the Perkopolis account as well There is no cost to join This program is included as part of your membership As this plan is administered by the Region if you leave the IPA you will no longer be eligible for Perkopolis benefits Please be advised that no personal information was shared with Perkopolis How do I register Your spouse and children may also use the Perkopolis account To register visit https www perkopolis com member registration and enter your email address Soon after submitting your email address you will receive an email requesting you to confirm your email address and to enter your profile information including member identification number If you don t remember your member identification number please contact ipaottawa rogers com INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA There is no cost to join 18 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

interested or you are by yourself Naturally COVID restrictions and regulations are in place which may be reviewed on their website Again focusing on mental health and physical well being during COVID Region 6 is fortunate to be surrounded by numerous outdoor parks trails and water ways to keep ourselves active and entertained As we have already covered walking hiking jogging and skiing snowshoeing in our Regional Activity Challenge we have researched and found yet another fun and simple activity that only requires your time and planning as all kayak equipment is supplied 1000 Islands Kayaking offers sea kayaking tours of a phenomenal ecological waterway and is located at 110 Kate Street Gananoque ON minutes off of Highway 401 Their contact information is telephone 613 463 9564 and their email is kayaking 1000ike com The 2021 season is from 22 May through October They are open 7 days a week from 9 00am to 5 00pm They have nationally certified guides for all kayaking programs from day tours to skills courses Our own Region 6 member Rick St Onge is one of their instructors The kayaking tours are designed so that everyone from beginners to more experienced paddlers can participate in day trips lessons and specialty programs 1000 Islands Kayaking offers half day and full day tours and courses from Basic Kayaking Skills Course Certification Levels 1 2 as well as Thursday evening skill development Check the website for more information on the available courses A minimum of two people are required to book a tour which are beginner friendly no experience is necessary and you may join another tour if INTERNATIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION CANADA Each half day full day trip begins with an introduction to your instructor your gear and a brief on water lesson For the beginner you will be introduced to new concepts and for the intermediate your instructor will help you improve your stroke technique and provide helpful tips An awesome kayaking experience is their Sunset Tours which will run from 23 June to 04 Sep Wednesday Thursday Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 00pm 8 00pm excluding inclement weather The cost is 95 00 for adults and 75 00 for youth plus tax fees A Half Day Tour begins from 8 30am 11 30am or 1 00pm 4 00pm Cost is 95 00 for adults and 75 00 for youth plus tax fees The Full Day Tour is from 9 00am 4 00pm Bring your lunch and they will take care of everything else Each full day trip will navigate through the beautiful Admiralty Group of islands Bring your own lunch as we will be stopping on one of the National Park Islands for a fresh air picnic Before lunch you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the natural environment enjoying a relaxing hike or leisurely swim When lunch is finished your guide will show you some of their favourite island secrets The cost is 135 00 for adults and 95 00 for youth plus tax fees Groups between 10 to 36 participants qualify for special group rates 1000 Island Kayaking can build a custom program for any group and will meet your timeline and purpose of the trip Region 6 will consider looking into this activity as an event once the pandemic is controlled over In the interim members are encouraged to partake and ask for Rick as their instructor tour guide 19 REGION 6 OTTAWA WWW IPAOTTAWA COM

The International Police Association is a friendship organization for members of law enforcement whether in employment or retired and without distinction as to rank position gender race language or religion We have around 372 000 members in nearly 100 countries of which 65 are affiliated National Sections and we are represented on 5 continents The purpose of our organization is strictly cultural social and recreational At no time does the Association take part in any matter of departmental policy discipline or unionism The IPA creates an opportunity for cultural exchange and contacts on a local national and international level The IPA is a tremendous organization for members and their families who wish to travel anywhere in the world Want To Become a Member Visit our webpage www ipaottawa com join and submit an application today