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6 Thursday, May 12, 2023brooklintowncrier.com A little-known fact is that wine may not be vegan even though it's made from grapes. This may not matter to you if you're plant- based but still use products tested on animals or with animal products in them. In the case of wine, animal products are used in the filtration process. So most wines won't pass the test if you consider yourself vegan rather than plant-based. During the winemaking process, the liquid is filtered through substances called "fining agents." This process is used to remove protein, yeast, cloudiness, odd flavours, discolourings, and other particles. Common animal-derived fining agents used in the production of wine include blood and bone marrow, casein (milk protein), chitin (fibre from crustacean shells), egg albumen, fish oil, gelatin and isinglass (gelatin from fish bladder membranes). Whew! Who knew the extensive list of animal products that go into creating that glass of wine you enjoy? Vegan options Luckily you don't have to stop enjoying your glass of wine, as many wineries are coming out with vegan options. This change is due to the higher demand for vegan products as veganism continues to increase. Vegan-friendly wines use the following: carbon, bentonite clay, limestone, kaolin clay, plant casein, silica gel, and vegetable plaques to filter out impurities. This blog lists some vegan wineries in Canada: https://www. thesocialherbivore.co/canada-vegan-wineries-3 The LCBO carries vegan and organic wines. Ask the staff to direct you to these products. I'm a fan of asking staff and management wherever I shop or eat what products are vegan. One reason is that the more we ask, the more likely change will occur. The other reason is that I spend my money supporting companies that share my values. Sheree's hack: Pair your wine with great vegan cheese, such as "Nuts For Cheese," sold locally at Farm Boy. "Nuts for Cheese" is an Ontario brand that originated in Guelph. Is wine vegan? Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson www.rhaverylandscaping.com DREAM / CREATE / ENJOY Following the successful launch of contactless credit card payments in January, Durham Region Transit (DRT) began accepting contactless debit card payments on May 2. Customers can pay fare by tapping a PRESTO card, debit card or credit card, including cards linked to smartphones and smartwatches. Payments made by credit or debit card are equal to the adult cash fare cost of riding Durham Region Transit. Where: Customers boarding DRT vehicles equipped with PRESTO machines. Why: With debit and credit card payment now available, customers have another option to pay when boarding. This eliminates the need for exact cash fare. Notes: The free co-fare will automatically be applied when tapping the same card to transfer between GO Transit and DRT. The same card must be used when transferring between DRT buses. Some banking plans may charge additional fees. Before tapping, check with your bank to see if there are debit transaction limits and fees associated with your account and whether transaction limits apply to public transit purchases. On behalf of The Regional Municipality of Durham, Neptune Technology Group will be scheduling appointments with property owners whose water meters need replacement. When: Residents may receive notices from now until the replacement program is completed. Why: To upgrade existing water meters and update user accounts to allow the Region of Durham to conduct remote readings. Note: Neptune will attempt to contact the property owner via letter and by phone regarding planned water meter replacement. The letters will include the Neptune and Region logos and will contain all the necessary information to book an appointment and prepare for the visit. Neptune employees conducting water meter replacements will always carry Durham Region identification. Residents who receive a notice should follow the instructions to book an appointment. If there are any questions, residents should call the numbers listed at the bottom of the notice or contact the Region of Durham directly. For more information, visit durham.ca/WaterMeter. Region Replacing Residential Water Meters Contactless Payment Available On Durham Transit The Brooklin Ashburn Myrtle (BAM) Lions club in partnership with Brooklin Pet Valu has organized a Walk for Dog Guides, being held May 28, 2023 at Heber Down, 5000 Cochrane St. The walk starts at 10:00 am. In person walk check-in & registration is from 9:30-9:45 at the Maple Leaf trail pavilion, near the off-leash dog park. Great time to enjoy the park, while helping raise money for Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides programs that will supply at no-charge a fully trained dog guide matched to a qualified recipient. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, train and match Dog Guides in 7 distinct programs: Canine Vision, Hearing, Service, Seizure Response, Autism Assistance, Diabetic Alert and Facility Support. Register online and donate at www.walkfordogguides.com (select Brooklin for walk location). All are invited, with or without a dog. Two trails are offered, one at approximately 0.8 km, and a second trail at 4km. If you have questions, wish to volunteer at the event, or interest in joining the BAM Lions Club, please call Steve at 905-655-0088 or email stephen. colcleugh@nexusisp.com BAM Lions Walk for Dog Guides on May 28